McClellan became the 1864 Democratic Presidential candidate after convention fight that produced a party platform with a peace plank pushed by those supporting a cease fire and negotiated settlement that many felt would simply end in the permanent establishment of Confederacy. A major object in nominating him, however, was that with a military background and a “war Democrat” he might siphon off Republican votes. He thus renounced the peace plank, campaigning on the promise to continue the war, but somehow fight it better. Even with these conflicting policies, he still stood a chance to win the election: the war had dragged on for three years, the draft was unpopular, Lincoln was accused of violating civil liberties, and Grant’s Virginia Campaign seemed only to add to the casualty lists.

This poster is a rare survivor from that campaign. McClellan appears in his general’s uniform with “Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. McCLELLAN” in large outline letters underneath. Below that he is titled, “THE NATION’S HOPE!” in white, with the party slogan in black at bottom: “LIBERTY! UNION!! AND THE CONSTITUTION!!!” There is a Lewis and Goodwin, Albany, lithographers credit below the portrait and their credit as publishers along the bottom edge.

The poster rates good to very good for condition. There is some foxing and water stains, but these are more evident on the back than the front where they blend in.  The poster was framed during the period, but is now preserved in an archival sleeve. A paper conservator could likely work wonders on it. There are no holes. Just one short tear at top edge center, which has a short white tape reinforcement on the reverse.

This is a strong portrait of McClellan and a significant political campaign item. Despite the conflicting campaign messages, McClellan might have pulled it off. Lincoln was worried about his chances. The Republican Party even changed its name to the National Union Party to give voters some cover. Lincoln owed much of his eventual success, however, to William Tecumseh Sherman. The taking of Atlanta in September 1864 provided the necessary ray of hope that the expenditure of so much money and so many lives might not have been in vain.  [sr]

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