A daguerreotype portrait of Ramsey as a rising young politician

ALEXANDER RAMSEY and the Birth of Party Politics in

JOHN C. HAUGLAND

AS THE American nation expanded ­ aries, and lumbermen who composed the ward across the continent, it brought to major part of the region's scattered popu­ sparsely settled frontier areas the influence lation were then called upon to form a of government and the need to organize po­ framework of responsible local government litically. This occurred in Minnesota imme­ and to align themselves with the great cur­ diately after the creation of the territory in rents of national politics. Isolated as they 1849. The handful of fur traders, mission- were, the issues which divided the rest of the country — the tariff, slavery, and the na­ MR. HAUGLAND is the assistant dean of the tion's banking policy — meant little to them. graduate school in the University of Minnesota. Party politics did, however, impinge upon The present article is adapted from his doctoral them through the necessity of electing a ter­ dissertation on Ramsey. ritorial delegate to Congress, and even more

Summer 1964 37 directly through the appointment of terri­ who had wanted to be postmaster general. torial officers by the national administration. The Senate Democrats refused to confirm These officers helped to crystallize the McGaughey, however, and on March 21, early political alignments in Minnesota, and, 1849, President Taylor submitted the name as governor, the most influential among of WUliam S. Pennington, former governor them was Alexander Ramsey. His name thus of New Jersey, who had hoped to secure a became inextricably bound with the devel­ diplomatic position. Although Pennington's opment of politics in the North Star State. nomination was confirmed by the Senate The years which witnessed this process and his commission was delivered to him, also saw the decline and disintegration of he declined the appointment.^ the Whigs as a national party. This political Meanwhile two of Taylor's newly ap­ organization had grown out of the hetero­ pointed cabinet officers, Secretary of the geneous groups that opposed the policies Treasury WiUiam M. Meredith and Secre­ of Andrew Jackson's administration. During tary of State John M. Clayton, had pushed the party's rather brief history it had bril­ for Ramsey's nomination as a reward for liant leadership, exemplified by Henry Clay work well done in Pennsylvania. As chair­ and Daniel Webster, but it never achieved man of the Whig party's state central com­ a unity comparable to that of the Jacksonian mittee, Ramsey had been influential in Democrats. swinging the Keystone State to Taylor in When Clay and Webster were in their 1848 and had also secured a Whig victory prime, the party was one of ideas and integ­ in the local elections held earher the same rity. By 1848, however, it had been beaten fall. The young politician, active for less on numerous important issues, and younger than ten years, had compiled an impressive Whigs argued that the organization would record.' wither unless it captured the national gov­ His training had included three years at ernment and revitalized itself with the in Pennsylvania and two nourishment of public patronage. They ac­ more spent studying law in Harrisburg. He complished this in 1848 with the election of had been admitted to the bar in 1839 and General , whose chief quali­ was only twenty-four when, in 1840, he first fications were his popularity as a hero of the entered politics to campaign for William H. Mexican War and his acceptability to both Harrison. Pennsylvania as well as Dauphin the northern and southern factions of the County, where Ramsey lived, went for Har­ party. It was he who appointed the officers rison that year, and as a reward for his aid for the newly created territory of Minne­ Ramsey was appointed chief clerk of the sota.^ lower house of the state legislature. So be­ Alexander Ramsey was by no means the gan his climb up the political ladder. Two first man to be considered for the office of years later he was elected to Congress from governor. Factional controversies had quickly canceled out the first two aspirants. ^ The legislation creating the territory had been 'They were John C. Clark of New York, passed on March 3, 1849, in the closing hours of the supported by Senator William H. Seward, Thirtieth Congress, and President James K. Polk had and Nathan K. Hall, the law partner of either not had time to make appointments or decided that selection of the necessary officials should be Vice-President Millard Fillmore. Edward the responsibility of the incoming chief executive. W. McGaughey of Indiana, a former Con­ " Holman Hamilton, "Zachary Taylor and Minne­ gressman and one of the Whigs' promising sota," in Minnesota History, 30:104-107 (June, 1949); William W. Folwell, A , young men, was next on the list. His nomi­ 1:248 (St. Paul, 19.56). nation probably resulted from President " For a detailed study of Ramsey's early life, see Taylor's failure to include in his cabinet William J. Ryland, Alexander Ramsey: A Study of a Frontier Politician and the Transition of Minnesota Congressman Caleb E. Smith of Indiana, from a Territory to a State {Philadelphia, 1941).

