The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-09-16
Mistellaneous.
Gen. McOlellan's Letter of Acceptance.
ORANGE, n. j., Sept. 8. 1864

ORANGE, n. j., Sept. 8. 1864
Gentlcmen-I have the honor to acknowl-
edge the receipt Of your letter informing me
Of my nomination by the Democratic Nation
al Convention recently assembled at Chicago,
rs their candidate a. the next election for
President Of the United States. IL is unnec-
essary for me to say to you that this nomi-
nation COMES to mo unsought. l 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 peace
has been to strengthen and make indeliblc in
my mind and heart the love and reverence
for the Union. Constitution, Laws and ads OF
our country. Impressed upon me in early
youth, these feelings have thus FAR guided
the course OF my life, and must continue to
do 40 to its end.
The existence Of more than one government
over the region which once owned our flag,
is Incompatible with the peace, the power
and the happiness Of tho people. The pres
eryaiiou OF our Union was the sole ayowed
object for which the war was commenced
1t should have been conducted FOR that OBJ
ject only. and IN accordance with those prin-
cples which took occasion to declare when
inactive service Thus conducted, the work
al reconstruction would have been easy, aud
we might have reaped the ben eiiis OF our
many victories on land and sea.
The Union was originally formed by the
exercise Of spirit Cancellation and COM
promise. To restore and preserve it the
same spirit must prevail in our councils and
in the hearts Of the people. The re-cstablsh-
ment Of the Union in all its integrity is and
must continue to be tho indispensable condi-
ton in any settlement. So soon US il is clear,
or even probable, that our present advera-
ries are ready for peace upon the basis of
tho Union we should exhaust all the re
sources of statesmanship practised by civil
i1ed nations aud taught by tho tradition Of
the American people, consistent with the
honor and interests of the country. to secure
such peace, re-establish the Union, and
guaranty for the future the Constitutional
rights Of every State. The Union Is the one
condition Of peace ; We ask no moro.
Let me add what | doubt not was, al.
though unexprcssed, the sentimen, OF the con-
vention. as il is OF the people they represent,
that when any one State is willing to return
to the Union, il should be received at once,
with full guarantee oi all its constitutional
rights.
II frank, earnest and persistent effort to
obtain these objects should fail the response
bility for ulterior consequences will tall upon
those who remain in arms against the Union.
But the Union must be preserved at all haz-
ards. could not look in the face OF my
gallant comrades OF the Army and Navy who
have survived 30 many bloody battles and tell
them that their labors and the sacrifice Of 80
many OF our slain and wounded brethren had
been in vain; that We had abandoned tha,
Union for which We had 50 often periled our
lives. A vast m,jori,y OF our people. wheth-
or in the army and navy or at home, would.
rs I would, hail with unbounded JOY the
permanent restontion OF peace on the basis
of tho Union under the Constitution without
the enusion Of another drop OF blood. But
no peace car be permanent without Union.
As to the other subjects presented in the
resolutions Of the convention need only say
that should seek in the Constitution Of tho
United States and the laws framed in accord
aaes therwitb, .hs rule Of my duty and the