Ulysses S. Grant 1880 Republican National Convention

a photograph of president grant during 1870s

at close of grant s 2 terms president in 1877, republican-controlled congress suggested grant not return white house third term. grant did not seem mind , told wife julia, not want here [in white house] 4 years. not think stand it. after grant left white house, , wife decided use us$85,000 of savings travel around world. biographer new york herald, john russell young, traveled grants , documented journey exotic places around world in book later published called around world general grant. young saw grant s popularity soaring, treated splendid receptions @ arrival in tokyo , peking, china.

after hayes falling-out republican party , perceived desire on part of united states electorate strong man in white house, grant returned united states ahead of schedule, in hopes of seeking third term in office. backing of stalwarts , calls man of iron replace man of straw in white house, grant confident receive republican nomination presidency. roscoe conkling, leader of stalwart faction, formed triumvirate j. donald cameron of pennsylvania , john a. logan of illinois lead campaign grant s return white house. grant victory, conkling , other stalwarts have great influence in white house. grant knew count on stalwart leaders solidify respective states in order guarantee grant victory. conkling confident in grant s nomination said, nothing act of god prevent grant s nomination. aide ex-president, adam badeau, commented grant had become extremely anxious receive nomination , did not think there chance of failure.

however, close friends of grant saw public support slipping. john russell young took grant aside , told him lose election, , should withdraw avoid embarrassment. young argued grant being heavily attacked opponents, against concept of presidential third term. young criticized handling of campaign , told grant if won election, indebted triumvirate . grant felt stalwart friends had been of great assistance in election bid, , deserved political patronage in administration. grant, nonetheless, listened young s advice , wrote letter j. donald cameron, authorizing name withdrawn nomination contest after consultation other stalwart backers. upon hearing of letter, julia grant insistent husband should not withdraw name contest. said, if general grant not nominated, let so, must not withdraw name – no, never. young delivered letter triumvirate in chicago on may 31, no action taken remove grant s name.