Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1864-09-21
Mcclellan, Letter Of Acceptance.

ORANGE NEW JERSEY, Sept s, 1864.
GEsr1ex have the honor to acknowledge shs
sceipt of your letter informing me Of my romina-
ion BY the Democratic National Convention, re.
emily assembled At Chicago a. their candldatest
be next election for President ofthe United States
1t is unnecessary tor me to say to you that TINS
nomination comes to me unsonght. a!n happy to
know thst when the nomination was made, the re-
lord of my public life was keptin view.
The effect of long and varied service in the army,
during war and peace, has been to strengthen ana
make indelible in my mind and heart the love and
reverence for the Union Constitution, laws and flag
Of our country, impressed npon me in early youth.
These feelings have thus far guided tie course OF
nv life, and must continue to do 80 to its end.
the region which once owned our flag is incompati.
BILE with the peace, the power and the happiness of
the people.
The preservation of our Union was the sole svowed
object for which the war was commenced. It should
have been conducted for that object only and in &C.
corJlance with those principles which took occa-
sion to declare when in active service.
Thus conducted the work of reconciliation would
have been easy, and We might have reaped the bene
fits of our many victories on land and sea.
The Union was originally formed by the exercise
of spirit of Cancellation and compromise. 10 RE-
store and preserve it. the same spirit must prevail
in our councils and in the hearts of our people.
The re.establishment Of the Union in all its in
tegrity is and must continue to be, the ndispensa-
BILE condition in any settlement So soon it is
clear orsven probable that our present adverssrics
ready for peace upon the basis Of the Union, we
should exhaust all the resource of craftsmanship
practced by civilized nations, and taught by tho
traditions of the American people, consistent with
the honor and interest of the country, to secure
such peace, re-estabsh 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 Convention as 1t is
of the people they represent, that when any one
State is willing to return to the Union, it should be
received at once, with full guarantee Of all its
constitutional rights.
If frank, earnest ard persistent effort to obtain
these objects should fail the responsibility for uts
rior consequences will cal! upon those who remain
in arms against the Union; but the Union must be
preserved at all hazards.
l could not look in the face Of my gallant COM
rades Of the army and navy, who have survived so
many bloody battles and tell them that their abors
and the sacrifice Of 50 many Of slain and wound
ed brethren had been in vain-that we had abandon.
ed the Union for which We have so often perifed
our lives. A vast majority OF our people, whsther
in the army and navy or at home, would, as woald
hail with unbounded joy the permanent restoration
of peace on the basis of the Unlon under the Con.
stitution, without the efusion Of another drop of
blood, But no peace can be permanent without:
Union.
As to the other subjects presented in the resoln.
tons Of the Convention, need only say hat
should seek in the Constitution Of tue UD.ed States
and the laws framed IN accordance herewith, the
rule Of my duty and the limitations OF Executive
power endsavor to restore economy in tts public
expenditures, re establish the supremacy of law,
and, by the operation Of more vigorous nationality,
resume our commanding position among the ma
tons Of Inc ear.i. .-
The condition of our finances, the depreciation Of
the paper money and the burden thereby iappsed on
labor and capital show the necessity of return
sound financial system while the rights Of citizens
and the rights OF States ana The binding authority
Of law over President, army and people, sub.
jects Of hot less vial Importance in We, than IN
peace. Believing that the views mere expressed
those CT the Convention and the people sou rep
resebt, accept the nomination.
l realize the wslg,t of the responsibility to he
borne should the people ra:ify your Choice. Con
cioas Of my own weakness, l can only seek fervent.
ly the guidance of the Ruler Of the Universe, and
relying his all powerful aid do my best to restore
uniou and peace to suffering people, and establish
and guard their liberties and rights,
! am, gentlemen very respectfully,
Your obedient servant
GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN.
Hon. H0ratia t2eyan0ur and Others GomEaittee