Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1864-09-15
GEN McCLELLAN's LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

ORANGE, IN. J) SEPTEMBER 8, 1854.
GENTLEMEN have the honor to acknowledge the re-
ceipt of your letter informing of my nomination by the
Democratic National Convention, recently assembled at
Chicago their candidate at the next election for Pes
dent Of the United States.
is unnecessary tor me to to that this nomDa-
ton comes to 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 and peacs has been to strengthen and make ndebe
in my mind and heart the love and for the UnioD
Constitution Laws and Flsg OF Country impressed
upon me in early youth These feelings have thus far
GUIDED The cnnrsA if a -a-..-aa To do 40 10
its end.
The existence of more than Government over the
region hch owned flag is Incompatible with the
peace, the power, and the happiness of the people
Union the sole avowrd obj ct
for which the war was commenced 1t should have been
conducted for that obi ct only and in accordance with
those principles which took occasion to declare when
in active service Thus conduct-d the work of recon
caton would have been easy aud we might have reaped
the benefits Of our many vctori's on land and sea-
The Union was originally formed by the exercise of
sprt of Cancellation and compromise To restore and
preserve it the spirit must prevail IN our councils
aud in the hearts Of the people, The reestabllshmen OF
the Union all its integrity is and must continue to DO the
ind q peDsabe condlti0n IN any setuembuI-
s soon as IT is clear or probab that present
adversaris ready peace upon the basis of the
Union we sh uld exhaust all the Of statesman
sh practsed by civilized nations and taught by the tra
d of the American people, consistent with the honor
and interests of the country to secure such peace, re-
establish the Union, and qua anee for the futue the con-
sltuona rights of every State The Union is the one
condition of pesce-we ask no more.
Let me add, wh.t doubt not wss, although une1-
the sentiment of the Convention, it is OF the
people they represent that when any Statss willing to
return to the Union it should be received at with
full guarantee of all constitutional rights.
Ii frank earnest, and persistent effort to obtain these
objects should fall the responsibility for Interior conse
quences will fall upon those VINO remain In as asah'
the Union.
But the Union must be preserved at all hazards cou
not look in face my gallant comrades of the army au
navy who survived many bloody battles, and 10
them that their abors and the sacrifice of many OF on
slain and wounded brethern had been in van--thas "
| had aba doued that Union for which had so ofe
pered our lives vast majority Of people, whethe
10 the army and avy at home would as would, ha
with upbounded joy the permanent estorat on OF peac
on the b, ss of Union under the Constitution wth,ut 10
efuson of another drop of blood; but no peace van
permanent without Union.
A 70 the other subjects presented in the resolut ons
COnvpnuOn,
Constitution Of the United States and the laws Fame'
in accordance Herewith the rule of my duty ana tn
limitations Of executive power, erdeavor 10 r'stor
economy in public expenditure re-estab'h the suprme
OF law and by the operation of more vigorous ma aon
.v resume our commanding position among the matt ons
the earth. h. :,
i The condition of our finances the depreciation of th
aoer money and the burdens thereby imposed on labo
and ca,its show the necessity of return to soun'
financial system while the rights of citizens and the right
r states. and the binding authority of law over Prcsi
dent army and people, subjscts Of not less vita
inheritance in than in peace.
eeyng that the views here expressed are those OF to-
Conyent6n and the people you represent accept tb
nomination realize the weight of the responsibility
be borne, should the people ratfy your choice.
Conscious Of my weakness can only seek fervsBt
" the guidance OF the Ruler of the Universe and, reyin
on HIS all powerful aid, do my best to restore union
peace TO suffering people, and to establish and guar
their liberties aud rights.
J am, gentlemen, very respectfully,
| Your obedient servant,
GEORGE b. MCCLELLAN
| M Hon Arto SEYMOUR and others Committee