Year: 1861

GAINESVILLE, Aug. 10, 1861.
WIN. A. Johnson, ESQ, Secretary Dem


ocratic State Central Committee


Sr--I am in receipt of your favor OF
the Sth inst, advising me of my "nomi-
nation by the Democratic Union Conven-
tion as their candidate for the office of
Governor at the ensuing election" and
expressing the hope that would accept it..


Under ordinary circumstances, to be
nominated for the highest Office in the
gift of the people of the third State in
the Union, by Convention so numerous
ly attended and representing SO large and
respectable portion of the people of the
State would be mark of respect and con
fidencc of which any citizen might well
feel proud but in view of the extraor-
dinary and alarming state of affairs in
which we are placed, to be indicated by
any considerable portion Of my fellow.
citizens as a suitable person to discharg,
the duties which must devolve upon the
Executive of this State is the highest
honor which they could confer--an honor
which trust | fully appreciate, and one
which by no future act of my life hope,
will be shown to have been unwortliily be-
slowed.


Without considering the causes which
have preceded and contributed to the re-
belion now going on in some Of the
Southern States against the Government
or the measures which those in charge Of
the Government may deem it necessary
to take to suppress the rebellion or to pre-
vent its extension, it is perhaps proper
that in this communication | should state
briefly my views upon the great issue now
before the people.


In one section of the country a rebel
lion exists-the laws Of the land are put
at defancc-the Union of the States ig-
nored-thc Constitution set aside, and
another, at once the offspring Of and
apology for this rebellion is sought to be
substituted in it's stead. In the prosecu
tion of their designs the parties instiga
ting and leading this rebellion have seized
upon the property Of the Government,
driven its officers and soldiers from their
posts Of duty, and by armed violence have
sought to humiliatc our flag and to over
awe the Gvernment. These parties had
no doubt, carefully calculated the chances
Of success, and having no sympathy in
common with the great body of their pco-
pie, determined at all hazards, and at any
cost OF treasure aud OF blood to attempt
the execution of their unwise and wicked
purposes With such men have no
compromises to make-to such have no
terms to offer, other than an uncondi-
tional submission by them to the Union,
the Constitution and the laws.


But in my opinion the number of this
class of men is small. The great body of
the people South are loyal to the Gov
ernment, their sympathy is with it and
for it, il the real nature Of the controversy
was fairly before them, and they we, G per
mitted to act in accordance with their own
feelings and judgments. 1t is the loyal
people of the South who must suffer the
most from the continuance OF hostllitles.
4 would, therefore, in Justice to them rs
well as to ourselves; for the sake of our
common country; for the sake OF human
ity, undeceive them. would invite them
into q National Convention, where they
might consult together for our common
good, and by wise measures provide
against any and every line Of policy which
ii perscvercd in must result in our com.
mon ruin. For the rest Grafton OF harmo-
ny between the States sympathy among
the people, aud for the preservation 0!
the Union, | would make any reasonable
and honorable concession, not to the
traitor, but to disarm the traitor, by un
deceiving the betrayed.


In making proliers OF peace and propos-
ing terms OF conclliation, / would not
overlook the fact that the rebellion is in
the hands OF these who arc opposed to
unreasonable and peaceful adjustment OF
present diff cultcs, short OF submission to
the policy and acknowledgement OF their
independence acknowledgment which
] trust no considerable number of our peo-
Pile ever have been. are now or ever will
be prepared to make. | would therefor,
an no way weaken the arm of the Coy
eminent, in no way impair tho efficiency
of our army, but on the contrary, as
matter of economy as well as OF humanity
would impart vigor and energy to both
and with every peace Offering, there shoul,
be the alternative Of war or Submission


Under no circumstances would | con
sent to dissolution of the Union, or con
slider terms of separation.


These are briefly the views | entertain
upon the all important question before the
people. II elected TO the Office OF Gov
ernor, 1 can only promise that upon this
and all other questions upon which may
be called to act, looking to the best in
terests Of the whole people. and ayailnt
myself Of all the lights which may thol
be before me vii. discharge whatever du
~ may dcvolve upon me to the bost o
my ability; and whilst | would have tn
benefit of the experience of those who hav'
preceded mo. could not expect to escap
altogether that censure which an exclte'
public mind is prone to visit upon thos'
who may represent them in the manage
ment interests 30 vast and varied as thos'
of our State


Very Respectfully.


ii. j JEWETT.