The weekly union record., 1864-08-20
31EtC6 o. GEN. JUBN B1DWEI1l

taken by surprise on observing the flaming
hand bills posted at every corner, announcing
that my humble self and ether distinguished
orators, would address you this evening.
This is the first in,imation to me that ever
had any pretension to oratory. and nv only
consolation is thai if your expectations end 10
disappointment, an innocent of the Injustice
done vou. only speak in reference to myself.
| did not come here to make. nor am prepared
TO make, speech. 1t was understood that
the Unon Club would meet, and that they
about the National Convention and what
saw during ny recent trip to the Atlantic
States that was ALL
It is customary 10 expect of a representative
charged with important trusts, some report Of
his official acts. l believe 10 the doctrine. and
though the recent mission in which bore but
an humble part, cannot in legal sense be
called official. yet l affirm that you have the
right to know whether or not you have been
fanhfully represented. With this view re-
spond TO your call tonight.
The Baltimore Convention, of all the con-
ventions which it has been my fortune or mis-
fortune to attend, was the most enthusiastic,
unanimous and determined-not characterized
by superficial enthusiasm but deep aud glowing
patriotism-a fxedness OF puPose to do every
thing necessary to preserve the country IN this
mighty struggle, and ycild to nothing short Of
the entire restoration of the Union.
All the business ofthat body was transacted
in little over one day. Only think of it-a
convention of over 400 Members preimina-
ry OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES committees appoint
ed their arduous labors and reports-perma-
uent NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and platform
questions of representation in the Territories
and the Seeded Ststes-contested delega-
Observation-Disclosures of candidates for the two
highest offices in the nafiou-and thousand
other things that m light be mentioned in de-
ta-all accomplished in SO short q time But
in reference to the action Of the California del
egation in the convention, can only speak for
myself l had the honor to serve on that mos;
laborious of oil commttees-the Committee
on Credentials, which occupied more than hall
the time the convention was in session.
While serving on that committee had oc-
casion to learn the sentiments and feeling Of
the people Of the Border States. On the sub
ject of slavery they are more radical, judging
from the representations of their delegates, than
any people l ever saw.
Nothing short of immediate unconditional
emancipation would be listened to- honght
l never heard the rebels cursed before. No
man who has not seen and suffered the terrible
scenes enacted by secessionists 10 the Border
States can have auy conception of the intense
feeling existing among the true loyal men Of
the States of Kentucky and Missouri-and the
same might no doubt be said Of all the Border
States Anything like conservatism would
not answer their purpose. With them it must
be 10 slavery, or all slavery-n no middle ground
will suit their present condition.
In reference TO the contest in Missouri, there
were two delegalous-the Unconditional Tn
ion delegation, in favor of gradual emancipa
ton; and the Radical Union delegation, in
favor Of immediate emancipation. After hear.
ing all the arguments, pro and con, the maiori-
ty of the committee decidei-aud their report
was adoped-to admit the Radical delegation,
aud thus immediate emancipation is to be the
watch-word in the coming election in Missouri.
OF the California delegation generally | can
only say believe they fully represented the
loyalty and feeling of the convention which
elected them-they were generally unanimous
on the most important questions. and although
they did not talk as much as some they have
this TO say, tbeg dId not talk much nonsense.
With becoming modesty, or rather propriety,
we did not intend to talk much but to give
California the best oppoynity possible under
the Circumstances TO be heard, it was arranged
with the Illinois delegation that Mr.. Cook of
that State should nominate, aud Thompson
Campbell second with a speech, the uomina-
ton of Abraham Lincoln. Our delegation was
small in number, and we desired to select our
best man for the occasion. We knew that
Mr.. Campbell was able, patriotic, and could
represent the sentiments Of California with
strength. The time came, Abraham Lincoln
was nominated, but the temper of the conven-
ton was such, and the impatience to vote with
out delay that no man could have gained at
tention for FIVE minutes.
As mach as we wanted 10 praise Mr.. Lin
coln-to protest our earnestness to stand BY
the Union ard remain faithful TO the great
and holy cause of preserving our national ex-
jstence-to say that We wished to see the war
prosecuted with greater vigor, the cabinet a
unit. the army ard navy increased. the Union
restored in all lis territorial integrity, and f.
ually lasting peace, such one as can only
he ob,airsI hv erad;cef;r- tho ,l;e,rrb;,r