United States, from the Discovery of the North American Continent to the Present Time (Volume 7) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1899. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 1804. THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN. 619 jected soldiery to new deeds of valor, have been immortalized in verse. For rallying a routed army and turning what was so nearly disaster into a brilliant victory, Sheridan was soon after made a major-general in the United States army.1 Section XI. LINCOLN REELECTED PRESIDENT. In the Presidential campaign of 1864, which was brief and earnest, the early gloom of Union-Republicans lifted off, and the prospect brightened of a complete success at the ballot box. First and most essential of all, to dispel the omens of political defeat, was victory NoPvembir in the field; and Sherman and Sheridan, by their brilliant conquests West and East, Farragut, too, by naval exploits in Mobile Bay, supplied that potent argument. War thus made visible progress, and its conduct was in safe hands. Next Fremont's withdrawal from the canvass averted in good season a threatened schism in the dominant party, and the ranks, which had yawned apart, closed up.2 In such a situation no chance was afforded for side issues or a middle ground; but the political canvass had to be made and the campaign fought out for approval or disapproval, as a whole, of the administration now in power, whose policy had been, without wavering, to uphold by force of arms the cause of the nation. All three conventions had shown their sense of public opinion by applauding the soldiers and sailors of the Union, but the devotion of these gallant defenders could not be cunningly divided; their 1 2 Sheridan, c. 3. 2 Fremont formally recalled his candidacy, September 17. He had in vain stood out, hoping that a new party convention would be called, so that, with both Lincoln and himself withdrawn, some new candidate might be put forward. Am. Cycl. 1864, 791-794. In such an effort t...