Welcome to Part Thirteen! It’s time for the President with the best name, and the last Whig. Let’s dive into the administration of Millard Fillmore:
Becomes president- 9th July 1850
Millard Fillmore became president on this day, but not in the way he might have imagined. Fillmore had been aware of Taylor’s illness and had even joined a prayer vigil with other Cabinet members. He was informed of Taylor’s death whilst staying at the Willard Continental. Millard Fillmore was now president, the second man who ascended the presidency due to a predecessor’s death.
Extraordinary inauguration- 10th July 1850
Fillmore took the oath of office the next day in front of a joint session of Congress, likely to legitimise his presidency in a way John Tyler had almost failed to do so in 1841. He was sworn in by Judge William Cranch, chief justice of the DC Circuit Court.
Fillmore accepts Cabinet resignation- 11th July 1850
It was customary for the Cabinet to resign for a new president, but it was also customary for said president to retain them. Taylor’s Cabinet resigned, but Fillmore, who had disliked them, decided not to keep them on. This caused great fury, especially after he asked them to stay on for a time to keep things steady. They refused.
Daniel Webster becomes Secretary of State again- 23rd July 1850
Daniel Webster had been Secretary of State under William Henry Harrison, and had been retained by John Tyler despite a mutual distrust. Fillmore decided to bring in Webster to replace Taylor’s choice of John M. Clayton. Webster enjoyed a prominent role in the Fillmore administration until his death.
Announces his support of a Texas compromise- 6th August 1850
President Taylor had professed neutrality in territory disputes between Texas and New Mexico, though he said the lands were federal. Fillmore announced his support of a compromise this day, stating he thought it would be best if Texas was paid to abandon these claims.
California is admitted to the Union/establishment of Texas border boundaries/territory of New Mexico/establishes Utah territory- 9th September 1850
The 9th September 1850 was an incredibly busy day for the Fillmore administration. Firstly, California officially became a state after several years of trying. Secondly, the border boundaries with Texas were created. Thirtly, New Mexico and Utah became official territories. The issue between Texas and New Mexico was revolved by the latter paying the former $10M for ceding its land claims. These three acts made up part of the Compromise of 1850.
Signs Fugitive Slave Act into force- 18th September 1850
The Fugitive Slave Act, one of the most controversial parts of Fillmore’s presidency, was signed. The fourth part of the Compromise of 1850, it allowed sweeping powers to arrest any suspected escaped slaves, whether they were actually fugitives or just accused of being. Those who sheltered fugitives were fined and even imprisoned, and marshals who refused to return them were also heavily penalised. Fugitives were not permitted to speak in their own defence or given a trial by jury. Commissioners received a fee of $10 for the fugitives or $5 if it could not be proven. Whilst there had been the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, it had mainly been left to slave owners to retrieve them. Now, the law was there to help. The act was considered especially harsh, and became a cause célèbre for abolitionists. Even Fillmore’s wife, the very intelligent Abigail, advised against signing the act. He did so, and whilst it did keep the peace for a time, it was very much a band aid on a bullet wound.
Signs act abolishing slave trade in DC- 20th September 1850
The final component of the Compromise of 1850, Fillmore signed the act abolishing the slave trade in DC. There had been numerous attempts to do so in previous years.
Brigham Young is named Governor of the Territory of Utah- 28th September 1850
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormonism, has had a colourful and controversial past in the United States. Following the assassination of founder Joseph Smith, a man named Brigham Young became leader. He would become known for polygamy (having fifty-six wives), founding Salt Lake City and the college he founded. On this date, Young became Governor of the Territory of Utah, beginning the church’s intrinsic links to the state. Young was generally quite an effective governor who built Utah up from the ground, but supported slavery and led massacres of Natives and immigrant families.
First National Women’s Rights Convention- 24th October 1850
The first National Women’s Rights Convention was held on this day in Worcester, Massachusetts. Speakers included preeminent feminists, suffragists, abolitionists and other civil rights leaders such as Frederick Douglass, Lucretia Mott and Sojourner Truth. This event, as well as the earlier Seneca Falls Convention, marked a new turning point in the fight for women’s rights in the United States, in addition to abolitionism and other social and political causes.
First State of the Union Address- 2nd December 1850
Fillmore delivered his first State of the Union Address on this date. He began by expressing his sadness at President Taylor’s death and promising to make the address non-partisan in honour of his predecessor. Fillmore stated his belief in a limited government, and discussed issues such as relations with Great Britain, foreign policy, the free market, California and agriculture.
Proclamation 55- 13th December 1850
Fillmore issued Proclamation 55 on this date. It created a territorial government in New Mexico and established new boundaries in Texas.
Shadrach Minkins becomes the first to be arrested under the FSA- 15th February 1851
Shadrach Minkins was the first man to be arrested under the FSA on this day. Nine months after his escape from his Virginia owner, Minkins was arrested in Boston. He became a rallying point for abolitionists, especially as Boston was a hub of anti-slavery activism. A former slave named Lewis Hayden led a gang who spirited Minkins away from the courthouse. He was then hidden and transported to Canada by abolitionists. Fillmore, whilst never a slaveholder himself, wanted to keep the peace and urged Bostonians to abide by the law. He also sent federal forces. Minkins died in Canada in 1875.
