Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-09-17
GEN. MoCLELLAN'S Letter or
ACCEPTANCE.


me of my nomination, by the democratic
convention. recently assembled at Chicago,
as their candidate at the next election for
President Of the United States. 1t is unne-
cessary for me to say to you that this nomin.
alton comes to me unsought. am happy to
know that when the nomination was made
the record Of my public life was kept in view.
The effect of long and varied service in
the army, during war aud peace, has been to
strengthen and make indelibe in my mind and
heart love and reverence for the Union,
Constitution, laws and flag Of our country.
Impressed upon me in early youth, these feel
ings have thus guided the cause Of my life,
and must continue to do so until it's end.
The existence Of more then one government
over the region where once waved our flag, is
incompatible with the pease, the prosperity and
the happiness OF the people. The preserva-
tion of our Union was the avowed object for
which this war was commenced. II should
have been continued for that object only, and
in accordance with the principles which
took occasion to declare when in active SER
vice. Thus conducted, the work Of reconci-
liation would have been easy, and we might
have reaped the benefits Of our many victor
les on land and sea. The Union was origin
ciliation and compromise. To restore it and
preserve it., the same spirit must prevail IN
our councils and the hearts OF the people.
The re-establishment Of the Union in all its
integrity is, and must continue, the indispen-
sable condition in any settlement As soon
as it is clear, or even probable, that our pres
ent adversaries are ready for peace upon the
basis Of the Union, we should exhaust all the
D 4 a gfr-tN-
( lied nations, and taught by the traditions Of
! the American people, consistent with the
honor and int, rests Of the country. to secure
such peace, re-establish the Union, and
: guarantee for the future the constitutional
rights Of every State. The Union is the one
condition Of peace we ask no more Let
me add. what doubt not was, although un-
expressed, the sentiment Of the conventio u,
as it is OF the people they represent, that
when any one State is willing to return to
the Union, it should be at once received with
a full guarantee of all its constitutional rights.
II frank, earnest and persistent effort TO
obtain these objects should fail, the respon-
sibility for ulterior consequences will fall
upon those who remain in arms against the
Union. But the Union must be preserved at
all hazards. | could not look in the face Of
my gallant comrades Of the Army ard Navy,
who have survived so many bloody battles,
and tell them that their lsbors and the sacri-
fee Of so many of our slain and wounded
brethren had been in vain; that we had
abandoned that Unior for which we have so
often perilled our lives. A vast majority OF
our people, whether in the army or navy, or
at home, would, as | would, hail with un-
I bounded Joy the permanent restoration oil
peace on the basis Of the Union under the
constitution without the effusion OF another
drop Of blood. But no peace can be perma-
nent without union. As to the other sub
iects presented in the resolutions of the con-
vention, need only say that should seek
in the constitution of the United States and
the laws passed in accordance herewith, the
rule Of my duty, and the limitations Of ex-
ecutive power, endesvor to restore economy
in public expenditures re-establish the su-
premacy Of law, and by the operations OF a
more vigorous nationality resume our com
manding position among the nations OF the
earth. The condition Of our finances, the
depreciation Of the paper money, and the
burdens thereby imposed on labor and It's
ca apital, show the necessity Of return TO a
sound financial system, while the rights oil
States and the binding authority OF law over
the President, army and people are SUBJECTS
of no less vital Importance in war than IN
peace
Believing that the views here expressed
are but those Of the Convention and the peo'
pie ou represent, accept the nomination
realize the weight of the responsibility t'
be borne should the people rstify your choice
Conscious Of my own weakness, can onlI
seek persistently the guidance of the Ruler o
the Universe, and relying on His all powerful
aid, do my best to restore the Union and peace
to suffering people, and to establish ant
guard their liberties and rights. am gen
tlemen,
Waxy ,aaDsctfnliv