Driven By Demon Drink
Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States, was basically a nice man. Pretty much everyone agreed on that. But his very "niceness" may have been at the root of his degeneration as a politician and a human being. That, and personal tragedies.
Born in 1804, Pierce grew up to a life of inconspicuous public service, first in his private law practice in New Hampshire, and then as a surprise candidate for president, on behalf of the Democrats in 1852. He was an amenable fellow and got along with everyone, but was pressured at home by his charming, high-born wife whose strict religious beliefs and frequent illnesses wore away at their home life. The fact that they lost two sons to typhus on separate occasions, did not help. For that "sin" his wife convinced him to resign his political positions and return home. But then he was nominated for, and won the presidency.
Fate was ready to deal him a losing hand once more, as they rode the train into Washington for his inauguration, a horrific accident left the parents bruised but alive, while taking the life of their remaining son, who was twelve. Pierce's wife was convinced it was punishment for his becoming the president, and as a consequence, when he swore his oath of office, Pierce used a law book, the only president to ever do so.
What began as a relatively calm term of office, soon turned ugly. Franklin Pierce had Southern sympathies, and was ready to open up an agreement that would allow slavery in western states. He had taken to drinking as well, and in an ill-concealed incident, ran down an elderly woman with his carriage. Although arrested, the charges were later dropped.
Writing on the wall announced that he would not be there for long. Pierce failed to get the nomination in 1856, and retired, reportedly saying "after the White House, what is there to do but drink?" He died in 1869, of cirrhosis.
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