nvention was its
nomination, contrary to the requirement of the Constitution, of both
candidates from the same State.]

[Footnote 955: Nicolay-Hay, _Abraham Lincoln_, Vol. 9, p. 40.]

Lucius Robinson's suggestion that Grant be nominated for President
represented the thought of many New Yorkers prominent in political
circles. "All eyes and hopes now centre on Grant," wrote Thurlow Weed
on April 17. "If he wins in Virginia it will brighten the horizon and
make him President."[956] The _Herald_ sounded the praises of the
Lieutenant-General in nearly every issue. The _Tribune_ and _Times_
were equally flattering. Even the _World_ admitted that a skilful
general handled the army.[957] Other papers throughout the State
expressed similar confidence in his victorious leadership, and with
the hope of changing the sentiment from Lincoln to Grant a great mass
meeting, called ostensibly to express the country's gratitude to the
latter, was held in New York City two days before the meeting of the
National Republican convention. Neither at this time, however, nor at
any other did the movement receive the slightest encouragement from
the hero of Vicksburg, or shake the loyalty of the delegates who
assembled at Baltimore on June 7.

[Footnote 956: T.W. Barnes, _Life of Thurlow Weed_, Vol. 2, p. 443.]

[Footnote 957: See New York _Herald_, April 25, 27, May 7, 9, 14, 16,
18, 23, 26, 28, 29, 31, June 1, 4; New York _Tribune_, May 10, 12, 13,
14; New York _Times_, May 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19; New York _World_,
May 2, 11, 12, 13, 14.]

Henry J. Raymond, evidencing the same wise spirit of compromise
exhibited at Syracuse in 1863, reported the platform. It declared the
maintenance of the Union and the suppression of rebellion by force of
arms to be the highest duty of every citizen; it approved the
determination of the government to enter into no compromise with
rebels; favoured the abolition of slavery by constitutional amendment;
applauded the wisdom, patriotism, and fidelity of the President;
thanked the soldiers, and claimed the full protection of the laws of
war for coloured troops; encouraged immigration and the early
construction of a railroad to the Pacific coast; pledged the national
faith to keep inviolate the redemption of the public debt; and opposed
the establishment, by foreign military forces, of monarchical
governments in the near vicinity of the United States.[958] On the
second day every State voted for Lincoln for