The life of Silas Wright, late governor of the state of New York. With an appendix, containing a selection from his speeches in the Senate of the United States, and his address read before the New York state agricultural society

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Preface

The biography of Silas Wright can be but little more than the political history of the State and Nation for the last twenty-five years. His life was spent in the service of his country ; — not in a sphere requiring the exhibition of military capacity, or physical daring and fortitude, but in one demanding, at least, as high an order of talent, and far more of those nobler qualities, which so exalt and dignify the human character — moral courage and integrity. He had but just established himself in the practice of his profession, when he was elected to the New York Senate ; and from that time until within a few months previous to his death, he remained in public life.

In preparing this volume, the author has not been free from diffidence, and distrust of his ability, to execute the task without favor or prejudice. If, however, anything has been omitted which should have been said, or anything inserted that would have been more wisely left unsaid, no one can regret it more deeply than himself. It is an error of judgment on his part,

IV PREFACE.

and not of intention. Of one thing he is quite confident, that not a single word has been written, with even the most distant hope of furthering the views or interests of any class, or faction, or party ; but the work has been prepared simply and solely to present a complete and impartial life of one of the ablest — by many regarded as the ablest — statesmen that New York has ever produced.

To commend this book to those who are familiar with the character and extent of Mr. Wright's services to the State and to the Union, would not only be unwise and indelicate in the author, but it would be justly considered as labor lost. To his political friends and — not his foes, for he had no personal enemies — to those who disagree with him in regard to questions of public policy, it cannot be unpleasant to speak well of the memory of so great and good a man. The sources of information to which the author has had access have been various, and he lias freely made use of them. In this connection he takes pleasure in acknowledging his indebtedness to those friends of the deceased who have cheerfully responded to his numerous inquiries. He has spared no pains in his attempt to render the work as full and complete as possible ; the utmost care and accuracy have been preserved ; and he is conscious of omitting nothing that it was in his power to supply. Errors and imperfections there may be ; yet he trusts that he can rely upon a generous public to overlook them.

PREFACE. V

The Appendix contains several of the speeches of Mr. Wright in the Senate of the United States : those relative to the pressure and the removal of the deposits — to Mr. Clay's resolutions of Censure — and to the revision and modification of the Tariff law of 1842. Extracts from others of special importance are given in the body of the work, or his views upon the important questions agitated in the State and National Legislatures are stated as briefly and as distinctly as the size of the volume, and the ability of the author, would admit. The Address read before the New York State Agricultural Society has also been inserted, as well because of the importance of the subjects discussed, as for the reason, that it contains the last words of its lamented author to that large class of which he was an honored member — the Farmers of New York.

Chapter I

51795, — Introductory Remarks — The Ingratitude of Republics — The Objects of a True Ambition — The Statesman's Reward — The Ancestors of Silas Wright His Parents— His Birth and Early Life— Enters Middlebury College — His Political Sentiments manifested — Graduates — Politics of his Father — Battle of Plattsburg — Commences the Study of Law at Sandy Hill — Removes to Albany and enters the office of Roger Skinner — Is Licensed as an Attorney — Travels for his Health — Anecdote — Locates at Canton — Traits of Character — His Popularity — Appointed Postmaster and Surrogate — Kindness as a Friend and Neighbor — His Public Spirit — Nomination as State Senator — Political Parties in the State of New York — The Electoral Law — Canvass for the Presidential Nomination — Movements of the Friends of Adams, Crawford, Jackson, Calhoun, and Clay — Dewitt Clinton —Martin Van Buren— Election of Mr. Wright— 1823 Page 13

Chapter II

1824. — State of Parties in the Legislature of 1824 — Message of Governor Yates — The Electoral Question brought forward in the Assembly — Mr. Flagg — Reference of the Bill to a Committee in the Senate — The Presidential Canvass at Washington — Congressional Caucus — Report in the New York Senate on the Electoral Bill — Discussion thereon — Various Propositions to Amend — Mr. Wright's Plan — His Speech — Postponement of the Bill — The Seventeen Senators — Nomination of Colonel Young — Removal of Dewitt Clinton from the office of Canal Commissioner — Course of Governor Yates in regard to the Electoral Question — Extra Session of the Legislature — adjournment — The Clintonian and People's Convention — Election of Mr. Clinton as Governor — Choice of Presidential Electors — The Subject of an Electoral Law referred to the People. — Objects of those who originated the Proposition — Mr. Wright's Course in relation thereto — Legislative Session of 1825 — Unsuccessful attempt to Nominate a United States Senator — Defeat of Judge Spencer and the Causes thereof — Legislature of 1826 — November Election — Mr. Wright chosen a Member of Congress.— 1826 27

Vlll CONTENTS.

