Initial Free Soil National Ticket, 1848
Presidential Nominee	Vice Presidential Nominee
Former US President Martin Van Buren NY	U.S. Sen. Henry Dodge WI (Declined to run)

Background of the Free Soil Party

The Democratic Party divided in New York State in 1847. Supporters of President Polk had identified Silas Wright as a threat, and they worked to undermine his influence among Democrats in the state. His death contributed to anti-slavery sentiment in the party. The division came to a head during the state Democratic convention in 1847. Polk partisans, already coming to be called the Hunkers, won a narrow victory over the former Wright faction, now called the Barnburners. In response, the Barnburners boycotted the only statewide race of 1847, helping Millard Fillmore (the Whig nominee) win the race for state comptroller. [Boston MA Daily Atlas, 11/24/1847]

New York Democrats appealled to the Democratic National Convention of 1848 to decide which was the "true" Democratic Party. Instead, the DNC decided to seat both delegations with half-votes for each delegate. Neither faction accepted the offer, and when the convention nominated Lewis Cass for President, the Barnburners objected. They held a state convention soon thereafter and issued a declaration condemning the "foul stain" of slavery being extended into the territories. The convention approved an address which set forth what was called the "free soil" principle. [Boston MA Courier, 6/12/1848]

The Utica Convention

The Free Soil Democratic convention assembled in Utica NY on 6/22-23/1848. Delegates were primarily from New York State, with delegations from Ohio, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Temporary Chairman: Thomas Farrington NY

Permanent Chairman: Samuel Young NY

Former Pres. Martin Van Buren sent the convention a letter, stating that he did not choose to be their nominee but setting forth his reluctance to support either Cass or Taylor in the election. [New York Herald, 6/23/1848]

Van Buren's letter did not produce the result he had hoped. The convention nominated him for President unanimously. For the vice presidency, the convention recommended Henry Dodge WI. [New York City Emancipator, 6/28/1848]

As it turned out, Dodge was not interested in running for VP. His official letter of withdrawal, dated 6/29/1848, was printed in the New York Herald on 7/1/1848. A second convention was called to meet in Buffalo NY to choose an alternate national ticket.

Free Soil Party National Convention of 8/1848

Popular Vote of 1848

Electoral Vote of 1848