Asks Congress for more powers to enforce the FSA- 19th February 1851
Concerned about what had transpired with Minkins and Boston, Fillmore asked Congress for more powers to enforce the FSA. In this address, he said: ‘That it be recommended to the legislatures of the several States to pass laws making it expressly the duty of the keepers of their jails to receive and safe keep therein all prisoners committed under the authority of the United States until they shall be discharged by the course of the laws thereof, under the like penalties as in the case of prisoners committed under the authority of such States respectively; the United States to pay for the use and keeping of such jails at the rate of 50 cents per month for each prisoner that shall, under their authority, be committed thereto during the time such prisoner shall be therein confined, and also to support such of said prisoners as shall be committed for offenses.’
First publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin- 5th May 1851
On this date, the famous anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe was published. Stowe was an ardent abolitionist whose family was part of the Underground Railroad which helped transport escaped slaves to freedom. The book became incredibly popular, galvanising abolitionists and angering slave-holders. Despite criticisms of its use of stereotypes, it’s indisputable that Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a seminal piece of literature. It’s said that when meeting her, Lincoln said of Stowe ‘so this is the little lady who started the great war.’
Lays cornerstone for the extension of the Capitol- 4th July 1851
Exactly one year after Taylor attended a dedication of a Washington Monument stone, Fillmore laid a cornerstone for the extension of the US Capitol Building. It would be completed in 1867.
Second State of the Union Address- 2nd December 1851
Fillmore delivered his second State of the Union Address on this date. His tone was conciliatory, especially at the start ‘I congratulate you and our common constituency upon the favorable auspices under which you meet for your first session. Our country is at peace with all the world.’ Fillmore spoke of foreign relations, Texas, the national debt and the Navy among other things.
Signs act to fund repairs for the Library of Congress- 13th January 1851
Likely influenced by wife Abigail, who introduced the White House library, Fillmore signed an act to fund repairs for the Library of Congress, which had been decimated by a fire. Unfortunately, the library would not be truly appreciated until after the Civil War.
Loses renomination from the party- 17th May 1852
The Whig National Convention was a contentious event. Factions had split in the party, and Fillmore’s advocacy of the FSA had made him deeply unpopular with northern members of his party. Fillmore’s two main rivals were Secretary of State Daniel Webster and ‘Old Fuss and Feathers’ General Winfield Scott. Webster was in poor health but had long coveted the presidency, and thus campaigned hard. Scott had the support of Northerners that Fillmore lacked. Scott was finally nominated after the 53rd ballot. Fillmore was gracious about defeat.
Daniel Webster dies- 24th October 1852
Daniel Webster’s poor health finally caught up with him, and the final member of the Great Triumvirate died on this day. Webster requested Edward Everett be his replacement, and Everett took on the role for the next three months.
Oregon deliberations- 25th November 1852
On this day, deliberations regarding splitting the Oregon territory began. This split would eventually create what is now Washington state.
Third and Final State of the Union address- 7th December 1852
Fillmore’s third and final State of the Union address was delivered on this day. Fillmore was once again conciliatory in his tone, urging support of the election and the democratic process despite disappointment by others at the result. He also paid tribute to the recently departed Secretary Webster. Fillmore also talked of Cuba, South America, fiscal responsibility, tariffs and the Navy among other things. He finished his address thus: ‘Called by an unexpected dispensation to its highest trust at a season of embarrassment and alarm, I entered upon its arduous duties with extreme diffidence. I claim only to have discharged them to the best of an humble ability, with a single eye to the public good, and it is with devout gratitude in retiring from office that I leave the country in a state of peace and prosperity.’
Failed nomination of William C. Micou- 24th February 1853
Following the death of SCOTUS Associate Justice John McKinley, Fillmore had failed several times to get a nominee through. His third final attempt was with William C. Micou, a Louisiana lawyer. As Fillmore was a lame-duck Whig president, the Democratic-run Senate decided that there was no need to give him a win. Micou died a little over a year later, and John Archibald Campbell got the job.
Signs act to create Territorial Government of Washington- 2nd March 1853
Following discussion in Oregon, Fillmore signed an act creating the territorial government of Washington on this day.
Leaves office- 4th March 1853
Millard Fillmore packed his bags and handed the keys to the White House over to Franklin Pierce. He suffered a tragedy three weeks later when his wife Abigail passed away, then another one when daughter Mary, who’d acted as White House hostess for her ill mother, died in July the next year. A devastated Fillmore rejoined political and social life in order to focus his grief. In 1856, Fillmore became the nominee for the new American/Know Nothing Party, but came third in the election. He married wealthy widow Caroline McIntosh in 1858 and enjoyed high society in Buffalo. Fillmore was an ardent supporter of the Union during the Civil War, but was critical of Lincoln. He continued speaking out about politics until his death. Millard Fillmore died of a stroke on the 8th March 1874 aged seventy-four. Historians often rank him as one of the worst US presidents, and his only imprint on the public consciousness is his fabulous name. (Oh, and Queen Victoria apparently said that Fillmore was the handsomest man she’d ever seen. Eat that, Prince Albert).
That’s it for Millard Fillmore. Tune in next week for Franklin Pierce, in which we’ll see him deal with the Kansas-Nebraska Act, opening up Japan and the downfall of the Whigs.
