Orris Sanford Ferry (August 15, 1823 – November 21, 1875) was a
Republican
Republican can refer to:
Political ideology
* An advocate of a republic, a type of government that is not a monarchy or dictatorship, and is usually associated with the rule of law.
** Republicanism, the ideology in support of republics or agains ...
American lawyer and politician from
Connecticut
Connecticut () is the southernmost state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, New York to the west, and Long Island Sound to the south. Its capita ...
who served in the
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives, often referred to as the House of Representatives, the U.S. House, or simply the House, is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, with the Senate being the upper chamber. Together they ...
and the
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, with the House of Representatives being the lower chamber. Together they compose the national bicameral legislature of the United States.
The composition and pow ...
. He was also a
brigadier general
Brigadier general or Brigade general is a military rank used in many countries. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries. The rank is usually above a colonel, and below a major general or divisional general. When appointed ...
in the
Union Army
During the American Civil War, the Union Army, also known as the Federal Army and the Northern Army, referring to the United States Army, was the land force that fought to preserve the Union of the collective states. It proved essential to th ...
during the
American Civil War
The American Civil War (April 12, 1861 – May 26, 1865; also known by other names) was a civil war in the United States. It was fought between the Union ("the North") and the Confederacy ("the South"), the latter formed by states ...
.
Early life
Ferry was born on August 15, 1823 in
Bethel, Connecticut
Bethel () is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. Its population was 11,988 in 2022 according to World Population Review. The town includes the Bethel Census Designated Place.
Interstate 84 passes through Bethel, and it has ...
.
[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, Orris S. Ferry]
/ref> He attended the Hopkins School
Hopkins School is a private, college-preparatory, coeducational, day school for grades 7–12 located in New Haven, Connecticut.
In 1660, Edward Hopkins, seven-time governor of the Connecticut Colony, bequeathed a portion of his estate to found s ...
, and worked at his father's shoe factory as a boy.[ It was here that he realized his love of books. At age 17, Ferry entered ]Yale
Yale University is a private research university in New Haven, Connecticut. Established in 1701 as the Collegiate School, it is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and among the most prestigious in the wor ...
, where he served as one of the editors of the ''Yale Literary Magazine
The ''Yale Literary Magazine'', founded in 1836, is the oldest student literary magazine in the United States and publishes poetry, fiction, and visual art by Yale undergraduates twice per academic year. Notable alumni featured in the magazine whi ...
''[Williams pp. 277–281] and was a member of Skull and Bones
Skull and Bones, also known as The Order, Order 322 or The Brotherhood of Death, is an undergraduate senior secret student society at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. The oldest senior class society at the university, Skull and Bone ...
. He graduated in 1844. Ferry first settled in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he studied law under Thomas B. Osborne. He then settled in Norwalk, Connecticut, and served in the office of Thomas B. Butler. Ferry married Charlotte Bissell, the daughter of Governor Clark Bissell. He was admitted to the bar in 1846.[ The following year, he was commissioned a lieutenant colonel in the 12th Regiment of Connecticut Militia.][ During his time in the militia, Ferry did not fight in any battle or war.][
]
Early political career
Ferry served as a probate judge
A probate court (sometimes called a surrogate court) is a court that has competence in a jurisdiction to deal with matters of probate and the administration of estates. In some jurisdictions, such courts may be referred to as Orphans' Courts o ...
soon after being admitted to the bar.[ At age 32, he was elected to a term in the ]Connecticut Senate
The Connecticut State Senate is the upper house of the Connecticut General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The state senate comprises 36 members, each representing a district with around 99,280 inhabitants. Sen ...
representing the 12th District. He then served as the State's Attorney for Fairfield County Fairfield County is the name of three counties in the United States:
* Fairfield County, Connecticut
* Fairfield County, Ohio
Fairfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Ohio. As of the 2020 census, the population was 158,921. ...
from 1856 to 1859.[ Ferry was a member of the ]Toleration Party
The Toleration Party, also known as the Toleration-Republican Party and later the American Party or American Toleration and Reform Party, was a political party that dominated the political life of Connecticut from 1817 to 1827. The ''American'' ...
