st. tammany chapter 5

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CHAPTER 5The Era of Good and Bad Feelings

Chapter 5 begins with a mundane advertisement, one typical of the many ads that dominate the newspapers of early nineteenth century New York City, featuring “Martin’s Schenectady Ale” available for tasting at Tammany Hall. The inclusion of the mundane, along with the remarkable, is one of the key components of this book. Some of the remarkable events that take place in this chapter are: The break-up of the Federalist Party, and the joy it brings to the Society of St. Tammany. De Witt Clinton, his “Great Ditch,” and Tammany’s rejection, and then embrace of “…the greatest public improvement of age in which we live.” The Irish riot in Tammany Hall. James Monroe’s “Era of Good Feelings,” which proves not to be an era at all. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams dying on the same day. De Witt Clinton returns as Governor, and the Democratic-Republican Party will splinter into two factions in New York State: the Clintionians, who are opposed to Tammany Hall, and the Bucktails, supported by Tammany Hall, and named for the badge that members of the Society of St. Tammany sport. These two groups will battle for nine years, until nature intervenes. The Bucktails lead the way for New York State adopting a new constitution. Seeing the need to get new voters, the Society backs one of the major amendments of the constitution: abolishment of property requirements for voters, vastly expanding white male suffrage. The second decade of the nineteenth century sees one of the most influential Jews of the time trumpet the virtues of the Society of St. Tammany, despite its anti-Semitic factions. The Society begins to experience growing pains, demonstrated by its increased politicization—the private aspect of the Society— and the various political camps it spawns. Martin Van Buren, a member of the Society of St. Tammany, emerges as a major political force in New York City, New York State, and the Nation. He creates the Nation’s first full-fledged political machine, and shepherds Tammany Hall through the infighting between the two political factions the in the Society: the supporters of John Quincy Adams versus the supporters of “Old Hickory,” General Andrew Jackson. Van Buren will lead the Jackson faction, and ultimately prevail.

Article in the National Advocate of April 26, 1817.

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On January 27, the National Advocate prints the following ad:

“MARTIN”S SCHENECTADY ALE.—100 barrels just received and for sale. Those who are inclined to purchase may examine its quality at Tammany hall, or at Isaac Bloomfield’s porter-house, in Cherry-st. at which places it is on draught.M. MYERS & CO. 108 Water-st.”

On February 7, the New-York Evening Post prints at letter:

“To Matthew L. D. Esquire,SIR—Having been credibly informed that on Monday evening last, the Tammany Society

took into consideration a resolution for the adoption of a new constitution, the object of which is totally exclude foreigners from holding an official situation in that assembly, and that you participated largely in the furtherance thereof, permit me to suggest a few observations.

Whether you or your worthy savage colleagues are of that opinion, that foreigners do not possess a sufficiency of that brutal knowledge requisite for sustaining the character of grand sachem, I do not know, but this I will say, never has that aristocratic government, which the whole tribe seemingly detests, been guilty of so flagrant an infringement on the rights of freedom, citizenship and hospitality.

Allow me to ask, what was the language of this tribe when addressing those very foreigners at the last election? If my memory serves, you , sir with the subtlety of a Mark Anthony over the body of Cæsar, recalled to their memory the horrors of federalism; with glowing colours pourtrayed in their “minds eye” the still bleeding wounds of Burke and Crendy, with direful imprecation “harrowing up their souls” at the mere mention of the “reign of terror,” and with a “withering look” conjured them to prostrate this spectre of aristocracy; and now you would deprive these citizens of an equal participation of rights.

Tempora mutantur, nos mutamur cum illis.You will hear again from me. CONNAL”

Once again, as will be noted time and again in this history, this letter demonstrates the wonderfully verbose and arcane language used by the pundits of the early 19th Century. The reference to “Burke and Crendy” is obscure. The Latin phrase at the end, loosely translated, means: “Times change, and we change with them.” The phrase is apt, but its wisdom is still lost on the Society of St. Tammany. The fact that Tammany Hall continues to bar any immigrants, mainly the Irish, from joining the Society will foster direct action, and come to a head in two months time. It will take another decade for Tammany Hall to see the errors of its ways, and accept and embrace the Irish, who will go on to dominate the Hall.

On February 12, a joint session of Congress meets to count the electoral votes in the Presidential Election of 1816. In a landslide, Democratic-Republican James Monroe and his running mate Daniel D. Tompkins of New York, defeat Federalist Rufus King of New York, and John E. Howard of Maryland. Of the nineteen states now in the Union, Monroe takes sixteen states. He will be the last of the Virginia Dynasty of presidents. Tompkins is the sitting Governor of New York, elected in 1807. In early 1817, in one of his last acts as governor, Tompkins sends a special message to the state legislature urging the institution of slavery in New York State to be phased over the next ten years. The recommendation is approved. 1 A print in the Tammany Hall souvenir of the inauguration of Cleveland and Stevenson, published in 1893, identifies Tompkins as a founder of Tammany Hall. This is stretching the truth. This piece of political propaganda also identifies George and De Witt Clinton, Morgan Lewis, Philip Schuyler, and Samuel J. Tilden, among others as leaders as well, in a broad stroke intended to rewrite history:

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The Founders of Tammany Hall.From the collection of the New York Public Library.

On February 28, the National Advocate prints a notice:

“TAMMANY-HALL. At a meeting at Tammany-Hall, on Monday evening, 24th inst. to take into consideration the propriety of having a public dinner in honour of the election of James Monroe and Daniel D. Tompkins, as President and Vice President of the United States— Resolved, That, as a mark of the distinguished respect entertained for the private virtues and public services of JAMES MONROE, and DANIEL D. TOMPKINS, elected by the suffrages of a free people, to the first honours within their gift, and as a communication of the triumph of republican principles throughout the union, as manifested by the electoral returns the President and Vice President, a

PUBLIC DINNERbe given at Tammany-Hall on the Fourth of March next, at 4 o’clock.”

“A free people” is limited to white males who own property.

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On March 6, the National Advocate reports on toasts given at a dinner at Tammany Hall on March 4. One of the toasts is: “By Gen. John Swartwout. Maj. Gen. Peter B. Porter—The modest, unassuming, virtuous citizen; called into the field by the sufferings of a bleeding country—May we, in the moments of our triumph, be mindful of him who contributed so mainly to our success, and reward him with the first honors of our gift.”

No mention is made of Monroe or Tompkins who, supposedly, the dinner is held in honor of.

Peter Buell Porter, a Democratic-Republican, is a former congressman from New York, serving as the chairman of the Committee of Foreign Relations. It was he who reported the resolutions for the declaration of war with England in 1812. He is Major-General of Volunteers during the War of 1812, commanding the New York and Pennsylvania line, and a member of the Erie Canal Commission. With Governor Tompkins resigning to become vice president, an upcoming special election is called. Porter is supported by Tammany Hall to run against De Witt Clinton.2

On March 8, Tammany’s General Republican Committee starts gearing up for the impending election. An article in the National Advocate reports on Tammany’s trying to lock up the various wards in the city:

“At a stated meeting of the General Republican Committee, at Tammany Hall, on Thursday evening, the 6th of March, 1817, the following resolutions were adopted:— Resolved, That ward meetings be called in the several wards on Thursday evening next, at 7 o’clock, at the places hearinafter mentioned, for the purpose of choosing a committee of three persons from each ward, which ward committees of three, will meet at Tammany Hall, on Friday evening, 14th instant, at 7 o’clock to select Seven delegates, to represent this city and county in the district convention for the nomination of Senators for the Southern District, to be held at Tammany-Hall, on Wednesday, 26th inst.”

On March 27, the National Advocate reports on the meetings of the various wards and their resolutions, including: “FIRST WARD. At a meeting of the Republican citizens of the 1st ward held at the house of Mrs. Gaston on Tuesday evening, 25th inst. pursuant to public notice— Resolved, That John Swartwout, Lawrence Myers, John B. Thorp, Edmund Smith, Mose Jaques, Jerome Johnson, and Peter J. Nevius, be delegates to represent the first ward in the general committee for the purpose of nominating members of the assembly for the city and county of New York. The proceedings of a meeting of the friends of De Witt Clinton, held in the capitol at Albany on the 18th March, 1817, being read, it was thereupon resolved, as the sense of this meeting, that we view, with regret, the indecorous and intemperate expressions contained in their resolutions, commenting on the republican citizens of this ward for a public expression of our opinion of a man whom we, as his neighbors and fellow-citizens, for a long time well known. Resolved, That such proceedings, emanating from men assembled for the express purpose of endeavoring to fasten a man on the people of this state by forestalling public opinion in his favor and denouncing every honest and independent republican who dares oppose his views, affords fresh evidence of the total disregard of the substantial interests of the republican party by those who aim to aggrandize an individual at the expense of truth, substituting invective for argument.

WM. IRVING, ch’nNATIAN’L W. STRONG, sec’ry.”

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America Through the Eyes of St. TammanThe article goes on to report of the various wards, including the proceedings of the:

“EIGHTH WARD. At an unusually numerous meeting of the Republican electors of the Eight Ward, held pursuant to public notice, at the house of David Wheeler, Crosby-street, Col. JOHN STEPHENS, was chosen chairman and ANDREW HEGEMAN, secretary. Resolved, That Samuel M. Thompson, Arthur Burtis, Henry Howard, Jacob B. Taylor, John Stephens, George B. Thorp and Moses Cunningham, be delegates to represent this ward in the General Committee of nominations for members of Assembly for the ensuing year. Resolved, That Alexander Nicholl, Alpheus Shearman, Hayis Pennell and James Reeves, be added to the former, and they collectively compose the committee nominations for charter officers; after which the following resolutions were passed by a unanimous voice: Whereas, no objections can, or have been made to the Republican standing, character, talents, or patriotism of Major general PETER B. PORTER— Resolved, That consulting the substantial interests of the Republican party, we consider gen. Porter as a proper candidate of governor, ant that his nomination will conciliate and unite the Republican, throughout the state—and that we pledge ourselves to support his nomination.”

Thus, in a classic long-winded press release of the day, Tammany Hall shows its support of Peter Porter and its derision of De Witt Clinton. Tammany sachem Mordecai M. Noah continues to be editor of the National Advocate.

Mordecai M. Noah, by John Rubens Smith.From the collection of the New York Public Library.

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The Era of Good and Bad FeelingsBy this time, the son of a tavern keeper in Kinderhook, New York begins to make his mark on New York politics. His name: Martin Van Buren. Having quit school at fourteen, he begins his pursuit of the law by working for a Kinderhook attorney until he is twenty. He then moves to New York City in 1802, and is taken under the wing of Burrite William Van Ness, serving as his legal apprentice for one year. In 1803, he passes the New York bar with the help of Van Ness and Burr, and becomes a member of Tammany’s “Little Band.” 3 He begins winning cases, and is known as appearing in court in white trousers, a formal coat, vest and red tie. His hair is red as well, and he earns the moniker the “Red Fox.” 4 In 1804 he returns to Kinderhook, near Albany, to practice law, and he becomes involved in state politics. By 1817, he is a state senator, as well as state attorney general. By now, the Democratic-Republican Party in New York is beginning to splinter into two factions: The Clintonians, who naturally support De Witt Clinton, and the upstate Bucktails, led by Martin Van Buren and backed by Tammany Hall. 5

Martin Van Buren, by Shepard Alonzo Mount. From the collection of the Bridgeman Art Library / Huntington Library and Art Gallery.

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On April 1, the New-York Evening Post stirs things up with the following article:

“National Advocate—We open this paper every morning to learn what is the state of the political thermometer at Tammany Hall—in vain. The silence of night reigns throughout its columns. It does not even give us the form of adhesion which all are so anxious to sign. We may address it as Hamlet did the skull in the churchyard: ‘Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? Your songs? Your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the [Tammanies] in a roar? Not one now to mock your own grinning? quite chap fallen?’ ”

Also on April 1, the New-York Evening Post prints an editorial that is more direct. It starts out by declaring:

“Treachery, Treachery—We hear it whispered the sons of Tammany are not quite so stupefied as some suppose; but that certain suspicions are afloat, which they are busy tracing to their source. It is said that they begin to smell out treachery, foul treachery in the camp. Some already say that they have acted a very shallow part in yielding themselves to the very man, who, of all others, ought to have been the last to obtain their confidence of Mr. Clinton, nay, one who is believed to be under no ordinary obligation to him.”

The “very man” Post editor William Coleman refers to is Peter B. Porter, who sits on the Canal Commission with De Witt Clinton. Coleman goes on to attack Martin Van Buren:

“Of another great man, too, they say that they are equally justified in entertaining similar suspicions of treachery, the renowned attorney-general, who affected to take the party in every stage of its proceedings, and to give them council, and make speeches for them.”

What Coleman is trying to do is to sow seeds of discontent within the Bucktail faction of the Democratic-Republican Party.

De Witt Clinton, and his faction of the Democratic-Republican Party, begins to court the new immigrants, especially the Irish. One Irishman stands out: Thomas Addis Emmet. Emmet is born in Cork City, Ireland on April 24, 1764. His father is Dr. Robert Emmet, who will become the State Physician of Ireland. His brother is the Irish nationalist and martyr Robert Emmet who led a failed rebellion in 1802, and is executed in 1803. Thomas is an executive of the United Irishmen, 6 and arrested and deported to France in 1803. He makes his way to New York City and becomes a member of the New York bar. He is befriended by George and De Witt Clinton, 7 and is appointed New York Attorney General by the Council of Appointments in August of 1812. 8 In 1813 he is removed as attorney general when the Federalist gain a majority in the Council of Appointments.

On April 24, Irish immigrants, for years stymied by Tammany Hall in gaining political office, lose patience. Two hundred Irishmen gather at Dooley’s Long Room, a military drill-room on Duane Street. 9 They had previously asked Tammany Hall to support Emmet for state assembly, but Tammany, holding the Irish at arms length, and hating Emmet’s friend De Witt Clinton, refused. They march in rank from Dooley’s to Tammany Hall and storm the long room where a meeting is taking place: “Eyes were blackened, noses and heads battered freely. The invaders broke the furniture, using it for weapons and shattering it maliciously; tore down the fixtures and shivered the windows. Reinforcements arriving, the intruders were driven out, but not before nearly all present had been bruised and beaten.” 10

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1817 On April 26, the National Advocate reports:

“We cannot help stating, that at the meeting of Thursday, cries of down with the natives—down with the Americans—down with the Tammanies, were heard, and that the chair of the president, the desks of the treasurer and secretary of Tammany-Society were demolished, and many of the papers in the desks entirely destroyed!!”

Emmet fails to get nominated, and no longer seeks any political office. He goes on to be a highly regarded attorney, arguing many cases before the United States Supreme Court. Meanwhile, The Society of St. Tammany, having made to face up to their jingoism by force, begin to pursue the Protestant Irish (as opposed to the Catholic Irish), and sends Tammany sachem Eldad Holmes to the Hibernian Provident Society’s St. Patrick’s Day dinner the following year to give a toast. 11

Thomas Addis Emmet, from the collection of the New York Public Library.

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On April 28, the National Advocate reports:

“At a general meeting of the republican Young Men of the city and county of New York, convened at Tammany Hall on Saturday evening, the 26th inst.”

It goes on to say that:

“Resolved, That we cordially approve of PETER SHARPE, CORNELIUS HENNEY, CLARKSON CROLIUS, HENRY MEIGS, OGDEN EDWARDS, CADWALLADER D. COLDEN, ROBERT R. HUNTER, MICHAEL ULSHOEFFER, JOHN MORSS, ISSAC PIERSON, and SAMUEL TOOKERAs candidates to represent this city and county as members of assembly in the legislature of this state, and that we will give them our firm and decided support.”

And continues:

“Resolved, That we do not approve of the nomination of De Witt Clinton as the republican candidate for the office of governor of this state.”

Cadwallader D. Colden goes on to win a seat in the state legislature, and is appointed by De Witt Clinton, who he now supports, as mayor of New York in 1818.

On April 29, the New-York Evening Post predicts Clinton’s upcoming victory in a poem satirizing the meeting at Tammany Hall on April 24. Excerpted are some of the stanzas:

“God prosper long our liberties, Our lives and gaieties all A sad defeat there late fell out At Martling’s Tammany-Hall.

To shout as hound and hora Brave Bloodgood took his way The child may rue that is unborn The shouting of that day.

Lo yonder B. Romaine doth come, His heels of silver bright, And twenty-seven butcher-boys With physical force to fight.

Then stepped a gallant speaker forth, Mat. Davis was he called; But not a word he said was heard So loud the Martling’s bawl’d. Then rush’d the Martling elbow-men, And dealt full many a wound

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But the brave Clintionians All firmly kept their ground.

’Tis said Saint Tammany saw this sight As on a cloud he flew, Decreed them vanquished on the field And curs’d the rebel crew.”

The article concludes:

“Methinks it would have been well to have reserved this song of triumph for Friday next, when the results will be better known.”

On May 3, the National Advocate gives its version of the Tammany meeting of April 24 that is lampooned by the Post:

“GLORIOUS TRIUMPH OF REPUBLICAN PRINCIPLES !! It is with pride and satisfaction that we announce to our brethren throughout the union the glorious and decisive triumph of REPUBLICAN PRINCIPLES in the great city of New-York.”

It goes on to say:

“ The great REPUBLICAN PARTY have put down a domestic faction and a foreign cabal, on one hand, and kept in awe federal junto on the other.”

It continues:

“A general county meeting was called at Tammany-Hall to receive the report of the committee. The people assembled; and, to the eternal infamy of their enemies, be it said, the Clintonian faction, and a foreign cabal, aided by straggling federalist, leagued together entered the hall in the most indecent, riotous manner, and by their yells and shouts, prevented any report from being heard, or any regular nomination from being made. A more disgraceful scene never transpired in our city.”

It further continues:

“The Republican nominating committee not being able to make any report, adjourned and made their report in different wards of the city. Such are the men with whom the republicans of Newyork have to contend.”


“You have nobly done your duty—and the success of your ticket—the defeat of your enemies—the security of your rights— and the applause of the nation are your reward. Let no period of time—let no political vicissitude erase from your recollection the scenes of Tammany-Hall on the eve of the 24th of April: then it was that you were insulted with the foulest reproaches, the mist opprobrious epithets; and the it was that you rose like a giant from his slumbers and crushed, forever, the most outrageous and unprincipled combination that has ever disgraced your city. Let the same attachment to principle, let the same energy, decorum and firmness hereafter guide you, and triumph will crown your efforts. Remember, that vigilance, unanimity and patriotism have enabled you to carry in, by a TRIUMPHANT MAJORITY, the ticket recommended by the REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE OF NOMINATION!!”

