CLEVELAND CONVENTION - The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

The CLEVELAND CONVENTION (31 May 1864) brought together a group of Republicans critical of Pres. Lincoln's conduct of the war who met in order to form a new political party and nominate a rival candidate to run against him in the 1864 election. About 200-300 delegates representing 10 states met at Chapin Hall in Cleveland, and established the new Radical Democracy party. John C. Fremont was nominated by acclamation as the party's presidential candidate with Gen. John Cochrane of New York as vice-president, and a party platform was adopted which advocated the abolition of slavery by constitutional amendment, a 1-term presidency, and direct election of the president by the people. Although Fremont sent written acceptance of the nomination in June, he withdrew his name 3 months later in order to ensure a united Republican support of Lincoln's candidacy for reelection.

McKinney, Effie. The Cleveland Convention (1928).

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