“The People’s Convention, which assembles at Philadelphia on the 17th instant, will be called first to decide this question: _Can the opponents of Slavery Extension elect whomsoever they may choose to nominate?_ If, on a careful comparison of views, this question can be confidently answered in the affirmative, we have next to consider who, by early, earnest, faithful, protracted, unswerving service to the cause, has done most for the triumph of Humanity and Impartial Freedom; and in that view but three names can be seriously considered, namely, those of WILLIAM H. SEWARD, of New York, SALMON P. CHASE, of Ohio, and CHARLES SUMNER, of Massachusetts. They are all capable, reliable, and deserving, and either of them would worthily fill the highest office in the Republic. We will not weigh their respective claims, but we shall support to the utmost of our ability whichever (if either) of them shall be nominated.” The Republican National Convention assembled at Philadelphia, June 17, 1856, and chose Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, as presiding officer. At an informal ballot for President there were 359 votes for John C. Fremont and 196 for John McLean; New York also gave two votes for Mr. Sumner and one for Mr. Seward. Mr. Fremont was thereupon nominated unanimously. At an informal ballot for Vice-President there were 259 votes for William L. Dayton, 110 for Abraham Lincoln, 46 for N. P. Banks, 43 for David Wilmot, 35 for Charles Sumner, 15 for Jacob Collamer, 9 for John A. King, 8 for S. C. Pomeroy, 7 for Thomas Ford, 5 for Henry Wilson, 4 for Cassius M. Clay, 3 for Henry C. Carey, 2 for J. R. Giddings, 2 for W. F. Johnston, and 1 for A. C. M. Pennington. On a formal ballot, Mr. Dayton was nominated unanimously. Mr. Sumner, who was at the time a guest of Francis P. Blair, at his place near Washington, addressed the following letter to a meeting at Faneuil Hall, in Boston, for the ratification of the nominations. SILVER SPRING (near WASHINGTON), June 21, 1856. MY DEAR SIR,--I am not strong enough for public speaking, even if I were strong enough for a journey to Boston. Besides, my duties in the Senate have the first claim upon me, and to them I must give my first returning strength. Therefore am I constrained to decline the invitation with which you have honored me. But I am strong enough to send from my present retreat a brief expression of cordial concurrence in the nominations made by the People’s Convention at Philadelphia, and also of the gladness with which I shall support them, by voice and vote, with mind and heart.