Alexander Wolcott
Alexander Wolcott was a prominent figure in early American politics, particularly known for his role as a Connecticut boss of the Democratic-Republican Party and as the U.S. collector of customs. He gained notoriety for his vigorous enforcement of the Embargo Act from 1807 to 1809. In 1811, Wolcott was nominated by President James Madison to fill a vacancy left by Justice William Cushing on the U.S. Supreme Court. His nomination faced significant opposition despite the Senate being controlled by his party, largely due to concerns over his legal qualifications and perceived partisanship. Ultimately, Wolcott's nomination was rejected by the Senate, marking a notable moment in history as he is considered the first Supreme Court nominee to be turned down primarily based on qualification issues. Following Wolcott's defeat, Madison's next choice, John Quincy Adams, was confirmed but declined the position. The Supreme Court seat was eventually filled by Joseph Story later that year. Wolcott's experience highlights early challenges in the judicial nomination process and the complexities of political influence in such appointments.
Subject Terms
Alexander Wolcott
Nominated by: James Madison
Significance: Wolcott, a Democratic-Republican Party boss, was the first Supreme Court nominee to be rejected by the Senate because of doubts about his judicial abilities.
A Connecticut boss of the Democratic-Republican Party, Wolcott was well-known for his zealous enforcement of the Embargo (1807-1809) while serving as U.S. collector of customs. When Justice William Cushing died in September, 1810, leaving a vacancy on the Supreme Court, President James Madison nominated Levi Lincoln of Massachusetts in February of the following year. Lincoln was quickly confirmed by the Senate but declined, stating that a loss of vision prohibited him from serving on the Court. Wolcott, Madison’s second choice, had a less than impressive legal practice and a reputation for partisanship. Although the Senate was controlled by the Democratic-Republican Party, Federalist senators, supported by the press, had no difficulty blocking Wolcott’s nomination. The Senate soundly rejected Wolcott, twenty-four to nine, on February 13, 1811. Many historians consider Wolcott to be the first Supreme Court nominee to be rejected by the Senate primarily because of concerns regarding his qualifications to serve on the Court. Madison’s next appointee, John Quincy Adams, although confirmed by the Senate, declined the position. The seat vacated by Cushing was ultimately filled by Joseph Story in November, 1811.