Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-09-01

present contest as to induce member of the DoUG-
LAS Central Committee in behalf of himself and the
committee to tender to me the Eectorship of the I'd
district and to request my acceptance lido no. feel
warranted in the publication of his letter, although
confidential, without his permission, which have
not sought In fact it is not important to the pur
pose of this letter Justice, perhaps to myself for
the above reason, and private assurances have
ceived of like misconception elsewhere, requires
me no longer to be silent Ny letter to the gentle
man above referred to, is as follows
Dear sir Your letter of the 18th inst is just re-
ceived Ny position in the pending Presidential
tal contest is misunderstood. Since the disruption
at Baltimore, and the nominations of Breckenridge
and Lane, have hesitated as to the course it
was my duty as Tennessee Democrat to pursue.
While my business as well as inclinatons will pre-
vent me from mingling actively in the canvass. yet,
am by means Indifferent to the result. | deep
ly regret the diversion now being made in favor Of
Judge Douglas in this and other Southern States,
when the only probable result will be to strengthen
the hands and hearts of the Opposition and transfer
to them the national Democracy it may be for
years TO come. For myself, am unwilling thus to
transfer, without any practical good to be obtained
therefor, our political supremacy.
l supported Mr.. Breckenridge in 1856, as Elector
of the I'd district TO the best of my poor ability
travelled spoke, worked and voted for him. Since
then he has committed no act to forfeit my conf
dence rather has he in the exalted Office to which
the admiration and suffrages of the American peo-
pie elevated him, given proofs of his executive
and administrative ability, his craftsmanship and
patriotism
Of Gen. Lane it is unnecessary to speak. He lives
in the history of his country. His deeds gems
that sparkle in its pages. The battle fields. which he
baptized with his blood, proclaim his dauntless
valor. His civic life is characterised by justice,
moderation and public virtue; devotion to the
great principle of our Federal Constitution-the
" Equality Of the States."
It's however, just to say that the conviction of
my judgment was that it would be best for the par
ty, and safest for the country. mean our glorious
Union) to nominate Judge Douglas at Charleston.
believed this could be done with unanimity with
out any conflict, and without any bitterness of per-
sonal strife. Ny opinion that the voice of the
Democratic party of the nation demanded it. Cur
chosen delegates from the South thought different
ly, and conformed their action to their belief; and
hence the division of the party. 1t is useless,
far than useless, to engage in bitter crimna-
tons and determinations as to the and means
by which the disruption was brought about. The
crisis is upon we, true and loyal democrats,
must act for our party and our country as best we
can, situated as we are.
In TINS connection remark. that my personal pre-
ference for the Presidency wss Andrew johnson
and for the VIcePresdency in the event the former
was not nominated, Isham G. Harris.
But while would have appreciated the nomna-
ton of Judge Douglas by the Charleston Convention,
l. nevertheless, differed from him the polCer of q
Territorial Legislature prior to the formation of
Constitution a State and with tde view to adms-
sion as such into the Union. That question, in my
opinion, had been concluded by the decision of the
Supreme Court of the United States in the case of
bred Scott VS.. John F. A. Sanford 18th Towards
Rep. 1913, against the position of Judge Douglas.
But this objection might have been ignored until the
EFFICIENCY for practical exercise of the power
of Congress, (Which believe is conferred by the
Federal Constitution) to protect slavery in the terri
tories. For the present. nonlntervention by Congress
to establish prohibit, protect was to have been pre-
ferred, in my opinion, in point of policy Butas the
issue has been thrust upon us, whether wisely or
unwsey am for and with the South
The anti-Lecomptonism of Judge Douglas was
another nsuperable objection to him in the minds
of many eminent democrats but it was an extinct
issue. whatever might have been its merits, when
before the country as practical question.
But find that am extending my reply beyond the
limits l designed This much have deemed due to
myself and TO you.
While am obliged to you and the Central Com
mittee for the confidence implied in rendering to me
the position of EectOr in this District, you will
cuse me for expressing the hope that your efforts
for Judge Douglas in this State, however patriOti-
cally intended, may prove entirely unsuccessful.
Respectfully"
Such are my views hurriedly expressed. Upon a
revision l might by greater fulness seemingly
qualify their generality in some respects. IT, as
they are, accuracy be wanting, candor and sin
cerity are not. Very respectfully,
JAgEs w MCHESRY