Seymour and Blair : their lives and services : with an appendix containing a history of Reconstruction

Front matter

The Institute of Museum and Library Services through an Indiana State Library LSTA Grant

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SEYMOUR and BLAIR

Preface

In the compilation of this work, I have had the following aims in view : —

1. To give a truthful and accurate resume of the personal and political careers of Hon. Horatio Seymour and General Francis P. Blair, Jr., the Democratic candidates for President and Vice-President in the contest of 1868.

2. To state fairly and succinctly the issues now hefore the country, upon which the people are asked to give their verdict next November.

8. To deal honestly by my readers, making no unfair appeals to passion or prejudice, giving currency to no doubtful statements merely because they might damage the Republican party or its candidates, at the same time claiming no more for the Democratic party, its platform and ticket, than I think is honestly their due. Wherever it has been possible, I have made use of Governor Seymour's public utterances to explain his views.

In short, my design has been to compile a book, which, while it will be a storehouse of facts invaluable to Democrats daring the campaign, will yet be so candid in its spirit, and careful in its statements, that no fair-minded citizen, of any party, will be repelled from reading it. Such a work, I humbly conceive, will be far more effective as a means of proselyting inquiring or wavering Republicans, than one filled with strong party appeals, and abounding in the reckless charges so common in the prints usually put forth by political parties upon the eve of important elections.

4 PREFACE.

The contest has opened very "bitterly. For is this surprising. There are vast material interests at stake. A question of racesuperiority is involved, while the passions and prejudices generated during the war have been stimulated into a new life, so as to affect the result. It is the duty, however, of the great body of the American people, who are neither office-holders nor office-seekers, whose only concern is to see our financial system reformed, the revenues collected, and the Union restored in its integrity, to discountenance these exhibitions of party folly and fury, and address themselves to the task of discussing the candidates and the issues of the campaign temperately and candidly, in order that a wise and honest verdict may be given at the polls next November. To this class the following work is respectfully addressed and dedicated.

Many of the facts, and all the speeches, orders, messages, and documents, are taken directly from Governor Seymour's private papers, to which he has been kind enough to allow me access, and from which, for lack of space, I have been ablo to make only such extracts as are absolutely essential to a fair exhibit of his career as a public man. His official secretaries have also given me valuable assistance. So far, this work may be considered authorized. But for the language used, opinions expressed, statements made, as well as the arrangement of the matter, I am wholly responsible.

Whatever shortcomings may be noticed in the composition of this work, can easily be accounted for when it is known that it was written within a week, and that week the warmest known in the history of the country.

For valuable assistance in the preparation of the work, I am indebted to Messrs. Salem Dutcher, Henry E. Sweetser, A. 0. Wheeler, St. Clair McKelway, and Hiram Calkins — all members of the World Editorial Staff.

DAVID G. CROLY.

Contents

LIFE OF HON. HORATIO SEYMOUR.

CHAPTER PAGE

I. — Ancestry and Early Life 1

Chapter I. Ancestry And Early Life

The Seymour family were among the earliest settlers of Hartford, Connecticut. Richard Seymour, as we find in the preserved history of that place, figured extensively in its primitive struggles. The history of the family, however, assumed a broader character with Major Moses Seymour, the fourth lineal descendant of Richard, and grandfather of the subject of our memoir, who was born in 1742.

Early in the war of the Revolution, he was commissioned as captain of the troop of horse attached to the Seventeenth Regiment, Connecticut militia, and took an active part in the principal events of the war. He distinguished himself in the decisive battle which culminated in the surrender of Burgoyne, and in the establishment of American Independence.

Major Seymour had five sons and a daughter. In the " History of Litchfield " we read : — " Of these five sons, one became distinguished as a financier and bank president ; two became high sheriffs of this county ; one was a representative, senator, and

8 HON. HOEATIO SEYMOUR.

canal commissioner in the State of New York ; and one was for twelve years a United States Senator from "Vermont — the most remarkable family of sons ever raised in Litchfield. The daughter, Clarissa Seymour, married the Rev. Freeman Marsh, for many years rector of St. Michael's Church, in this town."

