Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1861-08-30
PoINr FAnM, August 1s. 1861


DEAR Sm;-The extreme illness of member
of my family has for several weeks, so engaged
my attention, as to leave me but little time for
other engagements, and will account for this tar
dy ac knowledgment of your favor of the 9th
instant.
had noticed in the city papers the proceed
ings OF the Democratic Union Convention, lately
assembled at Columbus, and was not little sur
prlsed to find that my name had been used in
connection with the Lieutenant Governorship of
the State. l deeply regretted that 1 had not
been consulted in the matter, and now desire to
say that respectfully decline the nomination
have no inclination to be candidate for any
office.
If ever cherished ambition for such distnc-
ton 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
II this was not the case, and ielt entirely free
to enter again the field of political conflict,
could not consent to be party candidate for of
hce, i'll the present condition of the country
Party spirit in my opinion, has done more thai
anything else to bring about the sad calamitie
which now so seriously affect us, and the poison
which has induced this national paralysis woulc
not prove an efficient remedy in the restoration
OF the patient The time has come when we
should forget party, throw off its trammels anc
obligations and stand up for the country its Un.
ion, Constitution and laws.
| - az not, an you Know supporter ot Mr
Lincoln for the Presidency-neither do I ap.
prove OF all the acts of his administration But
II seems to me this is not the proper time to ar
raign the Administration for these errors of mol
icy;-and that it is neither the part of wisdom
nor patriotism TO assail the Government wheI
the enemy is laundering at the gates of the Cap
ltal. Let us first settle the great question o
Country or no Country, Government or no Gov
ernment Union or Disunion; and having ac
comphshed this great work of duty and patriot
ism, we will have ample time to enquire int.
these alleged delnquences of our rulers; and
we lind them wanting in the Jeffersonian re
quirements for Office let them be condemned b,
a verdict of the people. -
certainly owe TO the Republicans, as a part,
no debt of-political obligation, and vet do no
hesitate TO say that the Administration has m,
warmest sympathies in its efforts 10 put dow
this rebellion, and am in favor of doing thi
effectively and permahently-in peace if we cai
in war if we must
A distinguished member Of Congress is re
ported to have said in his place in the House G
Representatives, during the last session. that h
was for "peace--peaes before the URion." /, TO,
am for peace, but i am for the Union 6efo,
J peace, for l know without the Union we ca
have no peace. =
In repeating my determination to decline h
nomination which as the organ of the Oonvei
tion' you so kindly tender to me, beg to assuI
you OF my proper appreciation of this mark
respect and conhdencA on the part Of the Cor
Very respectfully, yo,r obedient servant,
j. SooTr HARRISON
To William A. johnson Esq, Secretary of u
} State Central Committee.