ichard M. Blatchford, 86; John A. King, 10; Lyman
Tremaine, 13; J.S.T. Stranahan, 27; Thurlow Weed, 1."--_Ibid._,
September 8.]

While the Weed men were nursing their resentment because of the honour
thus suddenly thrust upon the most famous American editor,[1007] a
great surprise convulsed the Democratic State convention.[1008] The
report that Horatio Seymour sought release from official labours
because of ill health and the demands of private business, created the
belief that he would decline a renomination even if tendered by
acclamation. Indeed, the Governor himself, in conversation with Dean
Richmond, reiterated his oft-expressed determination not to accept.
The Regency, believing him sincere, agreed upon William F. Allen of
Oswego, although other candidates, notably William Kelly of Dutchess,
the nominee of the Softs in 1860, and Amasa J. Parker of Albany, were
mentioned. Lucius Robinson, declining to be considered for second
place, urged the nomination of Dix for governor. Of these candidates
Seymour was quoted as favourable to Parker. Still a feeling of unrest
disturbed the hotel lobbies. "There is some talk," said the _Herald_,
"of giving Seymour a complimentary vote, with the understanding that
he will then decline, but this is opposed as a trick to place him in
the field again, although those who pretend to speak for him
positively declare that he will not accept the nomination upon any
contingency."[1009] When told on convention morning that Seymour would
accept if nominated by acclamation, Richmond ridiculed the idea. His
incredulity was strengthened by the statement of two Oneida delegates,
whom the Governor, only a few moments before, had instructed to
withdraw his name if presented. Thus matters stood until the
convention, having enthusiastically applauded an indorsement of
Seymour's administration, quickly and by acclamation carried a motion
for his renomination, the delegates jumping to their feet and giving
cheer after cheer. Immediately a delegate, rising to a question of
privilege, stated that the Governor, in the hearing of gentlemen from
his own county, had positively declined to accept a nomination because
his health and the state of his private affairs forbade it. As this
did not satisfy the delegates, a committee, appointed to notify
Seymour of his selection, reported that the Governor whose temporary
illness prevented his attendance upon the convention, had had much to
say about private affai