, but in 1856 became a Republican
Republican can refer to:
Political ideology
* An advocate of a republic, a type of government that is not a monarchy or dictatorship, and is usually associated with the rule of law.
** Republicanism, the ideology in support of republics or agains ...
. After joining the party, he campaigned for John C. Frémont. In 1857, Ferry was nominated to serve in the United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives, often referred to as the House of Representatives, the U.S. House, or simply the House, is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, with the Senate being the upper chamber. Together they ...
, but lost the election.[ In 1859, he was again nominated, and this time he won.][
]
House of Representatives
During his time in Congress
A congress is a formal meeting of the representatives of different countries, constituent states, organizations, trade unions, political parties, or other groups. The term originated in Late Middle English to denote an encounter (meeting of ...
, Ferry was known for extemporaneous
Improvisation is the activity of making or doing something not planned beforehand, using whatever can be found. Improvisation in the performing arts is a very spontaneous performance without specific or scripted preparation. The skills of impr ...
speaking. He gave numerous speeches against slavery. Ferry was chosen as Connecticut's representative to the Committee of Thirty-Three.[ This Committee was created in the hopes that peace could be settled between the Northern and Southern states. However, Southern states continued to secede from the Union, and the committee was disbanded.][Croffut p. 32] Ferry also served on the Committee of Revolutionary Claims.[ In 1861, he was renominated for his seat, but lost the election.][
]
American Civil War
At the outbreak of the American Civil War
The American Civil War (April 12, 1861 – May 26, 1865; also known by other names) was a civil war in the United States. It was fought between the Union ("the North") and the Confederacy ("the South"), the latter formed by states ...
, and before regiments of Northern troops had arrived to defend Washington
Washington commonly refers to:
* Washington (state), United States
* Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States
** A metonym for the federal government of the United States
** Washington metropolitan area, the metropolitan area centered o ...
, there was a report of a plot to burn the capital. On April 18, 1861 this report mobilized loyal citizens, including Ferry, and state senator A. Homer Byington, also of Norwalk, to form a militia. This militia was led by Cassius Marcellus Clay, and came to be known as the Cassius Clay Guard.[Obituary of Orris S. Ferry]
/ref>[Norwalk Patch](_blank)
/ref>
On July 23, 1861 he was put in command of the 5th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and given the rank of colonel
Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations.
In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge o ...
.[Eicher pp. 233–234] The original regiment was the 1st Regiment Colts Revolving Rifles of Connecticut and was supposed to be led by Samuel Colt
Samuel Colt (; July 19, 1814 – January 10, 1862) was an American inventor, industrialist, and businessman who established Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company (now Colt's Manufacturing Company) and made the mass production of ...
, but the unit never took the field.[ Its organization failing, the regiment was reorganized in May 1861.][History of Battle-Flag Day p. 139] In early March 1862, Ferry led his troops across the Potomac River
The Potomac River () drains the Mid-Atlantic United States, flowing from the Potomac Highlands into Chesapeake Bay. It is long,U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline dataThe National Map. Retrieved Augu ...
, and attacked the Confederates at Winchester, Virginia
Winchester is the most north western independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is the county seat of Frederick County, although the two are separate jurisdictions. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Winchester wit ...
.[ This action would later lead to what became the ]First Battle of Winchester
The First Battle of Winchester, fought on May 25, 1862, in and around Frederick County, Virginia, and Winchester, Virginia, was a major victory in Confederate Army Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's Campaign through the Shenandoah Valle ...
. Ferry was well praised for his ability as a leader and as a military strategist. Ferry was promoted to brigadier general on March 17, 1862.[ He was then put under the command of General James Shields, whose division joined that of Gen. ]Irvin McDowell
Irvin McDowell (October 15, 1818 – May 4, 1885) was a career American army officer. He is best known for his defeat in the First Battle of Bull Run, the first large-scale battle of the American Civil War. In 1862, he was given command ...
. It was under McDowell that Ferry fought at the First Battle of Winchester.[ Ferry continued to serve under Shields, during the Valley Campaign.][Warner pp. 151-152]
Battle of Cedar Mountain
Shortly after the First Battle of Winchester, Ferry and the 5th Connecticut Infantry were put under the command of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks
Nathaniel Prentice (or Prentiss) Banks (January 30, 1816 – September 1, 1894) was an American politician from Massachusetts and a Union Army, Union general during the American Civil War, Civil War. A millworker by background, Banks was promine ...