The wonderfully verbose language of Mordecai M. Noah, representing the Bucktail faction of the Democratic-Republican Party is wishful thinking, because:

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In early May, the special election for governor concludes. De Witt Clinton runs essentially unopposed, with Peter Buell Porter never declaring himself a candidate. Despite this, Tammany Hall print up ballots with his name on it in New York City. Clinton wins with ninety-seven percent of the popular vote to Porter’s three.

On May 15, the National Advocate reports of the twenty-eighth celebration of the Society of St. Tammany held on May 12, with its members having:

“…partook of a repast, provided for the occasion by brothers Martling and Cozzens, when the following toasts were drank, interspersed with national and patriotic songs.”

Including:

“James Monroe and Daniel D. Tompkins—They have no enemies but the enemies of their country.”

“The City of New-York—Her late triumph over a drilled mob is the triumph of national feelings and national principle. A speedy end to corrupt politicians and chimerical projectors.”

“New England—Emancipated from the thraldom of Cossac priests, blue-light tories, and British Influence, she will again respected for her hardy and enterprise and republican integrity.”

The last toast is a reference to the Federalist’s failed Hartford Convention. James Monroe will formally reach out to New England in two months time.

On May 26, the National Advocate reports of a speech given by one A.S. Pell at a “meeting of republicans” in Dutchess County, on the “Grand Canal.” The speech begins:

“Six years since, when the measure was proposed, I was among the number who received the plan as chimerical, in the then state of the country. I should view the same plan in the same light now. A canal to be constructed over hills, valleys and rivers, on an inclined plane, 360 miles in extent, sometimes passing over 30 feet below the surface, and at others 80 or 100 feet in the air, might well startle those whose conceptions were of a sanguine character; mine being of the other cast, I viewed the project with distrust. “But, my fellow-citizens, perseverance has done for the canal what it will do every where: it has led to a plan which proposes to operate slowly and surely, to expand moderately, and to make a school for the whole.”

The speech concludes:

“I know that you—you would not have the governor of this great state derive his station from sycophancy, at the shrine of Tammany chiefs and beer house politicians in New-York, most of whom never cast an eye, political or curious, beyond Kingsbridge or the council of appointments.”

To which the Advocate comments:

“It thus appears that the learned orator would rather choose the ‘father of the canal,’ on account of its promised benefits, that to permit the republicans to make an election from amongst citizens possessing more tangible qualities.”

On July 1, De Witt Clinton is inaugurated governor of New York.

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On July 4, construction of the Erie Canal begins in Rome, New York. Its completion in 1825 from Buffalo on Lake Erie to the Hudson River at Albany vastly cuts the cost and time of raw materials to be transported from the ever-westward expanding heartland to the eastern seaboard. It enables New York to become the largest city and port in the United States. In 1905, Thomas S. Allen immortalizes it in his melancholy song “Low Bridge,” lamenting the end of barges being towed by mules in favor of engines. The song becomes a staple of folksingers such as Peter Seeger, Glenn Yarborough, and The Kingston Trio. In 2006, Bruce Springsteen releases his version it. The original lyrics begin:

“I’ve got a mule, her name is Sal Low bridge, everybody down Fifteen years on the Erie Canal Low bridge cause we’re coming to a town She’s a good old worker and a good old pal And you’ll always know your neighbor Fifteen years on the Erie Canal And you’ll always know your pal We’ve hauled some barges in our day If you’ve ever navigated on the Erie Canal” Filled with lumber, coal, and hay And every inch of the way we know From Albany to Buffalo

The Erie Canal, by John W. Hill, from the public domain.

On July 4, the National Advocate reports of the:

“NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY ARRAIGNMENTSFor Celebrating the Forty-first Anniversary of AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.

1. The Grand Standard of the U. States to be displayed at sunrise at different places of societies’ meeting, at all public places, and shipping in the harbour.”2. At half past 8 o’clock, A.M. the societies will assemble in the Park, when William B. Adams, esq. Grand Marshal of the day, assisted by his aids, will arrange them in the following order, to wit:— 1. Tammany Society, or Columbian Order. 2. Hibernian Provident Society. 3. Columbian Society. 4. Union Society of Shipwrights and Caulkers. 5. Tailors’ Society. 6. Journeymen House-Carpenters’ Society. 7. Journeymen Masons’ Society.”

It is worth noting that an Irish Society directly follows the Tammany Society.

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In late spring, President Monroe begins his “honeymoon” by seeking to consolidate political opposition in New England. He sets the stage for this in his inaugural address, focusing on the conflict between the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists that existed during the war of 1812: “Discord does not belong to our system. Union is recommended as well by the free and benign principles of our Government, extending its blessings to every individual, as by the other eminent advantages attending it. The American people have encountered together great dangers and sustained severe trials with success. They constitute one great family with a common interest.”

He follows up on these sentiments by appointing former Federalist and future Whig, John Quincy Adams, son of President Adams, as his Secretary of State. He then announces a plan to tour the eastern states, culminating with a visit to Boston on July 4. What Monroe hopes to achieve is something Washington failed to do: the elimination of political parties. Of course, this is not to be. The Federalist Party will fade away. The Democratic-Republican Party will splinter and morph into something new, and political parties will evolve with the underlying issue continuing to be states rights versus the federal government.

On July 12, Boston’s Federalist newspaper, the Columbian Centinel report of the:

“ERA OF GOOD FEELINGSDuring’ the late Presidential Jubilee many persons have met at festive boards, in pleasant converse, whom party politics had long severed. We recur with pleasure to all the circumstances which attended the demonstrations of good feelings. The dinner given by the venerable Ex-President ADAMS, consisted of nearly forty covers—was arranged with noble simplicity, and unaffected elegance, and embraced as guests eminent men of all political parties. The accomplished and excellent Lady of the Ex-President did the honors, seated between the President of the U. States and the Governor of the Commonwealth.”

Monroe is fêted at length during his visit to Massachusetts, and given an honorary degree from Harvard. The Centinel is known for using exaggerated terms in its headlines. It uses “Era,” “age,” and “season” to describe anything from murders to politics. It reports that animosity between the Federalist’s and the Democratic-Republicans subsides during the president’s goodwill tour of New England. 12 But, according to the New Oxford American Dictionary, “era” is defined as “a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature” and Monroe’s “Era” only lasts for two years, coming to an end with the Panic of 1819. 13 Politics as usual reemerges quickly, and continues to this day.

On August 8, the New-York Evening Post reports of a:

“PUBLIC DINNER “IN honor of His Excellency JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, will be given by the citizens of New-York, at Tammany-Hall, on Monday the 11th inst. at 4 o’clock, P.M. Gentlemen desirous to contribute their respects to this distinguished personage, are requested to apply for tickets to either of the following gentlemen, who form a sub-committee of arrangement. John Jacob Astor Cad D. Colden, William Bayard, David Dunham, Peter Stagg, Philip Hone, John G. Coster, Stephen Whitney, Frederick Jenkins, Dominick Lynch, jr”

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On August 9, the National Advocate follows up:

“The citizens of New-York propose giving a public dinner to the hon, John Quincy Adams on Monday next, at Tammany Hall, as a mark of respect for his character and important services abroad.”

This dinner may have been in response to the Federalists trying to get back in the good graces of the new administration with its embrace of Monroe in Boston, but his “Era,” if it ever existed in New York City, is quickly replaced by bad feelings, because:

On August 14, the National Advocate comments:

“The papers generally throughout this state designate Tammany Hall as a den for savages, and yet it was considered the most suitable place to give Mr. Adams a dinner, and what is most surprising, Mr. Clinton felt no dismay in trusting himself in this “den,” to partake in the festivity on the occasion.”

And on August 23, it continues in the same vein:

“Whatever friendly or forgiving dispositions may have existed toward Mr. Clinton, a peep into Tammany Hall on the 24th of April last would have banished them all.”

In August, Tammany sachem and sheriff of New York City, Ruggles Hubbard, flees the city, taking with him an undisclosed sum from the city treasury. 14 He makes his way to Amelia Island, on the Atlantic, at the Georgia-Florida border. In June, a Scottish soldier by the name of Gregor MacGregor had seized the island at the town of Fernandina, in the name of Venezuela and proclaimed it the “Republic of the Floridas.” With Hubbard’s arrival, MacGregor makes him unofficial governor of the republic. MacGregor then leaves the island with his militia, leaving Hubbard in charge. Hubbard’s term is short lived, because in September, a pirate by the name of Luis Aury seizes the island in the name of Mexico. In December, the United States Navy deposes Aury. 15

On August 30, the National Advocate prints a letter dated from the “canal.”

Dear Terry—Botheration to you man, do you think a jontleman’s gut nothing to do but write letters, when you know he is hard at work, like a true patriot, in digging away before the winter comes? do you think I can hold a hoe in one hand and a pen in another? But, however, you are my friend you know, and the divil take him who refuses his friend a scrape of a pen or a sup of whiskey. Oh! Terry, my darling, it would do your heart good to see the nate little tight ones with their spades and pick axes, like a regiment of Killkenny boys tossing the clods about in this canal.”

It continues in this humorous manner at length, and concludes:

“Well Terry, I’m getting tired of asy and growing rich. After all a large city is the dandy; here we have no elections, not a soul that will give us a drop of whiskey for a vote—not a divil that’s worth fighting for; and, as for the yankee lasses, by the powers, they want a summer’s polishing at Balingbroke fair to make them jonteel: so don’t forget my love to Judy, and my dutiful regard for our friends, the Exile and the Columbian—tell them we’re getting on as well as we can, and bid him swear that we’ll finish the canal in a few years; if we should fail we can lay the blame on the Advocate and the Tammany savages. So no more at present.Your loving friend, PAT MURPHY.”

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The “Columbian” refers to the New-York Columbian, that is published by Alden Spooner from 1817 to 1821. The reference to “Exile” is obscure.

In the fall, Tammany sachem John L. Broome is removed as City Clerk by the Council of Appointments for his failure to prevent Hubbard’s theft. 16 Governor De Witt Clinton once again controls the Council of Appointments.

On November 10, Tammany’s Grand Council of Sachems repeals its constitution of 1813, and the traditional Indian terms are reinstated. The new preamble states:

“A solemn gloom for three long years the Tammanial horizon has much obscured;—Freedoms refulgent Flame had nearly expired!—a latent spark will soon resuscitate it again, when green eyed jealousy and stalking discord shall be expelled from within the wall of our Ancient, our Happy Wigwam.” 17

From January 27 to April 21, the 41st New York State Legislature meets in session in Albany. Assemblyman Ogden Edwards from New York City, a Tammany Bucktail, sponsors a bill calling for a constitutional convention. Its aim: to abolish the Council of Appointments. Governor Clinton ultimately vetoes the bill, stating:

“I am in favor of convention properly and fairly called, but not for one got up precipitately for bad purposes, under bad auspices, and with a view to shake society to its foundations in order to sustain bad men.” 18

Ogden Edwards goes on to become a Circuit Court judge, and in June of 1836 presides over the infamous trial of the murder of prostitute Helen Jewett, in which the accused, Richard P. Robinson, is acquitted. The trial mirrors the Manhattan Well Murder of Elma Sands, which was tried in January of 1800, in which Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton successfully defended Levi Weeks. Edwards is a cousin of Burr.

In early 1818, William Coleman, editor of the New-York Evening Post, publishes an account of the misconduct of a Democratic-Republican judge, Henry B. Hagerman. Hagerman, from New York City’s Third Ward, traveling upstate, stops at a Kingston hotel, and because of supposed slight, insults the widowed keeper of the hotel “so grossly that no newspaper of to-day would print the details which Coleman laid before the public.” On April 11, Hagerman catches up with Coleman at the corner of Murray and Church in New York City, and beats him to within an inch of his life. 19 At the subsequent attempted murder trial on June 3, one of Hagerman’s attorney’s is Robert Bogardus. Witnesses for the defendant include Abraham Stagg and Nathaniel W. Strong. 20 Bogardus, Stagg, and Strong are Tammany sachems. Hagerman is acquitted of attempted murder, but found guilty of assault and battery, and fined $250.00. At a later civil trial, Hagerman is found guilty and ordered to pay Coleman $4000.00. Coleman never recovers, suffering from recurring bouts of paralysis. 21

On April 23, the National Advocate prints a “Proclamation.” The tongue-in-cheek letter supposedly appeals to the Bucktails to side with the Clintonians in the upcoming election. It begins:

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“To all and singular our dearly and well beloved vassals, livery men, union and standard bearers, editors and squib writers, office holders and expectants, bugle horn performers, puffers and allies—Greeting. Know ye, dearly beloved, that the election is at hand, and on this occasion, I require of ye a proof of your devotion to my person and legitimate rights. I have too long permitted a desperate faction in the southern district, known as republicans, but which I choose to, and order ye to call, buck tail men, savages and Martlingites, to cross me in my way, and fret and worry me in my advancement. I have long seen the evil, but have never put our shoulder with success to the wheel to remedy its mischief.—The time had now arrived to act; and unless the this district throw themselves at my feet and solicit my royal forgiveness for their past obstinacy, I am determined that their voice shall not be heard throughout my territories, and that their wealth and possessions shall be wrested from them and placed in my grand canal sinking fund, as a warning to rebellious spirits who will not bow to my ‘splendid government,’ my ‘imperium in imperio.

The letter concludes:

“ Vassals and livery men be on the alert—provide refreshment and use them bountifully—hire vehicles and aliens to assist—don’t break the furniture at Tammany Hall, but if necessary break the furniture at some other place. Let us but triumph, no matter how, and our throne is firm. During this struggle leave character out of the question, as you expect my gracious countenance. Given in the first year of our reign, NEBUCHANDEZZAR, Magnus Apollo. By the king. Sill M’Sycophant, sec’y.”

“Magnus Apollo” is meant to be a derisive pen name ascribed to Governor De Witt Clinton by M. N. Noah and others. But, Clinton’s former instructor at Columbia College, Dr. Cochran, thinks otherwise:

“I hear that his political opponents call him, by way of reproach, magnus Apollo. If he has not degenerated from what I knew him as a boy, he is well entitled to the appellation as a title of honour.” 22

On April 24, the National Advocate reports of a:

“REPUBLICAN GENERAL MEETING! Citizens—Attend in all your force this evening at Tammany Hall to receive the report of your committee—remember that this is the anniversary of the unhallowed attempt of a foreign faction to beat you off your own ground, and bring you like slaves to the feet of De Witt Clinton.”

On April 29, the National Advocate reports New York’s election results to the United States House of Representatives. The Bucktail faction of the Democratic-Republicans, led by Martin Van Buren, take nineteen seats, the Clintonians take eight, and the Federalists take two. Many of the members of the fading Federalist Party join the Clintonian faction of the Democratic-Republican Party:

“THE ELECTION We congratulate our fellow citizens on the results of the election in this city. Our predictions are verified—our expectations are answered—we have triumphed. We have been accused of falsehood, and we shall answer the charge in our next. Comment is unnecessary; everyone can now see who are the factionists—who was in the minority at Tammany Hall—who were the rioters. The lame attempt of the Columbian last evening to account for the failure of the Clintonian ticket is futile and absurd—if we had room we would copy it for the amusement of our readers. The political honor of this great city is preserved—its political charter is established—we shall be represented by the men of out choice, and we are content.”

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On May 8, the National Advocate reports of:

“Tammany Society or Columbian Order. ANNIVERSARYBrothers! The anniversary of this institution will be celebrated at the Great Wigwam on Tuesday evening next—a long talk will be delivered by a brother, precisely at 6 o’clock, after which the society will partake of a Supper, which will be furnished by brother Cozzens. N.B. On Monday evening next tickets will be distributed to the members, each of which will admit a lady and gentleman. By order of the Grand Sachem. JOHN WHITE, Secretary. Seasons of Blossoms. 5th Moon, Year discovery 326.”

And so, the Indian terms return to Tammany’s press releases that had been banned during the War of 1812.

On May 15, the National Advocate reports on the anniversary meeting at Tammany Hall.It describes the event in Indian terms, referring to the supper as a:

“…production of the forests and of the lakes, and the exhilarating waters of the great spring.”

Twelve toasts are drunk, including:

“1st. The immortal Columbus—His genius conducted him to the land of liberty, where he was welcomed by the innocent ancestors of the worthy aboriginal chief, Tammany, nat as a mortal, but as a Deity sent by the Great Spirit.”

And:

“ 8th. Our illustrious war chiefs and war bands, who on the great waters and on the lakes in the forest and on the plain. Discomfitted and beat the mighty hosts of the most powerful proud and tyrannic nation on the earth—May their bows continue to be well strung, and their quivers well filled with arrows, to punish the next audacious foe—Music, and Tammanial war song.”

Concluding with:

“12th. The present sachem of the New York or Eagle tribe—Had he not walked in crooked paths and been led away by evil spirits, the people would have hailed him one of their favorite chiefs—Reformation.”

This last toast is a veiled swipe at Governor De Witt Clinton.

On June 6, the New-York Evening Post prints the following notice:

“TAMMANY HALL. The copartnership, heretofore existing between ABRAHAM MARTLING and WILLIAM B. COZZENS, was dissolved on the 1st of April last by mutual consent. The establishment will be continued by the subscriber. The situation of TAMMANY HALL is probably unrivaled in this city—facing the Park and the City Hall, and within a minute’s walk of the Theatre, Academy of Fine Arts, Museum, &c it presents inducements for air, prospect, convenience and accommodation’ inferior to none in the city. Travellers from different states in the union, and from the state, will find at Tammany Hall a larder well stocked with all the delicacies of the season, choice Wines, airy Bed Chambers, and every convenience that can be expected, and on the most moderate terms. WM B COZZENS”

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On July 7, the National Advocate reports on the forty-second anniversary of Independence Day. Once again, the Society of St Tammany leads the procession, followed by the Hibernian Provident Society. The article goes on to note:

“The different societies having taken their seats, the Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. Hope of the House Carpenter’s Society; and an extract from Washington’s Farewell address by Mr. Prest, of the Mason’s Society; after which an oration was delivered by William M. Price, esq. appointed for that purpose by the Tailor’s Society. This oration was distinguished for its eloquence and patriotic spirit. Mr. Price passed rapidly over the events of the revolution, and descanted with much truth and force on the nature and liberal character of our institution; he slightly touched on party spirit, and hailed the present tranquility as auspicious to an amalgamation of parties; a principle very pleasant in theory, but very difficult of practical operation, and in our minds, very dangerous to liberty, even if it should be effected.”

