Troubled political times

"A northern no!"

"The sore-headed leaders in the state of New York"

and some others

nominate a president

"The work to be done": the parties organize

"There never was an election of greater importance": the parties define what is at stake

"The presence of every man is necessary": Zachary Taylor is elected

"A conspicuous milestone in the antislavery tourney"

or not

App. A. Democratic national platform, 1848

App. B. Whig Party statement of principles passed at a mass meeting after the national convention

App. C. Free Soil national platform, 1848

App. D. Zachary Taylor's inaugural address, March 5, 1849.