Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1864-09-16
GENERAL MrGLELLANs LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE.
New York. Sent. 8.

New York, Sept. 8.
The following is Gen. NJ .ClelIan's letter
accepting the Democratic nomination for
President
ORANGE, n. j., Sept. s. Gentlemen : | have
the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter informing me Of my nomination by the
Democratic National Convention, recently
assembled at Chicago, as their candidate at
the next election for President of the United
States. 1t is unnecessary for me to say to
you that this nomination comes to me un-
sought. / am happy to know that when
the nomination made the record OF my
public life was kept in view The effect of
long and varied service in arms during war
and peace, has been TO strengthen and make
indeibie in my mind and heart the love and
reverence for the Union, Constitution, laws
and flag of cur country. impressed upon me in
early ynuth. These feelings have thus far
guided the course of my life and must eontn-
ue to do 80 until its end
The existence of more than one govern
ment over the region which once owned our
flag is Incompatible with the peace, the power
and the happiness of the people. The preser-
vatiOn Of our Union was the sole avowed OBJ
ject tor which the war was commenced. 1t
should have been conducted for thar object on
Iy and in accordance with those principles
which took occasion to declare, when in ac,
tive service thus conducted the work of rec
onciliation would have been easy. and we
might have reaped the benefits of our many
victories on land and sea. The Union was
originally formed for the exercise Of a spirit Of
conciliatioR and compromise! to restore and
preserve it, the same spirit must prevail io
our councils, and in the hearts of the people!
the re esta ablishment Of the Uuon in all its
integrity must continue to be the indivisib!e
condition in any settlement. So soon as it is |
clear, or even probable, that our present ad-
versaries are ready for peace on the basis of
Union, we should exhaust all the sources Of
craftsmanship, practiced by civilized nations, I
and taught by the traditions of the American |
people consistent with The honor and interest
Of the country, because such peace will re-es-
tablish the Union and guarantee for the fu-
ture the Constitutional rights of every State |
The Union is the one condition Of peace, |
we ask no more. Let me add which l doubt !
not was, although unexpressed, the sentiment |
Of the convention, as it was of The people |
they represent, that when any ore State is |
willing to return to the Union it should be |
received at once with full guarantee of all |
its constitutional rights.
If a frank, earnest, persistent effort to ob-
tain these objects should fail, The responsible
ty, for the ultimate consequence, will fall up
on those who remain in array against the Un-
ion. But the Union must be preserved at
ali hazards
l could not look in the face OF my gallant
comrades of the army and navy who have sur
vived 80 many bloody battles, and tell them
that their labor and the sacrifice Of so many
of our slain and wounded brethren has been
in vain, that we had abandoned that Union
for which we have so often peried our lives.
A vast majority of our people, whether in the
army or navy, or at home, would hail with
unbOunded joy the permanent restoration of
peace on the basis of the Union under the
Constitution without the effusion of another
drop of blood. But no peace can be perma-
neDt without Union.
AS to the other subjects presented in the
Convention, need only say that / should
seek in the Constitution of the United States
and the laws framed 10 accordance Herewith,
The rule OF my duty and tho limitations of
executive power endeavOr to restore ecOno-
ny in the public expenditures, re-establish
he supremacy of law, and by the operations
'f a more vigorous nationality, resume our :
position among the nations of
he earth.
The condition of our finances, the deprecia-
ion Of the paper money, and the burdens ! !
hereby imposed on labor and capital, show
he Recessity of return to sound system
Ihile a right of the citizens. and the rights
+ the binding authority of law over the Pres e
lent, the army, and the people, are subjects =
not less vital importance in war than in 0
eace.
Believing that the views here expressed are
lose of the people you represent, | accept
le nomination. d
realize the weight and responsibility TO S
. borne should the people ratify your choice. az
Onscious OF my own weakness, can only je
ek lervently the guidance of the Ruler Of n