Among the relatives of Governor Seymour, well known in public life, may be mentioned his uncle, Horatio Seymour, LL. D, of Middlebury, Vt., who was a member of the State council from 1809 to 1816, and of the United States Senate from 1821 to 1833, and Origin S. Seymour, at present a judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut, and for many years Speaker of the House of Representatives of that State, and Member of Congress. He was the democratic candidate for governor a few years since. Col. Thomas H. Seymour, late governor of Connecticut, and formerly United States Minister to Russia, is a cousin, and was the classmate of Horatio. General Seymour, of the United States Army, is also a relative, as was the late Hon. David L. Seymour, of Troy, N. Y.

No less distinguished and patriotic were his maternal ancestry. His grandfather on that side was Lieut.-Col. Forman, of the First New Jersey Regiment in the Revolutionary Army. His grandmother was a niece of Col. William Ledyard, who commanded at Groton when that place was sacked and burned by British and tories under command of the notorious Arnold, on the 6th of September, 17S1, and where the Ledyard family was nearly extirpated. It is said that Arnold stood in the belfry of

HIS ANCESTRY. 9

a church, while the town was burning, and looked upon the scene with the satisfaction of a Nero. After the place surrendered, Major Bromfield, a New Jersey tory, at the head of a band of bloodthirsty savages, entered the fort, and demanded, " Who commands this garrison V Col. Ledyard, who was standing by, mildly replied, " I did, sir, but you do now," at the same time handing his sword to the victor. The tory miscreant, says the historian, immediately murdered Ledyard running him through the body with the weapon he had just surrendered.

Governor Seymour as the lineal descendant of Col. Forman, is now a member of the ancient and honorable Society of the Cincinnati. Col. Forman spent all his property in support of the Revolutionary cause. At the close of the war he moved to Cazenovia, ~KL Y., and received a commission as a general of this State, signed by the governor.

Henry, the father of Horatio, was born in 1780, and soon after reaching his majority removed to Onondaga Countv, in the State of New York, then little better than a wilderness.

On May 31, 1810, was born their son, the subject of our biography ; and about nine years after, the family removed to Utica. Mr. Henry Seymour, then in the heyday of life, was already conspicuous in those greater interests of the commonwealth wliich need practical wisdom and personal character in their development and trust. He was one of the earliest and most efficient canal commissioners, a colleague of Dewitt Clinton, was l* member of the council of appointment, mayor of Utica, representative and senator, and was president of the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, in ail of which positions he exhibited fidelity and talent.

The Seymour family have always been distinguished for their ability, and renowned for their patriotism. Democratic by education, by tradition, and by instinct, there is no variableness nor shadows of turning in their political history and relationships. In Connecticut, they were ever among the most advanced of the liberal party, bravely resisting the blue-laws and church rites, imposed upon the State by the early Puritans. It was in this contest that the democratic party of that State had its origin ; and with it in Connecticut grew up the Methodist, Episcopal, and other anti-Puritan churches. In that State, as elsewhere, democracy and liberal Christianity, have ever gone hand in hand, — and Horatio Seymour was educated in, and has grown up a firm believer in the faith of each. The State has no more consistent Christian. Associations and physical surroundings have much to do with forming the intellectual and moral character. The curious in such matters, in contemplating the pure character, commanding intellect, and lofty patriotism of Horatio Seymour, will not fail to connect him with the many strong men that have sprung from Litchfield, the home of his ancestry; with the Wolcotts, the Talmadges, the Masons, the Sedgwick s, the Pierponts, the Kirbys, and others that will occur to the intelligent reader.

