82nd New York State Legislature
The 82nd New York State Legislature, consisting of the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly, met from January 4 to April 19, 1859, during the first year of Edwin D. Morgan's governorship, in Albany. Background. Under the provisions of the New York Constitution of 1846, 32 Senators and 128 assemblymen were elected in single-seat districts; senators for a two-year term, assemblymen for a one-year term. The senatorial districts were made up of entire counties, except New York County (four districts) and Kings County (two districts). The Assembly  districts were made up of entire towns, or city wards, forming a contiguous area, all within the same county. At this time there were two major political parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. The Know Nothing movement ran in the election as the "American Party." Elections. The New York state election, 1858 was held on November 2. Republicans Edwin D. Morgan and Robert Campbell were elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The other two statewide elective offices were also carried by the Republicans. The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Governor was: Republican  248,000; Democratic 230,000; and American 61,000. Sessions. The Legislature met for the regular session at the Old State Capitol in Albany on January 4, 1859; and adjourned on April 19. DeWitt C. Littlejohn (R) was again elected Speaker with 90 votes against 28 for John W. Chanler (D) and 6 for Chauncey Boughton (A). On January 18, William A. Wheeler (R) was elected president pro tempore of the State Senate. Note: There are now 62 counties in the State of New York. The counties which are not mentioned in this list had not yet been established, or sufficiently organized, the  area being included in one or more of the abovementioned counties. State Senate. Members. The asterisk (*) denotes members of the previous Legislature who continued in office as members of this Legislature. State Assembly. Assemblymen. The asterisk (*) denotes members of the previous Legislature who continued as members of this Legislature. Party affiliations follow the vote for Speaker.