Biography Of Nathaniel Macon Essay, Research Paper

Nathaniel Macon was born on December 17, 1758; on Macon-Manor in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. Being a intelligent child, he was always the best in his class. Later allowing him to enter the College of New Jersey (now called Princeton) at the age of 16. He stayed in college until he was 18, were he served in the New Jersey militia. Macon left the army in 1777, and returned to North Carolina where he began to study law.Three years later of studying law, he was enlisted into the army. His company leader was his brother. He had fought in the battle of Camden. Macon fought well in battle. Gaining reputation and popularity, he was elected to the state Senate but ignored the summons until a General urged him to accept, on the score of the aid he might render the army (Gilpatrick 2). In the legislature, he was influenced greatly by Willie Jones, who kept their political doctrines close together. With the help of Jones, he was re-elected to the Senate in 1782 and in 1784.On October 1783, Macon married Hannah Plummer. After the birth of their third child, Hannah died on July 11, 1790. During this time, Macon was elected to the Continental Congress. However, opposing the making of the Constitution, he declined. In the year of Hannah s death, he was elected to the House of Commons, and in 1791 he was elected to the federal House of Representatives. Macon was the speaker of the House from 1801 to 1807, and for the last two years of his senatorial service was president pro tempore (Clerk 1).Being a U.S Congressional leader for 37 years, he was remembered chiefly for his negative views on almost every issue, particularly things that had relation with a central form of government. However, his integrity and unselfish motives strengthened his influence and made him universally liked and respected. Macon was a close and devoted friend of Jefferson. Fighting against the Federalists and their entire program, he detested Hamilton and everything he has done.

He wanted the treaty with France to continue and bitterly opposed the whole war movement with France in 1798-99. Macon supported the Louisiana Purchase and urged Jefferson to buy Florida as well. In 1809, Macon was the chairman of the foreign relations committee, supporting the foreign policy of Jefferson and Madison. Macon had a bill bear his name: Macon s Bill No. 2. Not only was he not the author of this bill, but he also opposed its ratification. This bill gave the president power to suspend the non-intercourse act with either Great Britain or France if they should cease to interfere with the United States commerce. However, Macon, departing from his usual pattern of negative voting, approved the declaration of war against England in 1812 but opposed conscription and all taxes needed to wage war (Britannica 1).Spending thirty-seven valuable years, he was not a constructive force. He was a negative radical. It was said about him, that no other Congressman cast so many negative votes. Despite his negativity, he was liked on the whole. After his resignation from the Senate, he went to his home: Buck Spring, were he died on June 29th, 1837.