Onondaga County, New York, the birthplace

AT SCHOOL. 11

of Governor Seymour, was settled by men of a very high order. One of the first things done by the pioneer settlers was to mortgage their lands in order to raise funds for the erection and endowment of an academy. In this academy Horatio Seymour received the rudiments of his education. Few academies can boast a nobler body of students. The Jeromes, the Marshes, the Litchfields, the Sedgwicks, Fargoes, Charles Mason (late Commissioner of Patents, who graduated at West Point, first of a class in which Robert E. Lee stood second), Senator Williams, of Oregon, Elliot, the painter, and Palmer, the sculptor, were students here. Pompey Hill was also the home of the distinguished lawyers, Daniel Gote, and Victory Birdseye, and among many successful business men who came from there were John P. Yelverton, and Erastus Partridge, of Seneca Falls, two of the most eminent and successful bankers in the State. Mr. Partridge frequently speaks of his early days at this place, and of his favorable recollection of Governor Seymour and his distinguished father and estimable and accomplished mother.

At the age of ten, he was sent "to the Oxford Academy, then one of the foremost educational institutions of the State, where he remained for two or more years in the family and under the instruction of the late David H. Prentice, a most successful educator, who, as principal of the Oxford Academy, and subsequently as a leading professor in Geneva (now Hobart) College, gave the impression %of his virtues and ability to many of the leading minds of the country. Governor Seymour preceded his distinguished tutor from Oxford to Geneva, and spent two years of his school-life in that beautiful village, amid the wild, romantic, and almost classical scenery of the lovely Seneca, — the finest of all the lakes which adorn and beautify the landscape of Western "New York.

From Geneva, the subject of this sketch went to the Military Academy at Middletown, Connecticut, then under the able management of Captain Partridge. It was probably the discipline of this school, that matured Governor Seymour's mind, while it gave to his person that elegance of style, which has always rendered him a marked man in any popular assemblage. Here too he acquired his taste for philosophical and out-door pursuits, which have ever been among his leading characteristics. Here were laid broad and deep the foundations of that strong, intellectual and moral development which has made Governor Seymour the polished gentleman, the graceful orator, as well as the foremost statesman of his day and country.

After graduating at this Military Academy, where his cousin, the Hon. Thomas II. Seymour, of Connecticut, was his "classmate, Governor Seymour, returned to Utica, New York, and entered upon the study of the law, under the guidance of these celebrated jurists, Greene C. Bronson and Samuel Beardsley, then in their prime. These men ranked among the legal giants of those days. They each subsequently filled the highest judicial posts in their State, besides leaving their mark on the legislation and jurisprudence of the nation.

ADMITTED TO THE BAR. 13

After a thorough, preparation, Governor Seymour was admitted an attorney and counselor of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, as a member of the Oneida bar. About this time his marriage occurred with Mary, the daughter of John R. Bleeker, of Albany.

The cares of business soon after thrown upon him, tended, rather than political pursuits, to withdraw him from the practice of a profession, to which he was so well adapted, and in which he was so certain of success. It is said of him, hj those who know him well, both as a lawyer and subsequently as a business man, that his adaptation to business, and his dispatch were remarkable, showing, as has been remarked, his versatility of talent — eminent at the bar, in the forum, the senate, the counting-room, and the executive chamber.

When the late William L. Marcy became governor of New York, and Martin Yan Euren was at the head of affairs, state and national, the keen eye of Mr. Yan Buren espied in young Seymour the elements of a great popular leader, and at his special instance, Governor Marcy placed Horatio Seymour - — then just arrived at man's estate — upon his staff, and made him his Military Secretary, in which position he naturally became his confidential friend. The intimate personal relations thus established between Mr. Seymour and Governor Marcy, and the other great leaders of the then triumphant democracy, continued unbroken until the death of Governor Marcy. During this time, Horatio Seymour acquired an intimate knowledge of public men and public affairs, and also cultivated and matured his literary tastes. Few men possessed the genial scholarship and masterly ability of Governor Marcy, and at this perennial spring of logic and of knowledge, Horatio Seymour freely drank. He retained Marcy's confidence to the end, and the latter never failed to urge his favorite pupil to devote himself more entirely to public affairs. Secretary Marcy and President Buchanan each expressed a wish to send Governor Seymour abroad in an honorable diplomatic position, but their offers, though highly appreciated, were declined.

