Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1864-09-14
Gen. II Clellan's Letter of Acceptance
ORANGE, n. j. September Sth 1864.

ORANOk, ~. u. ON lObf.
GENTLEMAN Il have the honor to nc
knowledge the receipt of your letter in
forming me of my nomination ty the Dem
ocratic National Convention, recently AS
scmbled at Chicago, as their candidate at
the next election FOR President OF the
United States.
1t is Unnecessary for me 10 say to you
that this nomination comes to me un-
sought
am happy to know that when the nom
inaton was made the record OF my pub
lie life was kept in view.
The effect of long and varied service in
ibe army during war and peace has been TO
strengthen and make ideible in my mind
and heart the love ana 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 so to its end.
The exstense Of more than one govern
ment over the region which once owned
our flag is incompatible with the peace,
the power, and the happiness OF the peo-
pie. r.- A.
4 The preservation Of our Union was the
sole ayowed object for which the war was
commenced. 1t should have been cop-
Quoted for that object only, and IN accord
once with those principles which | took
occasion 10 declare when in active ser
vice. -.
Thus conducted the work Of reconcilia-
flor would have been easy, and we might
have reaped the benifts Of our many VIC
tories on land and sea.
The Union was originally formed by 'he
exercise offs spirit of Cancellation ana com
= promise. To restore and preserve 1t, the
same spirit must prevail in our councils,
and in the hearts Of the people.
The e1e-establshment of the Onionl all
its integrity is, and must coatinue to be,
the indispensable condition in any settle
e ment. So soon as it is clear, or even pro-
, bable. that our present adversarles are
, ready for peace, upon the basis OF the Y n
ion, we should exhaust all the resources
of craftsmanship practiced by civilized
= nations, and taught by the tradition OF
, the American people, consistent with the
, honor and interest OF the country, to Sc
cure such peace re-establish the Union,
and guarantee for the future the constitu-
tional rights of every State. The Union IS
the one condition of peace-we ask no.
more.
Let me add what doubt not was, al
though, unexpressed the sentiment OF the
the convention, as 1t is of the people they
represent, that when any one State is
/ willing TO return to the Union, 1t should
be received at ons, with full guarantee
of all its constitutional rights.
i l.. nd fNnr nrgig ct
to obtain those objects should fail, the
, responsibility for ulterior consequences
will fall upon those who remain in arms
against the Union. But the Union must
be preserved at all hazards
> could not look in the face Of my gal
liant comrades of the army and navy, who
, have survived SO many bloody battles, anc
tell them that their labors and the sacrl
iifces of 90 many our. Of our slain
and wounded brethren had been IN vain
e. that We had abandonded that Union fol
I which we have SO often perilled oui
lives.
A 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 Uuion under the Const tuition
without the eliuson of another drop OF
> blood. But no peace can be perma
nent without Union.
= As to the other subjects presented il
: the resolutions of the Convention, ! neeC
, only say that should seek, IN the Consti
, tuition of the United States and the laws
framed in accordance Herewith, the rule
of my duty, and the limitations o
executive power endeaVor TO retore econ
omy in public expenditure, re-establisl
2 supremacy of law, and, by the operation
OF n more vigorous nationality, resume ou
commanding position among the nations
, OF the earth.
The condition of our fnanoes; the de
r probation of the paper money and, tn,
!, burdens thereby imposed on labor anC
capatal, shows the necessity OF a return L
a sound financial system; while The right
y of citizens and the rights of States, snC
e the binding authority Of law over Presi
/ dent army, and people, are subjects o
not less vital Importance in war than Il
peace.
Believing that the views here expressed
= are those OF the Convention and peopl,
you represent, accept the nomination,
-. realize the weight of the responsibili
ty to be borne should the people ratif!
. your choice
Conscious of my own weakness, car
+ only seek fervenIy the guidance of the
Ruler of the Universe, and, relying on
c His all powerful aid, do my best to lie
store Union and peace to suife ring peo
lie, and to establish aud guard their lib
critics and rights.
am. gentlemen, very respectfully your
obedient servent.
GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN.
Hon. HoRATIo SEYMOUR, and others, Com
, mittee.
EGSy'"A Subscriber" and perhaps vel