98 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS of the southern states and visited Cuba and Mexico. In the latter country he was hailed as its staunchest and most pronounced friend in the days of its struggle against foreign usurpation, and the peo ple testified their gratitude by extending to him every possible act of personal and official courtesy. On his return he took his family to his old home in Galena, 111. A popular movement had begun look ing to his renomination that year for the presi dency, and overtures were made to him to draw him into an active canvass for the purpose of accom plishing this result ; but he declined to take any part in the movement, and preferred that the nomination should either come to him unsolicited or not at all. When the Republican convention met in Chicago in June, 1880, his name was presented, and for thirty-six ballots he received a vote that only varied between 302 and 313. Many of his warmest ad mirers were influenced against his nomination by a traditional sentiment against a third presidential term, and after a long and exciting session the dele gates to the convention compromised by nominat ing Gen. James A. Garfield. Gen. Grant devoted himself loyally during this political canvass to the success of the party that had so often honored him, and contributed largely by his efforts to the elec tion of the candidate. In August, 1881, Gen. Grant bought a house in New York, where he afterward spent his winters,