.[Sixties p. 83] On August 9, Ferry, under Banks, encountered Stonewall Jackson at the Battle of Cedar Mountain
The Battle of Cedar Mountain, also known as Slaughter's Mountain or Cedar Run, took place on August 9, 1862, in Culpeper County, Virginia, as part of the American Civil War. Union forces under Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks attacked Confederate ...
.[ The Union troops attacked to gain early advantage, but a Confederate counterattack repulsed Banks's corps and won the day.][Salmon pp. 134-135] Later that day, Union reinforcements under Maj. Gen. John Pope arrived. This led to a two-day stand-off between the two armies. The battle ended in a Confederate victory.[McDonald p. 81]
Services and resignation
During the war, Ferry served in the VII Corps 7th Corps, Seventh Corps, or VII Corps may refer to:
* VII Corps (Grande Armée), a corps of the Imperial French army during the Napoleonic Wars
* VII Corps (German Empire), a unit of the Imperial German Army prior to and during World War I
* VII ...
, X Corps 10th Corps, Tenth Corps, or X Corps may refer to:
France
* 10th Army Corps (France)
* X Corps (Grande Armée), a unit of the Imperial French Army during the Napoleonic Wars
Germany
* X Corps (German Empire), a unit of the Imperial German Army
* ...
, and XVIII Corps. He was also the head of the District of Lehigh, from August 20, 1863 until May 1864,[Eicher p. 831] and served as the head of the District of Philadelphia from December 16, 1864 until July 15, 1865.[Eicher p. 842] Ferry was brevetted a major general
Major general (abbreviated MG, maj. gen. and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. The disappearance of the "sergeant" in the title explains the apparent confusion of ...
of volunteers in recognition of his services during the Peninsula Campaign.[ He resigned from the military on July 15, 1865.][ His resignation followed the Confederate surrender.][
]
Senate career
After the Civil War, Ferry returned to both his political career and law practice. In 1866, he ran against Lafayette S. Foster
Lafayette Sabine Foster (November 22, 1806 – September 19, 1880) was a nineteenth-century American politician and lawyer from Connecticut. He served in the United States Senate from 1855 to 1867 and was a judge on the Connecticut Supreme C ...
, the current incumbent of the Class III Connecticut Senate seat.[ Ferry won the election, and took his place in the ]U.S. Senate
The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, with the House of Representatives being the lower chamber. Together they compose the national bicameral legislature of the United States.
The composition and pow ...
on March 4, 1867. He became very active in committees,[ and favored amnesty for members of the Confederacy.][ Ferry participated in the Impeachment of President Andrew Johnson, voting to convict.][ In 1869, Ferry was attacked by a rare disease of his spine.][ This disease led to a slow deterioration of his spine.][ This slowed his workings in the Senate, but he continued to play an active role. From 1870 to 1871, he served as the chairman of the ]Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses This committee of the United States Senate was created November 4, 1807. On January 2, 1947, its functions were transferred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Chairmen of the Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses of the ...
. From 1871 to 1875, he was chairman of the Committee on Patents. Ferry also served on the .[ Ferry was considered a Liberal Republican, but he declined to officially associate with the breakaway party.][New York Times Obituary of Orris S. Ferry, 1875]
/ref> In 1872, Ferry was reelected for a second term. His main supporters were Democrats and Liberal Republicans.[
]
Alexander Caldwell scandal
In 1871, Alexander Caldwell
Alexander Caldwell (March 1, 1830May 19, 1917) was a U.S. Senator from Kansas.