Twenty toasts are drunk, including:

“9. James Monroe, President of the U.S.—The firm and undeviating republican, and patriotic chief of a free people.”

On August 18, the New-York Evening Post prints a satirical editorial:

“We mentioned yesterday an account in the London papers, that several members of the Tammany Order, have lately been exhibiting upon the London boards. It would seem from this, and from the circumstances that John Bull has recently sent us two of his most exquisite and captivating singers, Philipps and Incledon, that the managers of our theatres and those in London, have negotiated an exchange of performers. In this treaty of exchange, we are inclined to think that we have the advantage of John for once, and not only in the way of trade, but it gives us strong ground to question his taste and musical refinement. For while we have been listening in raptures and extacies to the most sweet and enchanting melody, John has been roaring and shaking his lusty sides at the thunder of the Wiskinkie dance; the shrill whoop of the Sagamore, and the horrid grimace of the Choctaw or Pottawattamie.”

On November 30, the National Advocate reports:

“TAMMANY SOCIETY OR COLUMBIAN ORDER.Celebrate the Evacuation of our City by the British, on the 25th November, 1783.

The éclat with which this memorable day was celebrated by the sons of Tammany has been seldom surpassed. At sun set they very numerously assembled in the Great Wigwam, agreeably to public notice, and the animating recollections and details of some relevant circumstances, previous to, and at the evacuation, delivered by a brother to this society in an address. The festive board was abundantly supplied with the productions of the Forests and the Lakes, and the waters of the Great Spring—by brother Cozzens, (the keeper.) Many venerable hoary headed veterans of the revolution, and gallant youthful heroes of the late war, with a number of respectable visitors, honored the society with their presence.”

On January 21, the National Advocate prints a proclamation by the Society of St. Tammany, defending General Andrew Jackson for his actions during the First Seminole War. This campaign, ordered by President Monroe, has Jackson lead his Tennessee Volunteers against the increasingly aggressive Seminole Indians of Georgia. The Seminole attack Jackson’s forces, and Jackson, taking a cue from William Henry Harrison’s battle with Tenskwatawa at Prophetstown, responds by destroying Seminole villages and burning their crops. Jackson proceeds to move south from Georgia and invades Spanish Florida. He finds evidence of British subjects arming the Seminole, and captures, tries, and summarily executes two unfortunate British agents: Robert Ambrister and Alexander Arbuthnot. 23

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Tammany’s proclamation states:

“Therefore. Resolved, by Tammany Society or Columbian Order, of the city and county of New-York—That the conduct of General Jackson, as manifested in carrying into execution the original sentence of a court martial against Arbuthnot and Ambrister; two desperate adventures, who had let loose the Indians on our settlements, and furnished them with arms, to murder infants, women and children, was justified by the law of nations, the laws of war, and the immutable principles of retaliation and self defense; and we highly approve of his manly spirit of the American general, who promptly punished the offenders and culprits against humanity and the rights of this country, and taught foreign emissaries that the United States was not to be outraged by spies, traitors and lawless adventures. Resolved, That in the opinion of this society, Major General Andrew Jackson has acquired a lasting claim to the gratitude and remembrance of his country, which is ever prepared to reward him that does his duty faithfully. Done in society, as witness our hands, and the corporate seal of the institution. WM. MOONEY, Grand Sachem.Seasons of Snow—year of Discovery 327—of Independence 43—the Institution 30New-York, 18th of January, 1819 JAMES S. MARTIN. Sagamore. John White, Secretary.”

The Trial of Ambrister, by William Croome.From Pictorial Life of Andrew Jackson, by John Frost.

On January 21, the New-York Evening Post promptly responds:

“The question settled—The Tammany Society in this city have resolved, that, in their opinion Major-General Jackson has acquired a lasting claim to the gratitude and remembrance of his country, for having put to death Ambrister and Arbuthnot. This, we presume settles the question, and will save congress a world of trouble. No one will pretend to deny, but that this society is well acquainted with the character of their red brethren, and are better calculated to judge of savage warfare, than any other tribunal in the country. It is hoped, therefore, Congress will acquiesce in their decision, and throw the report of the military committee, and Colonel Johnson’s substitute, under the table.”

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What the Post acerbically comments on, in fact happens. Members of Monroe’s cabinet call for Jackson to be censured, fearing a backlash from England and Spain. But John Quincy Adams defends Jackson and no action is taken. “Colonel Johnson” refers to Richard Mentor Johnson, who fought alongside William Henry Harrison at the Battle of the Thames, where Tecumseh was killed. Johnson had been a congressman from Kentucky since 1806, and in 1819 he moves to the Senate. He goes on to become the ninth vice president under Martin Van Buren. His “substitute” is Henry Clay. As a result of Jackson’s invasion of Florida, Adams is able to negotiate with Spain, and as a result of the Adams-Onis Treaty, Spain cedes Florida to the United States in 1819.

On February 16, the New-York Evening Post prints a notice:

“At a meeting held at Tammany Hall on the 15th of Feb. 1819, for the purposes of concerting measures for a public demonstration of their high respect for major-general Andrew Jackson, on his expected visit to this city: it was Resolved, That a committee of twelve be appointed to carry into the effect the object of this meeting.”

On February 23, the National Advocate prints a notice:

“The citizens of New-York, are respectively informed that the public dinner in honor of Major General Andrew Jackson, will be given at Tammany Hall, THIS DAY, the 23d of February, inst. at 4 o’clock P.M. Tickets may be had on application to the members of the committee, and at the bar of Tammany Hall.”

On February 24, the New-York Evening Post gleefully reports:

“General Jackson’s toast—Yesterday at the public dinner given him at Tammany Hall, by the Tammany Society or Columbian Order, No. 1, General Jackson being called on for his toast, his honor the mayor, who presided, rose and with an audible voice, and to the utter consternation and dismay of Sachem William Mooney, pronounced the following: ‘DE WITT CLINTON, the governor of the great and patriotic state of New-York!!’ After which gen J. hastily left the room, according to the Mercantile Advertiser ‘amidst reiterated applauses’: but we are pretty correctly informed, that a dead silence reigned for the space of three minutes at least. ‘What dire emotions shook the Sachems soul, Just like two billiard his ’gan roll, Whilst anger all his savage heart possess’d, That, swelling, wildly beat his breast, Bounc’d at his ribs with all his might so stout, As resolutely bent on jumping out.’

At length, a certain Alderman, having recovered his astonished senses, a little, said, loud enough to be heard by the whole company, that what he had just witnessed, put him in mind of what Sir Peter Teagle says—‘This is a dam’d wicked world we live in Sir Oliver, and the fewer we praise the better.”

This last quote is from the play, A School for Scandal, a popular satire written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, and first performed at London’s Druy Lane Theatre on May 8, 1777. One of the main characters is Sir Peter Teazle.

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1819 An article of February 25 in the National Advocate tries to do damage control. The article begins:

“We must confess that we not a little surprised, when the toast of General Jackson was given by Mr. Colden; and the solemn manner that it was received, must have convinced the General how little it accorded with the feeling of the company.”


“The ‘hangers on’ have taken special care, in conformity to orders, to trumpet this victory, as they term it, through the town; and well they may consider it a victory, for it is the first time that the name Dewitt Clinton has been given at a public table in Tammany Hall—and it is our opinion, that it would not have been tolerated from any other person than the distinguished guest.”

Having been appointed by De Witt Clinton, Mayor Cadwallader D. Colden’s toast is a calculated move to embarrass Tammany’s Bucktails, and try to ingratiate Clinton with Jackson. But Tammany Hall, having shown their love for General Jackson early on, will continue to support his political rise.

Cadwallader D. Colden, by William Jewett & Samuel Lovett Waldo.From the collection of the Yale University Art Gallery.

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On March 6, the National Advocate print a notice:

“GENERAL REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE. Tammany Hall March 4, 1819. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Republican Electors of the city and county of New-York, to meet in their respected Wards, on FRIDAY EVENING, the 12th inst. at 7 o’clock (the 9th to meet at 6 o’clock,) to choose three persons in each Ward, to form a Committee, for the purpose of selecting six Delegates, to represent this city and county in the Senatorial Convention, to be held on the 31st inst. and that the said Committee of three from each Ward, be requested to meet on TUESDAY EVENING, the 16th inst. a 7 o’ clock at Tammany Hall, for the purpose aforesaid.”

Keeping with the third article of its constitution, Tammany’s General Committee is held in private. A series of pamphlets, published in March by Alden Spooner’s New York Columbian, address this issue. It is signed “A Marling Man.” Following are some excerpts:

“About this time a new mode of nominating the Assembly ticket was got up. Everything was done in committee, or as the people called it, in caucus. I, who used formerly be consulted about proper persons to represent us, was now left out of sight, and I never was consulted or could guess, nor could find any body who could tell me who were on the ticket, until it was announced by the nominating committee to a general meeting—and then it was voted for in a lump, and we were only asked to sanction if there, and support it afterwards at the election. Says I to myself, how is this?”

“I have attended round the door of this Nominating Committee, to try and learn something of what was going on. But none who were on the outside could tell me any thing; and if any one of the committee by chance popped out, he always look mysterious, put on a wise face, and said the proceedings were confidential and was not at liberty to say any thing. It sometimes leaked out, that violent disputes arose, and the Burrites were likely to gain the ascendency. Says I to myself, how is this?”

“A Martling Man” is in fact Governor De Witt Clinton. 24

On April 2, the National Advocate prints a notice of the:

“SOUTHERN DISTRICT.SENATORIAL CONVENTION.

At a Convention of Delegates from the several Counties in the Southern District of the State of New-York, held at Tammany Hall, in the City of New-York, on Wednesday the 31st day of March, 1819, Gen Jacob Odell was appointed Chairman, and Dr. Abel Huntington Secretary. Resolved, unanimously, ThatPETER R. LIVINGSTON, Esq.Of Dutchess County, andJOHN TOWNSEND, Esq.of Westchester County, be nominated as Candidates for Senators for the Southern District of this State, to be supported at the ensuing election. Resolved, That the Senatorial of the Southern District be held at Tammany-Hall on the last Wednesday of March, 1820 at 12 o’clock. Resolved, That the Chairman and Secretary sigh the proceedings of this meeting, and the same be published in the republican papers of the Southern District. JACOB ODELL, ChairmanA. HUNTINGTON, Secretary.”

The resolutions are followed by a lengthy address, which attacks Governor Clinton. Following is an excerpt:

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“Reposing with confidence on the strength and union of the Republican party, ignorant of the secret measures adopted to secure the nomination of Mr. Clinton, we were only awake to its evils when its anticipated effects where felt. During the war, we knew not this citizen as the Patriot or Soldier—we saw him not in the ranks animating the yeomanry of this of this country—we heard not his voice in the Council, raised in eloquent appeals in behalf of the rights, and the very existence of the Union. We saw him, on the contrary, associated with the opponents of the war, feasting with them in the most gloomy periods of that memorable contest, accepting office from their hands, and identifying himself with their hopes, prospects, and political operations; under such auspices, and with such claims, was elevated to the chair of state.”

On April 23, the National Advocate prints an article entitled:

“PEOPLE OF COLOUR.

The article begins:

“There is, in all cities, particularly populous one like ours, a large black population, who, tolerated by the law, and admitted in all instances to a full participation of civil rights, under legal restrictions, still labour under the disadvantage of public opinion, and though capable of assisting in the elevation of power, are still prohibited from the influence of this opinion from being elected themselves to offices of trust and honor. When parties ran very high in this city, both sides availed themselves of the legal rights of the people of color, and their votes, in many instances, have given the ascendency to one or the other party. By common consent, and the result of reason of prudence, the co operation of blacks has for some years been voluntarily relinquished. The elective franchise is a very important and solemn right, which ought to exercised with due caution, and when properly appreciated; but, if it becomes a mere vendible article, or is bent to the pliant views, the ambitious projects, or the dangerous designs of an individual, this right becomes a serious evil, and the country cannot fail to feel its injurious if not destructive effects. The party in this city, dependent on the personal fortunes of Dewitt Clinton, in order to catch a plank to save them from shipwreck, and if not to rule, then to ruin, has been peculiarly active in calling together the people of color of this city, in distributing handbills, pamphlets &c, and have been registering them for some days past, to qualify them according to the law.

This article is significant. It shows early on that the mouthpiece of Tammany Hall—Mordecai Noah’s National Advocate—is in favor of suppressing the rights of African-Americans in New York State. Clinton’s supporters may have attempted to register Blacks to vote, but in fact they are not given suffrage until New York’s revised Constitution of 1821, and then it is severely limited to Blacks who own property, of which there are very, very, few. African-American men will only gain suffrage with the passing of the Fifteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution in 1870.

At the end of April, the Bucktails go on to win the election to the State Legislature from the Southern District, and the Bucktails gain a majority in the State Senate. In the State Assembly the Clintonians and the Federalist prevail, and a coalition of Clintonians and Federalists elect John C. Spencer Speaker of the New York Assembly. Spencer will go on to become Secretary of State of New York under Whig Governor William Seward, and Untied States Secretary of War and Secretary of the Treasury under Whig President John Tyler.

By mid 1819, the economic boom the United States had been enjoying since the end of the War of 1812 comes to an end with the United State first peacetime financial collapse. It is known as the Panic of 1819.

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In a pattern that continues to this day, the crises is driven by unrestrained speculation of public lands, mainly in the new western states, that is made possible by the Second Bank of the United States excessive use of paper money that feeds the boom. With the end of the War of 1812, Europe begins exporting low cost goods to the United States, severely impacting American manufacturing. In addition, there is a glut of wheat and cotton in the markets causing prices to plummet. In response to this, the Second Bank of the United States sharply restricts credit, refusing to exchange specie (coin) for paper money. This leads to the bust, creating widespread unemployment and bankruptcies that will last for several years. It is the beginning of the end of the Era of Good Feelings.

On May 17, the National Advocate prints a press release of the annual celebration of the Society of St. Tammany:

“Tammany Society or Columbian Order. The thirtieth Anniversary of this National Institution was celebrated on Wednesday last, the 12th inst. at the Great Wigwam, agreeably to ancient custom. At the appointed time, Sachem Noah, of the Pennsylvania tribe delivered a long talk, to a very respectable and numerous audience of ladies and gentlemen; it was very eloquent and impressive—taking into view, briefly, the rise, progress and fall of empires—particularly the ancient republics; it emphatically recommended an undeviating attachment to these principles, which will ever secure the American republic from being overwhelmed by the subtle views and open plans of ‘unchastened ambition.’ After the Oration, the Society, with a number of republican friends, sat down to a repast, provided by brother Cozzens, in his accustomed good and plentiful style. The exhilarating waters of the great spring were drank; the deed of our ancestors were related in song and in story; the friendly calumet was smoked, and the chair of union brightened.”

Twenty-five toasts are drunk, including:

“10. The suffering patriots who sigh for liberty all over the world—May the enemies to their emancipation soon exchange abodes with the great, the unfortunate Napoleon Bonaparte.—Marseilles Hymn.”

“11. The late War with Great Britain—The salutary effects of lessons received by them, from land and water chiefs.—Star Spangled Banner.”

“19. The Bucktail—a simbolical emblem of Liberty; the aboriginal ancestors of Tammany used it, and by him it was transferred down to the present time. As free and agile as the deer, Nor foe, nor element we fear. Liberty.”

The tenth toast shows Tammany’s love of Napoleon, the eleventh, their hatred of the British, and the nineteenth, their commitment to returning to Indian customs that had been banned during the War of 1812.

On July 3, the New-York Evening Post prints a notice of the:

“ARRANGEMENTS For celebrating the 43rd anniversary of American Independence.

The grand standard of the United States will be displayed at sunrise at each place of meeting of the different societies, and at the same time a national salute will be fired by the Veterans Corps of Artillery in honor of the day and the societies.”

Again, the Society of St. Tammany leads the grand procession, followed by the Hibernian Provident Society.

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On July 7, the National Advocate reports the:

“TAMMANY SOCIETY OR COLUMBIAN ORDER. To celebrate the Forty Third anniversary the glorious independence of the United States, Tammany Society, after the usual procession, assembled at their wigwam, and partook of a plentiful repast, prepared by brother Cozzens, and consisting of the produce of the forests and lakes, when the following toasts were drunk interspersed with song and story.”

Twenty-two general toasts are drunk, followed by seven toasts offered by the Sachems, including:

“By Benjamin Romaine, Treasurer.—The executive scalping knife which was sharpened and made bright in the ‘golden days of our commercial prosperity.’ ”

Again, this last toast is a veiled swipe at the “executive” of New York State, De Witt Clinton.

Also on July 7, completely contrary to the previous toast, the National Advocate prints the following remarkable notice:

“Tammany Society sent a deputation to congratulate the hon. Corporation, while at dinner, on the return of our national birth-day. The company, of which the governor was one, rose. With respectful deference, to receive the felicitations of that old and influential Society.”

On November 25, the National Advocate prints the following notice of the celebration of Evacuation Day:

“Tammany Society, or Columbian Order. Brothers—The revolving earth in her daily progress, has again unfolded to our view, the returning anniversary of another celebrated event: on this day thirty-six years have elapsed since the venerable patriots of the revolution returned to our city, to enjoy that blessed tranquility which they had so eminently contributed to establish; it was on this day that the remnants of royal authority retired from our shores, and the vassal footsteps of tyranny ceased to pollute the sacred soils of Freedom.”

On January 11, the National Advocate prints a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Society of St. Tammany, in response to their concerns on the economy and manufacturing:

“Th. Jefferson returns his respectful thanks to the President and the Members for the favor of their address on the subjects of economy and manufactures. He has read it with pleasure, and finds much to approve, little to doubt, and less to add—perhaps he should have added; the suppression of drawback among the remedies for the disease of over-trading ourselves. It is desirable we should employ so much of our capital as is necessary for exchanging our superfluous produce for the comforts we want, but the drawback goes further and encourages the employment of an additional portion in performing the same functions for other nations, in becoming brokers of the commerce between the nations of Europe, and between Europe and Asia, a branch which more than all others exposes us in the risk of embroilment in foreign wars. He thinks this portion of capital would be better employed at home in manufacturing and agriculture, than burdening us with the wares of other nations, ware which belong to their commerce, and which should be theirs, not ours. The moment, too, seems favorable, when all fictitious capital is extinguished, and the solid is pausing to see the issue of the present crises of our gambling commerce. He prays the President and Society to accept his assurances of high respect and consideration.Monticello, Dec. 19 ’19.”

