Wise, Henry

A. (1806-1876), represented Virginia in the U. S. Congre as a Democrat from 1833 to 1843, but supported the Whig party in opposition to Jackson’s bank policy. He was Minister to Brazil from 1844 to 1847. He was elected Governor of Virginia in 1856, after a severe struggle with the Know-nothings, whom he denounced as abolitionists in disguise. He served till 1859. During his administration occured John Brown's raid. As a member of the Virginia Convention it 186£ he labored for conciliation. He led a Confederate brigade in the Kanawha Valley and defended Roanoke Island. He wrote a book of political history called ‘‘Seven Decades of the Union.”