St. tammany chapter 5

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CHAPTER 5
The Era of Good and Bad Feelings
Chapter 5 begins with a mundane advertisement, one typical of the many ads that dominate the newspapers
of early nineteenth century New York City, featuring “Martin’s Schenectady Ale” available for tasting at Tammany Hall.
The inclusion of the mundane, along with the remarkable, is one of the key components of this book.
Some of the remarkable events that take place in this chapter are: The break-up of the Federalist Party, and
the joy it brings to the Society of St. Tammany. De Witt Clinton, his “Great Ditch,” and Tammany’s rejection, and then
embrace of “…the greatest public improvement of age in which we live.” The Irish riot in Tammany Hall. James Monroe’s
“Era of Good Feelings,” which proves not to be an era at all. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams dying on the same day.
De Witt Clinton returns as Governor, and the Democratic-Republican Party will splinter into two factions in
New York State: the Clintionians, who are opposed to Tammany Hall, and the Bucktails, supported by Tammany Hall,
and named for the badge that members of the Society of St. Tammany sport. These two groups will battle for nine
years, until nature intervenes.
The Bucktails lead the way for New York State adopting a new constitution. Seeing the need to get new voters,
the Society backs one of the major amendments of the constitution: abolishment of property requirements for voters,
vastly expanding white male suffrage.
The second decade of the nineteenth century sees one of the most influential Jews of the time trumpet the
virtues of the Society of St. Tammany, despite its anti-Semitic factions. The Society begins to experience growing pains,
demonstrated by its increased politicization—the private aspect of the Society— and the various political camps it
spawns.
Martin Van Buren, a member of the Society of St. Tammany, emerges as a major political force in New
York City, New York State, and the Nation. He creates the Nation’s first full-fledged political machine, and shepherds
Tammany Hall through the infighting between the two political factions the in the Society: the supporters of John
Quincy Adams versus the supporters of “Old Hickory,” General Andrew Jackson. Van Buren will lead the Jackson
faction, and ultimately prevail.
Article in the National Advocate of April 26, 1817.

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On January 27, the National Advocate prints the following ad:
“MARTIN”S SCHENECTADY ALE.—100 barrels just received and for sale. Those who are
inclined to purchase may examine its quality at Tammany hall, or at Isaac Bloomfield’s porter-
house, in Cherry-st. at which places it is on draught.
M. MYERS & CO. 108 Water-st.”
On February 7, the New-York Evening Post prints at letter:
“To Matthew L. D. Esquire,
SIR—Having been credibly informed that on Monday evening last, the Tammany Society
took into consideration a resolution for the adoption of a new constitution, the object of which
is totally exclude foreigners from holding an official situation in that assembly, and that you
participated largely in the furtherance thereof, permit me to suggest a few observations.
Whether you or your worthy savage colleagues are of that opinion, that foreigners do
not possess a sufficiency of that brutal knowledge requisite for sustaining the character of grand
sachem, I do not know, but this I will say, never has that aristocratic government, which the
whole tribe seemingly detests, been guilty of so flagrant an infringement on the rights of freedom,
citizenship and hospitality.
Allow me to ask, what was the language of this tribe when addressing those very
foreigners at the last election? If my memory serves, you , sir with the subtlety of a Mark Anthony
over the body of Cæsar, recalled to their memory the horrors of federalism; with glowing colours
pourtrayed in their “minds eye” the still bleeding wounds of Burke and Crendy, with direful
imprecation “harrowing up their souls” at the mere mention of the “reign of terror,” and with
a “withering look” conjured them to prostrate this spectre of aristocracy; and now you would
deprive these citizens of an equal participation of rights.
Tempora mutantur, nos mutamur cum illis.
You will hear again from me.
CONNAL”
Once again, as will be noted time and again in this history, this letter demonstrates
the wonderfully verbose and arcane language used by the pundits of the early
19th Century. The reference to “Burke and Crendy” is obscure. The Latin phrase
at the end, loosely translated, means: “Times change, and we change with them.”
The phrase is apt, but its wisdom is still lost on the Society of St. Tammany. The
fact that Tammany Hall continues to bar any immigrants, mainly the Irish, from
joining the Society will foster direct action, and come to a head in two months
time. It will take another decade for Tammany Hall to see the errors of its ways,
and accept and embrace the Irish, who will go on to dominate the Hall.
On February 12, a joint session of Congress meets to count the electoral votes in
the Presidential Election of 1816. In a landslide, Democratic-Republican James
Monroe and his running mate Daniel D. Tompkins of New York, defeat Federalist
Rufus King of New York, and John E. Howard of Maryland. Of the nineteen states
now in the Union, Monroe takes sixteen states. He will be the last of the Virginia
Dynasty of presidents. Tompkins is the sitting Governor of New York, elected in
1807. In early 1817, in one of his last acts as governor, Tompkins sends a special
message to the state legislature urging the institution of slavery in New York State
to be phased over the next ten years. The recommendation is approved. 1
A print
in the Tammany Hall souvenir of the inauguration of Cleveland and Stevenson,
published in 1893, identifies Tompkins as a founder of Tammany Hall. This is
stretching the truth. This piece of political propaganda also identifies George and
De Witt Clinton, Morgan Lewis, Philip Schuyler, and Samuel J. Tilden, among
others as leaders as well, in a broad stroke intended to rewrite history:

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America Through the Eyes of St. Tamman
1817
The Founders of Tammany Hall.
From the collection of the New York Public Library.
On February 28, the National Advocate prints a notice:
“TAMMANY-HALL.
At a meeting at Tammany-Hall, on Monday evening, 24th inst. to take into consideration
the propriety of having a public dinner in honour of the election of James Monroe and Daniel D.
Tompkins, as President and Vice President of the United States—
Resolved, That, as a mark of the distinguished respect entertained for the private virtues
and public services of JAMES MONROE, and DANIEL D. TOMPKINS, elected by the suffrages
of a free people, to the first honours within their gift, and as a communication of the triumph of
republican principles throughout the union, as manifested by the electoral returns the President
and Vice President, a
PUBLIC DINNER
be given at Tammany-Hall on the Fourth of March next, at 4 o’clock.”
“A free people” is limited to white males who own property.

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On March 6, the National Advocate reports on toasts given at a dinner at Tammany
Hall on March 4. One of the toasts is:

“By Gen. John Swartwout. Maj. Gen. Peter B. Porter—The modest, unassuming,
virtuous citizen; called into the field by the sufferings of a bleeding country—May we, in the
moments of our triumph, be mindful of him who contributed so mainly to our success, and reward
him with the first honors of our gift.”
No mention is made of Monroe or Tompkins who, supposedly, the dinner is held
in honor of.
Peter Buell Porter, a Democratic-Republican, is a former congressman from New
York, serving as the chairman of the Committee of Foreign Relations. It was he
who reported the resolutions for the declaration of war with England in 1812. He
is Major-General of Volunteers during the War of 1812, commanding the New
York and Pennsylvania line, and a member of the Erie Canal Commission. With
Governor Tompkins resigning to become vice president, an upcoming special
election is called. Porter is supported by Tammany Hall to run against De Witt
Clinton.2
On March 8, Tammany’s General Republican Committee starts gearing up for the
impending election. An article in the National Advocate reports on Tammany’s
trying to lock up the various wards in the city:
“At a stated meeting of the General Republican Committee, at Tammany Hall, on
Thursday evening, the 6th of March, 1817, the following resolutions were adopted:—
Resolved, That ward meetings be called in the several wards on Thursday evening next,
at 7 o’clock, at the places hearinafter mentioned, for the purpose of choosing a committee of three
persons from each ward, which ward committees of three, will meet at Tammany Hall, on Friday
evening, 14th instant, at 7 o’clock to select Seven delegates, to represent this city and county in
the district convention for the nomination of Senators for the Southern District, to be held at
Tammany-Hall, on Wednesday, 26th inst.”
On March 27, the National Advocate reports on the meetings of the various wards
and their resolutions, including:

“FIRST WARD.
At a meeting of the Republican citizens of the 1st ward held at the house of Mrs. Gaston
on Tuesday evening, 25th inst. pursuant to public notice—
Resolved, That John Swartwout, Lawrence Myers, John B. Thorp, Edmund Smith, Mose
Jaques, Jerome Johnson, and Peter J. Nevius, be delegates to represent the first ward in the general
committee for the purpose of nominating members of the assembly for the city and county of New
York.
The proceedings of a meeting of the friends of De Witt Clinton, held in the capitol
at Albany on the 18th March, 1817, being read, it was thereupon resolved, as the sense of this
meeting, that we view, with regret, the indecorous and intemperate expressions contained in their
resolutions, commenting on the republican citizens of this ward for a public expression of our
opinion of a man whom we, as his neighbors and fellow-citizens, for a long time well known.
Resolved, That such proceedings, emanating from men assembled for the express purpose
of endeavoring to fasten a man on the people of this state by forestalling public opinion in his favor
and denouncing every honest and independent republican who dares oppose his views, affords
fresh evidence of the total disregard of the substantial interests of the republican party by those
who aim to aggrandize an individual at the expense of truth, substituting invective for argument.
WM. IRVING, ch’n
NATIAN’L W. STRONG, sec’ry.”

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The article goes on to report of the various wards, including the proceedings of
the:
“EIGHTH WARD.
At an unusually numerous meeting of the Republican electors of the Eight Ward, held
pursuant to public notice, at the house of David Wheeler, Crosby-street, Col. JOHN STEPHENS,
was chosen chairman and ANDREW HEGEMAN, secretary.
Resolved, That Samuel M. Thompson, Arthur Burtis, Henry Howard, Jacob B. Taylor, John
Stephens, George B. Thorp and Moses Cunningham, be delegates to represent this ward in the
General Committee of nominations for members of Assembly for the ensuing year.
Resolved, That Alexander Nicholl, Alpheus Shearman, Hayis Pennell and James Reeves,
be added to the former, and they collectively compose the committee nominations for charter
officers; after which the following resolutions were passed by a unanimous voice:
Whereas, no objections can, or have been made to the Republican standing, character,
talents, or patriotism of Major general PETER B. PORTER—
Resolved, That consulting the substantial interests of the Republican party, we consider
gen. Porter as a proper candidate of governor, ant that his nomination will conciliate and unite the
Republican, throughout the state—and that we pledge ourselves to support his nomination.”
Thus, in a classic long-winded press release of the day, Tammany Hall shows its
support of Peter Porter and its derision of De Witt Clinton. Tammany sachem
Mordecai M. Noah continues to be editor of the National Advocate.
Mordecai M. Noah, by John Rubens Smith.

