It had been essentially aided if not indeed originated by the elder Francis P.Blair, who had the skill derived from long experience in political management.
Mr.Blair was a devoted friend of Benton, had been intimate with Jackson, and intensely hostile to Calhoun.

As editor of the _Globe_, he had exercised wide influence during the Presidential terms of Jackson and Van Buren, but when Polk was inaugurated he was supplanted in administration confidence by Thomas Ritchie of the State-rights' school, who was brought from Virginia to found another paper.

Mr.
Blair was a firm Union man, and, though he had never formally withdrawn from the Democratic party, he was now ready to leave it because of the Disunion tendencies of its Southern leaders.

He was a valuable friend to Fremont, and gave to him the full advantage of his experience and his sagacity.
William L.Dayton of New Jersey, who had served with distinction in the Senate, was selected for the Vice-Presidency.

His principal competitor in the only ballot which was taken was Abraham Lincoln of Illinois.