Chapter III

1827. — Takes his Seat as a Member of Congress — Opposition to Mr. Adams' Administration on the part of Mr. Van Buren and his Friends — The Tariff Question — The Harrisburg Convention — Its Bearing on the Presidential Election — Movements of the Administration — Nomination of General Jackson for the Presidency in the State of New York — Defeat of the Adams Men — The Twentieth Congress — Prominent Members — Election of Speaker — Mr. Wright Appointed a Member of the Committee on Manufactures — Feeling in Favor of a Protective Tariff— Action of the Committee — Resolutions of the New York Legislature— Report of the Committee — Debate in the House — Opposition to the Tariff Bill— Its Defence by Mr. Wright — Amended and Passed — Speech of Mr. Wright in Reply to Mr. Barnard — Proceedings on the Bill in the Senate— Its Final Passage— Objects of the Act of 1828— Approved by Mr. Wright— Subsequent Change in his Opinions— His Declarations to that Effect in the Senate of the United States — Re-nomination and Election — Informality in the Returns — The Certificate delivered to his Opponent— Second Session of trie Twentieth Congress— Attempt to Repeal the Tariff Act— Slavery in the District of Columbia — Mr. Wright Appointed Comptroller of the State of New York.— 1829 Page 49

Chapter IV

1829. — Mr. Wright leaves Washington, and enters upon the duties of the Office of Comptroller — His Skill and Ability as a Financier- Careful Regard for the Interests of the State — His Course as a Legislator — The Lateral Canals — Application to the Legislature — The Black River, Genesee Valley, and Chenango Canals — Views of Colonel Young, Mr. Marcy, and the Canal Board— Sentiments of Mr. Wright — Opposition of his Party Friends— Justice to the Dead — Legislation in regard to the Chemung and Chenango Canals — Mr. Van Buren and Mr. Throop — Provisional Act to Construct the Chenango Canal — 1 he Chemung and Crooked Lake Canals Authorized — Mr. Wright Claims his Seat in Congress — Unanimously awarded to him — Resignation — Message of Governor Throop — Report of Mr. Wright as Comptroller — Extract — Report of the Canal Commissioners in regard to the Chenango Canal— Mr. Granger— The Bill Defeated- General Election in 1830 — Determination of the Chenango Interest to persevere in their efforts— Legislation in 1831 and 1832— Governor Throop Recommends a Direct Tax— Defeat of the Bill— Re-elected Comptroller- -The State Election in November 1832— The Georgia

CONTENTS. IX

Missionaries— Letter of Messrs. Wright, Dix, and Flagg, to Governor Lumpkin — Mr. Marcy Resigns his Seat in the Senate — Election of Mr. Wright as his Successor.— 1833 Page 68

Chapter V

1833.— The Anxiety of Mr. Wright's friends for his Success— Enters the Senate— Talent in that Body— His Course and Character as a Senator early formed— Mental Qualities— Condition of the Country —Nullification— The Force Bill-— The Compromise Act— His Obje?- tions to the Bill — Vote on its Passage — His Remarks — Mr. Clay's Land Bill— Distribution — The Bank of the United States— Removal of the Deposits — Derangement of the Currency and Pecuniary Distress — Firmness of General Jackson— Marriage of Mr. Wright — Meeting of Congress — Presentation of Petitions — Resolutions of the New York Legislature— Speech of Mr. Wright—Regarded as the Organ of the Administration— Motion of Mr. Webster for leave to Introduce a Bill to Re-charter the Bank— Speech of Mr. Wright on the Motion — Resolutions of Mr. Clay Censuring the President and Secretary of the Treasury — Debate thereon — Defence of the Executive by Mr. Wright — Protest of the President — Difficulty in the Post Office Department — Vote in the House of Representatives on the Resolutions of Mr. Clay — Bill for the Improvement of the Wabash — Indemnity for French Spoliations prior to 1800— Invitation to a Public Dinner at Albany — 111 Health — Executive Patronage — Regulation of the Deposits — Appropriation Bills — Anticipated Rupture with France— The Fortification Bill— Mr. Wright's Speech.— 1835 81

