Chapter 84: The Republicans nominate their first presidential candidate.

At their convention in early June 1856, the Democrats cast 17 ballots before selecting James Buchanan over Pierce and then Stephen Douglas. He will prove to be another “Doughface,” born up north in Pennsylvania but subservient in every way to the South.

With guidance from former Democrat king-maker Francis Blair Sr., the Republicans rally in Philadelphia with a platform attacking the Democrats as the “Slavocracy” and a dire threat to the nation. Senator William Henry Seward is the front-runner until his advisor, Thurlow Weed, assures him that the party cannot defeat Buchanan this time around.

On the first ballot, the “Pathfinder of the West,” explorer John C. Fremont is chosen. The VP slot goes to William Drayton – while Abraham Lincoln receiving 20 votes. The