The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-09-24
McCleIlan's Letter of Accept
.. anCe.
ORANGE, New Jersey, September g.


GENTLEMEN have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter informing me Of my NOM
ination by the Democratic National Convention,
recently assembled at Chicago, as their candidate
nj the next election for President of tho United
States, i"-h
1t is unnecessary for me to say to you that this
nomination comes to me unsought.
am happy t, 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 indehble in my mind and heart the love
and reverence for tho Union 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 region which once owned our dag Is incompat-
IDLE with the peace, the power, and the happiness
of tho 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
have been easy, and We might have reaped the
benefits Of our many victories on land and sea.
he The Union was originally formed by the exer-
else of a spirit of Cancellation and compromise
To 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
tegrity is and must continue to be- the indispensa-
BILE condition in any settlement. So soon as it is
clear, or probable, that our present adverse
ries are ready Tor peace, upon the basis of the
Union we should exhaust all the resources of
craftsmanship practced by civilized nations, and
taught by the traditions of tho American people,
consistent with the honor and interests of the coun
try to secure such peace, re-establish the Union,
and guarantee for the future the constitutional
rights of every State The Union is the one con-
dition of peace-we ask no more.
Let me add what doubt not was, although I'M
expressed, 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 it should be
received at once. with full guarantee of all its
constitutional rights
If frank, earnest, and persistent effort to OBJ
tain those objects should fail the responsibility for
ulterier consequences will fall upon those who re-
main in arms against the Union. But the Unicn
must be preserved at all hazards.
could not look in the face Of my gallant comrades
Of the army and navy who have survived 80 many
,o0dy battles and tell them that their abors and
Il he sacrifice Of 90 many Of our slain and wounded
brethren had been in vain; that we had abandoned
that Union for which we have so often psriled our
hyes.s s..a,..
A vast majority of our people, whether in the
army and navy or at home, would, as I would
hail with ,unbounded joy the permanent restora-
tion of peace on the basis Of the Union under the
Constitution without the efusion of another drop
Of blood But no peace can be permanent without
Union.
As to the ether subjects presented in the resolu-
tions 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; endeavor to restore economy in public ex-
penditure, re-estallish the supremacy Of law and,
oy the operation Of q more vigorous nationality.
ssume our commanding position among the ma. |
Lions Of the earth.
The condition Of our finances the depreciation |
Cf tho paper money, and the burdens thereby i'm |
1osed on labor and capital, show the necessity of
return to sound financial system while the rights
.f citizens and the rights Of States and the bind
ing authority of law over President, army. and
eople are subjects of not less vital Importance in
var than in peace
Believing that the views here expressed are
hose of the Convention and the people you repre-.
sent, ! accept the nomination.
realize the weight of the responsibility to be
borne should the people ratify your CHOICE.
Conscious of my own weakness, / can only seek
fervently the guidance Of tho Ruler of the Uni
verse; and, relying on his all powerful aid, do my
est to restore Union and peace to suffering peo-
pie, and to establish and guard their liberties and
rights / am gentlemen, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
GEORGE h. MCCLELLAN.