zachary talor

In the election of 1848, "Old Rough and Ready's" homespun ways were political assets. His long military record would appeal to northerners; his ownership of 100 slaves would lure southern votes. He had not committed himself on troublesome issues. Millard Fillmore, comptroller of New York, was chosen as his running mate. The Whigs nominated him to run against the Democratic candidate, Lewis Cass, who favored letting the residents of territories decide for themselves whether they wanted slavery …

…indicating that he was willing to compromise on California. Congress passed the Compromise of 1850, which admitted California as a free state but allowed slave holders to settle in all the other former Mexican territories. Another concession to the South was a new, stronger Fugitive Slave Law.  Events during Taylor’s administration * Gold rush to California (1849). * Clayton-Bulwer Treaty with Great Britain guarantees neutrality of the proposed Nicaraguan Canal (1850). * Senate debates on Clay's Compromise (1850). * President Taylor dies (1850).