The United States Formative Years… Part 10

The Harrison – Tyler Administrations

William Henry Harrison’s administration…

William Henry Harrison was inaugurated as the ninth President of the United States March 4, 1841.

Harrison most likely caught a cold during his two hour inaugural speech that eventually developed into pneumonia. Besieged by office seekers, as his health continued to deteriorate, he was finally bedridden. His final words of instruction for his Vice President were,

“Sir, I wish you to understand the true principles of the government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more”.

William Henry Harrison, ninth President of the United States died April 4, 1841, being the first president to die in office.

The Constitution was unclear on the question of succession, stating only that the “Duties of said office were to devolve on the Vice President”. Harrison’s cabinet decided that the Vice President should take the oath of office and become the President in his own right. Thus the question of succession was decided and John Tyler became the tenth President of the United States on April 4, 1841 avoiding a potential Constitutional issue.

John Tyler’s administration…

John Tyler was inaugurated April 4, 1841 thereby setting the precedent for succession due to the death of a sitting President.

September 11, 1841 Tyler vetoes a second bill for the establishment of a National Bank of the United States and the entire cabinet with the exception of Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, resign in protest.

March 1, 1842 a legal case before the Massachusetts Supreme Court allows for the forming of labor unions and the additional right of said unions to strike.

August 9, 1842 the Webster-Ashburton Treaty settles a number of boundary disputes in New England and sets the boundary around the western end of Lake Superior.

November 1, 1842 in the congressional elections the democratic party takes control of the House of Representatives while continuing to hold the US Senate.

April 12, 1844 the Texas Annexation Treaty is signed between the United States and the Republic of Texas.

May 24, 1844 the first telegraph is completed between Washington DC and the city of Baltimore.

June 8, 1844 the Texas Annexation Treaty fails to garner the 2/3rds majority needed to ratify the treaty.

June 24, 1844 Tyler remarries after his first wife died on September 10, 1842. Letitia Tyler was the first “First Lady” to die while her husband was President.