Chapter 110: The Democrat Party fractures after reconvening in Baltimore.

On June 11 a meeting is held in Richmond to plan next steps for the nine “bolter states:” Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida, Texas, and Delaware. An editorial written by fire-eater R.B. Rhett, Jr. in the Charleston Mercury captures the spirit:

The Democratic Party, as a party based on principles, is dead. It exists now only
as a powerful faction. It has not one single principle common to its members
North and South.

The regular Convention re-opens on June 18 and four days later it collapse over a dispute on seating credentials. This time the original nine departees are joined by six others: Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, California, and Oregon, with Kentucky to follow.

Douglas persists and this time wins the majority of the remaining votes needed on the second ballot. This, however, is a pyrrhic victory.

Votes for Northern Democrats’ Presidential Nomination