Kate Chase and William Sprague: Politics and Gender in a Civil War Marriage

Book Description

The marriage of Kate Chase to William Sprague inaugurated the most publicized union and divorce of the Civil War era. Katherine “Kate” Chase was the daughter of Salmon P. Chase, a leading antislavery politician and member of Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet. Motherless from an early age, she became her father’s official hostess during the Civil War and Reconstruction years as well as his unofficial campaign manager. At the opening of the Civil War, her husband, William Sprague, was a wealthy industrialist, the “boy governor” of Rhode Island, a dashing military figure, and an alcoholic.

After looking at the lives of Chase and Sprague before they met, Peg A. Lamphier analyzes their courtship, their marriage, Chase's role as her father’s campaign manager, Sprague’s marital infidelities, Chase’s affair with Roscoe Conkling, Sprague’s abusiveness, and Chase and Sprague’s divorce and the issues of child custody it evoked. Pushing the boundaries of power and gender, Chase showed her ability to play politics in both public and private forums and to regain her independence as a woman in an arena dominated by men. Kate Chase and William Sprague delves into the social history of a nineteenth-century marriage and provides important insight into the role of gender in the political history of the time.

Customer Reviews:

Kate Chase and William Sprague: Politics and Gender.......2007-01-03

An excellent book! The author really knows her subject and makes this history book as readable as a romance novel. An amazing amount of history that a lot of us might have skipped over in another book. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down.

Outstanding.......2006-03-12

I've read every biography on Kate Chase Sprague that's around today, and this one, by far, is the best. Peg Lamphier combines the historical background with the characters of Kate and William, and masterfully brings both of them to life in a way I have yet to see in other books. I was so impressed that I've read this book more than once, and each time I find something that makes me remember, Kate was a real person, and a "glorious girl", and what happened to her could happen to anyone.

Kate's life is one that makes me want to go back in time and shake her, but then, we all have to live our lives and do the best that we can with our choices and paths we take.

This biography is well-written, well-researched, and extremely interesting. The author comes across as being much more sympathetic towards Kate than some I've read do, but that's okay. It fits in this book. This is definitely not a novel and not easy reading at times, but I highly recommend it for any serious student of Kate Chase, her marriage to William Sprague, and for those curious about gender and gender differences during the Victorian Era.

Cindy Obermier

Well Researched and Illuminating.......2003-11-03

This is at least the 5th biography of the Civil War Northern Belle, Kate Chase (daughter of Lincoln's Treasury Secretary), and it takes good advantage of material not available to prior researchers. It continues the revisionist trend from the last bio ("Kate Chase for the Defense", by Sokoloff) of trying to humanize this ambitious woman and portrary her in a more sympathetic light than the first several books. The author makes as good a case as one can for her point of view, and candidly admits to favoritism (she announces in the prologue that she will ever be a Kate supporter, and discloses an unmitigated hatred of Kate's husband William Sprague). But the gender politics angle grows tiresome after a while and detracts from the story. One wishes the book were told in a more dramatic manner; there is certainly more than enough raw material for that.

The best new stuff here concerns the hitherto unknown extent to which the Roscoe Conkling-Kate Chase relationship continued well after the famous "shotgun" incident in which the cuckolded Sprague threatened to blow Conkling's head off, setting off a national scandal. I was particularly intrigued by materials indicating that Kate continued to press the case for Conkling to President Chester Alan Arthur, urging Arthur to give her lover a high-level position in his administration at a time when it should have been obvious that this was not in the cards. Indeed, much of the new research material merely bolsters the picture of Kate Chase as a ceaselessly calculating individual, almost oblivious to what others thought of her. The author is not averse to calling her subject on a number of things, particularly her public prevarication following the shotgun incident, but the sense is that Kate is let off a bit too lightly on this and other matters. And the effort to explain much of Kate's behavior as stemming from a serious, substantive concern for liberal Republican values is not terribly convincing; there is little hard evidence that Kate's political activity was based on anything other than a desire to see her and her loved ones (her father, Conkling, even Sprague) attain positions of personal and political power. That is how virtually all of her contemporaries who knew her saw her (even friends such as John Hay), and the modern biographer bears a heavy burden in trying to impeach that conventional view. (the one vignette I wish the author had included is Hay's diary account of how Kate virtually pleaded with him to dine with her and Conkling a few years after the scandal; Hay made up an excuse for declining).