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This letter is a third person transcription of Jefferson’s original. The underlying subject is the Panic of 1819. The address by Tammany that he responds to has been lost to time, However, it demonstrates Tammany’s commitment to Jefferson’s contempt for paper money, and his support of domestic manufacturing and farming, as opposed to foreign imports, while at the same time supporting domestic exports of produce, so key to the southern planters. Tammany’s embrace of the former president will evolve to their support of Jacksonian Democracy.

In February, De Witt Clinton appoints Cadwallader D. Colden to his third term as mayor of New York City.

On March 6, President James Monroe signs into law the Missouri Compromise. It is an agreement between pro-slavery and anti-slavery members of Congress that addresses the expansion of slavery in the West. It prohibits slavery in the unorganized territories of the Great Plains above the parallel 36°30’ north, except in the newly proposed state of Missouri, just west of the Mississippi River. In New York’s upcoming gubernatorial election, De Witt Clinton uses his opposition to slavery as a major plank of his campaign, demonstrated by this excerpt of a speech he gives to the legislature:

“Nor can I conceal on this occasion the deep anxiety which I feel on a subject now under the consideration of the general government; and which is unfortunately calculated to produce geographical distinctions. Highly important as it is to allay feelings so inauspicious, and to cultivate the most friendly communion with every member of the confederacy, yet I consider the interdiction of the extension of slavery, a paramount consideration. Morally and politically speaking, slavery is an evil of the first magnitude; and whatever may be the consequences, it is our duty to prohibit its progress in all cases where such prohibition is allowed by the constitution. No evil can result from its inhibition more pernicious than its toleration; and I earnestly recommend the expression of your sense on this occasion, as equally due to the characterof the state and the prosperity of the empire.” 25

Map of the Missouri Compromise.From the collection of the New York Public Library.

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1820 On April 22, in a letter to Massachusetts’s congressman John Holmes, who is one of the backers of the Missouri Compromise, Thomas Jefferson warns of its consequences. Following is an excerpt:

“Monticello Apr. 22. 20.

I thank you, Dear Sir, for the copy you have been so kind as to send me of the letter to your constituents on the Missouri question. it is a perfect justification to them. I had for a long time ceased to read the newspapers or pay any attention to public affairs, confident they were in good hands, and content to be a passenger in our bark to the shore from which I am not distant. but this momentous question, like a fire bell in the night, awakened and filled me with terror. I considered it at once as the knell of the Union. it is hushed indeed for the moment. but this is a reprieve only, not a final sentence. A geographical line, coinciding with a marked principle, moral and political, once conceived and held up to the angry passions of men, will never be obliterated; and every new irritation will mark it deeper and deeper.”

Jefferson’s Letter to John Holmes, from the collection of the Library of Congress.

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On March 28, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“COMMUNICATION. Having observed in the papers that Mr. Hulett’s Annual Ball will take place this evening, at Tammany Hall, we cannot help expressing our wish that it be fully attended, and thereby convince that old and respectable inhabitant, the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens.”

On April 27, the New York State elections are held. The gubernatorial race pits the two factions of the Democratic-Republican Party: Sitting vice president of the United States Daniel D. Tompkins, running under the Bucktail ticket, against incumbent De Witt Clinton, running as a Clintonian. Clinton narrowly defeats Tompkins, 47,445 to 45,990 votes. Demonstrating the limited number of white males allowed to vote in New York City due to property restrictions, Clinton only get 80 votes of a total of 792 votes cast. Never the less, Clinton’s supporters rally in the streets, shouting “Heads up! tails down” in a reference to the Bucktails defeat in the race for governor. 26 However, the Bucktails, led by Martin Van Buren, and supported by Tammany Hall, win a majority in the elections for State Senate and Assembly. The Federalists stubbornly hang on, electing 19 in the Assembly. Bucktail Peter Sharpe is elected Speaker, defeating Clintonian John C. Spencer. Clinton’s election as governor can be defined by three words: The Erie Canal.

On May 15, the National Advocate reports on the anniversary celebration of the Society of St. Tammany of May 12, held at Tammany Hall. Twenty-nine toasts are drunk. One of the final toasts is:

“By a Visitor—Dewitt Clinton, our lean Governor— May never get fat; While he wears two faces under one hat.”

This is a reference that Clinton is loyal to himself first, and to the various political factions that he plays against each other second. To Martin Van Buren and his Bucktails this is an outrage, for they hold party loyalty sacrosanct.

On July 7, the National Advocate reports of the Independence Day celebrations of July 4, held at Tammany Hall. Thirty-five toasts are drunk. One of the more remarkable toasts is:

“15. Slavery—A curse to human nature, a foul blot on the admired picture of America; may the word be obliterated from the American vocabulary.”

Many members of the Society of St. Tammany are merchants who depend on the Southern planters, and by turn, the institution of slavery. In addition, they support Andrew Jackson, who is a wealthy slaveholder himself. Yet, the fact that this toast is even published shows that an anti-slavery faction is growing within Tammany Hall and the Democratic-Republican Party. It will continue to build for decades to come.

On July 26, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“GREEN TURTLE AT TAMMANY HALL THIS DAY, will be dressed in high style, at TAMMANY HALL, a fine GREEN TURTLE.

At 11 it will be served on the table. Families supplied as usual. Jy 26—It.”

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From November 1 to December 6, the United States presidential election is held. Democratic-Republicans James Monroe and Daniel D. Tompkins run essentially unopposed. The New York State Legislature chooses twenty-nine electors, all of them Bucktails. William Plummer of New Hampshire casts a lone electoral vote for John Quincy Adams. De Witt Clinton gets 1,893 popular votes, Monroe, 87,343. With the Federalists failing to run a candidate, it is the end of the First Party System.

James Monroe, by Samuel Finley Breese Morse.From the collection of The White House.

On November 18, led by the Bucktails, the New York State Legislature passes a bill calling for a convention to amend the State constitution, and it is sent before the Council of Revision, a legal body that reviews all bills before they are enacted. It is composed of the Governor, the State Chancellor, and members of the State Supreme Court. Chief Justice Ambrose Spencer and Chancellor James Kent vote against it. Judges Joseph C. Yates and John Woodworth vote for it. Of course, De Witt Clinton breaks the tie voting against it, and the measure is once again shot down. But the tide is starting to turn on Clinton.

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On November 25, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“Tammany Society of Columbian Order.Brothers, This day being the 37th Anniversary of the Evacuation of this City by the BRITISH TROOPS, the Society will celebrate the same according to the following arrangements: 1st. At Sunrise, the National Flag will be displayed on the GREAT WIGWAM, at which time a Salute will also be fired by the “Independent Veterans Corps of Artillery,” under the command of Capt. MILLS, Sachem of the Connecticut or Bear Tribe. 2d. The Grand Standard and Banners of the respective tribes will be properly decorated and arranged by the Sagamore. 3d. Precisely at half an hour after the setting of the Sun, the members will assemble in the Council Chamber for the transaction of ordinary business, wearing a BUCKTAIL in front of the Hat. 4th. At 8 o’clock P.M. a supper will be provided for the occasion, by Brother Cozzens. Season of Hunting, 11th Moon, Year of Discovery, 329. JAMES S. MARTIN, Sec’ry”

On January 10, William Coleman in the New-York Evening Post turns his ire on Mordecai Noah and the National Advocate. The article begins:

“ ‘On evil times are we fallen.’—The columns of the National Advocate, have, of late, contained sentiments and expressions, which ought to have awakened the indignation of every lover of decency and decorum in the community, whatever might be his political views. Mr. Noah, with a view of exciting the popular odium against all those who impeded the designs of the most furious of his party, in their projects to get up a partial convention, for the most alarming and mysterious purposes, has been constantly endeavoring to bring some of our best and most amiable of men, into public contempt. He has taken every occasion to speak of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice of the State, in the most disrespectful and unmannerly style; as for instance, he begins one of his editorial paragraphs in the late Advocate in the following terms: ‘Kent and Spencer keep very close.’ Not only has he designedly omitted their title, which common courtesy demands, but omits even the prefix of their christian names. This rudeness is not without the effect among the people…”

The article continues:

“Accordingly we are informed that a caricature of his Honor Chancellor Kent and Chief Judge Spencer is already exhibited at Tammany Hall, and offered at the bar for sale at 25 cents apiece, with labels issuing from their mouths. Whence they come, or who is the author of this indecorous and scandalous exhibition, we know not…”

Again, as noted in Chapter Four, Ambrose Spencer and De Witt Clinton are related by marriage: Spencer marries Clinton’s sister Katherine after the death of his first wife Laura Canfield, and the death of his second wife, Clinton’s sister Mary.

On January 11, “Q IN A CORNER” writes a humorous letter, commenting on the caricatures displayed at Tammany Hall, in the National Advocate. Following is an excerpt:

“SIR—The true cause of Mr. Coleman’s ire against Mr. Noah is to be found only in the caricature, exhibited at Tammany Hall, which I took a peep at this morning. It really is an ‘indecent’ production. Only think of a dog standing on three legs, performing a certain operation upon the three leading federal papers in the city, not the least conspicuous of which is the Evening Post. This was enough to rouse the indignation of any man; much more that of Mr. Coleman, who is blessed with a sufficient stock of bile, which he frequently throws off on less important occasions.”

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In January, the Bucktail majority begins to flex its muscles in the new session of the Legislature. They start by passing a bill allowing the people to decide if a Constitutional Convention should be held in the April elections. On January 29 they appoint Bucktail Benjamin Knower New York State Treasurer. On February 6, they elect the leader of the Bucktails, State Attorney Martin Van Buren to succeed Clintonian Nathan Sanford as U.S. Senator from New York. Finally on March 21, they appoint Bucktail William C. Bouck to the Erie Canal Commission. Bouck goes on to become Governor of New York in 1843.

The New York State elections are held between April 24 and April 26. The Bucktails hang on to a slim majority, with the Senate evenly divided, 16 Bucktails and 16 Clintonians. In the Assembly, the Bucktails prevail, electing 74 members to the Clintonians 52. The people vote in favor for a Convention to be held to amend the New York Constitution, convening between August and November in Albany.

Illustration in the National Advocate of April 25, 1821.

Also in April, because of his support of Martin Van Buren, Mordecai Noah is appointed Sheriff of New York City. His anti-Semitic opponents cry foul, saying that a Jew should not be able to supervise the hanging of a Christian. To this Noah responds: “Pretty Christians to require hanging at all.” 27

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On May 2, The National Advocate reacts to the Evening Post’s report of a dispute between Mordecai Noah and Peter Sharpe:

“I perceive in Monday’s Post, that Mr. Coleman has taken the freedom to say that Mr. Sharpe and myself have had a personal difference, on the subject of his nomination to congress; that mutual recrimination was the result, and that Mr. Sharpe called me a ‘very Shylock’ and turning to by-standers, very happily quoted the couplet ‘This is the jew, that Shakespeare drew.’ It is unequivocally false. I know no person to whom such language could be used with impunity, and humble submission, excepting Mr. Coleman. It is true, that Mr. Sharpe had the weakness to charge me in a crowded room at Tammany Hall, with not affording to him the same support that I did to Mr. Cambreleng. My reply was, that I did not anticipate the least danger in the first congressional district, and we had been very hard pushed in the second.—Nothing further of consequence passed.”

Mordecai Noah and Peter Sharpe are both Sachems of Tammany Hall. Sharpe is the Speaker of the State Legislature. Sharpe runs for Congress in April. Mayor Calwallader Colden successfully contests his election, because some people vote for Calwallader Colden, and others vote for Calwallader D. Colden. Churchill C. Cambreleng is a Bucktail who wins a seat in Congress from New York’s 2nd Congressional District. As a result of Colden moving to Congress, the Council of Appointments appoints Stephen Allen, who is a member of the Society of St. Tammany, and a sail maker by trade, mayor.

No mention is made in the National Advocate or the New-York Evening Post of the thirty-second celebration of the Society of St. Tammany on May 12.

Presumably no celebration is held. The reason that no annual celebration is held at Tammany Hall on May 12 may be because William B. Cozzens is relieved of his duties as the keeper of Tammany Hall, because on May 30, the National Advocate prints the following notice: “Sir—Permit me, through the medium of your paper, to recommend, under its new tenant, Tammany Hall,—a place where the stranger will find the best of accommodations, and where the citizen may reside with economy and comfort. The house had recently been painted and thoroughly repaired; the table is equal to any in the city, and Mr. Moody, the present occupier, uses every exertion to render the establishment worthy of general patronage. A very erroneous opinion seems prevalent that Tammany-Hall has been, and is, devoted to a party! And that nothing else is heard within its walls but political debates! This has never been the case, and from a residence of some weeks, the writer of this communication will venture to affirm, that there is not a public table within the United States at which less is said on those subjects; and the visitor is assured that he may enjoy his religious and political sentiments, without either called in question. A.B.”

“A.B.” is most likely Tammany Sachem Abraham Bloodgood. He is clearly playing fast and loose with the facts. Of course Tammany Hall is devoted to a party, and that many a political debate, as well as a fist-fight or two take place there. But A.B. is trying to give the new keeper, Mr. Moody, a break by stressing that Tammany Hall is a lovely Inn on the park, notwithstanding the fact that it is the meeting place for the private aspect of the Society of St. Tammany. In addition, he tries to mitigate Peter Sharpe’s alleged anti-Semitic remarks by stating that people can enjoy Tammany Hall regardless of their “religious or political sentiments.” William B. Cozzens goes on to start an Inn near West Point Military Academy. Perhaps one of the reasons he is replaced at Tammany Hall can be seen in Robert E. Lee’s reaction to his fare in 1825:

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“The worst thing at the academy was among the first to which the new cadets were introduced—the food. At seven o’clock they were marched to the mess-hall where they could not fail to get an unpleasant opinion of the hospitality of Mr. Cozzens. One of the boys who was received at the same time with Robert found the diet of indescribable badness. The soup was unpalatable at dinner time, the molasses was inedible, and the pudding was untouchable.” 28

On July 7, the National Advocate reports of the:

“Celebration of the 45th Anniversary of American Independence by the Society of Tammany, or Columbian Order.

After the conclusion of the exercises in the Church, the members of the Society, and a number of republican friends, partook of an elegant Dinner, prepared, much to their satisfaction, by Mr. Moody, Keeper of the Great Wigwam.”

Thirteen toast are drunk, including:

“5. Daniel D. Tompkins—The favorite patriot of the State of New York. 9 Cheers.”

And: 11. The Convention—May its proceedings be marked with the spirit of republican freedom, and add to the quiet, safety, and dignity of our state. 9 Cheers.”

In November, the Constitutional Convention of 1821, presided over by Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins, concludes. The following amendments are made:

The State elections are moved from the last week in April to the first week in November.

The lieutenant governor is given the right to succeed the governor whenever a vacancy occurs.

The Council of Appointments is abolished, making the vast majority of formerly appointed offices elective.

The Council of Revisions is abolished, and veto power is transferred to the governor.

The Governor’s right to prorogue—dismiss—the legislature at will is abolished.

Property requirements for while male voters are abolished.

Blacks are given limited suffrage, with property requirements kept it place.

A Canal Board is formed, replacing the Canal Commission.

Eight Circuit Courts are created; one in each senatorial district, replacing the traveling circuit court presided by justices of the State Supreme Court.

Interestingly, Daniel D. Tompkins, who is repeatedly lauded by Tammany Hall, disapproves of the amendments, and refuses to sign the new constitution. Delegate Martin Van Buren does approve and signs it. The new constitution is then put before the voters for ratification in January 1822.

On November 28, the National Advocate print a notice of Tammany’s annual celebration of Evacuation Day on November 25. Thirteen toast are drunk, including:

“12. Tammany Hall. Age has not weakened its principles; time has not shaken its patriotism.”

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On December 15, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“Republicans of the city and county of New-York. At a meeting of the General Republican Committee of the city and county of New-York, Resolved, unanimously, that a meeting of the republican citizens if the city and county of New-York be called, for the purpose of taking into consideration such measures and principles as may be connected with the ensuing election on the subject of adopting the constitution for the state of New-York, recently passed by the convention; and that said meeting be held at Tammany-Hall on Thursday, the twentieth of December instant, at 7 o’clock precisely. A meeting at that time and place is hereby called accordingly.PETER SHARPE, Chairman. Wm. S. Coe, Secretary.”

On December 21, the New-York Evening Post reports:

“The following extract from the Address of the Republican General Committee at Tammany Hall, last evening is found in this morning’s Advocate. ‘Let not the prize we have so nearly won for them [the people] be snatched from their grasp by artifice and indiscretion. Let not our towering bird be hawked at and killed by this mousing owl of opposition.’ That’s Shakespeare, good people, Shakespeare travestied—poor Shakespeare! How long is it since you and the Bucktails have been acquainted?”

The quote that Tammany paraphrases is from Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 4. Responding to Macbeth’s murder of Duncan, an Old Man says to Ross:

“Tis unnatural, even like the deed that’s done. On Tuesday last, a falcon, towering in her pride of place, was by a mousing owl hawk’d at and kill’d.”

On January 8, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“The Society of Tammany, or Columbian Order, have passed a resolution, directing that the Flag of the United States be displayed on Tammany Hall this day, in honor of the anniversary of the splendid victory of New-Orleans.”

Between January 15 and January 17, the election on the ratification of the new State Constitution is held. The people of the State of New York overwhelmingly vote for its passage, 75,422 to 41,497. 29

On January 18, the National Advocate reports of a:

“REPUBLICAN TRIUMPH. Last evening the Polls closed, and the election of the new Constitution of the state terminated, and the canvass gave a Republican majority IN EVERY WARD IN THIS CITY. Tammany Hall was filled at an early hour, and a band of music added hilarity to the triumph.

