He belonged by habit of thought and former affiliation to the Democratic party: he had united with the Republicans solely upon the slavery issue.

With the destruction of slavery his sympathies with the party were lessened.

The industrial policy which the Republicans had adopted during the war was distasteful to Mr.Welles in time of peace.

He had been a bureau-officer in the Navy Department during Mr.Polk's administration, and believed in the wisdom of the tariff of 1846, to which he gave the support of his pen.
He possessed a strong instinct, but manifested little warmth of feeling or personal attachment to any one.

He was a man of high character, but full of prejudices and a good hater.