The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1866-10-24
MoGnllonh sunnorts the President.

There are probably few in the country at the
present day who rank higher than secretary McCu
loch aud strange say, he commands the respect OF
the supporters Of all shades Of politicians His past
record as a supporter of the government has been t
consistent and patriotic. The radicals knowing bis /
influence at the north are endeavoring to make the
people believe that he does not fully endorse the
presidents policy of reconstruction The following
letter from him, friend in his own State, sets thu
thing at rest
GENTLEMEN: l have delayed acknowledging the
receipt of your letter of the 7h inst in the hope that
might be able to so arrange my business as to be
absent for few days from Washington.
regret now to be under the necessity Of saying
that nv official engagements are of such a nature
that it will be of my power to accept your invita-
ton to address my feow-citizens Of Lafayette, Peru
and Fort Wayne, as requested by you, prior to the
October elections upon the momentous questions that
are expressing the attention Of the people 81 the
United States. ! regret that this is the case, as 1t
would afford great satisfaction to have fair, frank
talk wis nv old friends and acquaintance in Indiana
with whom l acted politically in times past especially
during the late civil war.
In the unfortunate controversy that has arisen be-
tween the president and congress, stand with the
former. In doing so | am not conscious OF abandon
ing any principle becoming convert to any new
T doctrine. In common with the great mass OF the
Union party have always held that the States whose
citizens rebeed against the federal government never
/ ceased to be States in the Union; and when the re-
i belion had been overcome | felt it my duty to co
operate with the president in carrying into effect the
# plan Of restoration which had been approved by ms
= amented predecessor. To that plan regarded the
party Of which member as virtually committee
by the action of its conventions and the resolutions
I, congress before Mr. johnson attempted to carry
is into effect. To that plan still committed by th
dictates of my best Judgment. 1t is, in my opinion
wise Liberal and statesmankc the only plan yet pre-
u scented which properly regards both the rights Of th
central government and the rights Of the States whic
., can be adopted with safety by the cOnquerors an
= accepted without sacrifice Of honor and manhood b
= the conquered and which leads directly to concatio
- and peace.
IS have no time to write you at length, but canine
al close this note without remarkng that the charge
made against Mr. Johnson of abandoning his principle
or Of desiring bring the present enemies Of the couI
81 try into power are like the reports in regard hi
H. habits Of personal fundamentally destitute
foundaOn-sanders of which the authors will then
selves be ashamed when the heat of party passio
se shall have subsidized. In his unprecedented remark
ill be may have INDUCED in painness and drectness
m speech unusual in the chief magistrate Of the nation
= and offensive to critical and hstidious people
but every body admits that his messages and other of
We ca communications land by these he must be judge
cal are models OF ability and good taste. Men may diff
lot with him in regard to his Of dealing with tt
/ States recently in rebellion, but no fair man cou
have been with him, have been, during the tryir
vii eighteen months Of his administration without beiI
impressed with his love of country and bis devotiC
to duty with the unselfshness and uprightness of
oil character and the honesty of his purposes That tt
principles which he advocates and represents will
indicated at the approaching elections hope and
I'VE eve OF their ultimate vindcaton | attn full
ne persuaded of the perpetuy of our repu5lict
- Institutions. have the honor to be, very truly yo
On obedient servant, HUGH MCCULLOCH
s. W. H. Talbot ESQ, and others.