WHO SHALL BE VICE-PRESIDENT? SHALL HE BE A LOYAL OR DISLOYAL MAN?
[New York: Published by the National Union Executive Committee, Astor House, New York, 1864]. Broadside, 8.5" x 11.5", printed in double columns. Lightly toned, Very Good. Ink inscription at top blank margin.
This scarce broadside touts the loyalty, leadership, and courage of Vice Presidential candidate Andrew Johnson. "Past experience shows that the choice of Vice-President of the United States is almost as important as that of President. In case the latter dies or becomes unable to perform the duties of his office, they devolve upon the former." The deaths of Harrison and Taylor are recalled.
"As wise men we are bound to provide for such contingencies hereafter. We should vote for no man as Vice-President whom we would not be willing to elect President. Keep this rule steadily in view and we are safe. Two candidates are presented, and only two. GEORGE H. PENDLETON, of Ohio, and ANDREW JOHNSON, of Tennessee. If you vote for McClellan you vote for Pendleton also. If you wish to vote for Johnson you can only do it in voting for Lincoln..."
Pendleton was a notorious Ohio Copperhead; Johnson was a courageous Union man, though his selection as Vice President was perhaps Lincoln's biggest mistake. The broadside prints Johnson's acceptance letter.
Not in Bartlett, Nevins, Eberstadt, Sabin. OCLC locates 13 copies of this item as of May 2024 under several accession numbers. Item #40031
Price: $850.00