justified before the country. On the 20th of May, 1868, the National Republican Convention met at Chicago to nominate candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency. It was hardly necessary to nominate Grant, for he had already been fixed upon by the people for their suffrages; but the convention, on the first ballot, unanimously nominated him for this high office. The news of this great event was carried to him at once. He was unmoved by it, but asked immediately for the platform. This he carefully read, and heartily indorsed. The honor conferred upon him so unanimously was the most flattering compliment which had been bestowed upon any man since the time of Washington; but he only asked to know what principles he was expected to represent. And now my delightful task is ended, though I shall never cease to proclaim the admiration and gratitude with which I regard the illustrious soldier on all proper occasions. As I look upon my poor work, I feel that I have failed to do justice to the sublime subject of my memoir. I cannot express all I feel. From Palo Alto to Appomattox I have followed him in his grand career, and I hold him up as a soldier confidently challenging the whole world,-- MATCH HIM! In the elements of magnanimity, regard for the rights of others, undeviating honor and truth, I say,-- MATCH HIM! As the foremost man in putting down the Rebellion, first in war and first in the hearts of his countrymen, I add,-- MATCH HIM! As a man, cool, resolute, and unflinching in the discharge of every duty, proving, by what he has done, what he is able to do in civil as well as in military life, I say,-- MATCH HIM! * * * * * OLIVER OPTIC'S MAGAZINE, Our Boys & Girls The only Original American Juvenile Magazine published once a Week. EDITED BY OLIVER OPTIC, Who writes for no other juvenile publication--who contributes each year Four Serial Stories, The cost of which in book form would be $5.00--_double the subscription price of the Magazine!_ Each number (published every Saturday) handsomely illustrated by THOMAS NAST, and other talented artists. Among the regular contributors, besides OLIVER OPTIC, are SOPHIE MAY, author of "Little Prudy and Dotty Dimple Stories." ROSA ABBOTT, author of "Jack of all Trades," &c. MAY MANNERING, author of "The Helping-Hand Series," &c. WIRT SIKES, author of "On the Prairies," &c. OLIVE LOGAN, author of "Near Views of Royalty," &c. REV. ELIJAH KELLOGG, author of "Good Old Times," &c. Each number contains 16 pages of Original Stories, Poetry, Articles of History, Biography, Natural History, Dialogues, Recitations, Facts and Figures, Puzzles, Rebuses, &c.