the candidates
AT A GLANCE:
PARTY PLATFORM:
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
On Slavery: Arguing it was a wartime necessity, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freeing slaves in rebellious territories in the United States. Click here to read the Emancipation Proclamation. On the Nomination: On June 27, 1864, Abraham Lincoln wrote to William Dennison, the chairman on the National Union nominating convention, to formally accept his nomination. Click here to read his acceptance letter. SUPPORT FOR LINCOLN:
The New York Times published an editorial in favor of Abraham Lincoln on November 8, 1864, election day. The editorial makes arguments as to why voters should cast their ballot for Lincoln and why voting for McClellan would be a mistake. Click here to read the full editorial. |
AT A GLANCE:
PARTY PLATFORM:
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
On Slavery: In July 1862, General George B. McClellan wrote a letter to President Lincoln in which he described his thoughts on the priorities of the war and the legality and practicality of abolition. Click here to read McClellan's full letter. On the Nomination: George B. McClellan formally accepted his party's nomination on September 8, 1864. Unlike Lincoln's letter, which was brief, McClellan described his views of the Union and the war in his acceptance letter. Click here to read his acceptance letter. SUPPORT FOR MCCLELLAN:
The New York World published an editorial in favor of George B. McClellan on November 8, 1864, election day. The editorial enumerates the mistakes Lincoln made during his first term as president and argues why change is needed in the form of McClellan. Click here to read the full editorial. |
AT A GLANCE:
PARTY PLATFORM:
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
On Slavery: While serving as Union general in August 1861, John C. Fremont issued an order that freed all slaves in the border state of Missouri whose owners did not swear loyalty to the Union. This unauthorized order expanded Lincoln's First Confiscation Act which only freed slaves used in the war effort and whose masters were disloyal to the Union. Click here to read Fremont's Proclamation. On the Nomination: Fremont accepted his party's nomination in June 1864. However, he was concerned his run for the presidency would only serve to take votes away from Lincoln, resulting in a victory for McClellan. As he and Lincoln were both committed to abolishing slavery, Fremont withdrew from the race on September 21, 1864. Click here to read his letter announcing his withdrawal. SUPPORT FOR FREMONT:
Although Fremont withdrew from the race in September 1864, he enjoyed the support of staunch abolitionists, including Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Wendell Phillips during his candidacy. |