It has been remarked by many that Governor Seymour in his mode of treating public questions, is very like Governor Marcy. An intimate and active correspondence was ever kept up between them. Governor Seymour was Marcy's spokesman in the National Convention of 1852 ; and shortly before the death of the latter he sent for Seymour, to visit him at Balleston Spa, where they had a long interview, in the course of which the political history and condition of the country was thoroughly canvassed ; and the dying statesman urged Seymour to continue and complete that great work of conciliation and national development which Marcy had so well begun. The words of wisdom which were uttered upon that occasion the world can never know, but they sank deep into the mind and heart of the appreciative auditor, and now form a part of that store-house of statesmanship upon which the present champion of Democracy so copiously draws.

Chapter II. Social, Literary, And Farm Life

Notwithstanding Governor Seymour's opportunities and acquirements as a politician, he has never been a mere party man. His statesmanship has been on a more elevated plane, and he has only appeared in public when the public voice called him — when the public good required his services — and when duty left him no alternative but to yield. In the pursuit of polite and classic literature — in the cultivation of the higher arts — in the quiet discharge of social duties — in devising ways for the promotion of agriculture, of popular education, and of sound morality — he has always taken the greatest delight.

His zeal as a sportsman, in the true sense of that term, has always been keen and appreciative. The great North Woods of Northern New York have been to him a familiar and pleasant retreat ; its lakes, its rivers, and its almost impenetrable forest-recesses, are to him as familiar as the school-room — they have been the school-room of his maturer years; but they have not been the limit of his wanderings. He has roamed yearly over the prairies of the far West, penetrated the wilds of the upper and lower Mississippi, and is almost as familiarly known to the hardy inhabitants of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska as to the citizens of his own New York.

16 HOX. HORATIO SEYMOUR.

Much of his time has been devoted to agriculture, and his large and beautiful home-farm on the northern bank of the Mohawk, opposite the city of Utica, has been the scene of many useful and practical experiments, which in his various addresses before different agricultural societies, State and county, have been given to the world. He is President of the American Dairymen's Association, and has done much to direct the attention of the farmers of the South and West to this branch of domestic industry. No less ardent has been his devotion to the educational interests of his State. He has long been an active trustee of Hamilton College, and his address upon the induction of President Fisher, and on various other occasions, and particularly his remarks at Albany before the Regents of the University, upon the educational system of the State, show a familiarity with the subject, and an enthusiasm in the cause, that commend their author to the consideration and confidence of the friends of popular education throughout the land. In this connection the attention of the reader is called to his eloquent address before the Mercantile Libraiw Association of the city of New York, and his no less eloquent lecture before the New York Geological and Statistical Society, upon the history and topography of his native State. Both are remarkable productions, and should be studied by every one who would acquire an intimate knowledge of the history and characteristics of the Empire State> or would nourish and cherish a proper pride of country. On reading the latter, Governor

HIS TAPvTY AND ECCLESIASTICAL RELATIONS . 17

Marcy, then Secretary of State of the United States, addressed its author the following note: —

■Washington-, April 13. * My Dear Governor — T have received your lecture on the topography and history of New York, and read it with more pleasure than I can well express. You have given us a charming and beautiful sketch. I could Dot, on reading it, help reproaching myself for being so ignorant of the many interesting facts which you have brought out. We have I find, many claims upon the consideration of our sister States which were unknown to me. The manner and the matter are alike deserving of high commendation. I owe you thanks for the pleasure the perusal of the lecture has given me.

