In the Whig dissensions which followed the accession of Mr.Tyler to the Presidency, Mr.Wickliffe supported the Administration.

As an effective blow to Mr.Clay, the President called Mr.Wickliffe to his Cabinet.

He served as Postmaster-General through Mr.Tyler's term, and with his chief went over to the Democratic party, supporting Mr.Polk in 1844.
There was much anger over his course, on the part of the Kentucky Whigs, resulting in personal estrangements.

He was a man of ability, of commanding appearance, of high character.

His return to Congress, where he had originally entered nearly forty years before, brought a valuable support to the cause of the Union.
Associated with Crittenden and Wickliffe were three men of mark.
Robert Mallory, William H.Wadsworth, and James S.Jackson were younger but not less devoted friends of the Union.