Background
William Marcy was born in Sturbridge, Massachussets, on 12 December 1786.
(This historic book may have numerous typos and missing te...)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1809. Excerpt: ... LIFE OF TAMMANY. It may not be improper to introduce the history of Tammany, by making a few observations on the present state of the Indians. It is, indeed, a lamentable truth, that the wretched condition of those, who have quitted their proper residence, renounced their tribal associations, and wander among the inhabitants of our country, claims our commiseration, and has an irresistible tendency to set the tide of popular opinion against them. In the foregoing Oration, an attempt has been made to describe their happy situation before the establishment of the Europeans in their country, and to develope some of the causes of their present degeneracy. Their country was taken from them--their wars were rendered more frequent, and more destructive, by the introduction of fire-arms--,their numbers were gradually diminished, and their former, enjoyments were decreased. Under the wasting consumption of national vigour, the lassitude of political decline, and the weight of repeated calamities, their emulation dies in inaction, and the resistless conviction of their future destiny, breaks Upon their minds; their hopes cease to flatter, and their prospects fail to allure. When multiplied miseries crowded upon them, blasting their national reputation, long cherished and cautiously protected by numberless anxi etks, frustrating all the dear pursuits of domestic happiness, and the fond anticipation of future aggrandizement, and stupifying that animation which bears the soul, on the buorant wings of hope, over the asperities of life's rugged journey, usurps the moments of inglorious apathy, and employs them with ever-toiling activity--they threw themselves into the arms of despair--fell from the high destination of their existence, debased the dignity of their specie...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1235667413/?tag=2022091-20
William Marcy was born in Sturbridge, Massachussets, on 12 December 1786.
After graduating from Brown University, Marcy studied law in New York and became a resident of the state.
In the confused politics of the "Era of Good Feelings" (1815 - 1824) in New York State, Marcy was associated with the faction headed by Martin Van Buren in opposition to the group headed by DeWitt Clinton.
Van Buren, Marcy's early patron in politics, was responsible for his rapid advancement, and Marcy followed the "Little Magician" into the Democratic party. After holding several state offices, Marcy was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1831 and became governor of New York State in 1833. As governor, Marcy broke with Van Buren (now president) over the latter's financial policies, especially his proposal for an independent treasury system. This split was to dominate New York State politics for about 15 years.
Marcy's appointment as secretary of war by President James K. Polk alienated Van Buren from the administration. As secretary of war, Marcy supported Polk's ambitions in Mexico and took the responsibility for properly supplying the army during the Mexican War.
He also had the odious task of trying to arbitrate the various disputes between Polk and his generals in Mexico-Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor. Polk assumed the major burden for the actual battlefield tactics.
A leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1852, Marcy was appointed secretary of state by the victorious candidate, Franklin Pierce. Marcy was the administration's foreign policy adviser and its chief dispenser of patronage.
He reorganized the State Department, bringing in many able men. Two major foreign policy problems occupied him: an Anglo-American negotiations involved American opposition to British expansion in Central America, and all efforts at reaching an agreement failed. To satisfy the more expansionist-minded Democrats, Marcy sought the acquisition of Cuba through negotiations with Spain. But the Ostend Manifesto of 1854, circulated by the American ministers to France, Spain, and England, which maintained that "by every law, human and Divine, we shall be justified in wresting it (Cuba) from Spain. .. ," caused such a reaction in Spain that all hope of peaceful acquisition of the island ended.
Marcy died shortly after leaving office, on July 4, 1857.
William Learned Marcy was a leader of the Democratic party from its origin in the 1820, served as U. S. Senator, Governor of New York, U. S. Secretary of War and U. S. Secretary of State.
The United States Revenue Cutter William L. Marcy, launched in 1853, was named in his honor. Mount Marcy in Essex County, at 1629 meters the highest peak in New York, was named for him. The Town of Marcy in Oneida County was named for him. The Marcy Projects, public housing in Brooklyn, New York, were named for him.
His portrait appeared on American paper currency, the U. S. $1000 Silver Certificate, issued between 1878 and 1891.
(This historic book may have numerous typos and missing te...)
The Albany Regency, the Mexican Claims Commission, Polk administration cabinet , Pierce administration cabinet.
On April 28, 1824, Marcy married Cornelia Knower. They had two surviving children.
1801–1889
1834–1888
Secretary, governor, senator
