The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1868-06-05
Acceptance Of Ge.erni Gr".t.


acceptance Of Gcserai Gr0nf.
Gen. ]. r. Hawley, President Of the Conven-
ton, delivered the following address to General
Grant, on officially notifying him Of his nomi-
nation by the Republicans'
Gcnrrsl-The National Union Republican
party, assembled in National Convention on the
10Th Of this month. appointed us tho officers Of
the Convention, to wait upon you. In obedience
to its instructions we give to yOr copy OF the
record Of its provoking. You will perceive that
il was governed by most patriotic motives, har-
monious, enthusiastic and determined. Wemcan,
In your own words, to save in peace what VIC
won in war. We mean to make II . solemn prac-
teal reality In the Unitel States that all men are
created equal, endowed by their Creator with
certain inalienable rights, among which are life.
liberty and pursuit Of happiness. We intend
that there shall never he cause or opportunity ior
A civil war In this nation, originated either py
tboee who would cnslave their fellow men or
those who must fight to regain their freedom.
We believe that there can be no permanent pcace
save In Justice aud equal rights and tho equality
Of all men before the. We hope TO SEC our Gov
crument reaching to the remotest corner and to
the humblcst person, securing TO him by Impair
tial and irresistible power his personal safety,
the right TO the avais Of his labor and the right
and the opportunity for phsical, mental and
moral advancement. The best guarantee for
the continuance for such Government
Il 10 give al classes an impartial
share In Its management We most honestly de-
sire speedy return of the policy and measures
Of peaceful times. None long for . fully restor-
oil Union than those who sustained the Govern.
ment during the late deceitful war, but the dead
have left trust In our hands. We long for
peace and good will, but we have no friends
who oppress their fellow men. We do not idly
or hopeiessly ask for indemnity for the past, we
seek only security for the future. You will sec
that the Convention believes that integrity, SIM
plicity and economy in governmental affairs are
the duties Of good citizens and honorable men.
II makes the strict fulfllment Of national oblga-
tons point Of honor to be waived, what the
civilized world recognizes M full and final pay
ment, and the only payment the Union Repub-
lican party will ever consent to tender. The
equal rights Of adopted citizens are clearly as
serted, and all people who love our Government
are hospitably invited to come and enjoy its
benefits and contributes to its strength. The
Convention spoke Of nothing moro warmly than
preferring hearty welcome, to those who lately
in arms against us, are now frankly and hon
estly cooperating in restoring peace anu estab-
fishing truly free government.
During the last thrcc years countless fndica-
tons Of the peoples choice for the next lfesi-
dcncy have been conferred upon yourself. Hav-
ing made its statement Of principles and pur-
noes. the convention deliberately and formally,
State by State, Territory by Territory, resolved
the will Of its constituents and unanimously
named you for President Of the United States,
following the work by tumultuous and long con-
tinucd manifestations Of joy, pride and conf
dence. We know that you will be faithful to the
Constitution and the Laws, and to the sympa-
thics and principles that you arc called to rep
resent. ....... $780,. -,
We know that you will not seek to enforce
upon the unwilling representatives OF the people
any policy Of your own dcvising, for you have
said that "thc viii Of the people Is the law'o
the land.' The records Of the war and Of your
subsequent fidelity, afford the evidence that the
nation can safely and wisely place you in tho
Chair Of Washington and Lincoln. In behalf Of
the Convention VIC tender you its nomination Tor
President, and solicit Its acceptance. We can
giyo you no higher proof Of our gratitude for
your past, or our confidence in your future.
.IT REPLY or GEN. GRANT.
Amer the applause with which the above speech
was received and ceased, Gen. Grant replied as
follows: .,.t... a
Mr.. President and gentlemen Of the National
Union onyention:--l will en,lcayor In q very
short time To write you letter accepting tho
trust you have imposed upon me, (applause) ;and
oxprcssing my gratitude for the con6le,cs you
have placed In me. l viii now say lat little,
and that is. thank you for the unanimity with
which you have selected me as u cI..date Tor
the Presidential office. can say In addition to
this, that looked on during the progress OF the
proceed ngs at Chicago with agrcat deal OF In.
tercst, and am gratite,l with the harmony and
unanlmity which seems to have governed tho
deliberations Of the convention. II chosen to
al the high office for which you have selectet
me, l will give to its duties the same eneIgy'
the n.n,e spirit anil the same will that l have
given to the performances Of all tho dutie
which have dcyolyed onlmc heretofore. heth-
er I shall DO able to perform these duties to-
your entire satisfaction it will rcmain to lie de-
tcrminei. You have truly said in the course OF
your address, that shall have no policy OF my
own to enforce against the win Of the people.
As the General concluded his speech, there
was long continued applause.