The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-08-30
Declination Of Hon, ]. Scott Harrison to
A Run on the Secession Ticket.

Run on the Secession Ticket.
Hon. j. Scott Harrison, whom the Se-
oession Democracy nominated for Liouten
ant Governor without bis knowledge or con-
sent, writes the following letter OF declna-
ton:
PoINT FARM, August 13, 1861.
DEAR Sin The extreme Illness of n
mombor Of my family has for several weeks
so entirely engrossod my attention, as to
leave mo but littlo time for other engage
monts, and will account for this tardy ac-
acknowledgement of your favor of the 9th in
slant. .. ....H ....
had noticed in tho city papers the pro.
coedngs of tho Democratic Union Convon-
tlon. lately assembled at Columbus, and
was not little surprised to find that my
namo had been used in connection with the
Lieutenant Goyornorship of tho State.
deeply regretted that had not been con-
suited in tho matter, aud now desire to say,
that respectfully decline the nomination.
| have no inclination to bo q candidate tor
aHy Office. II ever cherished ambition for
such distinction am cured of it, and feel
entirely reconcilod to the quiet and retire.
ment of private life. But it is, perhaps, due
myself to say that if this wero not tho case
aud felt entirely free to enter again the
| field of political conf CT, | could not consent
to DO party candidate for Office, in the
present condition of tho country. Party
spirit, in my opinion, has done moro than
anything olso to bring about tho sad calami
ties which now so seriously affect us, and
the poison which has induced this national
paralysis would not provo an efficient rom
ody in the restoration of tho patient. The
timo has come when we should forget party
throw off its trammcls and obligations. anC
stand up for the Country, it's Union, Con
sttution aud laws.
was not, as you know, q supporter o.
Mr.. Lipcon for the PresiGoncy-noither dc
] approve of all tho acts of his Admnistra
ton. But il seems to mo ;hat this is no
the proper time to arraign tho Administra
ton for these errors of policy and that i
is Mother the part Of wisdom nor patriotism
to assail tho Government whom tho enomy
is laundering at tho gates of the Capital
Let us first settle the great questions o
| Country or no Country. Government or NJ
Government, Union or Dsunion and hav
ing accomplisod this great work of duty anc
patriotism, wo will have ample timo to in
quiro into those dolinquences of our ruors
and if we find thrm wanting in tho Jcffur
sonian requirements for Office, lot thom b,
condemned by verdict of the people,
certainly owe tho Republicans, as q
party, no debt of political obligation, and
yet do not hesitate to say that tho Admin
istration has my warmest sympathies in itt
efforts to put down this rebellion, and an
in favor Of doing this effectively and per
manently-in peace if VIC can, in war if We
must.
A distinguished mombor of Congress is
reported to have said in his place in the
House of Representatives during the last
session, that no was for "peace-PEACG BE
FORE THE UNION" l, too, am for peace. but
am for the UNION BEFORE PEACE, for
know without the Union We can havo nc
pcaco.
In repeating my determination to decline
tho nomination which. as tho organ of the
Convention, you so kindly tender me, boz
to assure YOU of my proper appreciation o
this mark of respectful confidence on til,
| part OF tho Convention.
Very Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
j; SCOTT HARRISON.
To WILLIAM s. JOHNSON, Esq,
Secretary of State Central Committee.