Year: 1860

been suggested TO me; but all the reasons above
indicated, which led me in advance to decline
such a nomination, apply with equal force to
the Vice Presidency These reasons ofcours, e
still exist in unimpaired force, and | cannot
now take an active part in politics without
abandoning deliberately formed purpose, and
even exposing myselfto the suspicion of insin-
cerity in It's persistent avowal


Without dwelling upon these considerations,
Of which, however, am sure the weight will
be admitted beg leave to advert for mo-
ment to my connection with the movement for
the purchase Of Mount Vernon, to which your
letter alludes in such obliging terms. The favor
which has attended my exertions in that cause
(f may with indelicacy say anything ON that
suhiect) has been mainly the result of my
known and recognized disconnection from
party politics If il could have been even
pausibly insinuated that was, or intended to
become, a candidate for high political honors,
| should inmy various excursions in aid of
that fund, have laid myself open TO the impu-
tation of speaking one word for Mount Yer
non and two for myself As it is, the people
throughout the Union have generously given
me credit for having a single eye to that meri-
torious object As far as the purchase of
Mount Vernon is concerned, that object has
been effected, under the iudicious and efficient
management Of the Regent and Vice Regents
of the Association, with the aid of their active
and intelligent assistants throughout the
Union But n sum of money equal 10 that
already raised is still wanting for the repair of
the mansion, the enclosure of the land pur-
chased, the restoration of the house and
grounds, as far as practicable, TO their cond-
ton in 1900, and the establishment of per-
manent fund for their conservation ] own
that | am desirous still to enjoy the privileges
of cooperating IN this noble work, which,
however, it will he impossible for me to do TO
any advantage whatever may be the result of
the present canvass, if | am now drawn into
the vortex of strenuously contested election
There are many parts of the country which
have not yet visited. ] had promised myself
rich harvest from the patriotic liberality of
The States on the Gulf Of Mexico, and of those
on the Mississippi river, (Which have not yet
been able to visit, with the exception of Mis-
souri,, though often kindly invted) and con
iess that it is very painful to me to withdraw
from that broad field of congenial labor to
tread the thony and thankless paths politics


Apart from the pecuniary aspects Of the case
which, however are Of considerable impor-
tance, will candidly say, that in holding mp
to the admring yeneration Of the American
people the peerless name of Washington (al-
most the only bond of fraternal sentiment
which the bitterness of our sectional contro-
versies has left us1 feel as if was doing
more good, as far as | am able to do any good,
and contributing more to revise the kindly
feeling which once existed between North and
South, and which is now grieve to sav.
nearly extinct, than could possibly do by
engaging in the wretched scramble for Office.
xgh oh 10 Urnp pf thn do hot
threaten the country,


These considerations and others Of still
more personal nature, have necessarily occa-
stoned me to reflect long and anxiously before
accepting the nomination with which the I'm
ion Convention has honored me, In yielding
at length to the earnest solicitations which
have been addressed to me, from the most re-
spectacle sources in almost every part of the
Union, | make painful sacrifice of inelina-
ton to what | am led TO believe public duty
1t has been urged upon me, and | cannot de-
ny that such is my own feeling that we have
fallen upon times which call upon all good
citizens, at whatever cost of personal conve-
nience, to contribute their share however
humble, to the public service.


L suppose it to bh the almost universal i'm
pression-itis is certainly mine-that the exist
ing state of affairs is extremely critical Our
political controversies have substantially as
sumed almost purely sectional character
that of the fearful struggle between the North
and the South 1t would not be difficult to
show at length the perilous nature and tend
ency of this struggle, but | can only say, ON
this occasion, that, in my opinion, it cannot
be much longer kept up without rending the
Union, do not mean that either of the
great parties in the country desires or aims
at q separation of the States as a final object,
although there are extremists in considerable
numbers who have that object in view, While
a potent and balefll influence is exercised
by men of this class in both sections of the
Union, portion of the conservative masses
are insensibe and gradually goaded into cor.
egrrence with opinions and sentiments with
whlch' Ill the outset tney had no sympathy
Meantime, almost wholly neglecting the main
pnohc interests, our political controversies
turn more ana more on questions IN reference
to which, as abstract formula, the great sec
TONS oi the country dlher lrreeoncilably
though there rs nothing practically important
at stake which requires the discussion to be
kept up These controversies are carried on
with steadily increasing bitterness and exas-
peration. The passions thus kindled have
already led to acts OF violence and bloodshed,
approaching to evil war in the Territories
and attempted servlle insurrecton IN the
States The great religious and philanthropic
associations OF the country are snndered, and
the kindly social relations OF North and South
seriously impaired Inc national House OF
Representatives, hoyering on the verge of
anarchy, requires weeks to eject the organ.-