Official proceedings of the National Democratic convention, held in Cincinnati, June 2-6, 1856. Pub. by order of the Convention:

64 PROCEEDINGS OF THE
dial co-operation with Jackson and Polk, and declared that, with his
name, the Democratic party would, in the next election, achieve one of
the most brilliant triumphs in the history of political victories.
Mr. Wilson, of South Carolina-Mr. President: In behalf of the
delegation of South Carolina, I beg to present to the Convention the
name of one of the distinguishedi sons of the 01d Dominion, whom
genius, eloquence and sound Democracy commend him to the people,
as the man for the high position for which we are now about to nominate
the candidate. Sir, I allude to James A. Seddon. [Great applause.]
Jas. A. Seddon of Virginia-Mr. President, I appreciate profoundly
the honor conferred by the nomination just made, and am especially
gratified by the source whence it has proceeded. To receive the approving plaudits of the "gallant Percy of the South" is inestimably grateful to my feelings, and till my heait's last throb must be borne in
indelible remembrance. I must, however, decline the nomination tendered, and beg the honorable gentleman to withdraw my name from the
candidacy. The Virginia delegation, with my entire assent, have concurred in the sentiment that, considering the circumstances under which
she has acted and the position she has occupied in relation to the nomination for the Presidency, it would be more consistent with her dignity
and honor that no son of hers should be placed in nomination for the
Vice-President. In addition, I may add as my private judgment, that
it would be more judicious and disinterested that no nomination for the
Vice-Presidency should be made from among the delegates to the nominating body. In deference, therefore, both to the ascertained sentiment
of my co-delegates and to my personal conviction, I beg, with all respect
to the gallant State proposing me, that my name be withdrawn, and I
am happy to be able to illustrate in my own case the principle of disinterestedness commended by my State and my own judgment.
Mr. Avery, of North Carolinla-I am instructed by the delegation of
North Carolina to call the attention of the Convention to the merits
and qualifications of one of het distinguished sons, whose ability and
high administrative talents have been so conspicuously displayed in that
department of the Executive Government which is most intimately
connected with the interest and feelings of the people. North Carolina
was a modest State; she rarely obtruded her pretensions on her brothers
of other States; but the great attainments, eminent services and wide
popularity of her son, induced her delegation now to present his name
for the second office in the gift of the Demnocracy. North Carolina presented the name of James C. Dobbin. [Loud cheers.]
Mr. Underwood. of Georgia-Mr. President: Since the Government
was established, Georgia has had but three Cabinet or excutive offices
in the Government. Her recent brilliant triumphs for the Democracy
give some claims to be considered in the choice of the candidate for at
least the second office in the Government, I will, therefore, present the
name of one of her sons who, in two of the severest political battles
ever fought in the State, bore with his stalwart arm and dauntless heart
the flag of Democracy to glorious victory, that man who had met one
of the fiercest and most dangerous factions that ever raised its grim
front in the land, and sent it howling back to its den.
I propose the name of Herschell V. Johnson. [Loud applause.]
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