The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-09-29
McClellan's Letter Of Accept
anCe.
ORANGE, New Jersey, September 9

ORANGE, New jersey, september o.
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
at the next election for President of the United
States
- 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
army, during war and peace has been to strengthen
and make indslible in my mind aud heart the love
and reverence for the Union, Constitution, laws
and flag of our country, impressed upon noe in
early youth
These feelings have thus far guided the course
of my life and must continue to do go to its end
The existence Of more than one government over
rne 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 1t, 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 indspensa-
BILE condition in any settlement So soon as it is
clear, or even probable that our present ADVERSE
ries are ready Tor peace upon tho basis of the
Union, We should exhaust all tho resources OF
craftsmanship practiced by civilized nations and
k,,f he of h Ia
consistent with the honor and interests of the coun
try, to secure sub peace, re-establsh 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 moro.
Let me add what doubt not was, although uu-
expressed, the sentiment of the convention, as ii
is of the people they represent, that when any
State is willing to return to the Union, 1T 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
Interior consequences will fall upon those who re-
main in arms against the Union. But the Uncn
must be preserved at all hazards.
could not look in the face of my galant comrades
OF the army and navy who have survived 80 many
t'oody 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
Ii res.
A vast majority of our people, whether 10 the
army and navy or at home, would, as I would,
Aail 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 resou-
tons of the Convention, / need only say that
should sock in the Constitution of the United States
and the laws framed in accordance herewith, tho
rule Of my duty, and the limitations Of executive
power; endeavor to restore economy in public ex-
Ienditure, re-estatlish the supremacy of law. and
by the operation of moro vigorous nationality
resume our commanding position among the No.
tions of the earth.
The condit on of our finances, the depreciation
Of the paper money, and the burdens thereby i'm
posed labor and capital, show the necess ty of
return to sound financial system while the rights
Of citizens and the rights Of States and the hind
ing authority of law over President, arm7. and
PEOPLE, are subjects of not less vital importance in
war than in peace,
Believing that the views here expressed ara
those of the Convention and the people you repre-
sent, 7 accept the nomination.
realize the weight of the responsibility to be
borne should the people rstify your choice.
Conscious of my own weakness / can only seek
ervently the guidance of the Ruler Of the Uni
est to restore Union and peace to suffering peo-
rights. l am, gentlemen, very respectfully
Your obedent servant,
GEORGE B MCCLELLAN
O.. 4 Al