38 MINNESOTA History a district consisting of Dauphin, Lebanon, named secretary, although he had coveted and Schuylkill counties, a region mainly in­ the governorship. Alexander M. Mitchell, al­ dustrial in character. As a Congressman, he so from Ohio, was appointed marshal. A was a firm protectionist, and while he sel­ graduate of West Point, MitcheU had fought dom spoke in the House of Representatives, under Taylor in the Mexican War and was his longest and most important speeches the only Minnesota appointee who was a concerned the tariff. Ramsey was re-elected personal friend of the president. The sole in 1844 but did not seek a third term in 1846 Minnesota resident in the group was Henry because of a strong demand in local party L. Moss, who was given the office of attor­ circles to have representation from one of ney general. Aaron Goodrich of Tennessee the other counties in his district. He re­ was appointed chief justice of the territory; turned to the practice of law in Harrisburg David Cooper of Pennsylvania and Bradley in 1847, but continued his active role in B. Meeker of Kentucky were made associate state politics. justices. None of the three was a great law­ As a result of the 1848 Whig successes in yer, but they all had friends with political Pennsylvania, Ramsey aspired to the posi­ influence. Meeker was a nephew of Senator tion of collector of the port of Philadelphia, Truman Smith of Connecticut; Cooper was a lucrative post with considerable influence. a brother of Senator James Cooper of Penn­ Two days after the inauguration he called sylvania; and Chief Justice Goodrich had on the president, and the next day a body of been pushed forward by Senator John Bell bis friends visited the chief executive con­ and other Whig leaders from Tennessee.^ cerning the Philadelphia office; but the ap­ pointment did not go to Ramsey, and a RAMSEY REACHED St. Paul on May 27. short while later he was convinced by his His arrival, early on a Sunday morning, was friends that he should accept the governor­ practically unnoticed by the sleeping citi­ ship of Minnesota. On April 3 he received zens. After a brief look around, he and his his commission and ten days later the thirty- family went on to Mendota, where Henry H. four-year-old governor took the oath of of­ Sibley, the man who had been largely in­ fice at the home of Chief Justice Roger B. strumental in achieving territorial status for Taney. In early May, accompanied by his Minnesota, invited them to stay until they wife, Ramsey called once more on the presi­ could secure suitable housing in St. Paul. dent and soon after began his journey west.* This was the beginning of a lifelong friend­ Six other territorial officers had earher ship between Ramsey and Sibley, even been appointed to serve with Ramsey in though their political allegiances were with Minnesota. Charles K. Smith of Ohio was different parties.® The arrival of the new chief executive ' Frances Urevig, ed., "With Governor Ramsey to meant the beginning of formal government Minnesota in 1849," in Minnesota History, 35:353 and with it the beginning of organized poli­ (December, 1957). See also Ramsey's diary for the months of March, April, and May, 1849, Ramsey tics. On June 1, 1849, Ramsey declared the Papers, in the Minnesota Historical Society. His territorial government established, and he appointment was made during the recess of Con­ was soon surveying the community, hoping gress and was not brought before the Senate until that he would find fertile ground in which December, 1849. The Senate consented on January 9, 1850, without objection. , to initiate more vigorous party activity. His Journal of Executive Proceedings, 8:98, 104, 117 first impressions are recorded in a diary en­ (Washington, 1887). try for June 19, 1849: "had conversation . . . ° Hamilton, in Minnesota History, 30:109; Rob­ ert C. Voight, "Defender of the Common Law: relative to the difficulties of our position po­ Aaron Goodrich, Chief Justice of Minnesota Terri­ litically having among old settlers not one tory," 28-30, an unpublished doctoral dissertation Whig [who] was prominent in Society. . . . in the Minnesota Historical Society. "Urevig, in Minnesota History, 35:356. If we had one good leading Whig among the

Summer 1964 39 old settlers, I would at once go for a Whig party banner, while at the same time they party organization.'"^ worked feverishly to establish Whig su­ The road to achieving this goal was to be premacy within that group. difficult and frustrating for the young gov­ In a letter to Secretary of State Clayton in ernor. While political maturity in the form August, 1849, Ramsey commented that of well-organized parties did not exist in "our" friends probably had a majority in 1849, the leading citizens of the territory had each house of the territorial legislature, but Democratic proclivities. This fact, coupled he lamented the fact that there was no local with the Democratic control of Congress, Whig policy because there was no political made that party label — or at least a nonpar­ organization. He wrote: "The ardent locos tisan one — much more advantageous for in the Territory say this cry of ours for 'no the time being. It was probably for this rea­ party' is all a trick, and that we secretly pro­ son that in territorial elections before 1853, pose raising our flag so soon as we have those who opposed tbe regular Democratic drilled our forces, probably they are mis­ nominees were merely labeled "Opposition taken." Commenting on the politics in Min­ Ticket" or "People's Ticket," and the gener­ nesota when he arrived, he said, "1 found ally unorganized opposition was called the the prominent men of the country opposed "Territorial Party." to us politically & it required good manage­ A month before Ramsey's arrival editori­ ment to prevent a party array which would als had expressed the hope that there would have resulted in our discomfiture & pros­ be no two-party conflicts in Minnesota. The trated us for years." Then prophesying a bit territory's first newspaper, the Minnesota Ramsey added, "if I can carry out our pres­ Register, on April 27,1849, hoped "that par­ ent policy for twelve months we can go into ty lines will not be drawn in Minnesota until the field with a powerful & organized host."' this trust (that of establishing well a com­ The disappointment of this hope was re­ monwealth, and Empire, in Minnesota) is flected a year later when Ramsey wrote to fully executed; for it will be impossible to Secretary of the Treasury Thomas Corwin discuss and wisely adjudicate great ques­ in Washington stating that he thought "it tions of state policy, under the influence of was important, at least for the first & second party animosity and prejudice." A corre­ years of our existence that they [the Demo­ spondent wrote to Sibley in a similar vein, crats] should not have the merit of victory maintaining that the claims of party could here — for if they had it, tbe young and be overlooked under a territorial govern­ heedless would enlist under their standard, ment which was dependent upon Congress so above all other things, I bent my ener­ for support. Friends would have to be gies to defeat the democratic organization sought in both parties without regard to — to do this most effectually we got up what their affiliation.* The Register, on July 21, we called a Territorial party, under the aus­ again gave its approval to the seeming ab­ pices of which, in the elections that have oc­ sence of political parties. curred we have placed our friends in the Nevertheless, while many Minnesotans best of the several county offices and have professed publicly that neutrality was a ne­ ' Ramsey Diary, June 19, 1849. The governor's cessity for the territory, expediency and first proclamations are in , even survival often required the drawing of House Journal, 1849, p. 187, 194, 215-219. party lines. Politicians — particularly those •^John Catlin to Sibley, July 13, 1849, Sibley Papers, in the Minnesota Historical Society. who considered themselves Whigs and iden­ "Ramsey to Clayton, August 8, 1849, Clayton tified with the administration — thought and Papers, in the Library of Congress. "Locos," derived operated on two levels. Outwardly they ad­ from "locofocos," was a popular nickname for Democrats. It is said to have originated in New York vocated, as did Ramsey, political co-opera­ City and originally referred to one faction of the tion with other factions under the Territorial party, which carried on a meeting by the light of candles and locofocos (matches).

