Timeline
1846 War with Mexico
The political season started early as the State Democratic Convention nominated Robert Ward Johnson, another "dynasty" member, for Arkansas's seat in the House. Anticipating a strong challenge to his own reelection by Congressman Yell, Senator Ashley turned to Woodruff for assistance. Ashley sent letters to the newspapers through Woodruff and Woodruff himself began a series of letters to the Arkansas Banner. When the editor of the Banner declined to publish one of Woodruff's letters, due to objectionable passages, Woodruff paid for its publication and took the opportunity to suggest the establishment of a new paper "which no power on earth can MUZZLE." Ill feelings reached Washington as Yell attempted to have Woodruff removed as postmaster, a position he took in 1845, but Woodruff retained the support of the postmaster general. Woodruff continued "PAID FOR" articles and after unsuccessfully attempting to buy back the Gazette, he announced he would start his own paper, the Arkansas Democrat.
War with Mexico suddenly overshadowed the political situation in Arkansas. Mexico had broken off diplomatic relations with the United States and a border skirmish on April 25 was followed by two victories of the United States Army under the command of General Zachary Taylor.
Arkansas volunteers for the Mexican War included editor Solon Borland, S.H. Tucker, John Selden Roane, C.C. Danley, Albert Pike's Little Rock Guards (including Woodruff's oldest son, Alden) and, surprisingly, Congressman Yell. Yell, therefore, was not in the state during the fall so could not campaign for the Senate. Further, news of a serious quarrel between Yell and his former ally, Solon Borland, reached Little Rock prior to the senatorial election in the General Assembly. Ashley won reelection handily and Yell lost his seat in Congress when Governor Drew, realizing Arkansas's best interests required a congressman in Washington, declared the seat vacant. Since Robert Ward Johnson had been elected to the term beginning in March 1847, a special election had to be held in December to pick a temporary congressman. Thomas Newton became the first Whig to win a statewide race in Arkansas through he only served for a few weeks.
The legislature changed the method of casting a vote in Arkansas elections from voice to paper ballot, a more private form of voting and dealt with the general economic depression by reducing the expenses of government. Woodruff requested and again was denied, relief from his 1837 debt to the state.
