"That this Convention does explicitly declare,as the sense of the American people,after four years of failure to restore the Union by the experiment of war,during which,under the pretense of a military necessity,or war power higher than the Constitution,the Constitution itself has been disregarded in every part,and the public liberty and the private right alike trodden down and the material prosperity of the country essentially impaired,justice,humanity,liberty and the public welfare demand that immediate efforts be made for a cessation of hostilities,with a view to an ultimate convention of the States,or other peaceable means to the end that at the earliest practicable moment peace may be restored on the basis of the Federal Union of the States."Some of the outlying conspirators also suffered a revival of hope.The Cincinnati Gazette came out flat foot for the withdrawal of Lincoln.[13]So did The Cincinnati Times,pressing hard for the new convention.[14]On the second of September,three New York editors,Greeley for The Tribune,Parke Godwin for The Post,and Tilton for The Independent,were busily concocting a circular letter to Governors of the States with a view to saving the conspiracy.[15]
But other men were at work in a different fashion,that same day.Lincoln's cause had been wrecked so frequently by his generals that whenever a general advanced,the event seems boldly dramatic.While the politicians at New York and Chicago thought they were loading the scales of fate,long lines of men in blue were moving through broken woodland and over neglected fields against the gray legions defending Atlanta.Said General Hood,it was "evident that General Sherman was moving with his main body to destroy the Macon road,and that the fate of Atlanta depended on our ability to defeat this movement."During the fateful pow-pow at the house of Dudley Field,Sherman's army like a colossal scythe was swinging round Atlanta,from the west and south,across Flint River,through the vital railway,on toward the city.On the second of September,the news that Atlanta was taken "electrified the people of the North."[16]
The first thought of every political faction,when,on the third,the newspapers were ringing with this great news,was either how to capitalize it for themselves,or how to forestall its capitalization by some one else.Forbes "dashed off"a letter to Andrew urging an immediate demonstration for Lincoln.[17]He was sure the Raymond group would somehow try to use the victory as a basis for recovering their leadership.
Davis was eager to issue the "call"at once.[18]But his fellows hesitated.And while they hesitated,Andrew and the people acted.On the sixth,a huge Lincoln rally was held at Faneul Hall.Andrew presided.Sumner spoke.[19]That same day,Vermont held State elections and went Republican by a rousing majority.
On the day following occurred the Convention of the Union party of New York.Enthusiastic applause was elicited by a telegram from Vermont."The first shell that was thrown by Sherman into Atlanta has exploded in the Copperhead Camp in this State,and the Unionists have poured in a salute with shotted guns."[20]The mixed metaphors did not reduce the telegram's effect.The New York Convention formally endorsed Lincoln as the candidate of the Union party for President.
So much for the serious side of the swiftly changing political kaleidoscope.There was also a comic side.Only three days sufficed--from Davis's eagerness to proceed on the fourth to letters and articles written or printed on the seventh--only three days,and the leaders of the conspiracy began turning their coats.A typical letter of the seventh at Syracuse describes "an interview with Mr.Opdyke this morning,who told me the result of his efforts to obtain signatures to our call which was by no means encouraging.I have found the same sentiment prevailing here.A belief that it is too late to make any effectual demonstration,and therefore that it is not wise to attempt any.I presume that the new-born enthusiasm created by the Atlanta news will so encourage Lincoln that he can not be persuaded to withdraw."[21]Two days more and the anti-Lincoln newspapers began to draw in their horns.That Independent,whose editor had been one of the three in the last ditch but a week before,handsomely recanted,scuttling across to what now seemed the winning side."The prospect of victory is brilliant.If a fortnight ago the prospect of Mr.Lincoln's reelection seemed doubtful,the case is now changed.The odious character of the Chicago platform,the sunshiny effect of the late victories,have rekindled the old enthusiasm in loyal hearts."[22]One day more,and Greeley sullenly took his medicine.The Tribune began printing "The Union Ticket--for President,Abraham Lincoln."There remains the most diverting instance of the haste with which coats were turned.On the sixth of September,only three days after Atlanta!--the very day of the great Lincoln rally,the crown of Andrew's generalship,at Fanuel Hall--a report was sent out from Washington that "Senator Wade is to take the stump for Mr.Lincoln."[23]Less than a week later The Washington Chronicle had learned "with satisfaction,though not with surprise,that Senator Wade,notwithstanding his signature to a celebrated Manifesto,had enrolled himself among the Lincoln forces."[24]Exactly two weeks after Atlanta,Wade made his first speech for Lincoln as President.It was a "terrific assault upon the Copperhead policy."[25]
The ship of the conspiracy was sinking fast,and on every hand was heard a scurrying patter of escaping politicians.
