Mr. Saltonstall was a man of superior abilities and a
perfect gentleman in bearing and conduct. He had been a Federalist
and my impressions were adverse to him. In 1844 he came to the
Massachusetts House of Representatives. He was appointed Chairman of
the Judiciary Committee of which I was a member. All my prejudices
were removed, and I came to admire his qualities as a man, and his
capacity as a legislator.
Upon the organization of the House of Representatives, in 1843, the
two Houses in convention, proceeded to the election of a Governor,
Lieutenant Governor, Council, and heads of the several administrative
bureaus. Marcus Morton, of Taunton, was elected Governor, Dr. Childs
of Pittsfield (Henry H.) was chosen Lieutenant Governor, and of the
subordinate officers all were Democrats.
The nomination of John A. Bolles, for the office of Secretary of the
Commonwealth, gave rise to a singular episode in politics. John P.
Bigelow, of Boston, had held that office for several years. He had
performed the duties acceptably, and there was a difference of opinion
in the Democratic Party as to the expediency of a change. The caucus
decided to make a change. Upon the announcement of the nomination of
Mr. Bolles, Nathaniel Wood, who had been elected a Senator in
convention, from the county of Worcester, left the caucus and the next
day he resigned his seat in the Senate.
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