Lot #40

[George B. McClellan]: DNC Letter to McClellan, Informing of His Nomination for President in 1864

Description

The Democratic Party informs Gen. McClellan of his 1864 nomination for the presidency, with assurance of the "confident belief that your election will restore to our country Union, Peace & Constitutional Liberty"

LS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.5 x 8, September 8, 1864. Letter to "Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan," in part: "The undersigned were appointed a committee by the National Democratic Convention which met at Chicago on the 29 August, to advise you of your unanimous nomination by that body as the candidate of the Democratic Party for President of the United States, and also to present you a copy of the proceedings and resolutions of the Convention. It gives us great pleasure to perform this duty and to act as the Representatives not only of that convention, but also of the vast assemblage of citizens who attended…Be advised that those for whom we speak were animated with the most earnest, devoted and prayerful desire for the salvation of the American Union and the preservation of the Constitution of the United States, and that the accomplishment of these objects was the guiding & impelling motive in every mind and we may be." The letter closes by expressing the "confident belief that your election will restore to our country Union, Peace & Constitutional Liberty." Signed at the conclusion in ink by eleven members of the delegation, representing Kentucky, Indiana, New York, Michigan, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Oregon, California, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Ohio. In very good to fine condition, with splitting to folds and hinges.

In the 1864 U.S. presidential election, incumbent President Abraham Lincoln, representing the National Union Party, faced Democratic nominee and former General George B. McClellan. Despite initial doubts about his re-election prospects due to ongoing Civil War challenges, Lincoln secured a decisive victory, winning 212 electoral votes to McClellan's 21, and obtaining 55% of the popular vote. This election was pivotal, as Lincoln's triumph ensured the continuation of his administration's policies, leading to the successful conclusion of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring Civil War and Abraham Lincoln
• Dates: March 14, 2025 - April 09, 2025