esided. Sumner spoke.(19) That same day, Vermont held State
elections and went Republican by a rousing majority. On the day
following occurred the Convention of the Union party of New York.
Enthusiastic applause was elicited by a telegram from Vermont. "The
first shell that was thrown by Sherman into Atlanta has exploded in the
Copperhead Camp in this State, and the Unionists have poured in a
salute with shotted guns."(20) The mixed metaphors did not reduce the
telegram's effect. The New York Convention formally endorsed Lincoln as
the candidate of the Union party for President.

So much for the serious side of the swiftly changing political
kaleidoscope. There was also a comic side. Only three days
sufficed--from Davis's eagerness to proceed on the fourth to letters
and articles written or printed on the seventh--only three days, and the
leaders of the conspiracy began turning their coats. A typical letter
of the seventh at Syracuse describes "an interview with Mr. Opdyke this
morning, who told me the result of his efforts to obtain signatures
to our call which was by no means encouraging. I have found the same
sentiment prevailing here. A belief that it is too late to make any
effectual demonstration, and therefore that it is not wise to attempt
any. I presume that the new-born enthusiasm created by the Atlanta news
will so encourage Lincoln that he can not be persuaded to withdraw."(21)
Two days more and the anti-Lincoln newspapers began to draw in their
horns. That Independent, whose editor had been one of the three in the
last ditch but a week before, handsomely recanted, scuttling across to
what now seemed the winning side. "The prospect of victory is brilliant.
If a fortnight ago the prospect of Mr. Lincoln's reelection seemed
doubtful, the case is now changed. The odious character of the Chicago
platform, the sunshiny effect of the late victories, have rekindled the
old enthusiasm in loyal hearts."(22) One day more, and Greeley sullenly
took his medicine. The Tribune began printing "The Union Ticket--for
President, Abraham Lincoln."

There remains the most diverting instance of the haste with which
coats were turned. On the sixth of September, only three days after
Atlanta!--the very day of the great Lincoln rally, the crown of Andrew's
generalship, at Fanuel Hall--a report was sent out from Washington that
"Senator Wade is to take the stump for Mr. Lincoln."(23) Less than a
week later The Washington Chronicle