40 MINNESOTA History produced a general impression that the controlled Congress. Fortunately for Ram­ Whigs are the most numerous party here.^" sey, Sibley was twice elected to the post Much the same view of Whig politics was during the period 1849-1853. The personal voiced in February, 1850, by a Democratic relationship between the two men was al­ correspondent of Sibley when he wrote ways friendly and they co-operated when "They [the Whigs] profess neutrality now, the interests of the territory were para­ declare themselves opposed to party lines, mount. Another common bond was their and why? Because they are the weaker party mutual distrust of Rice, who in October, and hope by joining a portion of our party to 1849, had succeeded in gaining control of defeat the regular nominees, create dis­ what Democratic organization existed.^^ order among us, provoke feelings of hatred It is interesting to observe how Ramsey and ill will, that may last for years, and pre­ attempted to carry out his duties as governor vent us from uniting and acting harmoni­ of a Democratic territory and at the same ously against a common enemy." ^^ time maintain his standing with tbe Whig Tbe Democrats in Minnesota were indeed administration in Washington. The diffi­ divided by factional differences. Personal culty of the task was increased by fed­ rivalries between such men as Sibley, Henry eral appointments which served to appease M. Rice, Joseph R. Brown, and others, often various factions in Washington, but often led them to act independently and to the resulted in bringing incompetent Whig of­ disadvantage of their party. Disagreements ficeholders to Minnesota. It is on the whole usuaUy focused upon the office of dele­ small wonder that Ramsey failed to estab­ gate to Congress, which was the most pow­ lish a vigorous Whig organization in the ter­ erful and sought-after post in the territory. ritory. From what could it have drawn Rice and Sibley both had ambitions in this strength? The '"personal politics" and fac­ direction, for as the sole representative of tionalism which plagued the territory were Minnesota in Washington, the delegate was but reflections of the national political consulted by political and administration scene. Tbe immediate problems were differ­ leaders with regard to contracts, appoint­ ent, but on both levels the breakdown of ments, and patronage.^^ traditional party alignments was evident. Although Ramsey tried, he never was suc­ cessful in having a Whig elected to repre­ IN MARCH, 1850, Rice made a contract sent the territory in Washington. He was with Orlando Brown, commissioner of In­ forced, therefore, to work through a Demo­ dian affairs in Washington, to return a num­ cratic delegate, which in itself was not al­ ber of wandering Winnebago Indians to ways disadvantageous, since tbe Democrats their reservation in northern Minnesota. This contract and subsequent events were ^"Ramsey to Corwin, August 18, 1850, Corwin Papers, in the Library of Congress. important as a test of political strength be­ ^^ William D. Phillips to Sibley, February 1, 1850, tween Rice and Sibley, and the issue also Sibley Papers. made clear the precarious position occupied " For a full account of the Democratic party fac­ tions at this time, see ErHng Jorstad, "Personal by Ramsey. As governor of the territory he Politics in the Origin of Minnesota's Democratic was ex officio superintendent of Indian af­ Party," in Minnesota History, 36:259-271 (Septem­ fairs and should have been influential in ber, 1959). "Folwell, Minnesota, 1:369; Jorstad, in Minne­ negotiating any contract regarding the Win­ sota History, 36:265. nebago. In this case, however, he was not " Sibley to Ramsey, March 22, 1850; Alexander even consulted, but was presented with a M. Mitchell to Ramsey, April 23, 1850, Ramsey Pa­ fait accompli- Even Sibley, who was in pers; Ramsey to Sibley, April 10, 1850, Sibley Papers; Sibley to John H. Stevens, May 15, 1850, Washington as territorial delegate at the Stevens Papers, in the collections of the Minne­ time, did not know of tbe contract until aft­ sota Historical Society. See also Jorstad, in Min­ er it had been signed.i* nesota History, 36:266-268.

