Politics and Public Service
William H. Seward
1801-1872

William H. Seward was born in the small community of Florida, New York, southwest of Newburgh. His father was a prominent physician and later a judge. Seward graduated from Union College in 1820, read law, was admitted to the bar and established a practice in Auburn, his home for the remainder of his life.

Seward began his political rise as an opponent of the prevailing Jacksonian views of the day—first as a supporter of John Quincy Adams, then an active anti-Mason and later as a Whig. He served in the New York state assembly from 1830 to 1834, and later was elected governor for the first of two terms in 1838.

Seward was initially a close ally of Thurlow Weed and an enthusiastic backer of Whig support for internal improvements. He also was a supporter of prison and education reforms, and the emerging antislavery movement. Seward failed to win a third term and returned to his law practice.

In 1850, Seward was selected by the state assembly to serve in the U.S. Senate. There he was an outspoken opponent of the Compromise of 1850, arguing that there should be no restriction upon the admission of California to the Union. Seward spoke of a “higher law than the Constitution” as justification for his opposition to slavery.

In 1855, Seward allied with the new Republican Party and his political behavior became somewhat contradictory. He continued making stinging attacks on slavery, but then would back away with more moderate comments. Some suggested he was attempting to broaden his appeal for a presidential bid. In any event, Seward did not ally himself with the Radical Republicans.

In the Election of 1860 Seward was the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. However, opposition from Horace Greeley and other radical elements thwarted his hopes, opening the door for Abraham Lincoln. Despite his disappointment, Seward conducted a lengthy speaking tour through the West in support of the Republican ticket.

Seward did not readily accept a cabinet appointment under Lincoln since his suggestions for other positions were not heeded by the president. Nevertheless, he did agree to become secretary of state and performed admirably in that job.

He was successful in his dealings with the British, convincing them that they should withhold recognition from the Confederacy and smoothing over the Trent Affair. He also was able to secure the withdrawal of the French from Mexico. Seward was successful also in convincing Lincoln of the wisdom of waiting to announce the Emancipation Proclamation until a major Union victory had been won.

Seward was stabbed in the throat during the Lincoln assassination plot, but recovered and continued to serve as secretary of state under Andrew Johnson. In 1867, he completed the purchase of Alaska and shortly thereafter acquired the Midway Islands for the nation. Turning increasingly conservative, Seward was a loyal defender of the Johnson reconstruction plan.

Sponsors of U-S-History.com:

Sponsor this site