John Tyler Event Timeline

John Tyler (10) Event Timeline

04/04/1841– 03/04/1845

1841

04/04/1841

Vice President John Tyler officially notified of the death of William Henry Harrison. Assumes the Presidency--the youngest President up until that time. A former Democrat, Tyler had long opposed a national bank, protective tariff, and federal internal improvements.

04/09/1841

Address Upon Assuming the Office of President of the United States. Offers a “brief exposition of the principles which will govern me in the general course of my administration. . ." He announces his intention to "remove no incumbent from office who has faithfully and honestly acquitted himself . . ." He objects to public debt in times of peace, calls for appropriations that leave as little discretion as possible to bureaucrats. Pledges to support legislation restoring "a sound circulating medium."

04/16/1841

Expected to "take possession of the executive mansion."  (New York Herald, 4/17/1841, p2)

06/01/1841

In Special Session Message, points out that the Session had been called by his predecessor; argues that "extension of our Empire" westward presents no danger to our institutions;  discusses the problems of government revenues; requests legislation to curb the unlimited creation of banks by the States. He supports the distribution of land revenues and new revenue measures. Concerning a "fiscal agent" for the Treasury he asserts his intent to use is veto power for any measure that conflicts with the Constitution.

06/30/1841

In Special Message to the House of Representatives, forwards a petition from New York citizens asks for the passage of bankruptcy law.

06/30/1841

Signs act for the relief of the widow of late President Harrison of $25,000 (5 Stat 437); the first instance of a pension being paid to the widow of a president.

07/21/1841

Signs act allowing Federal borrowing of up to $12 million (5 Stat 438).

08/16/1841

In Veto Message to Senate, Tyler vetoes a bill "to incorporate the subscribers to the Fiscal Bank of the United States." (Link to pdf of the text of the bill.) He states that he does not believe that the constitution gives the federal government this power. The Senate sustains the veto on 08/19/1841 (voting 25-24). This was a major commitment of the Whig Party members in Congress

08/19/1841

Signs Act creating a uniform system of bankruptcy through the United States (5 Stat 440) (see entry above 06/30/1841).

09/04/1841

Signs act (5 Stat 453) providing for the sale of public lands at $1.25 per acre, with the proceeds to be applied to internal improvements such as roads, railways, bridges and canals.

09/09/1841

Veto of act creating "Fiscal Corporation of the United States." The Act was, apparently, a second attempt of the Whigs to create an institution that could become in effect the Bank of the United States. In a long message, Tyler objects that "it can not be regarded as other than a bank of the United States, with powers seemingly more limited than have heretofore been granted to such an institution." The House sustains the veto on 09/10/1841 (vote of 92-87).

09/11/1841

In reaction to the veto of 09/09/1841, all members of the cabinet resign, except for Secretary of State Daniel Webster. These officials had been carried over from the Harrison Administration.

09/13/1841

Congressional Whigs adopt a resolution condemning Tyler, and state that he has "voluntarily separated himself" from those electing him to office and deny any future party responsibility for his actions. (link to pdf of Niles Register 09/18/1841 p. 36). This is reproduced widely, see: Philadelphia Ledger, N.Y. Courier & Enquirer, and Baltimore Sun (Union of the Whigs).

09/25/1841

By Proclamation 46A warns that armed bands of men crossing the northern border and committing crimes in Canada will be prosecuted and urges them to stop their activities

12/07/1841

First Annual Message.

1842

01/17/1842

In Special Message to the Senate, a boundary dispute between the Republic of Texas and the United States is settled.

02/09/1842

In Special Message to the House of Representatives, Tyler signs a resolution to create a committee to investigate the New York Custom House, where the government collects duties on imported goods.

03/08/1842

In Special Message to Congress, Tyler recommends legislation to solidify the Federal government's power over the state in reference to its ability to send citizens back to their home country. This recommendation was made in reaction to the state of New York arresting a British citizen.

03/12/1842

In Special Message to Senate, addresses the Senate's rejection of Tyler’s nominee for the survey-general of Illinois and Missouri. Calls it a “misapprehension of facts.” Tyler nominates him again.

03/15/1842

Commonwealth vs. Hunt decided by The Massachusetts Supreme Court in the "March term" of 1842 (so our assigning this to the 15^th is a convenience, not reflecting any precise historical record). The Court holds that labor unions were not criminal conspiracies subject to prosecution. Unions are legal and have a right to strike. Regarded as a landmark of labor law but the decision did not completely end the chance of criminal charges on the grounds that striking was unlawful.

03/23/1842

In Special Message to the House of Representatives, Tyler says he cannot comply with a House resolution that would give the legislative branch more power to make appointments, stating that to pass the resolution would be to take away the powers that the office of the president is given in the constitution.

03/25/1842

In a very long Special Message to Congress, expresses concerns about the increasing and seemingly permanent public deficit and urges Congress to take action to bolster the Treasury.

04/07/1842

In a Special Message to the House, submits a report addressed to the Secretary of State on the findings of the committee established to explore the boundary dispute between Maine, New Hampshire, and the British Provinces.