Yours truly,

W. L. Marcy.

As has been stated, Governor Seymour was educated a Democrat and an Episcopalian, and to his party and his church he has ever adhered with unwavering fidelity ; though the most tolerant of men, quietly, yet firmly maintaining and defending his own views, he is never impatient of opposition, nor unjust to others. Recognizing the great good there is in varied organizations, he would co-oj)erate with each wherever the interests of his country or of humanity demand such co-operation, trusting to the Master of the harvest in His own good time, to gather in the wheat and to destroy the tares. There is not a denominarion which has not been aided by his liberality in the erection of houses for public worship. He has been for years a leading vestryman of Trinity Church, Utica, and generally a delegate to the annual diocesan convention, and a delegate from Western New York in the national or triennial convention of the Church of the United

18 HON. HORATIO SEYMOUE.

States. The late Bishop De Lancy always recognized Governor Seymour and the late Governor Hunt as his right-hand and chief supporters. Shortly before his death, Bishop De Lancy visited Governor Seymour at Albany, and spent several days in his family. ^

Before leaving this interesting portion of his career, to enter upon the more tumultuous scenes of his political life, it may be well to draw a rapid sketch of his home as it appeared at the time of his nomination. About three years ago he built upon the range, known as the Deerfield Hills, which rise gently on the north of the Mohawk Yalley, and about three miles from Utica, his present home. It is a modest frame house, standing on the highest point of the farm of three hundred acres, which stretches down to the river. Approaching it from the lane which leads off the main road, it is almost hidden from view by an enormous black cherry tree of native growth. Once fairly on the rise, it is found to be a plain story and a half cottage, one of those unpretentious but roomy affairs, that stretch away from a facade of porch that seems to spring from the grass and flowers into spacious rooms without any intermediate halls or vestibules.

Standing on this porch and looking down the long slope to the river, the whole of the farm, with the exception of a grove at the north of the house, lies mapped out in pleasant alternations of hillock and meadow, field and forest-trees, with the valley beyond, and the white houses of Utica showing through the elms in the background. A fine pear orchard,

HIS HOUSE AND HOME. 19

planted by the proprietor himself, is one of its features, and the clean cut hedge of English hawthorne running bj the road-side, is an indication of careful and thrifty husbandry. He is said to take especial delight in the development of this estate, adding constantly the best stock, and supplying it with needed implements of improved design.

The indications of character which one will look for are uniformly simple. The spruce-tree at the side of the house, curiously bifurcated near its root and forming a rude chair, is unadorned by grotesque contortions of limbs, but is the governor's favorite seat. So with the house. There is nothing extrinsic or purely ornamental about it. This peculiarity, so conspicuous among the staid old settlers of Utica, seems to have been cherished particularly in this home. Immediately at the side of the front door, and projecting across the porch, is the well preserved and mounted head of an enormous moose — a trophy of the proprietor's skill some twelve years ago in the Adirondacks. Entering the parlor, odorous with the balmy breath of flowers that throughout the season are placed upon the little side-table, and the pleasant taint of the India matting upon the floors, one sees at a glance that all is of the old school. Although of very recent construction, the house is not conformed to recent follies. Its air is that of a manorhouse, staid and venerable, but suggestive of comfort withal. There is a spacious fireplace of the olden time, begirt with a bras3-headed dogs and glistening fender, and set in veritable Dutch tiles, sacred to the memory of some old inheritance in Albany, and a great carved mantel-piece restored and preserved out of respect to departed honesty, that reckoned carving better than stucco, and good oaken devices better than iron that pretends to be marble. Upon this quaint old mantel, quite as high as one's head, lie crossed the horse pistols of the Revolutionary grandfather. On the corner towers the old Dutch clock, tall and somber, and useless save as a reproach to the modern toys that seem to delight in frisking away the precious moments with impertinent levity. The furniture is black and grotesquely carved in a forgotten fashion. The pictures are portraits of relations, and have a wholesome sober look that is not to be trifled with. However, there are a solar microscope, a telescope, and other scientific apparatus in the same room, which effectually remove any idea that the owner pays servile homage to things of the past, or is amenable to the flippant epithet of " old fogy." In his moments of recreation he uses these instruments skillfully. It may be stated that Mr. Seymour always evinced a strong interest in the subject of the naturalist. For scientific investigation he has too much of the vigor which plans and executes to ever devote himself exclusively to these patient and atomic studies ; but with that love of nature which invariably marks the man of evenly balanced faculties, he devotes his moments of leisure, when at home to the study of the phenomena upon his grounds, and it is said that there is not a tree nor an insect in the vicinity that he is not familiar with.

