Memoirs of John Adams Dix; comp. by his son, Morgan Dix.

1830-1842.] "LOG CABIN AND HARD CIDER CAMPAIGN." 165

other sources was very small. I have a special reason for
mentioning these facts, which will appear hereafter, and justify this introduction of personal details at this point of the
narrative.
Whatever may have been the political hopes entertained
by the friends of Mr. Van Buren, they were destined to bitter
disappointment. In the summer of 1839 he made a tour of
the State of New York, but without the substantial results
which were anticipated-the fates had pronounced against
him. The following year brought on the "battle royal,"
which resulted in the total rout of the administration. I shall
never forget the oddities and whimsicalities of the day, wisely
encouraged and stimulated by the shrewd leaders of the opposition. It was known as the "log Cabin and Hard Cider
Campaign." All over the land rude huts were erected, and
cider was on draught, flowing freely; and, what with these
novelties and the halo of military renown encircling the head
of General William Henry Harrison, the impulse toward a
change proved irresistible. This appears to be the first time
in our history in which a direct appeal was made to the
lower classes by exciting their curiosity, feeding the desire
for amusement, and presenting what is low and vulgar as
an inducement for support. Since that day the thing has
been carried farther, until it is actually a disadvantage to be
of good stock and to have inherited "the grand old name of
gentleman." Then began the passion for titles betokening
humble antecedents-the procession of "Mill Boys,"' "Railsplitters," " Shoemakers," "Canal-boat Drivers," then first set
forth upon the stage of American politics-till now, if a candidate be so unfortunate as to have had illustrious ancestors, it
behooves him in his own interests to hush the matter up. In
the midst of these attractions-contemptible in themselves,
but formidable as engines of influence-paltry, one-story shanties, with live raccoons crawling about them, and strings of
pumpkin drying on the roof; barrels duly labelled with titles
appetizing to the thirsty throats of the "great unwashed;"