Edwards Pierrepont, American lawyer and politician, 34th United States Attorney General (d. 1892)

Edwards Pierrepont (March 4, 1817 – March 6, 1892) was a prominent American figure whose career spanned law, reform, and diplomacy during a tumultuous period in U.S. history. A Yale graduate, astute attorney, and passionate orator, Pierrepont navigated the complex political landscapes of the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, leaving a significant mark as a jurist, a zealous reformer, and even a U.S. Minister to England.

Early Life and Legal Foundations

Born in 1817, Edwards Pierrepont set the stage for a distinguished public life with a strong academic background. He matriculated at Yale University, graduating in 1837, which provided the intellectual bedrock for his future endeavors. Following his collegiate studies, Pierrepont pursued legal education, a common path for ambitious young men aiming for public service in 19th-century America. By 1840, he had successfully been admitted to the bar, officially commencing what would become a remarkable legal career.

As the nation grappled with the escalating tensions leading to the American Civil War, Pierrepont, a Democrat, found himself in a unique political position. Despite his party affiliation, which often leaned towards Southern interests, he demonstrated a strong sense of national unity by supporting President Abraham Lincoln. This nuanced stance underscored his pragmatic approach to politics, prioritizing the preservation of the Union over strict party lines during the gravest national crisis.

A Commitment to Public Service and Reform

Following the Civil War, the nation faced the daunting challenge of Reconstruction, and Edwards Pierrepont was at the heart of many of its debates. Initially, he sided with President Andrew Johnson's more conservative Reconstruction efforts, opposing the Radical Republicans who advocated for more punitive measures against the South and stronger protections for African American freedmen. However, Pierrepont's political views were not static; he proved capable of evolving his stance as circumstances unfolded and new injustices became apparent.

His political influence grew, notably through his support for Ulysses S. Grant's presidential campaigns in both 1868 and 1872. This loyalty was recognized when President Grant appointed Pierrepont as a United States Attorney in 1869, marking his entry into the federal legal system. It was during this period that Pierrepont cemented his reputation as a dedicated reformer. In 1871, he actively joined New York's influential Committee of Seventy, a powerful civic group that famously took on and ultimately succeeded in dismantling the notoriously corrupt political machine of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall. This victory over systemic corruption was a landmark achievement and underscored Pierrepont's commitment to clean government.

By 1872, Pierrepont's perspective on Reconstruction had significantly shifted. Recognizing the ongoing struggles and injustices faced by newly emancipated African Americans, he publicly stated that their rights needed robust protection, a clear departure from his earlier, more conservative views. This intellectual honesty and adaptability were hallmarks of his political journey.

U.S. Attorney General: Battling Corruption and Upholding Law

Edwards Pierrepont's most significant federal appointment came in April 1875 when President Grant named him U.S. Attorney General. In this pivotal role, he teamed up with Secretary of Treasury Benjamin Bristow to vigorously prosecute the infamous Whiskey Ring. This was a massive, nationwide tax evasion scheme that involved a conspiracy between whiskey distillers, brokers, and corrupt government officials, including President Grant's own private secretary, Orville E. Babcock. The scale of the scandal, which diverted millions in federal tax revenue, was shocking, and Pierrepont's determined efforts to bring the culprits to justice demonstrated his unyielding stance against corruption at the highest levels.

Upon assuming the Attorney General post, Pierrepont also moved swiftly to address and eradicate corruption within Southern U.S. districts, reinforcing federal authority and ensuring the integrity of the legal system. Regarding another significant issue of the era, Pierrepont continued the moratorium on prosecuting the Ku Klux Klan, which had been previously implemented by his predecessor, George H. Williams. It's important to note that earlier Attorneys General under Grant, Amos T. Akerman and Williams, had actively prosecuted the Klan from 1871 to 1873 for their widespread civil rights violations against African Americans. Pierrepont's decision reflected a shifting federal strategy, though the underlying issues of racial violence persisted.

Beyond his efforts against corruption and his involvement in Reconstruction policies, Pierrepont also left his mark through several key legal rulings. In one notable instance, he ruled that the son of a naturalized Prussian immigrant, born in the United States, was not obligated to serve in the Prussian military as an adult. This decision affirmed the rights of U.S.-born citizens. Furthermore, in his ruling on the Chorpenning Claim, Pierrepont cited the Supreme Court case Gorden v United States, concurring that the Postmaster General and the Secretary of War served as ministers, essentially administrative officials, rather than legally binding arbitrators in monetary claims brought by private citizens, thus clarifying the limits of their authority.

Diplomacy and Later Life

After his impactful tenure as U.S. Attorney General, Edwards Pierrepont's career took a diplomatic turn. President Grant appointed him as the U.S. Minister to Great Britain, a prestigious role he held from 1876 to 1877. This appointment underscored his continued trust and confidence in Pierrepont's abilities on the international stage. During and after his diplomatic service, Pierrepont made numerous visits to France, broadening his perspective on global economic issues. These experiences led him to become a vocal advocate for bimetallism, a monetary policy that would base currency on both gold and silver, a significant economic debate of the late 19th century.

Upon his return from England, Edwards Pierrepont resumed his private law practice, a testament to his enduring commitment to the legal profession. He continued his work as an attorney until his death in 1892, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated public servant, a tenacious reformer, and a thoughtful jurist who navigated some of the most challenging periods in American history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edwards Pierrepont

Who was Edwards Pierrepont?
Edwards Pierrepont was a prominent American attorney, jurist, reformer, and diplomat who served in various high-profile roles in the 19th century, including U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Minister to England.
When was Edwards Pierrepont born and when did he die?
He was born on March 4, 1817, and passed away on March 6, 1892.
What were some of Edwards Pierrepont's key achievements?
His key achievements include playing a significant role in shutting down Boss Tweed's corrupt Tammany Hall as part of New York's Committee of Seventy, vigorously prosecuting the notorious Whiskey Ring as U.S. Attorney General under President Ulysses S. Grant, and his diplomatic service as U.S. Minister to Great Britain.
What was Edwards Pierrepont's role during the Civil War and Reconstruction?
During the Civil War, though a Democrat, he supported President Abraham Lincoln. In Reconstruction, he initially supported President Andrew Johnson's conservative efforts but later evolved his views to advocate for the protection of African American freedmen's rights.
Who appointed Edwards Pierrepont as U.S. Attorney General?
President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Edwards Pierrepont as U.S. Attorney General in April 1875.
What was the Whiskey Ring that Edwards Pierrepont prosecuted?
The Whiskey Ring was a major national tax evasion scandal in the 1870s involving distillers, brokers, and government officials (including some close to President Grant) who conspired to defraud the government of millions in liquor tax revenue. Pierrepont, as Attorney General, played a crucial role in its prosecution.