Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1861-08-30
:. seott Harrison Declines.

The following letter from Hon. j. ScoU
RA RR1soN, son of the late President Harrison
win commend itselfto all lovers of the countr.
for its patriotic sentiments. The attempt +
impress Mr.. Harrison into the service of tn
Valandigham Legion as gunner for thei
MASKED Battery" has signally failed, and thos
who so adroitly set the trap instead of "hook
ing gudgcon" have caught tartar y
POINT FAzN, Aug. l3, 1861.
DEAR SIR The extreme illness Of a mem
Der of my family has for several weeks so en-
tirely engrossed my attention, as to leave mt
but little time for other engagements, and viii
accoun: for this tardy acknowledgment o.
your favor of the 9Th inst
1 had noticed in the city papers the proceed
| ings Of the Democratic Union Convention
lately assembled at Columbus, and was not a
little surprised that my name had been used in
connection with the Lieutenant GOvernorship
of the State. deeply regretted that had
not been consulted in the matter, and now de-
sire to say, that respectfully decline the nom.
ination. / have no inclination to be a candi-
date for any Office. If ever cherished ambi-
tion for such distinction, 1 have been cured of
it, and feel entirely reconciled to the quiet and
retirement of private life. But it is, perhaps.
due myself to say, that if this was not the case,
and felt entirely free to enter again the field
of political conflict, could not consent to be
q party candidate for Office, in the present con.
ditiOn of the country. Party spirit, in my
opinion, has done more than anything else to
bring about the sad calamitics which now so
seriously affect US, and the poison which has
induced this national paralysis would not prove
an efficient remedy in the restoration of the
patient. The time has come when VIC should
forget party, throw off its trammels and obli-
cations, and stand up for the Country, its
Union, Constitution, and Laws.
was not, as you know, a supporter of Mr..
Lincoln for the Presidency-neither do ap-
prove of all the aets of his Administration
But it seems to me that this is not the proper
time TO arraign the Administration for these
errors of policy and that it is neither the
part Of wisdom or patriotism to assail the Gov
ernment when the enemy is laundering at the
gates of the capital. Let US first settle the
great question Oc Country or no Country,
Government or no Government, Union or Dis
union; and having accomplished this great
work of duty and patriotism, we viii have
ample time to inquire into these alleged delin-
quencies of our rulers and if we find them
wanting in the JefFersonian requirements for
Office, let them be condemned by verdict Of
the people.
l certainly owe the Republicans, as party,
no debt of political obligation, and yet do
not hesitate to say that the Administration
has my warmcst sympathies in its efforts to
put down rebellion, and am in favor of doing
this effectively and pcrmanen,ly-in peace if
we can, in war If we must
A distinguished member of Congress is re-
ported to have said in his place in the House
Of Representatives during the last session, that
he was for ''peace-peGce before the Union. =
!, too, am for peace, but am for the Union
before peace, for know without the Union we
can have no peace.
In repeating my determination to decline
the nomination which, as the organ Of the Con-
vention, you so kindly tender me, l beg to as.
sure you of my proper appreciation Of this
mark of respect and confidence on the part Of
the Convention. Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
J. SCOTT HARRISON.
To WILLIAM A. JouNsoN, Esq. Secretary of
State Central Committee.