Private.
Chicago, Monday A. M., May 16, 1860.
My Dear Sir, — I
arrived here Saturday night. . . . I may
mention, however, that the Seward force is on the ground and assume an air of
dictation which is at once unwarranted and offensive, and which I think will
create a reaction before Wednesday. They cannot count up more than a third of
the votes from States that can carry the ticket, and how much they intend or
expect to make from such delegates as come from slave States has not yet
transpired. Should he be nominated by the aid of the delegates that can promise
him no support, the Pennsylvanians would consider it a most insulting disregard
of their rights and wishes. I do not myself believe that he will be nominated,
though a great many here think otherwise. If he is not, I will adhere to the
opinion I expressed to you in Portland, that the game lies between Lincoln and
yourself — Chase, McLean, Banks, and Bates stand no chance. Cameron is hotly
urged by a majority of the Pennsylvanians, but the proposition is scouted on
all hands outside of that State. Wade cannot be made a compromise candidate.
His speeches in Maine and on the Western Reserve are remembered by too large a
number.
SOURCE: Francis
Fessenden, Life and Public Services of William Pitt Fessenden, Volume 1, p. 112
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