Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1860-06-14

/ by that distinguished and patriotic body. But
| for convenience, and under sense OF prOpri-
| ETY. Of acting in so grave matter with great
deIiberation, I concluded, rs informed you
| nj the time by private note TO defer for
NAL acceptance until after my arrival at home
| Now, that have had all the leisure could
desire for reflection upon the circumstances
| under whiC h the nomination was made, the
purity of the motives, and the lofty spirit of
| patriotism by which the Convention was an
mated, as evinced in all its proceedings, |
can appreciate more justly the honor done
me by the nominations; and though it might
| have been more fortunate for the country had
| it fallen upon some one of the many distin-
| guished statesman whose names were brought
to the notice of tho Convention, rather than
myself, | accept it, with all its possible re-
| sponsibilitics. Whatever may be the issue
| Of the ensuing canvass, as for myself, shall
ever regard it as proud distinction; ZONE
worth a lifelong effort to attainl to he pro-
noun, ed worthy to receive the highest office
IN the Govern ment at such a time rs the
present, and by ssch Convention as that
| which recently met in Baltimore-a Conven-
ton far less imposing by the number of its
members. large as it was, Il al by their high
character.
In il were men venerable alike for their
public services. who could not have been call
ed from their voluntary retirement from pub
lie life but by the strongest sense OF patriotic
duty; others. though still in the prime of life,
ranking with the first men of the country by
honors and distinctions already acquired in
high official positions, State and National;
many Of them statesmen worthy to fill the
highest office in the government; a still great
er number, occupying the highest rank in
their respective professional pursuits; others
distinguished by their Intelligence and we'll
earned influence in various walks of private
life: and all animated and united by one spr
it and one purpose, the result OF strong
conviction that our political system, under
the operation Of a complication OF disorder, is
rapidly approaching crisis when speedy
change must take place, indicating, as IN dis
eases Of the physical body, recovery or death.
The Cunv ntion in dscardng the use Of
platforms, exacts no pledges from those whom
they deem worthy of the highest trusts under
the Government; wisely considering that the
surest guaranty of a mans future usefulness
and fidelity to the great interests OF the coun-
try, H. any official station to which he may
he chosen, is to be found in his past history
connected with the public service. The
pledge implied in my acceptance ofmr nom
iuation of the National Union Convention is.
that should ! be elected, will not depart
from the spirit and nor OF my past course
and the obligation to keep this pledge derives
a double force from the consideration that
none is required from me.
You. sir, in your letter containing the Off
cial announcement of my nomination, have
been pleased TO ascribe to me the merit Of
moderation and justice in my public career.
Y,u have likewise given me credit for uni
form support ofali wise and benefcient meas
urcs of legislation, fora firm resistance to all
measures calculated to engcudcr sectional dis
cord, and for lifelong devotion 20 the union
harmony, and prosperity of these States
Whether your personal partiahty has led you
to overstate my merits as public man, or
not, in your enumeration OF them, you have
pres, nted summary-a basis of all sound
American craftsmanship. 1t may be object
ed that nothing is said in this summary. in
express terms of the obligation imposed by
the Constitution, but the duty to respect AID
Iserve them is clearly implied, for without
,lue observance, in the conduct of the Cow
crumeut, of the Constitution, its restriction
aud its requirements fairly interpreted in sc-
"orlance with its spirit aud Objects, there can
he no end to sectional dscord-no security
for the harmony of the Union.
have not the vanity b. assume that in my
past connection with the public service,
have exemplified the course of sound Amer
lean statesman, but if have deserved tie Ia
vorably view taken of it, in your letter,
may hope by faithful adherence 10 :he max
inns by which have heretofore hecn guided.
not altogether to disappoint the confidence
ana expectations of those who have pl.cch
me in my present relation TO the public and
if. under Providence, should he called to
preside over the affairs of this great coumtry
Us tue Executive Chic! Of the Government,
the only further pledge feel called upon To
make, Is, that to the utmost Of my ability,
and with whatever strength of will eau
command, all the powers and influence be-
longing tn my official station, shall be en-
pluycd aud directed for the promotion of all
the great objects for which the government
was instituted; but more especially, for the
maintenance of the Constitution and the Un-
ION against all opposing influences and tea
denotes
cannot conclude this letter without ex-
pressing my high qualification at the nnmin-
alton tn the second office under the Govern
ment of that emnently gifted and distinguish
cd statesman of Massachusetts; Edward Ever
eft gentleman held by genera, consent to
he altogether worthy of the first.
rendering my grateful acknowledgements
'pr the kind and complimentary remarks
with which you were please, t" accompany
the communication oI my nomination.
am, dear sir, with the highest respect
yong obedieut servant,
JIM BELL.
To tia Hon. Washington Hunt