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By this time, the son of a tavern keeper in Kinderhook, New York begins to make
his mark on New York politics. His name: Martin Van Buren. Having quit school
at fourteen, he begins his pursuit of the law by working for a Kinderhook attorney
until he is twenty. He then moves to New York City in 1802, and is taken under
the wing of Burrite William Van Ness, serving as his legal apprentice for one year.
In 1803, he passes the New York bar with the help of Van Ness and Burr, and
becomes a member of Tammany’s “Little Band.” 3
He begins winning cases, and is
known as appearing in court in white trousers, a formal coat, vest and red tie. His
hair is red as well, and he earns the moniker the “Red Fox.” 4
In 1804 he returns
to Kinderhook, near Albany, to practice law, and he becomes involved in state
politics. By 1817, he is a state senator, as well as state attorney general. By now,
the Democratic-Republican Party in New York is beginning to splinter into two
factions: The Clintonians, who naturally support De Witt Clinton, and the upstate
Bucktails, led by Martin Van Buren and backed by Tammany Hall. 5
Martin Van Buren, by Shepard Alonzo Mount. From the collection of the
Bridgeman Art Library / Huntington Library and Art Gallery.

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On April 1, the New-York Evening Post stirs things up with the following article:
“National Advocate—We open this paper every morning to learn what is the state of
the political thermometer at Tammany Hall—in vain. The silence of night reigns throughout its
columns. It does not even give us the form of adhesion which all are so anxious to sign. We may
address it as Hamlet did the skull in the churchyard:
‘Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? Your songs? Your flashes of merriment that
were wont to set the [Tammanies] in a roar? Not one now to mock your own grinning? quite chap
fallen?’ ”
Also on April 1, the New-York Evening Post prints an editorial that is more direct.
It starts out by declaring:
“Treachery, Treachery—We hear it whispered the sons of Tammany are not quite so
stupefied as some suppose; but that certain suspicions are afloat, which they are busy tracing to
their source. It is said that they begin to smell out treachery, foul treachery in the camp. Some
already say that they have acted a very shallow part in yielding themselves to the very man, who,
of all others, ought to have been the last to obtain their confidence of Mr. Clinton, nay, one who is
believed to be under no ordinary obligation to him.”
The “very man” Post editor William Coleman refers to is Peter B. Porter, who
sits on the Canal Commission with De Witt Clinton. Coleman goes on to attack
Martin Van Buren:
“Of another great man, too, they say that they are equally justified in entertaining similar
suspicions of treachery, the renowned attorney-general, who affected to take the party in every
stage of its proceedings, and to give them council, and make speeches for them.”
What Coleman is trying to do is to sow seeds of discontent within the Bucktail
faction of the Democratic-Republican Party.
De Witt Clinton, and his faction of the Democratic-Republican Party, begins to
court the new immigrants, especially the Irish. One Irishman stands out: Thomas
Addis Emmet. Emmet is born in Cork City, Ireland on April 24, 1764. His father
is Dr. Robert Emmet, who will become the State Physician of Ireland. His brother
is the Irish nationalist and martyr Robert Emmet who led a failed rebellion in
1802, and is executed in 1803. Thomas is an executive of the United Irishmen, 6
and arrested and deported to France in 1803. He makes his way to New York City
and becomes a member of the New York bar. He is befriended by George and De
Witt Clinton, 7
and is appointed New York Attorney General by the Council of
Appointments in August of 1812. 8
In 1813 he is removed as attorney general when
the Federalist gain a majority in the Council of Appointments.
On April 24, Irish immigrants, for years stymied by Tammany Hall in gaining
political office, lose patience. Two hundred Irishmen gather at Dooley’s Long
Room, a military drill-room on Duane Street. 9
They had previously asked
Tammany Hall to support Emmet for state assembly, but Tammany, holding the
Irish at arms length, and hating Emmet’s friend De Witt Clinton, refused. They
march in rank from Dooley’s to Tammany Hall and storm the long room where a
meeting is taking place: “Eyes were blackened, noses and heads battered freely. The
invaders broke the furniture, using it for weapons and shattering it maliciously; tore
down the fixtures and shivered the windows. Reinforcements arriving, the intruders
were driven out, but not before nearly all present had been bruised and beaten.” 10

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1817 On April 26, the National Advocate reports:
“We cannot help stating, that at the meeting of Thursday, cries of down with the natives—
down with the Americans—down with the Tammanies, were heard, and that the chair of the
president, the desks of the treasurer and secretary of Tammany-Society were demolished, and
many of the papers in the desks entirely destroyed!!”
Emmet fails to get nominated, and no longer seeks any political office. He goes
on to be a highly regarded attorney, arguing many cases before the United States
Supreme Court. Meanwhile, The Society of St. Tammany, having made to face
up to their jingoism by force, begin to pursue the Protestant Irish (as opposed to
the Catholic Irish), and sends Tammany sachem Eldad Holmes to the Hibernian
Provident Society’s St. Patrick’s Day dinner the following year to give a toast. 11
Thomas Addis Emmet, from the collection of the New York Public Library.

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On April 28, the National Advocate reports:
“At a general meeting of the republican Young Men of the city and county of New York,
convened at Tammany Hall on Saturday evening, the 26th inst.”
It goes on to say that:
“Resolved, That we cordially approve of
PETER SHARPE,
CORNELIUS HENNEY,
CLARKSON CROLIUS,
HENRY MEIGS,
OGDEN EDWARDS,
CADWALLADER D. COLDEN,
ROBERT R. HUNTER,
MICHAEL ULSHOEFFER,
JOHN MORSS,
ISSAC PIERSON, and
SAMUEL TOOKER
As candidates to represent this city and county as members of assembly in the legislature of this
state, and that we will give them our firm and decided support.”
And continues:
“Resolved, That we do not approve of the nomination of De Witt Clinton as the republican
candidate for the office of governor of this state.”
Cadwallader D. Colden goes on to win a seat in the state legislature, and is
appointed by De Witt Clinton, who he now supports, as mayor of New York in
1818.
On April 29, the New-York Evening Post predicts Clinton’s upcoming victory in a
poem satirizing the meeting at Tammany Hall on April 24. Excerpted are some of
the stanzas:
“God prosper long our liberties,
Our lives and gaieties all
A sad defeat there late fell out
At Martling’s Tammany-Hall.
To shout as hound and hora
Brave Bloodgood took his way
The child may rue that is unborn
The shouting of that day.
Lo yonder B. Romaine doth come,
His heels of silver bright,
And twenty-seven butcher-boys
With physical force to fight.
Then stepped a gallant speaker forth,
Mat. Davis was he called;
But not a word he said was heard
So loud the Martling’s bawl’d.

Then rush’d the Martling elbow-men,
And dealt full many a wound

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But the brave Clintionians
All firmly kept their ground.
’Tis said Saint Tammany saw this sight
As on a cloud he flew,
Decreed them vanquished on the field
And curs’d the rebel crew.”
The article concludes:
“Methinks it would have been well to have reserved this song of triumph for Friday next,
when the results will be better known.”
On May 3, the National Advocate gives its version of the Tammany meeting of
April 24 that is lampooned by the Post:
“GLORIOUS TRIUMPH OF REPUBLICAN PRINCIPLES !!
It is with pride and satisfaction that we announce to our brethren throughout the union
the glorious and decisive triumph of REPUBLICAN PRINCIPLES in the great city of New-York.”
It goes on to say:
“ The great REPUBLICAN PARTY have put down a domestic faction and a foreign cabal,
on one hand, and kept in awe federal junto on the other.”
It continues:
“A general county meeting was called at Tammany-Hall to receive the report of the
committee. The people assembled; and, to the eternal infamy of their enemies, be it said, the
Clintonian faction, and a foreign cabal, aided by straggling federalist, leagued together entered
the hall in the most indecent, riotous manner, and by their yells and shouts, prevented any report
from being heard, or any regular nomination from being made. A more disgraceful scene never
transpired in our city.”
It further continues:
“The Republican nominating committee not being able to make any report, adjourned
and made their report in different wards of the city. Such are the men with whom the republicans
of Newyork have to contend.”
“You have nobly done your duty—and the success of your ticket—the defeat of your
enemies—the security of your rights— and the applause of the nation are your reward. Let no
period of time—let no political vicissitude erase from your recollection the scenes of Tammany-
Hallontheeveofthe24thofApril:thenitwasthatyouwereinsultedwiththefoulestreproaches,the
mist opprobrious epithets; and the it was that you rose like a giant from his slumbers and crushed,
forever, the most outrageous and unprincipled combination that has ever disgraced your city.
Let the same attachment to principle, let the same energy, decorum and firmness hereafter guide
you, and triumph will crown your efforts. Remember, that vigilance, unanimity and patriotism
have enabled you to carry in, by a TRIUMPHANT MAJORITY, the ticket recommended by the
REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE OF NOMINATION!!”
The wonderfully verbose language of Mordecai M. Noah, representing the Bucktail
faction of the Democratic-Republican Party is wishful thinking, because:

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In early May, the special election for governor concludes. De Witt Clinton runs
essentially unopposed, with Peter Buell Porter never declaring himself a candidate.
Despite this, Tammany Hall print up ballots with his name on it in New York City.
Clinton wins with ninety-seven percent of the popular vote to Porter’s three.
On May 15, the National Advocate reports of the twenty-eighth celebration of the
Society of St. Tammany held on May 12, with its members having:
“…partook of a repast, provided for the occasion by brothers Martling and Cozzens, when
the following toasts were drank, interspersed with national and patriotic songs.”
Including:
“James Monroe and Daniel D. Tompkins—They have no enemies but the enemies of their
country.”
“The City of New-York—Her late triumph over a drilled mob is the triumph of national
feelings and national principle. A speedy end to corrupt politicians and chimerical projectors.”
“New England—Emancipated from the thraldom of Cossac priests, blue-light tories, and
British Influence, she will again respected for her hardy and enterprise and republican integrity.”
The last toast is a reference to the Federalist’s failed Hartford Convention. James
Monroe will formally reach out to New England in two months time.
On May 26, the National Advocate reports of a speech given by one A.S. Pell at a
“meeting of republicans” in Dutchess County, on the “Grand Canal.” The speech
begins:
“Six years since, when the measure was proposed, I was among the number who received
the plan as chimerical, in the then state of the country. I should view the same plan in the same
light now. A canal to be constructed over hills, valleys and rivers, on an inclined plane, 360 miles
in extent, sometimes passing over 30 feet below the surface, and at others 80 or 100 feet in the air,
might well startle those whose conceptions were of a sanguine character; mine being of the other
cast, I viewed the project with distrust.
“But, my fellow-citizens, perseverance has done for the canal what it will do every where:
it has led to a plan which proposes to operate slowly and surely, to expand moderately, and to make
a school for the whole.”
The speech concludes:
“I know that you—you would not have the governor of this great state derive his station
from sycophancy, at the shrine of Tammany chiefs and beer house politicians in New-York,
most of whom never cast an eye, political or curious, beyond Kingsbridge or the council of
appointments.”
To which the Advocate comments:
“It thus appears that the learned orator would rather choose the ‘father of the canal,’ on
account of its promised benefits, that to permit the republicans to make an election from amongst
citizens possessing more tangible qualities.”
On July 1, De Witt Clinton is inaugurated governor of New York.

