[Strictly
Private.]
WASHINGTON, (D. C.) FEBRUARY, 1864
SIR: The movements recently made throughout the country to
secure the renomination of President Lincoln render necessary some
counteraction on the part of those unconditional friends of the Union who
differ from the policy of his administration.
So long as no efforts were made to forestall the political
action of the people it was both wise and patriotic for all true friends of the
Government to devote 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 perpetuation of
the present Administration, those who conscientiously believe that the interests
of the country and of freedom demand a change in favor of vigor and purity and
nationality, have no choice but to appeal at once to the people, before it
shall be too late to secure a fair discussion of principles.
Those in behalf of whom this communication is made have
thoughtfully surveyed the political field, and have arrived at the following
conclusions:
1. That, even were the re-election of Mr. Lincoln desirable,
it is practically impossible against the union of influences which will oppose
him.
2. That should he be re-elected his manifest tendency
towards the compromises and temporary expedients of policy will become stronger
during a second term than it has been in the first, and the cause of human
liberty and the dignity and honor of the nation suffer in proportionately;
while the war may continue to languish during his whole Administration, till
the public debt shall become a burden too great to be borne.
3. That the patronage of the Government, through the
necessities of the war, has been so rapidly increased, and to such an enormous
extent, and so loosely placed, as to render the application of the “one term
principle” absolutely essential to the certain safety of our republican
institutions.
4. That we find united in Hon. Salmon P. Chase more of the
qualities needed in a President during the next four years than are combined in
any other available candidate; his record, clear and unimpeachable, showing him
to be a statesman of rare ability, and an administrator of the very highest
order, while his private character furnishes the surest obtainable guaranty of
economy and purity in the management of public affairs.
5. That the discussion of the Presidential question, already
commenced by the friends of Mr. Lincoln, has developed a popularity and
strength in Mr. Chase unexpected even to his warmest admirers; and, while we
are aware that this strength is at present unorganized and in no condition to
manifest its real magnitude, we are satisfied that it only needs systematic and
faithful effort to develop it to an extent sufficient to overcome all opposing
obstacles.
For these reasons, the friends of Mr. Chase have determined
on measures which shall present his claims fairly and at once to the
country. A central organization has been
effected, which already has its connections in all the States, and the object
of which is to enable his friends every where most effectually to promote his
elevation to the Presidency. We wish the
hearty co-operation of all those in favor of the speedy restoration of the
Union upon the basis of universal freedom, and who desire an administration of
the Government, during the first period of its new life, which shall, to the
fullest extent, develop the capacity of free institutions, enlarge the resources
of the country, diminish the burdens of taxation, elevate the standard of
public and private morality, vindicate the honor of the Republic before the
world, and in all things make our American nationality the fairest example for
imitation which human progress have ever achieved.
If these objects meet your approval, you can render
efficient aid by exerting yourself at once to organize your section of the
country, and by corresponding with the Chairman of the National Executive
Committee, for the purpose of either of receiving or imparting information.
Very respectfully,
S. C. POMEROY,
Chairman National Executive
Committee.
_______________
* This circular was not written by Mr. Pomeroy, but by Mr.
James M. Winchell, secretary of the committee. Mr. Pomeroy signed it as chairman of the committee.
SOURCES: Weekly National Intelligencer,
Washington, D. C., Thursday, February 25, 1864, p. 1; Jacob William Schuckers, The Life and Public Services of Salmon
Portland Chase, p. 499-500.