Summer 1964 41 Rice had written Ramsey that a contract ination a weak man who was but a tool in was in the process of being negotiated, but their hands. Following their leader's cue, nothing further reached Ramsey until he Minnesota Whigs generally repudiated was notified that it had been awarded to MitcheU, and Ramsey blamed him for act­ Rice and that its terms called for a pay­ ing in a fashion that would prevent the elec­ ment of seventy dollars for each Winnebago tion of a Whig.^* Indian returned to the reservation. Both In the meantime Sibley, who was by con­ Sibley and Ramsey were violent in their op­ viction a free-soil Democrat, had decided to position to the agreement. Ramsey was so maintain his nonpartisan stance. As early as incensed that he took a boat to Galena, Il­ February, 1850, a movement had been linois, in order to wire a protest to Wash­ started to organize a "People's" or "Territor­ ington. On his way he met Rice and was ial" party to promote his re-election, but it evidently informed that the contract was le­ was not until July 29 that Sibley announced gally concluded and, therefore, nothing his candidacy. Yet another "independent" could be done about it.^^ convention met on August 10. Although The plum had been secured through a po­ seemingly led by a group of anti-MitcheU litical bargain between Rice and Alexander Whigs, it nominated David Olmsted, a life­ Mitchell, marshal of tbe territory. Rice long Democrat.^^ pledged his support to Mitchell as delegate Thus the race was between Mitchell, a to Congress, and in return Mitchell agreed Whig nominated by Democrats; Olmsted, a to get Rice the contract, presumably through Democrat nominated by Whigs; and Sibley, his personal friendship with President Tay­ a Democrat nominated by himself under a lor.^® Evidently the president was willing to nonpartisan label. Realizing that the real help elect a Whig delegate, but in so doing battle was between Sibley and Rice, Olm­ he ignored Governor Ramsey and Delegate sted prudently made an agreement with the Sibley. The whole affair was a political slap latter and withdrew a week before the elec­ at both men and illustrated the behind-the- tion. To add to the confusion an article in scenes activities which kept Ramsey in con­ the National Intelligencer (at this time the stant anxiety concerning affairs in Washing­ voice of the more conservative elements of ton. the Whig party) contained the statement The election of a new delegate was held that "Party lines are not drawn in the Terri­ in the fall of 1850. Sibley had received the tory of Minnesota, and each party has made office by unanimous vote the year before, its nomination of a candidate as delegate to and Rice still hesitated to run against the Congress. H. H. Sibley, the Democratic, and enormously popular Mendota trader — thus David Olmstead [sic] the Whig candi­ his agreement with Marshal Mitchell. Hav­ date." ^^ Small wonder that Washington pol- ing Rice's Democratic backing, MitcheU '^ Rice to Ramsey, March 19, 1850, Ramsey Pa­ needed only Ramsey's approval for the pers; Jorstad in Minnesota History, 36:268. Whig vote, and success might be almost " Sibley to Ramsey, May 6, 18, 1850; Ramsey to Sibley, May 7, 1850 (copy), Ramsey Papers; Jor­ within reach.^'^ stad, in Minnesota History, 36:267. The situation posed a dilemma for the "Folwell, Minnesota, 1:370. governor. Throughout the first half of 1850 " Mitchell to Ramsey, January 28, 1850, Ramsey Papers; Ramsey Diary, August 21, 23, 1850; Ram­ he remained noncommital, although as early sey to Sibley, August 18, 1850; Dr. Thomas R. Potts as January 28 Mitchell had sought his sup­ to Sibley, August 1, 1850, Sibley Papers; Jorstad, in port in the race. On July 31 a convention Minnesota History, 36:269. " Samuel J. Findley to Sibley, February 24, 1850, dominated by the supporters of Rice named Sibley Papers; Jorstad, in Minnesota History, Mitchell as its candidate. Ramsey then made 36:270; Minnesota Chronicle and Register, August public his evaluation of Mitchell, stating 12, 19, 1850. "" The quotation is from an undated clipping in that Rice and his faction had placed in nom­ the Ramsey Papers of August, 1850.

42 MINNESOTA History iticians could make little sense of the situa­ tion! For Ramsey, who had so skillfully helped revitahze the Whig party in Pennsylvania, the election of 1850 must have been a great disappointment. His comments to Sibley in a letter of August 18 probably summed up his feelings: "I regret the folly of the friends of Mitchell in permitting him to be a candi­ date. For I verily believe but for this con­ duct of theirs, placing themselves in the leadership of Rice the Whigs might have had the next delegate to Congress. As it is, I wash my hands of this." Before the elec­ tion he reluctantly endorsed Sibley.^^ It was a bitter campaign. Sibley's enemies branded him as the friend of the American Fur Company, which they charged with monopoly, corruption, and impeding the territory's progress. Minnesota voters real­ istically abandoned party labels and desig­ nated the candidates "Fur" and "Anti-Fur." They re-elected Sibley by a majority of 90 out of a total vote of 1,208."

