gued, meant the delivery of Polk from a
powerful opponent in 1848, and the uninterrupted leadership of William
L. Marcy, who now wielded a patronage, greatly increased by the
Mexican War, in the interest of the Hunkers and for the defeat of
Silas Wright. If this were not true, continued the writer, William C.
Bouck's appointment would have been delayed until after election, and
the work of postmasters and other government officials, who usually
contributed generously of their time and means in earnest support of
their party, would not have been deadened.

[Footnote 363: Jabez D. Hammond, _Political History of New York_, Vol.
3, p. 691.]

[Footnote 364: _Ibid._, Vol. 3, p. 693.

"More serious than either of these [Anti-Rent disturbance and veto of
canal appropriation] was the harm done by the quiet yet persistent
opposition of the Hunkers. Nor can it be doubted that the influence of
the Government at Washington was thrown against him in that critical
hour. Governor Marcy was secretary of war; Samuel Nelson had just been
appointed a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States;
Governor Bouck held one of the most influential offices in the city of
New York--all these were members of that section of the party with
which Governor Wright was not in sympathy. It was evident that he
would not be able to maintain himself against an opposition of which
the elements were so numerous, so varied, and so dangerous."--Morgan
Dix, _Memoirs of John A. Dix_, Vol. 1, p. 227.]

There is abundant evidence that Governor Wright held similar views. "I
have neither time nor disposition to speak of the causes of our
overthrow," he wrote, a few days after his defeat was assured. "The
time will come when they must be spoken of, and that plainly, but it
will be a painful duty, and one which I do not want to perform. Our
principles are as sound as they ever were, and the hearts of the great
mass of our party will be found as true to them as ever. Hereafter I
think our enemies will be open enemies, and against such the democracy
has ever been able, and ever will be able to contend successfully."[365]

[Footnote 365: Jabez D. Hammond, _Political History of New York_, Vol.
3, p. 757. _Appendix._]

Silas Wright's defeat in no wise pained him personally. Like John Jay
he had the habits of seclusion. Manual labour on the farm, his
correspondence, and the preparation of an address to be delivered at
the State Agricultural Fair in September, oc