05/10/1842

In Special Message to Congress, Tyler calls for Florida to stop hostility against the Indians, citing increased cost of fighting and hopes for a surrender of the small remaining Indian force. Requests Congress to consider making grants of lands to families who settle in Florida.

05/16/1842

In Special Message to Senate, Tyler authorizes the issuing of brevet commissions for military services in Florida.

06/25/1842

Signs Apportionment Act of 1842 (5 Stat 491) that specifies that, starting in 1843, House elections would be for single-member districts (as opposed to so-called "general ticket" ballots). The Act also decreased the number of members of the House. On the same day, Tyler sent a Special Message to Congress explaining his approval of the act despite his "deep and strong doubts" as to the constitutionality of the act.

07/22/1842

Representative John M. Botts (Whig, VA) introduces a petition requesting that President Tyler be impeached. A vote on impeachment is taken on 01/10/1843, and fails

08/09/1842

Vetoes a tariff bill pointing out that the bill "directs an unconditional distribution of the land [sale] proceeds" which Taylor cannot support if import duties exceed 20 percent (as the bill proposed). The House majority refers the veto message to a select committee chaired by former President John Quincy Adams.

08/11/1842

In Special Message to Senate conveys documents relating to Canadian border issues unresolved for many years. Negotiations are completed with Britain resolving the dispute over the Maine-New Brunswick border in the signing of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, settling other boundary disputes, and dealing with the Caroline steamboat affair (see Van Buren Timeline).

08/16/1842

The House Select Committee Report (see 08/09/1842) accuses Tyler of abusing his veto power and suggests a constitutional amendment to restrict the veto power.

08/17/1842

The House of Representatives considers a Constitutional Amendment to change the vote required to override a presidential veto from a 2/3 majority to a simple majority. The vote was 98-90, less than the required constitutional majority of 2/3.

08/30/1842

In a Message to the House of Representatives, complains bitterly of a recent House Select committee report (08/16/1842) critical of him and alleging that he had corrupt motives. Points out that the House has the constitutional authority to Impeach, but there is no constitutional authority to attack the president without providing him the opportunity to rebut the claims. The House refused to enter Tyler's message on the House Journal.

08/30/1842

Signs the Tariff Act of 1842 (5 Stat 548) a protectionist tariff. Tyler approves this despite the fact that it did not lower tariffs to 20 percent as he had previously insisted.

09/10/1842

Tyler’s first wife Letitia Christian Tyler dies. She had suffered a stroke two years earlier which left her invalid. This was the first time a First Lady died in the White House.

11/01/1842

While extending over a long period, and without a nationally standardized election date, the 1842 midterm Congressional Elections gave Democrats control of the House of Representatives and the Whigs lost seats in Senate. A major reversal for the Whigs.

12/06/1842

Second Annual Message.

12/30/1842

In a Special Message to Congress, Tyler urges diplomatic contact with the Government of Hawaii and China, noting that both could be useful for future interests. Warns that attempts to colonize or dominate the Pacific Islands "could not but create dissatisfaction on the part of the United States." This extends the Monroe Doctrine westward.

1843

02/18/1843

In Special Message, Tyler informs the House of Representatives that Captain Thomas Jones is relieved of his position for invading the Mexican Republic and taking control of Monterey.

02/27/1843

In Special Message to the House of Representatives, recommends Congress to refund Spain for the loss of their schooner, the Amistad, to show good relations between the two countries. (The Amistad incident mostly occurred under President Van Buren.)

03/03/1843

Signs "An Act to test the practicability of establishing a system of electro-magnetic telegraphs by the United States" appropriating $30,000 testing the invention of Samuel F. B. Morse under the superintendence of Professor Morse. (5 Stat 618).

05/08/1843

Accepts the resignation of Secretary of State Daniel Webster who later is elected to the Senate.

05/22/1843

Wagon train of over one hundred wagons departs Independence, Missouri bound for Oregon territory. This was the first major wagon train to reach all the way to the Columbia River.

06/17/1843

Attends dedication of Bunker Hill Monument during his tour of Northern states.

12/05/1843

Third Annual Message.

12/18/1843

In a Pocket Veto Message to the House of Representatives, Tyler explains his veto of a resolution that would give money to the commissioners of a treaty with the Cherokee Indians.

1844

02/23/1844

In Special Message to the House of Representatives, Tyler requests legislative action to authorize transferring funds to permit completing work on ships under construction. Urges encouraging application of steam technology and underscores the importance of naval power for the U.S.

02/29/1844

In a Special Message to Congress and an Executive Order to U.S. diplomatic and consular officers, announces the death of the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Navy, and a federal judge in an accidental explosion from a large gun on the steamship Princeton.
[Among the dead is a New York attorney, David Gardiner, father of Julia Gardiner, Tyler’s future wife.]

