Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-11-01
mcClellan,s Platform.
ORANGE. NEW JERSEY, S,

ORANGE. NEW JERSEY, sept. B.
GENTLEMEN have the honor 10 acknowledge the
receipt Of your letter informing me Of my nomina-
tion by the Democratic National Convention recent
ly 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 the
nomination comes TO me unsought.
ma ie the record Of my public life was kent in view
The effect OF long and varied service i'll the army,
during war and peace, has been to strengthen and
make 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 lar 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 flag is incompati-
bic with the peace, the power and the happiness Of
The preservation of our Union was the sole ayowed
object for which the war was commenced. II should
have been conducted for that object only, and in
accordance with those principles which took occa-
sion 70 declare whenin active service.
have bseD ana uo % %
ut of our many victories on land and sea.
The Union. was originally formed by the exercise
OF spirit Of conciliation and compromise. To re-
store and preserve it. the spirit must prevail in
our councils, and in the hearts Of the people.
. The re-establishment ofthe Union in all its integ-
'rity is and must continue to be- the indispensable
condition in any settlement. So it is clear,
or even probable, that our present adversaries
should exhaust ali Ike resources @ cs' Of ststesmSnshp
practiced by civilized nations, and taught by the
traditions Of the American people, consistent with
Us
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 Convention, as it is of
IS rs 70 the Union should be
tional rights. 4-a,
those objects should fail, the responsibility for ultc
rior consequences will fall upon those who remain in
arms against the Union. But the Union must be
7 i could not look in the face my gallant comrades
of the army and navy who have survived SO many
bloody battles and tell them that their iabors and
the sacrifice of so many of slain and wounded
brethren had been in vain; that we had abandoned
that Union for which we have so often periled our
vast majority Of our people, whether in the army
and navy or at home, would. as | would, hail with
unbounded joy the permanent restoration 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 other subjects presented in the resolu-
tionsof the convention need only say that should
seok 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 10 restore economy in public expenditure,
reestabsh the supremacy of law, and, by the asser
ton Of q more vigorous nationality, resume our
commanding position among the nations Of the
The condition Of our finances, the depreciation of
the paper money, and the burdens thereby imposed
on labor and capital show the necessity Of return
to sound financial system; whilst the rights of cti-
Gems and the rights of states, and the binding au
thority Of law over Presdont army, and people, are
subjects Of not less vital Importance in war than in
peace. M =. 81
Believing that the views here expressed are those
of the convention and the people you represent,
accept the nomination. Ff
realize tho weight Of the responsibility to be
borne shonld the people ratify yourchoice.
Conscious Of my own weakness, can only seek
fervently the guidance Of the Ruler Of the Uni
verse, and. relying on His all powerful aid, do my
best TO restore Union aud peace to suffering peo
PIE, and establish and guard their liberties and
] am. gentlemen, very respectfully, II
ifF Your obedient servant, 'al
nl ~ GEORGE b. McCLELLAN.
Hon. Horatio Seymour. and others. committee.