Prior to 1840 the Abolitionists had been so few and so scattered that they had not attempted a national organization, or taken any part in the political contests of the country.

In that year, however, they named James G.Birney as their candidate for the Presidency, and cast for him only 6,745 votes out of a total of 2,410,778.

In 1844 the Abolitionists again named Mr.Birney as their Presidential candidate; and, until the appearance of the Alabama letter, the general impression was that their vote would not be larger than in 1840.

Indeed, so long as Mr.Clay held firmly to his opposition to Texas annexation, the tendency of the Abolitionists was to prefer him to Mr.Polk.

But the moment the letter of surrender appeared thousands of anti-slavery Whigs who had loyally supported Mr.Clay went over at once to the Abolitionists.