and the Republican parties, although from the time of his break with
Johnson, he was more drawn to the Republicans. So far as he had any
politics he might have been classed as a War Democrat. Had he definitely
proclaimed himself a Democrat, no doubt he could have had that party's
nomination for the presidency. He was the first citizen of the nation in
popularity, of which he had marked tokens, and of which both parties
were anxious to avail themselves. It is little wonder that he came to
think that the presidency was an honor to which he might fitly aspire,
and an office in which he could further serve his country, by promoting
good feeling between the sections. In May, 1868, he was placed in
nomination, first by a convention of Union soldiers and sailors, and
afterwards by the Republican party, in both instances by acclamation.
His Democratic opponent was Horatio Seymour, of New York. In the
election he had a popular majority of 305,456. He received 214 electoral
votes, and Seymour received 80. Three of the Southern States, not being
fully restored to the Union, had no voice in the election.

CHAPTER XVI

HIS FIRST ADMINISTRATION

Immediately after General Grant's inauguration as President, an incident
occurred which revealed his inexperience in statesmanship. Among the
names sent to the Senate as members of the cabinet was that of Alexander
T. Stewart, of New York, the leading merchant of the country, for
Secretary of the Treasury. Grant was unaware of the existence of his
disqualification by a statute passed in 1789, on account of being
engaged in trade and commerce. His ignorance is hardly surprising in
view of the fact that the Senate confirmed the nomination without
discovering its illegality. The point was soon made, however, and the
reasonableness of the law was apparent to all except the President, who
sent a message to the Senate suggesting that Mr. Stewart be exempted
from its application to him by a joint resolution of Congress. This
breaking down of a sound principle of government for the pleasure of the
President was not favored, and George S. Boutwell of Massachusetts was
substituted, Mr. Stewart having declined, in order to relieve the
President of embarrassment.

For the rest, the cabinet was a peculiar one. It appeared to be made up
without consultation or political sagacity, in accordance with the
personal reasons by which a general selects his staff. Elihu B.
Washburn, of Illinois, his f