When at last the Republican convention came together on June 7, 1864, it had less to do than any other convention in our political history; for its delegates were bound by a peremptory mandate.  It was opened by brief remarks from Senator Morgan of New York, whose significant statement that the convention would fall far short of accomplishing its great mission unless it declared for a Constitutional amendment prohibiting African slavery, was loudly cheered.  In their speeches on taking the chair, both the temporary chairman, Rev. Robert J. Breckinridge of Kentucky, and the permanent chairman, William Dennison of Ohio, treated Mr. Lincoln’s nomination as a foregone conclusion, and the applause which greeted his name showed that the delegates did not resent this disregard of customary etiquette.  There were, in fact, but three tasks before the convention—­to settle the status of contesting delegations, to agree upon a platform, and to nominate a candidate for Vice-President.

The platform declared in favor of crushing rebellion and maintaining the integrity of the Union, commending the government’s determination to enter into no compromise with the rebels.  It applauded President Lincoln’s patriotism and fidelity in the discharge of his duties, and stated that only those in harmony with “these resolutions” ought to have a voice in the administration of the government.  This, while intended to win support of radicals throughout the Union, was aimed particularly at Postmaster General Blair, who had made many enemies.  It approved all acts directed against slavery; declared in favor of a constitutional amendment forever abolishing it; claimed full protection of the laws of war for colored troops; expressed gratitude to the soldiers and sailors of the Union; pronounced in favor of encouraging foreign immigration; of building a Pacific railway; of keeping inviolate the faith of the nation, pledged to redeem the national debt; and vigorously reaffirmed the Monroe Doctrine.

Then came the nominations.  The only delay in registering the will of the convention occurred as a consequence of the attempt of members to do it by irregular and summary methods.  When Mr. Delano of Ohio made the customary motion to proceed to the nomination, Simon Cameron moved as a substitute the renomination of Lincoln and Hamlin by acclamation.  A long wrangle ensued on the motion to lay this substitute on the table, which was finally brought to an end by the cooler heads, who desired that whatever opposition to Mr. Lincoln there might be in the convention should have fullest opportunity of expression.  The nominations, therefore, proceeded by call of States in the usual way.  The interminable nominating speeches of recent years had not yet come into fashion.  B.C.  Cook, the chairman of the Illinois delegation, merely said: 

“The State of Illinois again presents to the loyal people of this nation for President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln—­God bless him!”