FOLLOWING the election Ramsey's posi­ tion was an uncomfortable one. MitcheU and his friends eventually departed for Washington with threats against the gov­ ernor, and he had good reason to fear politi­ HENRY M. Rice, about 1860 cal repercussions because of his support of Sibley. The latter was during this time Ram­ sought to serve had thrown all its gains into sey's unwavering friend in Washington. the hands of its opponents. AU he could do Writing to him in September, the governor was bide his time, watch, and pray. Sibley requested "that before your return home and Dr. Thomas Foster, tbe governor's pri­ you move among the best of cabinet officers vate secretary who was also in Washington, and such of the heads of bureaux as I have assured Ramsey that Mitchell was not to be to do with and have just such conversation feared, and that they would correct any as you may see fit." A few months later he wrong impressions which might arise.^^ lamented his bad luck, adding that although In the meantime Sibley was being urged his only interest was the good of the terri­ by members of his own party to abandon his tory, he received more curses than blessings, lofty nonpartisan pose and come to grips and the Whig administration which he with the political currents taking shape in Minnesota. "We are heartily tired and sick of this eternal Whig clamor of no partyism =' Ramsey to Sibley, August 18, 1850, Sibley Pa­ in the Territory," wrote Michael E. Ames, pers; Ramsey Diary, August 21, 23, 1850. ='Folwell, Minnesota, 1:371. speaker of the territorial house of representa­ '^Ramsey to Sibley, September 4, December 31, tives, "for partyism does exist, and the Whigs 1850, Sibley Papers; Foster to Ramsey, September in Minnesota are at this moment as thor­ 14, 1850; Sibley to Ramsey, September 15, 1850, Ramsey Papers. oughly organized as in any part of the Union

Summer 1964 43 ADDRESS OF THE HON. HAL SQUIBBLE, TO THE DEAR PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA.

FELLOW-CHICKENS : I or be left ashore. I was told that the ' abuse me. Don't condescend so low, I The time being at hand for the choice Locos were the strongest—I came out a implore you. It is true I belong to a of a Delegate to represent the American Loco—but alas! I was deceived. I made monopoly, but I don' make use f^*" Fur Company in the next Congress, I a mistake ; and that is the reason 1 turn­ of the means in m now, at the earnest solicitations of tlie ed round and kicked the party organiza­ as will vote for ^' members of that company, submit myself tion into the drink. Experience lias so , das, al as a candidate, and humbly beg your j far convinced me that it is policy to kcc support. 1 think 1 should be a little more |o n the fence until I can s' "!'' sure of my election, ifl had been permit­ doubt, wb"^H is tlic F'-^- ted to have done this in person; but l! if again shall not be able to leave my post without for V jeopardizing the interests of the cor--""" Sixteen years ago, th' ^meri'" A satirical broadside Company, at Mackina published by Sibley's political —elevated •' grees—^ opponents in April, 1850 and act continually in concert under the di­ payment of a salary to any territorial officer rection of their Dutch Whig Governor, who who absented himself from his job for a pe­ whUe he is preaching against party political riod of sixty days. Judge Cooper and Mar­ organization in "so new a Territory' is pulling shal Mitchell were notable offenders in this the wires that put every member of the respect. At home Chief Justice Goodrich be­ Whig party into concert of action."^* came embroiled with local gossips, failed to James M. Goodhue, editor of the Minne­ get along with Minnesota lawyers, and in sota Pioneer and a loyal Democrat, advised Ramsey's judgment demonstrated "utter in­ Sibley to see the new president, Millard capacity for his place." ^^ Fillmore, who had succeeded Taylor upon Positions dealing with Indian matters the latter's death in July, 1850. He wrote: were another source of irritation, and on "If, after explaining fully . . . the situation one occasion Ramsey wrote wrathfuUy to of things in Minnesota, you can satisfy him Sibley: "You might . . . insinuate to the that an attempt at Whig organization here Commissioner of Indian Affairs . . . that would be unwise, [and] you could get from the department has a damned strong pro­ him an expression in writing of that opin­ clivity to loco-focoism." Reviewing a record ion, it would settle this business at once, which he felt showed Democratic favorit­ and we should have a majority cemented in ism, he wondered "how they think I am to do the Territory for all good purposes, that anything for my party here, under this in­ would last, certainly through this adminis­ cessant action from Washington." ^'^ tration."^^ If it were the administration's intention to '''Ames to Sibley, January 10, 1851, Sibley Papers. build a healthy Whig organization in Min­ "^ Goodhue to Sibley, February 6, 1851, Sibley nesota, appointees within the territory had Papers. indeed been poorly chosen. The continual '"Sibley to John H. Stevens, March 4, 1851, Stevens Papers; United States, Statutes at Large, presence of Minnesota territorial officers in 9:611; Minnesota Pioneer, January 16, 1851; Voight, Washington during 1850 became an open "Defender of the Common Law," 41-43, 58-60; scandal and caused Congress to put a provi­ Ramsey Diary, April 9, 1850. '"Ramsey to Sibley, January 14, 1851, Sibley sion in an appropriation bill forbidding the Papers.

