Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-06-18
GEN GRANT AND HIS FRIENDS.

The Radicals take pleasure in referring
to the late Hon. 1. n. Morris, Of Quincy,
ILL.,, as leading Democrat. In the
Summer of 1884, we heard him de-
nounced In Illinois, even while he was
in Congress, as not only uncertain, but
political traitor. A friend insisted he
was true to the cause, and we could not
credit that so much turpitude existed in
one who appeared so earnest in his at
tachment to Democratic principles, es-
pecialIy after the denunciation we heard,
he appeared in q long Democratic ad-
dress to his constituents. And yet, in q
month or two he had wheeled directly
and squarely into the Radical line, as
though he had not one thought in COM
mon with his late Democratic friends.
This is the maA to Whom reference is
made by the Chicago Republican Of the
sth, who received a letter from Gen.
Grant, who, in speaking with his friends,
may be supposed to be under no restraint.
The Republican says:
The Hon. Isaac n. Morris, an old and
prominent Democrat Of Quincy, ILL.,,
who has repeatedly been hOnOred by his
party by being placed in high official
position, having several times represent
ed mis- district in Congress, made speech
In Quincy recently, in which he declared
that the highest welfare Of the nation
demands the election OF Gen. Grant to
the Presidency. His speech was care
fully prepared, and an able one. Col.
Morris read to the audience the follow
ing letter from Gen. Grant, written in
1854, in reply to a query from himself
whether Grant would accept the Presi-
Dental nomination or not:
NASHVILLE, TENN, January 20, 1864.
Hon. L n. Morris:
Dear Sir: Your letter Of the 29th of
December l did not receive until two
DAYS ago. ! receive many such, but do
not answer Yours, however, is written
Ia such kindly spirit, and as you ask
for an answer confidentislly, will not
withhold it. Allow me to say, however,
that l am not q politician, never was,
and hope never to be, and could not write
q political letter. My only desire is to
serve the country In her present trials. |
TO do this efficiently, it is necessary TO
have the confidence OF the army and the
people, huOh IO way W .DclISI
this end than by faithful performance
of my duties. So long as / hold ruy
present position, L do not believe that 1 |
nave the right to criticise the policy or
orders of those above me, or to give ut |
teranee to views of my own, except to |
the authorities st Washington, through |
the General in-Chief of the army. In |
this respect know l have proven N.Y.
self a good aoIdier ~
In your letter you say that have it in |
my power to be the next President. This |
is the last thing in the world | desire. l |
would regard such circumstance as be- |
ing highly unfortunate for myself, If not |
for the country. Through Providence | |
have attained to more than ever hoped, |
and with the position / now hold in the |
regular army, IL allowed to retain it, will |
be more than satisfied. certainly shall |
never shape a sentiment, or the express |
sion of a thought, with q view of being |
a candidate for office. l scarcely know |
the inducement that could be held out to |
ne to accept office, and unhesitatingly |
say that L Infinitely prefer my present |
position to that OF any civil office within |
the gift OF the people.
This is private letter to you, not in |
tended for others to see or read, because |
want to avoid being heard from by the |
public except through acts in the per- |
formance OF my legitimate duties.
| have the honor to be, very respect |
fully, yoEr obedient servant,
II : GPANT