Chapter VI

1835.— Nomination of Mr. Van Buren for the Presidency — Standing of Mr. Wright in the Senate— The Land Bill— Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia — The Surplus Revenue — Speculations — Remedies for the Financial Evils of the Country — Distribution— Opposition of Mr. Wright and others — The Specie Circular — Election of Mr. Van Buren— Act to Repeal— Abolition Petitions— Acknowledgment of Texan Independence — Expunging Resolution — Re-election of Mr. Wright — Visit to Vermont — The Pressure — Differences of Opinion— Views of Mr. Wright — Extra Session— The Independent Treasury — United States Bank — Special Deposit System — The Conservatives — Slavery in the District — North Eastern Boundary Question— The Bankrupt Bill of 1810— Renomination of Mr^Van Buren — His Administration — Expenses— Extra Session called by President

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X CONTENTS.

Harrison— Repeal of the IndependentTreasury--Loan Bill— Bankrupt Law— Land Distribution Bill of Mr. Clay— Vetoes of the Bank Bills — Pro-visional Tariff Bill and Voices of the President — Mr. Clay's Resolutions— Apportionment Bill— Tariff Law of 1842 — Bill to Refund the Fine Paid by General Jackson at New Orleans — Mr. Wright Re-elected for a Third Term.— 1843 Page 107

Chapter VII

1843. — Bill Passed to Refund the Fine Imposed on General Jackson at New Orleans — Reduction of Postage — Notice to Terminate Joint Occupancy of Oregon— Tariff Bill of Mr. McDuffie— Able Speech of Mr. Wright — Mr. Tyler's Treaty of Annexation— Original Boundaries of Texas — Cession to Spain — Efforts to Recover it — Mr. Wright Declines the Office of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court — Letters of Mr. Van Buren and Mr. Clay on Annexation — Democratic National Convention — Nomination of Mr. Polk — Mr. Wright Nominated as the Candidate for Vice-President — Letter of Declension — Reasons for the Same — Objections to the Treaty of Annexation — — Opinions of Mr. Wright — Rejection of the Treaty — Subsequent Project of Annexation — Failure of the Tariff Bill in the House — Adjournment of Congress — Divisions in the Democratic Party in New York — Legislation of the State in regard to Internal Improvements — Stop and Tax Law of 1842 — The People's Resolution — Different Factions and Interests — Attempt to bring Mr. Wright forward as a Candidate for Governor — His Refusal to be considered as such — The State Convention — Nomination of Mr. Wright — Address and Resolutions of the Convention — Letter of Acceptance — Letter on unfinished Canals— 1844 143

Chapter VIII

1844. — Views of Mr. Wright on the Financial Policy of the State well understood — Opposition to Increasing State Debt — Firmness in maintaining his Opinions — Senatorial Conventions — Question of calling a Convention to Revise the Constitution — Constitutional Amendments — November Election — Mr. Wright chosen Governor — Resignation as Senator and Appointment of his Successor — Anti-Rent Disturbances — Efforts to Suppress— Mr. Wright enters on the Duties of his Office -Meeting of the Legislature — Speaker — Governor's Message — Recommendations — Election of Senators — State Officers— President Polk's inet-jpiecontent— Mr. Wright Declines the Office of Secretary of the Treasury — Defeat of the Constitutional Amendments — Con-

CONTENTS. XI

vention Bill— Dissatisfaction— The Canal Bill — Veto— Adjournment — Insurrection in Delaware County — Executive Proclamation — Advice to Landlords and Tenants — Trial of Persons Arrested — Commutation of Punishment — Fall Election — The People in Favor of a Convention — Legislature of 1846 — Message — State Printer — War with Mexico — Caucus of Democratic Members of the Legislature Continued Dissensions — Appointments of the Governor — Tariff Act of 1846 — Constitutional Convention — Its Proceedings — Financial Article adopted — Democratic State Convention — Re-nomination of Governor Wright— 1846 Page 172

