WHITE HORSE REGENT: Gov. Bouck and the Erie Canal (Part IV)
WHITE HORSE REGENT: Gov. Bouck and the Erie Canal Part Four By: D. Brooks Perhaps even more damning were the accusations in 1844 of patronage and nepotism that circulated around Boucks’ administration. The Whig press covered the scandal ( Albany Atlas ) as it was claimed the 7th Circuit Court Judge appointment of Whiting was only done on the agreement that Mr. Birdsall would be selected as the clerk for that office. Birdsall was the father-in-law of Christian Bouck, the Governors son. To make the moment worse, it was also about that time that James Bouck, another of the Governors sons took an appointed position in the Schenectady Post Office. Boucks’ administration flatly denied any arraignments for the 7 th Circuit Court and William stated he had advised his son not to take the postal position. The controversies played out in the press, and amid the minds of voters for sure. ...
