Augustin "Smith" Clayton was a 19th century politician from Georgia who helped organize the state's Whig Party and opposed the Second Bank of the United States. As a member of the US Congress from 1832-1835, Clayton formed a select committee to investigate the Bank. The committee was composed of Clayton and five other congressmen who shared his opposition to the Bank. Clayton and his allies worked to undermine public support for the Bank and its president, Nicholas Biddle.

1. Flash in the Pan?
Mr. Smith Fights the Bank War
Michael Gagnon
Georgia Gwinnett College

2. Augustin “Smith” Clayton
1783-1839
• Resident of Athens
Georgia
• Troup Party Activist
• Superior Court Judge
– Worcester v Georgia
• US Congress
– 1832-1835
• Helps Organize
Georgia’s “Whig” Party

3. Bank War Partisans
Thomas H. Benton (MO)
1782-1858
George McDuffie (SC)
1788-1851
420 Chestnut St
Philadelphia
2nd Bank of the US

4. Clayton’s Select Committee
Richard M. Johnson (KY)
1780-1850
Francis Thomas (MD)
1799-1876
C. C. Cambreleng (NY)
1786-1862
George McDuffie (SC)
1788-1851
John Q. Adams (MA)
1767-1848
John Watmaugh (PA)
1783-1861

5. Nicholas Biddle
1786-1844
James Watson Webb
1802-1884

6. Clayton’s Mess Mates
Senator
John M. Robinson (IL)
1794-1843
Senator
Willie P. Mangum (NC)
1794-1843
Congressman
Micajah T. Hawkins (NC)
1790-1858
Congressman
Thomas T. Bouldin (VA)
1781-1834
Senator
William R. King (AL)
1786-1853
Congressman
Rufus McIntire (ME)
1784-1866

7. Augustin “Smith” Clayton
1783-1839
• Resident of Athens
Georgia
• Troup Party Activist
• Superior Court Judge
– Worcester v Georgia
• US Congress
– 1832-1835
• Helps Organize
Georgia’s “Whig” Party

8. Books on Jackson/the BUS

9. Augustin Smith Clayton
Early National “Tea Party” Activist
• States Rights Advocate
• Georgia’s Fieriest
Nullifier
• Advocate of Indian
Removal
• Opponent of the Bank
of the United States
• Organizer of Georgia’s
“Whig” Party