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On July 4, construction of the Erie Canal begins in Rome, New York. Its completion
in 1825 from Buffalo on Lake Erie to the Hudson River at Albany vastly cuts
the cost and time of raw materials to be transported from the ever-westward
expanding heartland to the eastern seaboard. It enables New York to become the
largest city and port in the United States. In 1905, Thomas S. Allen immortalizes it
in his melancholy song “Low Bridge,” lamenting the end of barges being towed by
mules in favor of engines. The song becomes a staple of folksingers such as Peter
Seeger, Glenn Yarborough, and The Kingston Trio. In 2006, Bruce Springsteen
releases his version it. The original lyrics begin:
“I’ve got a mule, her name is Sal Low bridge, everybody down
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal Low bridge cause we’re coming to a town
She’s a good old worker and a good old pal And you’ll always know your neighbor
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal And you’ll always know your pal
We’ve hauled some barges in our day If you’ve ever navigated on the Erie Canal”
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
And every inch of the way we know
From Albany to Buffalo
The Erie Canal, by John W. Hill, from the public domain.
On July 4, the National Advocate reports of the:
“NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY ARRAIGNMENTS
For Celebrating the Forty-first Anniversary of AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.
1. The Grand Standard of the U. States to be displayed at sunrise at different places of societies’
meeting, at all public places, and shipping in the harbour.”
2. At half past 8 o’clock, A.M. the societies will assemble in the Park, when William B. Adams, esq.
Grand Marshal of the day, assisted by his aids, will arrange them in the following order, to wit:—

1. Tammany Society, or Columbian Order.
2. Hibernian Provident Society.
3. Columbian Society.
4. Union Society of Shipwrights and Caulkers.
5. Tailors’ Society.
6. Journeymen House-Carpenters’ Society.
7. Journeymen Masons’ Society.”
It is worth noting that an Irish Society directly follows the Tammany Society.

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Inlatespring,PresidentMonroebeginshis“honeymoon”byseekingtoconsolidate
political opposition in New England. He sets the stage for this in his inaugural
address, focusing on the conflict between the Democratic-Republicans and the
Federalists that existed during the war of 1812:
“Discord does not belong to our system. Union is recommended as well by the free and benign
principles of our Government, extending its blessings to every individual, as by the other eminent
advantages attending it. The American people have encountered together great dangers and
sustained severe trials with success. They constitute one great family with a common interest.”
He follows up on these sentiments by appointing former Federalist and future
Whig, John Quincy Adams, son of President Adams, as his Secretary of State. He
then announces a plan to tour the eastern states, culminating with a visit to Boston
on July 4. What Monroe hopes to achieve is something Washington failed to do:
the elimination of political parties. Of course, this is not to be. The Federalist
Party will fade away. The Democratic-Republican Party will splinter and morph
into something new, and political parties will evolve with the underlying issue
continuing to be states rights versus the federal government.
On July 12, Boston’s Federalist newspaper, the Columbian Centinel report of the:
“ERA OF GOOD FEELINGS
During’ the late Presidential Jubilee many persons have met at festive boards, in pleasant converse,
whom party politics had long severed. We recur with pleasure to all the circumstances which
attended the demonstrations of good feelings. The dinner given by the venerable Ex-President
ADAMS, consisted of nearly forty covers—was arranged with noble simplicity, and unaffected
elegance, and embraced as guests eminent men of all political parties. The accomplished and
excellent Lady of the Ex-President did the honors, seated between the President of the U. States
and the Governor of the Commonwealth.”
Monroe is fêted at length during his visit to Massachusetts, and given an honorary
degree from Harvard. The Centinel is known for using exaggerated terms in its
headlines. It uses “Era,” “age,” and “season” to describe anything from murders to
politics. It reports that animosity between the Federalist’s and the Democratic-
Republicans subsides during the president’s goodwill tour of New England. 12
But,
according to the New Oxford American Dictionary, “era” is defined as “a long
and distinct period of history with a particular feature” and Monroe’s “Era” only
lasts for two years, coming to an end with the Panic of 1819. 13
Politics as usual
reemerges quickly, and continues to this day.
On August 8, the New-York Evening Post reports of a:
“PUBLIC DINNER
“IN honor of His Excellency JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, will be given by the citizens of
New-York, at Tammany-Hall, on Monday the 11th inst. at 4 o’clock, P.M.
Gentlemen desirous to contribute their respects to this distinguished personage, are
requested to apply for tickets to either of the following gentlemen, who form a sub-committee of
arrangement.
John Jacob Astor Cad D. Colden,
William Bayard, David Dunham,
Peter Stagg, Philip Hone,
John G. Coster, Stephen Whitney,
Frederick Jenkins, Dominick Lynch, jr”

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On August 9, the National Advocate follows up:
“The citizens of New-York propose giving a public dinner to the hon, John Quincy Adams
on Monday next, at Tammany Hall, as a mark of respect for his character and important services
abroad.”
This dinner may have been in response to the Federalists trying to get back in the
good graces of the new administration with its embrace of Monroe in Boston, but
his “Era,” if it ever existed in New York City, is quickly replaced by bad feelings,
because:
On August 14, the National Advocate comments:
“The papers generally throughout this state designate Tammany Hall as a den for savages,
and yet it was considered the most suitable place to give Mr. Adams a dinner, and what is most
surprising, Mr. Clinton felt no dismay in trusting himself in this “den,” to partake in the festivity
on the occasion.”
And on August 23, it continues in the same vein:
“Whatever friendly or forgiving dispositions may have existed toward Mr. Clinton, a peep
into Tammany Hall on the 24th of April last would have banished them all.”
In August, Tammany sachem and sheriff of New York City, Ruggles Hubbard, flees
the city, taking with him an undisclosed sum from the city treasury. 14
He makes
his way to Amelia Island, on the Atlantic, at the Georgia-Florida border. In June,
a Scottish soldier by the name of Gregor MacGregor had seized the island at the
town of Fernandina, in the name of Venezuela and proclaimed it the “Republic of
the Floridas.” With Hubbard’s arrival, MacGregor makes him unofficial governor
of the republic. MacGregor then leaves the island with his militia, leaving Hubbard
in charge. Hubbard’s term is short lived, because in September, a pirate by the
name of Luis Aury seizes the island in the name of Mexico. In December, the
United States Navy deposes Aury. 15
On August 30, the National Advocate prints a letter dated from the “canal.”
Dear Terry—Botheration to you man, do you think a jontleman’s gut nothing to do but
write letters, when you know he is hard at work, like a true patriot, in digging away before the
winter comes? do you think I can hold a hoe in one hand and a pen in another? But, however, you
are my friend you know, and the divil take him who refuses his friend a scrape of a pen or a sup of
whiskey. Oh! Terry, my darling, it would do your heart good to see the nate little tight ones with
their spades and pick axes, like a regiment of Killkenny boys tossing the clods about in this canal.”
It continues in this humorous manner at length, and concludes:
“Well Terry, I’m getting tired of asy and growing rich. After all a large city is the dandy;
here we have no elections, not a soul that will give us a drop of whiskey for a vote—not a divil that’s
worth fighting for; and, as for the yankee lasses, by the powers, they want a summer’s polishing at
Balingbroke fair to make them jonteel: so don’t forget my love to Judy, and my dutiful regard for
our friends, the Exile and the Columbian—tell them we’re getting on as well as we can, and bid
him swear that we’ll finish the canal in a few years; if we should fail we can lay the blame on the
Advocate and the Tammany savages. So no more at present.
Your loving friend, PAT MURPHY.”

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The “Columbian” refers to the New-York Columbian, that is published by Alden
Spooner from 1817 to 1821. The reference to “Exile” is obscure.
In the fall, Tammany sachem John L. Broome is removed as City Clerk by the
Council of Appointments for his failure to prevent Hubbard’s theft. 16
Governor
De Witt Clinton once again controls the Council of Appointments.
On November 10, Tammany’s Grand Council of Sachems repeals its constitution
of 1813, and the traditional Indian terms are reinstated. The new preamble states:
“A solemn gloom for three long years the Tammanial horizon has much obscured;—Freedoms
refulgent Flame had nearly expired!—a latent spark will soon resuscitate it again, when green
eyed jealousy and stalking discord shall be expelled from within the wall of our Ancient, our
Happy Wigwam.” 17
From January 27 to April 21, the 41st New York State Legislature meets in session
in Albany. Assemblyman Ogden Edwards from New York City, a Tammany
Bucktail, sponsors a bill calling for a constitutional convention. Its aim: to
abolish the Council of Appointments. Governor Clinton ultimately vetoes the
bill, stating:
“Iaminfavorofconventionproperlyandfairlycalled,butnotforonegotupprecipitately
for bad purposes, under bad auspices, and with a view to shake society to its foundations in
order to sustain bad men.” 18
Ogden Edwards goes on to become a Circuit Court judge, and in June of 1836
presides over the infamous trial of the murder of prostitute Helen Jewett, in
which the accused, Richard P. Robinson, is acquitted. The trial mirrors the
Manhattan Well Murder of Elma Sands, which was tried in January of 1800, in
which Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton successfully defended Levi Weeks.
Edwards is a cousin of Burr.
In early 1818, William Coleman, editor of the New-York Evening Post, publishes
an account of the misconduct of a Democratic-Republican judge, Henry B.
Hagerman. Hagerman, from New York City’s Third Ward, traveling upstate,
stops at a Kingston hotel, and because of supposed slight, insults the widowed
keeper of the hotel “so grossly that no newspaper of to-day would print the details
which Coleman laid before the public.” On April 11, Hagerman catches up with
Coleman at the corner of Murray and Church in New York City, and beats him
to within an inch of his life. 19
At the subsequent attempted murder trial on June
3, one of Hagerman’s attorney’s is Robert Bogardus. Witnesses for the defendant
include Abraham Stagg and Nathaniel W. Strong. 20
Bogardus, Stagg, and Strong
are Tammany sachems. Hagerman is acquitted of attempted murder, but found
guilty of assault and battery, and fined $250.00. At a later civil trial, Hagerman
is found guilty and ordered to pay Coleman $4000.00. Coleman never recovers,
suffering from recurring bouts of paralysis. 21
On April 23, the National Advocate prints a “Proclamation.” The tongue-in-
cheek letter supposedly appeals to the Bucktails to side with the Clintonians in
the upcoming election. It begins:

