Year: 1860

Gentlemen In accordance with the verbal as
surance which gave you when you placed in my
hands the authentic evidence of my nomination for
the Presidency by the National Democratic party,
now send you my formal acceptance.


Upon careful examination of the platform of
principles adopted at Charleston, and re-afirmed at
Baltimore with nm additional resolution, which is
in perfect harmony with the others find it to be q
faithful embodiment Of the time-honored principles
of the Democratic party, as the same were pro-
claimed and understood by all parties in the Presi-
dental contests of l648, 1882 1856. Upon look
ing into the proceedings of the Convention, also,
find that the nomination was made with great una
nimity in the presence and with the concurrence Of
more than two-ihirds of the whole number of DEL
egates. aud in exact accordance with the long es-
tablished usages of the party.


Ny infexble purpose not to be candidate nor
to accept the nomination" underany contingency ex-
cept as the regular nominee of the National Demo-
cratic party aud, in that case only on the condition
that the usages well the principles of the par
ty, should he strictly adhered to- had been proclaimed
fora long time, and became well known to the
country. These conditions, having all been COM
piled with by the free and voluntary action of the
Democratic muses., and their faithful representa-
tives, without any agency interference procure
ment on my part, feel bound in honor and duty
to accept the nomination.


In taking this step, am pot unmindful of the
responsibilities il imposes bur with firm reliance
upon Divine Providence have faith that the peo-
pie will comprehend the true nature of the issues
involved and eventually maintain their rights The
peace of the country and the perpetuaton of the
Union have been put in jeopardy by attempts to in
terere with and control the domestic affairs of the
people in the Territories through the agency Of the
Federal Government. If the power and duty of
the Federal Government is to be conceded two hos
tile sectional parties must be the inevitable result
the one infaming the passions and ambition of the
North, and the other of the South and each stnp-
Cling to use the Federal power and authority for
the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of its own section at the ex-
pense Of the equal rights of the other and in dcro
cation Of those fundamental principles-the princi-
pies Of elfgoyernment-whicb were firmly estab-
lished in this country by the American Revolution
as the basis of our entire republican system. During
the memorable period of cur history, where the ad-
vocates of Federal intervention upon the subject of
slavery in the Territories had well nigh precipitated
the country into revolution the Northern interven-
tionits demanding the Wimot Proviso for the pro-
hibition of slavery and the Southern intervention
lists, then few in number, and without single
representative in either House of Congress insisting
upon Congressional legislation for the protection of
slavery in opposition TO the wishes of the people
In either case VIII be remembered il required all
the wisdom, power aud influence of Clay, Webster
and Cass, supported by the conservative and patr-
otic men Of the Wing and Democratic parties of
that day, TO devise aud carry out line of policy
which would restore peace to the country and sta
bilty 10 the Union.


The essential living principle OF that policy, as
applied TO the legislation of 1880 was and now is,
non-inieryenti0n by Congress with slavery in the
Territories. The fair application of this Just and
equitable principle, restored harmony and fraternity
to n distracted country. II we now depart from
the wise and just policy which produced these hap
py results and permit the country to be again dis
tracted, il not preeipitated into revolution by
sectional contest between pro-savery and anti-sla-
very inter enonists, where shall elook foranother
Clay, another Cass another Webster, to pilot the
ship of State over the breakers, into a haven of
peace and safety?


The Federal Union must be preserved The
Constitution must be maintained inviolate in ali its
parts every right guaranteed by the Constitution
must be pro eted by it, In all cases where legsla-
tion is necessary TO its enforcement, the judicial
authority, provided in the Constitution, must be
sustained, ana its decisions implicitly Obeyed and
faithfully executed the laws must be administered
and the constituted authorities upheld aud all un-
lawful resistance to these things must he met With
tirmness impartiaity and fidelity il we expect to
heritnnce which have received in trust from the
patriots and sages Of the revolution


With sincere thanks for the kind and agreeable
manner in which you have made known TO me the
action of the Convention


have the honor to be,


Very Respectfully,


Your friend and fellow-citzen,


S. A, DOUGLAS.