Vallandigham, Clement
(1820-71), politician. Vallandigham, a Democrat, represented Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1857 to 1863. An opponent of federal policy during the Civil War, he became a leader of the Peace Democrats, or Copperheads, in the North. Vallandigham opposed Abraham Lincoln's Civil War policies and advocated compromise with the South, leading to his imprisonment in 1863. Lincoln ordered his release and banishment to the Confederacy. Escaping to Canada and eventually to Ohio, Vallandigham never regained political stature.
Thanks for that note ... clearly the Vallandighams did not produce a political dynasty!
U.S. Congressmen Convicted of Treason
Robert Alexander, Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-76. After the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he defected to the British navy. A court convicted him of high treason in 1780 and confiscated his property.
Andrew Allen, Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-76. Quit just before the Declaration of Independence was signed, fled to the British army and swore allegiance to King George III. Found guilty of treason.
Joseph Galloway, Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress. Remained loyal to the crown, enlisted in the English army. The Pennsylvania General Assembly convicted him of high treason in 1778 and confiscated his land.
Lambdin P. Milligan, congressman from Indiana. Tried to discourage constituents from enlisting in the Union Army, 1862, and became an antiwar leader. The U.S. military arrested him in 1864; found guilty by a military commission of giving aid and comfort to the enemy. Sentenced to be hanged on May 19, 1865, but end of war prevented execution from taking place. The Supreme Court later ruled that the military had no jurisdiction to arrest and try the congressman because his actions were outside the theater of war.
Alexander Long, congressman from Ohio, 1863-65. House of Representatives censured him in 1864 for "treasonable" statements.
Clement L. Vallandigham, congressman from Ohio. Found guilty of treason and sentenced to exile in the Confederacy.