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“To all and singular our dearly and well beloved vassals, livery men, union and standard
bearers, editors and squib writers, office holders and expectants, bugle horn performers, puffers
and allies—Greeting.
Know ye, dearly beloved, that the election is at hand, and on this occasion, I require
of ye a proof of your devotion to my person and legitimate rights. I have too long permitted a
desperate faction in the southern district, known as republicans, but which I choose to, and order
ye to call, buck tail men, savages and Martlingites, to cross me in my way, and fret and worry me
in my advancement. I have long seen the evil, but have never put our shoulder with success to the
wheel to remedy its mischief.—The time had now arrived to act; and unless the this district throw
themselves at my feet and solicit my royal forgiveness for their past obstinacy, I am determined
that their voice shall not be heard throughout my territories, and that their wealth and possessions
shall be wrested from them and placed in my grand canal sinking fund, as a warning to rebellious
spirits who will not bow to my ‘splendid government,’ my ‘imperium in imperio.
The letter concludes:
“ Vassals and livery men be on the alert—provide refreshment and use them bountifully—
hire vehicles and aliens to assist—don’t break the furniture at Tammany Hall, but if necessary
break the furniture at some other place. Let us but triumph, no matter how, and our throne is firm.
During this struggle leave character out of the question, as you expect my gracious countenance.
Given in the first year of our reign,
NEBUCHANDEZZAR, Magnus Apollo.
By the king. Sill M’Sycophant, sec’y.”
“Magnus Apollo” is meant to be a derisive pen name ascribed to Governor De Witt
Clinton by M. N. Noah and others. But, Clinton’s former instructor at Columbia
College, Dr. Cochran, thinks otherwise:
“I hear that his political opponents call him, by way of reproach, magnus Apollo. If he has not
degenerated from what I knew him as a boy, he is well entitled to the appellation as a title of
honour.” 22
On April 24, the National Advocate reports of a:
“REPUBLICAN GENERAL MEETING!
Citizens—Attend in all your force this evening at Tammany Hall to receive the report of
your committee—remember that this is the anniversary of the unhallowed attempt of a foreign
faction to beat you off your own ground, and bring you like slaves to the feet of De Witt Clinton.”
On April 29, the National Advocate reports New York’s election results to the
United States House of Representatives. The Bucktail faction of the Democratic-
Republicans, led by Martin Van Buren, take nineteen seats, the Clintonians take
eight, and the Federalists take two. Many of the members of the fading Federalist
Party join the Clintonian faction of the Democratic-Republican Party:
“THE ELECTION
We congratulate our fellow citizens on the results of the election in this city. Our
predictions are verified—our expectations are answered—we have triumphed. We have been
accused of falsehood, and we shall answer the charge in our next. Comment is unnecessary;
everyone can now see who are the factionists—who was in the minority at Tammany Hall—who
were the rioters. The lame attempt of the Columbian last evening to account for the failure of the
Clintonian ticket is futile and absurd—if we had room we would copy it for the amusement of our
readers.
The political honor of this great city is preserved—its political charter is established—we
shall be represented by the men of out choice, and we are content.”

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On May 8, the National Advocate reports of:
“Tammany Society or Columbian Order. ANNIVERSARY
Brothers!
The anniversary of this institution will be celebrated at the Great Wigwam on Tuesday
evening next—a long talk will be delivered by a brother, precisely at 6 o’clock, after which the
society will partake of a Supper, which will be furnished by brother Cozzens.
N.B. On Monday evening next tickets will be distributed to the members, each of which
will admit a lady and gentleman.
By order of the Grand Sachem.
JOHN WHITE, Secretary.
Seasons of Blossoms. 5th Moon, Year discovery 326.”
And so, the Indian terms return to Tammany’s press releases that had been banned
during the War of 1812.
On May 15, the National Advocate reports on the anniversary meeting at Tammany
Hall.
It describes the event in Indian terms, referring to the supper as a:
“…production of the forests and of the lakes, and the exhilarating waters of the great spring.”
Twelve toasts are drunk, including:
“1st. The immortal Columbus—His genius conducted him to the land of liberty, where he
was welcomed by the innocent ancestors of the worthy aboriginal chief, Tammany, nat as a mortal,
but as a Deity sent by the Great Spirit.”
And:
“ 8th. Our illustrious war chiefs and war bands, who on the great waters and on the lakes
in the forest and on the plain. Discomfitted and beat the mighty hosts of the most powerful proud
and tyrannic nation on the earth—May their bows continue to be well strung, and their quivers
well filled with arrows, to punish the next audacious foe—Music, and Tammanial war song.”
Concluding with:
“12th. The present sachem of the New York or Eagle tribe—Had he not walked in crooked
paths and been led away by evil spirits, the people would have hailed him one of their favorite
chiefs—Reformation.”
This last toast is a veiled swipe at Governor De Witt Clinton.
On June 6, the New-York Evening Post prints the following notice:
“TAMMANY HALL.
The copartnership, heretofore existing between ABRAHAM MARTLING and WILLIAM
B. COZZENS, was dissolved on the 1st of April last by mutual consent. The establishment will be
continued by the subscriber. The situation of TAMMANY HALL is probably unrivaled in this
city—facing the Park and the City Hall, and within a minute’s walk of the Theatre, Academy of Fine
Arts, Museum, &c it presents inducements for air, prospect, convenience and accommodation’
inferior to none in the city. Travellers from different states in the union, and from the state, will
find at Tammany Hall a larder well stocked with all the delicacies of the season, choice Wines, airy
Bed Chambers, and every convenience that can be expected, and on the most moderate terms.
WM B COZZENS”

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On July 7, the National Advocate reports on the forty-second anniversary of
Independence Day. Once again, the Society of St Tammany leads the procession,
followed by the Hibernian Provident Society. The article goes on to note:
“The different societies having taken their seats, the Declaration of Independence was read
by Mr. Hope of the House Carpenter’s Society; and an extract from Washington’s Farewell address
by Mr. Prest, of the Mason’s Society; after which an oration was delivered by William M. Price, esq.
appointed for that purpose by the Tailor’s Society. This oration was distinguished for its eloquence
and patriotic spirit. Mr. Price passed rapidly over the events of the revolution, and descanted with
much truth and force on the nature and liberal character of our institution; he slightly touched
on party spirit, and hailed the present tranquility as auspicious to an amalgamation of parties; a
principle very pleasant in theory, but very difficult of practical operation, and in our minds, very
dangerous to liberty, even if it should be effected.”
Twenty toasts are drunk, including:
“9. James Monroe, President of the U.S.—The firm and undeviating republican, and
patriotic chief of a free people.”
On August 18, the New-York Evening Post prints a satirical editorial:
“We mentioned yesterday an account in the London papers, that several members of
the Tammany Order, have lately been exhibiting upon the London boards. It would seem from
this, and from the circumstances that John Bull has recently sent us two of his most exquisite and
captivating singers, Philipps and Incledon, that the managers of our theatres and those in London,
have negotiated an exchange of performers. In this treaty of exchange, we are inclined to think
that we have the advantage of John for once, and not only in the way of trade, but it gives us strong
ground to question his taste and musical refinement. For while we have been listening in raptures
and extacies to the most sweet and enchanting melody, John has been roaring and shaking his
lusty sides at the thunder of the Wiskinkie dance; the shrill whoop of the Sagamore, and the horrid
grimace of the Choctaw or Pottawattamie.”
On November 30, the National Advocate reports:
“TAMMANY SOCIETY OR COLUMBIAN ORDER.
Celebrate the Evacuation of our City by the British, on the 25th November, 1783.
The éclat with which this memorable day was celebrated by the sons of Tammany has been
seldom surpassed. At sun set they very numerously assembled in the Great Wigwam, agreeably
to public notice, and the animating recollections and details of some relevant circumstances,
previous to, and at the evacuation, delivered by a brother to this society in an address. The festive
board was abundantly supplied with the productions of the Forests and the Lakes, and the waters
of the Great Spring—by brother Cozzens, (the keeper.) Many venerable hoary headed veterans of
the revolution, and gallant youthful heroes of the late war, with a number of respectable visitors,
honored the society with their presence.”
On January 21, the National Advocate prints a proclamation by the Society of St.
Tammany, defending General Andrew Jackson for his actions during the First
Seminole War. This campaign, ordered by President Monroe, has Jackson lead
his Tennessee Volunteers against the increasingly aggressive Seminole Indians
of Georgia. The Seminole attack Jackson’s forces, and Jackson, taking a cue from
William Henry Harrison’s battle with Tenskwatawa at Prophetstown, responds by
destroying Seminole villages and burning their crops. Jackson proceeds to move
south from Georgia and invades Spanish Florida. He finds evidence of British
subjects arming the Seminole, and captures, tries, and summarily executes two
unfortunate British agents: Robert Ambrister and Alexander Arbuthnot. 23

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Tammany’s proclamation states:
“Therefore. Resolved, by Tammany Society or Columbian Order, of the city and county
of New-York—That the conduct of General Jackson, as manifested in carrying into execution the
original sentence of a court martial against Arbuthnot and Ambrister; two desperate adventures,
who had let loose the Indians on our settlements, and furnished them with arms, to murder
infants, women and children, was justified by the law of nations, the laws of war, and the immutable
principles of retaliation and self defense; and we highly approve of his manly spirit of the American
general, who promptly punished the offenders and culprits against humanity and the rights of this
country, and taught foreign emissaries that the United States was not to be outraged by spies,
traitors and lawless adventures.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this society, Major General Andrew Jackson has acquired
a lasting claim to the gratitude and remembrance of his country, which is ever prepared to reward
him that does his duty faithfully.
Done in society, as witness our hands, and the corporate seal of the institution.
WM. MOONEY,
Grand Sachem.
Seasons of Snow—year of Discovery 327—of Independence 43—the Institution 30
New-York, 18th of January, 1819
JAMES S. MARTIN. Sagamore.
John White, Secretary.”
The Trial of Ambrister, by William Croome.
From Pictorial Life of Andrew Jackson, by John Frost.
On January 21, the New-York Evening Post promptly responds:
“The question settled—The Tammany Society in this city have resolved, that, in their
opinion Major-General Jackson has acquired a lasting claim to the gratitude and remembrance
of his country, for having put to death Ambrister and Arbuthnot. This, we presume settles the
question, and will save congress a world of trouble. No one will pretend to deny, but that this
society is well acquainted with the character of their red brethren, and are better calculated to
judge of savage warfare, than any other tribunal in the country. It is hoped, therefore, Congress will
acquiesce in their decision, and throw the report of the military committee, and Colonel Johnson’s
substitute, under the table.”