Chapter IX

1846. — Opposition to the New Constitution — Anti-Renters — Integrity and Independence of Governor Wright — The November Election — The Constitution Adopted — Causes of Mr. Wright's Defeat— His Opinions— Adverse Influences at Washington — The National Administration — The Wilmot Proviso — New York Resolutions — The Missouri Compromise — Acquisition of New Territory and Extension of Slavery — Position of Mr. Wright — Retires to Private Life — Contented Disposition — His Name suggested for the Presidency — Letter — River and Harbor Bill — Veto of the President — The Chicago Convention — Letter of Mr. Wright— Popularity in the Northern States — Political Prospects — Mode of Life — Devotes his Time to his Farm — Agricultural Address — General Health — Sudden Illness — His Death — Letter of his Physician — Effect on the Public Mind — Testimonials of Respect — Meeting at Ogdensburgh — Tribute of Mr. Clay — The Merchants in New York — The Pilots — Proceedings 'of the State Legislature — Remarks of Mr. Spencer — The State Fair — Feeling throughout the Union — Personal Appearance and Habits — Character as a Citizen and a Friend — Style of Oratory— Mental Qualities — Career as a Statesman— His Memory.— 1847 220

Appendix

Speech relative to the Pressure and the Removal of the Deposits. . 267

Speech on Mr. Clay's Resolutions of Censure 280

Speech on the Revision and Modification of the Tariff Law of 1842 298

LIFE OF SILAS WRIGHT.

Chapter I

1795. — Introductory Remarks — The Ingratitude of Republics — The Objects of a True Ambition — The Statesman's Reward — The Ancestors of Silas Wright — His Parents— His Birth and Early Life— Enters Middlebury College — His Political Sentiments manifested — Graduates — Politics of his Father — Battle of Plattsburg — Commences the Study of Law at Sandy Hill — Removes to Albany and enters the office of Roger Skinner — Is Licensed as an Attorney — Travels for his Health — Anecdote — Locates at Canton — Traits of Character — His Popularity — Appointed Postmaster and Surrogate — Kindness as a Friend and Neighbor — His Public Spirit — Nomination as State Senator — Political Parties in the State of New York — The Electoral Law — Canvass for the Presidential Nomination — Movements of the Friends of Adams, Crawford, Jackson, Calhoun, and Clay — Dewitt Clinton —Martin Van Buren— Election of Mr. Wright— 1823.

The ingratitude of republics has furnished, from time immemorial, a fruitful theme of invective to the enemies of democratic institutions. But there was never uttered a more ungenerous sentiment — one having so little of fact upon which to rest for support. Because the demagogue who had cajoled and flattered, but to deceive and betray ; who had made his way to power but to further his own schemes of personal aggrandizement, may have been thrust, in a moment, and perhaps without one note of warning, from the position he had dishonored ; the example, which, viewed aright, should only be regarded as an admonition to be heeded ana

14 TRUE AMBITION

observed, is held up to view as an act of political martyrdom, demanding sympathy for the victim, and the severest condemnation of the perpetrators. Temporary causes, indeed, may produce temporary forgetfulness of those worthy of reward, and temporary alienation and distrust towards the public servant who has labored faithfully and zealously in the discharge of his duty. In a republic, all start equal ; and so long as selfishness exists in the hearts of men, the contest for superiority will often beget feelings which may, for the time, lead to unfortunate consequences, or produce unfavorable impressions. But he who, girt about by the panoply of honor and truth, " possesses himself in patience," and presses steadily forward, keeping his eyes fixed on the goal before him ; disdaining the vile arts that must debase and contaminate, and never forgetting that

will be sure, sooner or later, to win confidence and respect, and achieve a name and a reputation which the coarse denunciations of partisan violence can never tarnish.

It is a blessed thing in the history of our country, that the merits of the truly great man never fail to be acknowledged ; that even those who entertain different views, in regard to the policy which shouM-control the administration of the government, cherish a feeling of pride when they behold the independent spirit which does not bend to circumstances, and the uncompromising integrity that will not yield to expediency. .When the career of such a man is ended, the event is mourned as a public calamity. All feel the shock — all hasten to bestow the tribute of their sorrow. And then it is,

THE STATESMAN'S REWARD 15

that men can see and appreciate these truths : that, although it may afford a transitory gratification, to be lauded as the head of a political party, it is a far higher triumph for the statesman to secure a place forever in the affections of his countrymen ; that wealth and official honors are not the only evidences of the gratitude of a republic — that they are mere baubles, frail and unsubstantial, in comparison with the fame wliich has no grave !

