The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-12-20
WHOLE NO. I64l.

/ the reelection OF jackson. \ on Will
remember that Jackson had pledg-
ed himself not to run a second
time, and the first point To be gained
was 10 decide what means should be
taken to remove this obstacle. We
had a consultation. and it was sug-
gested that some State Legislature
should start with petition asking
jackson TO become a candidate for
reelection. This could be followed
by others, until all the Democratic
States, through their representatives,
had spoken in his behalf His great
popularity made this an easy task
The Legislature of Pennsylvania
readily signed the request asked. and
the other States followed in quick
succession. He could not, OF course,
decline such a call, and he was re-
elected. The people naturally sup
posed 1t was a spontaneous uprising
in Lis behalf, whereas it was a care
fully prepared plan to arouse and
direct public sentiment. This can
be done in your case, and we will
begin with Pennsylvania, as we did
for General Jackson"
DO you think it can be done,
General?' said Mr.. Lincoln.
"Of course" was the reply. ~
will show you how easily" And
the two then parted with Mr.. Lin
coin very much pleased with the
abiding faith of his new ally.
MIR. Cameron returned to Harris
burg, and in a day or two sent Mr..
Lincoln the petition of the Penn
s. lvania Legislature, asking him to
be a candidate for reelection and
pledging him the vote of the State
Very soon State after State followed
this lead in rapid succession, and
each additional recruis gave Lincoln
great pleasure. Ii was not long af-
terward before General Cameron
called at the White House on a re-
ception day. Taking his place in
the line, he was pushing his way
slowly to the place where the Exec
utive was receiving his guests. The
latter saw Mr.. Cameron some dis
tance away in the column. Holding
up his great hand, encased in a cheap
cotton glove, he indicated with three
long fingers the success of their
scheme and shouted, Simon, we've
got 'em. Three more States in to-
day."
The crowd looked at the President
in astonishment, but they little
knew how the receipt of the news
from those three States bad relieved
the mind of Mr.. Lincoln. Another
phase of this Presidential contest of
1864 which Is just now interesting
and exceedingly apropos, follows the
story of how he was convinced he
was to be chosen for second term.
After he was satisfied that his nomi-
nation was certainty, he was very
anxious concerning the man who
was to have the second place on the
ticket. After looking the country
over, he decided that he would like
to have Ben Butler on the ticket
with him as Vice President. He
sent for General Cameron and asked
him 10 be his envoy in carrying his
desire to General Bullet, who was
then in command near Fort Monroe.
Mr.. Cameron accepted the mission,
and he, with Henry Wilson. of Mas
sachusetts. went down in a Govern
ment vessel to inform General Butler
of Mr.. Lincoln's wishes. The meet
ing with General Butler, Mr.. Cam
eron said, was exceedingly pleasant,
but when Mr.. Lincoln's desire was
made known to him, his reply was:
Il would not accept a place on
Presidential ticket with any man,
although | appreciate the compli-
ment the President has done me in
making the request" But for this
positive declination of General But
Ter there is no doubt he would have
been Vice President, and succeeded
to the Presidency instead of Andrew
johnson.