Description
A strong supporter of the Democratic Party, Jeremiah Black served as Chief Justice of Pennsylvania before being appointed U.S. Attorney General in 1857 by President Buchanan. In 1860, during the last year of Buchanan᾽s presidency, he was appointed Secretary of State. He urged that Edwin Stanton be appointed his successor as Attorney General. Jeremiah Black disagreed with the constitutionality of secession and urged Buchanan to reinforce and defend Fort Sumter. He also argued a state could not be legally coerced by the Federal government. After the Civil War, he opposed the Congressional plan for Reconstruction and acted as counsel for President Johnson during his impeachment trial.
The secretary of state was created as part of the president’s cabinet beginning with the administration of George Washington. Washington created four cabinet positions to provide him with a source of key advisers, in the form of the attorney general, secretary of the treasury, secretary of state, and secretary of war. Current presidential cabinets are made up of sixteen officers. Members are chosen by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The secretary of state is regarded as the most senior position in the Cabinet and is fourth in the line of succession to the president.
This Jeremiah Black history mug is part of our Secretary of State series which includes the many unique individuals who served as U.S. Secretary of State.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.