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What the Post acerbically comments on, in fact happens. Members of Monroe’s
cabinet call for Jackson to be censured, fearing a backlash from England and
Spain. But John Quincy Adams defends Jackson and no action is taken. “Colonel
Johnson” refers to Richard Mentor Johnson, who fought alongside William Henry
Harrison at the Battle of the Thames, where Tecumseh was killed. Johnson had
been a congressman from Kentucky since 1806, and in 1819 he moves to the
Senate. He goes on to become the ninth vice president under Martin Van Buren.
His “substitute” is Henry Clay. As a result of Jackson’s invasion of Florida, Adams
is able to negotiate with Spain, and as a result of the Adams-Onis Treaty, Spain
cedes Florida to the United States in 1819.
On February 16, the New-York Evening Post prints a notice:
“At a meeting held at Tammany Hall on the 15th of Feb. 1819, for the purposes of
concerting measures for a public demonstration of their high respect for major-general Andrew
Jackson, on his expected visit to this city: it was
Resolved, That a committee of twelve be appointed to carry into the effect the object of
this meeting.”
On February 23, the National Advocate prints a notice:
“The citizens of New-York, are respectively informed that the public dinner in honor of
Major General Andrew Jackson, will be given at Tammany Hall, THIS DAY, the 23d of February,
inst. at 4 o’clock P.M. Tickets may be had on application to the members of the committee, and at
the bar of Tammany Hall.”
On February 24, the New-York Evening Post gleefully reports:
“General Jackson’s toast—Yesterday at the public dinner given him at Tammany Hall, by
the Tammany Society or Columbian Order, No. 1, General Jackson being called on for his toast,
his honor the mayor, who presided, rose and with an audible voice, and to the utter consternation
and dismay of Sachem William Mooney, pronounced the following:

‘DE WITT CLINTON, the governor of the great and patriotic state of New-York!!’

After which gen J. hastily left the room, according to the Mercantile Advertiser ‘amidst
reiterated applauses’: but we are pretty correctly informed, that a dead silence reigned for the space
of three minutes at least.

‘What dire emotions shook the Sachems soul,
Just like two billiard his ’gan roll,
Whilst anger all his savage heart possess’d,
That, swelling, wildly beat his breast,
Bounc’d at his ribs with all his might so stout,
As resolutely bent on jumping out.’
At length, a certain Alderman, having recovered his astonished senses, a little, said, loud
enough to be heard by the whole company, that what he had just witnessed, put him in mind of
what Sir Peter Teagle says—‘This is a dam’d wicked world we live in Sir Oliver, and the fewer we
praise the better.”
This last quote is from the play, A School for Scandal, a popular satire written by
Richard Brinsley Sheridan, and first performed at London’s Druy Lane Theatre on
May 8, 1777. One of the main characters is Sir Peter Teazle.

163
1819 An article of February 25 in the National Advocate tries to do damage control. The
article begins:
“We must confess that we not a little surprised, when the toast of General Jackson was
given by Mr. Colden; and the solemn manner that it was received, must have convinced the
General how little it accorded with the feeling of the company.”
“The ‘hangers on’ have taken special care, in conformity to orders, to trumpet this victory,
as they term it, through the town; and well they may consider it a victory, for it is the first time that
the name Dewitt Clinton has been given at a public table in Tammany Hall—and it is our opinion,
that it would not have been tolerated from any other person than the distinguished guest.”
Having been appointed by De Witt Clinton, Mayor Cadwallader D. Colden’s toast
is a calculated move to embarrass Tammany’s Bucktails, and try to ingratiate
Clinton with Jackson. But Tammany Hall, having shown their love for General
Jackson early on, will continue to support his political rise.
Cadwallader D. Colden, by William Jewett & Samuel Lovett Waldo.
From the collection of the Yale University Art Gallery.

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On March 6, the National Advocate print a notice:
“GENERAL REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE.
Tammany Hall March 4, 1819.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Republican Electors of the city and county of
New-York, to meet in their respected Wards, on FRIDAY EVENING, the 12th inst. at 7 o’clock
(the 9th to meet at 6 o’clock,) to choose three persons in each Ward, to form a Committee, for the
purpose of selecting six Delegates, to represent this city and county in the Senatorial Convention,
to be held on the 31st inst. and that the said Committee of three from each Ward, be requested
to meet on TUESDAY EVENING, the 16th inst. a 7 o’ clock at Tammany Hall, for the purpose
aforesaid.”
Keeping with the third article of its constitution, Tammany’s General Committee
is held in private. A series of pamphlets, published in March by Alden Spooner’s
New York Columbian, address this issue. It is signed “A Marling Man.” Following
are some excerpts:
“About this time a new mode of nominating the Assembly ticket was got up. Everything
was done in committee, or as the people called it, in caucus. I, who used formerly be consulted
about proper persons to represent us, was now left out of sight, and I never was consulted or could
guess, nor could find any body who could tell me who were on the ticket, until it was announced
by the nominating committee to a general meeting—and then it was voted for in a lump, and we
were only asked to sanction if there, and support it afterwards at the election. Says I to myself, how
is this?”
“I have attended round the door of this Nominating Committee, to try and learn
something of what was going on. But none who were on the outside could tell me any thing; and
if any one of the committee by chance popped out, he always look mysterious, put on a wise face,
and said the proceedings were confidential and was not at liberty to say any thing. It sometimes
leaked out, that violent disputes arose, and the Burrites were likely to gain the ascendency. Says I
to myself, how is this?”
“A Martling Man” is in fact Governor De Witt Clinton. 24
On April 2, the National Advocate prints a notice of the:
“SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
SENATORIAL CONVENTION.
At a Convention of Delegates from the several Counties in the Southern District of the
State of New-York, held at Tammany Hall, in the City of New-York, on Wednesday the 31st day of
March, 1819, Gen Jacob Odell was appointed Chairman, and Dr. Abel Huntington Secretary.
Resolved, unanimously, That
PETER R. LIVINGSTON, Esq.
Of Dutchess County, and
JOHN TOWNSEND, Esq.
of Westchester County, be nominated as Candidates for Senators for the Southern District of this
State, to be supported at the ensuing election.
Resolved, That the Senatorial of the Southern District be held at Tammany-Hall on the
last Wednesday of March, 1820 at 12 o’clock.
Resolved, That the Chairman and Secretary sigh the proceedings of this meeting, and the
same be published in the republican papers of the Southern District.
JACOB ODELL, Chairman
A. HUNTINGTON, Secretary.”
The resolutions are followed by a lengthy address, which attacks Governor Clinton.
Following is an excerpt:

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“Reposing with confidence on the strength and union of the Republican party, ignorant
of the secret measures adopted to secure the nomination of Mr. Clinton, we were only awake to its
evils when its anticipated effects where felt. During the war, we knew not this citizen as the Patriot
or Soldier—we saw him not in the ranks animating the yeomanry of this of this country—we
heard not his voice in the Council, raised in eloquent appeals in behalf of the rights, and the very
existence of the Union. We saw him, on the contrary, associated with the opponents of the war,
feasting with them in the most gloomy periods of that memorable contest, accepting office from
their hands, and identifying himself with their hopes, prospects, and political operations; under
such auspices, and with such claims, was elevated to the chair of state.”
On April 23, the National Advocate prints an article entitled:
“PEOPLE OF COLOUR.
The article begins:
“There is, in all cities, particularly populous one like ours, a large black population, who,
tolerated by the law, and admitted in all instances to a full participation of civil rights, under legal
restrictions, still labour under the disadvantage of public opinion, and though capable of assisting
in the elevation of power, are still prohibited from the influence of this opinion from being elected
themselves to offices of trust and honor.
When parties ran very high in this city, both sides availed themselves of the legal rights
of the people of color, and their votes, in many instances, have given the ascendency to one or the
other party. By common consent, and the result of reason of prudence, the co operation of blacks
has for some years been voluntarily relinquished. The elective franchise is a very important and
solemn right, which ought to exercised with due caution, and when properly appreciated; but, if
it becomes a mere vendible article, or is bent to the pliant views, the ambitious projects, or the
dangerous designs of an individual, this right becomes a serious evil, and the country cannot fail
to feel its injurious if not destructive effects. The party in this city, dependent on the personal
fortunes of Dewitt Clinton, in order to catch a plank to save them from shipwreck, and if not to
rule, then to ruin, has been peculiarly active in calling together the people of color of this city,
in distributing handbills, pamphlets &c, and have been registering them for some days past, to
qualify them according to the law.
This article is significant. It shows early on that the mouthpiece of Tammany
Hall—Mordecai Noah’s National Advocate—is in favor of suppressing the rights of
African-Americans in New York State. Clinton’s supporters may have attempted
to register Blacks to vote, but in fact they are not given suffrage until New York’s
revised Constitution of 1821, and then it is severely limited to Blacks who own
property, of which there are very, very, few. African-American men will only
gain suffrage with the passing of the Fifteenth Amendment of the United States
Constitution in 1870.
At the end of April, the Bucktails go on to win the election to the State Legislature
from the Southern District, and the Bucktails gain a majority in the State Senate.
In the State Assembly the Clintonians and the Federalist prevail, and a coalition
of Clintonians and Federalists elect John C. Spencer Speaker of the New York
Assembly. Spencer will go on to become Secretary of State of New York under
Whig Governor William Seward, and Untied States Secretary of War and Secretary
of the Treasury under Whig President John Tyler.
By mid 1819, the economic boom the United States had been enjoying since the
end of the War of 1812 comes to an end with the United State first peacetime
financial collapse. It is known as the Panic of 1819.

