me.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S ANTI-SLAVERY GROWTH. 657

Now, at the end of three years' struggle, the nation's condition is not what either perty or any man devised or expected.

God alone can claim it. Whither it is tend

I claim not to have controlled events, but | Edward Everett was patiently listenconfess plainly that events have controlled ed to, while Cabinet Ministers and Governors were regarded with lively curiosity, the central figure on the platform was the tall, plain, unpresuming, ungainly 'rail-splitter' from the prairies; and the only words uttered that the world cares to remember were those of the President, who -being required to say somethingthus responded:

ing seems plain. If God now wills the removal of a great wrong, and wills also that we of the North, as well as you of the South, shall pay fairly for our complicity in that wrong, impartial history will find therein new causes to attest and revere the justice and goodness of God.

Yours, truly, A. LINCOLN."

Persuasive and cogent as this letter will now seem, it did not placate the indignation of the Kentuckians, nor change the destination of their delegates from the Chicago to the Baltimore Convention.

"Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this continent a cated to the proposition that all men are new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicreated equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any

nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and

consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our

power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here; but it can never forget what they did dedicated here to the unfinished work which here. It is for us, the living, rather to be they who fought here have thus far so nodedicated to the great task remaining before bly advanced. It is rather for us to be here us, that from these honored dead we take they gave the last full measure of devotion; increased devotion to that cause for which that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nafreedom; and that government of the peotion, under God, shall have a new birth of ple, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

The careful reader will note in this letter a decided advance upon Mr. Lincoln's earlier allusions to Slavery in its necessary relations to our strug-proper that we should do this. But, in a gle. By nature, slow, cautious, tentative, and far from sanguine, he had profoundly distrusted the policy of Emancipation; apprehending that its adoption would alienate from the Union cause more strength than it would bring to its support. This distrust yielded tardily to evidence, which (in fact) was slowly furnished; but when at length it appeared that, while very few original, hearty Unionists were repelled by it, the Blacks became day by day a more active and more efficient element of our National strength, his doubts were fully dispelled, and his faith was the firmer and clearer for his past skepticism. Hence, at the great gathering which inaugurated the National Cemetery carved from the battle-field of Gettysburg for the ashes of our brethren who there died that their country might live, though the elaborately polished oration of

VOL. II.-42.

8

The first National Convention of 1864 met at Cleveland, May 31st, pursuant to a call "To the Radical Men of the Nation." About 350 persons were present; very few or none of them in the capacity of delegates. Ex-Gov. William F. Johnston, of Pa., was made temporary and Gen. John Cochrane, of N. Y., *Nov. 19, 1863.

permanent presiding officer. Gen. | ceptance, repudiated the sweeping
John C. Fremont was here nominated policy of confiscation above indi-
for President, and Gen. John Coch- cated. Gen. Cochrane demurred to
rane for Vice-President. The plat- such confiscation, but remitted the
form adopted is as follows:
question to the wisdom of Congress,

"1st. That the Federal Union shall be when it should be called to act on
preserved.
the subject of Reconstruction.

"2d. That the Constitution and laws of the United States must be observed and obeyed.

Ultimately, both candidates withdrew from the contest; convinced

3d. That the Rebellion must be sup- that the great mass of the popular

pressed by force of arms, and without com-
promise.

"4th. That the rights of free speech, free
press, and the habeas corpus, be held invio-
late, save in districts where martial law has
been proclaimed.

"5th. That the Rebellion has destroyed Slavery, and the Federal Constitution should be amended to prohibit its reestablishment, and to secure to all men absolute equality

before the law.

"6th. That integrity and economy are demanded at all times in the administration of the Government; and that in time of war the want of them is criminal.

"7th. That the right of asylum, except for crime and subject to law, is a recognized principle of American liberty; that any violation of it can not be overlooked, and

must not go unrebuked.

