Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) to Joseph B. Hawley
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08129 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 May 1868 Pagination: Order a Copy
Draft of acceptance of Republican presidential nomination: "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..."
[struck: Headquarters Army of the United States,]
Washington, D.C. May 29th 1868,
General Joseph B. Hawley,
President National Union
Republican Convention.
In finnally accepting the nomination of the "National Union Republican Convention", of the 21st of May, inst. it seems proper that some statement of views, beyond the mere acceptance of the nomination, should be expressed.
The proceedings of the Convention were marked with wisdom, moderation and patriotism, and, I believe, express the feelings of the great mass of those who sustained the country through [2] its [inserted: recent] trials. I enclose their [struck: proceedings] 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 every where. 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 dour years. New political issues, not fore seen, 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 [3] people. I always have, [struck: and always should], 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 [text loss] the National debt. Let us have peace.
With great respect,
Your obt. svt.
U. S. Grant
[envelope]
Headquarters Army of the United States
[struck: OFFICIAL BUSINESS]
General Joseph B. Hawley,
Pres. Nat. Union Convention
New Haven
Con.
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