U.S. Presidents & First Ladies
Millard Fillmore
Millard Fillmore, born in 1800 in New York, rose from poverty to Congress to become the 13th president of the United States. This letter he wrote as a congressman in 1841 talks of the risks of elevating his rival William Seward to the U.S. Senate. Fillmore was elected vice president in 1848 and assumed the presidency in 1850 after Zachary Taylor’s death. As president, Fillmore supported the Compromise of 1850 which temporarily eased sectional tensions, but his enforcement of the notorious Fugitive Slave Act damaged his popularity. After leaving office, he remained active in politics until his death in 1874.
Feb. 6, 1841
Solomon G. Haven
I have but a moment left to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 29th and 30th. I do not think Whittelesey intends to resign his Vice Chancellorship, but know nothing. I learn from Albany that Seward intends to be a candidate for the U.S. Senate if Talmadge resigns. Should this take place, unless our legislation has more firmness that ordinarily falls to the lot of frail mortals, he must succeed. He holds a tremendous power in the patronage of the government, and that would all be wielded for his personal elevation. But it will make a dreadful blowup. Many here would hardly submit to such an outrage.
Millard Fillmore