44 MINNESOTA History In March, 1851, accusations against Ram­ the fall of 1851 and at about the same time sey were presented to the president by dismissed Chief Justice Goodrich.^" Mitchell. WUliam Holhnshead, a St. Paul lawyer and partner of Rice's brother, had HOLLINSHEAD'S accusation concerning listed supposed wrongs perpetrated by the Whig press had its roots in the brief Ramsey as governor which included de­ journalistic history of the territory. This had stroying the Whig press, using the Indian begun in April, 1849, with the appearance office for his own profit, fearing the forma­ of two newspapers — the Minnesota Pio­ tion of a Whig party because this would in­ neer and the Minnesota Register. They were terfere with his own schemes, playing up to joined a month later by the Minnesota his superiors and using people for his own Chronicle, which in the following August benefit, and allying himself with persons of merged with the Register. Goodhue, editor no political principles.^* of the Pioneer, was a Democrat and a sup­ At the invitation of Luke Lea, tbe com­ porter of Sibley; the editor of the Chronicle missioner of Indian affairs, Ramsey went to and Register was a Whig. Both papers, how­ Washington in early April, 1851, ostensibly ever, disavowed party politics until the race to draft instructions for meeting vdth the for territorial delegate in 1850 began to take Sioux and Chippewa Indians during the shape. Although the Pioneer had been offi­ summer. This gave Ramsey an opportunity cially named the Democratic party organ as to see President Fillmore three times and early as October, 1849, Goodhue's devotion Secretary of State Daniel Webster twice. to Sibley precluded giving any support to These meetings were devoted to answering the Rice wing. His paper, therefore, swung the accusations against him made by Hol­ to the nonpartisan Territorial party in the hnshead and MitcheU. Both the president spring of 1850 and remained staunchly be­ and the secretary of state told Ramsey to hind Sibley through all the changes of the next two years.^'^ pay no attention to the charges against him.29 The Chronicle and Register was disposed When Ramsey finally met MitcheU in to favor Mitchell, but he had scarcely been Washington, the marshal withdrew his en­ nominated when the paper changed hands. dorsement of the accusations. Ramsey was Its new editor, Lorenzo A. Babcock, owed convinced that Smith, the territorial secre­ Ramsey a political debt. He immediately tary, was the chief instigator of the trouble attacked Mitchell and pushed for Olmsted's and stated this behef when questioned by nomination. This shift was, to say the least, the president. Fillmore removed Smith in fortuitous from the governor's point of view, but whether he had any hand in the sudden '"Mitchell to Fillmore, March 31, 1851; HoUins- change of ownership is difficult to say.^^ head to Mitchell, March 10, 1851, copies in the Less than four months later the paper was Ramsey Papers. '^ Ramsey Diary, April 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, May 1, once more sold. Its new editor, Charles J. 3, 8,1851. Hennis, apparently had Rice's financial "" Ramsey to Daniel Webster, May 1,1851 (copy), backing, and again the Chronicle and Reg­ Ramsey Papers; Ramsey to Sibley, May 15, 1851, ister supported Mitchell, although still Sibley Papers; Edward Duffield Neill, The History of Minnesota from the Earliest French Explorations flying the Whig banner. In December, 1850, to the Present Time, 563 (Philadelphia, 1858). yet another paper appeared on the scene. It "^ Mary Wheelhouse Berthel, Horns of Thunder, was the Minnesota Democrat, also backed 36-38, 43, 53-55 (St. Paul, 1948). '' Minnesota Chronicle and Register, August 12, by Rice, and edited in his interests by Dan­ 19, 1850. Ramsey had appointed Babcock attorney iel A. Robertson.*^ general of the territory. See Thomas M. Newson, The lifeblood of these early papers was Pen Pictures of St. Paul and Biographical Sketches of Old Settlers, 719 (St. Paul, 1886). the territorial printing contract, and when " Berthel, Horns of Thunder, 57; Chronicle and the second legislature convened in January, Register, December 2,1850. Summer 1964 45 1851, the awarding of it became a prime is­ AS THE TIME drew near for the presiden­ sue. The Sibley forces, drawn from his own tial election of 1852, events on the national supporters in the Democratic ranks and scene were to further influence the actions from the followers of Ramsey in the Whig of Ramsey and the Minnesota Whigs in party, held an easy majority and awarded their struggle for political independence. the printing to Goodhue's Pioneer. As the Congressional and state elections after 1848 price of their support, however, the Whigs showed that the Whigs had lost steadily in insisted that a share of the printing be re­ vote-getting power. The rather undistin­ served for a projected paper which would guished Fillmore administration did little to represent the "bona fide" interests of the recover prestige for the party, and the Whig party.^* schism between southern and northern Thus effectually shut off from even a Whigs, although carefully ignored in the trickle of patronage, the Chronicle and Reg­ public aspects of party activity, became evi­ ister ceased publication in February, 1851, dent when the choice of a presidential can­ providing some basis for the charge that didate and a platform came up in 1852. Ramsey had co-operated in killing off the Northern Whigs found themselves run­ only existing Whig organ.. To answer the ning on a platform written by Georgia charge and justffy themselves, the Whigs Whigs that committed the party to the doc­ in the legislature drew up a circular in trine of states' rights. The leading con­ which they maintained that they "preferred tenders for the presidential nomination to rebuke factious interests, diametrically reflected the regional differences. Three opposed and deadly hostile to Whig policy, men. General Winfield Scott, hero of the by the election of Col. Goodhue," and that War of 1812 and the Mexican War, Daniel they had "secured by an arrangement Webster, and Millard Fillmore were the which they know will be satisfactory to the leading Whig candidates. Northern Whigs, Whigs of the Territory, for some Whig press hoping for a repetition of their success in ... a share of the pubhc printing."^® 1848, pushed hard for Scott, while Fillmore The extent to which Ramsey himself in­ was firmly supported by the southerners, fluenced their strategy is hard to determine. and Webster controlled the New England One Democrat, writing to Sibley, main­ vote. After fifty-three ballots Scott finally tained that the governor had refused to sup­ secured the nomination.^® port the Rice-controlled press but otherwise Ramsey, who came out early for Scott, had stayed out of the legislative squabble. campaigned extensively in Wisconsin, ap­ Nevertheless Ramsey endorsed the circular pealing particularly to the German popula­ without question, saying, "The course of the tion. Because of his linguistic ability, a Whigs and their circular is approved and Wisconsin party member wrote to Whig that heartily by all the Whigs of Minnesota, "Berthel, Horns of Thunder, 59-61; Ramsey to save some haff dozen who have ever be­ Sibley, January 14, 1851; Goodhue to Sibley, Janu­ longed to adverse interest." ^^ ary 30, February 6, 1851, Sibley Papers. '^Quoted in Berthel, Horns of Thunder, 62. A The launching of a new Whig newspaper copy of the circular, dated January 30, 1851, is in was now a matter of first importance, and the Ramsey Papers. Ramsey showed himself much interested in "" Dr. Thomas R. Potts to Sibley, January 14, 21, 1851; Ramsey to Sibley, February 11, 1851, Sibley finding an experienced editor and a first-rate Papers. politician to run it. In September, 1851, the " Henry L. Tilden to John H. Stevens, March 9, Minnesotian appeared, edited by John P. 1851; David Loomis to Stevens, March 10, 1851, Stevens Papers; Berthel, Horns of Thunder, 71. Owens and George W. Moore. Under these ™ Theodore Clarke Smith, Parties and Slavery, men and their successors during the next 1850-1859, 33-35 (New York, 1906); Thomas N. decade it was to prove the sturdy organ that McKee, The National Conventions and Platforms of All Political Parties, 1789-1905, 77-80 (Baltimore, the Whigs had hoped for.^'^ 1906).

