The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1861-09-21
cor. MERRITT DECLINES.

s.p,.m Der OH. 1861.
II. Danldry. Esq, Pfes'i Of Democratic
s ate Cocres.iioa Of Iotca, Bfoon!heia
DEAR n:-Your letter of the the 81 IN
slant infarming me that have been placed
in nomination for the olSce OF Lieut.. Gov
ernor, by the Democratic Convention which
met at Des MONIES City on the 29th u!t, Is
received.
For the kind term, in which you are pleas.
ed to speak Of me. aud for the unexpected
psrtaliiy bestowed upon me by the Convsn-
ton, on that occasion. accept my most
profound thanks.
The nomination thus generously and unan-
imou.ly rendered, must decline; and II IS
due TO the members Of that Convention, as
" ell as mysrlf, that Guild state the rea-
sons which hsve prompted me 10 this course.
have been an ardent, ard what might be
regarded Nc radical Democrat all my life.
believe that the fundamental doctrines OF
The Democratic party are indispensable to
the perpetni,y Of all free governments.
Prior TO breaking on, OF the war was
jealous advocate Ut compromise. Indeed,
10 eacaps the calamities of civil war, was
Writing TO yield almost any concession de.
mandsd by the South. But when armed
rebellion opened its batteries on the gallant
little band shut up within the walls OF
Sumpter, my feelings and opinions under
wenl change. La my judgmeot, IT then
became a coAsest for the preservatio OF
our government and the perpetnity OF our
liberties. IL became question whsther
patriots should tender an honest tribute OF
sacrifice on their eountry's altar, or allow
the worst Of military de.potism to ride IN
triumph over the ruins OK the best govern
ment on earth. IL required the dehberation
OF but few moments 10 settle the question OF
duty with me. The country was involved
IN fearful controversy. Treason had been
quietly and secretly disseminating its poison
through all the avenues Of governments
The Senate, the House, the Army, the Nivv,
and the Executive Departments, were trans
formed into caucus chambers for euncuctipg
and disseminating the vilsst OF political her.
estes. The whole South seemed To be arm
ing and marshaling for the conflict. The
orly hope Of safety To the government was
IN the sturdy patriotism " the North. If
we hesltated, faierei or divide {, we were
lrretrieyably lost. Union, tirmnsss and
courage were the indispensable element Tor
success. Feeling the obligations Of country
and of po-terity to he more tender and sa-
cred than those Of party, resolved to ig-
more all party ties for the time being: nd
yocats the union Of all parties; successful
and vigorous prosecution Of the war; and
enter the list as u soldier to do battle for
my country. Since adopting that resolution.
have seen no good and sufficient reason to
change my opinion. On the contrary, fe~l
tina every day and hour increases the re-
sponsibllity Of the citizens TO his govern.
meni, the husband to his wife, and father
to his Offspring.
Considerations Of business have also had
their influence in determining nv course on
this OCCASION. Sh .nld ! abandon the mill.
tary service my attention must be given to
private business, which is in very unset
tied state.
The reasons above stated will, trust be
suihcleut for every caBd and patriotic cit
iztns,to justify me in the course l have felt
called upon 10 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 % b utimo.
| When the war il overland | have an
1 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 shall ex-
poet to resume my former place within the
! organization Of the Democratic party. and
DO good service 10 political cause, second
/ oniy to the warfare of our common country.
! Having received numerous letters from
| friends in different parts Of the State, urg-
ing on me the acceptance OF this nomination,
and desiring to give response to these
letters at an earlier day than possibly
could by addressing them privately as indi-
viduais, take the liberty Of furnishing the
Marion Democrat, for publication, copy
/ Of this letter.
Very respectfully, your OBJ. s.rv't,
WV. II. MERRITT.