Herald Of The Valley

MISCELLANEOUS.

[From the Harrisburg Commonwealth.]

We feel much satisfaction in laying before our readers the following letter from the "hero of New Orleans," in answer to one addressed to him by the committee appointed to draft an address to the people of the Union, on the subject of the next Presidential election, appointed at a meeting of the citizens of this county, held on the 21st Jan. last:

Nashville Feb. 23, 1823.

Gentlemen—Your letter of the 3d. inst. with the Harrisburg paper entitled the "Commonwealth," containing the address you have alluded to has been this day received. The complimentary manner in which my fellow citizens of Pennsylvania have been pleased to notice my military services, and their voluntary expressions of respect and confidence in me, has excited, on my part, a proper sense of gratitude. As a committee, appointed to draft an address to the people of the United States on the subject of the next presidential election you ask to be informed "Whether I can or do approve of my name being used at this time as a candidate for the presidency of the United States."

I should have consulted my own feelings by continuing to avoid speaking on the subject, but the respectable source from whence the enquiry emanates prohibits any but a candid notice of your communication.

My understanding rule of conduct through life, and which I have and ever shall deem as congenial with the true republican principles of our government, has been, neither to seek or decline public invitations to office. For the services which I may have rendered, and which have, it is hoped, proved in a degree beneficial to my country, I have nothing to ask. They are richly repaid with the confidence and good opinion of the virtuous and well deserving part of the community. I have only essayed to discharge a debt which every man owes his country when her rights are invaded; and if twelve years exposure to fatigue and numerous privations, can warrant the assertion, I may venture to assert, that my portion of public service has been performed; and that, with this impression, I have retired from the busy scenes of public life, with a desire to be a spectator merely of passing events.

The office of chief Magistrate of the Union, is one of great responsibility: As it should not be sought by any individual of the republic, so it cannot, with propriety, be declined, when offered by those who have the power of selection. It is interesting to the American people alone, and in the election, they should exercise their free and unbiassed judgment. It was with these impressions, I presume, and without any consultation with me, that the members of the Legislature of the State of Tennessee; as an additional testimony of their confidence in me, thought proper to present my name to the consideration of the American community. My political creed prompts me to leave the affair uninfluenced by any expression on my part, and to the free will of those who have alone the right to decide.

Your obedient, &c.
ANDREW JACKSON.