Life and times of Silas Wright, late governor of the state of New York

Preface

It was with great diffidence and reluctance that I undertook the work now offered to the public. My " Political History," which was published in the year 1842, had been better received than I had anticipated. The press of both political parties had treated it not only with liberal indulgence, but with kindness ; and I had, perhaps wisely, certainly prudently, determined not to hazard, by another appearance before the public, the forfeiture of the favorable opinion which had been expressed. Within two or three of the last years, friends residing in various parts of the state, belonging to different parties, have urged me to continue my narrative of political parties, but I have uniformly replied, that the difficulty of describing with accuracy and truth the conduct of men now acting a prominent part on the political theatre, without partiality to personal friends, (I am not aware that I have any enemies,) was so great, that I had not the temerity to engage in the enterprise. But immediately after the sudden and unexpected death of the late Governor Wright, several gentlemen, whose opinions were entitled to my highest confidence and regard, requested me to compile the biography of that distinguished statesman. Although I had reason to doubt, and in truth did doubt, my ability to do justice to the memory of that great and good man, and to the reading public, I confess that I felt a desire to make the effort. In considering the course to be pursued in writing the Life of Mr. Wright, it immediately occurred to me, that for the last six or seven years he had been so connected with the political parties in this state, and his actions and fortunes had been so much influenced by the

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4 PREFACE.

action and fate of those parties, that his life could not be written as it should be, without at the same time giving a pretty full account of many of the most distinguished politicians in the state and nation, who have recently been active in public life, and who have to a considerable extent influenced public opinion ; and, in fact, that a correct and full history of Silas Wright from the year 1840 to the close of his administration of the government of this state in 1846, would necessarily be the political history of the state during that period. I was thus led to the attempt which has resulted in the production of what is contained in the following sheets. Those who may take the trouble of perusing them, will find that until the year 1841, to which time, by my former work, the political history of the state is brought down, I have confined myself entirely to the history of the Life of Wright. Tn continuing the account of his life from the year 1840 to the close of his administration of the government of New York, the history of the political parties which existed during that period is naturally and almost necessarily resumed and continued. After he retired from the gubernatorial chair, there remains to his biographer little other labor than the painful task of recording his death.

So far as relates to that portion of this volume which treats of the political history of the state, I dare not hope that I have done full justice to the subject.

1 have not, during any part of the period about which I have written, personally mingled in the controversies which have prevailed. Indeed, I have not frequently within that time visited the seat of government, which is the great theatre of the operations of parties. It is therefore highly probable that some material circumstances, which had an important bearing on the events which have occurred, may not have been known to me. My account of the movements of the whig party, and of the action of distinguished whigs, may not be

PREFACE. 5

so ample as is desirable it should have been ; and it will be found, and perhaps be a subject of complaint by some readers, that much more space is occupied in narrating the conduct of the democratic than the whig party. The only reason I can offer for this is, that during much the greater part of the time from the close of the year 1840 to that of 1846, the whigs were in the minority, and therefore their party movements did not and could not engross so much of the attention of a spectator as the operations of that party which controlled the patronage and measures of the state. For the same reason, the dissensions among the whigs themselves were not so visible, and could not be so accurately described as the feuds which have existed in the democratic party. The description of those feuds has imposed on me a task of great delicacy and difficulty. While on one great question about which the two sections of the democratic party differ, it is well known that I agree with the radicals, many, perhaps a majority of my most valued personal friends, belong to that section who have been denominated hunkers. My difficulties and embarrassments in the attempt to give a correct account of these two sections, when I approached the year 1842, in consequence of the various currents, countercurrents, and under-currents which were put in motion, were increased to a degree almost insurmountable. How I have succeeded in working my way through this abyss " of neither sea nor good dry land," must be submitted to an intelligent, and, as by experience I have heretofore found, a liberal community. With respect to the principal object of this work, The Life of Mr. Wright, I will merely remark, that in my judgment, to describe the man as he really was, and his actions, both in public and private life, as they truly were, was the imperious duty of his biographer ; and that a simple narrative, " a plain tale," embracing those objects, is the best eulogy of a great and good man.

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6 PREFACE.

