ABSTRACT
The November Election of 1869, which gave the Democrats control of both branches of the State Legislature for the first time in twenty-four years, was generally believed to be the last election of the year. After Election Day, Tweed informed those who inquired as to the likelihood of a December canvass that no reason existed for holding one. Mayor Hall had been elected the preceding year to succeed Governor Hoffman. Some lawyers held the opinion that Hall was elected only to fill out the unexpired term of Hoffman, which would end at midnight, December 31, 1869. Others contended that Hall was elected for a full two years’ term.
