November 5 Defeats Whig Alexander De Clouet despite heavy mud slinging. Won by more than 1,000 votes our of 34,000 cast. During this administration an expedition to free Cuba ends in failure under leader General Narcisco Lopez is executed causing riots in New Orleans against Spanish Flag for which the federal government is obliged to give redress to Spain. 1850-1853 January 28 First governor inaugurated in the new state house. During this administration there were very few internal improvements.
Schools continue to improve.
1852 January Tells General Assembly that he opposes the plan, but it is adopted by a sizable majority of the voters. A possibility of succession is mentioned in 1849. 1853 January 17 Leaves the office a year early and retires to his Rapides plantation. He refuses to consider any more offices even, the U. S. Senate. Dies January 26.