The chapter which contains the account of the proceedings of the convention to revise the constitution, is a mere digest of the reports of the doings of that body. It has been made principally from the reports as published by Messrs. Croswell and Sutton.

It is believed that it will be found to present a pretty clear view of the material points decided by the convention, and of the course of reasoning which led to the results to which that assembly arrived, so abbreviated, simplified, and arranged as will enable the student of constitutional law, by a few hours' reading, to acquaint himself with the great and leading principles which controlled the action of the framers of our present constitution.

Many important suggestions and interesting facts have been kindly communicated to me by gentlemen attached to different political parties and sections of parties. In compiling this work, I have made a free and liberal use of those facts and suggestions. It would give me great pleasure were I permitted to mention the names of these gentlemen ; but I do not feel authorized to do so without their express consent, and 1 therefore avail myself of the pres.nt occasion to return them my cordial thanks.

The free access to the files of the Albany Argus, the Evening Journal, and the Albany Atlas, which has been courteously accorded to me by the conductors of those journals, has greatly facilitated my labors ; but I am more especially indebted to the connections and friends of Gov. Wriffht who reside in the county of St. Lawrence, for much valuable information respecting the private life and character of that virtuous citizen and eminent statesman.

J. D. H.

Cherry Valley, May 1, 1848.

Chapter I

Introduction-Birth and Childhood of Silas Wright-Academical and Collegiate Education-Remarks 0,1 School-keeping by S udents of the New England Colleges-He studies Law at Sandy H.ll-Is admitted an ASomey of thf Supreme Court-His Journey through Western New York-Locates himself in Canton, St. Lawrence County-Ihe first Public Offices which he held-His services m the M.litia^rf St Lawrence County

Chapter III

Commencement of Mr. Wright's Political Life-His Nomination and Election to the Senate of New York from the Fourth Senatorial District-His action on the Bill providing for the Electa of Presidents Electors by the People-His attachment to the Democratic Par y- H. Seymour's Opinion of Mr. Wright-Governor Yates and Colonel Younsr— Mr. Wright supports the reuomination of Mr. Yates for Governor—De Witt Clinton's Removal from the Office of Canal Comma- Lrer-Attempt to elect a Senator of the U.nted States-Electora Law of 1825— Its Repeal in 1828— Reflections thereon— Numerous A^tionslor Bank Charter, in the year 1826-Mr. Wright's Act.on upon those Applications

Chapter IV

Result of the Election in November, 1825-Mr. Wright's Influence in the Senate— His Manner of discussing Questions— Case of Jasper Ward- Mr. Wright's Report thereon— He is elected a member of Congress m November, 1826

Chapter V

Mr. Clinton re-elected Governor and Gen. Pitcher Lieutenant-governor- Causes of this Result-Mr. Wright's Confidential Letter ^ Mr Van Buren in 1826-Mr. Wright's Report on the Petition o David E. Evans —Mr Flaw's Report on the Enlargement of the Er.e Canal—Mr. Kuggles' Report on the State Finances, from the Committee of Ways and Means-Mr. Van Buren re-elected to the Senate of the United States —Mr. Wright resigns his seat in the Senate ot New York <e

Chapter VI

Mr. Wright takes his seat as a Member of the Jwentiet h Congree*- Presidential Election and the Tariff Question- Tariff of 1816-1 arift

8 CONTENTS.

Convention at Harrisburg — The Southern Scheme of conducting the Election — Committee on Manufactures — Mr. Wright a Member of it — His Report — Debate thereon iu the House of Representatives — Mr. Wright attends the State Convention at Herkimer as a Delegate — He is nominated, and again elected to Congress Page 97

Chapter VII

Mr. Wright is appointed Comptroller of the State— The Importance of that Office and its high Responsibilities — The Chenango and other projected Canals— Mr. Wright's Report in 1830— General Fund— Mr. Wright attends the State Convention and successfully advocates the Nomination of Mr. Throop for Governor, who is elected — Mr. Wright elected Senator of the United States in the winter of 1833 113

