Allen of Ohio, noted for vanity and a powerful voice, felt so disgusted about the outcome of the Oregon business, that at the beginning of this session he threw up the chairmanship of the committee on foreign relations and declined to serve on any committee. Niles, an excellent man, was a protectionist, like the Pennsylvania Senators. Hannegan was a man of force but a rabid westerner. He, Dickinson and Breese were distinctly Cass men. Calhoun's partisans were Butler (So. Carolina), Lewis (Alabama) and the Florida senators, while Colquitt and Speight were thought to be guided considerably by him; but as time went on his influence over most of this group waned. Of the Whig Senators Webster spent most of his time in the practice of law. Crittenden was in general honest and sensible; but he and Clayton had induced Jarnagin to vote for Walker's tariff, believing that it would discredit the Democrats, and the failure of this unworthy trick damaged their prestige considerably. Clayton had unusual ability and experience, but was crafty and insincere. Mangum enjoyed a deserved respect, but was not of striking ability.
Of the House Democrats, P. King stood high in the confidence of his colleagues, and had no little skill in leading. C.J. Ingersoll was the most important Pennsylvanian, but his attainments and eloquence were accompanied by erratic judgment. Thurman surpassed the other Ohio Representatives in good conduct and talents, but Brinkerhoff displayed more activity than he. Douglas ranked first in the Illinois group, and perhaps first among the supporters of the administration in the House. Dromgoole (Virginia) possessed remarkable legislative abilities and reputation; but did not care to exert himself overmuch. McKay (North Carolina) and Haralson (Georgia) were chairmen, respectively, of the ways and means and the military committees, but did not distinguish themselves. Rhett, an able and acute man, was a more consistent representative of South Carolina principles than Calhoun. Of the Whigs Severance (Maine) possessed more than average ability. Winthrop (Massachusetts) was a gentleman, a fine speaker and debater, honest, scholarly and conservative — an ideal public man. Hudson (Massachusetts) had energy and character but was too partisan. J. R. Ingersoll (Pennsylvania) had good abilities and good sense. Giddings (Ohio) has to be considered a calculating fanatic, not enthusiast, of the abolition school. Vinton (Ohio) stood among the best on either side of the House in wisdom, sincerity and good conduct.
25. Welles papers: note 22. 13Pakenham, no. 150, 1846. Von Holst, U. S., iii, 252-4. 139Fulton to Campbell, Jan. , 1847. 198Ingersoll to Gallatin, Dec. 25, 1847. (Embassy) Webster, Writings, ix, 157, see vol. ii, p. 123; Wash. Union, June 27; Oct. 1,1846. Public Ledger, Dec. 8, 1846. (Sublimity) No. American, Jan. 11, 1847. Pierce, Sumner, iii, 111, 139. Charleston Mercury, Jan. 26, 27, 1847. 256Marcy to. Wetmore, Dec. 5, 12, 1846. (The generals, etc.) Marcy to W., Nov. 14, 1846; Greeley, Recolls., 211; Welles papers; 345Wright to Van Buren, Jan. 28, 1847; 169Letcher to Crittenden, Dec. 20, 1847; 13Crampton, no. 9, 1848; Johnston and Browne, Stephens, 224; Calhoun Corresp., 713, 715-6 (to Mrs. C.); 108Buchanan to Bancroft, June 14, 1847; 206J. Graham to Gov. G., Jan. 10, 1847; 181Buchanan to Donelson, May 13, 1847; Wash. Union, Jan. 30. Scott was "in" politics but inactive.
"Old Whitey," it will be recalled, was Taylor's favorite horse. When the author refers to the course of "the Whigs" or "the Democrats" it is to be understood, of course, that exceptions existed.