Henry May

Henry May was a U.S. Representative from Maryland, serving in the 4th congressional district during the mid-19th century. A member of the Unionist Party, he held office during a tumultuous period in American history, including the Civil War. May's political career was marked by significant events, including his arrest on suspicion of treason and his advocacy for the rights of individuals detained without charges. His legislative contributions and personal life reflect the complexities of his time.

Early life and career

Henry May was born on February 13, 1816, in Washington, D.C. He was the son of Dr. Frederick May, a physician who practiced medicine in the city for nearly fifty years, and Juliana Mathilda Slacum May. May was part of a prominent family; his father was born in Boston, and his paternal grandparents included Col. John May, a participant in the Boston Tea Party and a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. May had several siblings, including John Frederick May and William May, as well as Julia Matilda Oelrichs, who was the mother of notable figures, and Laura Wise, who was married to General George D. Wise.

May pursued his education at Columbian College, which is now known as George Washington University, where he studied law. After being admitted to the bar in 1840, he began his legal practice. His career took a notable turn in 1850 when he was appointed by President Franklin Pierce to investigate claims related to the United States' treaty with Mexico. Following this assignment, May relocated to Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1852, May entered politics as a member of the Democratic Party, winning election to the Thirty-third Congress. He served from March 4, 1853, to March 3, 1855. However, his bid for re-election in 1854 was unsuccessful. After a period away from Congress, he returned to public service as a Unionist, winning election to the Thirty-seventh Congress, where he served from March 4, 1861, until March 3, 1863. His tenure coincided with the onset of the Civil War, a defining moment in American history.

House tenure

May's time in the House of Representatives was marked by significant national events, particularly the Civil War. He was present during the special session of Congress convened in the summer of 1861, shortly after the conflict began. His political career took a dramatic turn in September 1861 when he was arrested without formal charges on suspicion of treason. This arrest occurred in the context of President Abraham Lincoln's controversial suspension of habeas corpus in Maryland, a decision that was later deemed unconstitutional by Chief Justice Roger Taney. May was detained at Fort Lafayette but was released in December of the same year without any charges being brought against him.

Following his release, May returned to Congress and continued to engage in legislative activities. In March 1862, he introduced a bill aimed at addressing the issue of political prisoners held without due process. This bill sought to ensure that individuals detained indefinitely by the federal government were either indicted by a grand jury or released. The provisions of May's proposal were eventually incorporated into the Habeas Corpus Act of March 1863, which allowed for the suspension of habeas corpus but required that actual indictments be made against suspected traitors.

In addition to his legislative efforts regarding civil liberties, May was involved in investigating the censorship of telegraphic communications during the war. Alongside Ohio Congressman Clement Vallandigham, he led an inquiry into the actions taken by Secretary of State William H. Seward, who had implemented measures to restrict press communications in certain cities. This investigation highlighted the tensions between national security and freedom of the press during a time of conflict.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his congressional career, May's legislative focus reflected the pressing issues of his time, particularly those related to civil liberties and the rights of individuals during the Civil War. His advocacy for the rights of political prisoners underscored his commitment to due process and the rule of law, even in the face of national security concerns. The introduction of his bill regarding habeas corpus was a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about civil liberties during wartime.

May's involvement in the investigation of telegraphic censorship demonstrated his engagement with the media's role in society and the importance of free expression. His actions in Congress were indicative of the broader struggles faced by lawmakers during the Civil War, as they navigated the complexities of governance in a divided nation.

After completing his second term in Congress, May's political career came to an end on March 3, 1863. He passed away on September 25, 1866, in Baltimore, Maryland, and was interred in Cathedral Cemetery. His legacy is marked by his contributions to the legislative process during a critical period in American history, as well as his efforts to uphold civil liberties in the face of extraordinary circumstances. May's widow, Henrietta de Courcy May, lived until 1919, passing away in Hove, Sussex. Together, they had several children, including Frederick DeCourcy May, who became a surgeon and later a president of a shipbuilding corporation, and George May, who became a prominent banker in Baltimore.