Chapter VIII

Senate of the United States— Mr. Gillet's contemplated Work — Mr. Wright's vote on the Force Bill and the Compromise Bill — He opposes Mr. Clay's Land Bill — Gen. Jackson's conduct in relation to the Land Bill — Marriage of Mr. Wright — Removal of the Deposites from the Bank of the United States— Mr. Clay's Resolution, and Mr. Wright's Speech thereon — His Speech on Mr. Webster's motion to Recharter the United States Bank — Session of 1834-5 — Mr. Wright elected a member of the Committees on Finance and Commerce — His Speech on the last day of the Session — Mr. Van Buren elected Vice-President — Mr. Wright is a Member of the Baltimore Convention at the Nomination of Van Buren for President — Mr. Wright's conduct in the Senate in relation to the Anti-slavery movements — Bill for the Distribution of the Surplus Funds — Specie Circular — Mr. Wright elected Chairman of the Finance Committee—In 1837, re-elected to the United States Senate by the New York Legislature 125

Chapter IX

Suspension of Specie Payments by the Banks — Extra Session of Congress in September, 1837 — Mr. Wright's Opinion on the Subject of the Suspension of the Banks and of the Independent Treasury. ;i< expressed by him previous to the Extra Session of Congress — At the Extra Session Mr. Wright reports the Independent Treasury Bill — It passes the Senate, but is lost in the House of Representatives — He brings in the same bill at the Regular Session, but it fails of passing — July 4, 1640, the Bill becomes a Law — Mr. Wright votes for Mr. Clay's Resolution against any interference with Slavery in the District of Columbia — Mr. Wright's Oration delivered at Canton in 1839 — His Efforts to promote Mr. Van Buren's Election in 1840 147

Chapter X

Continuation of the Political History of the State of New York — Catalogue of the Senators — Whig and Democratic Caucuses for nomination of Speaker — P. B. Porter, Jr. chosen Speaker — Governor's Message — General Root's Resolution to amend the Constitution of the United States — Virginia Controversy— The Glentworth Fraud — Removal of Robert H. Morris from the Office of Recorder of New York — Freder-

CONTENTS. "

ickA Tallmadge appointed his successor-Proceedings on the B.ll to Abohsh Sal Pu.Ihment-Bill for the appointment of Conn y Superiitendents of Common Schools-John C. Spencer-H.s talents and Es-E S. Randall-Francis Dwight-General Harrison's Inauguration-Hs Cabinet-His Death-Mr. Tyler's Cabinet-John C.SpencerSectary of War-Trial and Acquittal of Alexander McLeod W llfam Ke/t appointed Circuit Judge of the F.rst C-u,t-Deatn of Bates Cook— Result of the election m November, 1841 ^age lb-!

Chapter XI

Levi S. Chatfield chosen Speaker of the Assembly-Unusual number of men of talents this year elected Members of that House-Isaac R. E - wood cho en Clerk'of the Senate-Gov. Shard's Message-Comp roller's Report-Dispute between the Governor and Senate on the Bill for the Repeal of U^Law in relation to the Receiver, of Insolvent Banks -Caucu .for nominating State Officers-A. C. Flagg, Comptroller. S. You^Secretary of Stale, George P. Barker, Attorney-genera , 1 bom asFafrington, Treasurer, Nathaniel Jones, Surveyor-general-_Canal Commissioners— Debates in the Senate and Assembly on the 1- .nances ^M Hoffman's Speech-Mr. F.agg's Report-Mr. Hoffman s Fman rial Bill of 1842-It passes the Assembly-Proceedings m the Senate SeWo -Mr Dickinson's Substitute, and Messrs Foster's and Faulk- S Amendments-The People's Resolutions-Indications of D»ssen- 5ons in the Democratic and Whig Parties-Virginia Controversy agam disc, ed-Bill for removing the State Printer-Vetoed by the Governor -Proceedings io Congress-Mr. Wright's Speech on the Loan B.H- His Speech on the Bill for dividing the States into angle Congressional D tS-New Tariff Bill-Mr. Wright's Speech on this Bill-Democrac State Convention-William C. Bouck nom.nnted for Governor- He is elected-D. S. Dickinson elected Lieutenant-governor 249

