Meaning of Lincoln quote re: election of 1864?

Question:Lincoln wrote this in May1864, when he wasn't too sure of his chances in the coming elections: This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that this Administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to so co-operate with the President elect, as to save the Union between the election and the inauguration; as he will have secured his election on such ground that he cannot possibly save it afterwards."
Now from what I can tell, he was referring to Fremont, who was supported by the Radical Republicans, correct? So he was saying that if Freemont won the election, that he would have been elected on the grounds that he punish the South, which in turn would make it much less likely that the South would surrender? Is that it?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Lincoln wrote this in May1864, when he wasn't too sure of his chances in the coming elections: This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that this Administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to so co-operate with the President elect, as to save the Union between the election and the inauguration; as he will have secured his election on such ground that he cannot possibly save it afterwards."
Now from what I can tell, he was referring to Fremont, who was supported by the Radical Republicans, correct? So he was saying that if Freemont won the election, that he would have been elected on the grounds that he punish the South, which in turn would make it much less likely that the South would surrender? Is that it?

Lincoln was sure that if he wasn't elected, it would be Mclellan. Fremont's candidacy was fracturing the Republican vote, which would have given the election to the Democrats unquestionably. Mclellan would have entered into a treaty with the CSA, ending the war but destroying the nation and allowing traitors to overthrow the government.

This fact was well known to the Radical Republicans who, although they preferred Fremont over Lincoln, believed that Lincon remaining President was the best chance for winning the war. It's ironic - and heroic - that Zachariah Chandler, a Radical Republican who had come to despise Lincoln's policies, nonetheless was the man who negotiated the withdraw of Fremont, and saved the country.

No, he was referring to McClellan, one of his generals, who was heading the Democratic ticket.
McClellan wanted to declare an armistice, that is, he wanted for the North to stop fighting and negotiate a settlement. If Mac won the election, the country today might yet be two rather than "won."

I believe you are correct. In May of 1864 there was doubt as to him being renominated.

Fremont would have made peace much harder to come by.