On March 2, the National Advocate reports:

“The Fourth of March.—The preparations making to celebrate the day on which the new Constitution of this state is to take effect, proceed with considerable spirit and activity. The frames for the illumination of the City-Hall are erected; and the transparencies painted on the celebration of peace with England will again be displayed. The superb edifice, the pride of the city will be brilliantly lit up by upwards of five thousand candles.—Tammany-Hall, in which much good has been done for the state, for the country, and in aid of the new Constitution, will also be illuminated, and the republicans partake in a dinner in honor of the occasion.”

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On March 21, the National Advocate reports:

“Forum.—We perceive that the following question is to be discussed at the Forum at Tammany-Hall: ‘Are husbands justifiable in correcting their wives?’ Gentlemen, gentlemen, which of you will take the affirmative of this question? As my friend Dr. Coleman frequently and correctly says. ‘The man that lays his hand upon a woman Save in the way of kindness, is a wretch Whom it were gross flattery to call a coward.’ ”

So almost two hundred years ago, the Society of St. Tammany begins considering the rights of women. It is worth noting that in February of 2014, the Afghan Parliament passes a bill that removes legal protection for Afghan women who have been attacked by their husbands, effectively legalizing wife beating.

In late March, the Bucktails set out to select a candidate for governor for the new elections set for November as per the new constitution, thereby shortening De Witt Clinton’s term by six months. In a lengthy article of March 25, the National Advocate states in part:

“…Nothing can be more fresh upon the memory than the violent and painful conflicts with Mr. Clinton for the last five years: it has been a struggle of principle against power; of right against ambition. Mr. Clinton found the republican party triumphant; the federalists in consequence of the part taken against the country during the late war, had forfeited the confidence of the people. Instead of prudently and honorably supporting the party to which he had been indebted, and of which he professed himself to be a member, he lost no opportunity to make dissension in our ranks, and to bestow power and patronage on our opponents.”

The candidates selected by the Bucktail electors are: Peter B. Porter, Samuel Young and Joseph C. Yates.

On March 27, the National Advocate reports of a “Republican Meeting” held at Tammany Hall. The Democratic-Republican candidate for governor is announced:

“Resolved. That we highly approve of the nomination of Joseph C. Yates, as a candidate for the office of Governor; being confidant that his administration will realize the hopes of the republican party, and the just opinion universally entertained of his private and public virtues will ensure an easy triumph over our political foes.”

By this time it can be noted the lack of Tammany Hall being reported in the New-York Evening Post. Coleman’s beating and Clinton’s descent may be part of the reason. On May 11, the National Advocate reports:

“Tammany Society, or Columbian Order.ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

The 33rd anniversary of Tammany Society, or Columbian Order, will be celebrated on Monday evening, the 12th inst. At sunrise the national standard will be displayed on the Great Wigwam. The members will assemble at half an hour after the setting of the sun in the Grand Council Chamber, for the transaction of ordinary business, the badge of the Society worn as usual. At 7 o’clock and oration will be delivered by brother John H. Sackett; after which, the members and their republican friends will partake of a supper, to be provided for the occasion by brother W. B. Hyer, keeper of the Great Spring. By order, J.S. Martin, Sec’ry. Seasons of Blossoms—5th Moon—Year of Discovery 331.”

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In what is the second turnover in as many years, W. B. Heyer replaces Mr. Moody as proprietor of Tammany Hall.

On May 23, the National Advocate prints the following notice with some editorial commentary:

“Tammany-Hall.—By the advertisement in this day’s paper, it will be observed the W.B. Heyer has now prepared Tammany-Hall for the reception of boarders and travellers. The hotels and boarding houses in this city are celebrated for their comfort, arrangements, and, in many instances, their splendour. We are desirous that they should be all encouraged, but we feel it is our duty to recommend Tammany Hall in a more particular manner. During the periods of great political excitement, our opponents, to disparage the character of Tammany-Hall, represented it as the abode of tigers and wild beasts. Politically they did us no injury, but what could have done them no good, they injured the tenants of the Hall, and consequently, the benevolent objects of the Society. Those bitter feelings, we are happy to perceive, are subsiding; the Hall ahs now been rented by Mr. Heyer, who has made every arrangement to furnish the chambers; a table and liquors equal to equal any hotel in this city; and who asks and merits a share of public patronage.”

On May 29, the National Advocate prints a list of the “Officers of Tammany Society, or Columbian Order.” William Mooney is listed as a Sachem, being the only original member from the Society of St. Tammany’s founding in 1789. Early Sachem and Burrite Matthew L. Davis is also listed.

On July 6, the National Advocate reports of the Society of St. Tammany’s celebration of the 4th of July:

“TAMMANY SOCIETY OR COLUMBIAN ORDER. After the ceremonies of the day had been concluded, Tammany Society partook of an elegant dinner, prepared by brother Heyer, keeper of the Great Spring. The Grand Sachem presiding, assisted by the Father of the Council.”

Twenty-nine toasts are drunk, including:

“5. The memory of the heroes who fell during the Revolutionary War—on land, on the sea, in the loathsome dungeons and pestilential prison ships. Solemn dirge.”

On August 28, the National Advocate reports of the:

“Health of the City.—There is not much additional cause of alarm yet; the lower parts of the city is nearly vacated. The gloom that prevailed, and the total absence of business, induced some to remove who were not alarmed. Greenwich presents the appearance of a lively city.—Houses are commenced one day and the key delivered the day after. In a short time the panic and the cause will have subsided, and the upper parts of Broadway will be the seat of business.—Tammany Hall is frequented as a healthy and eligible resort. Several physicians have taken up there quarters there, which at least is a good sign.”

Mordecai Noah tries to put a good spin on the “Health of the City,” but New York is again in the grips of a major epidemic. Yellow Fever raises its ugly head once more. From July to October, 411 cases of Yellow Fever will be diagnosed, with 240 deaths. 30 Its early symptoms are hard to diagnose: headache, chills, fever, back pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Eighty-five percent of those infected suffer a mild infection lasting three to four days. However, fifteen percent of the cases suffer from extended high fever, liver damage, bleeding in the mouth, eyes, and

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America Through the Eyes of St. Tammanthe intestines, resulting in blood in the vomit, known as “black vomit.” It can result in the failure of multiple organs, and death of up to fifty percent of the people who contract the severe form of the disease, as judged from modern standards. A fifty-nine percent death total is cited in James Hardie’s accounting of 1822. It will take until 1881 for a Cuban doctor named Carlos Finlay to theorize that mosquitoes spread the transmission of the virus. After high losses of soldiers in the Spanish-American war due to Yellow Fever, a team of American doctors led by Walter Reed proves Finlay’s hypothesis. In 1930s a vaccine is finally developed. But in 1822, New Yorkers do not know that mosquitoes spread Yellow Fever, and all they can do is to flee the affected areas and wait for winter.

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On August 30, the National Advocate reports of hundreds of business fleeing lower Manhattan. The exception is:

“ Doctor Yates keeps his office, for the present, at Tammany Hall.”

On September 17, the National Advocate reports:

“Doctor Yates has removed from Tammany Hall to 403 Broadway.”

On September 19, the National Advocate reports:

“… As to the case of Mary Reidal at Tammany Hall, though the Resident Physician was called upon in a heavy manner, and at a moments warning, to pronounca upon the case, and pronounced it bilious fever; yet, from the symptoms of the case, and the black vomit, there is no question that it was yellow fever.”

On October 31, the National Advocate reports of a:

“GENERAL REPUBLICAN MEETING. At a General Meeting of the Republican Electors of the City and County of New-York, pursuant to public notice, on Wednesday evening the 30th October, WILLIAM HOGHLAND, was called to the Chair, James S. Masters, Sec’ry. The following report of the Nominating Committee having been presented, it was resolved that the same be accepted, and the same be recommended to the Republican Electors for their support.”

In addition to nominations for Congress and State Assembly, the meeting recommends that:

“For Sheriff of the City and County of New-York, MORDECAI M. NOAH.”

The editor of the National Advocate believing that he is the “regular” candidate for Sheriff turns out to be wishful thinking, because:

On November 2, the National Advocate reports of:

“MR. IRELAND’S CANDIDATE. Mr. Wendover has been nominated for Sheriff, by Mr. Wm H. Ireland, against the regularly nominated candidate of the delegates of which Mr. Ireland was one, and against the will of the Republican general meeting convened at Tammany Hall.”

On November 4, Noah tries to sway voters his way by reporting:

“COMMITTEE ROOM. The friends of Mr. Ireland’s candidate have hired the left hand room in the entrance of Tammany Hall. The republicans meet in the BACK ROOM, where tickets must be applied for. Care must be taken not to mistake a faction for the republican party. Avoid the left hand managers.”

On November 7, the National Advocate reports of:

“THE ELECTION. Last evening the Polls closed at sunset, after a three days election, at which less votes were taken than any former period, owing to the absence of many voters, and the hurry, incidental to a removal from their temporary residences.”

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Mr. Noah goes on to report:

“…thinks I to myself I had better take my hat and go to Tammany, and see how the land lies. When I entered the Wigwam, and sure enough, I found it was all over. Old Mr. Romaine was dancing a jig to the tune of Nancy Dawson; Sammy was embracing George W. Niven most affectionately; and Ulshoeffer, and all the cattle of the Sentinel, were herding together in the most vociferous merriment. The were about raising contributions to hire a band of music to serenade the Sheriff elect, and congratulate the steady friend of regular nominations on his successful and final effort in distracting a party, which has ever generously patronized him. They say he has 4 or 500 majority. I had long foreseen the issue the issue of this contest. I am too old a politician not to know that it is difficult to fight against church and state, when so many efforts are made to excite religious prejudices.”

All in all, Noah takes his defeat against Peter. H. Wendover pretty well:

“I thank those candidly who have voted for me, and in the spirit of good Christian frankness, I forgive all those who voted against me. Let the ‘era of good feelings’ revive. Let this little family breach be healed, and the good men of the party, who on this question have been arrayed against each other, come together again like republicans of the old school—forgive and forget.”

So a Jew is no longer allowed to hang pretty Christians. Noah is nothing if not practical, for he remains a Sachem in the Society of St. Tammany, and downplays the dispute over “regular” nominations. In the nascent political machine that is Tammany Hall, the concept of “regular” candidates is one that will drive the Society for decades to come. Tammany Sachem Teunis Wortman states: “The nominating power is an omnipotent one. Though it approaches us in the humble attitude of the recommendation, its influence is irresistible. Every year’s experience demonstrates that its recommendations are commands. That instead of presenting a choice it deprives us of all option.” 31 Simply put, the Tammany’s General Committee selects the candidates, and its loyal followers are expected to fall in lock step, regardless of the character of the candidate.

In the New York elections held between November 4 and 6, De Witt Clinton declines to run for governor. This is not surprising because of his rebuke by the Bucktails in the Constitutional Convention. With this new constitution, white male suffrage is greatly expanded and Tammany’s “regular” candidate Joseph C. Yates wins, running essentially unopposed. The Bucktails sweep the New York Legislature and the Congressional elections as well. Martin Van Buren’s Bucktails now control New York State, and Tammany Hall controls New York City. Van Buren, in a move to dictate power in New York State while in Washington, recruits faithful lieutenants to make sure that party loyalty is upheld above all else. This group will become know as the Albany Regency, an early political “Machine.” One of its members is future governor of New York, William L. Marcy.

On November 11, the National Advocate, presumably after a hard frost kills off the mosquito population, prints the following notice:

“Tammany Society, or Columbian Order. Health being restored to the city, the Brethren of the Society of Tammany, or Columbian, are requested to assemble at the usual hour, at the Great Wigwam, on Monday evening next, for the transaction of ordinary business. JOHN WOODWARD, Grand Sachem.”

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On November 27 the National Advocate reports of the Society of St. Tammany celebration of Evacuation Day on November 25. Twenty-four toasts are drunk, including:

“9. The Governor and Lieut. Governor elect of the State of New York. May their administration be extensively useful, and as universally approbated, as has their election to the first offices in the gift of a free people. (Six cheers.)”

On January 7, the New-York Evening Post finally see fit to once again to comment on Tammany Hall, and its influence:

“At a meeting of the Common Council last evening, that Board proceeded to exercise of their new functions so far as to elect a Mayor, which they did, by ballot, and His Honor Stephan Allen, Esq. receiving nineteen votes out of twenty and one, was declared elected. Here they stopped. Curia advisare vuit. The meeting at Tammany Hall, which was held afterwards, to chuse a Chairman for the ensuing year elected Mr. Paulding, by 16 votes to 8. The ci-devant Sheriff ’s scale kicking the beam.”

Mr. Coleman’s Latin phrase means “the court advised wishes.” “Mr. Paulding” is William Paulding Jr. mayor of New York from 1825 to 1826. The last line is a reference to former Sheriff Mordecai Noah, and “kicking the beam” is the archaic version of “kicking the bucket,” the beam being what a pig hung from as it flailed about before slaughter; according to the Oxford English Dictionary.

On January 9, the New-York Evening Post prints a lengthy appeal from Tammany Sachem Benjamin Romaine for contributions in building a monument for the bones at Wallabout Bay to replace the original crypt, languishing since 1808 that had fallen into disrepair. Romaine pockets $1000.00 from the State Legislature, and nothing gets done.

On May 15, the National Advocate reports of the annual celebration of the Society of St. Tammany on May 12:

“On Monday evening last the 34th Anniversary the Society of Tammany or Columbian Order was celebrated at Tammany Hall. At half an hour after the setting of the sun, a numerous and respectable company of ladies and gentlemen were assembled in the Grand Council Chamber which was elegantly decorated with American flags, banners, &c. The exercises of the evening commenced with a National Ode, sung in very superior style by Mr. Keene, with piano and flute accompaniments by Messrs. Gilfret and P.H. Taylor. After which an appropriate oration was delivered by Brother M.N. Noah, Sachem of the Pennsylvania tribe, several of the most approved national airs were also played by an excellent band of music under the direction of M. Hoffman jr. At 9 o’clock, about one hundred and fifty members of the society with their republican friends partook of a supper prepared much to their satisfaction by Sachem Chester, Keeper of the Great Spring.”

Twenty-three toasts are drunk, including:

“By the Father of the Council, John B. Thorp—The Battle of New Orleans 6 cheers.”

And:

“Mr. Clark—WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD, the favorite son of Democracy. 9 cheers, Music, Hail to the Chief.”

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So Sachem Chester replaces Mr. Heyer, who replaced Mr. Moody, who replaced William B. Cozzens, who replaced “Brom” Martling as keeper of the Great Spring. The two toasts cited foreshadow two of the candidates in the four-way presidential race of 1824.

On June 6, M.N. Noah reacts to the competing toasts drunk at Tammany celebrations in an editorial in the National Advocate:

“Fourth of July.—Preparations are making in several places throughout the Union, to celebrate the Fourth of July, in a suitable manner. The birth day of American Independence acquires annually new interest from the increase of population and wealth. And the supremacy of just and wholesome laws—But the approach of the fourth of July is received with more than common interest by the politicians of the day, who will eagerly seek in the different toasts drank on that day for indications favorable to the Presidential candidates, as the friends of Gov. Clinton rejoiced in the toast drank by Jackson at Tammany Hall. The toasting of favourite men is quite natural, we hope in this state to see favourite principles toasted on that occasion, and we feel certain that the prominent one will be regular nominations—the pillar of the democratic union.”

Noah stretches the facts when he says that Jackson drank a toast to Clinton. It was Mayor Colden that drank a toast to Clinton in Jackson’s presence at Tammany Hall. His criticism of various politicians toasting their respecting candidates speaks of the first tenet of Martin Van Buren’s Bucktails: a party should speak with one voice, and its members should vote for the “regular” nominations decided by select caucuses. This is all good and well in theory, but Washington, where Van Buren is senator, is a couple of days travel to New York, and communication travels at the same pace. In 1824 the Regency, backed by Tammany Hall, will act on a key issue without consulting Van Buren, with disastrous results. Tammany Hall will splinter into various camps in the presidential election of 1824, and one of these factions will turn on Mordecai Noah, Tammany’s most fervent supporter.

On July 7, the National Advocate reports on the celebration of the Fourth of July at Tammany Hall. Twenty-three toast are drunk, including:

“9. Principle; eternal as truth; the star that guided our fathers in the wilderness.”

No toasts are given to “favourite men.”

On October 18, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“GENERAL COMMITTEE. “At the stated meeting of the Republican General Committee, held at Tammany Hall on the evening of the 2nd of October, 1823, the following resolutions were passed unanimously, and ordered to be published. Resolved, that this Committee approve of the usual course of nominating a candidate for the office of President of the United States by a caucus of the republican members of Congress. Resolved, in order to prevent the election of President coming to the House of Representatives, an event always to be deprecated, that it is the sense of the General Committee, that the constitution of the United States ought to be amended, as to give the election directly to the people, without the intervention of electors. WM. PAULING jun. Ch’m. JOHN L. LAWRENCE, Sec’y. pro tem.”

Both of these resolutions turn out to be wishful thinking.

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On October 25, the National Advocate reports of the advent of more factions of the Democratic-Republican Party forming in New York:

“THE MASK DROPPED.

The Federal Editors of the American and the Clintonian ex-Police Justice of the Patriot, have formed an alliance in opposition to the democratic party, to destroy regular nominations, and to advance Mr. John Quincy Adams to the presidency. The one paper is to support Adams, the other Calhoun; and both factions are to unite in opposition to the regular Senatorial, Assembly, and Charter tickets. When the American was first established, about 36 months ago, it was a federal paper, as will be seen by the following extract, which we make form on of its early numbers: ‘We trust, for the good of our country, that there will arise a THIRD party, and that such a party will have its weight in the community, a party which will not exclude the exercise of individual option. ‘The intolerant spirit and exclusive party feelings of the Tammany or Martling or republican supporters of the administration, (whatever may be their name,) precludes all chance of success to an independent man, who will not buy his elevation by hypocrisy of intrigue.’ ‘How are we to better our condition?—Have we not tried Federalists, Democrats, Burrites, Quids, and Clintonians, and have the not all alike deceived us, all professing purity, and all practicing corruption. Such is, indeed, the fact.’ ”

The New York American for Country (1820 -1845) and the New York Patriot and Morning Advertiser (1823-1824) are two of the many newspapers published in New York City in the early 19th century.