Chapter XII

George R- Davis nominated and elected Speaker-Governor's Message- Gov BoucPs Birth and Edncation-Lyman Sanford appointed Adjust nT'a^neral— Litation of the Presidential Question at Wash.ngtonfeocldlni on bo-d the Brig Somers, and death of Mr Phil.p Sjencor -SouVh Carolina Legislature" nominate Mr. Calhoun for Preeident- Cha°racter of the Stat! Officers in 1843-Course of the governor-Contest respecting State Printer- E Croswe U, HJLVa n Dyck ££» 7f\ T^^^T^^^S^^^a to the Conduct "of Gov'Ck as^anal Commissioner-The d,stribntio„ of the Book containing the result of the Geological Survey-Young and Snson-Bul for abolishing the Office of Bank Comm.ss.oner-R^ jectidn by the Senate of nominations made by the Governor al5

Chapter XIII. 10 Content8

— Mr. Foster's Resolution for the Reduction of Postage — Mr. Foster elected President pro tern, of the Senate — Death of Judge Cowen — Samuel Beardsley appointed Justice of the Supreme Court — Death of Gen. P. B. Porter — James V. L. Pruyn and James J. Wadsworth appointed Regents of the University— J. P. Cushman resigns the office of Circuit Judge, and A.J. Parker appointed his successor — Mr. Farrington appointed Treasurer — J. C. Spencer nominated Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court — His nomination is rejected by the Senate — -Causes — Silas Wright nominated for same Office — He declines — Nomination of Chancellor Walworth for same Office — Afterwards the Chancellor's name withdrawn by the President, when Judge Nelson was nominated and appointed Page 369

Chapter XIV

Gen. Chamberlain's Resolutions — Mr. Dennison's Report on the Canal Policy and Bill — Assembly's Finance Bill amended in the Senate, and passes — The state of feeling in the Assembly and Senate between the Hunkers and Radicals — B. F. Hall's Bill for a Convention, and proceedings thereon — Bill for electing Canal Commissioners — Removal of Mr. Cassidy from the office of State Librarian — Policy of the Whigs — Calvin II. Hulburd — Democratic Legislative Caucus — Protest of the minority— Whig Legislative Address 403

Chapter XV. Baltimore Convention

The issue on which Mr. Van Buren was beaten in 1840 — Annexation of Texas — Mr. Van Buren's Letter to Mr. Hammit — Intrigues at Washington— Two-third Rule — Proceedings at the Baltimore Convention — Nomination of James K. Polk — Mr. Wright declines to be a Candidate for Vice-President — George M. Dallas is nominated Vice-President — Whig Convention — Mr. Clay nominated for President — Mr. Frelinghuysen for Vice-President — Millard Fillmore supported by the New York Delegation — His Character 437

Chapter XVI

ublic feeling on the announcement of the Presidential Nominations — Native American Party — Liberty Party — Anti-Rent Party — Two sec-

Publi

rty — Liberty Partytions of the Whig Party — Conservative and Radical — Difficulties in the selection of a Democratic candidate for Governor — Radical papers demand the Nomination of. Mr. Wright — His unwillingness to be a Candidate— His Letter to the Editor of the St. Lawrence Republican — Syracuse Convention — Mr. Wright nominated for Governor — Whig State Convention — Secret Circular — Mr. Clay's Letters — Their Effect

Action of the Native American Party — Also of the Liberty Party —

Result of the Election — Position and Policy of the Governor eleel — Mr. Wright resigns his seat in the United Siat<-< Senate — Govern » B appoints Messrs. Dickinson and Foster I uited Stales Senator in pluco of Governor Wright and N. P. Tallmadge t76

CONTENTS.

Chapter XVII

Condition of the Democratic Party at the commencement of the year 1845 -Contest about the nominate of Speaker-Mr. heymour and Col. Crain-Mr. Seymour is nominated and elected— Governor s Message- Caucus to nominate State Officers-Its result-Caucus to nominate United States Senators-Messrs. Dickinson and Dix nominated and elected-Mr. Polk's offer to appoint Mr. Wright Secretary of the IW ury_Gov. Marcy appointed Secretary of War rage oiu

Chapter XVIII

Opinions of the Hunker and Radical Members of the Legislature of 1845 on the subject of the necessity of a Constitutional Convention— Difter-

eut views of the Hunkers, Radicals, and Whigs on that subject-Character of John Young-Amendments to the Constitution proposed by the Legislature of 1844, and approved by the Electors at the November election of that year-Action of the Whig Members of the Legislature on those Amendments-Circumstances which led to the passage of a Convention Bill-Final passage of the Bill in the Assembly-Debate on that occasion-Proceedings in the Senate on the Convention Bill-Its final passage in that House-Passage of the Canal B.li-ls vetoed by the Governor-Resignation of Judge Kent, and appointment of Judge Edmonds as Circuit Judge of the First Circuit M3

