The first political divisions in the state fell along the lines of personal support for outstanding leaders in their struggle for power. Many of these factions were usually held together through personal friendships and family associations. The two factions at the time were the Clark faction, followers of Ex-Governor John Clark, and the Troup faction, followers of incumbent Governor George Troup.[2]
After Troup chose not to rerun for governor, the Troup party nominated John Forsyth as their candidate. The Clark party chose Captain Mathew Talbot.[2][3]
On 17 September, Talbot unexpectedly died during his campaign. His death forced the Clark party to nominate Edward F. Tattnall, a member of the Troup party.[2][4] At the same time, Duncan G. Campbell, one of the U.S. commissioners responsible for the Treaty of Indian Springs, was brought forward by his friends for the race but later dropped out.[3] Other candidates who attempted to run included Freeman Walker, McDonald, and Alfred Cuthbert.[1]
With the death of its gubernatorial candidate and the removal of Clark from Georgia to Florida, the Clark party would eventually die out the following year. In its ashes rose the Union party, a product of the forces of liberal democracy that brought white manhood suffrage and popular elections in the 1800s.[2]
^ abcdeDubin, Michael J. (2003). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1776 1860: The Official Results By State And County. McFarland. p. 30. ISBN9780786414390.
