The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1865-06-22
To TAo People OF ohio.
Cn1rMnus. Lnna Is. Isl

OOLO AbSc, INV AOl @SNO
! accepted the nomination OF the
Union party for Governor OF Ohio,
two years ago, with unfoignod reluc-
tance. | did not seek or desire it, and
only accepted from considerations of
public duty, which, in Wow of the
state of tho country, it clearly imposed
ON me. l came into office with the
firm determination that if the military
power of the rebellion should bo bro
ken, and the war closed, during the
first term of my administration--which
| confidently anticipate THAT under
no circumstances would be eaudi-
date for reelection. This dotcrnfina-
ton communicated to friends. Du-
ring the past spring, under pressing
importunities from nearly evcry Soc
ton of the State, allowed this posi-
tion to bo modified to this extent: that,
whilo I would not seek tho nomina-
ton, and did not desire it, yet, If it
was conferred with a reasonable de.
gree of unanimity and good feeling, |
would not dcclineit. I. howevcr, re
served to myself the privilege of fol.
lowing my original purpose, and
withdrawing my namo from the cln'
vass whenever, in my judgment, the
samc should become requisite to the
harmony of the Convention, and the
success of its nominations.
Many prominent men of tho Union
organization will bear mo witness
that | have frequently urged upon
them tho conflict that would arise
from my denomination. In times like
those through which we havc passed
in tho last four years, no man who fill
cd the position, and honesty and con,
scicntiously discharged the duties Of
tho Office of Governor of Ohio, could
hope to escape censure and opposition
or fail to destroy what politicians
term his availability as candidate fol
reelection. Such was tho case with
two Of my predecessors, who were earn
est, gooa mon. ] could not, and die
not h5pc 10, avoid tho same result
and, thcrcforo'I made the reservation
and based it upon my own judgment
Of passing events. Even if | desired
the position, | owe the people OF thu
State too much to cmbarrass their fu
ture action, for the qualification of my
own ambition. AS have no politica
desires, either present or future, th'
pain Of duty becomes not only plain
but personally pleasant.
After careful survey OF all the sur
roundings, l am entirely satisfied tha
the same considerations of duty tha
prosscd upon me tho acceptance of
nomination two years ago,a imperious
ly require that | should dcclino it a
the present time. Under this convic
tion, | respectfully but unconditional
ly withdraw my name from the con
vention and the canvass.
am aware that by this decision
do violence to tho wishes and fccling
of host OF friends, whose good opin-
ions I cherish, But they must pardon
mo. have no sentiment of doubt Oh
distrust,, either Of their friendship o.
good Judgment; but | see my owl
course so clearly that l may not turn
aside from it.
OF course | have no personal regret
or disappointmenls On the contrary
am highly gratificd that | can hon
orably retire. | doubt very muc
whether my health, much impaired b.
close confinement to official duties
would sustain mo through vigorou
campaign; while increasing years, an
tho arduous labors Of a long life i
public positions, strongly invite m
/ to retirement and rcposo during tn
, fow years that may yct remain t
mo.
TO the people oftho State who hav
so nobly sustained me, owe a lastin
debt Of gratitude. have served then
during the tying period of my ad
ministration, TO tho best of my ability
| know that l have done it conscicn
tousIy and honestly. l look back up
on my record with but single rc
! grct, and that is. that | have not becl
able to make it moro effective in tn
cause of tho State and nation. Yer,
respectfully.
JOHN BROUGu.