Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Marcy, William learned 1786-1857

Statesman; born in Southbridge, Mass., Dec. 12, 1786; graduated at Brown University in 1808, and taught school in Newport, R. I., for a while. He began the practice of law in Troy, N. Y., and, as an officer of militia, volunteered his services in the War of 1812. He had the honor of taking the first prisoners captured on land, by seizing, Oct. 22, 1812, a corps of Canadian militia at St. Regis. Their flag was the first trophy of the kind captured during the war. In 1816 Captain Marcy was recorder of Troy, where also he edited the Troy Budget, a leading Democratic newspaper. In 1821 he was adjutant-general of the State, and State comptroller in 1823. He was made associate justice of the New York Supreme Court in 1829; was United States Senator from 1831 to 1833; and governor from 1833 to 1839. In 1839-42 he was a commissioner to decide upon the claims of the Mexican government, and in 1845-49 was Secretary of War. Governor Marcy opposed all interference with slavery; was Secretary of State from 1853 to 1857, while the subject of slavery was in fearful agitation; and was a plain man, possessed of a clear mind, good judgment, and great integrity. He died at Ballston Spa, N. Y., July 4, 1857.