Year: 1860

NASHVILLE, July 22d, 1860.


Tear Sir Your letter. of the 9th instant receiv
ed days since and it is due to you well myself
TO state the causes which have delayed my 10 this
late day. and to explain what otherwise mghbe imputed
to me discouresy. Such statement is due TO nu-
merous other gentlemen, who in the last month or six
weeks have addressed letters Of inquiry TO me- from diff
eent quarters Of the country, as to my views and opn-
ions on the prominent questions at issue in the pen
ding canvass, and which have received no answer.


To the inquiries in all such letters there but ono
reply as conceived which could consistently and pro-
pery be made under the circumstances Of my poston
which was 10 refer the writers to my past course to the
views and opinions have heretofore held and expressed
on the subjects questions embraced in their letters
But it appeared that reply, containing nothing
more than such general reference, without pointing
out the particular votes speeches. and other evidences
of what had said done in connection with the ques
,ions made the subjects of inquiry, or stating where
they TO be found would be ungracous, TO say the
least Of IT, To make such references in my answers
would far exceed the ordinary limits Of letter, and
concluded that it would be more convenient and
satisfactory to both parties to accompany my an
swers with printed colec ion Of such Of my speeches
and letters have direct bearing upon the sui ecs Of
controversy Of such copous extracts thereirom as
to leave nothing to be supplied by further quotations
from them. The preparation Of such compilation
Immediately commenced by member OF the Central
Union Committee of Tennessee Il is now completed
and | transmit herewith copy Of It, printed in the





later than anticipated by me, and hence my
to your letter, well to Others, has been delayed
week beyond the time had proposed to myself to an
swer them.


For the reasons which mpel to decline any further
answer the inquiries in your letter, refer you TO the
first aud second pages Of the National Union" You
will observe that the ground there taken is that would
be inconsistent with the declared views of the
tiOn which placed me in the position | occupy be-
fore the public 10 make any new declaration of princ
10, Obalta md Tho
authority Of the nominating convention against sny
proIch may incur in consequence of the course have
thought it my duty TO pursue in relation TO this subject
Had been a member Of the convention, | would have
resisted the adoption Of any platform, or other declra
ton of principles not embraced implied in the threa
fundamental propositions objects Intended to be main
tanned and secured by the National Union party and
which constitute the basis Off organization The Con-
sution, the Union aud te Enforcement Of the Laws.
The great aim Of the National Union party
is to restore peace, with justice to both Sec
tons Of the Union-not TO perpetuae strife
Whatever may be the policy or designs of others,
North and South, who in their letters have insisted
upon their right as matter OF principle TO, call upon
me TO declare my views and opinions Apon any or all the
questions which have become the of controversy
in the present canvass and contend that cannot
fuse compliance with their demands without violation
of the obligation they assume TO exist on my part q
candidate for public place, have no distrus Of your
sincerity and good faith in making the earnest appeals
70 NHCu yOu w ~ gOur lc'ter, COuIhei
which hope you will, upon reflection perceive would
not be ia conformity with the intentions and expecta-
ons Of these who chose to be their leader and the
representative of their policy and principles nor do
doubt youI sincere desire to support the Union ticket
il you can do Consistently with your Of public
duty 1t is therefore, with deep regret that find my
self constrained differ with you in any of your views
aud most Of all TO have TO say to you that cannot go
beyond the record of my political lfe in responding to
the questions presented in your letter.


II, in the authehic exposition Of my course upon the
hect Of slavery running through period of twenty
FIVE years; you can nd nothing 10 inspire you with oon.
dence that in the event of my election would
ploy the power and influence of the Elective Depart
ment Of the Government 10 give no just ground Of
complaint to the South or any other section Of the
UniOn while would regret the loss of your support aud
that of your friends could not reasonably expect to
ceive il.


You are at liberty to make any use Of this letter you
may think proper.


am, with great respect, and the most friendly re-
gard Your


0bedient servant


JOHN BELL.
| Col THOMAS WATTS.