The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1865-06-23
Letter From Gov. Brough.
COLUMBUS, June 10, 1866.

COLUMBUS June 10, 1850.
To THE PEOPLE OF OHIo:
l accepted the nomination OF the Union
party for Governor of Ohio, two years ago.
with uutegned reluctance. l did not seek
or desire it, and only accepted 1t from con.
siderations of public duty, which, in view of
the state OF tho country, it clearly imposed
upon me. / camo into Office with the frm
determination that If tho military power Of
the rebellion should be broken, and the war
closed during tho first term of my admins.
traton--wbich I cofidontIy anticipated
under no circumstances would be cand.
date for ro. election. This detor mination l
freely communicated to my friends. Du-
ring the past spring. under pressing impor.
tun:tics from nearly overy section of the
State, allowed this position to bo modi-
fied to this extent: that while l would not
seek the nomination, and did not desire it,
vot if it was conferred with reasonable do
gree of nnanmity aud good feeling, would
not decline il. l, however. reserved to my.
self tho privilege of following my original
purpose, and Withdrawing my name from
the cauvass, whenever in my judgment the
same should become requisite TO the barnlo
nv of the Convention aud the success of its
nominations.
Many prominent men of the Union or.
ganizaton will bear mo witness that havo
frequently urged upon them the conflicts
that would arise from my renomination.--
In times like those through which we have
passed in the last four year, no man who
filled tho position, and honestly and con.
scientiously discharged the duties OF the Of
fice, of Governor OF OHIO, could hope to es.
cape ccnsure and opposition, or fail to de-
stroy what politicians term his "Gvd,ldbiiity'
as a candidate for re election. Such was
the case with two OF my predecessors, who
were earnest, good mon. / could not and
did not hope to avoid the same result; and
therefore l mado the reservation, and based
II upon my own judgment Of passing events.
Even it l desired tho position, l owe the
pooplO of the State too much TO ombarrass
their future action for the qualification OF
my own ambition. As have no political
desires, either present or future, tho path
of duty becomes not only plain, but person.
ally pleasant.
After careful survey of all the surround.
ings, ! nm entirely satisfied that the same
considerations of duty that pressed upon
me tho acceptance of nomination two
years ago, as impo,i iousy require that
should decline II at the present time Un-
der this conviction, l respectfully but un.
condhionaly withdraw my uame from tho
convention aud tho canvass.
am aware that by this decision do vi
oence to tho wishes aud feelings of host
of friends, whose good opinions l cherish.
But they must pardon mo. have no son.
timent of doubt or distrust either of their
friendship or good judgment;--but ses my
own course so clearly that may not turn
lside from it.
OF course have no personal regrets or
dIsappontments. On the contrary, am
highly grasified that can bonorably re-
tire. 1 doubt very much whothcr my
neath-much impaired by close contine
neDt to official duties-would sustain me
through vigorous campaign; while in.
creasing years. and tho arduous labors of u
long liio in public positions. strongly in
vito me to retirement and repose during the
few years that may remain to mo.
TO the people of the State who have 80
nob!y sustained me. owe a lasting debt
of gratitude. l have served them, during
the trying period of my administration, TO
the best OF my ability. know that have o
done it couscientiously aud honestly !
look back upon my record with but sim
glo regret, and that is, that have not been
able to mako it more effective in the cause
OF the State and Nation.
Very respectfully.
JOHN BROUGH.