46 MINNESOTA History leaders in Washington: "I wish Governor the document listing the specific amounts Ramsey of Minnesota could spend October was attached to the paper after the chiefs in Wisconsin. He is a famous German had signed, which meant that the "meeting speaker, and the best electioneer in the in open council' provision was in effect by­ West."«9 passed. When the time for payment came, It is doubtful whether the addition of the chiefs wanted the money turned over to more speakers in German or any other lan­ them so that they could dispose of the claims guage could have helped the Whig party. as they saw fit. Ramsey, as the disbursing The final electoral vote was 42 for Scott, agent, held to tbe treaty provisions, in­ against 254 for Franklin Pierce, the Demo­ cluding the traders' paper, and himself paid crat. The Whigs' overwhelming defeat and the traders the amounts listed. For this he their difficulties in reconciling regional dif­ was severely criticized, especially by certain ferences, plus the loss of Webster and Clay, traders who were not parties to the agree­ the party's traditional leaders, both of whom ment but had hoped through persuasion or died in 1853, meant that a national organi­ pressure to acquire some of the cash from zation no longer existed. With the election the Indians. It was this direct settlement of of Pierce, the Whigs lost control over ap­ traders' claims which formed the basis of pointments to Minnesota Territory and the investigation of Ramsey by the United Ramsey's governorship came to an end. His States Senate in 1853.*" Democratic replacement, Willis A. Gorman, The governor had no need to worry about took office on May 30, 1853. local criticism of his actions, since Minne­ There remained one piece of unfinished sotans realized only too well that the future business which was to have a significant development of the territory depended on effect upon Ramsey's future pohtical career. opening the Sioux lands for settlement. The This was an investigation into his conduct treaties were politically popular and Ram­ in the handling of treaties with the Sioux sey had been hailed as a hero for negotiating Indians, signed at Traverse des Sioux and them. That his stature in Indian affairs was Mendota in 1851. Under these treaties, the recognized even in Washington can be seen Sioux Indians gave up all their lands in the in an act of Congress, approved on Febru­ territory, except for a reservation ten miles ary 27, 1851, which separated the office of on each side of the Minnesota River from superintendent of Indian affairs from the Lake Traverse to a point a few miles above office of territorial governor. Congress made the mouth of the Cottonwood River. They an exception for Minnesota Territory, where also signed a document which obligated Ramsey was allowed to retain both posi­ them to pay all outstanding traders' claims tions until the president should direct oth­ against the tribe from the money they would erwise.*^ He was concerned, nevertheless, receive for their land. This paper stated that about the whispers circulating, and he the Indians had decided "in open council" asked Sibley to "say to those at Washington what sums were to be paid each trader, but that I would esteem it a favor, whenever the charge comes from a responsible source, '"The Wisconsin Whig was named F. Schmidt. for them to institute an investigation."*- His letter to Ramsey, dated September 14, 1852, is Accordingly, on January 4, 1853, Sibley in the Ramsey Papers. " For detailed accounts of this tangled affair, see offered a resolution in the House of Repre­ Folwell, Minnesota, 1:281-304; Lucile M. Kane, sentatives to investigate the conduct of "The Sioux Treaties and the Traders," in Minnesota Ramsey in the Sioux payments. When no History, 32:65-80 (June, 1951). "Kane, in Minnesota History, 32:80; Sibley to action was taken he went to the Senate, Ramsey, February 20, 25, 1851, Ramsey Papers; where the matter was referred to the com­ United States, Statutes at Large, 9:586. mittee on Indian affairs. On February 26 "^ Ramsey Diary, December 30, 1852; Ramsey to formal charges were at last filed with the Sibley, January 14, 1852, Sibley Papers.