"8th. That the national policy known as

the 'Monroe doctrine' has become a re

cognized principle; and that the establish-
ment of an anti-republican Government on
this continent by any foreign power can not

be tolerated.

"9th. That the gratitude and support of
the nation are due to the faithful soldiers
and the earnest leaders of the Union army

and navy for their heroic achievements and
deathless valor in defense of our imperiled
country and of civil liberty.

"10th. That the one-term policy for the
Presidency, adopted by the people, is
strengthened by the force of the existing
crisis, and should be maintained by consti-
tutional amendment.

"11th. That the Constitution should be so amended that the President and VicePresident shall be elected by a direct vote of the people.

"12th. That the question of the reconstruction of the rebellious States belongs to the people, through their representatives in Congress, and not to the Executive.

"13th. That the confiscation of the lands

of the rebels, and their distribution among
the soldiers and actual settlers, is a measure
of justice."

6

vote must be divided between the Union' and the Democratic' tickets.

The Union 'National Convention

assembled at Baltimore, Tuesday, June 7. Rev. Robert J. Breckinridge, D. D., of Kentucky, was made temporary and Hon. William Dennison, ex-Governor of Ohio, permanent President. All but the incontestably, persistently Rebel States were found to be represented. Hon. Preston King, of N. Y., from the Committee on Credentials, reported in favor of admitting all the delegates claiming seats, but those from South Carolina and the 'Conservative' Unionists from Missouri: the delegations from the Territories, from the District of Columbia, and from the States of Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, and Arkansas, Upon not to be entitled to vote. consideration, this report was overruled so far as to authorize-by a vote of 310 to 151-the delegates from Tennessee to vote; those from Louisiana and Arkansas were likewise authorized to vote, by 307 to 167.

The delegates from Nebraska, Colorado, and Nevada, were then allowed also to vote; but not those from Virginia, Florida, and the remaining territories.

Mr. Henry J. Raymond, of N. Y.,

Gen. Fremont, in his letter of ac- reported the platform, which was

BALTIMORE NATIONAL PLATFORM OF 1864.

659

unanimously adopted. It is as fol- the practical wisdom, the unselfish patriot

lows:

Resolved, That it is the highest duty of every American citizen to maintain against all their enemies the integrity of the Union and the paramount authority of the Constitution and the laws of the United States; and that, laying aside all differences and political opinions, we pledge ourselves as Union men, animated by a common sentiment, and aiming at a common object, to do everything in our power to aid the Government in quelling by force of arms the Rebellion now raging against its authority, and in bringing to the punishment, due to their crimes, the Rebels and traitors arrayed against it.

ism and unswerving fidelity to the Constitution and the principles of American Liberty, with which Abraham Lincoln has discharged, under circumstances of unparalleled difficulty, the great duties and responsibilities of the Presidential office; that we approve and indorse, as demanded by the emergency and essential to the preservation of the nation, and as within the Constitution, the measures and acts which he has adopted to defend the nation against its open and secret foes; that we approve especially the Proclamation of Emancipation, and the employment as Union soldiers of men heretofore held in slavery; and that we have full confidence in his determination to carry out these and all other constitutional measures essential to the salvation of the country into full and complete effect.

Resolved, That we approve the determination of the Government of the United States not to compromise with Rebels, nor to offer them any terms of peace except such as may Resolved, That we deem it essential to be based upon an unconditional surrender of the general welfare that harmony should their hostility and a return to their just al-prevail in the National councils; and we relegiance to the Constitution and the laws of the United States; and that we call upon the Government to maintain this position, and to prosecute the war with the utmost possible vigor to the complete suppression of the Rebellion, in full reliance upon the self-sacrificing patriotism, the heroic valor, and the undying devotion of the American people to their country and its free institutions.