The remainder of the house is exactly in keeping. An air of solid comfort is apparent everywhere.

HIS CHARACTER AND HABITS. 21

The library is small but valuable, and rich in old authors and religious works. There are few ornaments, and they are generally natural flowers or a stray trifle of art that must have been an heir-loom. The absence of conventional gewgaws and upholstery, the rustic freedom which is toned, combined with the evidences of culture, the exquisite simplicity, in a word, and the good taste wrought together in this house have an attraction for the visitor that is indescribable.

It is the genial grace of Mr. Seymour's manner, combined with his undoubted sincerity, and his clear, practical insight into the affairs of the hour, which constitutes the charm of his society, whether at home or in public life. One may not agree with him, but it is impossible not to respect his opinion, seeing that it is the result of careful observation and mature reflection, and is advanced in the interests of the many witli the candor and sobriety of a thorough gentleman.

Mr. Seymour lias shown in his political life, that decision of character and strength of will are compatible with gentleness of speech and moderation of manner. In his life, Mr. Seymour is thoroughly temperate. He was never known to indulge to excess in any thing. Inheriting a strong, vital temperament and sinewy frame, he has preserved his health amid the excitements and temptations of a long political career by prudence, and is to-day in the full exercise of every faculty of mind and body.

Mrs. Seymour presides over this home with true grace. She is a lady of most winning address and

22 HON. HORATIO SEYMOTJB.

thorough culture. Familiar with the highest circles of our State from girlhood, with every opportunity that affluence afforded to strengthen and store a mind with knowledge, and possessing in a marked degree the virtues and accomplishments which were the pride of her ancestors, it may readily be seen that she is a lady fit to occupy the highest position in our country.

The visitors at the cottage have not been numerous. Outside of the circle of relatives residing in Utica, and the old friends of his father's family, the visitors have been mainly from abroad. The duties of the farm, when he is at home, occupy Mr. Seymour's time. He goes to the village seldom, and then only on business, or to Trinity Church of a Sunday. There have been fete days at the farm — festivals of children, one of which occurred early in the summer, when Mr. Seymour invited the orphans of St. John's Asylum in town to spend the day on the grounds. On this occasion, the master, no less than the mistress, devoted himself to their enjoyment with a personal zest that could only belong to a warm and kindly heart, and be was heard to declare that it was one of the really happy days of his life. How well the children appreciated his endeavors was shown afterward. They were out at Waterville on a picnic when the news of his nomination flashed through the valley, and a shout of shrill trebles went up from immature throats, that would have thrilled him, could he have heard it, with its honesty, as no lusty acclaim of men will ever do.

We have thus endeavored to sketch the early

FEOM PRIVATE TO PUBLIC LIFE. 23

career of the man, and his social position at his home. The story of his active life in the broader field of politics remains to be told. That he preferred the modest joys of this quiet home to the exciting arena of national politics and the distractions of a life at Washington, is not unreasonable. He had told his most intimate friends, before leaving Utica to attend the Convention, that he would not accept the nomination. Those who were in his confidence paid him a visit at the cottage the night before he left for ]STew York ; they used all their eloquence and pathos to induce him to alter his determination, but in vain. He was suffering with an attack of diphtheria, which became aggravated a few days later, and it was hardly possible for him to reply to the earnest words that they used. But late into the night, while he lay upon a lounge, they beset him, and fairly begged for the sake of the party and the country, that he would accept the nomination if it were offered.

He persistently refused, and did not hesitate to say that it was repugnant to hirm

But let it not be supposed that he was actuated in this by any fear of his health. That consideration, at least, never entered into the question. Whatever ^nay be the excitements of a campaign, Mr. Seymour is not the man to waste his strength in violence of words or action, or to suffer with alternate hopes and fears of a result. His whole life has shown most uniformly that his practice is to do his duty equably and honestly, and let the result take care of itself. It is a curious fact, worth stating here, that