The Methodist denomination, always large in Massachusetts
and powerful in her Republican councils, was proud that this
statesman and warrior was of its fold. As the time for the
convention approached, four ex-Governors, men of great personal
influence, leaders in the Republican Party, yet of highly
different character, who represented very different shades
of Republican opinion--Boutwell, Bullock, Claflin and Rice--
declared themselves in favor of nominating him again. Nothing
could have prevented his carrying Massachusetts as by a great
wave, but the fact that he had been, in his second term, subject
to a most unworthy influence in the matter of appointments
to public office. The whole National executive patronage
in Massachusetts seemed given up to advancing the personal
fortunes of General Butler. Brave soldiers, honored Republicans,
were turned out of post-offices, to be replaced by incompetent
and dishonorable adventurers, odious in the neighborhoods
from which they came, to please this ambitious and unscrupulous
man. This excited a deep indignation which culminated when
William A.
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