ted in 1866 over John T. Hoffman, and
his four years in that exalted office not only increased his reputation
but added largely to his political power. The New-York delegation to
the National Convention was chosen under his own eye and was admirably
fitted to serve its purpose. It was not only earnest in its loyalty
but strong in character and ability. It embraced an unusual number of
representative men, and with the favorable estimate which Republicans
everywhere held of Governor Fenton's services and administration, their
efforts made a marked impression upon the Convention.

The friends of Schuyler Colfax relied less on thorough organization and
systematic work than upon the common judgment that he would be a fit
and available candidate. He was then at the height of his successful
career. He was in the third term of his Speakership, and had acquitted
himself in that exacting place with ability and credit. Genial and
cordial, with unfailing tact and aptitude, skilful in cultivating
friendships and never provoking enmities, he had in a rare degree the
elements that insure popularity. The absence of the more rugged and
combative qualities which diminished his force in the stormy struggles
of the House, served now to bring him fewer antagonisms as a candidate.

Beside the names of Wade, Fenton, and Colfax, two or three others were
presented, though not so earnestly urged or so strongly supported.
Senator Wilson of Massachusetts had warm friends and was fourth in the
rank of candidates. Pennsylvania presented Governor Curtin, but with
a divided and disorganized force which crippled at the outset the
effort in his behalf. The delegation was nominally united for him,
but fourteen of the number were friends of Senator Cameron, and were
at heart hostile to Governor Curtin. Mr. J. Donald Cameron, son of
the senator, appeared in person as a contesting delegate. The State
Convention had assumed the authority to name the delegates from the
several Congressional districts. Mr. Cameron denied that the State
Convention had any such prerogative. He presented himself with the
Dauphin credentials as the champion of the right of district
representation. He was admitted to nothing more than an honorary seat,
but the opposition of himself and his friends had the desired effect
in preventing the candidacy of Governor Curtin from becoming formidable.

On the first ballot Mr. Wade led with 147 votes. Mr. Fenton was next
with