On October 28 the New-York Evening Post, heartened by the emergence of the “Peoples Party,” begins to report on the proceedings at Tammany Hall once again. The lengthy article begins:

“Great meeting at Tammany Hall.—The largest political meeting ever witnessed in this city, was held last evening at Tammany Hall by THE FRIENDS OF THE PEOPLE, for the purpose of agreeing on a suitable character to represent this great commercial city in the Legislature.”


“Resolved, That we will support the following Ticket, because we know the individuals are, and always have been, the sincere, uniform, and avowed advocates of the above principles, and not the converts of a day. PEOPLE’S TICKET For the Assembly. HENRY WHEATON, DAVID SEAMAN, CLARKSON CROLIUS, JOHN MORSS, JACOB DRAKE, THOMAS HYATT, ISAAC PIERSON, SAMUEL S. GARDINER, CHARLES TOWN, JAMES BENEDICT ROBT. SWARTWOUT, Ch’n. A. STAGG, Sec’ry. It is fair to state that Noah in his Advocate of this morning, gives a very different account of the occurrences of last evening, from the one here presented, which doubtless will be considered the strongest presumptive proof that the above is entitled to full confidence.”

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1823 In the National Advocate of October 30, Noah obliges Coleman:

“… I ask how could General Swartwout be chairman, and Abraham Stagg be Secretary of a meeting which adopted the Adams ticket? The fact is about 69 persons after the great meeting had adjourned went downstairs in a small room, and there adopted the ticket which with the address, had for several hours previously been printed at the American office. Mr. Charles King ticket was adopted in the usual manner in which a faction attempts to force a spurious ticket upon the people; first by adopting it secretly, and in corners, and then assuming the sanction of a great party name, and the head quarters of that party. It is a counterfeit coin, and as such be treated.”

The proceedings at Tammany Hall are in fact much less civil than reported in the Post and the Advocate. The General Committee, anticipating Robert Swartwout’s coup, pack the long room before the meeting begins and announces its own ticket. Swartwout’s men gain entry to the meeting and demand that their nominations be recognized, but the chairman declares the meeting adjourned. A general fistfight ensues, during which Swartwout seizes the chair and reads off the list of his nominees, to the cries of “liar” and “traitor.” The two tickets are split evenly in the various wards of the city. Swartwout has good reason to support John Quincy Adams. In his post as United States Navy Agent, Swartwout is caught embezzling $68,000 from the Federal Government. He is saved from prison, when Adams convinces the government to accept a mortgage on Swartwout’s property. 32

Robert Swartwout, from the public domain.

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On November 6, the New-York Evening Post reports:

“Results of the late Election.—We have not yet received the actual returns from all the different wards, at the latest moment of putting our paper to press. Enough however, is known, to justify us in announcing that victory had declared itself in favor of the ‘People’s Ticket.’ We consider it as the triumph of the people, not of any one party, and therefore we congratulate the community on the event. The majority is about five hundred. So appalling was the news received from the different wards last evening, to one party assembled at Tammany Hall, that the Grand Sachem gave up the ship, put out the lights, and retired from the chair at an early hour. But the Friends of the People, who were engaged in their committee room below stairs, immediately procured the candles to be re-lighted, placed Robert Swartwout in the chair, and among other resolutions they passed the following:

GENERAL REPUBLICAN MEETING,At Tammany-Hall.

Resolved, That this meeting will have the full confidence in the papers called the New York Patriot and New York American, notwithstanding the resolution of a majority of the General Committee. Resolved, That the Republicans of this city have lost all confidence in the National Advocate, and that it be considered as no longer an organ of Republican sentiments.

R. SWARTWOUT, Chariman.”

Swartwout rejects Noah because, most likely, he is anti-Semitic, and that Noah and his National Advocate back Martin Van Buren, and Van Buren backs William H. Crawford as the next president. Crawford is a native Virginian, a former senator from Georgia, and Monroe’s Secretary of the Treasury. John Quincy Adams is Secretary of State. By this time it is a foregone conclusion that Monroe will retire after his second term. The Post’s declaring the People’s Party triumphant is only partly true. They take all seats in the race for Assembly in New York City and County, but take only one State Senator, the other three going to the Bucktails. Statewide, the Bucktails hold a slight majority. The Clintonian faction of the Democratic-Republican Party is absorbed into the Peoples Party. The fate of the Democratic-Republican Party after the presidential election of 1824 will become more and more uncertain.

On November 8, the National Advocate prints the following letter to the editor, and its response:

“Mr. Editor, I attended the great meeting at Tammany Hall, and witnessed the efforts of General Robert Swartwout to make confusion and substitute his Adams ticket. At the celebration of Fort La Fayette, last summer, I dined with the military party, and there heard General Swartwout toast Mr. Crawford. The period elapsed since that time is short that I am unable to account for General Swartwout’s hostility to Mr. Crawford. Can you explain it? QUERIST.

ANSWER. Only ‘by guess.’ Mr. Crawford is Secretary of the Treasury. Gen Swartwout has accounts to pass through the Treasury Department, as late Navy Agent in this city; it is possible that Mr. Crawford has been rather too rigid and scrupulous in enforcing the accountability of public officers. It must be something relative to accounts, for Mr. Crawford has not changed his political sentiments.Ed. Nat. Adv.”

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1823 On November 25, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“Tammany Society or Columbian Order. Arrangements for Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the evacuation of this city be the British, and their mercenaries on the 25th. November 1783. 1st. The Grand Standard of the Nation to be displayed on the Great Wigwam, at sunrise. 2d. At half an hour after the setting of the sun, the members of the society will assemble in the Great Wigwam, each brother wearing the badge of the institution, (the American Bucktail,) in front of his hat, to peform the ordinary business of the institution. 3d. At 7 o’clock the Society and their republican friends will partake of a Supper, to be provided by Sachem Chester, Keeper of the Great Spring. No person can be admitted who is not recommended by a member. 4th. After the Supper the Et hoh Song will be sung, and the Calumet smoked. 5. The festivities being over, the Grand Sachem will direct the Sagamore to request those who are not members to retire, the Society having resumed, the usual committees will be appointed previous to an adjournment. J.S. MARTIN, Sec’ry.”

Jackson Forever, The Et Hoh Song.from the collection of the Brown Digital Repository, Brown University.

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The notice shows that the society carefully screens people who attend the celebration after the recent strife. The “Et Hoh Song” is an ode to Andrew Jackson, demonstrating a faction of the Society of St. Tammany supports General Jackson, rather than Adams or Crawford for president.

On November 28, the National Advocate reports the Society of St. Tammany’s fortieth celebration of Evacuation Day. Fifteen toasts are drunk, including:

“11th. The Democratic candidates for the next Presidency.—May he who is best qualified and most worthy, be recommended by our republican friends in Congress, which the voice of a free and enlightened people will confirm. 9 cheers—Patriotic song.”

And the final toast:

“By the Father of the Council. The Sons of Tammany all over the world—may the American buck tail ever remain their distinguishing badge—’tis the genuine emblem of liberty. Calumet smoked, and Et hoh song.”

The Democratic-Republican Party, founded in 1791 is commonly referred to as simply “republican” in the press of the day. The actual Republican Party will not form until 1854. However, the impending Democratic Party is in the minds of the Tammany Sachems, as demonstrated in the 11th toast.

On December 9, the following notice appears in the New-York Evening Post:“TO CITIZENS.

The citizens of the city and county of New York, friendly to the Alien Cause are respectfully invited to assemble at Tammany Hall, THIS EVENING, the 9th inst. at 7 o’clock, in order to concert such measures as may seem most effectual in representing to Congress the present inutility of that law that requires from the alien, the long probation of five years, before he can participate in the rights and privileges of citizenship.”

On December 11, the New-York Evening Post reports on the proceedings at Tammany Hall on December 9:

“The proceedings of the alien meetings of this city and county being read, having for their object a petition to congress, praying for the alterations in the naturalization laws, and a shortening of the present terms of probation: these objects were luminously and ably pointed out in their memorial to congress, which was also read. After the business had been thus opened, several respectable citizens addressed the meeting, in terms highly favorable to aliens.”

The population of New York City will almost double from 123,000 in 1820 to 202,000 in 1830, and the immigrant population in the United States will more than double from 8,000 in 1820 to 23,000 in 1830, with most immigrants settling in the cities in the Northeast. The Irish, followed by the Germans, English and French, leads the immigrant population. The significance of this is not lost on the Society of St. Tammany. With the advent of expanded white male suffrage with the new state constitution, Tammany Hall sees a tremendous advantage in getting the new voters on their side, and wants to speed the naturalization process. It is not to be. The five-year law for legal aliens to become U.S. citizens exists to this day. But no matter, in the decades to come, Tammany will simply bypass the naturalization laws, by having corrupt Tammany judges hasten the new immigrants’ citizenship, thereby locking up their vote.

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On February 27, the National Advocate prints a notice of the fate of a young bear at Tammany Hall:

On April 5, the New-York Evening Post prints the following notice:

“HERO OF NEW ORLEANSANDREW JACKSON!

The Independent citizens of the city of New York who are friendly to the election of Gen. Jackson to the office of President of the U. States, are requested to attend a public meeting at Tammany Hall on Thursday evening next 8th of April, at 7 o’clock.”

On April 7, the National Advocate takes exception to supporters of General Jackson meeting at Tammany Hall:

“GENERAL JACKSON. Although it is evident that the ardor in favor of General Jackson has cooled considerably since his friends have made a serious push for him, and the fixed determination of twenty states out of twenty-four to vote for some other person, yet as there are a few who still cling to hope, and who still irreverently compare Jackson with Washington; and as a few of his personal friends assemble tomorrow evening at Tammany Hall, it is proper that we continue to offer evidence of his total incapacity for the high station contemplated, and the danger which must necessarily attend his elevation to the Chief Magistracy. Divided as the people may be respecting the several candidates—objectionable as some are, desirable as others may be—there is still prudence and discretion sufficient to promote a unity of sentiment, a concert in action, a surrender of private attachments, and personal considerations, to prevent the election of a man whose head is ‘Like the snow crown’d Ætna, Crammed with fires.’ ”

The quote is from The Æthiop, Or, The Child of the Desert: A Romantic Play in Three Acts by William Dimond. It is a play written in 1812, about the fictional exploits of Harum al-Rashad, or “Aaron the Just,” the fifth Abbasid Caliph, of what is now modern day Iraq, from 786 to 809. It was a time when Islamic science, art and culture were flourishing. He is featured in One Thousand and One Nights, or Arabian Nights. Why Mordecai Noah uses this obscure quote against Jackson is unclear, but yet again, it demonstrates the arcane, wonderful language of the early 19th century. Noah’s Advocate is an organ for Martin Van Buren who backs William H. Crawford for president, but by this time Crawford has suffered a stroke. 33 Additionally, Noah, speaking for Van Buren, appeals for party unity, but the Democratic-Republican Party will continue to splinter.

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On April 9, the New-York Evening Post reprints a notice from the New York Patriot of an independent meeting at Tammany Hall by the friends of General Jackson. Former governor Morgan Lewis in named chairman, and former mayor Cadwallader D. Colden is named secretary. The meeting recommends that the College of Electors nominate Andrew Jackson as president, and John C. Calhoun as vice president.

On April 12, Bucktail state senator John Bowman submits a resolution to remove De Witt Clinton from the Erie Canal Commission. On April 24, the state legislature votes for its passage. Clinton is the founding member of the commission, and its president since 1816. The Albany Regency backs Bowman, without consulting Martin Van Buren. Their aim is to finish Clinton once and for all. It has exactly the opposite effect. Clinton is immediately viewed as a martyr. Mass demonstrations in New York City are held to protest the removal of the man who is seen as the driving force behind what is now viewed as the greatest project in the history of New York. 34 Clinton goes on to accept the nomination for governor by the new People’s Party.

On May 14, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“Tammany Society.—Wednesday being the anniversary of Tammany Society or Columbian Order, the members in this evening partook of a supper prepared by the keeper of the Great Spring.”

Thirteen toasts are drunk, beginning with:

“1. This day 36 years ago, our society was formed. Its principles rest on the pure basis of civil, religious, and political liberty,—they can never be lost, except in the extinction of time, or total abandonment of every political and moral virtue.”

It is worth noting that “36 years ago” would be 1788. The first notice of the Society of St. Tammany appears in the New York Daily Advertiser on April 30, 1787, and On March 9, 1789 a resolution establishing the Tammany Society or Columbian Order is signed. Other sources cite 1786 when the Society is formed.

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On July 1, the New-York Evening Post reports of the:

“ARRANGMENTS,For celebrating the Forty Eighth Anniversary of American Independence.

1st. The Grand Standard of the United States will be displayed at sunrise on Tammany Hall, and the various public edifices in the City. 2d. Each Society will assemble at their respective places of meeting at an early hour, and proceed at nine o’clock to the Park, when M.N. Noah, Esq. Grand Marshal for the day, assisted by his Aids will arrange them in the following order;— 1. Tammany Society or Columbian Order. 2. Shipwrights Society. 3. The model of a LINE OF BATTLE SHIPS, drawn on a truck, flanked by a Representative from each Society, bearing the inscription banners of his Society. Band of Music 4. The Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. 5. The Hibernian Provident Society. 6. The United Benevolent Society of Tailors. 7. The Cordwainers Society. 8. The Stone Cutters Society. 9. The Bakers Society. 10. Naval and Military Officers of the United States.”

This notice shows that Mordecai Noah is still a political force in Tammany Hall and New York City. A cordwainer is a shoemaker.

On July 7, the National Advocate reports on the celebration of Independence Day at Tammany Hall. Forty-one toasts are drunk, including:

“9. The State of New-York and its constituted authorities—A bright link in our chain of union; firm in the hour of national calamity; faithful, consistent and united in its democracy. 9 cheers.”

But in fact democracy is anything but united in New York, as demonstrated by the following factional toasts:

“17. Wm. H. Crawford—The man of the people; the disciple of Jefferson; the honest, undeviating republican; like Daniel in the lion’s den, he has cone forth untouched, unhurt, and unblemished. 24 cheers.” “18. Our next Governor—May he comprehend and duly appreciate the ‘extraordinary’ powers of vested in him by the constitution. 9 cheers.”

“By Ward B. Howard. Samuel Young—May he receive for the office of Governor the united suffrages of the democratic electors of the state of New-York. 9 cheers.”

“By a Brother. The Hon. Martin Van Buren—A statesman of enlightened views, faithful to his country, and undeviating in democratic principles.—6 cheers.”

“By a Gentleman from Massachusetts. John Q. Adams—May neither the ostentation of wealth, the pride of learning, nor family aristocracy, ever be suffered to rule the destinies of a free and equal people. 9 cheers.”

In addition, one of the last toasts shows the growing anti-Catholic racism, and the rise of nativism:

“By C.C. Yates. The Holy Alliance—A high pressure steam engine on the great political ocean; may its boiler burst before it reaches the republican shores of Columbia.”

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No toasts are drunk to Andrew Jackson.

On September 4, the New-York Evening Post prints a lengthy letter from Jacob Barker. Following are some excerpts:

“Believing that the election of M. Clinton would add to the dignity and subserve the interests of the state, I have, since his ill-advised and hasty removal from the canal commission, expressed the most open and unqualified disapprobation of the removal, and used every argument in my power to convince my republican friends that we were imperiously called upon to free the state from this dishonor, by electing him governor, and thereby leave the stigma with the individuals who were so eager to display their private spleen, even at the sacrifice of our national character.”

“I opposed the construction of the great Western canal I considered it too early by a century to undertake so vast and so splendid a work; I considered it a wild experiment of doubtful issue, advocated for the benefit and elevation of individuals, rather than for public good, the expense of which would be too great for the State in her infancy; I considered Mr. Clinton the principal person to blame for endeavoring to connect her fortunes with an undertaking which appeared to me fraught with so much mischief; my voice to this effect was heard in your Senate Chambers, at Tammany Hall, and other political circles; my pen was also devoted to warning my fellow citizens against that, which I, as a citizen of this State, most dreaded—at the same time I admitted that I might be mistaken; that my opinion was formed, not from, but in the absence of information.” “The course which I pursued was fully approved by the great majority of the republican party at the time; subsequent events have proved that we were mistaken in our estimates, and consequently in our opinions—The thing has popularized itself and I am free to acknowledge my error, and so are the party, and I risk nothing in saying that they disapprove of the conduct of those who not only opposed it so long as it remained in doubt, but have since endeavored to deprive Mr. Clinton of all share in the honor of its success.”

Barker is a Tammany Sachem, and a wealthy businessman. He is a former Burrite, and along with Matthew L. Davis, a close confident of Aaron Burr. He could have simply stated: “I opposed De Witt Clinton and his canal, but I was wrong.” But that is not the way of politicians in the early 19th century. He and Matthew L. Davis will become embroiled in a scandal in two years time.

On September 10, the New-York Evening Post reports on the doubt of Mordecai Noah remaining editor of the National Advocate:

“The National Advocate.—We understand that the General Republican Committee, who met at Tammany Hall last evening, refused to accept the transfer of the National Advocate tendered by Mr. Van Ness, shackled as it was by conditions which they could not agree to. We presume Mr. Noah will go on and publish his new paper.”

On September 20, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“REPUBLICAN GENERAL COMMITTEE. The following preamble and resolution were unanimously adopted: Tammany Hall, 16th Sept. Whereas the Republican General Committee, desirous of terminating the differences that have arisen in relation to the NATIONAL ADVOCATE, have had the subject under consideration, together with the proposition of M.M. NOAH, Esq. to establish a new paper, and desirous of preventing the difficulties that may arise from the existence of two papers by the same name, and entertaining, at the same time, full confidence in the fidelity and capacity of Mr. NOAH, and having ascertained that the arrangements have been made which will enable him to resume his station as Editor of the old paper without any embarrassing restrictions. Therefore,

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Resolved, that it be recommended, that Mr. NOAH resume his former station as Editor of the NATIONAL ADVOCATE, and use his best efforts, heretofore, in supporting the honor and interests of the country and the accredited usages of the republican party. BENJAMIN BAILEY, Chairman. WM. S. COE, Secretary.”

Mordecai Noah replies:

“In obedience to the recommendation of the General Committee, I on this day resume my station as Editor of the National Advocate.—It was doubtless my interests to establish a new paper, free from heavy and embarrassing claims and contested proprietors, and my list of subscribers, which swelled beyond my expectations, would have enabled me to do so, but for reasons above detailed and many others, a new paper might possibly embarrass the republican party, and I yield, as I have ever done, with deference to the wishes of the party, when expressed through its accredited organ.”

