The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-09-25
OTTUMWA IOWA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 1861

Dec nnation Of Col. Merritt Of the
Nonninatien for Lieut.. GOvesnor.
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN Co., Iowa.,
September 9, 1861.
n Dunlacy, Esq, President Of the Demo
cratic State Concention Of Lowa,
DEAR Sir Your letter of the I'd inst
informing me that have been placed in
nomination for the Office of 1t. Governor by
the Democratic Convention, which met a,
Des Moines City on the cath ult, is received
For the kind terms in which you are pleased
to speak Of me, and for the unexpected par.
tiality bestowed on me by the Convention,
accept my most profound thanks.
The nomination thus generouslyhnd unan-
imously rendered, must decline and it is
due to the members of that Convention as
well as myself, that should state the rea.
sons which have prompted me to this course.
Ihave been an ardent, and what might be
regarded as radical Democrat all my life.
I believe that the fundamental doctrines Of
the Democratic party are indispensable to the
perpetuity of all free Government.
Prior to the breaking out Of the war, I
was jealous advocate for compromise
Indeed, to escape the calamities of civil war
I was willing to yield almost any concession
demanded by the South. But when armed
rebellion opened its batteries on the gallant
little band, shut up within the walls of Sum-
ter, my feelings and opinions underwent a
change. In my judgment, it then became a
question, whether patriots should tender an
honest tribute of sacrifice on their country's
altar, or allow the worst of military despot.
ism to ride in triumph over the ruins of the
best Government on earth. 1t required the
deliberation of but few moments, to settle
the question Of duty with me. The country
was involved in a fearful controversy. Trea-
son had been quietly and secretly dissemina-
ting its poison through all the avenues of the
Government. The Senate. the House, the
Army, the Navy, and the Executive Depart
ments, were transformed into caucus cham
bers for concopting and disseminating the
vilest of political heresies. The whole South
seemed to be arming and marshaling for the
conflict. The only hope of safety to the
Government, was in the steady patriotism of
the North. five hesitated, faltered or d.
vided, we were irretrievably lost. Union,
frmness and courage were indispensable ele.
ments for success. Feeling the obligations
of my country and posterity to be more ten
der and sacred than those ofparty, resolv-
ed to ignore all party ties for the time being /;
advocate union ofall parties for success
full and vigorous prosecution of the war !;
and enter the list as q soldier to do battle for
his country. Since adopting that resolution
have seen no sufficient reason to change
my opinion. ON the contrary, feel that
every hour and every day increases the re-
sponsibility of the citizen to his Government;
the husband to his wife and the father to
his offspring.
Considerations of business have also had
their influence in determining my course on
this occasion. Should abandon the mill
tary service, my attention must be given to
my private business, which is in very un-
settled state.
The reasons above stated will, trust be
sufficient with every candid and patriotic
citizen, to justify me in the course have
felt called upon to adopt.
Having spoken and acted for the Union
organization in this State, my vote must be
given for the Union ticket, nominated at
Des Moines City on the 2sth'ultimo.
When the war is Overland / have an
abiding faith that we shall emerge from the
contest before many months, with the stars
and stripes proudly floating from every State
capitol in the Confederacy-then shall ex-
pect to resume my former place in the or
ganization ofthe Democratic party and do
good service in a political cause, second only
to the welfare Of our common country.
Having received numerous letters from
friends, in different parts Of the State, urging
on ms the acceptance Of this nomination and
desiring to give response to those letters
at an earlier day than ! possibly could by
addressing them privately as individuals,
take the liberty of furnishing to the Marion
DExocRAr, for publication, copy Of this
letter.
Very respectfully, your obcdient servant,
WV. III. MERRITT.