at were subject to executive control. As a general fact, and I do
not recall an exception, all the officers were filled with Whigs. We
entered upon a policy of removing the incumbents and appointing
members of the Democratic and Free-soil parties.

I made one notable exception. John H. Clifford was Attorney-General.
I retained him while I held the office of Governor, and he became my
successor. A part of his capital was in the circumstance that I had
shown confidence in him. He was a good officer and an upright man, but
he lacked the quality which enables a man to reach conclusions. This
peculiarity made him useful to me. He would investigate a subject,
give me the authorities, and precedents, and leave the conclusions to
me. Next, there was no one in the administration party whom I wished
to appoint. Mr. Hallett was the candidate most generally supported.
He was full of prejudices and he was not well instructed as a lawyer.
In these respects Clifford was his opposite. I chose, therefore, to
retain Clifford and submit to the criticisms of my party supporters.

Among the persons removed was Mr. Fiske, register of probate for the
county of Middlesex. In 1854 the citizens of Fitchburg and the
adjoining town petitioned the Legislature for an act authorizing a new
county to be formed of towns from the counties of Middlesex and
Worcester. Mr. Choate appeared for the petitioners. Emory Washburn
appeared for the county of Worcester and I was retained for the county
of Middlesex. One point in our defence was to show that the Middlesex
towns were not subject to any inconvenience. In the list of witnesses
furnished by the county commissioners was the name of Mr. Fiske. When
I read his name I had a feeling that he might give me some trouble, as
I knew that he was very bitter in his feelings. When he came upon the
stand I approached him gently. After the customary questions, I said:
--"Mr. Fiske, have you held office in the county of Middlesex?" "Yes,
sir. I was register of probate from 1823 to 1851, when I was removed
by Governor Boutwell,--the meanest act but one, that I ever knew."
Being so far in, and subject to considerable laughter from the
audience, I thought it safe to go farther, and I said:--"Will you be
kind enough to mention the meaner act that you have in mind?" "That
I was not reappointed by Governor Clifford when he had the power."
Having thus unburdened his mind, the ex-register gave very satisfa