{UAH} Reflections on History: William Seward, an American Attorney

Forum,

William Seward, an American Attorney was one of Abraham Linclon's arch rivals in the Republican Presidential bid. Lincoln later appointed him as Secretary of State upon becoming President. In 1846 a horrifying massacre happened in his hometown. William Freeman, an African and Native American descent was released from jail after serving a 5 year sentence of a crime that was later established that he did not commit. He vengefully attacked John Van Nest, Seward's friend with 2 knives. He killed John, his pregnant wife, their small child & John's mother. He pleaded guilty to the arresting police that protected him from being lynched by the community. he was not remorseful.

At trial "death-like stillness pervaded the crowded room" as the Judge asked whether anybody would defend Freeman. Seward rose & told court that he would "remain counsel for the prisoner until his death." Every body criticized Seward. Seward's investigations revealed that John's family had a history of insanity. Freeman had suffered a series of floggings in jail that left him deaf and deranged. Seward endured hostility from everyone and for the first time in the States history raised the defense of Insanity. Seward believed that the insane should not be held liable for their actions. He pleaded that he should be sentenced for an asylum rather than the death sentence. He did not claim that he did not commit the crime. The jury convicted the prisoner & Seward made an appeal which reversed the decision of the Court & ordered for a new trial. Freeman died before the case was completed. Today, a plaque in front of the courthouse reminds visitors of the Freeman trial. It reads: "In 1846, William H. Seward in Cayuga County Court House defended a man accused of murder and based his plea on the unprecedented grounds of insanity. Although scorned and humiliated by many for his stand at that time, history has since vindicated him as a man of principle, courage and foresight." Team of Rivals, Dorris Kearns#

William Seward was among the great Americans never to have served as President, but who contributed to our country in incalculable ways.The wisdom, insight, influence of these historic men startles me.

"Team of Rivals" is one of my favorite books, both as a work of history and as a study in leadership. I think it can be argued in Doris Kearns Goodwin's analysis that in the case of Lincoln and Seward, the whole was greater than the sum of the parts. Americans - and the world, for that matter - admire Lincoln. His effectiveness - and the ability of the United States to have the freedom from foreign power intrusion to grapple with the Rebellion - is attributable in no small part to Seward's work as Secretary of State. Plus Seward was the great Lincoln's sounding board.

Indeed it is hard to imagine Lincolns political success as president without men like Seward around him. The patience & tolerance to work with pple who disagree is much more needed in today's leadership circles than ever before. Yet you cannot sever their molded xter to their deeds.

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