The Life and Public Services of James A. Garfield / Twentieth President of the United States, Including Full and Accurate Details of His Eventful Administration, Assassination, Last Hours, Death, Etc., Together with Notable Extracts from His Speeches and Letters

by E. E. Brown

On Tuesday morning, a pencilled note, it is said, passed from Conkling to Garfield, which read as follows:—

"My Dear Garfield,—If there is to be a dark horse in this convention there is no man I would prefer before yourself.

Conkling."

The reply was,—

"My Dear Conkling,—There will be no dark horse in this convention. I am for Sherman.

J. A. Garfield."

By the time the thirty-fourth ballot was cast, however, it began to be very evident that a "break" was imminent. Wisconsin gave thirty-six votes for Garfield, Connecticut followed with eleven more, Illinois gave seven, and Indiana twenty-nine.

Garfield immediately rose to his feet and said he had refused to have his name announced and voted for in the convention.

"I have not given my consent"—he began; but amidst much laughter the chairman interrupted, and said the gentleman was not stating a question of order.