New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-10-30
IRISH REPUBLICANS, To THE
FRONT.
A Noble Letter from Colonel j. Mcleod
MurDhv.


to the Irishmen of New Orleans
MEMPHIS, Tenn, October S, 1868.
DEAR SIE-We see il stated publicly that
you have declared yourself, in the political
contest now going on, for the nominee of
the Republican party for President and
Vice-President. If this is SO will you
please inform US. We have known you for
years by reputation, as New York State is
our place of nativity. The Irish of this
city also know you, and such a statement
will place them in position whereby they
will do the same. Many of them are almost
persuaded to do so now. Having at a
former day identified ourselves with the
Democratic party, we have thus frankly
written you upon the subject.
Respectfully your obedient servant,
II. E. HUDSON,
Chairman. etc.
P. D. BEECHER,
Chairman Executive Committee, etc.
Hon j. Mcleod Murphy, New York City.
New YORK, October IS, 1868.
GENTLEMEN-In reply to your letter of
the eighth instant, requesting to know if |
have declared publicly my determination
Of supporting the nominees of the Repub-
lican party, Grant and Colfax, for President
and Vice-President of the United States,
answer emphatically Yes; and although
still protesting myself a Democrat, I GO
further, and say that shall support every
nominee of that party who honestly desires
to aid General Grant in his efforts to re-
store "peace to the Union, now rendered,
l hope, forever indissolube.
The time has come when we must look
things in the face practically. Since the
last Presidential contest the Democratic
party has ceased to "teach by example. ="
With the failure to elect Mcclellan in 1864,
its life has been continually spasmodic and
this last effort at national organization in-
dicates the final death three. The two
great questions of slavery and of secession
are now dead beyond the possibility of
resurrection, but there remains, as the
"last button" on the threadbare coat of the
| Confederacy the doctrine of reputation.
This is the main issue of the present con-
test. 1t is, in fact, the only hope that re-
mains to the enemies of the country, by
which they expect to relight the fires OF
| revolution not by creating as in the first
instance, war between sections, but a
bloody, dishonorable and unceasing strife
| among classes.
The appeal is therefore made by the self
| constituted leaders of the old Democratic
! psrty to array capital against labor, and to
| provoke incurabie disturbances between
the rich and the poor. If this election shall
| settle finally the question that the Govern.
ment OF the United States holds to the doc
trine that the public faith, once plighted
binds the whole nation to its redemption
then we shall have disposed of the only
element that threatens the overthrow OF
national peace. But there will remain for
us, after its settlement as faithful citizens
and as old Democrats, the duty to watch
| for faithful administration of the govern
ment. This will give US enough to do, and
| always constitute nucleus around which
can cluster the controlling forces of party
| organization.
Accepting, therefore, Grant as the EN-.
| bodiment of this idea, which is to restore
internal peace and financial prosperity to
| the country, let us throw off the shackles
of mere party distinction, and unite not
only in securing his election to the Presi-
dency, but in giving strength to his admin,
| istration. Upon no people who have
sought refuge in this country have the
manaeles of party been so closely fastened
as upon the Irish whom, am proud to
say, were my aucestors). Coming here in
the hey-day of Democratic supremacy
they have adhered with religious attach,
ment to the teachings of that party but
the hour has come when they should de.
clare themselves free from its slavery, and
prove in peace what they have shown il
var.
During the siege at Vicksburg had the
honor OF serving under General Grant, and
the vicissitudes of that glorious campaign
brought me in frequent contact with him
| There learned to appreciate his rare in.
telligence, his wise reticence, his unhinch'
| ing courage, and his co ant selt-sacriiee
| 1t would be uugratetul in me now, to for
| get one who inculcated so many salutary
examples. With many thanks for youl
kind expressions and your remembrance
OF me, l remain, very respectfully, youl
obedient servant
J. MCLEOD MURPHY,
Messrs. H. E. Hudson, P D. Beecher Chairman
| etc.