The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-09-16
Gen. McClellan's Letter of Accep-
lance.
ORANGE. NJ. Sept. S. 1864.

ORANGE, y. j., sept. ., l0o1.
GentteDen-l have the honor 10 acknowi-
edge the receipt of your letter informing ME
OF my nomination by the Democratic Nation
a. Convention recently assembled at chicago,
as their candidate at the next election Tor
President OF the United States. II Is un-
necessary for me to say to you that this NOM
inailon comes to me 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 peace has been
to strengthen and make indelible in nv mind
and heart the love and reverence for the
Union, Constitution, Laws and flag Of our
country. impressed upon NE in early youth,
these feelings have thus far guided the course
OF my life, and must continue to do so to its
end.
The existence of more than one govern
ment over the region which once owned our
flag, IS incompatible with the peace, the pow
er and the happiness of the people. The
preservation OF our Union was the sole avow-
ed object for which the war was commenced.
II should have been conducted for that object
only, and in accordance with those principles
which | took occasion to declare when In ac-
tive service. Thus conducted, the work Of
reconstruction would have been easy, and We
might have reaped the benefits of our many
victories on land and sea.
The Union was originally formed by the
exercise OF spirit of Cancellation and COM
promise. 10 restore and preserve it the
same spirit must prevail in our councils and
in the hearts of tie people. The re-estab-
lishmeDt OF the Union iii ali lis integrity
is and must continue to be the indispensable
Condition IN any settlement. s. soon as it is
! clear, or even probable, that our present ad-
versaries are ready for peace upon the basis
of the Union We should exhaust all the re-
sources Of craftsmanship practieed by civil
lied nations ard taught by the traditions Ct
the American people. consistent with the
honor and interests OF the country, to secure
such peace. re-establish the Union, and
guaranty tor the future the Constitutional
rights of every State. The Union is the
one condition Of peace We ask 10 more.
Let me add what doubt not was, although
unexpressed. the sentiment of the conven-
ton, as II IS OF the people they represent,
that when any one State is willing to return
to the Union. it should be recei, I'd at once.
with full guarantee of all lis constitutional
rights.
If frank, earnest ard persistent effort to
obtain these objects should fail the response
/ bility for ulte-ior consequences will fall upon
/ those who remain in arms against the Union.
But the Union must be preser, ed at all haz-
ards. could not look in the face of nv
/ gallant comrade, of the Army and Navy who
/ have survived so MANY bloody battles and
| tell them that their labGrS and the sacrifice
/ of so MANY OF our slain and Wounded breth-
rem had been III vain; thai We had abandon
cd th~t Union for which We had s. often per-
lied our lives. y vast majority of our peo-
! pie. whether in the army and navy or at
nome, would, as | would. hail with unbound.
ed Joy the permanent restoration of peace
on the basis OF ne Union under the Consti-
tuition without the etfIs.On of another drop
of blood. Bat no peace can be permanent
without Union.
As to the ether slLi ec.s presented in the
resolutions Of the convention, | need only
say that | should seek in the Constitution of
the nted States and III. laws framed in ac-
ccrdarCe Herewith. the rule Of my duty and
the limitations OF executive power, endeavor
to restore economy in pubic expenditure,
re-establish the supremacy of law, and bv
he operation o! more vigorous nationality
resume our commanding position among the
nations OF the earth.
The condition u our finances, the depre-
citation of the paper moae;, and the bur,hens
thereby imposed on labo. and capital. show
the necessity of return 10 a sound financial
system while the rights of citizens and the
rights Of States and the binding authority of
the law over 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 the people ra,ify YOUR
choice. Conscious of my own weakness |
can only seea pegsist@n;Iy the guidance of
the Ruler Of the Universe and relying on
His all powerful! aid, DO ny best 10 restore
the Union and peace to q suffering people.
and 10 establish aid guard their !ibelties ana
rights.
am gentleman, ve-y respectfully,
Your Oboiient servant.
GEORGE b. Mcclellan.
To Hon. II. SEYMOUR and others. of the
Commit .ra