The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-09-30
McClellan's Letter of Accept
anCe.
ORANGE, New Jersey, Sept

rs --. ORANGE, New Jersey, September ..
GENTLEMEN have the honor to acknowledge
tho receipt of your letter informing me OF my nom
ination by the Democratic National Convention,
recently assembled at Chicago, as their candidate
at the next election for President Of the United
States. ....E.,.
It is unnecessary for me to say to you that this
nomination comes to me unsought.
am happy 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
arny. during war and peace has been to strengthen
and make indelible in my mind and heart the love
and reverence for the Union, Constitution, laws,
and flag of our country, impressed upon me in
These feelings have thus far guided the course
of nv life and must continue to do 50 to its end.
The existence of more than one government over
the region which once owned our flag is incompat-
ible with the peace, the power, and the happiness
of the people.
The preservation of our Union was the sole
avowed object for which the war was commenced
1t should have been conducted for that object only
and in accordance with those principles which
took occasion to declare when in active service.
Thus conducted, the work of reconciliation would
aave been easy, and We might have reaped the
benefits of our many victories on land and sea.
The Union was originally formed by the exer-
70 restore 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 in
teprity is land must continue to be- the indspensa
BILE condition in any settlement So soon as it is
clear, or even probable that our present adverse
ries are ready for peace, upon the basis OF the
Union, We should exhaust all the resources OF
craftsmanship practiced by civilized nations, and
taught by the traditions Of the American people,
consistent with the honor and interests of the eoun
try to secure such peace, re-establish the Union,
and guarantee for the future the constitutional
rights of every State The Union ia the one CON-
dition of peace-we ask NO more. tHs
Let me add what doubt not was. although un-
expressed, the sentiment of the convention, as 1t
is of the people they represent that when any one
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 and persistent effort to OBJ
tain those objects should fail the responsibility for
uterior consequences will fall upon those who re-
main in arms against the Union. But the Unicn
must be preserved at all hazards.
Icould not look in the face of my galan. comrades
o. the army and navy who have survived so many
( cody battles, and tell them that their labors and
the sacrifice of so many Of our slain and wounded
brethren had been in vain that We had abandoned
hat Union for which we have 80 often periled our
lives.
A vast majority of our people, whether in the
army and navy or at homo, would, as l would,
hail with unbOunded joy the permanent restora-
ton of peace, on the basis Of the Union under the
Constitution. without the effusion of another drop
of blood. But no peace can be permanent without
Union.
As to the ether subjects presented in the resOu-
tons of the Cow ention, 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; endeavor to restore economy in public ex-
Eenditure, re establish the supremacy of law and
by the operation OF a more vigorous nationality
Iesume our commanding position among the ma
tions of the earth.
Tho condt on of our finances, the depreciation
Of the paper money, and tho burdens thereby i'm
roscd on labor and capital show the necessity of
return to sound financial system; while the rights
vf citizens and tho rights Of States and the bind.
ing authority of 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 repre-
sent, accept the nomination
realize the weight of the responsibility to be
bOrns should the people ratify your choice.
Conscious of my own weakness l can only seek
srvently the guidance of the Ruler of the Uni
verse, and, relying on his all powerful aid, do my
est to restore Union and peace to a suffering peo-
Pc, and to establish and guard their liberties and
rights. / am gentlemen, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN.
Hon Horatio Seymour and others Committee.