Year: 1864

edge the receipt of your letter informing
me Of my nomination by the Democratic
National Convention; recently assembled at
Chicago, as their candidate at the next elec-
ton for President of the United States


1t is unnecessary for me to say to you
that this nomination comes to me unsought


am happy to know that when the nomi-
nation was made the record of my public
life was kept in view.


The effect of long and varied service in
the army during war and peace has been
to strengthen and make indelible in my
mind and heart the love and reverence for
the Union, Constitution, laws, and flag of
our country, impressed upon me in early
youth.


Those feelings have thus far guided the
course of my life, and must continue to do
SO to its end l-. .'34. f..


The existence of more than one govern
ment over the region which once owned our
flag is incompatible with the peace, the
power, and the happiness of the people.


The preservation of our Union was the
sole avowed object for which the war was
commenced. 1t should have been conduc-
ted for that object only, and in accordance
with those principles which took occasion
to declare when In active service.


Thus conducted, the work ofreconciliation
would have been easy, and we might have
reaped the benefits of our many victories q,
land and sea. sl, s. ',


The Union was originally formed by the
exercise OF a spirit OF cancellation and com
promise. To restore and preserve it, the
same spirit must prevail IN our councils, and
tn the hearts of the people.


The re-establishment Of the Union in all
It's integrity ls and must continue to be, the
indispensable condition in any settlement.
80 soon as IT is clear, or even probable, that
our present advcrsaries are ready for peace,
upon the basis Of the Union, we should ex-
haust all the resources of craftsmanship
practiccd by civilized nations, and taught by
the traditions of the American people, con
sistent with the honor and interests of the
country, to secure such peace, re-establish
the Union, and guarantee for the future the
constitutional rights of every State. The
Union is the one condition of peace--we ask
no more. s.r F... ..'-.'


Let NE add what doubt not was, although
unexpressed, the sentiment of the convention
as it is Of the people they represent, that
when any one state is willing to return to
the Union, iysshould be received at once
with full guarantee of all its constitutional
rights. ai ......


If frank, earnest, and persistent effort
to obtain those objects should fail, the re-
sponsibility for ulterior consequences will
fall upon those who remain in arms against
the Union. But the Union must be preserv-
ed at all hazards.


| could not look in the face my gallant
comrades OF the army and navy, who have
survived so many bloody battles, and tell
them that their labors and the sacrifice of so
many of our slain and wounded brethren
had been in vain that we had abandoned
that Union for which we have so often per-
lied our lives.


\ vast majority Of our people, whether
in the army and navy or at home, would as
| would, hail with unbounded JOY the peri
manent restoration OF peace, on the basis of
the Union under the Constitution, without
the eifusion OF another drop Of blood But
no peace can be permanent without Union,


As to the other subjects presented in the
resolutions of the convention, | need only
say that should seek, in the Constitution
of the United States and the laws framed
in accordance Herewith. the rule Of my du
ty, and the limitations of executive power
enJeavor to restore economy in public ex
renditure re-eStablish the supremacy Of:
law, and, by the operation Of more vigor-
ons' nationality, resume our commanding
position among the nations of the earth,


The condition Of our finances, The depreci
alton ot' the paper money, and the burdens
thereby imposed on labor and capital, show
the-necessity of a return to sound financial
ay> tenn; while the rights Of citizens and the
rights of states, and the binding authority Of
law over President, army, and people, are
subject of not less vital importance in war
than in peace. .@. r.- e
,a Believing that the views here expressed
are those Of the convention and the people
ySu represented except the nomination.


realize the weight Of the responsibility
to be borne should the people latify your
choice 'HT"-


Conscious Of my own weakness, I can on,
" seek fervently the guidance Of the Ruler Of
the universe. and, relying on His all power
full aid, do my best to restore Union and
peace to suffering people, and to establish
and guard their liberties and rights.


| am, gentleman, very respectfully,


-..tl Your obedient servant,


,'8N GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN. 4
Hon. HoRAT1o SEYMOUR, and others, Com
| .IA. .rl.-F. ftf fi ! . =