[Mr. Chairman and]2Open page Gentlemen of the Committee: I will neither conceal my gratification, nor restrain the expression of my gratitude, that the Union people, through their convention, in their3Open page continued effort to save, and advance the nation, have deemed me not unworthy to remain in my present position.
I know no reason to doubt that I shall accept the nomination tendered; and yet perhaps I should not declare definitely before reading and considering what is called the Platform.
I will say now, however, [that]4Open page I approve the declaration in favor of so amending the Constitution as to prohibit slavery throughout the nation. When the people in revolt, with a5Open page hundred days of6Open page explicit notice, that they could, within those days, resume their allegiance, without the overthrow of their institution, and that they could not so resume it afterwards, elected to stand out, such [an]7Open page amendment of the Constitution as [is]8Open page now proposed, became a fitting, and necessary conclusion to the final success of the Union cause. Such alone can meet and cover all cavils. Now,9Open page the unconditional Union men, North and South, perceive its10Open page importance, and embrace it. In the joint names of Liberty and Union, let us labor to give it legal form, and practical effect.