The Republicans were constantly strengthened by recruits from the Douglas ranks.

Many of the friends of Douglas had become enraged by the course of the Southern Democrats, and now joined the Republicans, in order to force the issue upon the men who had been so domineering and offensive in the Charleston and Baltimore conventions.

Mr.Lincoln gained steadily and derived great strength from the division of his opponents.

But their union could not have defeated him.

In New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, but one electoral ticket was presented against Mr.Lincoln, his opponents having coalesced in a joint effort to defeat him.