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In a pattern that continues to this day, the crises is driven by unrestrained
speculation of public lands, mainly in the new western states, that is made possible
by the Second Bank of the United States excessive use of paper money that feeds the
boom. With the end of the War of 1812, Europe begins exporting low cost goods
to the United States, severely impacting American manufacturing. In addition,
there is a glut of wheat and cotton in the markets causing prices to plummet. In
response to this, the Second Bank of the United States sharply restricts credit,
refusing to exchange specie (coin) for paper money. This leads to the bust, creating
widespread unemployment and bankruptcies that will last for several years. It is
the beginning of the end of the Era of Good Feelings.
On May 17, the National Advocate prints a press release of the annual celebration
of the Society of St. Tammany:
“Tammany Society or Columbian Order.
The thirtieth Anniversary of this National Institution was celebrated on Wednesday last,
the 12th inst. at the Great Wigwam, agreeably to ancient custom. At the appointed time, Sachem
Noah, of the Pennsylvania tribe delivered a long talk, to a very respectable and numerous audience
of ladies and gentlemen; it was very eloquent and impressive—taking into view, briefly, the rise,
progress and fall of empires—particularly the ancient republics; it emphatically recommended an
undeviating attachment to these principles, which will ever secure the American republic from
being overwhelmed by the subtle views and open plans of ‘unchastened ambition.’
After the Oration, the Society, with a number of republican friends, sat down to a repast,
provided by brother Cozzens, in his accustomed good and plentiful style. The exhilarating waters
of the great spring were drank; the deed of our ancestors were related in song and in story; the
friendly calumet was smoked, and the chair of union brightened.”
Twenty-five toasts are drunk, including:
“10. The suffering patriots who sigh for liberty all over the world—May the enemies to
their emancipation soon exchange abodes with the great, the unfortunate Napoleon Bonaparte.—
Marseilles Hymn.”
“11. The late War with Great Britain—The salutary effects of lessons received by them,
from land and water chiefs.—Star Spangled Banner.”
“19. The Bucktail—a simbolical emblem of Liberty; the aboriginal ancestors of Tammany
used it, and by him it was transferred down to the present time.
As free and agile as the deer,
Nor foe, nor element we fear. Liberty.”
The tenth toast shows Tammany’s love of Napoleon, the eleventh, their hatred of
the British, and the nineteenth, their commitment to returning to Indian customs
that had been banned during the War of 1812.
On July 3, the New-York Evening Post prints a notice of the:
“ARRANGEMENTS
For celebrating the 43rd anniversary of American Independence.
The grand standard of the United States will be displayed at sunrise at each place of
meeting of the different societies, and at the same time a national salute will be fired by the Veterans
Corps of Artillery in honor of the day and the societies.”
Again, the Society of St. Tammany leads the grand procession, followed by the
Hibernian Provident Society.

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On July 7, the National Advocate reports the:
To celebrate the Forty Third anniversary the glorious independence of the United States,
Tammany Society, after the usual procession, assembled at their wigwam, and partook of a plentiful
repast, prepared by brother Cozzens, and consisting of the produce of the forests and lakes, when
the following toasts were drunk interspersed with song and story.”
Twenty-two general toasts are drunk, followed by seven toasts offered by the
Sachems, including:
“By Benjamin Romaine, Treasurer.—The executive scalping knife which was
sharpened and made bright in the ‘golden days of our commercial prosperity.’ ”
Again, this last toast is a veiled swipe at the “executive” of New York State, De Witt
Clinton.
Also on July 7, completely contrary to the previous toast, the National Advocate
prints the following remarkable notice:
“Tammany Society sent a deputation to congratulate the hon. Corporation, while at
dinner, on the return of our national birth-day. The company, of which the governor was one, rose.
With respectful deference, to receive the felicitations of that old and influential Society.”
On November 25, the National Advocate prints the following notice of the
celebration of Evacuation Day:
“Tammany Society, or Columbian Order.
Brothers—The revolving earth in her daily progress, has again unfolded to our view,
the returning anniversary of another celebrated event: on this day thirty-six years have elapsed
since the venerable patriots of the revolution returned to our city, to enjoy that blessed tranquility
which they had so eminently contributed to establish; it was on this day that the remnants of royal
authority retired from our shores, and the vassal footsteps of tyranny ceased to pollute the sacred
soils of Freedom.”
On January 11, the National Advocate prints a letter from Thomas Jefferson to
the Society of St. Tammany, in response to their concerns on the economy and
manufacturing:
“Th. Jefferson returns his respectful thanks to the President and the Members for the
favor of their address on the subjects of economy and manufactures. He has read it with pleasure,
and finds much to approve, little to doubt, and less to add—perhaps he should have added; the
suppression of drawback among the remedies for the disease of over-trading ourselves. It is
desirable we should employ so much of our capital as is necessary for exchanging our superfluous
produce for the comforts we want, but the drawback goes further and encourages the employment
of an additional portion in performing the same functions for other nations, in becoming brokers
of the commerce between the nations of Europe, and between Europe and Asia, a branch which
more than all others exposes us in the risk of embroilment in foreign wars. He thinks this portion
of capital would be better employed at home in manufacturing and agriculture, than burdening
us with the wares of other nations, ware which belong to their commerce, and which should be
theirs, not ours. The moment, too, seems favorable, when all fictitious capital is extinguished, and
the solid is pausing to see the issue of the present crises of our gambling commerce. He prays the
President and Society to accept his assurances of high respect and consideration.
Monticello,
Dec. 19 ’19.”

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This letter is a third person transcription of Jefferson’s original. The underlying
subject is the Panic of 1819. The address by Tammany that he responds to has
been lost to time, However, it demonstrates Tammany’s commitment to Jefferson’s
contempt for paper money, and his support of domestic manufacturing and
farming, as opposed to foreign imports, while at the same time supporting
domestic exports of produce, so key to the southern planters. Tammany’s embrace
of the former president will evolve to their support of Jacksonian Democracy.
In February, De Witt Clinton appoints Cadwallader D. Colden to his third term as
mayor of New York City.
On March 6, President James Monroe signs into law the Missouri Compromise.
It is an agreement between pro-slavery and anti-slavery members of Congress
that addresses the expansion of slavery in the West. It prohibits slavery in the
unorganized territories of the Great Plains above the parallel 36°30’ north, except
in the newly proposed state of Missouri, just west of the Mississippi River. In New
York’s upcoming gubernatorial election, De Witt Clinton uses his opposition to
slavery as a major plank of his campaign, demonstrated by this excerpt of a speech
he gives to the legislature:
“Nor can I conceal on this occasion the deep anxiety which I feel on a subject now under the
consideration of the general government; and which is unfortunately calculated to produce
geographical distinctions. Highly important as it is to allay feelings so inauspicious, and to
cultivate the most friendly communion with every member of the confederacy, yet I consider
the interdiction of the extension of slavery, a paramount consideration. Morally and politically
speaking, slavery is an evil of the first magnitude; and whatever may be the consequences, it is our
duty to prohibit its progress in all cases where such prohibition is allowed by the constitution. No
evil can result from its inhibition more pernicious than its toleration; and I earnestly recommend
the expression of your sense on this occasion, as equally due to the character
of the state and the prosperity of the empire.” 25
Map of the Missouri Compromise.

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1820 On April 22, in a letter to Massachusetts’s congressman John Holmes, who is
one of the backers of the Missouri Compromise, Thomas Jefferson warns of its
consequences. Following is an excerpt:
“Monticello Apr. 22. 20.
I thank you, Dear Sir, for the copy you have been so kind as to send me of the letter to your
constituents on the Missouri question. it is a perfect justification to them. I had for a long time
ceased to read the newspapers or pay any attention to public affairs, confident they were in good
hands, and content to be a passenger in our bark to the shore from which I am not distant. but this
momentous question, like a fire bell in the night, awakened and filled me with terror. I considered
it at once as the knell of the Union. it is hushed indeed for the moment. but this is a reprieve only,
not a final sentence. A geographical line, coinciding with a marked principle, moral and political,
once conceived and held up to the angry passions of men, will never be obliterated; and every new
irritation will mark it deeper and deeper.”
Jefferson’s Letter to John Holmes, from the collection of the Library of Congress.

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On March 28, the National Advocate prints the following notice:
“COMMUNICATION.
Having observed in the papers that Mr. Hulett’s Annual Ball will take place this evening, at
Tammany Hall, we cannot help expressing our wish that it be fully attended, and thereby convince
that old and respectable inhabitant, the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens.”
On April 27, the New York State elections are held. The gubernatorial race pits
the two factions of the Democratic-Republican Party: Sitting vice president of
the United States Daniel D. Tompkins, running under the Bucktail ticket, against
incumbent De Witt Clinton, running as a Clintonian. Clinton narrowly defeats
Tompkins, 47,445 to 45,990 votes. Demonstrating the limited number of white
males allowed to vote in New York City due to property restrictions, Clinton only
get 80 votes of a total of 792 votes cast. Never the less, Clinton’s supporters rally in
the streets, shouting “Heads up! tails down” in a reference to the Bucktails defeat
in the race for governor. 26
However, the Bucktails, led by Martin Van Buren, and
supported by Tammany Hall, win a majority in the elections for State Senate
and Assembly. The Federalists stubbornly hang on, electing 19 in the Assembly.
Bucktail Peter Sharpe is elected Speaker, defeating Clintonian John C. Spencer.
Clinton’s election as governor can be defined by three words: The Erie Canal.
On May 15, the National Advocate reports on the anniversary celebration of the
Society of St. Tammany of May 12, held at Tammany Hall. Twenty-nine toasts are
drunk. One of the final toasts is:
“By a Visitor—Dewitt Clinton, our lean Governor—
May never get fat;
While he wears two faces under one hat.”
This is a reference that Clinton is loyal to himself first, and to the various political
factions that he plays against each other second. To Martin Van Buren and his
Bucktails this is an outrage, for they hold party loyalty sacrosanct.
On July 7, the National Advocate reports of the Independence Day celebrations
of July 4, held at Tammany Hall. Thirty-five toasts are drunk. One of the more
remarkable toasts is:
“15. Slavery—A curse to human nature, a foul blot on the admired picture of America;
may the word be obliterated from the American vocabulary.”
Many members of the Society of St. Tammany are merchants who depend on the
Southern planters, and by turn, the institution of slavery. In addition, they support
Andrew Jackson, who is a wealthy slaveholder himself. Yet, the fact that this toast
is even published shows that an anti-slavery faction is growing within Tammany
Hall and the Democratic-Republican Party. It will continue to build for decades
to come.
On July 26, the National Advocate prints the following notice:
“GREEN TURTLE AT TAMMANY HALL
THIS DAY, will be dressed in high style, at TAMMANY HALL, a fine GREEN TURTLE.
At 11 it will be served on the table. Families supplied as usual. Jy 26—It.”