At what point Noah suspended his editing of the Advocate is unclear. But Tammany Hall is plainly trying to close ranks with the impending State and National elections. The subtext of Noah’s reply is that “I can start a new paper at any time.” In fact Noah does just that. He waits until the National elections have passed to start a rival New York National Advocate. It will last for two years.

On October 26, the United States presidential election begins. It will run until December 2. The one party government, led by the Democratic-Republican Party, splinters into four factions, each with their own candidate: John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, William H. Crawford, and Andrew Jackson. It will be one of the most contentious elections in the history of the United States.

From November 1 to 3, the New York State elections are held. In the gubernatorial race, De Witt Clinton, wins re-election. In the race for the State Legislature, the Bucktails take the majority in the Senate, and in the Assembly, the Clintonians prevail. In the race for U.S. Congress, the supporters of John Quincy Adams win 25 seats to the Jacksonians 9.

On December 2, the United States presidential election concludes. No candidate gets the needed 131 electoral votes to win, and the election gets thrown into the House of Representatives. Jackson wins the plurality of the electoral votes with 99, Adams comes in second with 84, third is Crawford with 41, and coming in last, Clay with 37. Clay will figure heavily in the Contingent election of 1825.

On December 16, Thomas Snowden, publisher of the National Advocate, writes a lengthy article detailing his falling out with Mordecai Noah, and the Republican General Committee of Tammany Hall. He also details the financial difficulties of the Advocate, which he attributes to Noah. Following are some excerpts:

“Mordecai M. Noah yesterday issued a hand-bill replete with calumny and falsehood. He asserts that this paper has been sold to Henry Eckford, Esq. which statement he knew, at the time he penned it, was a falsehood. It is hardly necessary for me to inform the public that no person is more destitute of principle or truth than Mr. Noah. Having been the printer of this paper for several years, I have had an opportunity of seeing his total disregard of every honourable feeling which should restrain men from the indulgence of base passions. This man, after wasting the proceeds of this old and nearly ruined establishment, applied to Mr. Eckford for pecuniary aid: the public are aware of the first breach which grew out of Mr. Eckford’s refusing to permit Noah’s making the paper a medium for slander.”

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“Mr. Noah continues his persecutions against me, and is still endeavoring to withhold from me property and privileges which I have fairly purchased. Taking advantage of the confidence reposed in him by the Trustees of the General Republican Committee, who placed him in the establishment merely as Editor, at a fixed salary, he has, in violation of all law and principle, forcibly torn down the Press, and prevented the Trustees from giving peaceable possessions of the premises. I solicit the patrons and friends of the paper to give me a fair trial.—The National Advocate will continue to support the Republican party, and there shall be no want of industry and attention on my part to merit their support and confidence. THOMAS SNOWDEN.”

Henry Eckford is a Tammany Sachem, and a wealthy shipbuilder, who is a driving force in building ships for the United States Navy. He is instrumental in establishing the shipyard at Sackets Harbor, New York in the War of 1812 under Commodore Isaac Chauncey. He will be the third player, along with Jacob Barker and Matthew L. Davis in the upcoming scandal and trial.

On December 17, the National Advocate reports:

“Mordecai M. Noah published a paper yesterday, under the title of the ‘New-York National Advocate.’ ”

On February 9, the Contingent election is held. The Twelfth Amendment of the Constitution holds that only the top three candidates are allowed to run. Henry Clay, who is Speaker of the House, is out. It is well known that Clay hates Jackson. He states: “I cannot believe that killing 2,500 Englishmen at New Orleans qualifies for the various, difficult, and complicated duties of the Chief Magistracy.” 35 Clay throws his support to Adams, and Adams wins on the first ballot, shocking Jackson. Jackson’s supporters immediately cry foul, and accuse Clay of selling his support to Adams. George Kremer of Pennsylvania, in a letter to Philadelphia’s Columbian Observer claims that Clay’s support of Adams is part of a “corrupt bargain.” 36 Whether or not Clay sold his vote to Adams in return for a cabinet seat, or if he simply threw his support for Adams because he despised Jackson is the subject of conjecture to this day. However, Adams in fact appoints Clay Secretary of State.

Detail of Gilbert Stuart’s painting of John Quincy Adams.From the collection of The White House.

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The Jackson faction of Tammany Hall views Adams, who had swept New England—the former bastion of Federalism—as a Federalist posing as a Democratic-Republican. Jackson is viewed as a man of the people, who, in keeping with Democratic-Republican ideals, supports a limited federal government, and is in favor of states rights (up to a point, as we will see later.) The fact that he is of Scotch-Irish descent is not lost on Tammany Hall, with the growing Irish immigrant population in New York City, and Tammany’s gradual acceptance of them. By this time, the Erie Canal is almost complete, made possible the sweat of Scotch-Irish laborers, thousands of whom die digging the “Great Ditch.” Martin Van Buren, who was ambivalent about Jackson in the election of 1824, sees the error of his ways, gets behind Jackson, and starts planning for Jackson’s taking the White House in the next election. Van Buren takes his case to Tammany Hall, much to the chagrin of Robert Swartwout, and the minority pro-Adams faction.

On March 3, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“REPUBLICAN GENERAL COMMITTEE. The Republican General Committee are requested to attend a meeting to be held at Tammany Hall, THIS EVENING, at 7 o’clock. By order, BENJAMIN BAILEY, Chairman. William S. Coe, Secretary.”

Sachem Bailey is the long-term chairman of the Republican General Committee, and a staunch supporter of Jackson. 37

May comes and goes without any mention in the National Advocate of the annual celebrations of the Society of St. Tammany on May 12.

On June 11, former Vice President and New York Governor, Daniel D. Tompkins dies. Having been succeeded on March 4, he survives only 99 days, the shortest post vice presidency in the history of the United States.

On July 6, the National Advocate reports on the Independence Day celebrations at Tammany Hall. Nineteen toasts are drunk, including:

“6th. Daniel D. Tompkins, the patriot, the statesman, the soldier, amiable and beloved in life, his country has lost a pillar, human nature’s friend and philanthropist.”

And:

“9th. General Andrew Jackson—the mare of the south, his vigilance, faithfulness and bravery saved his country, his magnanimity secures him the nations gratitude, and the people’s love.”

By this time, Thomas Snowden has found a new editor: a Scottish immigrant by the name of James Gordon Bennett, Sr. Bennett will go on to be one of the most influential newspapermen of the 19th century.

On October 26, De Witt Clinton, onboard the Seneca Chief, arrives in Albany from Buffalo, opening the Erie Canal. He proceeds down the Hudson to New York Harbor where he is met by a grand procession of ships and a fireworks display. Clinton pours a barrel of fresh Lake Erie water into the Atlantic, which highlights the celebration.

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De Witt Clinton mingling the waters of Lake Erie with the Atlantic.By Philip Meeder, from the collection of the New York Public Library.

In the New York City and State elections, held in the first week of November, Philip Hone, a former Federalist, and future Whig, is appointed mayor by the Common Council. In the elections for State Senate and Assembly, the Bucktails hold a slight majority over the Clintonians. The fact that Tammany Hall neither controls the mayoralty or the governorship shows the divisiveness within the Society.

On November 28, the National Advocate prints a notice of the Society of St. Tammany’s celebration of Evacuation Day held on November 25. Fourteen toasts are drunk, all of them proclaiming general patriotic sentiment. No factional political or personal toasts are made, including:

“6. The City of New York—Heart of our Union, Emporium of our Commerce, Shield of the Atlantic states, patron of Science and the Arts, key-stone of the great republican pillars of Liberty and Justice.”

The people elect the state legislature, and the legislature elects the United States senators. Two classes, one and three, are elected two years apart for a six year term. The last senator elected is Martin Van Buren in 1821, before the advent of expanded suffrage. On January 14, Nathan Sanford, a Clintonian, is elected.

In February, James Fenimore Cooper publishes his classic historical novel, The Last of the Mohicans. It is the tragic story of Cora and Alice Munro, two sisters who become pawns of the French and Indian Wars of 1757, and their Indian escorts, Natty Bumppo, a white man who is raised as a child by the Delaware Lenape, and Uncas, the “Last Mohican.” The novel concludes with a fictionalized version of Tamanend—“Tamenund”—delivering the following prophecy:

“Go, children of the Lenape, the anger of the Manitou is not done. Why should Tamenund stay? The pale faces are masters of the earth, and the time of the red men has not yet come again. My day has been too long. In the morning I saw the sons of Unamis happy and strong; and yet, before the night has come, have I lived to see the last warrior of the wise race of the Mohicans.”

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Detail of Cora Kneeling at the feet of Tamenund, by Thomas Cole.From the collection of The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

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On May 12, the National Advocate prints a notice of the celebration the Society of St. Tammany:

“Tammany Society or Columbian Order. Brothers—The 37th Anniversary of this National Institution will be celebrated at the Great Wigwam, on Friday, [this day] the 12th inst.—The Sachems, Warriors and Hunters, after the toils of the day will repair to the Grand Council Chamber of the Great Wigwam, at half an hour after the setting of the Sun—there to keep alive the Patriot flame, recite the noble deeds of their Ancestors in their Councils, the Field and the Chace, and refresh themselves the Productions of the Forest, the Lakes, and the Waters of the Great Spring. Each Brother may introduce a Republican Friend. Tickets to dine will be furnished by Brother Smith, Keeper of the Great Spring. The members will wear the Society Badge (a Bucktail) in front of the hat. S. GUNTON, Sagamore.Manhattan Seasons of Blossoms, fifth moon, year of discovery, 334, of the institution, of the institution, the 37th.N.B. The Masters of American Vessels are politely requested, agreeably to ancient custom-to display their colours in honour of the day.m 12”

In notices of the celebration in the past, a listing of the toasts drunk would follow the announcement. Not so this year’s National Advocate.

On July 4, in a bittersweet coincidence, John Adams, age ninety, and Thomas Jefferson, age eighty-three, both die.

On July 7, the National Advocate reports on the celebrations of Independence Day held at Tammany Hall. Twenty toasts are drunk. The final toast is:

“By Brother Stillwell—Andrew Jackson, may he receive the rewards of merit.”

According to historian Gustavus Myers, the 1826 celebration of Independence Day by Tammany Hall is the first where the Society does not march in a parade, or attend church. 38

On July 11, The National Advocate reports:

“TAMMANY HALL, OR COLUMBIAN ORDER. The die is cast!—The Nation Mourns. BROTHERS: Nature has imperceptibility, in a singular and most extraordinary manner, caused the simultaneous occurrence of an event, the coincidence of which is miraculous and truly astonishing! The Great Spirit has summoned home the soul of the immortal Thomas Jefferson at mid-day on the 4th inst.! And that of the venerable John Adams on the evening the same day at 6 o’clock!!! The Biographer and Historian will do ample justice to the lives of these illustrious and enlightened Patriotic contemporaries.”

Indeed.

On July 18, the National Advocate reports:

“Tammany.—Tammany was in morning last night. There was quite a crowd there collected to hear the Oration of C. C. Cambreleng. A number of ladies were among them. A profusion of masonic emblems decorated the Hall. Solemn music preceded the oration.”

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Churchill C. Cambreleng is a Tammany Bucktail who is first elected to Congress in 1821. He will go on to serve in Congress for almost twenty years. He is a supporter of Andrew Jackson, and then Martin Van Buren, who appoints him as Minister to Russia.

Beginning in September, New York City is subjected to a series of sensational trials. These trials will be the first of a long line of prosecutions of Tammany leaders that will finally come to an end in 1969. Tammany Sachems Matthew L. Davis, Henry Eckford, and Jacob Barker, as well as others, are accused with swindling various insurance companies and banks. The men are accused of obtaining thousands of shares of the companies through fraud. The first trial results in a hung jury, and Henry Eckford is not brought to trial again. In the second trial in February of 1827, Barker and Davis are convicted, but a juror is challenged, and he admits that he had heard testimony in the previous trial, and considered the defendants guilty, and therefore was not impartial. A motion is made to set aside the verdict, and the State Supreme Court grants it. In the third trial in July of 1827, Davis is acquitted, but Barker is found guilty. Once again the conviction is appealed, and the State Supreme Court overturns it in August of 1827. 39 It is worth noting that the judge who presides over the trials is Ogden Edwards, a former Bucktail State Assemblyman from New York County.

The New York State elections are held from November 6 to 8. De Witt Clinton narrowly defeats Tammany Bucktail candidate William B. Rochester in the race for governor. The Bucktails secure a majority in the elections for State Assembly and Senate. In the race for U.S Congress, the Jacksonians win 24 seats, and the Adams Men 14 On December 5, the National Advocate prints a notice from the Republican General Committee of Tammany Hall. It says in part:

“It will be perceived by the notice of the Republican General Committee the republicans of this city, friendly to regular nominations, will meet to-morrow evening in the different wards, for the purpose of choosing an new General Committee for the ensuing year. We do not know of a more important piece of duty than this must be considered. In point of importance, it is only inferior to the elections themselves. The Republican General Committee is the regularly organized executive power of the democratic party in the city of N. York.”

It goes on to say:

“This committee, like a legislative caucus, or a convention recommended by a legislative caucus, is a concentration of the public feeling of the democratic party, for that particular district in which it operates. How very necessary it must be that their feelings and their views should correspond with these of the great body of the people!”

It continues:

“The democratic electors of the different wards must weigh these remarks. To-morrow evening the executive power of the democratic party of this city is returned into the hands of its constituents, for the purpose of receiving it fresh again from their hands, and replenished with new vigor and additional strength to carry it through another year. In making the selection for the members of the General Committee, we scarcely need add that our democratic friends must be cautious, discreet and intelligent. Let them permit no ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ to enter the folds of Tammany.”

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The use of “the democratic party,” “the democratic electors,” and the “democratic friends” in this notice is significant. It foreshadows the formation of the Democratic Party, the oldest political party in the world, 40 in two years time, and Tammany’s embrace of Jacksonian Democracy.

On February 6, the New York State Legislature re-elects Martin Van Buren to the United States Senate.

On May 15, the National Advocate reports on the annual celebration of the Society of St. Tammany on May 12. Twenty-one toasts are drunk, including:

“By Sachem F. Peckwell.—General Andrew Jackson, the hero of New Orleans.”

Followed by a clearly satirical toast to Secretary of State, Henry Clay, the man who secured the election of John Quincy Adams over Andrew Jackson in the presidential race of 1824:

“By Sachem William H. Bunn.—The Secretary of State of the United States.—May he become to the Republican Party ‘as clay in the hands of the potter.’ ”

On July 3, the National Advocate prints the following notice:

“Tammany Society or Columbian Order. Brothers—The 51st Anniversary of our National Independence will be celebrated in the grand council chamber of the Great Wigwam. 1st. The grand standard of the Union to be displayed on the wigwam at sunrise. 2nd. At 9 o’clock the Society will assemble; and after performing their ordinary business, will resolve itself into a committee of amusement; the Declaration of Independence to be read, and an Oration delivered by a Brother. 3rd. At 4 o’clock, P.M. the Society will resume the committee of amusement, during which they will partake of a republican dinner, consisting of the productions of the forests and the lakes, moistened with the exhilarating waters of the great spring, to be prepared by Brother Smith, the keeper. 4. The calumet will be smoked—the chain of union formed—the Et-hoh song sung, and the tomahawk buried. The members are to wear the badge of the order in front of their hat—the American Bucktail. 5. Each Brother has the privilege of inviting a Republican friend to dine, paying for his ticket. By order of the Grand Sachem, WILLIAM H. BUNN, Secretary Manhattan—Season of Fruit, 6th moon, year of discovery 336, of the Institution the 38th. On July 7, the National Advocate reports on the celebration of Independence Day at Tammany Hall. Thirteen toasts are drunk, all of the patriotic, none of them factional, including:

“7. Jefferson and Adams—they lived, they laboured and they died together—their virtues and their worth, will be remembered while the republic lasts. Solemn Dirge.”

And:

“12. Tammany Society, or Columbian Order, founded on patriotism, and the love of country, every true son of St. Tammany, will support the standard of liberty, as long as the soil of this country affords him a foothold. Et hoh Song.”

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The patriotic good feeling that put aside politics on July 4 does not last for long. On September 28, the New-York Evening Post reports:

“Jackson or Adams.—At length, as we perceive from the morning papers, that what is denominated to the republican party in this city, has come out in the most decisive manner at a regular meeting at Tammany Hall on Thursday evening, and adopted among others the following resolution as the second, viz: ‘Resolved, That we view with undisguised satisfaction, the marked preference which our republican fellow citizens have manifested for the election of GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON, as President of these United States, and that we repose full confidence in his worth, integrity, and patriotism.’ It is in vain to attempt to avoid plain dealing any longer, nor is there any motive to do so. As Shakpears says ‘to this complexion all must come at last.’ Who on the whole, are you for, Jackson or Adams?”

This quote is obscure, but once again, it demonstrates that New York’s newspapers of the early 19th century love quoting Shakespeare.

Martin Van Buren travels from Washington to Tammany Hall to promote Jackson. Adams’ supporters, including Benjamin Romaine, and Marinus Willett are enraged. Van Buren and his supporters are forced by the Adams faction to retreat to the “Coal Hole,” the basement of Tammany Hall, where they draft the Jackson resolutions. Jackson’s supporters then rally in force in the Wigwam and approve the Jackson ticket. 41 This will lead to the Bucktails evolving into the “Jacksonians,” and the Clintonians evolving into the “Adams Men.” The upcoming state elections in November will show who prevails.

On October 2, the New-York Evening Post report on the “Adams’ party” response to Tammany’s resolutions supporting Jackson:

“Ward Meetings.—The chief of the Adams’ party in this state, the editor of the American, has ordered the friends of Mr. Adams (the peaceable candidate) to attend Ward meetings and to beat the friends of General Jackson. In order that the General’s friends may know where to meet these belligerents to-morrow evening, we publish below the proceedings of the General Republican Committee , recommending Ward Meetings for the purpose appointing nominating committees. We hope that the friends of the General will not fail to attend.”

The editor of the New York American is Charles King, a rival of Mordecai Noah. King goes on to become the president of Columbia College from 1849 to 1864.