Summer 1964 47 committee by Madison Sweetser, one of the Sibley group in the Territorial party, and a disappointed traders, and additional accu­ Whig leader qmetly encouraging the growth sations were later made by Robertson, the of a press and a political organization which editor of the Minnesota Democrat.*^ he hoped would eventually bring Minnesota At the request of the Senate, President into the Union as a Whig state. In Washing­ Pierce appointed an investigating commit­ ton he had found it necessary to present the tee to look into "the charges of fraud and same two faces, but in a different order. To misconduct in office aUeged against Alexan­ cabinet members, the president, and some der Ramsey." Its two members were Willis Congressional leaders the governor had Gorman, newly appointed governor of striven to prove that he was still a loyal and Minnesota, and Richard M. Young, who had energetic Whig. To the Democratic majority been chief clerk of the House. Their inves­ in Congress, working through the Demo­ tigation, held in St. Paul, lasted from July cratic Minnesota delegate, he had mani­ 6 to October 7,1853. During its course Ram­ fested co-operation and sought to secure sey became discouraged because only two maximum favors for his strugghng new ter­ weeks were spent interrogating his wit­ ritory. He had on the whole maintained his nesses. At times he felt the administration prestige in Washington, although the Whig intended to persecute him to the "utter­ party in Minnesota — what little there was most." The results of the investigation were of it — had languished much as it was submitted to the next session of the Senate, doing on the national scene. but before the committee on Indian affairs At some point in his four years as gover­ could make a report Robertson withdrew nor Ramsey made another choice of great his allegations, and the committee on Febru­ political significance for both himself and ary 24, 1854, recommended the withdrawal Minnesota. This was his decision to remain of all other charges. Its report concluded in his new home and link his future with "that the conduct of Governor Ramsey was that of the infant territory. Personal and not only free from blame, but highly com­ business as well as pohtical factors no doubt mendable and meritorious." The Senate ac­ influenced him in this, but its importance cepted this verdict on the same day. Ramsey can hardly be overestimated for the political thus emerged not only unscathed, but with his political stature enhanced.** history of Minnesota. He had successfully negotiated the difficult years as governor of At this time, however, the future looked the territory representing a minority party dark and uncertain. As governor he would and had not only retained leadership of his have liked to build a strong organization for own ragged forces but had gained influence the Whigs in Minnesota, but neither the lo­ and respect within the community as a cal scene nor the national one had been con­ whole. The foundation had been laid for a ducive to it. It had been apparent from the career which would make his name synony­ beginning that the only means of accom­ mous with Minnesota politics for the next plishing anything in the territory was quarter of a century. through co-operation with some of the local political leaders. In Washington he had been "Folwell, Minnesota, 1:464. hampered by the poor appointments made "FolweU, Minnesota, 1:465-469; Ramsey Diary, there and by the lack of national party lead­ September 23, October 7, 1853; January 11, 24, 25, 1854; Robertson to Ramsey, January 24, 1854, Ram­ ership. While administratively close to the sey Papers. The complete report of the investigating national government, he had been physi­ commission can be found in 33 Congress, 1 session, cally separated, and it had been a constant Senate Executive Documents, no. 61 (serial 699). struggle to remain in contact. THE PORTRAITS of Ramsey and Rice are from There had, in fact, been two Ramseys: a the picture collection of the Minnesota Historical Society. The broadside reproduced on page 44 is public official actively co-operating with the in the Sibley Papers.

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