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From November 1 to December 6, the United States presidential election is held.
Democratic-Republicans James Monroe and Daniel D. Tompkins run essentially
unopposed. The New York State Legislature chooses twenty-nine electors, all
of them Bucktails. William Plummer of New Hampshire casts a lone electoral
vote for John Quincy Adams. De Witt Clinton gets 1,893 popular votes, Monroe,
87,343. With the Federalists failing to run a candidate, it is the end of the First
Party System.
James Monroe, by Samuel Finley Breese Morse.
From the collection of The White House.
On November 18, led by the Bucktails, the New York State Legislature passes a
bill calling for a convention to amend the State constitution, and it is sent before
the Council of Revision, a legal body that reviews all bills before they are enacted.
It is composed of the Governor, the State Chancellor, and members of the State
Supreme Court. Chief Justice Ambrose Spencer and Chancellor James Kent vote
against it. Judges Joseph C. Yates and John Woodworth vote for it. Of course,
De Witt Clinton breaks the tie voting against it, and the measure is once again shot
down. But the tide is starting to turn on Clinton.

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On November 25, the National Advocate prints the following notice:
“Tammany Society of Columbian Order.
Brothers,
This day being the 37th Anniversary of the Evacuation of this City by the BRITISH
TROOPS, the Society will celebrate the same according to the following arrangements:
1st. At Sunrise, the National Flag will be displayed on the GREAT WIGWAM, at which
time a Salute will also be fired by the “Independent Veterans Corps of Artillery,” under the
command of Capt. MILLS, Sachem of the Connecticut or Bear Tribe.
2d. The Grand Standard and Banners of the respective tribes will be properly decorated
and arranged by the Sagamore.
3d. Precisely at half an hour after the setting of the Sun, the members will assemble in the
Council Chamber for the transaction of ordinary business, wearing a BUCKTAIL in front of the
Hat.
4th. At 8 o’clock P.M. a supper will be provided for the occasion, by Brother Cozzens.
Season of Hunting, 11th Moon,
Year of Discovery, 329.
JAMES S. MARTIN, Sec’ry”
On January 10, William Coleman in the New-York Evening Post turns his ire on
Mordecai Noah and the National Advocate. The article begins:
“ ‘On evil times are we fallen.’—The columns of the National Advocate, have, of late,
contained sentiments and expressions, which ought to have awakened the indignation of every
lover of decency and decorum in the community, whatever might be his political views. Mr. Noah,
with a view of exciting the popular odium against all those who impeded the designs of the most
furious of his party, in their projects to get up a partial convention, for the most alarming and
mysterious purposes, has been constantly endeavoring to bring some of our best and most amiable
of men, into public contempt. He has taken every occasion to speak of the Chancellor and the
Chief Justice of the State, in the most disrespectful and unmannerly style; as for instance, he begins
one of his editorial paragraphs in the late Advocate in the following terms: ‘Kent and Spencer keep
very close.’ Not only has he designedly omitted their title, which common courtesy demands, but
omits even the prefix of their christian names. This rudeness is not without the effect among the
people…”
The article continues:
“Accordingly we are informed that a caricature of his Honor Chancellor Kent and Chief Judge
Spencer is already exhibited at Tammany Hall, and offered at the bar for sale at 25 cents apiece,
with labels issuing from their mouths. Whence they come, or who is the author of this indecorous
and scandalous exhibition, we know not…”
Again, as noted in Chapter Four, Ambrose Spencer and De Witt Clinton are related
by marriage: Spencer marries Clinton’s sister Katherine after the death of his first
wife Laura Canfield, and the death of his second wife, Clinton’s sister Mary.
On January 11, “Q IN A CORNER” writes a humorous letter, commenting on the
caricatures displayed at Tammany Hall, in the National Advocate. Following is an
excerpt:
“SIR—The true cause of Mr. Coleman’s ire against Mr. Noah is to be found only in the
caricature, exhibited at Tammany Hall, which I took a peep at this morning. It really is an ‘indecent’
production. Only think of a dog standing on three legs, performing a certain operation upon the
three leading federal papers in the city, not the least conspicuous of which is the Evening Post. This
was enough to rouse the indignation of any man; much more that of Mr. Coleman, who is blessed
with a sufficient stock of bile, which he frequently throws off on less important occasions.”

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In January, the Bucktail majority begins to flex its muscles in the new session
of the Legislature. They start by passing a bill allowing the people to decide if a
Constitutional Convention should be held in the April elections. On January 29
they appoint Bucktail Benjamin Knower New York State Treasurer. On February 6,
they elect the leader of the Bucktails, State Attorney Martin Van Buren to succeed
Clintonian Nathan Sanford as U.S. Senator from New York. Finally on March 21,
they appoint Bucktail William C. Bouck to the Erie Canal Commission. Bouck
goes on to become Governor of New York in 1843.
The New York State elections are held between April 24 and April 26. The Bucktails
hang on to a slim majority, with the Senate evenly divided, 16 Bucktails and 16
Clintonians. In the Assembly, the Bucktails prevail, electing 74 members to the
Clintonians 52. The people vote in favor for a Convention to be held to amend
the New York Constitution, convening between August and November in Albany.
Illustration in the National Advocate of April 25, 1821.
Also in April, because of his support of Martin Van Buren, Mordecai Noah is
appointed Sheriff of New York City. His anti-Semitic opponents cry foul, saying
that a Jew should not be able to supervise the hanging of a Christian. To this Noah
responds: “Pretty Christians to require hanging at all.” 27

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On May 2, The National Advocate reacts to the Evening Post’s report of a dispute
between Mordecai Noah and Peter Sharpe:
“I perceive in Monday’s Post, that Mr. Coleman has taken the freedom to say that Mr.
Sharpe and myself have had a personal difference, on the subject of his nomination to congress;
that mutual recrimination was the result, and that Mr. Sharpe called me a ‘very Shylock’ and
turning to by-standers, very happily quoted the couplet
‘This is the jew, that Shakespeare drew.’
It is unequivocally false. I know no person to whom such language could be used with
impunity, and humble submission, excepting Mr. Coleman. It is true, that Mr. Sharpe had the
weakness to charge me in a crowded room at Tammany Hall, with not affording to him the same
support that I did to Mr. Cambreleng. My reply was, that I did not anticipate the least danger in the
first congressional district, and we had been very hard pushed in the second.—Nothing further of
consequence passed.”
Mordecai Noah and Peter Sharpe are both Sachems of Tammany Hall. Sharpe is
the Speaker of the State Legislature. Sharpe runs for Congress in April. Mayor
Calwallader Colden successfully contests his election, because some people vote
for Calwallader Colden, and others vote for Calwallader D. Colden. Churchill
C. Cambreleng is a Bucktail who wins a seat in Congress from New York’s 2nd
Congressional District. As a result of Colden moving to Congress, the Council
of Appointments appoints Stephen Allen, who is a member of the Society of St.
Tammany, and a sail maker by trade, mayor.
No mention is made in the National Advocate or the New-York Evening Post of the
thirty-second celebration of the Society of St. Tammany on May 12.
Presumably no celebration is held. The reason that no annual celebration is held
at Tammany Hall on May 12 may be because William B. Cozzens is relieved of his
duties as the keeper of Tammany Hall, because on May 30, the National Advocate
prints the following notice:

“Sir—Permit me, through the medium of your paper, to recommend, under its new
tenant, Tammany Hall,—a place where the stranger will find the best of accommodations, and
where the citizen may reside with economy and comfort. The house had recently been painted and
thoroughly repaired; the table is equal to any in the city, and Mr. Moody, the present occupier, uses
every exertion to render the establishment worthy of general patronage. A very erroneous opinion
seems prevalent that Tammany-Hall has been, and is, devoted to a party! And that nothing else
is heard within its walls but political debates! This has never been the case, and from a residence
of some weeks, the writer of this communication will venture to affirm, that there is not a public
table within the United States at which less is said on those subjects; and the visitor is assured that
he may enjoy his religious and political sentiments, without either called in question. A.B.”
“A.B.” is most likely Tammany Sachem Abraham Bloodgood. He is clearly playing
fast and loose with the facts. Of course Tammany Hall is devoted to a party, and
that many a political debate, as well as a fist-fight or two take place there. But A.B.
is trying to give the new keeper, Mr. Moody, a break by stressing that Tammany
Hall is a lovely Inn on the park, notwithstanding the fact that it is the meeting
place for the private aspect of the Society of St. Tammany. In addition, he tries
to mitigate Peter Sharpe’s alleged anti-Semitic remarks by stating that people can
enjoy Tammany Hall regardless of their “religious or political sentiments.” William
B. Cozzens goes on to start an Inn near West Point Military Academy. Perhaps
one of the reasons he is replaced at Tammany Hall can be seen in Robert E. Lee’s
reaction to his fare in 1825:

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“The worst thing at the academy was among the first to which the new cadets were introduced—
the food. At seven o’clock they were marched to the mess-hall where they could not fail to get
an unpleasant opinion of the hospitality of Mr. Cozzens. One of the boys who was received at
the same time with Robert found the diet of indescribable badness. The soup was unpalatable at
dinner time, the molasses was inedible, and the pudding was untouchable.” 28
On July 7, the National Advocate reports of the:
“Celebration of the 45th Anniversary of American Independence by the Society of
Tammany, or Columbian Order.
After the conclusion of the exercises in the Church, the members of the Society, and a
number of republican friends, partook of an elegant Dinner, prepared, much to their satisfaction,
by Mr. Moody, Keeper of the Great Wigwam.”
Thirteen toast are drunk, including:
“5. Daniel D. Tompkins—The favorite patriot of the State of New York. 9 Cheers.”
And:

11. The Convention—May its proceedings be marked with the spirit of republican
freedom, and add to the quiet, safety, and dignity of our state. 9 Cheers.”
In November, the Constitutional Convention of 1821, presided over by Vice
President Daniel D. Tompkins, concludes. The following amendments are made:
The State elections are moved from the last week in April to the first week in November.
The lieutenant governor is given the right to succeed the governor whenever a vacancy occurs.
The Council of Appointments is abolished, making the vast majority of formerly appointed offices
elective.
The Council of Revisions is abolished, and veto power is transferred to the governor.
The Governor’s right to prorogue—dismiss—the legislature at will is abolished.
Property requirements for while male voters are abolished.
Blacks are given limited suffrage, with property requirements kept it place.
A Canal Board is formed, replacing the Canal Commission.
Eight Circuit Courts are created; one in each senatorial district, replacing the traveling circuit
court presided by justices of the State Supreme Court.
Interestingly, Daniel D. Tompkins, who is repeatedly lauded by Tammany Hall,
disapproves of the amendments, and refuses to sign the new constitution. Delegate
Martin Van Buren does approve and signs it. The new constitution is then put
before the voters for ratification in January 1822.
On November 28, the National Advocate print a notice of Tammany’s annual
celebrationofEvacuationDayonNovember25.Thirteentoastaredrunk,including:
“12. Tammany Hall. Age has not weakened its principles; time has not shaken its
patriotism.”

