Page "Andrew Johnson" Paragraph 28

When it became apparent that Johnson would lose his seat, an effort began by ally George W. Jones to put forward Johnson's name for governor.

The Democratic convention unanimously nominated him for the spot, although the conservative clique from Nashville had serious reservations.

When his district was redrawn by the Whigs, that party had won the past two gubernatorial elections, in addition to gaining control of the legislature.

The campaign was sure to be a struggle ; the Whigs nominated their " Eagle Orator " Gustavus Henry, and Johnson wasted no time in calling him to task for his " Henry-mandering " of the First District, as their debates made their way across the state from one county seat to the next.

Henry attacked Johnson for his voting record in denying pay increases to federal troops.

Johnson won the election by 2, 250 votes, some of which were Whig votes received in return for his promise to support Nathaniel Taylor for his prior seat in Congress.

In his inaugural speech, he reaffirmed his Jeffersonian principles, and added that, " Democracy in the political sphere, and Christianity in the moral sphere, proceed in converging lines.