Remembering Franklin Pierce
On October 8, 1869, 141 years ago today, Franklin Pierce died at his home in Concord, New Hampshire, a month and a half shy of his 65th birthday. Known as "Handsome Frank" at the beginning of his presidency, Pierce had not been a popular president and had a difficult retirement. During the civil war he was criticized for his friendship with Confederate President Jefferson Davis and because he has been critical of Abraham Lincoln, who he saw as to quick to use war over diplomacy. He was also critical of Lincoln's suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, which meant that critics of government could be too easily arrested under the guise of being treasonous.
Much is made of Pierce's heavy drinking in his old age, and his obituary makes his cause of death sound very much like cirrhosis. The obit begins "Ex-President Pierce died at 4:40 o'clock this morning. His disease was chronic inflammation of the stomach, attended with dropsical effusion of the abdomen."
Many had been critical of Pierce's service as a General in the Mexican War (as recently as President Harry Truman), but President Ulysses S. Grant, who had been a lieutenant in the Mexican War, defended Pierce's service. When Pierce died, Grant declared a day of national mourning.
Pierce's obituary sums up his latter years and leaves this tribute to the controversial President:
"At the termination of his official career Mr. Pierce went to the Island of Madeira for the benefit of his wife's health, and subsequently traveled in Europe, returning to his home in Concord, N.H., in 1860, where he has since resided, taking no prominent part in public affairs. At the breaking out of the war, in 1861, at a mass meeting held in Concord, he made a speech in which he declared himself for the Union, opposed to a Southern Confederacy, and urged a cordial and hearty support of the Administration in the suppression of the rebellion.
"Mr. Pierce, at home, was a popular man, engaging in his manners, agreeable in all social intercourse, and, generous and kindly in his disposition, he inspired the personal respect and love of those with whom he came in contact. He was excessively fond of sporting, particularly fishing, and would spend days in his favorite amusement. Before his nomination for the Presidency he was the law partner of Colonel George, of Concord, but since his retirement from office he has formed no professional connection; neither has he devoted himself to active practice, although his services have been engaged as counsel in the management of important cases. For some months past the failing health of the Ex-President and the repeated reports which have been telegraphed over the country, have led the public mind to expect his death at any moment. From his non-connection with public matters, his place will not be missed by those actively engaged in political affairs, and although his record as a statesman cannot command the approbation of the nation, he still should be followed to the grave with that respect which is due to one who has filled the highest office in the gift of the people -- a President of the United States."
Pierce is buried at the Old North Cemetary in Concord, New Hampshire.
I'm in Indianapolis today and am off to see the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Museum. Expect pictures.
Much is made of Pierce's heavy drinking in his old age, and his obituary makes his cause of death sound very much like cirrhosis. The obit begins "Ex-President Pierce died at 4:40 o'clock this morning. His disease was chronic inflammation of the stomach, attended with dropsical effusion of the abdomen."
Many had been critical of Pierce's service as a General in the Mexican War (as recently as President Harry Truman), but President Ulysses S. Grant, who had been a lieutenant in the Mexican War, defended Pierce's service. When Pierce died, Grant declared a day of national mourning.
Pierce's obituary sums up his latter years and leaves this tribute to the controversial President:
"At the termination of his official career Mr. Pierce went to the Island of Madeira for the benefit of his wife's health, and subsequently traveled in Europe, returning to his home in Concord, N.H., in 1860, where he has since resided, taking no prominent part in public affairs. At the breaking out of the war, in 1861, at a mass meeting held in Concord, he made a speech in which he declared himself for the Union, opposed to a Southern Confederacy, and urged a cordial and hearty support of the Administration in the suppression of the rebellion.
"Mr. Pierce, at home, was a popular man, engaging in his manners, agreeable in all social intercourse, and, generous and kindly in his disposition, he inspired the personal respect and love of those with whom he came in contact. He was excessively fond of sporting, particularly fishing, and would spend days in his favorite amusement. Before his nomination for the Presidency he was the law partner of Colonel George, of Concord, but since his retirement from office he has formed no professional connection; neither has he devoted himself to active practice, although his services have been engaged as counsel in the management of important cases. For some months past the failing health of the Ex-President and the repeated reports which have been telegraphed over the country, have led the public mind to expect his death at any moment. From his non-connection with public matters, his place will not be missed by those actively engaged in political affairs, and although his record as a statesman cannot command the approbation of the nation, he still should be followed to the grave with that respect which is due to one who has filled the highest office in the gift of the people -- a President of the United States."
Pierce is buried at the Old North Cemetary in Concord, New Hampshire.
I'm in Indianapolis today and am off to see the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Museum. Expect pictures.