Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1867-07-11


--GEN. b. r. C6wES-D Dear ST. :, After
ssrnest and full delberation my original
purpose To decline the nomination con-
ferred upon me by the Union ConVen-
tion remains unchanged. VIII you be
pleased to communicate to the state
CAntrai COMMITTEES The fact of myjnon-
acceptaiice, so That the vacancy my be
filled? avail myself of this opportu-
nifty to make known to all who may be
interested in the information, and
especially to those who have given me
their sincere support and confidence,
some of the reasons which, In my jud,s-
ment, justify my present action.
Firstly. The nomination Is unacccpt-
able-not merely that it was unsolicited
and undesirable, but becaiise it was made
inopposition TO my explicit avowals and
pledges that | could not and would not
accept any other position than the first
on the ticket. A ambition, in its normal
condition, usually assumes an upward
direction, and mine is not claimed to be
exceptional. My aspirations did not em-
brace the mental reservation. that il l
could not rise to decided honor, | would
ssnk to q doubtful compliment. Having
acted in the capacity of Secretary OF
State, and Superintendent OF. Common
Schools at theIage of thirty-three, and of
o member, of Congress at forty-three;
nation that my utterances, tolls, ana
sacrifices within these past ten years of
fierce political conflict have been quite
equal to those of any other OhiOan, Is 1t
not presumable by persons OF ordinary
taste and intelligence, that a position
where my capacities would be in state
of suspended animation forseven or eight
months, in " perlodsof two years, would
not be agreeable. In accordance with
fool ltun nd hn
franklin County delegation (whose bear
ing on that occasion commands my grate-
full remembrance promptly SWithdrew
nv name when il was first announced
for the Lieutenant Govcrnorship, and
apnin. after personal interview with its
chairman, and by my special instructions,
IL was made known TO the Convention
that would not consent to accept that
position. NV ObjectiOnsto accepting the
honor were fully and freely communica-
ted to the committee appointed by the
Convention to report the fact OF my
nomination and Notwithstanding the
earnest appeals of those sincere and en-
thusiastic friends my purpose remained
unchanged. 1t was not until my esteem
ed friend from Muskingum declared that
he would not carrys back my message OF
unconditional alnon-acceptance, that con-
sented to take the subject under advise
ment--and report to the state Central
Committee. My consultations, person.
ally and by, correspondence, with my
mostjudicious and unimpassionedf friends
since the Convention, h0vebut strength
ensd INV convictions M TO the propriety
Of my action. May tnOt pertinently in
quire why was not the withdrawal OF my
name treated with ~ kind and favora-
hie consideration by the Convention as
thai Of other peraons who were announ-
rad I'D Withdrawn aa candidates in the
,nYne hour. and is there resting upon
me ANY enecial Obligation to make n sac
ritlce Of self-respect, Of personal dignity
and comfort, which no other man SINH
larly circurnstanced il prepared TO make
SECONDLY. l have neither the taste
nor mental qualities and habits adapted
TO tho functions of the presiding officer
OF the Ohio Senate. Distinguished as
the position ~, it does not suit my mer-
curial temperameut The most elevated
chair In deiberative assembly, with
ont the privilege Of participating in its
proceedings, would bc to me but an hon
orabe imprisonment.
Thirdly. II would be alike ineXpedi-
ent and unwise for me, in the present
condition Of my health and private af-
fairs, 10 engage in an excited and pro-
trscted political canvass. 1T Is well
known to my personal friends that, for
the cause specified | hesitated, even
until within few days of the meeting
OF the Convention, ~ to the proprlety
OF having my name submitted TO the
Convention concluded, however, that
for SO important prize as the Executive
chair Of the Stateo Ohio, and the lead
srshfp in n campaign involving prin-
clples very dear to my heart, / could
bravely meet the tolls of the severest
struggle and submit 70 n large pecuniary
sacrifice. IT II not, however, proper, moi
am / prepared tu irnperil life, assume tho
responsibility OF deeply important cam.
paign, and sacrifice nv pecuriiary In
terests and social and domestic comfort
for 40 unattractiye n adlstlnction. and such
unwelcome duties as arc connected with
the position TO which | hnye been mvi.
ted. NV patriotsln during tho war could
and did accommodate itself TO very sub,
ordiaAte and oppressive duties, but II
cannot extend To such enlarged propor
tions In this time of peace. Asny init
mate friends well know, whoundeTstant
the full signif,cance of INV plea of i'm
suficient phyaical energy for the dutIe,
~ An active EoliIicsJ poypnaign that n
would he much easier for me in view O.
nav h,turn cnmTnrt ana uso,ninnoa +,