over the honours of the effective campaign. Mr.
Greeley had special qualifications, as well as a special love, for
this task. For twenty years he had been sustaining the political
principles and vindicating the political conduct of Mr. Seward
through the columns of the most influential political newspaper in the
country. His voice was potential precisely where Governor Seward was
strongest, because it was supposed to be that of a friend, strong in
his personal attachment and devotion, and driven into opposition on
this occasion solely by the despairing conviction that the welfare of
the country and the triumph of the Republican cause demanded the
sacrifice. For more than six months Mr. Greeley had been preparing the
way for this consummation. He was in Chicago several days before the
meeting of the convention and he devoted every hour of the interval to
the most steady and relentless prosecution of the main business which
took him thither.

"While it was known to some that nearly six years ago he had
privately, but distinctly, repudiated all further political friendship
for and alliance with Governor Seward, for the avowed reason that
Governor Seward had never aided or advised his elevation to office, no
use was made of this knowledge in quarters where it would have
disarmed the deadly effect of his pretended friendship for the man
upon whom he was thus deliberately wreaking the long hoarded revenge
of a disappointed office-seeker.... Being thus stimulated by a hatred
he had secretly cherished for years, protected by the forbearance of
those whom he assailed, and strong in the confidence of those upon
whom he sought to operate, it is not strange that Mr. Greeley's
efforts should have been crowned with success. But it is perfectly
safe to say that no other man--certainly no one occupying a position
less favourable for such an assault--could possibly have accomplished
that result."[571]

[Footnote 571: New York _Times_, May 25, 1860.]

Raymond's letter produced a profound impression. It excited the
astonishment and incredulity of every one. He had made a distinct
charge that Greeley's opposition was the revenge of a disappointed
office-seeker, and the public, resenting the imputation, demanded the
evidence. Greeley himself echoed the prayer by a blast from his silver
trumpet which added to the interest as well as to the excitement.
"This carefully drawn indictment," he said, "contains a very artful
mixture of truth an