Resolved, That, as Slavery was the cause and now constitutes the strength of this Rebellion, and as it must be always and everywhere hostile to the principles of republican government, justice and the national safety demand its utter and complete extirpation from the soil of the Republie; and that we uphold and maintain the acts and proclamations by which the Government, in its own defense, has aimed a death-blow at this gigantic evil. We are in favor, furthermore, of such an amendment to the Constitution, to be made by the people in conformity with its provisions, as shall terminate and forever prohibit the existence of Slavery within the limits or the jurisdiction of the United States. "Resolved, That the thanks of the American people are due to the soldiers and sailors of the Army and the Navy who have periled their lives in defense of their country, and in vindication of the honor of the flag; that the nation owes to them some permanent recognition of their patriotism and their valor, and ample and permanent provision for those of their survivors who have received disabling and honorable wounds in the service of the country; and that the memories of those who have fallen in its defense shall be held in grateful and everlasting remembrance.

gard as worthy of public confidence and official trust, those only who cordially indorse the principles proclaimed in these resolutions, and which should characterize the administration of the Government.

Resolved, That the Government owes to all men employed in its armies, without regard to distinction of color, the full protection of the laws of war; and that any violation of these laws or of the usages of civilized nations in the time of war by the Rebels now in arms should be made the subject of full and prompt redress.

Resolved, That the foreign immigration which in the past has added so much to the wealth and development of resources and increase of power to this nation, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations, should be fostered and encouraged by a liberal and just policy.

Resolved, That we are in favor of a speedy construction of the railroad to the Pacific coast.

"Resolved, That the National faith, pledged for the redemption of the public debt, must be kept inviolate; and that for this purpose we recommend economy and rigid responsibility in the public expenditures, and a vigorous and just system of taxation; that it is the duty of every loyal State to sustain the credit and promote the use of the National Currency.

"Resolved, That we approve the position taken by the Government, that the people of the United States can never regard with indifference the attempt of any European power to overthrow by force or to supplant by fraud the institutions of any republican government on the Western Continent, and that they will view with extreme jealousy, "Resolved, That we approve and applaudas menacing to the peace and independence

of this our country, the efforts of any such power to obtain new footholds for monarch

ical governments, sustained by a foreign military force in near proximity to the United States."

that the Rebellion was already reeling under their heavy blows-that Richmond and Atlanta were on the point of falling-and that their fall involved that of the Confederacy. No doubt, no apprehension, disturbed the serenity of the Baltimore platform-builders. Their language was that of a monarch who had subdued an insurrection, and was intent on dispensing rewards to his lieutenants The Convention proceeded to vote and pronouncing the doom of the for Vice-President, with the follow-defeated insurgents. In this spirit, ing result:

On proceeding to vote for a Presidential candidate, Abraham Lincoln was named by the delegates from each State and Territory permitted to vote, save Missouri, which named Gen. Grant. Mr. Lincoln was then unanimously nominated.

Andrew Johnson....200 Hannibal Hamlin........150
Daniel S. Dickinson..108 Scattering..

59

Several delegations thereupon changed to Johnson; who was nominated without further balloting by 494 votes to 26 for others.

the Convention met, acted, and dissolved; assured that the year 1864 would witness alike the reelection of President Lincoln and the downfall of the Rebellion.

Events soon transpired which ma These nominations were formally terially changed the aspect of affairs. tendered and heartily accepted. Mr. Gen. Grant's determined attack at Johnson's letter of acceptance, in its Cold Harbor was found to have been allusion to Slavery, tersely expressed not merely unsuccessful-that had what had ere this become the gene-been frankly and promptly admitted rally accepted faith of War Demo--but an exceedingly expensive and crats as follows:

damaging failure-damaging not merely in the magnitude of our loss, but in its effect on the morale and efficiency of our chief army. It had extinguished the last hope of crushing Lee north of the James, and of interposing that army between

