Matthew Lyon
Matthew Lyon, often referred to as "Ragged Matt the Democrat," was an Irish immigrant and a veteran of the Revolutionary War who became a notable political figure in the United States after being elected to Congress to represent Vermont in 1797. Lyon gained attention for his outspoken criticism of President John Adams, accusing him of seeking excessive power and indulging in pomp. His critiques led to legal challenges under the Sedition Act of 1798, legislation that made it illegal to criticize the federal government. Lyon was the first individual prosecuted under this act, with his trial highlighting significant tensions regarding free speech and governmental authority.
During his trial, Lyon defended himself by arguing that the Sedition Act was unconstitutional, yet his defense was dismissed by the presiding judge. Ultimately, he was convicted and sentenced to four months in jail and fined one thousand dollars. Despite these challenges, Lyon's political career thrived; he was re-elected by Vermont voters with a substantial majority, demonstrating their support in the face of his conviction. His case became emblematic of the broader political struggles of the time, particularly the implications of the Sedition Act, which contributed to the decline of Adams’ popularity and his loss in the 1800 presidential election.
Subject Terms
Matthew Lyon
Identification: American politician
Significance: Lyon was convicted of criticizing President John Adams under the terms of the Sedition Act of 1798
Matthew “Ragged Matt the Democrat” Lyon, a Revolutionary War veteran who had immigrated to America from Ireland, was elected to Congress to represent Vermont in 1797. In several published letters, he criticized President John Adams, claiming that Adams was engaged “in a continual grasp for power” and “an unbounded thirst for ridiculous pomp.” Lyon’s letters landed him in federal court. He became the first person tried under the Sedition Act of 1798, which made it a crime to criticize the president, Congress, or the U.S. government “with the intent to defame them or bring them into disrepute.”
Lyon later wrote that his defense “consisted of an appeal to the jury of the unconstitutionality of the law,” and “the innocence of the passage in my letter.” However, Supreme Court justice William Paterson, presiding as a circuit judge, rejected Lyon’s constitutional defense, instructing the jury to follow the law, which he declared to be constitutional. After the jury convicted Lyon, Paterson sentenced him to four months in jail and a one-thousand dollar fine.
Afterward members of Adams’ Federalist Party expected Lyon to lose his re-election bid because of his conviction; however, Vermont voters returned him to office with almost twice the number of votes of his closest rival. In the 1880 presidential election, Adams lost to Thomas Jefferson, in part because of the unpopularity of the Sedition Act.