Description:

George McClellan
Seneca County, OH, ca. 1864
George McClellan for President in 1864! A Soldier's Used Mail-In Ballot from Ohio
Ticket/Invitation

A soldier's used ballot from Seneca County, Ohio, from the 1864 U.S. presidential election, ca. November 8, 1864.The top of the ticket features a bold excerpt from McClellan's letter of acceptance: "The Union must be preserved at all hazards" — a quote that sought to reassure war-weary voters that McClellan, though critical of Lincoln's policies, still supported preservation of the Union. The ticket then lists all presidential electors for the state of Ohio, including Charles Reemelin, Thomas W. Bartley, John L. Vattier, and others. Handwritten in pencil at the top is the word "Seneca", indicating its county-level use. In fine condition, with vertical folds, light creasing, and uniform age toning consistent with typical handling during the period. 3" x 8".

The McClellan-Pendleton ticket represented the Democratic Party's challenge to Abraham Lincoln in the crucial 1864 presidential election, held during the height of the Civil War. Headed by former Union General George B. McClellan, a popular yet controversial military figure, and running mate George H. Pendleton, a staunch anti-war congressman from Ohio, the ticket embodied the internal divisions within the North. While McClellan personally supported the preservation of the Union through continued military effort, the Democratic platform, largely shaped by Peace Democrats or "Copperheads," called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiated settlement with the Confederacy. This political contradiction weakened the campaign's message, especially as Union battlefield victories in late 1864, such as Sherman's capture of Atlanta, boosted Lincoln's popularity. Ultimately, the McClellan-Pendleton ticket was decisively defeated, but it remains a striking example of wartime dissent and the fraught intersection of politics and military command.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 3" x 8"
  • Medium: Ticket/Invitation

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

February 18, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000