"It is in vain to attempt to reconstruct the Union with the distracting element of Slavery in it. Experience has demonstrated its incompatibility with free and republican governments, and it would be unwise and unjust longer to continue it as one of the institutions of the country. While it remained subordinate to the Constitution and laws of the United States, I yielded to it my support; but when it became rebel-him and the Confederate capital. lious, and attempted to rise above the Gov- The failure to seize Petersburg when ernment, and control its action, I threw my it would easily have fallen, and the humble influence against it." repeated and costly failures to carry its defenses by assault, or even to flank them on the south-the luckless conclusion of Wilson's and Kautz's raid to Staunton riverSheridan's failure to unite with Hunter in Lee's rear-Sturgis's disastrous defeat by Forrest near GuntownHunter's failure to carry Lynchburg, and eccentric line of retreat-Sher

The resolves of the Union, like those of the Radical Convention, were, as we have seen, pitched in a very high key. The delegates had been chosen, had assembled, and deliberated, in the prevalent conviction that Grant's advance from the Rapidan and Sherman's from the Tennessee had each been a series of unbroken and not costly successes-man's bloody repulse at Kenesaw, and

GOV. CHASE AND THE NATIONAL FINANCES.

661

the compelled slowness of his advance with preeminent ability, energy, and courage. When he accepted it, on the accession of Mr. Lincoln, the Finances were already in chaos; the current revenue being inadequate, even in the absence of all expenditure or preparation for war; his predecessor" having attempted to borrow $10,000,000 in October, 1860, and obtained only $7,022,000—the bid

on Atlanta-Early's unresisted swoop down the Valley into Maryland, his defeat of Wallace at the Monocacy, and his unpunished demonstration against the defenses of Washington itself the raids of his troopers up to the suburbs of Baltimore, on the Philadelphia Railroad, and even up into Pennsylvania; burning Chambersburg and alarming even Pitts-ders to whom the balance was awardburg—and finally the bloody, wretched choosing to forfeit their initial ed fiasco of the Mine explosion before Petersburg-these, and other reverses, relieved by a few and unimpressive triumphs-rendered the midsummer of 1864 one of the gloomiest seasons of our great struggle for the upholders of the National cause.

An impudent and treasonable stock-jobbing forgery, purporting to be a Proclamation by the President' -confessing the failure of Grant's advance on Richmond and the cooperating efforts, and ordering a fresh levy of men to recruit our decimated armies though speedily detected and exposed, had meantime been flashed over the country; and had, while producing its intended effect on the prices of the National and other securities, caused a momentary sinking of the popular heart, which its exposure did not wholly counter

vail.

deposit rather than take and pay for their bonds. Thenceforth, he had tided over till his resignation, by selling treasury notes payable a year from date at 6 to 12 per cent. discount; and when, after he had vanished from the scene, Gen. Dix, who succeeded him in Mr. Buchanan's Cabinet, attempted" to borrow a small sum on twenty-year bonds at 6 per cent., he was obliged to sell those bonds at an average discount of 94

per cent. Hence, of Mr. Chase's first loan of $8,000,000, for which bids were opened' ten days before Beauregard first fired on Fort Sumter, the offerings ranged from 5 to 10 per cent. discount; and only $3,099,000 were tendered at or under 6 per cent. discount-he, in the face of a vehement clamor, declining all bids at higher rates of discount than 6 per cent., and placing, soon afterward, the balance of the $8,000,000 in twoyear treasury notes at par or a fraction over.

Another and profounder shock to public confidence followed; in the resignation 10 of Hon. Salmon P. Chase as Secretary of the Trea- Such were the financial auspices sury. Gov. Chase had filled in the under which the Republic compublic service, through years of doubt, menced the most gigantic and costly depression, and disaster, the second struggle that the world had ever place in importance, and the first known-a struggle in which it was in the magnitude of its require- ultimately required to keep on foot ments, and had discharged its duties an army of one million men, with a May 18. 10 June 30. 11 Howell Cobb, of Georgia. 12 In Feb., 1861. 13 April 2.