Samuel White was an American lawyer and United States senator.
Background
Samuel White was born on a farm in Mispillion Hundred, Kent County, Del. , the son of Thomas and Margaret (Nutter) White. His mother was a daughter of David Nutter of Northwest Fork Hundred, Sussex County, Del. , his father was possessed of a considerable estate, and from 1777 to 1792 served as one of the justices of the court of common pleas and orphans' court of Kent County. In 1777 he met Francis Asbury, who converted him to Methodism. In his journal, Asbury referred to Judge White as his "dearest friend in America. " The first conference of Methodist preachers, at which Asbury was appointed first general superintendent of Methodism in America, was held in White's house on April 28, 1779.
Education
Samuel White was sent to the first Methodist institution of higher learning in America, the recently established Cokesbury College in Harford County, Md. , but was not graduated, since the school had no power to confer degrees.
Career
About 1790 he began to read law in the office of Richard Bassett at Dover, but since his preceptor was absent much of the time attending sessions of Congress, he transferred to the office of Nicholas Hammond at Easton, Md. He was admitted to the Delaware bar in March 1793 and settled in Dover to practice. Although he gained some reputation as an advocate, he early showed an aversion to routine and when war threatened between France and the United States in 1799, he sought a commission as captain, raised a company, and as a part of Colonel Ogden's regiment, was posted with his command at Scotch Plains, N. J. , until disbanded in 1800. Upon his return to civilian life, White resumed the practice of law at Dover, and in 1800 was chosen a presidential elector. Upon the resignation of Henry Latimer as United States senator, Gov. Richard Bassett in February 1801 appointed White to the vacancy; he was elected by the legislature to serve until the end of the term, and through reëlections retained his seat in the Senate until his death. His interest in military affairs was rewarded by appointment on September 21, 1807, as adjutant-general of the state militia. He died some two years later in Wilmington, and was buried in "Old Swedes" churchyard.
Politics
A Federalist in politics, he often opposed the policies of Jefferson and his party. White strongly opposed slavery, but was especially known for his opposition to the Louisiana Purchase.
Views
Quotations:
He is quoted as saying "When I contemplate the evils that may arise to these States, from this intended incorporation of Louisiana into the Union, I would rather see it given to France, or to Spain, or to any other nation . .. upon the mere condition that no citizen of the United States should ever settle within its limits . .. "
Personality
Although he did not speak often and "in desultory debate was not distinguished" he prepared his speeches for extraordinary occasions with great care and delivered them effectively. Although "inclined to indolence, " he would work hard to make himself master of a subject when stimulated by a "sufficient motive to industry. " He was better fitted, however, for the active life of a military man in time of war than for the civil pursuits of peace.