By Elaine Grublin
The following excerpt is from the diary of Stephen Greenleaf Bulfinch.
Wednesday, June 1st, 1864
The Convention of Ultra-Republicans has met at Cleveland, & nominated Fremont for president. While thinking him the most brilliant man we have, I have not that confidence in his sound discretion, & what the Romans would have styled his fortunes, to think him the right man for the office. Mr. Lincoln is my choice, & will, I think, be that of the nation, unless possibly a brilliant victory gives Grant the preference.
Monday, June 13th
Our good president Lincoln has been re-nominated, by the Union Convention, with Johnson of Tennessee for Vice; – a good choice, as a tribute to the union men of the South, & I trust in other respects.