Rensselaer Union, Volume 5, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 October 1872 — Ex-secretary Seward. [ARTICLE]

Ex-secretary Seward.

A The following letter was addressed by Hon. William H. Seward to R. P. Johnson, Esq., of Sap Francisco. In it he places himself on the record as in favor of the Republican party and the present Administration: ■ Auburn. September 17, 1672. Mr Dear Mr. Johnson: Although I have occasion to write much, I lam obliged now to use another’s hand. You will not be surprised, therefore, to find me an irregular correspondent. At the moment when the country was called to Confront the last civil war, a consequence of its adoption of the policy of restricting Slavery, I was required to take upon myself a. part in the executive administration. I knew then very Well that Liberty, Constitution and Union were inseparable, and that a failure of the Administration to save them would consign all concerned in it to eternal infamy. 1 thought, on the other hand, that my own part, however bumble, ip the rescue ought to be enough to crowri'a loyal juahltion. 1 knew moreover that I could not perform that very difficult part successfully without mah- . leg a sacrifice of all personal and party prejudices and aspirations for after-life. I therefore cheerfully and opanly pledged myself to that sacrifice. I thus secured a retirement from political life at the end of -th? struggle, which has be> come pleasant to me. If any'of my fgllowcitlMns think lam not entitled to enjoy it,

become indispensable to the preservation of health In advancing years. Now, however, not less than at any former time, do I think it the duty of every citizen to leave no uncertainty to exist concerning the principles and policy which govern his vote. I have seen no sufficient reason to withdraw mine from the support of the principles and policy which carried the country safely through the civil conflict, or from the party organization and candidates who represent them. This must he my short reply to your long and much-esteemed letter. Very sincerely

yours.

William H. Seward.

To R. P. Johnson, Esq., San Francisco, Cal.