Customer Reviews:

"An Intimate View of 19th Century America".......2007-05-20

This marvelous book offers the reqader and the researcher a window into the life of one of our most important political characters in a troubled century. Some historians have offered the thought that we live in a different world from that in which Chase lived. The Journals give us a more personal view than the works in general of a man who served in Ohio and national politics, as an abolitionist leader, as sec'y of the Treasury in Lincoln's cabinet, and as Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court.

The Reconstruction Justice of Salmon P. Chase: In Re Turner and Texas v. White

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The Reconstruction Justice of Salmon P. Chase: In Re Turner and Texas v. White
Harold M. Hyman
Manufacturer: University Press of Kansas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

The demise of the Confederacy left a legacy of legal arrangements that raised fundamental and vexing questions regarding the legal rights and status of former slaves and the status of former Confederate states. As Harold Hyman shows, few individuals had greater impact on resolving these difficult questions than Salmon P. Chase, chief justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1865 to 1873.

Hyman argues that in two cases--In Re Turner (1867) and Texas v. White (1869)--Chase combined his abolitionist philosophy with an activist jurisprudence to help dismantle once and for all the deposed machineries of slavery and the Confederacy. In these cases, Chase sought to consolidate the gains of the Civil War era, while demonstrating that the war had both preserved the precious core characteristics of the federal union of states and fundamentally improved the nature of both private and public law.

In Re Turner was a private law case decided at the federal circuit level. It involved a black woman's claim that she, a recent slave, was being held in involuntary servitude. Elizabeth Turner's mother had apprenticed Elizabeth to their former master, who had not abided by his contractual obligations to provide Elizabeth with training and compensation, substantively keeping her in slavery. Chase's decision, which relied upon due process and equal protection implications in the thirteenth amendment and 1866 Civil Rights Act, confirmed the rights of emancipated slaves to bargain and contract with employers on a parity with white workers.

Texas v. White was a public law case decided in the Supreme Court. It revolved around the issue of whether the holders of U.S. bonds seized and sold by the Confederate state of Texas could demand payment after the war from that state's newly reconstructed government. In effect, Chase and his associate justices were asked to determine the legality of actions committed by all former Confederate states and, thus, to define what constituted a state. Chase's opinion reaffirmed the Union's permanence, and that of the constituent states in the federal union, and the states' duty to respect the legal rights and obligations of all citizens because states were people as well as acreages and institutions.

Hyman's exemplary analysis of these cases reveals how their political, legal, and constitutional aspects were so inextricably interwoven. They secured for Chase a rostrum for both moral and legal reform from which he asserted his strong views on the fundamental rights of individuals and states in an era of sporadically increasing federal power. Hyman's study provides a much-needed reevaluation of those cases both in the context of Chase's life and in terms of their mark on history.

Book Description

Salmon P. Chase was one of the preeminent men of 19th-century America. A majestic figure, tall and stately, Chase was a leader in the fight to end slavery, a brilliant administrator who as Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury provided crucial funding for a vastly expensive war, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court during the turmoil of Reconstruction, and the presiding officer of the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. Yet he was also a complex figure. As John Niven reveals in this magisterial biography, Chase was a paradoxical blend of idealism and ambition. If he stood for the highest moral purposes--the freedom and equality of all mankind--these lofty ideas failed to mask a thirst for power so deeply ingrained in his character that it drove away many who shared his principles, but mistrusted his motives. Niven provides a vivid description of Chase's early years--his childhood in New Hampshire (where his father's failed business venture and early death left the family all but destitute) and in Ohio (where he was sent to live with his uncle Philander, an Episcopal bishop), his education at Dartmouth, and his early law career in Cincinnati. Niven shows how the plight of the slaves stirred this reticent young lawyer, and how Chase gradually moved to the forefront of the antislavery movement. At the same time, we see how he used his growing prominence in the antislavery movement to forward his political ambitions. Niven illuminates Chase's long tenure as a public man. Twice elected United States Senator, twice chosen governor of Ohio (then the third most populous state in the Union), Chase organized the widespread but diffuse anti-slavery movement into a workable political organization, the Free Soil party (whose slogan "Free Soil, Free Labor, Freemen" Chase coined himself). We read of Chase's work in Lincoln's war cabinet and his tenure as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and we also follow his many political maneuvers, his attempts to undercut rivals, and his poorly run campaigns for presidential nominations. Niven also provides an intimate portrait of Chase's family life--his loss of three wives and four of his six children, and the unfortunate marriage of his beautiful daughter Kate to a rich but dissolute man--and a vivid picture of life at mid-century. What emerges is a portrait of a tragic figure, whose high qualities of heart and mind and whose many achievements were ultimately tarnished by an often unseemly quest for power. It is a striking look at an eminent statesman as well as a revealing glimpse into political life in 19th-century America, all set against a background of the anti-slavery movement, the Civil War, and the turmoil of Reconstruction.

