Hamlin, Hannibal (1809-1891) to Abraham Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02490.07 Author/Creator: Hamlin, Hannibal (1809-1891) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 December 1864 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20.6 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
Letter of introduction for a Mr. Peniston.
Member of the Democratic party, Hamlin was elected to Maine's House of Representatives in 1836, then to Congress in 1842, 1844, and 1848, where he served as chair of the Committees on Commerce and Printing. Unhappy with his party's views on slavery, he joined the Republican party. After a short period as Maine's governor, he returned to the Senate, and in 1860, Hamlin was selected as Lincoln's presidential running mate. In 1864 advisors suggested that Lincoln replace Hamlin with a running mate who would bring votes from northern Democrats, and Andrew Johnson was selected. Hamlin returned to Congress in 1869.
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