But he was very agreeably compensated
for his disappointment. During his absence he was nominated
by the Whigs for the office of Governor, to which office he
was elected in the following January, there being then, under
our law, which required a clear majority of all the votes,
no choice by the people. He made an admirable and popular
Governor. But the Nebraska Bill was introduced in that year.
This created strong excitement among the people of Massachusetts,
and the Know-Nothing movement came that fall, inspired more
by the desire of the people to get rid of the old parties,
and form a new anti-slavery party, than by any real opposition
to foreigners, which was its avowed principle. This party
swept Massachusetts, electing all the State officers and every
member of the State Legislature except two from the town of
Northampton. They had rather a sorry Legislature. It was
the duty of the outgoing Governor to administer the oath to
the Representatives- and Senators-elect. Governor Washburn
performed that duty, and added: "Now, gentlemen, so far as
the oath of office is concerned, you are qualified to enter
upon your duties.
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