Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-11-03
mcClcllan,s Platform.
ORANGE. NEW JERSEY, Sept. 8.


GENTLEMEN I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt Of your letter informing me of my nOmina-
ton BY the Democratic National Convention recent
ly assembled at Chicago, as their candidate at the
next election for President of the United States.
IL is unnecessary for me to say TO you that the
nomination comes to me unsought.
am happy 10 know that when the nomination was
le 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 indellible in my mind and heart the love and
for the Constitution, laws and flag of our
country impressed upon me in early youth.
These feelings have thus far guided the course Gf
mylife. aud must continue to do so to its end.
The existence OF more than one government over
the region which once owned our flag is incompati-
Bile with the peace, the power and the happiness OF
The preservation of our Union was the sole avowed
object for which the war was commenced. ltshould
have been conducted for that object only, and in
accordance with those principles which took occa-
sion 10 declare whenin active service. 80
Thus conducted, the work Of reconciliation would
have been easy, and might have reaped the bene-
The Union was originally formed by the exercise
Of spirit Of Cancellation and compromise. To re-
store and preserve it. the same spirit must prevail in
our councils, and in the hearts Of the people.
The ere-establishment ofthe Union in all its integ-
rity is, and must continue to be, the indispensable
condition IN any settlement. 50 soon as II !; clear,
ready for peace. upon the basis OF tie Union. We
should exhaust all tho resources Of statesmanship
practiced by civilized nations, and taught by the
traditions of the American people, consistent with
the honor and interests Of the country, to secure
for the future the constitutional rights Of every
State. The Union is the one condition OF peace
we ask no more:
pressed the sentiment Of the Convention, as it Is Of
the people they represent that when any one STATE
Is willing TO return TO the Union De recey-
tional rights.
II frank, earnest and persistent effort to obtain
those objects should fail the responsibility Tor ulte-
ror consequences will fall upon those who remain in
arms against the Union. But the Union must be
preserved at all hazards.
Of the army and navy who have survived 50 many
bloody battles and tell them that their abors and
the sacrifice of so many of our slain and wounded
brethren had been in vain that we had abandoned
that Union for which we have SO often periled our
lives.
and navy or at home, would. as would, hail with
unbounded JOY tho permanent restoration Of peace
With"ut & NE etfuson Of another drop Of blood But
no peace can be permanent without Union.
As to the other subjects presented in the resolu,
tOns Of the convention. need only say that should
seek in the Constitution Of the United States and
the laws framed in accordance herewith the rule OF
my, duty. and the limitations OF executive power;
reestabsh the OF law, and, by the asser-
tion Of more vigorous nationality, resume our
commanding position among the nations'oi tne
The condition Of our finances the depreciation Of
the paper money and the burdens tasTeSy Se6
10 sound financial system; whilst the rights OF citi-
zens and the rights Of states and the binding au-
thority Of law President, army, and people, are
subjects Of not less vital Importance in war than in
peace.
Believing that the views here expressed are those
of the convention and the people you represent,
accept the nomination.
| realize the weight Of the responsibility to be
borne should tho people ratify your choice.
Conscious of my own weakness, can only seek
fervently the guidance Of the Ruler Of the Uni
verse, and, relying on His all powerful aid, do my
best TO restore Union and peace to suffering peo,
pie, and establish and guard their liberties and
rights.
y am. gentlemen, very respectfully,
Your obedent servant,
GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN.
Hon. Horatio Seymour. and others. committee.