The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-09-26
McClelIan's Letter of Accept
AnCe.
ORANGE, New Jersey, September


GENTLEMEN: have the honor to acknowledge
The recent of your letter informing OF my NOM
ination by the Democratic National Convention,
RECENTLY assembled st Chicago, as their candidate
ut the next election for President Of the United
States , SYST
1t is unnecessary for me to say to you that this
nomination comes to me unsought.
I am happy t know that when the nomination
was made the record Of my public life was kept In
Wow. (. . Nd a 4 s. J..
The effect of long and varied service in the
army, during war and peace has been to strengthen
sndma ke indelibls 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 30 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 l
took occasion to declare when in active service.
Thus conducted, the work of reconciliation would
have been easy, and We might have reapsd 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 lndlspensa
bic condition in any settlement. So soon as it Is
clear, or even probable, that our present adverse
RES are ready tor peace, upon the basis Of the
Union, we should exhaust all the resources Of
craftsmanship practiced by civilized nations, and
tnught 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
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
,]terior consequences will fall upon those who re-
main. in arms against the Union. But the Unicn
must be preserved at all hazards.
IcouId not look in the face of my gallant comrades
o, the army and navy who have survived so many
bloody battles and tell them that their labors end
The sacrifice of 20 many of our slain and wounded
brethren had been in vain; that we had abandoned
that Union for which we have so often periled our
lives. ~ = ~ Ai
Ayast hnajofity of our people, whether in the
army and navy or at home, would, as / would,
hsilwith uabounded joy the permanent rsstora-
ton Of pc ace on the basis of the Union under the
Cnstisution, without the effusion Of another drop
! q blood But no peace can be permanent without
Onion.
As to the ether subjects presented In the resolu-
tions Of the Conv enton, need only say that !
should the Constitution of the United States
and the laws framed in accordance Herewith the
roe Of my duty, and the limitations of executive
power; endeavor TO restore economy in public ex-
penditure, re.esta lish the supremacy Of law, and
bJ the operation Of more vigorous nationality,
Is aime our accommodating position among the ma
fions of the earth. : =
yaThe condit on Of our finances, the depreciation
Of the paper money, and the burdens thereby i'm.
yxsad on labor and capital show the necess ty of q
return to sound financial system while the rights
# citizens and the rights of States, and the bind
Jug authority Of law over President. army, and
)spple subject, Of not less vital importance in
INT than in peace y G.. 90. 20 "a. -,
Relieving that the, views here expressed are
hose Of the Convention and the people you repre-.
ssnt accept the nomination 500.
! realize the weight of tie responsibility to be
borne should the people ratify your ohoioe.
Conscious Of my own weakness can only seek
! u vsntly the guidance of the Ruler Of tho Uni.
verse, and, relying on his all powerful aid, do my
ct to restore Upion and peace to suffering peo-
Pic, and to establish and guard their liberties and
rights. am, gentlemen, very respectfully,
-four obedient servant, --r--- -
.I liSt N4.tl1 GfoReH B, MCCLELLAN.
Hon. Horatio Seymour and others Committee