We have a forcible, though melancholy illustration of these sentiments, in the death of the distinguished citizen, the incidents of whose life are detailed in the present volume. Cut down in the prime and vigor oi manhood, when just entering, as it were, upon the brilliant destiny which the fond anticipations of his friends had confidently predicted, his loss has been universally lamented. It argues well for our institutions — well for the hearts of our countrymen — that all classes and parties were so prompt in the expression of their regret, and are so willing to perpetuate whatever of good example he has left behind him. His biography, therefore, cannot be devoid of interest, notwithstanding it is, to a greater or less extent, that of a politician. Those who thought with him may be cheered and encouraged, and those who disagreed in opinion, can, at least, admire the greatness of soul, the qualities of mind and heart, which did him so much credit while in life, and, now that he is no more, have added to that glorious legacy bequeathed by the honored and the great who have gone before him.

Silas Wright was a lineal descendant of some of the earliest emigrants from the mother country. One of his ancestors, Samuel Wright, was among the first

16 THE ANCESTORS OF SILAS WRIGHT.

settlers of Springfield and Northampton, in the state of Massachusetts, and died at the latter place, in 1665. His son, Samuel, junior, was killed by the Indians, at Northfield, near the New Hampshire line, on the 2nd of September, 1675. Joseph, the son of the latter, died at Northampton, in 1697, leaving a son, Samuel, who died sometime after the year 1740. He left a son, bearing the same name with himself, who removed to the north part of Hadley township, now Amherst, an d whose son, Silas, was the father of the subject of these memoirs.

The elder Silas was a tanner, currier, and shoemaker by trade. He was apprenticed at an early age, and never went to school a day in his life. When he had " served out his time," he could neither read nor write , but, with the assistance of his fellow-journeymen, he soon qualified himself to keep accounts, and to transact all ordinary business. His wife was also a native of Hampshire county ; and, after their marriage, she instructed him in many things which he found of great service in his subsequent life. She had received a good education, and, it may well be presumed, was not more willing to teach, than her pupil was apt to learn. They had nine children — five sons and four daughters — two of whom died in infancy ; the rest, with the exception of a younger sister, now reside in Vermont. Silas Wright, junior, was born in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts, on the 24th of May, 1795. In March, 1796, his father, having given up the occupation which he had previously pursued, removed with his family to the town of Weybridge, Addison county, Vermont, where he purchased a farm, and devoted his whole time to agricultural pursuits. The "brothers of Silas likewise became farmers, and the sisters were married to

HIS COIlLEGIATE LIFE. 17

those engaged in the same honorable employment. Thus, the family may be regarded as literally composed of tillers of the soil, since the younger Mr. Wright himself spent the latter years of his life, during his relaxation from public duties, in cultivating his farm ; and hence, too, it is easy to account for the deep interest he manifested, on all suitable occasions, in everything appertaining to agriculture. '

Like most of his young playmates and associates, Silas attended the common schools in winter, and worked on the farm in summer, until he had passed his fourteenth year* His rare natural endowments were remarked in the family, and the tradition is, that his father looked upon him with peculiar pride. In order to foster the germs of intellect which had begun to develop themselves, it was determined to send him to an academy, where he could fit himself for a collegiate course. Having completed his preparatory studies, he entered Middlebury College, in August, 1811, and remained a member of that institution until he graduated, in the summer of 1815. During the time he was in college, as is well known, party spirit ran high throughout the country. In the New England states, particularly, much ill feeling was exhibited on account of the war measures of the administration ; and it required no little firmness to bear up against the torrent of public sentiment adverse to their prosecution, which it was necessary to encounter in that section of the Union. His fellow-students were all politicians, and ranged themselves with one or the other of the two great parties. The class to which he belonged averaged about thirty, for the whole course of four years, and of this number there were but four democrats, including young Wright. But he was never daunted at this disparity

18 COMMENCES THE STUDY OF LAW.

of strength, and in later years, he often referred to the political discussions which took place in the halls of his Alma Mater, as having first enkindled in his bosom that ardent attachment to the political party with whose fortunes he became identified.

