In the last few months before the nomination, small mistakes could often be deadly. That's why Lincoln, as smart as he is, didn't reveal a thing of what he was doing before he did it. Seward, being not as smart as Lincoln, took an eight month trip to Europe, which caused Chase to secure more votes for himself, rather than Seward.
When Seward finally returned after his eight month trip to Europe, He delivered a big speech in Washington. Once his speech was over, Seward got loads of applause and praise in newspapers. When it was printed in pamphlet form, around half a million copies of it were sold. And though people didn't enjoy the speech as much as others, Seward just claimed that to be because he was trying "not to rally the faithful, but disarm the opposition."
As Seward and Bates were repositioning themselves toward the middle of the Republican Party, Lincoln stayed steady. And even though at first Lincoln wasn't expecting to become a candidate, after a while it seemed a bit more probable.
At Cooper Union, nearly 1,500 people had gathered to hear Abraham Lincoln speak. At first everybody thought'
"This guy looks messy. His clothes are dirty, so why would we trust him to make a good speech?"
But, even though Lincoln's suit was wrinkled from traveling, his coat too big, one pant leg too long, his legs too long for his pants and his hair messy, everybody was captivated by his speech. His speech was so popular that it was reported about in newspapers and he was wanted in New England. (For his speeches, not for a crime he committed... I hope.)
"But, even though Lincoln's suit was wrinkled from traveling, his coat too big, one pant leg too long, his legs too long for his pants and his hair messy, everybody was captivated by his speech." Sounds like someone else I know!
ReplyDeleteLet me guess. You know Abraham Lincoln. Don't worry. I trust you. I've known you were around for that long for 20 years.
ReplyDelete--Simon