ABSTRACT
The Abraham Lincoln Administration faced a crucial test in the fall elections of 1863, especially in Ohio and Pennsylvania. In Ohio, Vallandigham was the Democratic candidate for governor by "unanimous nomination" while he was "yet in the confederate States." The "heart of the nation" beat high with hope; its purpose strengthened, its religious faith deepened. "The war was never more popular" as Lincoln-following a two-hour oration by Edward Everett-rose to speak "a few appropriate remarks" at ceremonies on November 19th, dedicating part of the Gettysburg battlefield as a national cemetery. While the North was preparing for the fall elections, aspirants for the Presidency in 1864 were marshaling their forces. Richard Hooker's forces, enveloped by fog, clambered up the rugged slopes of Lookout Mountain to decisive victory in the famous "battle above the clouds" on November 23rd. That night, Sherman's men successfully assailed the rebels on Missionary Ridge in a bloody encounter.
