In June 1880 , while the Republican Convention was in session in Chicago , former general and president Grant and his family were living in Galena . After being persuaded by his wife and political friends to stand for a nomination and run for office a third time , he finally consented . Grant would come down town in the morning on a daily basis and would spent an hour or two with Judge Rowley , now an old friend and former comrade , at his office , and would often talk about his recent tour around the world . During the convention Rowley 's office would receive many telegrams , and while Rowley and others would receive them with great interest , Grant showed little , until one arrived with some descending news about an old trusted friend , Elihu B. Washburne , also on the list of presidential nominations . Washburne , now a competitor of Grant , was withdrawing his support and making disparaging statements about Grant , which ultimately ended their long friendship . While Grant received the news in his usual calm manner , Rowley and others , however , were very outspoken with their denunciation of Washburne
Republican Convention
1880 Republican National Convention
William R. Rowley