Robert Hunter

Robert Hunter was a prominent American lawyer, politician, and planter who served as a U.S. Senator from Virginia from 1847 until the end of 1861. A member of the Democratic Party, Hunter's political career spanned several decades, during which he held various significant positions, including U.S. Representative and Speaker of the House. He played a notable role in the political landscape leading up to and during the American Civil War, ultimately becoming a Confederate States senator after Virginia's secession from the Union. Following the war, Hunter continued to engage in public service, including a term as Virginia's treasurer, before retiring to his plantation.

Early life and career

Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter was born on April 21, 1809, at the "Mount Pleasant" plantation located near Loretto in Essex County, Virginia. He was the son of James Hunter and Maria Garnett Hunter, both of whom were part of the First Families of Virginia, a designation that reflects their longstanding presence and influence in the region. Hunter's maternal grandfather, Henry Garnett, was a significant landowner, and his family connections included several political figures, including his uncle, James M. Garnett, who served as a U.S. Congressman.

Hunter's early life was marked by personal tragedy, as he lost his mother shortly after the birth of his younger brother when he was just two years old. His father's death followed shortly thereafter, leaving Hunter to be educated by private tutors. He later attended the University of Virginia, where he became one of the institution's first graduates. While at university, he was an active member of the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society, which fostered his interest in public speaking and debate. After completing his undergraduate studies, Hunter pursued a legal education at the Winchester Law School, gaining admission to the Virginia bar in 1830.

Hunter's initial foray into politics began in 1834 when he was elected to represent Essex County in the Virginia House of Delegates. He served multiple terms in this capacity, winning re-election in 1834 and 1836. His political career took a significant turn when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1836 as a member of the States Rights Whig Party. During his time in Congress, he became the youngest individual to serve as Speaker of the House from 1839 to 1841, a role that further established his political credentials.

Senate tenure

In 1846, Hunter transitioned to the U.S. Senate after being elected by the Virginia General Assembly. He officially took office in 1847 and continued to serve in this capacity until the end of 1861. Throughout his Senate career, Hunter was re-elected twice, in 1852 and 1858, which underscored his popularity and political influence in Virginia.

During his time in the Senate, Hunter was a staunch supporter of slavery and advocated for its extension into new territories. He favored the Missouri Compromise line's extension to the Pacific Ocean and opposed any legislative efforts to abolish the slave trade in the District of Columbia. In 1850, he supported the Fugitive Slave Act, which mandated the return of escaped slaves to their owners. Hunter's commitment to states' rights was evident in his speeches and legislative actions, including a notable address in Richmond in 1852.

As a member of the Senate, Hunter held the position of chairman of the Committee on Finance beginning in 1850. He played a crucial role in various financial matters, including advocating for the reduction of silver content in small denominations, which contributed to the passage of significant legislation such as the Coinage Act of 1853. He also sponsored the Tariff of 1857, which aimed to lower duties, and supported the establishment of a bonded-warehouse system, despite the potential reduction in federal revenues. Additionally, Hunter was an advocate for civil service reform.

In January 1860, Hunter delivered a speech defending slavery and the rights of slaveholders to transport their slaves into new territories. His political ambitions extended to the presidential nomination at the 1860 Democratic National Convention, where he was a candidate but failed to gain substantial support. Following the election of Abraham Lincoln, Hunter did not initially view it as a justification for secession. However, by January 1861, he proposed a plan to resolve the growing tensions between the North and South. When these efforts were unsuccessful, he shifted his stance and encouraged Virginia to secede from the Union in April 1861.

Hunter's support for secession led to his expulsion from the Senate. Following Virginia's departure from the Union, he became a Confederate States senator, serving from 1862 to 1865. During this time, he was known for his critical stance towards President Jefferson Davis and the Confederate administration.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his Senate career, Robert Hunter's legislative focus was heavily influenced by the political climate of the time, particularly regarding issues related to slavery and states' rights. He was a vocal advocate for the interests of slaveholders and consistently opposed any measures that sought to limit or abolish slavery. His positions often aligned with the Southern Democratic perspective, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the institution of slavery as a cornerstone of Southern society and economy.

Hunter's leadership in the Senate was marked by his role as chairman of the Committee on Finance, where he was involved in shaping fiscal policy and addressing economic concerns of the time. His advocacy for the Tariff of 1857 and the bonded-warehouse system reflected his commitment to promoting economic interests that aligned with the agricultural economy of Virginia and the broader Southern states.

In addition to his financial initiatives, Hunter's legislative activities included significant involvement in debates surrounding the expansion of slavery into new territories. His support for the Lecompton constitution during the Kansas-Nebraska debates illustrated his commitment to pro-slavery policies, which were central to the political discourse of the era. Hunter's efforts to maintain the status quo regarding slavery were indicative of the broader tensions that would ultimately lead to the Civil War.

After the Civil War, Hunter's political career shifted as he faced the challenges of a post-war society. Although he was unable to secure re-election to the U.S. Senate, he continued to engage in public service as the treasurer of Virginia from 1874 to 1880. Following his tenure in this role, he retired to his plantation, where he remained until his later years. In 1884, after the election of fellow Democrat Grover Cleveland, Hunter was appointed as the customs collector for the port of Tappahannock, a position he held until his death on July 18, 1887.