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On December 15, the National Advocate prints the following notice:
“Republicans of the city and county of New-York.
At a meeting of the General Republican Committee of the city and county of New-York,
Resolved, unanimously, that a meeting of the republican citizens if the city and county of New-
York be called, for the purpose of taking into consideration such measures and principles as may
be connected with the ensuing election on the subject of adopting the constitution for the state of
New-York, recently passed by the convention; and that said meeting be held at Tammany-Hall on
Thursday, the twentieth of December instant, at 7 o’clock precisely.
A meeting at that time and place is hereby called accordingly.
PETER SHARPE, Chairman. Wm. S. Coe, Secretary.”
On December 21, the New-York Evening Post reports:
“The following extract from the Address of the Republican General Committee at
Tammany Hall, last evening is found in this morning’s Advocate.
‘Let not the prize we have so nearly won for them [the people] be snatched from their
grasp by artifice and indiscretion. Let not our towering bird be hawked at and killed by this mousing
owl of opposition.’
That’s Shakespeare, good people, Shakespeare travestied—poor Shakespeare! How long is
it since you and the Bucktails have been acquainted?”
The quote that Tammany paraphrases is from Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 4. Responding
to Macbeth’s murder of Duncan, an Old Man says to Ross:
“Tis unnatural, even like the deed that’s done.
On Tuesday last, a falcon, towering in her pride of place,
was by a mousing owl hawk’d at and kill’d.”
On January 8, the National Advocate prints the following notice:
“The Society of Tammany, or Columbian Order, have passed a resolution, directing that
the Flag of the United States be displayed on Tammany Hall this day, in honor of the anniversary
of the splendid victory of New-Orleans.”
Between January 15 and January 17, the election on the ratification of the new
State Constitution is held. The people of the State of New York overwhelmingly
vote for its passage, 75,422 to 41,497. 29
On January 18, the National Advocate reports of a:
“REPUBLICAN TRIUMPH.
Last evening the Polls closed, and the election of the new Constitution of the state
terminated, and the canvass gave a Republican majority IN EVERY WARD IN THIS CITY.
Tammany Hall was filled at an early hour, and a band of music added hilarity to the
triumph.
On March 2, the National Advocate reports:
“The Fourth of March.—The preparations making to celebrate the day on which the
new Constitution of this state is to take effect, proceed with considerable spirit and activity. The
frames for the illumination of the City-Hall are erected; and the transparencies painted on the
celebration of peace with England will again be displayed. The superb edifice, the pride of the city
will be brilliantly lit up by upwards of five thousand candles.—Tammany-Hall, in which much
good has been done for the state, for the country, and in aid of the new Constitution, will also be
illuminated, and the republicans partake in a dinner in honor of the occasion.”

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On March 21, the National Advocate reports:
“Forum.—We perceive that the following question is to be discussed at the Forum at
Tammany-Hall: ‘Are husbands justifiable in correcting their wives?’ Gentlemen, gentlemen, which
of you will take the affirmative of this question? As my friend Dr. Coleman frequently and correctly
says. ‘The man that lays his hand upon a woman Save in the way of kindness, is a wretch Whom it
were gross flattery to call a coward.’ ”
So almost two hundred years ago, the Society of St. Tammany begins considering
the rights of women. It is worth noting that in February of 2014, the Afghan
Parliament passes a bill that removes legal protection for Afghan women who
have been attacked by their husbands, effectively legalizing wife beating.
In late March, the Bucktails set out to select a candidate for governor for the
new elections set for November as per the new constitution, thereby shortening
De Witt Clinton’s term by six months. In a lengthy article of March 25, the National
Advocate states in part:
“…Nothingcanbemorefreshuponthememorythantheviolentandpainfulconflictswith
Mr. Clinton for the last five years: it has been a struggle of principle against power; of right against
ambition. Mr. Clinton found the republican party triumphant; the federalists in consequence of
the part taken against the country during the late war, had forfeited the confidence of the people.
Instead of prudently and honorably supporting the party to which he had been indebted, and of
which he professed himself to be a member, he lost no opportunity to make dissension in our
ranks, and to bestow power and patronage on our opponents.”
The candidates selected by the Bucktail electors are: Peter B. Porter, Samuel Young
and Joseph C. Yates.
On March 27, the National Advocate reports of a “Republican Meeting” held at
Tammany Hall. The Democratic-Republican candidate for governor is announced:
“Resolved. That we highly approve of the nomination of Joseph C. Yates, as a candidate
for the office of Governor; being confidant that his administration will realize the hopes of the
republican party, and the just opinion universally entertained of his private and public virtues will
ensure an easy triumph over our political foes.”
By this time it can be noted the lack of Tammany Hall being reported in the New-
York Evening Post. Coleman’s beating and Clinton’s descent may be part of the
reason. On May 11, the National Advocate reports:
“Tammany Society, or Columbian Order.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
The 33rd anniversary of Tammany Society, or Columbian Order, will be celebrated on
Monday evening, the 12th inst.
At sunrise the national standard will be displayed on the Great Wigwam.
The members will assemble at half an hour after the setting of the sun in the Grand
Council Chamber, for the transaction of ordinary business, the badge of the Society worn as usual.
At 7 o’clock and oration will be delivered by brother John H. Sackett; after which, the
members and their republican friends will partake of a supper, to be provided for the occasion by
brother W. B. Hyer, keeper of the Great Spring.
By order,
J.S. Martin, Sec’ry.
Seasons of Blossoms—5th Moon—Year of Discovery 331.”

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In what is the second turnover in as many years, W. B. Heyer replaces Mr. Moody
as proprietor of Tammany Hall.
On May 23, the National Advocate prints the following notice with some editorial
commentary:
“Tammany-Hall.—By the advertisement in this day’s paper, it will be observed the W.B.
Heyer has now prepared Tammany-Hall for the reception of boarders and travellers.
The hotels and boarding houses in this city are celebrated for their comfort, arrangements,
and, in many instances, their splendour. We are desirous that they should be all encouraged, but
we feel it is our duty to recommend Tammany Hall in a more particular manner. During the
periods of great political excitement, our opponents, to disparage the character of Tammany-
Hall, represented it as the abode of tigers and wild beasts. Politically they did us no injury, but
what could have done them no good, they injured the tenants of the Hall, and consequently, the
benevolent objects of the Society. Those bitter feelings, we are happy to perceive, are subsiding;
the Hall ahs now been rented by Mr. Heyer, who has made every arrangement to furnish the
chambers; a table and liquors equal to equal any hotel in this city; and who asks and merits a share
of public patronage.”
On May 29, the National Advocate prints a list of the “Officers of Tammany
Society, or Columbian Order.” William Mooney is listed as a Sachem, being the
only original member from the Society of St. Tammany’s founding in 1789. Early
Sachem and Burrite Matthew L. Davis is also listed.
OnJuly6,theNationalAdvocatereportsoftheSocietyofSt.Tammany’scelebration
of the 4th of July:
After the ceremonies of the day had been concluded, Tammany Society partook of
an elegant dinner, prepared by brother Heyer, keeper of the Great Spring. The Grand Sachem
presiding, assisted by the Father of the Council.”
Twenty-nine toasts are drunk, including:
“5. The memory of the heroes who fell during the Revolutionary War—on land, on the
sea, in the loathsome dungeons and pestilential prison ships. Solemn dirge.”
On August 28, the National Advocate reports of the:
“Health of the City.—There is not much additional cause of alarm yet; the lower parts of
the city is nearly vacated. The gloom that prevailed, and the total absence of business, induced some
to remove who were not alarmed. Greenwich presents the appearance of a lively city.—Houses are
commenced one day and the key delivered the day after. In a short time the panic and the cause
will have subsided, and the upper parts of Broadway will be the seat of business.—Tammany Hall
is frequented as a healthy and eligible resort. Several physicians have taken up there quarters there,
which at least is a good sign.”
Mordecai Noah tries to put a good spin on the “Health of the City,” but New York
is again in the grips of a major epidemic. Yellow Fever raises its ugly head once
more. From July to October, 411 cases of Yellow Fever will be diagnosed, with 240
deaths. 30
Its early symptoms are hard to diagnose: headache, chills, fever, back
pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Eighty-five percent of those infected suffer a
mild infection lasting three to four days. However, fifteen percent of the cases
suffer from extended high fever, liver damage, bleeding in the mouth, eyes, and

179
the intestines, resulting in blood in the vomit, known as “black vomit.” It can result
in the failure of multiple organs, and death of up to fifty percent of the people who
contract the severe form of the disease, as judged from modern standards. A fifty-
nine percent death total is cited in James Hardie’s accounting of 1822. It will take
until 1881 for a Cuban doctor named Carlos Finlay to theorize that mosquitoes
spread the transmission of the virus. After high losses of soldiers in the Spanish-
American war due to Yellow Fever, a team of American doctors led by Walter
Reed proves Finlay’s hypothesis. In 1930s a vaccine is finally developed. But in
1822, New Yorkers do not know that mosquitoes spread Yellow Fever, and all they
can do is to flee the affected areas and wait for winter.

St. tammany chapter 5

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