Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-11-16
mcCleIlan,s Platform.

~
GENTLEMEN: l have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt OF your letter informing me Of my nomina-
tion by the Democratic National Convention recent
g assembled Ct Chicago as IS their iE eaRdidste at the
II is unnecessary for me to say to you that the
nomination comes to me unsought.
| 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,
during war and peace, has been to strengthen and
mako indellible in my mind and heart the love and
reverence for the Constitution laws and flag 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 so to its end.
The existence OF more than one government over
the region which once owned our tag is incompati.
BILE with the peace, the power, and the happiness OF
Tho preservation of our Union was the sole ayOwed
object for which the war was sec commenced 1t should
accordance with those principles which took occa-
sion TO declare when in active service.
Thus conducted the work Of reconciliation would
haye been easy, and we might have reaped the bene
ftof our many victories on land and sea;
The Union was Originally formed 5y inc exercise Use
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 intcg
rity is and must continue to be, the indispensable
condition in any settlement. So soon as it is clear,
or sven probable, that our present adyersaries are
ready for peace, upon the basis of tie Union, We
should exhaust all the resources of statesmanship
practiced by civilized nations, and taught by the
he booos a and interests Of tbe Country to secure
such peace. re- establish the Union and guarantee
for the future the constitutional rights Of every
State; The Union is the one condition Of peace
: Let me add what / doubt not was. although unex.
pressed the sentiment Of the Conyention as it Is Of
is willing to return to the Union, t should be receiv
cd at once with full guarantee of all its constitu-
II frank, earnest and persistent effort to obtain
those objects should fall the responsibiIty for ute
rior consequences VII fall upon those who in
preserved at all hazards. RI e-l 49,
Il could not look in the face my gallant comrades
SioodS S battles @ and sl 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 50 often periled our
Avast majorityof our people, whether in the army
and navy or at home, would. as wonld, hail with
unbounded 10y the permanent restoration OF peace,
on the basis ef the Union under the Constitution,
without the efusion Of another drop Of blood. But
no peace can be permanent without Union.
As the other subjects presented in the. resolu-
tonsof the convention. need only say that should
seek in the Constitution Of the United states and
my duty, and the limitations OF executive power;
endeavor 10 restore economy in public expenditure,
e. s
position among the nations OF the
The condition Of our finances, the depreciation Of
on on labor % and capital show tho necessity return
zeus and the rights Of states, and the binding au-
thority of law over President army, and people, are
subjects Of not less vital Importance In war than in
Believing that the views here expressed are those
Of the convention and tho people you representa-
accept the nomination. iris eH,
/ resiize the weight Of the responsibility TO be
borne should the people ratify your choice.
Conscious Of my own weakness. can only seek
verse, and. relying on His all powerful aid, do my
beat TO restore Union and peace to suffering peo
PIE, snd establish1 and guard their liberties and
~ am. gentlemen. very respectfully, i',l ". fc
+. e-s1,.il -.I acrl Your obedient servant, yss
esss yss GE0RaE b. MCCLELLAN.
Hon. Horstio Seymour. and others. committee.