1862] Effect on party politics. 593 States was at the time in session at Altoona, Pennsylvania, deliberating upon co-operative measures relating to the war. A few days later they waited upon him in a body to present a written address, signed by sixteen governors of Free States, and the governor of West Virginia, which contained among other things a hearty endorsement of the new emancipation policy ; while the governors of New Jersey and four border Slave States, though declining to endorse the proclamation, nevertheless heartily concurred in the military and patriotic sentiments of the address. The only official sign in the army of discontent with the proclamation was of so negative a character as to produce no impression. General McClellan, after the final failure of his Richmond campaign, had had the bad taste to write the President a long letter, tendering advice upon the civil and military policy of the Administration, and strongly opposing Radical views and action upon slavery. In the flush of that general's newspaper popularity a coterie of Democratic politicians was industriously nursing him as a prospective candidate for President; and this Harrison's Landing letter was doubtless intended to serve as his platform. Had he captured Richmond, the letter might have been effective; but, writing after defeat and failure, his desire to place himself in antagonism to the Administration was so evident, that Lincoln was able to treat it with the silence it deserved. Placed again in command by the President's generosity, McClellan found himself in an awkward predicament when the proclamation appeared. Its military character required official notice. To condemn or approve it would be equally embarrassing, though his inclinations were decidedly for the former. In a private letter of September 25, 1862, he wrote, "The President's late proclamation, and the continuation of Stanton and Halleck in office, render it almost impossible for me to retain my commission and self-respect at the same time." After receiving the advice of his political friends in New York, he issued on October 7 an order calling attention to the proclamation, de- precating intemperate discussion of public measures determined upon and declared by the government, and significantly adding, " the remedy for political errors, if any are committed, is to be found only in the action of the people at the polls." That the proclamation should add considerable heat to party discussion in the autumn elections was inevitable. It was roundly denounced by the Democratic leaders and party, and of course found little favour in the border Slave States. On the other hand, the Re- publicans of the Free States supported it with steady unanimity. Other exciting topics, the want of military success, and the anti-slavery legislation of Congress, added to the loud outcry that the Administration had changed the war for union to a war for abolition, gave the Democrats the advantage of an aggressive campaign, which increased the representatives of that party in the House from 44 to 75. They c. M. H. vii. OH. XYIII. 38
