The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-08-10
Letter from Tn. Hon. John Ben.


Your letter OF the 9th install was received yen a.ys
since, and due you, well as myself 70 stale Inc
which have delayed my answer 70 =, o sy,
TO explain what otherwise might be Imputed 70 me as
disco,rtesy Such statement due TO numerous oher
gentlemen who in the llst mouth or sx weeks, nave
addressed letters inquiry 70 me- from oihsrent quarters
Of me country as TO my views aud cpianns The
prom.nen! questions issue in the pending Canvass and
which ha We received no answer.
To The Inquiries in all such letters there but one
reply as Conceived, which could, consistently aud pro-
ne,y be made, under the circumstances II my Do
si,ion' which was to refer the writers 10 nv pas,
course-to the views and opinions ] have hereto
fore held and express "a on the subjects or ques
embraced in their letters. But il appeared 70 me
that reply containing nothing than such general
reference without pointing out the particular votes
N connection with the questions made the subject Of
qury, stating where they be found would be
1ngIacious to cay the leas. OF it, To make such reeren
ces n my answers would far exceed the ordinary limits
or letter. and concluded that IL would be
nient and satisfactory to both parties ,mpany my
answers with printed collection such my speeches
and letters have direct bearing upon the subjects
controversy or of such copous extracts therelro
leave nothing TO be supplied by further quotations
from them. The preparation Of such conpila-
SAsn was Immediately commenced by a member
Of the Central Union Committee OF Ten.
acopy ~ 1t printed in ibe National Union. |, issued
from the -fess veek later than anticipated by me,
has been delayed week beyond the time had proposed
TO myself 70 answer them.
FOR the reasons which Pc me to decline any rur,u,
answer 10 the inquiries your letter refer Won IN hs
drst and second pages OF the National n Ion W. u
observe that the ground there taken is ~ h would no
Inconsistent with the DECLARE ;' ~. ~ cnrou,,
:. n,u IN the position row occupy before the
public, 70 any declaration Of principles But
chose 20 shelter myself under the authority OF the
nominating Convection against any seproach may incur
IN conseqnetcc Of the course I have thought il my
cniy pursue in relation to tis subject. Had been
member Of the Convention, world have resisted the
adoption Of any PLATFORM Or other declaration OF prnci
PIES embraced vap,ied in the three fundamena
propositions objects intended be maintained and
cured by the National Union party ard which constitute
ire basis OF its urSaBszatOn" The coDst tuition, the
Union, and the enforcement of the Iaws The great aim
OF the National Union party To restore peace with JUS
strife.
Whatever may I've the policy designs of others North
and nth, who ia their letters have insisted upon their
right IA matter of principle 70 call upon me To declare
my views and opinions upon any all OF the questions
which become the subject controversy IN the pre-
that cannot refuse compliance
with their Demands without violation OF the obligation
they exist my part, candidate for public
place. have dstrust OF sincerity and good faith
ia making the earnest appeals TO me which you do in
your letter, to take course which hope you WILL upon
reflection perceive would not be in conformity with the
and expectations OF those who choose TO De
their leader, and the representative Of their policy and
principles do doubt your sincere desire to support
the Union ticket you do consistently with your
sense OF public duty IL is, therefore, with deep regret
find myself constrained 10 differ with you any Of
your views, and met Of all have TO say to you, that
cannot 20 beyond the record Of my political life in
spending TO the questions presented In your letter.
II, in the authentic exposition of my course upon the
subject of slavery, running through period OF twenty
i've years, find nothing 70 inspire you with
employ the power and influence Of the executive depart
ment OF the government as TO give just ground for
complaint the south any other section Of the union
while would regret the loss Of your support and that of
Yoa are at liberty to make any Of this letter you
may think proper JOHN BELL.