Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-11-14
nIcClcllan's Platform.


~ GENTLEMEN: have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt OF your letter informing me Of my pomina-
tion BY the Democratic National Convention recent
next election for President Of the United States.
IL Is unnecessary for me to say to you that the
nomination comes to me uns0ught
49, am happy to know that when the nomination was
made the record Of my public life kept in view.
The effect Of long and varied service in the army,
make indelibe in my mind and heart the love and
reverence for the Constitution, laws and flag of our
eOPPPy me in early Sqh hc
my life, and 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.
bic with the peace, the power, and the happiness Of
the people.
a The preservation of our Union was the sole avowed
object Tor which the war was commenced. 1t should
have been conducted for that object only, and in
accordance with those principles which took
sion to declare when in active service.
81 Thus conducted the work of reconciliation would
have been easy, and we might have reaped the bene
s n cnI dri many VICTORIES On land s and sea-
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 re-establishment of the Union in all its integ-
rity is and must continue to be, the indispensable
condition in any settlement. So as il is clear,
or even probable, that our present adyersares are
ready for peace, upon the basis Of tie Union, we
should exhaust all the resources Of statesmsnship
praetieed by civilized nations, and taught by the
traditions of the American people, consistent with
the honor and interests Of the country, to secure
such peace, reestsbsh the Union and guarantee
State; Tho Union is the one condition of peace
we ask no more:
Let me add what doubt not was, although unex-
pressed the sentiment Of the Convention, as 1t is Of
the people they represent that when any one State
willing to return 70 the Union itshould be receiv-
ed at once, with full guarantee OF all its constu
tional rights.
If frank, earnest and persistent effort to obtain
those objects should the responsibility for ulte
Iior consequences will isll 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 so many
bloody battles, and tell them that their abors and
brethren had been in vain; that we had abandoned
that Union for which we have so often period our
lives. OBI A .t
A vast majority of our people, whether in the army
and navyor at home, would. as would hail with
unbounded JOY the permanent restoration Of peace,
without the effusion of another drop of blood. But
no. peace can be permanent without Union.
Asto the other subjects presented in the resolu-
tonsof 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
reestablish the supremacyof law, and by the asser-
ton of q moro vigorous nationality, resume our
commanding position among the nations OF the
The condition of our finances the depreciation of
On snS @
20 sound financial system: whilst the rights Of citi-
gems and the rights of states, and the binding au-
th0rity OF law President. army. and people, are
subjects Of notless vital Importance in war than in
Believing that the views here expressed are those
Of the convention and tho people you represent, /
accept the nomination. - y = n 4. II
II realize tho weight Of the responsibility to bs
borne should the 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.
- Am. gentlemen, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant,
GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN.
Hon. Horatio Seymour. and Others, committee.