The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-09-23
McCleHan's Letter Of Accept.
ance.
ORANGE. Now Je

ORANGE, Now jersey, september O.
GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter Informing me OF my nom
inatiop by the Democratic National Convention
recently assembled at Chicago, as their candidate
at the next election for President Of the United
States.
II 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
army, 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
early youth.
These feelings have thus far guided the course
of my life, and must continue to do 80 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
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 exer-
else of 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 ndspensa
BILE condition in any settlement So soon as it is
clear, or even probable, that our present adverse
Ties are ready tor pence, upon the basis OF the
Union, we should exhaust all the resources Of
craftsmanship prscticed 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-
ditiou 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
receiy ed 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
anterior 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
J. 'oody battles and tell them that their Iabors and
he 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
lives.
vast majority of our people whether ia the
army and navy or at home, would as I would
hail with unbounded joy the permanent restora-
ton of peace on the basis of the Union under the
Constitution, without the effuson of another drop
Of blood But no peace can be permanent without
Union.
As to the ether subjects presented in the resolu.
lions Of the Cony ention, need only say that l
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-
pendture, re-estatlish the supremacy of law, and,
by the operation Of more vigorous nationality,
resume our commanding position among the ma
tions of the earth.
The condition of our finances, the depreciation
of the paper money, and the burdens thereby i'm
posed on labor and capital, show the necessity of
return to sound financial system while the rights
Of citizens and the rights OF States, and the bind
ing authority of law over President, army. and
people, are subject, 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, I 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
best to restore Union and peace to suffering peo-
pie, and to establish and guard their liberties and
tights. L am gentlemen, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
GEoReE b McCLxLLAs
An 10 Sav ay,l