|
Let Us Have
Peace.—On the receipt of the official notification of his
first nomination for the Presidency, he addressed to General Hawley the
following letter, concluding with one of those brief phrases for which
this " silent man " was noted:
WASHINGTON, D.
C., May 29, 1868. To Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, President National
Republican Convention: In formally accepting the nomination
of the " National Union Republican Convention " of the 21st of May last,it seems proper that some statement of
views, beyond the mere acceptance of the nomination, should be
expressed.
|
General Ulysses S. Grant's Tomb
|
|
The proceedings of the convention were
marked with wisdom, moderation, and patriotism, and, I believe,
expressed the feelings of the great mass of those who sustained the
country through its recent trials. I endorse their resolutions.
If elected to the office of President of
the United States, it will be my endeavor to administer all the laws in
good faith, with economy, and with the view of giving peace, quiet, and
protection everywhere. In times like the present, it is impossible, or
at least eminently improper, to lay down a policy to be adhered to,
right or wrong. Through an administration of four years, new political
issues, not foreseen, are constantly arising, the views of the public on
old ones are constantly changing, and a purely administrative officer
should always be left free to execute the will of the people. I always
have respected that will, and always shall. Peace and universal
prosperity, its sequence, with economy of administration, will lighten
the burden of taxation, while it constantly reduces the national debt.
Let us have peace.
With great respect, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT |
