Was admitted into the Union January 26th_The voter's text book

population (60,000) before this, but there were some difficulties

in the way of its admission. In 1837 it contained 200,000; in 1840,

212,267, and in 1850, 851,470. The territory, when first discovered by

the whites, contained a tribe of Indians called Hurons by the French,

and Iroquois by the Indians themselves. Many of them were converted to

Christianity, by the untiring labors of Catholic missionaries, as early

as 1648. It was not, however, till 1670 that the French took possession

of the territory. It was a portion of the extensive tract explored by

the assiduous, daring La Salle. Its progress, while it belonged to the

French, was very slow. It was not until 1763, when, by treaty, it was

ceded to Great Britain, that much was done in the way of civilizing

and improving it. Comparatively little, in fact, was done until 1783,

when the territory was ceded by England to the United States. Until

1800 it was, for purposes of Government, considered a part of the

Great North-western Territory. After Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois had

been severally detached, the remainder, in 1805, became a distinct

territory, the first Governor of which was General Hull, by appointment

of President Jefferson. Michigan suffered much from the war of 1812.

For about two years nearly the whole territory was the theater of

sanguinary conflicts. It was exposed to the barbarity of the enemy and

their Indian allies. Since then, however, its enterprising inhabitants

have brought it up to a degree of improvement which few States of its

age can boast. Its strength was offered the Government in 1861, and it

continues as well as it began. Its population, in 1860, was 749,113.

IOWA.

This State derives its name from the Indians. It was included in the

Louisiana purchase. It was first settled at Dubuque, by the French,

in the year 1686. This settlement, however, does not seem to have

been permanent, nor productive of any real good to the territory. In

1833 Burlington was settled by emigrants from the eastern States. It

formed a part of Missouri from 1804 to 1821, when it was included in

Michigan Territory. It subsequently belonged to Wisconsin Territory. It

was admitted into the Union March 3d, 1845. It is a highly prosperous

State, having a vast extent of rich soil and excellent pasturage.

It is faithful to the Union; placed itself in the front rank at the

commencement of the Rebellion.

TEXAS.

The territory of Texas was explored by Ponce de Leon and La Salle.

After Mexico became independent of Spain, a grant which had been

made to Moses Austin, a native of Connecticut, comprising a large

tract of this province, was confirmed by the new Republic; and, being

transferred by Moses Austin, at his death, to his son, Stephen, was

subsequently enlarged by a further grant. Emigration from the United

States was encouraged, and in 1830 nearly ten thousand Americans

were settled in Texas. The prosperity of these inhabitants excited

the jealousy of Mexico, and under the administration of Santa Anna,

an unjust, oppressive policy was adopted toward Texas. Remonstrance

proving useless, the people of the territory declared themselves

independent. The revolution began in 1835, by a battle at Gonzales, in

which five hundred Texans defeated over one thousand Mexicans. Other

engagements followed, the result of which was the dispersion of the

Mexican army. Santa Anna now redoubled his efforts, and appearing in

March, 1835, with a force of eight thousand men, several bloody battles

followed. On the 21st of April, having under his immediate command one

thousand and five hundred men, he was met by General Sam. Houston,

with eight hundred men, and totally defeated, on the banks of the San

Jacinto. Santa Anna himself was captured the next day in the woods,

when he acknowledged the independence of Texas, though the Mexican

Congress refused to ratify the act. Active hostilities, however, were

now abandoned, and the independence of Texas was acknowledged by the

United States, Great Britain, and other European countries. It was in

this condition of things that Texas was annexed to the United States.

On the 24th of December, 1845, it was admitted into the Union, which

act was ratified by the Texan Legislature, July 4th, 1846. But Mexico,

still regarding Texas as a revolted province, refused to acknowledge

the validity of this measure. The result was a war between Mexico and

the United States, which terminated on the 2d of February, 1848, in a

treaty by which the latter power, in consideration of the payment of a

debt of $3,500,000, due from Mexico to the citizens of Texas, acquired

New Mexico, Texas, and California. The progress of Texas from this time

till the eve of the great Rebellion, was almost unprecedented, no less

than twenty-five thousand Germans having emigrated to that State in

five years’ time. These, however, owing to the jealousy aroused against

them by their having demonstrated the superiority of free labor,

even in a slave State, were obliged to migrate to Mexico in the year

1860. By this and other oppressive acts on the part of the advocates

of slavery, Texas, purchased by the blood and treasure of the United

States, was driven into the whirlpool of secession, March 4th, 1861.

Its population, in 1860, was 604,215. The first settlement within its

borders was made by the Spaniards, at St. Antonia de Bexar, in 1690.

WISCONSIN.

Was admitted into the Union May 29th, 1848. It was a part of the

extensive territory ceded by France to Great Britain in the treaty of

1763. At the close of the Revolution it was given up by Great Britain

to the United States. It was erected into a territory in 1836, the

portion now forming the State of Iowa being detached in 1838. Its

natural resources are extraordinary, the climate being very healthful,

and the soil unsurpassed in fertility. It was settled in the year 1669,

at Green Bay, by the French. It is thoroughly loyal to the Union. In

1860, it had a population of 775,881.

MINNESOTA.

Lies north of Iowa, and extends to the Canadian boundary. On the

north-east it touches Lake Superior, and, to the west, is bounded by

Dakotah Territory. It comprises the head waters of the Mississippi,

and abounds in rivers and lakes, teeming with fish. Its soil is highly

prolific, and its forests are among the finest in the world. Its name

is derived from Minnisotah, the Indian name of St. Peter’s River.

Primarily discovered by La Salle, it, for some years, belonged to the

French, and at a very early period was traversed by their traders and

soldiers. It was ceded to Great Britain by the treaty of 1763, and

to the United States at the peace of 1783. It received a territorial

government in 1849, and was admitted into the Union in May, 1858. It

has still, within its borders, several bands of the Chippewas, with

whom considerable trouble has been experienced since the breaking out

of the rebellion. It is, however, a thrifty, growing State, and is

thoroughly loyal. It was settled in 1846, at St. Paul, by emigrants

from the eastern States.

OREGON.

Was admitted into the Union in the year 1859. It, primarily, included

Washington Territory, and, with the latter, comprised the extensive

tract lying between the British Possessions, on the north, and

California, on the south; the Rocky Mountains, on the east, and the

Pacific Ocean, on the west. The coasts of this region were discovered

by the Spaniards in the 16th century. In 1792, Capt. Grey, of Boston,

discovered and entered the Columbia River, and thus the United States

acquired the right of sovereignty over the territory. The exploration

of the country from the Missouri to the Columbia, by Lewis and Clark,

government appointees, in 1804-5-6, strengthened this claim. The

British, however, laid claim to the northern part of the territory,

which gave rise to a threatening dispute between Great Britain and

the United States. But the difficulty was adjusted by a treaty in

1846, establishing the boundary of 49°, north latitude. The State

still contains the Flathead, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Shoshane, and

other tribes of Indians, who are, for the most part, in the savage

state, though the Christian missionaries have done much in the way of

civilizing a portion of them. The furs of this region, those of the

badger, beaver, bear, fisher-fox, lynx, martin, mink, muskrat, etc.,

have long been a great source of revenue.

The American fur companies established trading posts in Oregon at an

early period, that of Astoria being founded in 1810, under the auspices

of the late John Jacob Astor, of New York. It was settled, at Astoria,

by emigrants from the Eastern States, in the year 1811. Its population

amounted to 52,465 in 1860.

KANSAS.

About the development of this young State cluster some of the most

important events of American history. Its territorial organization,

by the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, in 1854, reopened the

agitation of the slavery question, which seeming to have acquired fresh

vigor and virulence from the sleep it had enjoyed under the Missouri

Compromise, thoroughly aroused the old animosities between the pro

and antislavery elements of our national politics. From 1854 to 1857

it was the theater of political tragedies, the bare mention of which

may well put the blush of shame upon even the most fool-hardy partisan;

and the historian has well said that these dire afflictions might have

been expected when the bill organizing Kansas Territory was passed.

No sooner was it decided that this territory was open alike to the

abolitionist and the slave-holder, than the Emigrant Aid Societies

of New England and the pro-slavery organizations of the South began

pouring streams of settlers into it of opposite political views,

entertaining the most hostile feelings, each party toward the other;

and, as the legitimate result, came a civil war, which lasted about

two years, and which, in some of its incidents would have shamed even

savages.

The Territory made application to Congress, in 1857, for a place in

the Union, but the Constitution under which it asked admission (the

one framed at Lecompton) was known to be a fraudulent affair, and

hence Kansas was rejected. The discussion of this Constitution caused

a permanent division of the Democratic party. The Constitution was

rejected by the people of Kansas by a majority of 10,000. Kansas

was, however received into the Union, in 1861, under a free State

Constitution, formed at Topeka.

CALIFORNIA.

Was admitted into the Union on the 7th of September, 1850. The alarming

discussion which occurred upon the question of admission was what gave

rise to the compromise measures of 1850, popularly styled the _Omnibus

Bill_. The measures are presented in detail in another part of this

work.

General Fremont, with a small but dauntless band of rangers, conquered

California in 1846, having defeated, on frequent occasions, vastly

superior forces of Mexicans. Its resources as a farming country early

attracted attention. But when, in February, 1848, it was published

that gold in quantities had been found on a branch of the Sacramento,

the swarm of emigrants which rushed in, comprising representatives

from every State in the Union, and from nearly all the nations of

Europe, was almost incalculable. From a small village, San Francisco

was rapidly inflated to a large city. In many places towns sprang up

like mushrooms. Owing to the fact that its population had been thrown

hastily together, from so many places, and in consequence of the want

of a government, California was, for some time, the scene of many dark

crimes and hideous outrages. Never was the want of wholesome legal

restraint more keenly felt than here. The Constitution of California

was framed by a convention of delegates in 1849. It took a firm stand

for the Union in 1861. The first settlement, within its limits, was

made at San Diego, by the Spanish, in 1764. It furnishes annually to

the Government, seventy to eighty millions of dollars in gold.

WEST VIRGINIA.

On Virginia’s passing the ordinance of secession, mass meetings were

immediately held in West Virginia, to take into consideration the best

means of preserving their allegiance to the United States. A convention

of nearly five hundred delegates assembled there early in May, 1861,

which declared the ordinance of secession to be null and void, and

elected delegates to a general convention, to meet at Wheeling, to

devise such measures as the welfare of the people might demand. On the

20th of August, 1861, the convention passed an ordinance to provide

for the formation of a new State out of a portion of the territory of

Virginia. In compliance with its provisions, delegates were elected

to a constitutional convention, which assembled at Wheeling, November

26, 1861, which proceeded to draft a Constitution, which was submitted

to the people on the first Thursday of April, 1862. The vote in favor

was 18,862; that against 514. On the 31st of December, 1862, Congress

passed an act admitting West Virginia into the Union on an equal

footing with the original States, in all respects whatever, allowing

them three members in the House of Representatives of the United

States. On the 1st of November, 1862, the State had furnished to the

Federal Army nearly 20,000 men.

NEVADA.

This Territory having formed a State Constitution, under an enabling

act previously passed by Congress, was admitted as a member of the

Federal Union, on an equal footing with the original States. The

State convention was held at so late a period of the year, that it

was necessary to telegraph the Constitution to Washington, in order

that it might be received there in time to secure the admission of

the State previous to the Presidential election. Immediately upon its

reception, President Lincoln issued a proclamation, dated October

31st, A. D. 1864, in which he “declared and proclaimed that the said

State of Nevada is admitted into the Union, on an equal footing with

the original States,” etc. The vote of the State at the Presidential

election, in 1864, was 16,420—of which Mr. Lincoln received 9,826,

and General McClellan 6,594. Majority for Mr. Lincoln, 3,232. This

new State is probably the richest in the Union in respect to mineral

resources. No region in the world is richer in argentiferous leads.

Her silver mines are her great source of wealth. The Washoe region

maintains the preëminence in these mineral resources.

NEBRASKA.

Nebraska was organized into a Territory in 1850. The first settlers

were Americans. In the last few years it has increased in wealth

and population more rapidly than any of the adjoining States or

Territories. Probably the chief cause of this has been occasioned by

the Pacific Railroad passing directly through the State from east to

west. It is impossible, at the present time, to estimate the advantage

it will be to the State in developing its resources. The value of its

minerals in the western portion of the State is incalculable. It has

fair prospects of becoming one of the richest mineral and agricultural

States in the Union. Omaha, the capital, is a city of considerable

commercial importance, being located at the junction of the Missouri

River and the Pacific Railroad. In 1866, the Territory applied for

admission into the Union, but, on account of the word “white” being

used in its Constitution, it was rejected. The word was then stricken

out, after which it was admitted, February, 1867—the bill for admission

having been passed over the President’s veto.

[Illustration: MARTIN VAN BUREN.]

GEORGE WASHINGTON,

THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

The most exemplary character, perhaps, that ever adorned any era in

history, and who received in his life-time the noble appellations of

“the Founder of a Republic,” and “the Father of his Country,” was

born in the county of Westmoreland, Virginia, on the 22d of February,

1732. His early instruction was domestic and scanty, but full of good

discipline and sound principles; and as his father died when he was

only ten years old, he had no subsequent opportunities for acquiring

a thorough literary or scientific education. However, as his mind

was naturally mathematical and philosophical, he prepared himself

to be useful to his fellow-citizens as a civil engineer; and as the

country was wild, and much of it then unsurveyed, he occasionally

found agreeable and profitable employment in surveying different parts

of his native State. He also directed much of his attention to the

science of arms, in the use of which every young man was instructed,

in order to repel the incursions of the Indians, who were often led on

by skillful Frenchmen. At the age of nineteen, he was appointed one of

the adjutant-generals of Virginia, which gave him the rank of major,

and soon after he was advanced to a colonelcy, and sent by Governor

Dinwiddie to the Ohio with dispatches to the French commander, who was

erecting fortifications from Canada to New Orleans, in violation of

existing treaties. The Governor was so much pleased with the faithful

discharge of this duty, that he ordered his journal, which extended

to only eighty days, to be printed; but, small as it was, it afforded

evidence of great sagacity, fortitude, and a sound judgment, and firmly

laid the foundation of his future fame.

In the spring of 1755, Washington was persuaded to accompany General

Braddock as an aid, with the rank of Colonel, in his disastrous

expedition against Fort Du Quesne; and had his advice been followed on

that occasion, the result would have been different.

ELECTORAL VOTES FOR

PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

_Election for the First Term, commencing March 4, 1789, and terminating

March 3, 1793._

===+====================+====+====+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+===

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

A | STATES. | B | C | D| E| F| G| H| J| K| L| M| N

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

---+--------------------+----+----+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---

5 | New Hampshire | 5 | 5 | | | | | | | | | |

10 | Massachusetts | 10 | 10 | | | | | | | | | |

7 | Connecticut | 7 | 5 | 2| | | | | | | | |

6 | New Jersey | 6 | 1 | | 5| | | | | | | |

10 | Pennsylvania | 10 | 8 | | | 2| | | | | | |

3 | Delaware | 3 | | | 3| | | | | | | |

6 | Maryland | 6 | | | | | 6| | | | | |

10 | Virginia | 10 | 5 | | 1| 1| | 3| | | | |

7 | South Carolina | 7 | | | | 1| | | 6| | | |

5 | Georgia | 5 | | | | | | | | 2| 1| 1| 1

----+--------------------+----+----+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+----

69 | Whole No. Electors | 69 | 34 | 2| 9| 4| 6| 3| 6| 2| 1| 1| 1

====+====================+====+====+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = George Washington, of Virginia.

(D) = Samuel Huntington, of Connecticut.

(E) = John Jay, of New York.

(F) = John Hancock, of Massachusetts.

(G) = F R. H. Harrison, Maryland.

(H) = George Clinton, of New York.

(J) = John Rutledge, of South Carolina.

(K) = John Milton, of Georgia.

(L) = James Armstrong, of Georgia.

(M) = Edward Telfair, of Georgia.

(N) = Benjamin Lincoln, of Massachusetts.

The first Congress under the Constitution was convened at the “Federal

Hall,” situated at the head of Broad, fronting on Wall street, (where

the Custom House now stands,) in the city of New York, on the first

Wednesday, being March 4, 1789—Senators and Representatives having been

elected from the eleven States which had ratified the Constitution;

but, owing to the absence of a quorum, the House was not organized till

the 1st of April, and, for a like reason, the Senate was not organized

till the 6th; when the latter body “proceeded by ballot to the choice

of a President, for the sole purpose of opening and counting the

[electoral] votes for President of the United States.” John Langdon,

of New Hampshire, was chosen President _pro tem._ of the Senate, and

Samuel Alyne Otis, of Massachusetts, Secretary; after which, proper

measures were taken to notify the successful individuals of their

election.

George Washington took the oath of office, as President, and entered

upon his duties April 30, 1789.

(For his Inaugural Address, see p. 41.)

John Adams, Vice-President, entered upon his duties in the Senate April

21, 1789, and took the oath of office June 3, 1789.

_Election for the Second Term, commencing March 4, 1793, and

terminating March 3, 1797._

===+=========================+=====+=====+=====+=====+===

| | | | | |

A | | B | C | D | E | F

| | | | | |

---+-------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+---

6 | New Hampshire | 6 | 6 | | |

16 | Massachusetts | 16 | 16 | | |

4 | Rhode Island | 4 | 4 | | |

9 | Connecticut | 9 | 9 | | |

3 | Vermont | 3 | 3 | | |

12 | New York | 12 | | 12 | |

7 | New Jersey | 7 | 7 | | |

15 | Pennsylvania | 15 | 14 | 1 | |

3 | Delaware | 3 | 3 | | |

8 | Maryland | 8 | 8 | | |

21 | Virginia | 21 | | 21 | |

4 | Kentucky | 4 | | | 4 |

12 | North Carolina | 12 | | 12 | |

8 | South Carolina | 8 | 7 | | | 1

4 | Georgia | 4 | | 4 | |

----+-------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+---

132 | Whole No. of Electors | 132 | 77 | 50 | 4 | 1

===+=========================+=====+=====+=====+====+====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = George Washington, of Virginia.

(D) = George Clinton, of New York.

(E) = Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia.

(F) = Aaron Burr, of New York.

George Washington, re-elected President, took the oath of office for a

second term, and entered upon his duties March 4, 1793.

John Adams, re-elected Vice-President, took the oath of office, and

entered upon his duties in the Senate December 2, 1793.

After the expiration of his second Presidential term, Washington

retired to the tranquil shades of Mount Vernon, fondly indulging the

hope that the remainder of his days would be peacefully enjoyed in his

much cherished home; but these pleasing anticipations were not allowed

to remain long undisturbed. In 1798 the conduct of the French Directory

and its emissaries led to frequent difficulties with this country,

which were calculated to provoke a war; and the opinion was universally

entertained that he who had formerly so well acquitted himself, must

be again called to the command of our armies. Accordingly, early in

July, the rank and title of “Lieutenant-General and Commander-in-Chief

of all the armies raised, or to be raised, in the United States,” was

conferred upon him; and the Secretary of War, Mr. McHenry, immediately

waited upon him to tender the commission. In a letter to President

Adams, accepting this “new proof of public confidence”, he makes a

reservation that he shall not be called into the field until the army

is in a situation to require his presence, and adds: “I take the

liberty also to mention, that I must decline having my acceptance

considered as drawing after it any immediate charge upon the public,

and that I cannot receive any emoluments annexed to the appointment,

before entering into a situation to incur expense.”

Three years afterward (1758) Washington commanded the Virginians in

another expedition against the fort, which terminated successfully. At

the close of this campaign he left the army, and was soon after married

to Mrs. Martha Custis (the widow of Colonel Daniel Parke Custis), whose

maiden name was Dandridge, and whose intelligent and patriotic conduct,

as wife and widow, will ever be gratefully remembered in American

annals.

In 1759, he was elected to the House of Burgesses, and continued to

be returned to that body, with the exception of occasional intervals,

until 1774, when he was sent to represent Virginia in the Continental

Congress. His well-tempered zeal and military skill, which enabled him

to suggest the most proper means for national defense, if the country

were urged to extremities, soon fixed all eyes upon him, as one well

qualified to direct in the hour of peril; and accordingly, after the

first scene of the revolutionary drama was opened at Lexington and

Concord, and an army had concentrated at Cambridge, he was, on the 15th

of June, 1775, unanimously appointed Commander-in-Chief of the American

forces. The self-sacrificing spirit which governed his future course is

too well known to require any elucidation.

After bringing the war to a successful termination, he hastened to

Annapolis, where Congress was then in session, and on the 23d of

December, 1783, formally resigned his commission.

In May, 1787, he was elected to the Convention which met at

Philadelphia for the purpose of forming a Constitution, and was at once

called upon to preside over its deliberations. After that admirable

instrument was adopted by the people, he was unanimously elected the

first President of the United States for four years; at the expiration

of which he was unanimously reëlected for a second term.

On the 12th of December, 1799, he was seized with an inflammation in

the throat, which grew worse the next day, and terminated his life on

the 14th, in the 68th year of his age.

JOHN ADAMS,

THE SECOND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

And whose fame as a patriot and statesman is imperishable, was born

at Braintree, Massachusetts, October 19, 1735. He early displayed

superior capacity for learning, and graduated at Cambridge College with

great credit. After qualifying himself for the legal profession, he

was admitted to practice in 1761, and soon attained that distinction

to which his talents were entitled. From the commencement of the

troubles with Great Britain, in 1769, he was among the most active

in securing the freedom of his country. Being elected to the first

Continental Congress, he took a prominent part in all the war measures

that were then originated, and, subsequently, suggested the appointment

of Washington as commander-in-chief of the army. He was one of the

committee which reported the Declaration of Independence, in 1776, and

the next year visited France, as commissioner, to form a treaty of

alliance and commerce with that country. Although the object had been

accomplished before his arrival, his visit had, otherwise, a favorable

effect on the existing position of affairs; and he was afterward

appointed to negotiate a treaty of peace with Great Britain, which,

after many laborious and fruitless efforts, was finally accomplished

in 1783. In 1785, he was sent to England as the first minister from

this country, and, on his return, was elected first Vice-President, in

which office he served two terms, and was then, in 1797, elected to

succeed Washington as President. Many occurrences tended to embarrass

his administration and to render it unpopular; but it is now generally

admitted to have been characterized by patriotism and vigor equal

to the emergencies which then existed. His political opponents,

however, managed to defeat his reëlection, and he was succeeded in

the Presidency by Mr. Jefferson, in 1801; after which he retired to

his farm at Quincy, where his declining years were passed in the

gratification of his unabated love for reading and contemplation,

and where he was constantly cheered by an interesting circle of

friendship and affection. The semi-centennial anniversary of American

Independence (July 4, 1826) was remarkable, not merely for the event

which it commemorated, but for the decease of two of the most active

participants in the measures by which independence was achieved. On

that day, Adams and Jefferson were both gathered to their fathers,

within about four hours of each other, “cheered by the benediction of

their country, to whom they left the inheritance of their fame and the

memory of their bright example.”

_Election for the Third Term, commencing March 4, 1797, and terminating

March 3, 1801._

===+================+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+==+==+==

| | | | | | | | | | | | | |

A | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

| STATES. | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | J | K | L | M| N| O

---+----------------+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+--+--

6 |New Hampshire | 6 | | | | | 6| | | | | | |

16 |Massachusetts |16 | | 13| | | 1| | | 2| | | |

4 |Rhode Island | 4 | | | | | 4| | | | | | |

9 |Connecticut | 9 | | 4| | | | 5| | | | | |

4 |Vermont | 4 | | 4| | | | | | | | | |

12 |New York |12 | | 12| | | | | | | | | |

7 |New Jersey | 7 | | 7| | | | | | | | | |

15 |Pennsylvania | 1 | 14| 2| 13| | | | | | | | |

3 |Delaware | 3 | | 3| | | | | | | | | |

11 |Maryland | 7 | 4| 4| 3| | | | | | | | | 2

21 |Virginia | 1 | 20| 1| 1| 15| | | 3| | | 1| |

4 |Kentucky | | 4| | 4| | | | | | | | |

12 |North Carolina | 1 | 11| 1| 6| | | | | | 3| 1| |

8 |South Carolina | | 8| 8| | | | | | | | | 1|

4 |Georgia | | 4| | | | | | 4| | | | |

3 |Tennessee | | 3| | 3| | | | | | | | |

---|----------------+---+---+---+-------+---+---+---+---+---+--+--+--

139|No. of Electors.| 71| 68| 59| 30| 15| 11| 5| 7| 2| 3| 2| 1| 2

===+================+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+==+==+==

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = John Adams, of Massachusetts.

(D) = Thos. Pinckney, of South Carolina.

(E) = Aaron Burr, of New York.

(F) = Samuel Adams, of Massachusetts.

(G) = Oliver Ellsworth, of Connecticut.

(H) = John Jay, of New York.

(J) = George Clinton, of New York.

(K) = S. Johnston, of North Carolina.

(L) = James Iredell, of North Carolina.

(M) = Geo. Washington, of Virginia.

(N) = C. C. Pinckney, of South Carolina.

(O) = John Henry, of Maryland.

John Adams, elected President, took the oath of office, and entered

upon his duties, March 4, 1797.

Thomas Jefferson, elected Vice-President, took the oath of office, and

entered upon his duties in the Senate, March 4, 1797.

The administration of Mr. Adams encountered the most virulent

opposition, both domestic and foreign. France, still in the confusion

following her revolution, made improper demands on our country, which

not being complied with, she commenced seizing American property on

the high seas. Our people, taking different sides, were about equally

divided—some approving and others deprecating the course pursued by

France. Letters of marque and reprisal were issued by our government,

and a navy was raised with surprising promptitude. This had the desired

effect, peace being thereby secured; and the aggressor was taught that

the Americans were friends in peace, but were not fearful of war when

it could not be honorably averted.

The Indians on our western frontiers also caused much trouble; but at

length, being severely chastised by General Wayne, they sued for peace,

which was granted in 1795.

In 1800 the seat of government was removed from Philadelphia to

Washington City, which had been designated by Washington, under a law

of Congress, as the most central situation.

As has been noticed elsewhere, Mr. Adams deemed it prudent, in the

early part of his administration, when impending difficulties with

France seemed to render war inevitable, to offer Washington the

commission of Lieutenant-General and Commander-in-Chief of the army,

which he accepted as a matter of duty, and held until his death, but

fortunately never found it necessary to take the field.

THOMAS JEFFERSON,

THE THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Was born at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Virginia (near Monticello, the

seat where he died), April 13, 1743. He was educated at William and

Mary’s College, and graduated with distinction when quite young. He

was a great lover of learning, and particularly of natural philosophy.

With the celebrated George Wythe, he commenced the study of the law,

and became a favorite pupil. Mr. Jefferson was never distinguished as

an advocate, but was considered a good lawyer. Soon after he came to

the bar he was elected a member of the House of Burgesses, and, in that

body, was duly appreciated for his learning and aptitude for business.

He at once took fire at British oppression, and, in 1774, he employed

his pen in discussing the whole course of the British ministry. The

work was admired, and made a text book by his countrymen. In June,

1775, he took his seat in the Continental Congress, from Virginia.

In that body he soon became conspicuous, and was considered a firm

friend of American liberty. In 1776, he was chosen chairman of the

committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence. This instrument

is nearly all his own, and was sanctioned by his coadjutors, with

few alterations. In 1778, Mr. Jefferson was appointed embassador to

France, to form a treaty with that government, but ill-health prevented

his accepting this office. He succeeded Patrick Henry, in 1779, as

Governor of Virginia, and continued in that station two years. In 1781

he composed his notes on Virginia. In 1783 he was sent to France to

join the ministers of our country, Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin. In 1785

he succeeded Dr. Franklin as embassador, and continued performing the

duties of that office for two years, when he retired, and returned

home. In 1789 he was made Secretary of State, under Washington, in

which situation he was highly distinguished for his talents. This

station he resigned in 1793, and retired to private life. In 1797 he

was elected Vice-President of the United States, and took his seat as

President of the Senate, on the following 4th of March. In 1801, he

was President of the United States, which office he held for eight

years. After completing his second term, he retired to private life,

in which he spent his days in philosophical pursuits, until the 4th

of July, 1826, when he expired, just fifty years after penning the

Declaration of Independence. His course was one of his own. Never lived

there a politician who did more than Thomas Jefferson to bring his

fellow-citizens to his own opinions.

_Election for the Fourth Term, commencing March 4, 1801, and

terminating March 3, 1805._

====+===================+=====+=====+=====+=====+====

A | STATES. | B | C | D | E | F

----+-------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+----

6 | New Hampshire | | | 6 | 6 |

16 | Massachusetts | | | 16 | 16 |

4 | Rhode Island | | | 4 | 3 | 1

9 | Connecticut | | | 9 | 9 |

4 | Vermont | | | 4 | 4 |

12 | New York | 12 | 12 | | |

7 | New Jersey | | | 7 | 7 |

15 | Pennsylvania | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |

3 | Delaware | | | 3 | 3 |

10 | Maryland | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |

21 | Virginia | 21 | 21 | | |

4 | Kentucky | 4 | 4 | | |

12 | North Carolina | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 |

3 | Tennessee | 3 | 3 | | |

8 | South Carolina | 8 | 8 | | |

4 | Georgia | 4 | 4 | | |

----+-------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+----

138 | No. of Electors | 73 | 73 | 65 | 64 | 1

====+===================+=====+=====+=====+=====+====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia.

(D) = John Adams, of Massachusetts.

(E) = C. C. Pinckney, of South Carolina.

(F) = John Jay, of New York.

The electoral vote for Thos. Jefferson and Aaron Burr being equal, no

choice was made by the people, and on the 11th of February, 1801, the

House of Representatives proceeded to the choice of President in the

manner prescribed by the Constitution. On the first ballot eight States

voted for Thos. Jefferson, six for Aaron Burr, and the votes of two

States were divided. The balloting continued till the 17th of February,

when the thirty-fifth ballot, as had all previously, resulted the same

as the first. After the thirty-sixth ballot, the Speaker declared that

the votes of ten States had been given for Thos. Jefferson, the votes

of four States for Aaron Burr, and the votes of two States in blank;

and that, consequently, Thomas Jefferson had been elected for the term

of four years.

Thomas Jefferson, thus elected President, took the oath of office, and

entered upon his duties, March 4, 1801.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Jefferson used the following memorable

expression: “We have called by different names brethren of the same

principle. We are all republicans: we are all federalists. If there

be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union, or to change

its republican form, let them stand, undisturbed, as monuments of the

safety with which ERROR OF OPINION MAY BE TOLERATED, WHERE REASON IS

LEFT FREE TO COMBAT IT.”

Aaron Burr, elected Vice-President, took the oath of office, and

entered upon his duties in the Senate, March 4, 1801.

_Election for the Fifth Term, commencing March 4, 1805, and terminating

March 3, 1809._

====+=========================+===========+===========

| | PRESID’T. | V. PRES’T.

A | STATES. +-----+-----+-----+-----

| | A | B | C | D

----+-------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----

7 | New Hampshire | 7 | | 7 |

19 | Massachusetts | 19 | | 19 |

4 | Rhode Island | 4 | | 4 |

9 | Connecticut | | 9 | | 9

6 | Vermont | 6 | | 6 |

19 | New York | 19 | | 19 |

8 | New Jersey | 8 | | 8 |

20 | Pennsylvania | 20 | | 20 |

3 | Delaware | | 3 | | 3

11 | Maryland | 9 | 2 | 9 | 2

24 | Virginia | 24 | | 24 |

14 | North Carolina | 14 | | 14 |

10 | South Carolina | 10 | | 10 |

6 | Georgia | 6 | | 6 |

5 | Tennessee | 5 | | 5 |

8 | Kentucky | 8 | | 8 |

3 | Ohio | 3 | | 3 |

----+-------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----

176 | Whole No. of Electors | 162 | 14 | 162 | 14

====+=========================+=====+=====+=====+=====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia.

(D) = George Clinton, of New York.

(E) = Rufus King, of New York.

Thomas Jefferson, elected President, took the oath of office for a

second term, and entered upon his duties March 4, 1805.

George Clinton, elected Vice-President, took the oath of office, and

entered upon his duties in the Senate, March 4, 1805.

Among the most important acts of Mr. Jefferson’s administration was the

purchase of Louisiana from France for $15,000,000, which territory was

surrendered to our Government in December, 1803.

In November, 1808, the celebrated “ORDERS IN COUNCIL” were issued

by the British Government, which prohibited all trade with France

and her allies; and, as a retaliatory measure, in December following

Bonaparte issued his “MILAN DECREE,” interdicting all trade with

England and her colonies—thus subjecting almost every American vessel

on the ocean to capture. In requital for these tyrannous proceedings,

and that England and France might both feel their injustice, Congress

decreed an embargo; but as this failed to obtain from either power an

acknowledgment of our rights, and was also ruinous to our commerce with

other nations, it was repealed in March, 1809.

JAMES MADISON,

THE FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Was born in Orange County, Virginia, March 16, 1751. His studies,

preparatory to entering Princeton College, were pursued under the most

favorable circumstances, he being provided with the most accomplished

instructors, and he graduated with high honor in 1771. On returning

to Virginia, he zealously commenced the study of the law, which he

subsequently abandoned for political life.

In 1776, he was elected to the General Assembly of Virginia, and from

this period, for more than forty years, he was continually in office,

serving his State and his country in various capacities, from that of a

State Legislator to that of President.

In 1778, he was elected by the Legislature to the executive council

of the State, where he rendered important aid to Henry and Jefferson,

Governors of Virginia, during the time he held a seat in the council;

and by his probity of character, faithfulness in the discharge of duty,

and amiableness of deportment, he won the approbation of these great

men. In the winter of 1779-80, he took his seat in the Continental

Congress, and became immediately an active and leading member, as the

journal of that body abundantly testifies.

In 1784-5-6, he was a member of the Legislature of Virginia. In

1787, he became a member of the Convention held in Philadelphia, for

the purpose of preparing a Constitution for the Government of the

United States. Perhaps no member of that body had more to do with the

formation of that noble instrument, the Constitution of the United

States of America, than Mr. Madison.

It was during the recess between the proposition of the Constitution

by the Convention of 1787, and its adoption by the States, that that

celebrated work, “The Federalist,” made its appearance. This is known

to be the joint production of Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James

Madison. The same year he was elected to Congress, and held his seat

until the Continental Congress passed away among the things that were.

He was a member of the State Convention of Virginia which met to adopt

the Constitution, and on the establishment of the new Congress under

the Constitution, he was chosen a member, retaining his seat until the

close of Washington’s administration.

In 1801, as one of the presidential electors, he had the gratification

of voting for his illustrious friend Jefferson, who immediately

offered him a place in his cabinet, which was accepted. Accordingly,

he entered on the discharge of his duties as Secretary of State, which

duties he continued to perform during the whole of Mr. Jefferson’s

administration, and on the retirement of that great statesman, in 1809,

he succeeded to the Presidency, in which office he served two terms.

Mr. Madison then retired to his peaceful home in Virginia, where he

passed the remainder of his days in favorite pastimes, loved by the

many and respected by all, until the 28th of June, 1826, when the

last survivor of the framers of our Constitution was gathered to his

fathers, full of years and glory.

_Election for the Sixth Term, commencing March 4, 1809, and terminating

March 3, 1813._

===+=========================+==============+=======================

| | PRESIDENT. | VICE-PRESIDENT.

A | STATES. +----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---

| | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | J

---+-------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---

7| New Hampshire | | | 7 | | | | | 7

19| Massachusetts | | | 19 | | | | | 19

4| Rhode Island | | | 4 | | | | | 4

9| Connecticut | | | 9 | | | | | 9

6| Vermont | 6 | | | | | | 6 |

19| New York | 13 | 6 | | 13 | 3 | 3 | |

8| New Jersey | 8 | | | 8 | | | |

20| Pennsylvania | 20 | | | 20 | | | |

3| Delaware | | | 3 | | | | | 3

11| Maryland | 9 | | 2 | 9 | | | | 2

24| Virginia | 24 | | | 24 | | | |

14| North Carolina | 11 | | 3 | 11 | | | | 3

10| South Carolina | 10 | | | 10 | | | |

6| Georgia | 6 | | | 6 | | | |

7| Kentucky | 7 | | | 7 | | | |

5| Tennessee | 5 | | | 5 | | | |

3| Ohio | 3 | | | | | | 3 |

---+-------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---

175| Whole No. of Electors |122 | 6 | 47 |113 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 47

====================================================================

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = James Madison, of Virginia.

(D) = C. C. Pinckney, of South Carolina.

(E) = George Clinton, of New York.

(F) = James Madison, of Virginia.

(G) = James Monroe, of Virginia.

(H) = John Langdon, of New Hampshire.

(J) = Rufus King, of New York.

James Madison took the oath of office, as President, and entered upon

his duties March 4, 1809.

George Clinton, elected Vice-President, took the oath of office, and

attended in the Senate, March 4, 1809.

Our national position, especially in regard to England and France,

was certainly a very perplexing one when Mr. Madison came to the

Presidency. We were not only threatened by enemies abroad, but were

harassed by a savage foe on our western frontier, probably urged on by

British influence, and led by the famous chief Tecumseh and his brother

the Prophet. These last were finally subdued in 1811; but our European

foes were more troublesome. After all peaceful means had failed to

check the aggressions of England, and when at length “patience had

ceased to be a virtue,” war was declared against that country, June 19,

1812. The events of that war it is not within our province to record;

and it is sufficient to say, that they greatly elevated the American

character in the estimation of both friends and enemies.

_Election for the Seventh Term, commencing March 4, 1813, and

terminating March 3, 1817._

====+=========================+===========+===========

| | PRESID’T. | V. PRES’T.

A | STATES. +-----+-----+-----+-----

| | B | C | D | E

----+-------------------------+-----+-----+----+------

8 | New Hampshire | | 8 | 1 | 7

22 | Massachusetts | | 22 | 2 | 20

4 | Rhode Island | | 4 | | 4

9 | Connecticut | | 9 | | 9

8 | Vermont | 8 | | 8 |

29 | New York | | 29 | | 29

8 | New Jersey | | 8 | | 8

25 | Pennsylvania | 25 | | 25 |

4 | Delaware | | 4 | | 4

11 | Maryland | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5

25 | Virginia | 25 | | 25 |

15 | North Carolina | 15 | | 15 |

11 | South Carolina | 11 | | 11 |

8 | Georgia | 8 | | 8 |

12 | Kentucky | 12 | | 12 |

8 | Tennessee | 8 | | 8 |

7 | Ohio | 7 | | 7 |

3 | Louisiana | 3 | | 3 |

----+-------------------------+-----|-----|-----|-----

217 | Whole No. of Electors | 128 | 89 | 131 | 86

====+=========================+=====+=====+=====+=====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = James Madison, of Virginia.

(D) = Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts.

(E) = Jared Ingersoll, of Pennsylvania.

James Madison, elected President for a second term. [There is no notice

on the Journals of Congress of his having taken the oath.]

Elbridge Gerry, elected Vice-President, attended in the Senate on the

24th of May, 1813, and exhibited a certificate of his having taken the

oath of office prescribed by law, which was read.

The war into which the country had been forced was brought to a close

by the treaty of Ghent, which was signed December 24, 1814; but this

treaty had scarcely been ratified, when it became necessary to commence

another war for the protection of American commerce and seamen against

Algerine piracies. In May, 1815, a squadron under Commodore Decatur

sailed for the Mediterranean, where the naval force of Algiers was

cruising for American vessels. After capturing two of the enemy’s

best frigates in that sea, Decatur proceeded to the Bay of Algiers,

and there dictated a treaty which secured the United States from any

further molestation from that quarter. Similar treaties were also

concluded with the other Barbary powers.

JAMES MONROE,

THE FIFTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

One of the few exalted characters that served his country in both a

civil and military capacity, was born in Westmoreland county, Virginia,

April 26, 1758, and was educated at William and Mary’s College, whence

he graduated in 1776, and commenced the study of the law. Anxious

to aid in the struggle for independence, which had then just began,

he abandoned his studies, and entered the army as a cadet—joining a

corps under the gallant General Mercer. He soon distinguished himself

in several well-fought battles, and rapid promotion followed, until

he reached the rank of captain. He was at Harlem Heights, and White

Plains, and shared the perils and fatigues of the distressing retreat

of Washington through New Jersey, as well as the glory of the victory

over the Hessians at Trenton, where he received a musket-ball in the

shoulder; notwithstanding which, he valiantly “fought out the fight.”

He subsequently accepted the post of an aid to Lord Stirling, with

the rank of Major, in which position he saw much hard service—being

engaged in almost every conflict for the two succeeding campaigns,

and displaying great courage and coolness at the bloody battles of

Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth.

Aspiring to a separate command, he obtained permission to raise a

regiment in his native State; for which purpose he left the army, and

returned to Virginia, where he encountered so many unexpected and

discouraging obstacles, that he finally relinquished the enterprise,

and resumed his law studies in the office of Mr. Jefferson.

In 1780, he was elected to the Virginia Legislature, and in the

following year was made one of Governor Jefferson’s council, in which

he continued until 1783, when, at the age of twenty-four years, he

became a member of the Continental Congress. After serving three years

in that body, he was again returned to the State Legislature.

In 1788, while a member of the Convention to decide upon the adoption

of the new Constitution, he voted in the minority against that

instrument; but this vote did not at all affect his popularity. Two

years afterward he was elected United States Senator, and in 1794 he

was sent envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the Court

of Versailles. After settling the cession of Louisiana to the United

States, he went to England to succeed Mr. King as minister at the court

of St. James. The affair of the frigate Chesapeake placing him in an

uncomfortable situation, he returned to the United States, and, in

1810, was once more elected to the Virginia Legislature. He was soon

after chosen Governor of that State, in which office he remained until

Mr. Madison called him to assume the duties of Secretary of State in

his cabinet. In 1817, he was elected President of the United States,

and in 1821 was unanimously reëlected, with the exception of a single

vote in New Hampshire. His administration was a prosperous and quiet

one.

He united with Jefferson and Madison in founding the University of

Virginia; and when the convention was formed for the revision of the

Constitution of his State, he was called to preside over its action.

Not long after this, he went to reside with a beloved daughter (the

wife of Samuel L. Gouverneur, Esq.) in New York City, where he lived

until the anniversary of Independence, in 1831, when, “amidst the

pealing joy and congratulations of that proud day, he passed quietly

and in glory away.”

_Election for the Eighth Term, commencing March 4, 1817, and

terminating March 3, 1821._

====+========================+===========+========================

| | PRESID’T. | VICE-PRESIDENT.

A | STATES. +-----+-----+----+----+----+----+----

| | B | C | D | E | F | G | H

----+------------------------+-----+-----+----+----+----+----+----

8 | New Hampshire | 8 | | 8 | | | |

22 | Massachusetts | | 22 | | 22 | | |

4 | Rhode Island | 4 | | 4 | | | |

9 | Connecticut | | 9 | | | 5 | 4 |

8 | Vermont | 8 | | 8 | | | |

29 | New York | 29 | | 29 | | | |

8 | New Jersey | 8 | | 8 | | | |

25 | Pennsylvania | 25 | | 25 | | | |

3 | Delaware | | 3 | | | | | 3

8 | Maryland | 8 | | 8 | | | |

25 | Virginia | 25 | | 25 | | | |

15 | North Carolina | 15 | | 15 | | | |

11 | South Carolina | 11 | | 11 | | | |

8 | Georgia | 8 | | 8 | | | |

12 | Kentucky | 12 | | 12 | | | |

8 | Tennessee | 8 | | 8 | | | |

8 | Ohio | 8 | | 8 | | | |

3 | Louisiana | 3 | | 3 | | | |

3 | Indiana | 3 | | 3 | | | |

----+------------------------+-----+-----+----+----+----+----+----

217 | Whole No. of Electors | 183 | 34 | 83 | 22 | 5 | 4 | 3

====+========================+=====+=====+====+====+====+====+====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = James Monroe, of Virginia.

(D) = D. D. Tompkins, of New York.

(E) = John E. Howard, of Maryland.

(F) = James Ross, of Pennsylvania.

(G) = John Marshall, of Virginia.

(H) = Rob’t G. Harper, of Maryland.

James Monroe took the oath of office, as President, and entered upon

his duties March 4, 1817.

Daniel D. Tompkins, elected Vice-President, took the oath of office,

and attended in the Senate, March 4, 1817.

The Seminole and a few of the Creek Indians commenced depredations on

the frontiers of Georgia and Alabama towards the close of 1817, for

which they were severely chastised by a force under General Jackson,

and gladly sued for peace.

In February, 1819, a treaty was negotiated at Washington, by which

Spain ceded to the United States East and West Florida and the adjacent

Islands. In the same year the southern portion of Missouri Territory

was set off under the name of Arkansas, for which a territorial

government was formed; and Alabama was constituted a State, and

admitted into the Union.

Early in 1820 the province of Maine, which had been connected with

Massachusetts since 1652, was separated from it and was admitted into

the Union as an independent State.

_Election for the Ninth Term, commencing March 4, 1821, and terminating

March 3, 1825._

====+===================+===========+===========================

| | PRESID’T. | VICE-PRESIDENT.

A | STATES. +-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---

| | B | C | D | E | F | G | H

----+-------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---

8 | New Hampshire | 7 | 1 | 7 | | | 1 |

15 | Massachusetts | 15 | | 7 | 8 | | |

4 | Rhode Island | 4 | | 4 | | | |

9 | Connecticut | 9 | | 9 | | | |

8 | Vermont | 8 | | 8 | | | |

29 | New York | 29 | | 29 | | | |

8 | New Jersey | 8 | | 8 | | | |

25 | Pennsylvania | 24 | | 24 | | | |

4 | Delaware | 4 | | | | | | 4

11 | Maryland | 11 | | 10 | | 1 | |

25 | Virginia | 25 | | 25 | | | |

15 | North Carolina | 15 | | 15 | | | |

11 | South Carolina | 11 | | 11 | | | |

8 | Georgia | 8 | | 8 | | | |

12 | Kentucky | 12 | | 12 | | | |

7 | Tennessee | 7 | | 7 | | | |

8 | Ohio | 8 | | 8 | | | |

3 | Louisiana | 3 | | 3 | | | |

3 | Indiana | 3 | | 3 | | | |

2 | Mississippi | 2 | | 2 | | | |

3 | Illinois | 3 | | 3 | | | |

3 | Alabama | 3 | | 3 | | | |

9 | Maine | 9 | | 9 | | | |

3 | Missouri | 3 | | 3 | | | |

----+-------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+---

236 | No. of Electors | 231 | 1 | 218 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 4

====+===================+=====+=====+=====+=====+=====+=====+===

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = James Monroe, of Virginia.

(D) = Daniel D. Tompkins, of New York.

(E) = Richard Stockton, of New Jersey.

(F) = Robert C. Harper, of Maryland.

(G) = Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania.

(H) = Daniel Rodney, of Delaware.

James Monroe was re-elected President, but there is no notice on the

Journals of Congress that he again took the oath of office.

Daniel D. Tompkins was re-elected Vice-President, but there is no

record of his having taken the oath of office.

Public attention was much occupied in 1824-5 by a visit from the

venerable General Lafayette, who, after the lapse of nearly half a

century from the period of his military career, was again welcomed with

every token of respect that could be devised for honoring the “Nation’s

Guest.” He landed in New York in August, 1824, and after remaining

there a short time, set out on a tour through all the States. Upwards

of a year was taken up in accomplishing this gratifying object; and in

September, 1825, he sailed from Washington in the frigate Brandywine

for his native home.

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS,

THE SIXTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Was born at Quincy, Massachusetts, July 11, 1767, and received the

advantages of a pretty thorough education before entering Harvard

College, which was not until the year 1786. After graduating with

marked credit, he commenced the study of law at Newburyport, in the

office of the Hon. Theophilus Parsons, for many years Chief Justice

of Massachusetts. While pursuing his studies he found leisure to

write several newspaper essays, which attracted much attention, and

displayed a maturity of taste and judgment seldom attained so early in

life. In 1794, Washington appointed him minister to the Netherlands,

and subsequently transferred him to Portugal. He was afterward, at

different periods, minister to Prussia, Russia, and England; and was

one of the commissioners who negotiated the treaty of peace with Great

Britain, at Ghent, in 1815. In 1817, he was appointed Secretary of

State, in which office he continued during Mr. Monroe’s administration,

eight years; when he was elected by the House of Representatives

President of the United States—the people having failed in making a

choice. Like his father, he encountered strong opposition, and only

served one term in this office, being defeated in a reëlection by

General Jackson. He then retired to his farm at Quincy, but did not

remain long in private life; for, two years afterward, he was chosen

Representative in Congress, and continued to be reëlected until his

death, which occurred in the Capitol, at Washington, February 23,

1848. Two days previous to this sad event, while engaged in his duties

in the House of Representatives, he received a paralytic stroke,

which apparently deprived him of all consciousness. He was borne to

the Speaker’s room, where he received every attention that could be

bestowed by anxious and devoted friends, but all in vain—his hour was

come. The last words he was heard to utter were, “This is the last of

earth.”

Mr. Adams was a man of rare gifts and rich acquisitions. A diligent

student, and economical of his time, he found opportunity, amid all his

public cares, to cultivate his tastes for literature and the sciences.

He was one of the finest classical and belles-lettres scholars of his

time, and filled the chair of Professor of Rhetoric and Belles-lettres

in Harvard College for several years. Even in his old age, he often

astonished his hearers with the elegant classical allusions and

rhetorical tropes with which he enriched and embellished his own

productions.

_Election for the Tenth Term, commencing March 4, 1825, and terminating

March 3, 1829._

====================================================================

| | PRESIDENT. | VICE-PRESIDENT.

A | STATES. +---+---+---+----+---+---+---+---+---+--

| | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | J | K | L

----+-----------------------+---+---+---+----+---+---+---+---+---+--

8 | New Hampshire | | 8| | | 7| | | 1| |

15 | Massachusetts | | 15| | | 15| | | | |

4 | Rhode Island | | 4| | | 4| | | | |

8 | Connecticut | | 8| | | | | | 8| |

7 | Vermont | | 7| | | 7| | | | |

36 | New York | 1| 26| 5| 4| 29| 7| | | |

8 | New Jersey | 8| | | | 8| | | | |

28 | Pennsylvania | 28| | | | 28| | | | |

3 | Delaware | | 1| 2| | 1| | | | | 2

11 | Maryland | 7| 3| 1| | 10| | | 1| |

24 | Virginia | | | 24| | | | 24| | |

15 | North Carolina | 15| | | | 15| | | | |

11 | South Carolina | 11| | | | 11| | | | |

9 | Georgia | | | 9| | | | | | 9|

14 | Kentucky | | | | 14| 7| 7| | | |

11 | Tennessee | 11| | | | 11| | | | |

16 | Ohio | | | | 16| | 16| | | |

5 | Louisiana | 3| 2| | | 5| | | | |

5 | Indiana | 5| | | | 5| | | | |

3 | Mississippi | 3| | | | 3| | | | |

3 | Illinois | 2| 1| | | 3| | | | |

5 | Alabama | 5| | | | 5| | | | |

9 | Maine | | 9| | | 9| | | | |

3 | Missouri | | | | 3| | | | 3| |

----+-----------------------+---+---+---+----+---+---+---+---+---+--

261 | Whole No. of Electors | 99| 84| 41| 37|183| 30| 24| 13| 9| 2

====================================================================

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee.

(D) = Wm. H. Crawford, of Georgia.

(E) = Henry Clay, of Kentucky.

(F) = John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina.

(G) = Nathan Sanford, of New York.

(H) = Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina.

(J) = Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee.

(K) = Henry Clay, of Kentucky.

(L) = Martin Van Buren, of New York.

Neither candidate for the Presidency having received a majority of

the electoral votes, it devolved upon the House of Representatives to

choose a President from the three highest on the list of those voted

for, which three were Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, and William

H. Crawford. Twenty-four tellers (one member from each State) were

appointed, who, after examining the ballots, announced that the votes

of thirteen States had been given for John Quincy Adams; the votes

of seven States for Andrew Jackson; and the votes of four States for

William H. Crawford. The Speaker then declared that John Quincy Adams,

having received a majority of the votes of all the States, was duly

elected President of the United States for four years, commencing on

the 4th of March, 1825; on which day Mr. Adams took the oath of office,

and entered upon his duties.

John C. Calhoun, having been elected Vice-President, took the oath of

office, and attended in the Senate, March 4, 1825.

ANDREW JACKSON,

THE SEVENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

A statesman of rare integrity, and a general of invincible skill

and courage, was born at Waxhaw, Lancaster County, South Carolina,

in 1767, and while yet a mere lad, did something toward achieving

the independence of his country. It is said that he commenced his

military career at the age of fourteen years, and was soon after taken

prisoner, together with an elder brother. During his captivity, he was

ordered by a British officer to perform some menial service, which he

promptly refused, and for this refusal was “severely wounded with the

sword which the Englishman disgraced.” He was educated for the bar,

and commenced practice at Nashville, Tennessee, but relinquished his

legal pursuits to “gain a name in arms.” In the early part of the war

of 1812, Congress, having voted to accept fifty thousand volunteers,

General Jackson appealed to the militia of Tennessee, when twenty-five

hundred enrolled their names, and presented themselves to Congress,

with General Jackson at their head. They were accepted, and ordered to

Natchez, to watch the operations of the British in lower Mississippi.

Not long after, he received orders from headquarters to disband his men

and send them to their homes. To obey, he foresaw, would be an act of

great injustice to his command, and reflect disgrace on the country,

and he resolved to disobey. He accordingly broke up his camp, and

returned to Nashville, bringing all his sick with him, whose wants on

the way he relieved with his private means, and there disbanded his

troops in the midst of their homes.

He was soon called to the field once more, and his commission marked

out his course of duty on the field of Indian warfare. Here for years

he labored, and fought, and diplomatized, with the most consummate

wisdom and undaunted courage. It was about this time that the treaty of

the “Hickory Ground” occurred, which gave him the familiar sobriquet of

“Old Hickory.”

The crowning glory of his whole military career was the battle of New

Orleans; which will ever occupy one of the brightest pages in American

history.

At the close of the war he returned to his home in Nashville; but in

1818 was again called on by his country to render his military services

in the expulsion of the Seminoles. His conduct during this campaign has

been both bitterly condemned and highly applauded. An attempt in the

House of Representatives to inflict a censure on the old hero for the

irregularities of this campaign, after a long and bitter debate, was

defeated by a large majority.

In 1828, and again in 1832, General Jackson was elected to fill the

Presidential chair; thus occupying that elevated position for eight

successive years. He then retired to his hospitable mansion (“the

Hermitage”), near Nashville, “loaded with wealth and honors bravely

won,” where he continued to realize all the enjoyments that are

inseparable from a well-spent life, until death translated him to those

higher rewards, which “earth can neither give nor take away.” He died

June 8, 1845, and his last hours were soothed by a trustful reliance on

the Savior of the world for salvation.

[Illustration: WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.]

_Election for the Eleventh Term, commencing March 4, 1829, and

terminating March 3, 1833._

========+=========================+===========+================

| | PRESID’T. | VICE PRESID’T.

| +-----+-----+-----+-----+----

A | STATES. | B | C | D | E | F

----+-------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+----

9 | Maine | 1 | 8 | 1 | 8 |

8 | New Hampshire | | 8 | | 8 |

15 | Massachusetts | | 15 | | 15 |

4 | Rhode Island | | 4 | | 4 |

8 | Connecticut | | 8 | | 8 |

7 | Vermont | | 7 | | 7 |

36 | New York | 20 | 16 | 20 | 16 |

8 | New Jersey | | 8 | | 8 |

28 | Pennsylvania | 28 | | 28 | |

3 | Delaware | | 3 | | 3 |

11 | Maryland | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 |

24 | Virginia | 24 | | 24 | |

15 | North Carolina | 15 | | 15 | |

11 | South Carolina | 11 | | 11 | |

9 | Georgia | 9 | | 2 | | 7

14 | Kentucky | 14 | | 14 | |

11 | Tennessee | 11 | | 11 | |

16 | Ohio | 16 | | 16 | |

5 | Louisiana | 5 | | 5 | |

3 | Mississippi | 3 | | 3 | |

5 | Indiana | 5 | | 5 | |

3 | Illinois | 3 | | 3 | |

5 | Alabama | 5 | | 5 | |

3 | Missouri | 3 | | 3 | |

----+-------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+----

261 | Whole No. of Electors | 178 | 83 | 171 | 83 | 7

====+=========================+=====+=====+=====+=====+====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee.

(D) = John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina.

(E) = Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania.

(F) = William Smith, of South Carolina.

Andrew Jackson took the oath of office, as President, and entered upon

his duties March 4, 1829.

John C. Calhoun took the oath of office, as Vice-President, and

presided in the Senate March 4, 1829.

A series of unfortunate political and social occurrences soon led to a

rupture of that cordiality which had formerly existed between these two

distinguished individuals, the consequences of which were peculiarly

disastrous to the political aspirations of Mr. Calhoun, who was never

afterwards regarded with much favor beyond the immediate limits of his

own State.

NOTE.—It was during this administration that the doctrine of State’s

rights was so strongly urged by Calhoun, and to this period may be

dated the origin of the great rebellion of 1861.

_Election for the Twelfth Term, commencing March 4, 1833, and

terminating March 3, 1837._

====+=======================+================+=====================

| | PRESIDENT. | VICE-PRESIDENT.

A | STATES. +----+---+---+---+----+---+---+---+----

| | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | J | K

----+-----------------------+----+---+---+---+----+---+---+---+----

10 | Maine | 10| | | | 10| | | |

7 | New Hampshire | 7| | | | 7| | | |

14 | Massachusetts | | 14| | | | 14| | |

4 | Rhode Island | | 4| | | | 4| | |

8 | Connecticut | | 8| | | | 8| | |

7 | Vermont | | | | 7 | | | | | 7

42 | New York | 42| | | | 42| | | |

8 | New Jersey | 8| | | | 8| | | |

30 | Pennsylvania | 30| | | | | | 30| |

3 | Delaware | | 3| | | | 3| | |

10 | Maryland | 5| 5| | | 5| 5| | |

23 | Virginia | 23| | | | 23| | | |

15 | North Carolina | 15| | | | 15| | | |

11 | South Carolina | | | 11| | | | | 11|

11 | Georgia | 11| | | | 11| | | |

15 | Kentucky | | 15| | | | 15| | |

15 | Tennessee | 15| | | | 15| | | |

21 | Ohio | 21| | | | 21| | | |

5 | Louisiana | 5| | | | 5| | | |

4 | Mississippi | 4| | | | 4| | | |

9 | Indiana | 9| | | | 9| | | |

5 | Illinois | 5| | | | 5| | | |

7 | Alabama | 7| | | | 7| | | |

4 | Missouri | 4| | | | 4| | | |

----+-----------------------+----+---+---+---+----+---+---+---+----

288 |Whole No. of Electors | 221| 49| 11| 7 | 191| 49| 30| 11| 7

====+=======================+====+===+===+===+====+===+===+===+====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee.

(D) = John Floyd, of Virginia.

(E) = William Wirt, of Maryland.

(F) = Martin Van Buren, of New York.

(G) = John Sergeant, of Pennsylvania.

(H) = William Wilkins, of Pennsylvania.

(J) = Henry Lee, of Massachusetts.

(K) = Amos Ellmaker, of Pennsylvania.

Andrew Jackson, re-elected President, took the oath of office, and

continued his duties, March 4, 1833.

Martin Van Buren, having been elected Vice-President, took the oath of

office, and attended in the Senate, March 4, 1833.

Early in June, 1833, the President left Washington on a tour through

the Northern States, and was everywhere received with an enthusiasm

that evinced the cordial approval of his administration by the people.

One of his first measures, on returning to the seat of government, was

the removal of the public moneys from the United States Bank, for which

act he encountered the most virulent hostility of a small majority

of the Senate, who passed resolutions censuring his course. But this

injustice has not been perpetuated; for on the 16th of January, 1837,

these partisan resolutions were expunged from the records by order of a

handsome majority.

MARTIN VAN BUREN,

THE EIGHTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Was born in the flourishing town of Kinderhook, New York, September

5, 1782, and early received the best education that could then be

obtained in the schools in his immediate vicinity. Having sufficiently

prepared himself for the study of law, he entered the office of Francis

Sylvester, in his native town, where he remained about six years. But

law did not engross his whole time: he found leisure occasionally to

peer into the mysteries of political economy, and finally arrived at

the conclusion that his chances for fame and fortune were at least

equal in the arena of politics to any thing he might accomplish by a

strict adherence to legal pursuits. Fully impressed with this idea, he

early set about cultivating what little popularity could be gained in

his limited sphere, and so won upon the confidence of his neighbors and

friends as to be appointed, while yet in his _teens_, a delegate to a

convention in his native county, in which important political measures

were to be acted upon.

In 1808, he was appointed Surrogate of Columbia County, the first

public office he ever held; and in 1812 and 1816 he was elected to the

State Senate, in which body he became a distinguished leader of the

Madison party, and one of its most eloquent supporters.

In 1821, he was elected to the United States Senate, in which he held

his seat for nearly eight years, and became remarkable not only for his

close attention to business, but also for his devotion to the great

principles of the Democratic party.

In 1828, he was elected Governor of his native State, and entered

upon the duties of that office, on the first of January, 1829; but

he filled the gubernatorial chair for only a few weeks. In March

following, when General Jackson was elevated to the Presidency, he

tendered Mr. Van Buren the post of Secretary of State, which was

accepted. At the expiration of two years he resigned his seat in the

Cabinet, and was immediately appointed minister to England; but when

his nomination was submitted to the Senate (June 25, 1831) it was

rejected by the casting vote of the Vice-President (Mr. Calhoun), and,

of course, he was recalled. As his friends attributed his rejection

to personal and political rancor, it only served to raise Mr. Van

Buren in the estimation of his political adherents, and the result was

that, in May following, he was nominated, with great unanimity, for

the Vice-Presidency, by the Democratic Convention, at Baltimore. His

triumphant election was regarded not merely as a high compliment to

himself, but as a wholesome rebuke to his opponents.

In 1836, he was put in nomination for the chief magistracy, to which

he was elected, by a large majority, over General Harrison; but, at

the next Presidential election, the tables were turned, and he only

received sixty votes out of two hundred and ninety-four.

After his defeat, he returned to Kinderhook, where he remained some

time, and then visited Europe, with one of his sons, whose restoration

to health was the principal object of his journey. Not long after his

return he consented to become once more a candidate for the Presidency,

and, in 1848, received the nomination of the Free-soil party, but did

not secure a single electoral vote.

_Election for the Thirteenth Term, commencing March 4, 1837, and

terminating March 3, 1841._

===========================+==================+====================

| | PRESIDENT. | VICE-PRESIDENT.

A | STATES. +----+---+---+--+--+------+----+----+---

| | B | C | D | E| F| G | H | J | K

---+-----------------------+----+---+---+--+--+------+----+----+---

10 | Maine | 10 | | | | | 10 | | |

7 | New Hampshire | 7 | | | | | 7 | | |

14 | Massachusetts | | | |14| | | 14 | |

4 | Rhode Island | 4 | | | | | 4 | | |

8 | Connecticut | 8 | | | | | 8 | | |

7 | Vermont | | 7| | | | | 7 | |

42 | New York | 42 | | | | | 42 | | |

8 | New Jersey | | 8| | | | | 8 | |

30 | Pennsylvania | 30 | | | | | 30 | | |

3 | Delaware | | 3| | | | | 3 | |

10 | Maryland | | 10| | | | | | 10 |

23 | Virginia | 23 | | | | | | | | 23

15 | North Carolina | 15 | | | | | 15 | | |

11 | South Carolina | | | | |11| | | 11 |

11 | Georgia | | | 11| | | | | 11 |

15 | Kentucky | | 15| | | | | 15 | |

15 | Tennessee | | | 15| | | | | 15 |

21 | Ohio | | 21| | | | | 21 | |

5 | Louisiana | 5 | | | | | 5 | | |

4 | Mississippi | 4 | | | | | 4 | | |

9 | Indiana | | 9| | | | | 9 | |

5 | Illinois | 5 | | | | | 5 | | |

7 | Alabama | 7 | | | | | 7 | | |

4 | Missouri | 4 | | | | | 4 | | |

3 | Arkansas | 3 | | | | | 3 | | |

3 | Michigan | 3 | | | | | 3 | | |

---+-----------------------+----+---+---+--+--+------+----+----+---

294 |Whole No. of Electors |170 | 73| 26|14|11|147[5]| 77 | 47 | 23

===========================+====+===+===+==+==+======+====+====+===

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = Martin Van Buren, of New York.

(D) = Hugh L. White, of Tennessee.

(E) = Daniel Webster, of Massachusetts.

(F) = Willie P. Mangum, of North Carolina.

(G) = Rich’d M. Johnson, of Kentucky.

(H) = Francis Granger, of New York.

(J) = John Tyler, of Virginia.

(K) = William Smith, of Alabama.

[5] Elected by the Senate.

Martin Van Buren, elected President, took the oath of office, and

entered upon his duties, March 4, 1837.

Richard M. Johnson, elected Vice-President, took the oath of office,

and attended in the Senate, March 4, 1837.

Urged by the unprecedented financial embarrassments which were

experienced in every branch of industry, and especially by the

mercantile class, Mr. Van Buren’s first measure was to convene a

special meeting of Congress early in September, ’37, which continued

in session forty days, but accomplished very little. A bill

authorizing the issue of $10,000,000 in treasury notes was passed;

but the Independent Treasury bill (the great financial measure of

the administration) was then rejected, although afterwards (in 1840)

adopted.

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON,

THE NINTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Was born in Charles City County, Virginia, February 9, 1773, and was

educated for the medical profession at Hampden Sydney College. He

graduated at a time when our north-western frontier was suffering

much from the neighboring Indians, and, believing that he could be of

greater service in repelling the savage invaders than in pursuing his

studies, he accepted an ensign’s commission from President Washington,

and joined the army. He was promoted to a lieutenancy in 1792, and his

skill and bravery were highly commended by General Wayne, under whose

command he was engaged in several actions. After the bloody battle of

Miami Rapids, he was rewarded with the rank of captain, and immediately

placed in command of Fort Washington. In 1797, he resigned his

commission for the purpose of accepting the office of Secretary of the

North-west Territory, from which he was elected a delegate to Congress

in 1799.

When a territorial government was formed for Indiana, he was

appointed the first Governor, and continued in that office till 1813.

To his civil and military duties he added those of Commissioner

and Superintendent of Indian Affairs; and, in the course of his

administration, he concluded thirteen important treaties with the

different tribes. On the 7th of November, 1811, he gained the

celebrated battle of Tippecanoe, the news of which was received

throughout the country with a burst of enthusiasm. During the war of

1812, he was made commander of the North-western army of the United

States, and he bore a conspicuous part in the leading events in the

campaign of 1812-13—the defense of Fort Meigs, and the victory of the

Thames. In 1814, he was appointed, in conjunction with his companions

in arms, Governor Shelby and General Cass, to treat with the Indians

in the North-west, at Greenville; and, in the following year, he

was placed at the head of a commission to treat with various other

important tribes.

In 1816, he was elected a member of Congress from Ohio, and, in 1828,

he was sent minister plenipotentiary to the republic of Colombia.

On his return, he took up his residence at North Bend, on the Ohio,

where he lived upon his farm, in comparative retirement, till 1836,

when he became a candidate for the Presidency; and, although defeated

on the first trial, four years afterward he was elected by a large

majority, and inaugurated in 1841. But he did not long survive this

crowning honor, as he died on the 4th of April, just one month after

entering upon his duties. His funeral obsequies were performed on the

7th, and an immense concourse assembled to pay their testimony of

respect. Funeral services and processions also took place in most of

the principal cities throughout the country. As General Harrison was

the first President who died while in office, his successor, Mr. Tyler,

recommended that the 14th of May be observed as a day of fasting and

prayer, and accordingly it was so observed.

_Election for the Fourteenth Term, commencing March 4, 1841, and

terminating March 3, 1845._

====+===================+===========+=====================

| | PRESID’T. | VICE-PRESID’T.

A | STATES. +-----+-----+-----+-----+----+----

| | B | C | D | E | F | G

----+-------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+----+----

10 | Maine | 10 | | 10 | | |

7 | New Hampshire | | 7 | | 7 | |

14 | Massachusetts | 14 | | 14 | | |

4 | Rhode Island | 4 | | 4 | | |

8 | Connecticut | 8 | | 8 | | |

7 | Vermont | 7 | | 7 | | |

42 | New York | 42 | | 42 | | |

8 | New Jersey | 8 | | 8 | | |

30 | Pennsylvania | 30 | | 30 | | |

3 | Delaware | 3 | | 3 | | |

10 | Maryland | 10 | | 10 | | |

23 | Virginia | | 23 | | 22 | | 1

15 | North Carolina | 15 | | 15 | | |

11 | South Carolina | | 11 | | | 11 |

11 | Georgia | 11 | | 11 | | |

15 | Kentucky | 15 | | 15 | | |

15 | Tennessee | 15 | | 15 | | |

21 | Ohio | 21 | | 21 | | |

5 | Louisiana | 5 | | 5 | | |

4 | Mississippi | 4 | | 4 | | |

9 | Indiana | 9 | | 9 | | |

5 | Illinois | | 5 | | 5 | |

7 | Alabama | | 7 | | 7 | |

4 | Missouri | | 4 | | 4 | |

3 | Arkansas | | 3 | | 3 | |

3 | Michigan | 3 | | 3 | | |

----+-------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+----+----

294 |No. of Electors | 234 | 60 | 234 | 48 | 11 | 1

====+===================+=====+=====+=====+=====+====+====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = Wm. H. Harrison, of Ohio.

(D) = John Tyler, of Virginia.

(E) = Rich’d M. Johnson, of Kentucky.

(F) = L. W. Tazewell, of Virginia.

(G) = James K. Polk, of Tennessee.

William H. Harrison, elected President, took the oath of office, and

entered upon his duties, March 4, 1841.

John Tyler, elected Vice-President, took the oath of office, and

attended in the Senate, March 4, 1841.

Soon after his inauguration, President Harrison issued a proclamation,

convening Congress for an extra session on the 31st of May, to consider

“sundry weighty and important matters, chiefly growing out of the state

of the revenue and finances of the country.” But he did not live to

submit his remedial plans—dying, after a very brief illness, on the

4th of April, exactly one month after coming into office. He was the

first President who had died during his official term, and a messenger

was immediately dispatched with a letter, signed by all the members

of the Cabinet, conveying the melancholy intelligence to the Vice

President, then at Williamsburg, Va. By extraordinary means he reached

Washington at five o’clock on the morning of the 6th, and at twelve

o’clock the Heads of Departments waited upon him, to pay their official

and personal respects. After signifying his deep feeling of the public

calamity sustained by the death of President Harrison, and expressing

his profound sensibility of the heavy responsibilities so suddenly

devolved upon himself, he made known his wishes that the several Heads

of Departments would continue to till the places which they then

respectively occupied, and his confidence that they would afford all

the aid in their power to enable him to carry on the administration of

the government successfully. Mr. Tyler afterwards took and subscribed

the following oath of office:

“I do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the

office of President of the United States, and will, to

the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the

Constitution of the United States.

JOHN TYLER.

“APRIL 6, 1841.”

Pursuant to the proclamation of President Harrison, Congress met on the

31st of May, and continued in session until the 13th of September. On

the 27th of July a bill for the establishment of “The Fiscal Bank of

the United States,” passed the Senate by a vote of 26 to 23, and was

concurred in by the House of Representatives on the 6th of August—128

to 91. President Tyler, however, returned the bill on the 16th, with

his objections, and it was lost for lack of a constitutional majority.

But the friends of a national bank were not to be deterred from their

purpose by a single repulse: another bill (about the same in substance)

was immediately hurried through both Houses, under the title of “The

Fiscal Corporation of the United States,” but this shared the fate of

its predecessor.

A Senate bill for the establishment of a uniform system of bankruptcy

throughout the United States, was concurred in by the House on the

18th of August, and became a law; but, meeting with very general

condemnation, it was soon after repealed.

A bill was also passed at this extra session for the distribution of

the proceeds of the sales of the public lands among the several States,

in proportion to population.

In 1842 an important treaty, adjusting the north-eastern boundary of

the United States, was negotiated at Washington between Mr. Webster,

on the part of this country, and Lord Ashburton, on the part of Great

Britain.

During the last year of Mr. Tyler’s administration much excitement

prevailed on the proposed annexation of Texas to the Union, which

was strongly resisted at the North, on the ground that the South

and southern institutions would thereby gain increased power in the

national councils. A treaty of annexation, signed by the President,

was rejected by the Senate, but measures were taken by which Texas was

admitted the year following.

JOHN TYLER,

THE SUCCESSOR OF GENERAL HARRISON AS PRESIDENT,

Was born at Williamsburg, Virginia, March 29, 1790, and at the age of

twelve years entered William and Mary’s College, where he graduated

with distinguished merit five years afterward. Few have commenced life

at so early a period as Mr. Tyler—he having been admitted to the bar

when only nineteen, and elected to the Virginia Legislature before

attaining his twenty-second year. In 1816, he was sent to Congress; in

1825, elected Governor of Virginia; and in 1827, became United States

Senator; in which capacity he firmly supported the administration of

General Jackson—voting against the tariff bill of 1828, and against

rechartering the United States Bank. Notwithstanding this last vote,

the friends of the bank, presuming upon his well-known conservatism, at

the special session of Congress called by his predecessor, introduced a

bill for the establishment of the “Fiscal Bank of the United States,”

which passed both Houses by small majorities, and which Mr. Tyler

felt bound to veto. But this did not dishearten the friends of the

measure, who modified and rechristened their financial plan, which,

under the name of “Fiscal Corporation of the United States,” again

passed both houses of Congress, and was again vetoed by the President.

Of course, a large portion of the party that elected him were greatly

dissatisfied with his course, and their denunciation of his alleged

faithlessness were “loud and deep.” To add to the embarrassments which

were accumulating around him, all the members of his Cabinet, with the

exception of Mr. Webster, resigned their places; but even this implied

rebuke did not shake his integrity of purpose. An equally efficient

phalanx of talent was called to his aid, and he had the satisfaction

of seeing that his views were indorsed by a large number of leading

statesmen. It has often been asserted that Mr. T. had pledged himself

to sustain the financial schemes of the bank and its friends; but

this has always been denied, and circumstances certainly warrant

the conclusion that the assertion is unfounded. So gross and bitter

were the assaults made upon him, that he felt called upon to defend

himself from their violence; and, after declaring his determination

to do his duty, regardless of party ties, he said, “I appeal from

the vituperation of the present day to the pen of impartial history,

in confidence that neither my motives nor my acts will bear the

interpretation which, for sinister motives, has been placed upon them.”

On the expiration of his official term, he retired to his estate at

Williamsburg.

JAMES KNOX POLK,

THE TENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Was born at Mecklenberg, North Carolina, November 2, 1795, and there

received the rudiments of his early education. In 1806, his father

removed to Nashville, Tennessee, taking his family with him, and

here it was that Mr. Polk pursued those preliminary studies which

were requisite to qualify him for the legal profession. After due

preparation, he entered the office of Hon. Felix Grundy, under whose

able instruction he made such rapid progress, that he was admitted

to practice in 1820. His duties at the bar did not prevent him from

taking part in the political affairs of the day; and in this sphere his

comprehensive views and zealous devotion to Democracy soon secured him

a widely-extended popularity, which resulted in his election to the

Legislature of Tennessee, in 1823. In 1825, while yet in his thirtieth

year, he was chosen a member of Congress, in which body he remained

fourteen years—being honored with the Speakership for several sessions.

So well satisfied were his constituents with his congressional course,

that he was elected Governor by a large majority, but some questions of

local policy subsequently defeated his reëlection.

In 1844, he was unexpectedly nominated for the office of President

of the United States by the Democratic Convention at Baltimore;

and, having received sixty-five electoral votes more than his rival

candidate, Mr. Clay, he was inaugurated on the 4th of March, 1845.

Soon after Mr. Polk assumed the reins of government, the country

became involved in a war with Mexico, which was little more than a

series of victories wherever the American banner was displayed, and

which resulted in important territorial acquisitions. The ostensible

ground for this war, on the part of Mexico, was the admission of

Texas into the Union, which was one of the first acts of Mr. Polk’s

administration. The Mexicans, however, paid dearly for asserting their

frivolous claim to Texas as a revolted province, and the prompt and

energetic course pursued by Mr.Polk was sanctioned and sustained by a

large majority of the people.

[Illustration: JOHN TYLER.]

But notwithstanding the advantageous issue of the war, the acquisition

of Texas, and the satisfactory settlement of several vexed questions

of long standing, Mr. Polk was not nominated for a second term—various

extraneous matters leading to the selection of another candidate.

Perhaps it was fortunate for the country and for himself that he was

permitted to retire to the more congenial enjoyment of private life;

for his health had become very much impaired, and he did not long

survive after reaching his home in Nashville. He died June 15, 1849.

_Election for the Fifteenth Term, commencing March 4, 1845, and

terminating March 3, 1849._

===+=======================+===========+===========

| | PRES’T. | V. PRES’T.

A | STATES. +-----+-----+-----+----

| | B | C | D | E

---+-----------------------+-----+-----+-----+----

9 | Maine | 9 | | 9 |

6 | New Hampshire | 6 | | 6 |

12 | Massachusetts | | 12 | | 12

4 | Rhode Island | | 4 | | 4

6 | Connecticut | | 6 | | 6

6 | Vermont | | 6 | | 6

36 | New York | 36 | | 36 |

7 | New Jersey | | 7 | | 7

26 | Pennsylvania | 26 | | 26 |

3 | Delaware | | 3 | | 3

8 | Maryland | | 8 | | 8

17 | Virginia | 17 | | 17 |

11 | North Carolina | | 11 | | 11

9 | South Carolina | 9 | | 9 |

10 | Georgia | 10 | | 10 |

12 | Kentucky | | 12 | | 12

13 | Tennessee | | 13 | | 13

23 | Ohio | | 23 | | 23

6 | Louisiana | 6 | | 6 |

6 | Mississippi | 6 | | 6 |

12 | Indiana | 12 | | 12 |

9 | Illinois | 9 | | 9 |

9 | Alabama | 9 | | 9 |

7 | Missouri | 7 | | 7 |

3 | Arkansas | 3 | | 3 |

5 | Michigan | 5 | | 5 |

---+-----------------------+-----+-----+-----+----

275 | Whole No. of Electors | 170 | 105 | 170 | 105

===+=======================+=====+=====+=====+====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = James K. Polk, of Tennessee.

(D) = George M. Dallas, of Pennsylvania.

(E) = T. Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey.

James K. Polk took the oath of office, as President, and entered upon

his duties March 4, 1845.

George M. Dallas took the oath of office, as Vice-President, and

attended in the Senate, March 4, 1845.

The most important incidents of Mr. Polk’s administration were the

admission of Texas and the consequent war with Mexico, the latter of

which resulted in extending our territorial boundaries to the Pacific

Ocean, embracing regions of incalculable value.

ZACHARY TAYLOR,

THE ELEVENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Was born in Orange County, Virginia, November 24, 1790, and, after

receiving an indifferent education, passed a considerable portion of

his boyhood amid the stirring scenes which were being enacted at that

time on our western border. In 1808, he was appointed a lieutenant

in the United States infantry, and subsequently was promoted to a

captaincy for his efficient services against the Indians. Soon after

the declaration of war, in 1812, he was placed in command of Fort

Harrison, which he so gallantly defended with a handful of men against

the attack of a large body of savages, as to win the brevet rank of

major. So familiar did he become with the Indian character, and with

the mode of warfare of that wily foe, that his services at the West

and South were deemed indispensable in the subjugation and removal

of several hostile tribes. While effecting these desirable objects,

he was occasionally rewarded for his toils and sacrifices by gradual

promotion, and in 1840 attained the rank of brigadier-general. At the

commencement of the troubles with Mexico, in 1845, he was ordered to

occupy a position on the American side of the Rio Grande, but not to

cross that river unless attacked by the Mexicans. He was not, however,

allowed to remain long in repose: the enemy, by attacking Fort Brown,

which he had built on the Rio Grande, opposite Matamoras, soon afforded

him an opportunity to display his skill and valor, and gloriously

did he improve it. The brilliant battles of Palo Alto and Resaca

de la Palma, where he contended successfully against fearful odds,

were precursors to a series of victories which have few parallels in

military annals. The attack on Matamoras, the storming of Monterey,

the sanguinary contest at Buena Vista, and the numerous skirmishes in

which he was engaged, excited universal admiration; and on his return

home, after so signally aiding to “conquer a peace” with Mexico, he was

everywhere received with the most gratifying demonstrations of respect

and affection. In 1848, General Taylor received the nomination of the

Whig party for the office of President of the United States, and,

being elected, was inaugurated the year following. But the cares and

responsibilities of this position were greater than his constitution

could endure, hardened as it had been both in Indian and civilized

warfare. After the lapse of little more than a year from the time he

entered upon his new career, he sunk under its complicated trials, and

his noble spirit sought refuge in a more congenial sphere, July 9, 1850.

_Election for the Sixteenth Term, commencing March 4, 1849, and

terminating March 3, 1851._

===+=======================+===========+===========

| | PRES’T. | V. PRES’T.

A | STATES. +-----+-----+-----+-----

| | B | C | D | E

---+-----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----

9 | Maine | | 9 | | 9

6 | New Hampshire | | 6 | | 6

12 | Massachusetts | 12 | | 12 |

4 | Rhode Island | 4 | | 4 |

6 | Connecticut | 6 | | 6 |

6 | Vermont | 6 | | 6 |

36 | New York | 36 | | 36 |

7 | New Jersey | 7 | | 7 |

26 | Pennsylvania | 26 | | 26 |

3 | Delaware | 3 | | 3 |

8 | Maryland | 8 | | 8 |

17 | Virginia | | 17 | | 17

11 | North Carolina | 11 | | 11 |

9 | South Carolina | | 9 | | 9

10 | Georgia | 10 | | 10 |

12 | Kentucky | 12 | | 12 |

13 | Tennessee | 13 | | 13 |

23 | Ohio | | 23 | | 23

6 | Louisiana | 6 | | 6 |

6 | Mississippi | | 6 | | 6

12 | Indiana | | 12 | | 12

9 | Illinois | | 9 | | 9

9 | Alabama | | 9 | | 9

7 | Missouri | | 7 | | 7

3 | Arkansas | | 3 | | 3

5 | Michigan | | 5 | | 5

3 | Florida | 3 | | 3 |

4 | Texas | | 4 | | 4

4 | Iowa | | 4 | | 4

4 | Wisconsin | | 4 | | 4

---+-----------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----

290 | Whole No. of Electors | 163 | 127 | 163 | 127

===+=======================+=====+=====+=====+=====

COLUMN HEADINGS:

(A) = No. of Electors from each State.

(B) = Zachary Taylor, of Louisiana.

(D) = Millard Fillmore, of New York.

(E) = William O. Butler, of Kentucky.

Zachary Taylor took the oath of office, as President, and entered

upon his duties March 4, 1849. He did not, however, long enjoy his

honors—death suddenly closing his earthly career, July 9, 1850.

Millard Fillmore took the oath of office, as Vice-President, and

entered upon his duties March 4, 1849. Congress being in session at

the time President Taylor died, the Vice-President sent a message to

both houses on the 10th of July, in which he feelingly announced the

melancholy event. On the same day he took the requisite oath, and

entered on the execution of the office of President.

Willie P. Mangum, of N. C., President _pro tem_ of the Senate, acted as

Vice-President, _ex officio_, the remainder of the term.

MILLARD FILLMORE,

THE SUCCESSOR OF GENERAL TAYLOR AS PRESIDENT,

Was born at Summer Hill, Cayuga County, New York, January 7, 1800,

and did not enjoy the advantages of any other education than what he

derived from the then inefficient common schools of the county. At an

early age he was sent into the wilds of Livingston County to learn a

trade, and here he soon attracted the attention of a friend, who placed

him in a lawyer’s office—thus opening a new, and what was destined to

be a most honorable and distinguished career. In 1827, he was admitted

as an attorney, and two years afterward as counselor in the Supreme

Court. Soon attracting attention, he established himself at Buffalo,

where his talents and business habits secured him an extended practice.

His first entrance into public life was in January, 1829, when he took

his seat as a member of the Assembly from Erie County. At this time

he distinguished himself for his untiring opposition to imprisonment

for debt, and to this are the people indebted in a great degree for

the expunging of this relic of barbarism from the statute book. Having

gained a high reputation for legislative capacity, in 1833, he was

elected a member of the National House of Representatives; and on the

assembling of the Twenty-seventh Congress, to which he was reëlected by

a larger majority than was ever given to any person in his district, he

was placed in the arduous position of Chairman of the Committee of Ways

and Means. The measures which he brought forward and sustained with

matchless ability, speedily relieved the government from its existing

pecuniary embarrassments. In 1847, he was elected Comptroller of the

State of New York by a larger majority than had ever been given to any

State officer for many years. In 1848, he was selected as a candidate

for Vice-President, General Taylor heading the ticket. On his election

to that high office, he resigned his position as Comptroller, and

entered upon his duties as President of the United States Senate. The

courtesy, ability, and dignity exhibited by him, while presiding over

the deliberations of that body, received general commendation. Upon

the sudden death of Gen. Taylor, he became President, and promptly

selected a cabinet, distinguished for its ability, patriotism, and

devotion to the Union, and possessing, in an eminent degree, the

confidence of the country.

After serving out the constitutional term, Mr. Fillmore returned to

Buffalo, and again resumed those pursuits which had prepared the way to

the elevated position from which he had just retired. He was welcomed

home by troops of friends, with whom he still continues to enjoy an

unabated popularity.

It should be borne in mind by every aspiring young man, that Mr.

Fillmore is entirely indebted to his own exertions for his success

in life. From a very humble origin, he attained the highest office

in the world, climbing the rugged steep of fame step by step, with

indefatigable industry and untiring perseverance, until he at length

gained the summit, where he is long likely to enjoy his well-earned

position.

FRANKLIN PIERCE,

THE TWELFTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

Was born at Hillsborough, N. H., November 23, 1804, and early received

the advantage of a liberal education. After going through a regular

collegiate course at Bowdoin College, which he entered at the age of

sixteen, he became a law student in the office of Judge Woodbury, at

Portsmouth, whence he was transferred to the law school at Northampton,

where he remained two years, and then finished his studies with Judge

Parker, at Amherst. Although his rise at the bar was not rapid, by

degrees he attained the highest rank as a lawyer and advocate.

In 1829, he was elected to represent his native town in the State

Legislature, where he served four years, during the two last of which

he held the speakership, and discharged the duties of the office with

universal satisfaction.

From 1833 to 1837, he represented his State in Congress, and was

then elected to the United States Senate, having barely reached the

requisite age to qualify him for a seat in that body.

In 1834, he married Miss Jane Means, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Appleton,

formerly President of Bowdoin College, soon after which he removed to

Concord, where he still holds a residence. He was reëlected at the

expiration of his senatorial term, but resigned his seat the year

following, for the purpose of devoting himself exclusively to his legal

business, which had become so extensive as to require all his attention.

In 1846, he declined the office of Attorney-General, tendered him by

President Polk; but when the war with Mexico broke out, he was active

in raising the New England regiments of volunteers; and afterward

accepted the commission of Brigadier-General, with which he at once

repaired to the field of operations, where he distinguished himself

in several hard-fought battles. At Cerro Gordo and Chapultepec he

displayed an ardor in his country’s cause which extorted praise from

his most inveterate political opponents; and on his return home he was

everywhere received with gratifying evidences that his services were

held in grateful remembrance by the people.

At the Democratic Convention, held in Baltimore in 1852, after trying

in vain to concentrate their votes on a more prominent candidate, that

body unexpectedly nominated General Pierce for the office of President

of the United States, to which he was elected by an unprecedented

majority over his rival, General Scott—receiving 254 votes out of

296. He was duly inaugurated on the 4th of March, 1853, and his

administration was more remarkable for its futile attempts to reconcile

conflicting interests, than for the achievement of any particular

measure of great public utility. However, it will better become his

future than his present biographer to “speak of him as he is; nor aught

extenuate, nor aught set down in malice.”

_Election for the Seventeenth Term, commencing March 4, 1853, and

terminating March 3, 1857._

Was admitted into the Union January 26th, 1837. It had the requisite