t should remain unbroken, and that Mr. Hamlin
should continue to be associated with Mr. Lincoln, there was a wide
sentiment in favor of recognizing the war Democrats, who had acted
with the Union party, by selecting one of their number for the
second place. Two prominent representatives of this class were
suggested,--Daniel S. Dickinson of New York and Andrew Johnson of
Tennessee. One was identified with the patriotic Democrats of the
North and the other with the sturdy and intrepid Unionists of the
South. Mr. Dickinson, by reason both of his earnest loyalty and
of his coming from the important State of New York, was regarded
in many quarters with special favor. The Massachusetts delegation
early declared their preference, and sent a message to the New-York
delegation announcing their purpose to vote for him if New York
would present him as a candidate. Had New York given him a united
support his nomination would not have been doubtful. But the very
reasons which commended him in other sections excited jealousy in
his own State, and prompted an opposition which led to his defeat.

Mr. Dickinson's career had been long and honorable. He had been
chosen to the State Senate in 1837, and quickly attained a leading
place. After serving as lieutenant-governor, he was in 1844
appointed United-States senator by Governor Bouck to fill a vacancy,
and was subsequently elected by the Legislature for a full term.
Appearing in the Senate at the important juncture when the annexation
of Texas and the Mexican war were agitating the country, he soon
took an active part in the discussions. He was particularly
distinguished for his aptness in repartee, and for his keen and
incisive humor. Politically he belonged to the conservative or
_Hunker_ wing of the Democracy. Entering the Senate just as Silas
Wright was leaving it to assume the Governor's chair, he joined
Secretary Marcy and the influences that moulded Polk's Administration,
against the able and powerful statesman who had so long held sway
over the Democratic party in New York. Mr. Dickinson's talent made
him the leader of the Hunkers, and in 1852 he was one of their
candidates for President. When the war came, he declared himself
unreservedly on the side of the Government, and rendered valuable
service to the Union party. He was especially effective on the
stump. His sharp wit, his rich fund of anecdotes, his sparkling
humor, his singular felicity and aptness of bib