04/09/1844

In Special Message to House of Representatives, presents an account of recent events in Rhode Island and appends many related documents. Rhode Island ratifies a new constitution after internal strife almost caused armed conflict. Tyler asserts the right of the Executive to provide aid and send the Secretary of War to diffuse the conflict, but remarks that putting the state’s constitution in federal control would be an overreach of executive power.

04/22/1844

By Special Message transmits to the Senate for ratification a treaty signed on 04/12/1844 between The United States and the Republic of Texas providing for the annexation of Texas by the United States.

05/01/1844

In a one-day convention in Baltimore, MD, the Whig Party nominates Henry Clay for the Presidency. The Whig platform is silent on the issue of Texas.

05/24/1844

Test of the first telegraph line from Washington, DC to Baltimore, MD. Samuel F. B. Morse had received $30,000 in a 03/03/1843 appropriations bill to build the telegraph line.

05/27/1844

Democrats, (aka LocoFocos) meeting in Baltimore, decline to nominate former president Martin Van Buren, who had publicly opposed the annexation of Texas. On the 9th ballot the convention selects James K. Polk, former Governor of Tennessee, the first ever "dark horse" candidate.

05/27/1844

The “National Democratic Tyler Convention” meets at Calvert Hall in Baltimore and nominates Tyler for president: “God, Tyler, Texas!!” A goal of many in attendance was to influence the choice of the Federal Democrats meeting at the same time in the same city.

06/08/1844

The Texas Annexation Treaty fails to gain the necessary two-thirds majority in the Senate amid dispute over the expansion of slavery in the west. (The vote was 35-17 against ratification.) The status of Texas figures prominently in the 1844 Presidential vote. (Congressional Globe for June 8, 1844.)

06/10/1844

By Special Message, the President notifies the House of Representatives of the Senate rejection of the Texas Annexation Treaty. He calls for Congress to take "any other expedient compatible with the constitution" to achieve annexation.

06/11/1844

In Veto Message to House of Representatives, Tyler vetoes a bill to improve rivers and harbors since this power is not enumerated in the Constitution and thus should be given to the states. The House sustains the veto on 06/11/1844 (vote of 104-84).

06/26/1844

Marries Julia Gardiner (age 24) at Church of the Ascension on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Tyler was the first President to be married while holding office.

07/03/1844

First trade treaty between the United States and China--Treaty of Wing-hsia (Wangxia)--is signed. The treaty established treaty ports for Chinese-Western trade. The treaty was ratified by the President 01/17/1845 and proclaimed on 04/08/1845.

08/20/1844

Tyler withdraws from the Presidential race and throws his support to Democratic nominee James K. Polk.

11/04/1844

Presidential election--in some states occurring over several days. Full national results are not known with certainty for weeks, but it was clear to observers by mid-November that Polk had probably won. And, indeed, Polk, endorsed by Tyler, defeated Whig Henry Clay.

12/03/1844

Fourth Annual Message.

12/18/1844

In Special Message to Congress, Tyler condemns Mexico’s threat to renew a war over the annexation of Texas. Denounces dispatches made by the ministry of Mexico as generally hostile to the interest of the United States.

1845

01/22/1845

In a Special Message to Congress, reports that China and the United States have drafted a treaty that stablishes trade relations, call for a formal U.S. representative in China, and establish a special provision by law for the protection of U.S. citizens living and doing business in China.

01/23/1845

Signs Act (5 Stat 721) to establish a uniform time for holding elections for electors of President and Vice President in all States of the Union (on “Tuesday next after the first Monday in the month of November”).

02/12/1845

Electoral College Votes counted in Congress.

02/20/1845

In Special Message to Senate and House, Tyler condemns actions that try and evade the restrictions on slave trade.

02/20/1845

Vetoes "An act relating to revenue cutters and steamers." Objects that the language of the act as threatening to "violate the sanctity of contracts" entered into by the Government. The Senate and the House both voted to override on 03/03/1845 (5 Stat 795). Senator Huntington (Whig, CT) dismissed the veto as "merely technical and philological, amounting to nothing."

03/01/1845

Signs Joint Resolution for Annexation of Texas (5 Stat 797)  Tyler offered Texas immediate annexation allowing the Republic of Texas to become a state conditional on approval of its constitution by the President on or before 01/01/1846. It permitted as many as four more states to be formed in the territory of the Republic of Texas, with or without slavery (if south of the Mason-Dixon line).

03/03/1845

Signs Act admitting the territories of Iowa and Florida as States (5 Stat 742). Iowa was admitted as a free state, Florida as a slave state. Admission of Florida had been delayed so it could be paired with a free state to maintain balance in Congress.

03/04/1845

James K. Polk inaugurated. Tyler retires to Sherwood Forest plantation in Virginia. The plantation was dependent on slave labor, and Tyler freed no slaves in his lifetime or in his will.

Post-Presidential

02/04/1861

Served as president of a "Peace Convention" called by the Virginia Legislature, held in Washington DC. The idea was to preclude violence in reaction to secession.

08/01/1861

Takes his seat as a member of the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States.

01/18/1862

Dies in Richmond, VA days before taking his seat as a member of the House of Representatives of the Congress of the Confederate States.