Early years
Born in Drakes Ferry, Pennsylvania, he attended public schools, and in 1847 enlisted as a private to serve in the Mexican–American War. He moved to C ...
was elected to the Senate from Kansas. From the start, allegations of corruption and pay-offs emerged.[Grossman p. 44]
In 1873, Congressman Sidney Clarke, who assisted in Caldwell's election, testified that Caldwell's campaign had claimed that it would pay $250,000 to secure the election.[ Kansas Governor Thomas Carney testified that he was paid $15,000 to drop out of the race. An investigation followed; its final report asked the Senate to expel Caldwell for not being "duly and legally elected". On March 21, 1873, Ferry took to the floor of the Senate and gave a speech asking the Senate to expel Caldwell: "The crime of bribery goes down to the very foundations of the institutions under which we live. We all know it and ... we shall stifle our consciences if we do not vote to expel." After a survey of the Senate, Caldwell saw his inevitability of being expelled, and resigned, on March 23.][
]
Later Senate career
In 1874, Ferry gave a speech against the future Civil Rights Act of 1875. After speaking, Senator Charles Sumner, both a friend of Ferry's and the proposer of the bill, stood up and said, "Mr. Ferry, your speech is far the most damaging blow my measure has yet received".[ The ]Civil Rights Act
Civil Rights Act may refer to several acts of the United States Congress, including:
* Civil Rights Act of 1866, extending the rights of emancipated slaves by stating that any person born in the United States regardless of race is an American ci ...
would eventually pass, but was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, on the basis that Congress did not have the power to regulate the conduct of individuals. His last speech in Congress was considered an uncommonly eloquent dissertation on his former friend, William Alfred Buckingham
William Alfred Buckingham (May 28, 1804 – February 5, 1875) was a Republican who served as the governor of Connecticut during the Civil War and later as a United States senator.
Biography
Born in Lebanon, Connecticut, the son of Samuel Bucki ...
.[
]
Death
After his final speech, Ferry left the capital for a new medical treatment. The treatment was to help heal his decaying spine, but the procedure failed.[ On November 20, 1875 Ferry's friends and doctors helped take him home. He died of his spine disease the next day.][ His funeral was attended by dignitaries such as Schurz. Ferry was interred at Union Cemetery in Norwalk.][
]
See also
*List of American Civil War generals (Union)
Union generals
__NOTOC__
The following lists show the names, substantive ranks, and brevet ranks (if applicable) of all general officers who served in the United States Army during the Civil War, in addition to a small selection of lower-ranke ...
* List of United States representatives from Connecticut
*List of United States senators from Connecticut
This is a chronological listing of the United States senators from Connecticut.
United States Senate, United States senators are popularly elected, for a six-year term, beginning January 3. Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1. ...
* List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899)
Notes
References
* Croffut, William Augustus, Morris, John Moses
''The military and civil history of Connecticut during the war of 1861-65: comprising a detailed account of the various regiments and batteries, through march, encampment, bivouac, and battle; also instances of distinguished personal gallantry, and biographical sketches of many heroic soldiers...''
Ledyard Bill, 1869
* Eicher, John H., Eicher, David J.
''Civil War High Commands''
Stanford University Press, 2001,
* Grossman, Mark
''Political corruption in America: an encyclopedia of scandals, power, and greed''
ABC-CLIO, 2003
''History of Battle-Flag Day, September 17, 1879''
Lockwood & Merritt, 1879
* Hutchins, Edward Ridgeway
''The War of the Sixties''
The Neale Publishing Co., 1912
* McDonald, William N.
''A History of the Laurel Brigade''
1907.
* Retrieved on 2008-02-12
* Salmon, John S., ttps://books.google.com/books?id=f_B3ToTmp1oC&q=Cedar+Mountain ''The Official Virginia Civil War Battlefield Guide'' Stackpole Books, 2001, .
* Warner, Ezra J.
''Generals in Blue: Lives of the Union Commanders''
LSU Press, 1964,
* Williams, H. Clay
''Biographical encyclopaedia of Connecticut and Rhode Island of the nineteenth century''
Metropolitan Pub. and Engraving Co., 1881
External links
*
*
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferry, Orris S.
1823 births
1875 deaths
Connecticut Liberal Republicans
Connecticut state senators
Hopkins School alumni
Liberal Republican Party United States senators
Lawyers from Fairfield, Connecticut
Politicians from Norwalk, Connecticut
People of Connecticut in the American Civil War
Republican Party United States senators from Connecticut
Union Army generals
Yale College alumni
Military personnel from Connecticut
Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Connecticut
19th-century American politicians
19th-century American lawyers