The elder Mr. Wright was also a democrat. During the first contest for the presidency between Adams and Jefferson, in 1796, he took an active part in support of the latter. Between 1800 and 1810, he was repeatedly elected a member of the Legislature, and, in his limited sphere, labored faithfully to promulgate the political sentiments he had adopted. Up to the time of his death, which occurred but a few years since, he was regarded as a firm, consistent, and determined republican Both he and his oldest son were in the battle of Plattsburgh, under Macomb, in September, 1814, and two of his sons-in-law were volunteers from the "Green Mountains," although the Governor of Vermont, like the Governors of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and * Connecticut, refused to call out a single man to assist in the defence of the New York frontier, on the ground that the militia could not be compelled to pass beyond the boundary lines of the respective states to which thev belonged.

In the month of October, 1815, vouno- Mr. "Wright entered the law office of Henry C. Martindale, a gentleman widely known in the politics of the State of New York, who resided at Sandy Hill, Washington county. Here he remained about eighteen months, when he removed to the city of Albany, where he continued his studies with Roger Skinner, at that time the Attorney of the United States for the northern ricl of New York. His period of clerkship expired early in the year 1819, and he was licensed to practise

ANECDOTE. 19

as an Attorney at the January term of the Supreme Court. His health having become impaired in consequence of his intense application to study, and his labors at the desk, in copying law papers, he spent the greater portion of the following summer in travelling on horseback, with a view to its restoration, and for the purpose of selecting a permanent location. He soon regained his strength, as his constitution was naturally hearty and vigorous, and his frame stout and muscular.

In his younger days Mr. Wright was fond of athletic exercises, and there is an anecdote related of the manner in which his skill and prowess were put to the test, while on his journey, in company with a friend, through western New York. On one occasion, they halted for the night at a small country inn, in a newly settled part of the country. Towards the close of evening a number of the young men from the neighborhood collected together at the tavern, as was their usual custom, to indulge in the sports and merriment which are frequently resorted to, in order to relieve the tediousness of a backwoods life. Mr. Wright and his friend were then, as in after life, both simple in their habits, and plain in their appearance ; but, as they had just been emancipated from a long and tedious course of study, they quite naturally gave freer vent to their mirthfulness and gayety. In- some way or other, the honest, well-meaning countrymen, thought they had been insulted by the "young sprigs of the law," as they termed Mr. Wright and his comrade. High words passed, and then a challenge ensued. After a long and severe contest, in which the odds were greatly in favor of their opponents, the two travellers not only escaped the whipping with which they had been

20 I,OCATES AT CANTON.

threatened, but came off the victors of the ring. This result, as a matter of course, settled the quarrel ; and when they departed on their journey the following morning, none bade them a more hearty good-speed on their way, than their late antagonists.

Mr. Wright located himself at Canton, in the county of St. Lawrence, in the month of October, 1819. The village was then new ; it was surrounded by a rural population, and the business of the courts was limited and unprofitable. The professional emoluments of the young lawyer, therefore, were very moderate ; but his superior talents, the amenity of his manners, and the undeviating kindliness of his disposition, soon made him highly popular. There was no seeming effort on his part to secure the esteem and respect of his neighbors and friends ; but they were insensibly drawn towards him, and it was not long before they learned to repose entire confidence in his capacity and integrity. The traits in his character which won him so much favor and regard, were finely illustrated by the remark of the shrewd and observing farmer, who stated, in conversation with an acquaintance of Mr. Wright, " that he was the first lawyer he ever saw whose law was all common sense ; and that he always gave plain, sensible reasons, for his opinions on any subject." His duty to his clients was discharged with rigid fidelity and punctuality, and none ever complained of his inattention or neglect. In the trial of causes, he was uniformly kind and courteous ; there was no affected dignity in his manner : the counsel arrayed againsf him endeavored to imitate his urbanity — the witnesses felt " at home" when he questioned them, and cheerfully responded to his inquiries — while the jurors looked on and listened with delight. The opposite party, too,

APPOINTED SURROGATE. 21

even though unsuccessful, would feel that the bitterness of defeat was almost removed, if he could hear the pleasant tones of the fortunate advocate addressed to him in courtesy and kindness.