The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-31
Q B 1T U A r ".

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Isaac Teacey.
After over eight years spent IN retirement and
after . brief Illness Isaac Toucey died at his resi-
dence. In Hartford, Conn.,. on yesterday morning 1t
seven O'Clock, IN the seventythird year Of his age
HIS BiRrnPiAcy AND EARLY MFE
The deceased gentleman was descended from the
family OF foucey, which early settled IN FAIRFIELD
county, Conn. He was born at Newtown In the
same state on November s. l138. HIS parents, being
Ia comfortable circumstances, were able to give MIN
thoroughly CLASSICAL education ana to indulge the
marked taste he early exhibited Tor literary stacy.
Alter Leaving college he pursued the sludy OF The
law In the ONCE OF Judge Chapman then on the
bench OF the Supreme Court Of Connecticut. and
1918, upon Oeing admitted TO the bar commenced the
practice OF MS profession Hartford. Here asst
duty to the business OF his clients and HIS abr
lilies a. peader. which made HIM very successful
practitioner, soon gained for him an extensive prac
tice. Although no orator he was forclbie in his
logic. making reputation for legal skill such as few
lawyers have possessed Indeea, whatever might
be said Of Mr Tqaceys poIltlca! career, none viii
deny that ~ lawyer he was eminentiy successful.
his POLITICAL CAREER.
1t has been stated that he "was originally a fede.
rallst, and US such acted with the leaders Of the
OLD FEDERAL party" This statement has SO frequently
been denied. aud tue assertion made that bus 1rst
vote was Given IN support Ut the democracy that We
must accept the denial rs containing truth AT any
rate II Is certain thai when, IN 1922 he app0lnt-
ed State Attorney. he was then known rs q demo-
crat. This the FIRST position ever held under gov.
eminent, was retained until 1885. at which time he
was elected representative to the Twenty-aith
Congress, serving two terms anu taking prominent
position among hts colleagues. For seven years
after the expiration or his second term Mr. Toucey
rams mad MT naI i'm fha nracf NJ hiu
profession, from which he was called In ls48 to
assume the Important office Of Governor OF Connecti
cut ne having been elected that position the same
ycar, after being defeated by MIR. Baldwin for the
same position the year previous. Upon tue expira-
ton oil his term he declined renoniilation but did
not long remain out OF Office lie being appoin. ed At
tOrney General OF the United States by President
pok ON the 2lst OF June, lS4S serving until the in
slalaton Of General Zachary Taylor as President Ia
lS49.
During the year following Mr.. Toucsy was elected
q member OF the CONNECTICUT state senate, aud IN
1852 was chosen Senator in Congress. lie was the
last democrat tnat mas represented the Nutmeg State
in the national Senate, there being during that
year democratic majority in the Legislature, and
Vacancy occurring by tho death OF Hon. 3aDel W.
whole, honorable to him, although It IN great
sure sealed his political life. tie voted for Senator
Douglas Nebraska BILL which, as an adminlstra-
ton measure, ne would not oppose. Public senti.
ment IN Connecticut was then against tue bill and
Mr.. Toucey was severely denounced for supporting
1t. lie did not nOrce the clamors raised against
him more than to declare that. right or wrong, he
would follow his own convictions, independent OF
M r U' no
Office he rendered Mr.. Toucey the important position
OF Secretary Of the Navy. His administration Of the
department was not eullnently successful, probably
because OF his nexperlence III naval affairs. There
was, consequently. great deal said and written
spirit. He was severely denounced Tor the loss OF
the war vessels in the Gosport Navy Yard but 1t
must he borne In mnd that Ill Of them were laid up
IN ordinary ut the Time the rebellion broke out aud
could not have been got In readiness for sea IN time
70 avert their destruction. MIR. Toacey and jacob
Thompson were tile only members OF the Cabinet, as
originally formed by President Buchanan, VINO re-
tanned their offices TO the close OF the administration
IL Is only matter OF justice to him to say that he
did not appreciate the magnitude of the struggle
Which was foreshaaowed in 1850 The refusal OF
Virginia TO secede, aud the efforts sne made in
behalf OF a compromise between the antag0nistIc
sections, made Ii not impossible that war would be
at tie command OF the Secretary OF the Navy
small so small IN fact. That It Is doubtful lie had
the means at his disposal TO put in commission hair
Southern navy yards. Sim there seems to be no
doubt that he had no capacity for the duties Of the
position. AS Attorney General under President
Polk he had been successful, Secretary OF the
Navy under President Buchanan he failed, lnsomuch
organized condition than when he was installed INTO
it. Had there even been no rebellion threatening 1t
would have been the same. probably worse.
FINAL RETIREMENT TO PRIVATE LIFE.
After Dir. Lincoln's inauguration Mr. TOucey re-
tired permanently into private life, nor did he ever
after appear before the pubic. All the ObOquy that
was cast upon him In common with the other mem.
beers OF the retiring Cabinet he endured silently,
doubtless because no explanation. however con-
vncing would have been accepted by the people.
But whatever might have been or might be said
against his public career his private character has
always and probably will always escape censure. In
social life lie was greatly admired Tor MS hospitality
courteousness ana general amiablllty He belonged
to the old school OF dignifed politicians who dts
carded politics ia society, and would meet pc.
lilcal opponent at the social board with all The
kindness and courtesy OF brother. His literary
attachments were extensive, He delighted in books.
and his mind was we'll versed IN every branch Of
knowledge.