Note 60 — Chapter XXI

Lincoln's evasion of an issue which he did not wish to meet was put to a severe test in 1864, when the convention that renominated him for the Presidency had to decide whether to renominate also Vice-President Hamlin. Lincoln liked Hamlin; but, while a Vice-President from Maine had strengthened the ticket in 1860, a war Democrat from one of the border States could help it more in 1864. Lincoln managed never to let it be known whether he favored Hamlin, who greatly desired his support, or whether, as was probably the case, he preferred Johnson. He was skillful in evasion when he chose to be so.