Autograph letter signed by Union General John C. Frémont (1813-1890). New York, 5 March 1864. 3 pages, 8vo.

A letter penned by “The Pathfinder”, General John C. Frémont (1813-1890) in which Frémont discusses his intention to challenge Lincoln for the Republican Nomination for President. These plans included having the radicals of the Republican party hold a separate convention which, if carried out, could have greatly altered the results of the incredibly close 1864 election. 

Frémont writes “ … our friends in the West have anticipated your views as to the expediency of a Radical convention, although they have called it for a different place & an earlier time. Of the two plans suggested by you I like this one the best. The other is certainly dangerous and takes from us any power of independent action…I believe that the proceedings of this convention will be about such as you lay down in your letter. I am glad to know…not only that you will act with them but that you will insist upon an uncompromising course against the Administration…”.

While this convention never took place, it is illuminating insight into the opinions of the Republican party during Lincoln’s reelection. Frémont would have very likely not have garnered enough support to win the Republican nomination, though ardent abolitionists did not hold much confidence that Abraham Lincoln would ever call for emancipation of slaves throughout the United States. 

General John C. Frémont was an infamous Union General whose reputation was largely controversial throughout the war. After gaining his nickname through a series of successful surveys throughout the West in the 1840s, Frémont was chosen as the first presidential candidate for the Republican party; his outspoken criticisms of slavery were renowned and in line with the ideals of the party. While his campaign would be unsuccessful, he would remain a feature within the Republican party, earning himself an appointment as a major general in command of the Department of the West under President Abraham Lincoln. Ultimately, his reputation amongst his party would falter. On 30 August 1861, Frémont would take aggressive action against the State of Missouri, declaring martial law throughout the state, arresting known secessionists, and ultimately announcing the emancipation of the slaves belonging to individuals who took action against the Union. Missouri had remained a neutral state, largely under the belief that slavery would remain untouched. Frémont’s abrupt decision enraged many throughout the state, causing fears that the major general’s actions would cause Missouri and Kentucky to secede from the Union entirely. Lincoln removed him from his position, relocating Frémont. Unsatisfied by his position within the army, Frémont elected to remove himself from service in 1862.

However, this would not dissuade Frémont from his aggressive opposition against slavery, earning him a minor championship of radicals and abolitionists within the Republican party against Abraham Lincoln during the election of 1864. The support was minimal, and Frémont did not pursue the campaign for long.

An intriguing insight into the dissenting opinions within the Republican party during the 1864 election. 

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