William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

[249] had bearded the lion of Rebellion in its den. They knew its strong and weak points. They asked Massachusetts and other anti-slavery States to take no aggressive stand against slavery, as it would weaken them, and strengthen the enemy. Massachusetts was one of many States battling for the nation: it was not therefore deemed wise for her alone to attempt to change the issue from a war to preserve the Constitution and the Union, into one for the abolition of slavery. The calm judgment of the people accepted this argument; and hence they could not affirm the policy advanced by Mr. Sumner, because they did not believe it wise then to adopt it. The time might come, they argued, when it would be the highest wisdom to take such a stand; and that time came, and the nation was saved.

The Democratic convention was held in Worcester, Sept. 18, and nominated Isaac Davis, of Worcester, for Governor; Edwin C. Bailey, of Boston, Lieutenant-Governor; Charles Thompson, of Charlestown, Secretary of State; Moses Bates, of Plymouth, Treasurer; and Edward Avery, of Braintree, Attorney-General. These gentlemen were war Democrats.

Moses Bates was elected president of the convention, and, on taking the chair, made a long speech, which, so far as it related to the great national issue, was decided in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war. Speeches were made by Oliver Stevens, of Boston; E. A. Alger, of Lowell; and Edwin C. Bailey, of Boston,—all of whom condemned the Rebellion, and favored ‘conquering a peace.’ The resolutions reported by A. R. Brown, of Lowell, and adopted by the convention, were of the same stamp.

It appears clear, therefore, that upon this great and vital question, which filled all minds, and overtopped all other issues, the two great political parties were a unit; and but for the habit of making separate nominations, and of rallying under different party names, a union would have been made, and the ticket, with John A. Andrew's name at the head, would have been elected by a vote approaching unanimity. A union of this sort was not required to insure the election of the Republican candidates. They were certain to be elected by majorities of thousands. Every one knew that. Therefore no political advantage could be gained by them in receiving Democratic support. The