Customer Reviews:

Salmon Chase: Hubris and Humanity.......2002-07-19

Prof. Niven isn't the most exciting writer, yet he fearlessly approaches one of America's most important political figures of the 19th century. No small undertaking.

Chase emerges as a deeply conflicted man whose inability to reconcile what he wanted for himself and what he knew to be right shaped not only his rising career as a politician, but his inability to find true happiness throughout his life, particularly as Lincoln's Treasury Secretary and, later, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Whether one pities Chase or lauds his accomplishments --or both-- one cannot come away from this highly informative biography about one man's chosen path and where it led him -and America- in the crucial time of the American Civil War and its aftermath, including the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson and how Chase presided over that turbulent affair, without a greater understanding of American history and, perhaps, ourselves. Many readers will surely recognize some part of themselves in the complexities of Chase's thoughts, actions; his ability to rationalize, his pridefulness, and doubtless will admire the brilliant legal mind of a thoughtful yet driven man who was undone before his time (i.e., Chase was almost always his own worst enemy).

Niven is not always thorough in exploring many of the events surrounding Chase's life decisions, decisions that forever shaped America, particularly on issues legal. In spite of this, one is afforded a look at the sincere humanity of a man who, in his own words, never felt at home "in this great Babylon," never quite at ease with himself, the world, or his place in it.

Anyone desiring to enrich their knowledge of the man whose portrait graces the $10,000 bill, his life and times, will certainly find this a worthwhile read.

Personally, the only thing I could have asked for from Prof. Niven was that he had included a bibliography to guide the interested reader down other paths of exploration, whether one wants to know about "greenbacks," the Johnson proceedings, and so forth.

The gift of this book is an insight into the mind of a man, power and its influences on the subject's conscience and career, needless to say his personal life. Though Prof. Niven concludes that Salmon Portland Chase was a tragic figure, he is here rendered human and, for the most part, quite accessible.

Subject matter great, book not as good.......2002-04-11

I read John Niven's biography of Martin Van Buren, and thought it was often dull. This biography is some better, tho there are dull portions, especially some of the pages during the time Chase was Secretary of the Treasury. But the life and the period is so fascinating that I found when I had finished the book that I felt I had really learned a lot. There is no bibliography in the book, tho there are many pages of notes and with work one can deduce therefrom the books consulted. I sure wish the book had a bibliography, since the notes cite various interesting books I'd like to read.

Correspondence, 1858-March 1863 (Salmon P Chase Papers)

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Radical Republican Tries to Outsmart Lincoln

Correspondence, 1858-March 1863 (Salmon P Chase Papers)
Salmon P. Chase
Manufacturer: Kent State University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0873385322

Customer Reviews:

Radical Republican Tries to Outsmart Lincoln.......2007-06-02

Salmon Chase is a most complex man and the age in which he lived his adult life is fascinating to anyone interested in U. S. History. Many historians have given us biographies of S. P. Chase, the editor Dr. Niven's being one of the best, but however good they are cursed with the author's inability to overcome his humanity and predjudices. It is forthis reason the collected works of an historic figure are so important. Chase led an active life as governor of Ohio, defender at the bar of abolitionists, anti-slavery senator with his congressional colleague Joshua Giddings, as Lincoln's Secy. of the Treasury, as intriguer in the war in Texas, and finally as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court upon the death of Taney (a break for which Lincoln had waited some time). To put preasure on Lincoln Chase offered his resignation as Secy. of the Treasury, Lincoln refused but kept the resignation letter and used it when the position of Supreme Court Chief Justice bacame available thus getting Chase out of the way and not offending radical republicans.

For a better understanding of the man and his tumultuous times I highluy recommend all the volumes of the Salmon P. Chase Papers.

