Year: 1864




As the following Circular Letter, though marked
strictly private" has found its way to the light
in the columns of a city contemporary, we give it
insertion in our own, as belonging to the current
political history of the times through which we
are passing. The fact that it is marked strictly
private" may perhaps be justly said to have pro-
cured for it an earlier publicity than it would have
otherwise received, and as the originators of this
movement in favor of the present distinguished
Secretary of the Treasury could not have expected
to give force and effect to their views by any thing
less than public indication of their preferences
the circular was in any event, destined sooner or
later to take the shape Of public manifesto At
any rate, no one will dispute the right its authors
possess, in common with their countrymen to can
vass the claims Of rival candidates for the next
Presidential term, destined to cover period
fraught with issues that will require the highest
craftsmanship which the nation can command 1t
was perhaps impossible for them to express their
preferences for the eminent citizen they have desg
mated without seeming to come in conflict with the
claims of the present incumbent Of the Office to
reelection, but as the whole subject has been
already opened by the friends of the latter, there
can, we suppose, be no complaint as to the time
illness of this demonstration.


[Strictly Privafs


WAsHINGToN, I'd. c. FEBRUARY, 1864


SIR: The movements recently made throughout the
country To secure the re nomination of President Lincoln
render necessary counteracton the part those
unconditional friends of the Union who differ from the
policy OF his Administration.


Oannr tor
action OF the people it both and patriotic for all
true friends of the Government to their influence
to the suppression of the rebellion But when it becomes
evident that party machinery and official influence are
being used to secure the perpeuaton Of the Ad
minstraton those who conscentously believe that the
interests OF the country and of freedom demand change
IN favor Of vgor and purity and nationality have choice
but to appeal at to the people, before it shall
late to secure fair discussion of principles


Those IN behalf of whom this communication is made
have thoughfully surveyed the political field and have
arrived at the following conclusions:


That even we're the reelection of Mr. Lincoln desir-
able, IT is practically impossible against the union Of
fuences which will oppose him.


2 That should he be reelected his manifest tendency
towards compromises and temporary expedents of policy
will become stronger during second term than has been
in the first and the of human liberty and the dignity
aud honor OF the nation suffer prop0rtonatey while the
war may continue to angush during his whole Admins.
raton till the public debt shall become burden too great
to be borne.


g. That the patronage of the Government through the
necessities of the war; has been rapidly increased and
10 such extent and SO loosely placed as tn
render the application Of the term principle" abso-
lutey essential to the certain safety of republican
sttutions.


\. That we find united in Hon Salmon p Chase more
of the qualities needed in President during the
years than combined any other available candidate
his record clear and unmpeacbabe showing him TO be
statesman OF rare ability and administrator of the very
highest order while his private character furnishes the
sures obansbe guaranty OF economy and purity the
management oi public affairs.


S. That the discussion Of the Presidential question,
already commenced by the friends of Mr. Lincoln has de-
veoped popularity and strength in Mr. Chase expected
to bis warmest admirersi and while aware
that this strength is at present unoganzed and in
diti0n to manifest it's ea magnitude satisfied that
it only needs systematic and faithful effort to develop to
extent sufficient to all opposing obstacles


For these REASONS the friends OF Mr. Chase have deter
mined which shall present his claims fairly
and at once to the country central organization has
been effected which al eady has its connections in all the
States, and the object of which to enable his friends
every where most eectualy to promote his elevation to
the Presidency We wish the hearty corporation OF all
those favor Of the speedy restoration Of the Union upon
the basis OF universal freedom and who desire admins
traon Of the government during the FIRST period Of its
life, WHICH shall to the fullest extent develop the
capacity Of free Institutions enlarge the resoprceo Of the
country, diminish tbs burdegs 0 ta1 a0n elevate the
standard public and private morality vIndoste the honor
of the Republic before the world and ia all things make
American nationality the farest example for imitation
which human progress has achieved


III these objects meet your approval you can render
efficient aid by eXetnR yourself ut organize your
section of the country and by corresponding with the
Chairman of the National Executive Committee for the
purpose either u receiving or impartjng information


Very respectfully,


s. G. POMEROY,


Chairman National Executive Committee