On October 8, the New-York Evening Post reports:

“Tammany Society.—There is likely to be great trouble in the wig-wam at Tammany Hall this evening. A meeting has been called for the purpose of counteracting some intrigues which a few of the Grand Sachems have entered into, to turn the waters in favor of Mr. Adams. The whole tribe will no doubt assemble and apply the remedy, by putting out the pipes of all refractory members. They are determined not to have the wig-wam sold over their heads to the administration.”

On October 9, the National Advocate asks the question:

“We perceive that the Evening Post of last night predicted that the tribe of Tammany are determined to put out the pipes of the Grand Sachems. How long has the Editor of that paper been the organ of Tammany Society?”

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The New York State elections are held from November 5 to November 7. They mark a new era in election fraud. Tammany pulls out all the stops to get the Jacksonian slate elected. They are not disappointed. With the new suffrage laws, and Tammany embracing the new immigrant class, speeding their naturalization, Tammany’s patronage of aliens becomes standard practice for the rest of the century. And with this patronage comes votes. Many votes. Most of the new citizens, in the country less than three years, are trucked by the cartload from ward to ward, voting repeatedly with pre-printed ballots at a time before the secret ballot. Tammany poll inspectors enforce the Jackson candidates by repulsing any anti-Jackson voter who dared show up at the polls by brandishing, and sometimes clubbing them with stout hickory branches. 42 By this time, Andrew Jackson is known as “Old Hickory.” The Jacksonians win the majority of the State Assembly and Senate. No report is made in the New-York Evening Post or the National Advocate of the Jacksonian triumph.

Old Hickory Cigar Label, from the public domain.

No report of the annual celebration of Evacuation Day at Tammany Hall is made in either the New-York Evening Post or the National Advocate.

Instead, on November 26, the New-York Evening Post reports on the:

“MONUMENT TO MR. EMMET. At a meeting of citizens of Irish birth and parentage, convened by public advertisement, and held at Tammany Hall, on the evening of the 21st inst. Dr. Gen. Cuming being called to the Chair, and Alderman Campbell P. White, appointed Secretary, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted, and ordered to be published. Whereas, the life of the late Thomas Addis Emmet has be eminently honorable to the character and genius of our native country and the country of our ancestors, and deeming it of service to the best interests of mankind to encourage, by due honours, and undeviating perseverance in the righteous use of the highest faculties, more especially when devoted to the paramount cause of Man’s rights and liberties. Therefore, Resolved, that a subscription be opened for erecting a monument to the late Thomas Addis Emmet, commemorative of his virtues and genius.”

Emmet dies on November 14, while conducting a case in court. The names of some of the subscribers are as follows: Clancy, Doyle, Duffy, Flanaghan, Gallagher, Macauley, M’Bride, McCarthy, McGibben, McLaughlin, and Murphy.

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Monument to Thomas Addis Emmet, in the churchyard of St Paul’s Chapel.Photo-composite by Jeffrey B. Evans taken in April, 2014.

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With the Jacksonians in full control of Tammany Hall, Martin Van Buren takes control of the Jackson presidential campaign. On January 31, a caucus of New York Jacksonian legislators nominates Andrew Jackson for president. By now he in known as the “Little Magician” because of his ability to outwit his opponents without them knowing it, and to work political deals behind the scenes, usually coming out on the winning side. His moniker may have also referred to his small stature—five feet, six inches tall. Van Buren’s rival, De Witt Clinton still stands in the way, but nature intervenes.

On February 11, as he sits down to dinner with his family in Albany, De Witt Clinton has a heart attack and dies. He is fifty-eight years old.

On February 15, the New-York Evening Post reports:

“DEWITT CLINTON IS NO MORE! It becomes our melancholy duty to record the sudden death of Gov. DEWITT CLINTON. Apart from the deep regrets which must occasion to his personal friends, as well as those who without distinction of party were admirers of his talents and intellectual powers—the intelligence of this unhappy event, which may be looked upon as a national loss, will awaken a general feeling of sorrow throughout the Union. Mr. Clinton has been universally and justly regarded as a profound statesman and an able scholar, while the policy which has been so successfully by him has found but few opponents.”

On February 19, Martin Van Buren delivers a eulogy of De Witt Clinton before Congress. Following are some excerpts:

“Mr. Chairman—We have met to pay a tribute of respect to the memory of our late Governor and distinguished fellow-citizen, De Witt Clinton. Some of our brethren have been so kind to as to ask me to prepare a suitable expression of our feelings; and I have, in pursuance of their wishes, drawn up what has occurred to me as proper to be said on this occasion.”

“The high order of his talents, the untiring zeal and great success with which those talents have, through a series of years, been devoted to the prosecution of plans of a great public utility, are also know to you all, and by all, I am satisfied, duly appreciated. The subject can derive no additional interest or importance from any eulogy of mine. All other considerations out of view, the single fact, that the greatest public improvement of the age in which we live, was commenced under the guidance of his councils, and splendidly accomplished under his immediate auspices, is, of itself sufficient to fill the ambition of any man, and to give glory to any name.”

“We cannot, indeed, but remember that, in our public career, collisions of opinion and action, at once extensive, earnest, and enduring, have arisen between the deceased and many of us. For myself sir, it gives me a deep-felt, though melancholy, satisfaction to know, and more so be conscious, that the deceased also felt and acknowledged that our political differences have been wholly free from that most venomous and corroding of all poisons, personal hatred.”

“For myself, sir, so strong, so sincere, and so engrossing, is that feeling, that I, who, whilst living, never,—no never,—envied him anything, and now that he has fallen, am greatly tempted to envy him his grave with its honors.” 43

The remarks are sincere and heartfelt, and they demonstrate Van Buren’s quest to unify the party.

May 12 comes and goes without any mention of the annual celebration of the Society of St. Tammany in either the National Advocate, or the New-York Evening Post.

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The impending election is the first that allows New Yorkers to vote for their Presidential electors. With it Van Buren uses every campaign tactic that he can think of: parades, campaign buttons, banquets, political posters, and press releases. Tammany clubs are formed for the sole purpose of planting hickory trees in New York City. 44 By this time the Democratic-Republican Party splinters into the Adams Men and the Jacksonians. These two factions will evolve into the National Republican Party and the Democratic Party, respectively. On June 10, the Adams Men hold a convention in Albany. Of course, John Quincy Adams is nominated for president. The Jacksonians had nominated Jackson in caucus on January 31.

July 4 comes and goes without any mention of the Society of St. Tammany’s celebration of Independence Day in either the National Advocate or the New-York Evening Post.

On August 2, the New-York Evening Post reports:

“At a meeting of the General Committee of Republican Young Men of the city and county of New York, friendly to the election of General Andrew Jackson, to the Chief Magistracy of the Union, held at Tammany Hall, on Tuesday Evening, July 29, 1828, it was unanimously Resolved, That the present condition of our National affairs, is calculated, in the opinion of the Committee, to excite intense interest, and to call for zealous exertion among all classes of our citizens—therefore, Resolved, That this committee, impressed with these sentiments, earnestly recommend to the Young Men of this State, friendly to the election of General Andrew Jackson to the Presidency, to hold a convention at Herkimer, on the first Monday of October next, in order to afford mutual encouragement, and a mutual pledge of Union, and activity in the great course, in which we are engaged; and for the adoption of such measures, as may be thought expedient to promote the interests of the party at the approaching election. Resolved, That the representation of the said Convention be apportioned according to the present representation o the counties and assembly of this State. JOHN MONTGOMERY, Ch’n, RICHARD GRANT, Jr. Sec’y.”

It is worth noting that this press release calls “for zealous exertion among all classes of our citizens”—the immigrants. Again, Andrew Jackson is of Scotch-Irish descent. (The term “Scotch-Irish” will come into favor as a way for the Protestant Irish-Americans, who up to this point had been referred to as simply as the “Irish,” 45 to distinguish themselves from the impending wave of Irish Catholic immigrants.)

On September 27, the National Advocate prints:

“[From the New-York Enquirer.] Backing-out.—We learn that the Adams men have backed out from Tammany Hall, bag and baggage.—They now hold the candle and drink their beer in the Shakespeare. In fact the increase of Jacksonism of late at Tammany Hall and the neighborhood has been so great, that the Adams men saw it with grief and fled.”

To which the National Advocate responds: “Jacksonianism has indeed increased of late at Tammany Hall; so much so, that they have bought out the former keeper and imported an Englishman from another state to serve their purposes. And it has come to this, that an Englishman controls Tammany Hall? It is indeed time for Adams men, true Americans, genuine Bucktails, to seek another council fire, when John Bull has possession of the Wigwam.”

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Tammany’s General Committee, uses a technique that will become tried and true for decades to come: It pressures the lessee of the hotel and restaurant within Tammany Hall to sell back his lease to the Society of St. Tammany—controlled by the Jacksonians. Having secured the lease, the Jacksonians prevent anyone they choose from using the Hall—the Adams men. The article shows how far the National Advocate has shifted away from supporting the Society of St. Tammany from the days when Mordecai Noah edited it.

On October 6, the Jacksonians hold a convention in Herkimer, New York, and nominate Martin Van Buren for governor.

On October 22, the National Advocate, having replaced James Gordon Bennett with Samuel S. Conant as editor, publishes this thinly veiled anti-Semitic notice:

“Noah puffs the keeper of Tammany Hall—great improvements—excellent boarding house, a complete reformation—a refectory where Noah can go slily for his fried oysters and Pork steaks. Reader! Dost understand all of this? the keeper is an Englishman, and of the tribe of Mordecai, Mannassah, Moses, Noah. That’s all.”

On October 22, the New-York Evening Post reports:

“Societies of the “Friends of Ireland,” are forming throug hout the U.S. Scarcely a mail arrives that does not bring us the proceedings of some of these meetings. Their object appears to be to afford aid to the Catholic Association in Ireland, who are endeavouring to obtain a fair participation in the honors and emoluments of the British Government, and that their religious faith shall not form any obstacle to civil or military appointments. A meeting of Irishmen is to be held at Tammany Hall, this evening, for that object.”

By 1828, the Society of St. Tammany embraces the new immigrants in general, and the Irish in particular. The conflict between the Irish Catholics and Irish Protestants, which had been raging in Ireland for over a century will cross the Atlantic by 1830s, and sorely test Tammany Hall in the coming decades.

The impending presidential election is marked with the “venomous and corroding of all poisons, personal hatred.” Coffin handbills attack Jackson for his executing deserters and attacking Indian villages during the War of 1812, as well as his habit of dueling. His marriage is also attacked. His future wife, Rachel Robards, was the daughter of woman that Jackson boarded with in Nashville in 1788. Rachel was in an unhappy marriage at the time, and she and her husband separated in 1790. Andrew and Rachel fell in love and married, thinking that her husband had obtained a divorce, but he had not, technically making Rachel a bigamist, and the marriage was ruled invalid. In 1794, after making her divorce complete, Andrew and Rachel remarried. In the campaign of 1828, Adams supporters dredge up the bigamy issue with Cincinnati Gazette stating:

“Ought a convicted adulteress and her paramour husband be placed in the highest office of this free and Christian land?” 46

This and other personal attacks will stricken Rachel Jackson with grief. In New York, the election will feature Tammany repeaters voting multiple times, using teenagers to electioneer and vote, and the new technique of paying cash for votes. 47

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1828Coffin Handbill, from the collection of the Library of Congress.

On October 31, the presidential election begins. It will take until December 2 for the twenty-four states of the rapidly expanding nation to tally up the votes. The Jackson campaign, led by Martin Van Buren, consolidate their electorate in New York, the West, and the South, and easily defeat Adams, despite the mudslinging of the Adams camp. John C. Calhoun, who was elected as Vice President by the House of Representatives in the Contingent election of 1825, runs with Jackson and again is made Vice President.

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From November 3 to November 5, the New York State elections are held. Martin Van Buren, and his running mate Enos T. Throop easily defeat National Republican candidates Smith Thompson and Francis Granger for governor. In the elections for the state legislature, the Jacksonians take both the Assembly and Senate. In the Congressional elections, the Jacksonians win by a wide margin.

On December 22, the New-York Evening Post prints a poem by Tammany faithful Samuel L. Mitchell titled “The Hickory Tree.” It concludes:

“Oh noble tree, thy happy name,Has risen to immortal fame:By strong association’s tie,Connected with our destiny,Since far-advanced on honor’s road,It has on Jackson been bestowed.Hickory, grand hickory,The nation’s emblem thou shall be.”

On December 22, Jackson’s wife Rachel, aggrieved by the personal attacks, dies of a heart attack. Jackson, beside her on her deathbed, addresses those who slandered her: “In the presence of this dear saint, I can and do forgive all my enemies. But those vile wretches who have slandered her must look to God for mercy.” 48

Rachel Donelson Jackson, by Ralph Eleaser Whiteside Earl.From the collection of The Hermitage, Nashville, Tennessee.

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America Through the Eyes of St. TammanNOTES ON CHAPTER 5

1 John S. Jenkins, Lives of the Governors of the State of New York (Auburn: Derby and Miller 1851) p. 1992 Lurton Dunham Ingersoll, A History of the War Department of the United States with Biographical Sketches of the Secretaries (Francis B. Mohun 1879) pp. 471-4723 Alfred Connable and Edward Silberfarb, Tigers of Tammany, Nine Men Who Ran New York (Holt Rinehart and Winston 1967) p. 714 Oliver E. Allen, The Tiger, The Rise and Fall of Tammany Hall (Addison- Wesley Publishing Company 1993) p. 305 Edwin G. Burrows and Mike Wallace, Gotham, A History of New York City to 1898 (Oxford University Press 1999) p. 5126 Charles Glidden Haines, Memoir of Thomas Addis Emmet (G. & C. & H. Carvill 1829) p. 487 Ibid. p. 858 Ibid. p. 959 Captain Emmons Clark, History of The Second Company of the Seventh Regiment (James G. Gregory 1864) p. 4810 Gustavus Myers, The History of Tammany Hall (Boni & Liveright, Inc. 1917) p. 4611 Edwin G. Burrows and Mike Wallace, Gotham, A History of New York City to 1898 (Oxford University Press 1999) p. 51312 P. J. Staudenraus, “Era of Good Feelings” Reconsidered (Mid-America An Historical Review, Vol. 38, July 1956) p. 18213 Ibid. p. 18514 Gustavus Myers, The History of Tammany Hall (Boni & Liveright, Inc. 1917) p. 5015 Michael Gannon, The New History of Florida (Gainesville: University Press of Florida 1996) pp. 111-11316 Gustavus Myers, The History of Tammany Hall (Boni & Liveright, Inc. 1917) p. 5117 Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes, The Iconography of Manhattan Island, 1498-1909 Vol. 5(Robert H. Dodd 1926) p. 159618 Alfred Connable and Edward Silberfarb, Tigers of Tammany, Nine Men Who Ran New York (Holt Rinehart and Winston 1967) p. 8219 Allan Nevins, The Evening Post A Century of Journalism (Boni & Liveright, Inc. 1922) p. 4920 David Bacon, Trial of Henry B. Hagerman, Esq. (Oram & Mott 1818) pp. 5-621 Gilbert H. Muller, William Cullen Bryant: Author of America (SUNY Press 2010) p. 6222 James Renwick, Life of DeWitt Clinton (Harper & Brothers 1840) p. 3523 John Frost, Pictorial Life of Andrew Jackson (Belknap and Hamersley 1847) pp. 381-40724 De Witt Clinton, The Martling-Man, or Says I to myself—How is this? from the New-York Columbian of March, 1819 (Huntington Library, Thomas Gale, Sabin Americana Print Editions 2012) pp. 4-525 The Speeches of the Different Governors to the Legislature of the State of New York, Commencing with those of George Clinton, and Continued Down to the Present Time (J.M. Van Steenbergh 1825) p. 17626 Gustavus Myers, The History of Tammany Hall (Boni & Liveright, Inc. 1917) p. 5427 Alfred Connable and Edward Silberfarb, Tigers of Tammany, Nine Men Who Ran New York (Holt Rinehart and Winston 1967) p. 8728 Douglas Southall Freeman, R.E. Lee: A Biography (Charles Scribner’s & Sons 1935) p. 5029 John S. Jenkins, History of Political Parties in the State of New York (Alden & Markham 1846) p. 26230 James Hardie, An Account of the Yellow Fever which occurred in the City of New York in the Year 1822 (Samuel Marks 1822) p. 11931 Gustavus Myers, The History of Tammany Hall (Boni & Liveright, Inc. 1917) p. 4332 Ibid. p. 6333 Irving Stone, They Also Ran (Doubleday Doran and Company 1943) p. 3634 Alfred Connable and Edward Silberfarb, Tigers of Tammany, Nine Men Who Ran New York (Holt Rinehart and Winston 1967) p. 8835 Robert Vincent Remini, Henry Clay: Statesman for the Union (W. W. Norton & Company 1993) p 253

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The Era of Good and Bad Feelings36 Sam B. Smith, Harriet Fason Chappell Owsley, The Papers of Andrew Jackson: 1825-1828 (University of Tennessee Press 2002) p. xxviii37 Gustavus Myers, The History of Tammany Hall (Boni & Liveright, Inc. 1917) p. 8838 Ibid. p. 7039 Hugh Maxwell, Esq. Trial of Jacob Barker, Thomas Vermilya, and Matthew L. Davis For Alleged Conspiracy (Coke Law-Press 1827) pp. 5-1340 John Micklethwait & Adrian Wooldridge, The Right Nation: Conservative Power in America (Penguin Press 2005) p. 1541 Gustavus Myers, The History of Tammany Hall (Boni & Liveright, Inc. 1917) pp. 72-7342 Ibid. p 7443 The United States Magazine and Democratic Review Volume XV (Henry G. Langley July, 1844) p. 744 Oliver E. Allen, The Tiger, The Rise and Fall of Tammany Hall (Addison- Wesley Publishing Company 1993) p. 3545 Margaret Dickinson Falley, Irish and Scotch Irish Ancestral Research: A Guide to Genealogical Records (Genealogical Publishing Company 1995) p. 1246 Joseph Cummins, Anything for a Vote: Dirty Tricks, Cheap Shots, and October Surprises in U.S. Presidential Campaigns (Quirk Books 2007) p. 5247 Oliver E. Allen, The Tiger, The Rise and Fall of Tammany Hall (Addison- Wesley Publishing Company 1993) p. 3548 Edgar Sanderson, The World’s History and Its Makers: American Statesmen (E.R. Du Mont 1902) p. 243

st. tammany chapter 5

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