The life and public services of Salmon Portland Chase: United States senator and governor of Ohio ; Secretary of the Treasury, and Chief-Justice of the United States

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The life and public services of Salmon Portland Chase: United States senator and governor of Ohio ; Secretary of the Treasury, and Chief-Justice of the United States
J. W Shuckers
Manufacturer: D. Appleton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Slavery & Emancipation | World | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: B0008BQ33E

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Salmon P Chase, a Biography
John Niven
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000ONXID4

Salmon P. Chase (American statesmen series)

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Salmon P. Chase (American statesmen series)
Albert Bushnell Hart
Manufacturer: Chelsea House Pub (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

The Salmon P. Chase Papers: Correspondence, 1823-1857 (Salmon P Chase Papers)

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Salmon P. Chase Papers: Correspondence 1823-1857

The Salmon P. Chase Papers: Correspondence, 1823-1857 (Salmon P Chase Papers)
John Niven , James P. McClure , and Leigh Johnsen
Manufacturer: Kent State University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

Salmon P. Chase Papers: Correspondence 1823-1857.......2005-10-21

The anti-slavery case of 1846, Wharton Jones vs. John Van Zandt, was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court by both Salmon P. Chase and William H. Seward. They represented my ancestor, John Van Zandt. Chase's argument is printed under another title. However, Chase's correspondence gives insight into his thoughts during this time and especially first-hand acccounts of my ancestor. It also includes letters by William H. Seward. This book also provides prescient accounts by numerous individuals reflecting the attitudes/opinions on the anti-slavery issue in American during the nineteenth century. I highly recommend it.

Customer Reviews:

Home Spun Real Life.......2004-07-06

This is an excellent book about a young man's journey from a child to an adult. Mr. Hale does a great job of letting you see the world through his eyes. Everything from the mystery of girls to the deep felt pride of his hard working father. Growing up during the depression, he makes you feel like you are part of his family. Great Read!

Paper Heros: Appropriate Technology: Panacea or Pipe Dream?

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Paper Heros: Appropriate Technology: Panacea or Pipe Dream?
Witold Rybczynski
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0140153756

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Coan: Hero Artist Sage or Saint (Paper)
R COAN
Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0231083556

Al Smith: Hero of the Cities; A Political Portrait Drawing on the Papers of Frances Perkins

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Interesting biography;recommended

Al Smith: Hero of the Cities; A Political Portrait Drawing on the Papers of Frances Perkins
Matthew, Josephson
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0395078369

Customer Reviews:

Interesting biography;recommended.......1998-10-17

While this book can be criticized for simplistic portrayals of the likes of William Jennings Bryan and other characters, its view of Smith is a very good and objective one. His growing up on the streets of New York, his meteoric rise to the governorship and institution of some public assistance programs, his presidential run and his later conservatism are all discussed. Alot of space is given to Frances Perkins, whose unfinished manuscript the book is based on, so the book also serves as a quasi-biography of her life.

Concepts of the hero in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: Papers of the fourth and fifth annual conferences of the Center for Medieval and Early Renaissance ... at Binghamton, 2-3 May 1970, 1-2 May 1971

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Concepts of the hero in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: Papers of the fourth and fifth annual conferences of the Center for Medieval and Early Renaissance ... at Binghamton, 2-3 May 1970, 1-2 May 1971

Manufacturer: State University of New York Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0873952766

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General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0873952774

Death of a hero: The U Thant disturbances in Burma, December 1974 (Research paper)

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Death of a hero: The U Thant disturbances in Burma, December 1974 (Research paper)
Andrew Selth
Manufacturer: Griffith University, Division of Asian and International Studies, Centre for the Study of Australian-Asian Relations
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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PAPER HERO

Manufacturer: Shearer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GKIB3W

Madrazo no es un héroe de papel.(Carlos Alazraky, publicista político; elecciones; México)(TT: Madrazo is not a paper hero.)(TA: Carlos Alazraky, political ... An article from: Siempre!

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Madrazo no es un héroe de papel.(Carlos Alazraky, publicista político; elecciones; México)(TT: Madrazo is not a paper hero.)(TA: Carlos Alazraky, political ... An article from: Siempre!
Irma Ortiz
Manufacturer: Edicional Siempre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B00099MQWM
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Edicional Siempre on September 16, 1999. The length of the article is 2097 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Madrazo no es un héroe de papel.(Carlos Alazraky, publicista político; elecciones; México)(TT: Madrazo is not a paper hero.)(TA: Carlos Alazraky, political publicist; elections; Mexico)(Entrevista)
Author: Irma Ortiz
Publication: Siempre! (Refereed)
Date: September 16, 1999
Publisher: Edicional Siempre
Volume: 46 Issue: 2413 Page: 6

Article Type: Entrevista

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Absenteeism: Mood around the waning theme of the worker as hero in recent Soviet literature (Occasional paper)

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Absenteeism: Mood around the waning theme of the worker as hero in recent Soviet literature (Occasional paper)
Vera Sandomirsky Dunham
Manufacturer: Kennan Institute for Advanced Russian Studies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B000710C78

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