"NEW YORK, _Aug. 26th, 1855_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--My name having been connected by some of the delegates
with a nomination by the Democratic convention for the office of
Comptroller, and in the public journals with that of Secretary of
State--it is due to those who may do me the honor to think of me for
either of these distinguished trusts that they should not be allowed
to be under any misapprehension as to the true state of the facts. The
old friends whose names I see on the list of delegates will recollect
that I have never permitted personal feelings or taste to govern my
political action, or been wanting in deference to the general interests
or judgment of my associates; and will do me the justice to believe
that I act in the same considerate spirit when I say that obligations
which I am at present under and have no right to renounce are, in
my judgment, incompatible with my undertaking properly to discharge
the duties of either of the offices mentioned. As I do not deem it
consistent with propriety to be nominated for either of them under
such circumstances, you will do me the favor to communicate this
determination to any of my friends who may be disposed to present
my name to the convention, and in case of its being so presented to
withdraw it from the consideration of that body."