Chapter XIX

Bill to prevent persons appearing disguised and armed— Anti-rent Convention at Bern— No Democratic legislative Caucus was held at the close of the session-Address of the Radical members-Whig legislative Caucus and Address-Democratic Mass Meeting at Albany-Different opinions as to the course pursued by Governor Wright-J A Spencer and Samuel Young elected Senators-General Result of the Election .. November, 1845-Death of General Jackson-Death of Judge Sutherland— Death of Francis Dwight— His Character ^

Chapter XX

Legislature of 1846— Col. Crain and Mr. Bailey, candidates for nomination to the Speakership— Mr. Crain nominated and elected .Speaker— Delos W. Dean, Clerk— Anti-Rent Outrages— Trial of the Insurgents i„ Delaware County-Judge Parker-John Van Buren-Govemors Message— Legislative Proceedings— Debate in the Senate on the Resolutions proposed by Mr. Jones-Bill on the subject of Mate ^"nter- Proce.-d.ngs and Debates thereon in the Senate and Assembly-Act abolishing Distress for Rent-Mr. A. G. Chattield chosen Speaker pro tem.— Col. Young elected President pro tern, of the Senate— K ^ Temple appointed Adjutant-General— Hiram Gray appointed Judge oi the Sixth Circuit-L. H. Sanford Vice-Chancellor of the First D|Str'^- Death of Jonas Earl

12 CONTENTS.

Chapter XXI. Convention

Place of birth of the Delegates — John Tracy elected President — A Committeo of seventeen appointed to report on subjects to be considered by the Convention — Their Report — Debate on restricting the eligibility of citizens for the office of Governor — On the Executive Veto — On the Legislative Department — Report of the Judiciary Committee — Of the persons who composed that committee — Proceedings on Mr. Chatfield's Report (No. 6) on the State Officers — On Gen. Tallmadge's Report, from No. 11, on Rights and Privileges — Proceedings in Committee of the Whole on the Report from the Judiciary Committee — Mr. Hoffman's Report on Canals, the Public Revenue, &c., from No. 3 — Proceedings in Committee of the Whole on Mr. Hoffman's Report — Mr. Cambreling's Speech on Currency and Banking— Debate on the question of extending to colored freemen an equal Right of Suffrage — Mr. Clyde's Resolutions in relation to the Tenure of Real Estate — Final adjournment of the Convention — Concluding Remarks Page 605

Chapter XXII

The Mexican War — Speech of Mr. John Young on a resolution to support the War — Legislative Caucus at the close of the sessiou — Whig legislative Caucus and Address — National Reformers — The New Scotland Convention — Democratic State Convention at Syracuse — Address of the Convention — Whig State Convention — Anti-rent Convention at Albany — John Young elected Governor and Addison Gardiner Lieutenant-governor— Speculation on the causes of the defeat of Gov. Wright — Death and character of General Root — Conclusion of Political History 671

Chapter XXIII

Life of Silas Wright resumed and continued — Manner in which Mr. Wright receives the news of his defeat — Letter from George W. Little, Esq. — Wilmot Proviso — Mr. P. King's Bill including the Wdmot Proviso— His Speech on the Bill — Resolution of the New York Legislature on the subject of the Wilmot Proviso — Mr. Wright leaves Albany for Canton — His Journey from Utica — Letter from Col. Hinman — Chicago Convention — Mr. Wright's Reply to the Committee who invited his attendance— Mr. Wright's Address at the Saratoga Agricultural Fair — His Manner of Life after his return to Canton — His Death 700

Chapter XXIV

Proceedings on the Death of Mr. Wright, at Albany — New York — Tammany Society — State Legislature — Wisconsin — Presentation of Plate by the New York Merchants to Mrs. Wright — Funeral Sermon by .Mr. Johnson — Remarks on the Character of Silas Wright 733

LIFE OF SILAS WRIGHT.