Case-J
Lincoln Agrees to Run Again
In Abraham Lincoln’s time, potential presidential nominees typically did not attend their parties’ national conventions. Thus, Lincoln was not present in Baltimore on June 7-8, 1864, when the Republican Party (rebranding itself the “National Union Party”) nominated him for a second term. In this letter, over two weeks later, Lincoln accepts the nomination and would go on to defeat Democratic candidate George McClellan.
Interestingly, Lincoln also takes the opportunity to comment on two portions of the party platform drafted at the convention. With Mexico mostly under French occupation, he agrees that Republicans (and his administration) should officially oppose this colonial interference but cautions he will not act before subduing the Confederate rebellion. He also commends the platform for endorsing that all enlisted men (regardless of color) should enjoy the protection of the laws of war and deserve formal recognition for their service.
Letter Transcription:
MS-1864.06.27-2 –
Abraham Lincoln to William Dennison & Others, 27 June 1864
Executive Mansion,
Washington, June 27, 1864.
Hon. William Dennison & others, a Committee of the National Union Convention.
"Gentlemen:
Your letter of the 14th Inst formally notifying me that I have been nominated by the convention you represent for the Presidency of the United States for four years from the fourth of March next has been received. The nomination is gratefully accepted, as the resolutions of the convention, called the platform, are heartily approved. While the resolution in regard to the supplanting of republican government upon the Western Continent is fully concurred in, there might be misunderstanding were I not to say that the position of the government, in relation to the action of France in Mexico, as assumed through the State Department, and approved and indorsed by the Convention, among the measures and acts of the Executive, will be faithfully maintained, so long as the state of facts shall leave that position pertinent and applicable. I am especially gratified that the soldier and the
<2>
<3>
seaman were not forgotten by the Convention, as they forever must and will be remembered by the grateful country for whose salvation they devote their lives–
Thanking you for the kind and complimentary terms in which you have communicated the nomination and other proceedings of the Convention, I subscribe myself
Your Obt Servt
Abraham Lincoln.