An End to Reconstruction - An 1876 Election Game (Gameplay Thread)

[GoTfan]

The Portland Press Herald

March 3rd, 1876

An Announcement from Former Governor Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

[image credit: Wikimedia Commons]

At Little Round Top 13 years ago, we boys from Maine made our stand to defend our Union at all costs. It is with great dismay therefore, I look to see what our Union has become. Corruption, bribery and political favortism rule the day, despite the greatest attempts of President Grant to avoid such nefarious intent. We must do better, and must be ready to criticise our own when they fall short.

Yet, the other side is no better. They seek to further end the progress we have made towards true rights for all in this nation; our Constitution guarantees that all men are created equal, and submitting to the whims of those who sought our Union's destruction will only see our Constitutionally granted liberties restricted.

I hereby declare my intent to seek the Presidency of these United States, not to further these problems, but to resolve them. A gentle hand to Reconstruction, defence of the God-given and Constitutionally-granted rights to all, and creating a professional, incorruptible public service.

[GoTfan]

The Clarion Ledger
March 5th, 1876

[image credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Governor Adelbert Ames (R-MS)

Governor Chamberlain is a man of unparallelled honor. I served as his first commander during our Civil War, and he proved his valor on the battlefield many a time. I would offer him my support in his endeavors to seek the Presidency of this nation of ours

The Portland Press Herald

March 6th, 1876

[image credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Former Vice President Hannibal Hamlin (R-ME)

Our country must have a President beyond reproach; one who will defend our expansion of rights to Negroes, who will take a gentle but firm hand in Reconstruction, and most of all, be above corruption and petty polical games. Governor Chamberlain is a man with the honor and reuptation to hold up the lofty ideals of this nation of ours, and I am glad to support him.

[GoTfan]

Chamberlain for President Campaign Summary

In the first weeks of March, Chamberlain would look to secure the allegiance of the powerful New England delegations, pointing out that he was, after all, from Maine and a war hero. He would leverage the endorsement of Hannibal Hamlin in an attempt to win over such support in the area. In the south, efforts would be spearheaded by Governor Adelbert Ames, who would campaign for Chamberlain on a firm, but gentle continuation of Reconstruction and promises to support attempts to rebuild Southern infrastructure.

Chamberlain would not openly side with the Radical or Liberal Republicans, instead attempting to triangulate is own position as between them, combining the best of both without the weakeneeses of either. In doing this,he hopes to carve out a support base among those who fervently support Reconstruction and civil rights for blacks, but also hope for less corruption and a professional public service.

[GoTfan]

Chamberlain for President Summary

Chamberlain would continue to beef up his support in New England by meeting with leaders in New Hampshire and Vermont. He would also travel this week to Ohio, and, breaking with precedent, deliver a series of speeches on the necessity of party unity and emphasizing the fact that as between the wings of the party, he was best suited to such a task.

He would also meet with party leaders from Michigan and Indiana in an attempt to win their support for his campaign, know that support in the west would be vital at the convention. Finally, Vice President Hamlin would meet with leaders in Wisconsin and Iowa, touting Chamberlain's status as a war hero and his commitment to Republican principles.

[GoTfan]

Chamberlain For President Summary

April 1-8: Chamberlain continue to make speeches across the midwest, attempting to broaden his base of support beyond New England. Topics included a gentle yet firm Reconstruction and an major railroad expansion. Chamberlain stated his vision included two Transcontinental Railroads in order to provide ease of transport across the nation. At the concolusion of this, he boarded a train bound for California.

April 15-22: These days were spent moving through Nevada and California, conducting short meetings with Republicans in those states and holding a productive meeting with the former governor of California, Leland Stanford, also a businessman and a staunch advocate of further railroad expansion. Following this, Chamberlain jumped back onto the train to head back east.

April 29-June 6: Chamberlain spent these days meeting with midwest delegates to rally their support for the convention. Again, Chamberlain stuck to his bread and butter appeal: that he was positioned pretty much in the middle of the more moderate Sherman and the more radical Butler and thus, perfectly positioned to unite both wings of the party in the face of a united Democratic party.

Jun-7-13: These last days were spent developing a convention strategy and shoring up support in New England.

Governor Chamberlain is a man of honor. A man whose personal bravery and courage is beyond doubt. He served on the front lines during the Battle of Gettysburg, and quite arguably saved the Union at Little Round Top.I can think of no better man to see in the White House.

-Former Governor of California Leland Stanford

I was one of Lincoln's wartime governors. I had to make decsions that affected my state in a time of civil war. Every decision I made was in supportof the Union. Every decision I made was with an eye to its perservation. This year, we find ourselves in need of a man who can not just bring Lincoln's vision for America to life, but who can also reform our public service to become the shining beacon it once was. It is my firm belief that Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is that man.

-United States Senator Oliver Morton of Indiana

Like many during the Civil War, I served my country with pride. I led the Ohio 39th into battle many times, and was wounded in the line of fire. While on duty, I heard stories of a Joshua Chamberlain, a professor from Maine who gave his lucrative position at Bowdoin College in order to fight for his Union. I heard tales of how he spent a freezing night in the fields at Fredericksburg, of how he led the 20th Maine in a valiant bayonet charge that has good claim to saving our nation.We have three soldiers running for President this year, all fine men, but Chamberlain is the man best equipped to lead our nation.

-Former Governor of Ohio Edward Follansbee Noyes

These letters were reprinted in as many newspapers in their states as possible.