The New York Times, May 15, 1860
Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.
CHICAGO, Monday, May 14.
The passengers by the Southern Lake Shore Line left Buffalo this morning, and reached Chicago at 9 o’clock this evening. Great enthusiasm was exhibited all along the route; at every point crowds of people thronged the depots. Bands of music, the booming of cannon, and numberless cheers, testified the great interest felt by the masses touching the objects of the Convention.
At this point an immense procession was formed at the depot. A brass band led off, and the immense concourse escorted the delegates through Lake-street, which was brilliantly illuminated. It is estimated that at least twenty thousand people joined in the welcome.
Among the arrivals by the Southern route are Gen. WEBB and Hon. HENRY RAYMOND, of New-York, Mr. TRASK, of Massachusetts, and many of the Eastern delegations. The New-Yorkers mostly came by the other route. The feeling is strong for Mr. SEWARD, but the main question seems to be who can be elected? Can Mr. SEWARD? If so, then he is the first choice.
The opinion of the Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Illinois and Indiana Delegations will have great weight in deciding this point.
BANKS has many friends. He has six in the Massachusetts Delegation. Nineteen from that State are for SEWARD, and the other is doubtful.
The Rhode Island Delegation was originally half Republican and half American. Since the Baltimore nomination the Americans have bolted, and some trouble is experienced in filling the vacancies.
Maine and Vermont are openly for FESSENDEN. One-third of the Ohians are for CHASE; the balance incline to WADE. CHASE’s free trade record hurts him.
The hotels are crowded; the streets are alive with enthusiastic shouters, and the spirit of 1840 seems to have revived and broken out afresh.
The Seward men are very confident. The Chase and Wade men work together. The Banks men are quiet, but expect a rally will be made in his favor at an early period. Illinois alone works hard for LINCOLN.
HOWARD.