General George McClellan Ohio Soldiers Ballot / Ticket 1864 Election vs. Lincoln

Title:
1864 Ohio Union Democratic Presidential Ticket – George B. McClellan & George H. Pendleton – Civil War Soldier’s Ballot from Seneca County

Description:
Original 1864 printed Union Democratic Ticket from Seneca County, Ohio, issued for the presidential election held on Tuesday, November 8, 1864. This historic slip supports the Democratic nominees George B. McClellan for President and George H. Pendleton for Vice President, reflecting the opposition to Abraham Lincoln’s wartime policies during the Civil War.

The ticket features a striking woodcut image of an American flag unfurled beneath a banner reading “E Pluribus Unum”, symbolizing national unity. Beneath the candidate names is a full listing of Ohio’s designated electors, including Charles Reemelin, William M. Telfair, Charles H. Johnston, and David R. Paige, among others. This version of the ticket is specific to Seneca County, clearly printed at top, indicating local distribution among Union troops or absentee voters.

The reverse shows typical 19th-century ink transfer or bleed-through, with light soiling and a small circular stain at bottom, yet the text and image remain sharp and well-centered. The paper exhibits natural age toning and creases consistent with period handling but is overall well-preserved and intact.

Historical Context:
This rare Democratic ticket represents the political challenge to Abraham Lincoln during the 1864 election, as General George B. McClellan, the former commander of the Union Army, ran on a platform calling for peace negotiations to end the Civil War. While McClellan distanced himself from the official Democratic platform—which labeled the war a failure—his campaign attracted voters weary of the ongoing conflict. These tickets were distributed to voters and soldiers in the field, making them not only political ephemera but firsthand artifacts of wartime democracy, when absentee voting for troops was a relatively new and controversial concept.

Authentication:

• Original 1864 printed Democratic ballot from Ohio

• Exhibits period printing marks, toning, and mild wear consistent with age

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This authentic George B. McClellan 1864 soldier’s ballot offers a rare and tangible connection to the most divisive presidential election of the Civil War era. As a political counterpoint to Lincoln’s leadership, it highlights the national debate over war, peace, and the future of the Union. A compelling addition for collectors of political Americana, Civil War artifacts, or presidential campaign ephemera.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.