The officers were appointed by the council of appointment, which in the winter of 1813-14, was together with one branch of the legislature opposed to the administration of the general government, and to the prosecution of the war, and it is evident from his correspondence at this period that attempts were constantly made to create discontents, by the recommending of persons for promotion over the heads of those who were entitled to it by their previous military rank; and in turning back to his private correspondence from ISOS to 1811, we are struck with the continual annoyance experienced by him from the intrigues and slanders of political opponents, and at the same time with the indefatigable industry and noble frankness with which he counteracted and exposed them. In the fall of 1814, Mr. Monroe having just been appointed secretary of war, President Madison requested permission to name Governor Tompkins to the senate as his successor. This offer of what is considered the highest office in the gift of the President of the United States was declined. In the spring of 1815, after peace had been proclaimed, he resigned the command of the third military district, and the President addressed to him a letter of thanks for his "patriotic action and able support given to the government during the war."

"In February, 1817, having received official information of his election to the office of Vice President of the United States he surrendered that of chief magistrate of the state of JNew York." He was also chancellor of the university, and in June, 1820, was elected grand master of masons in the state of New York. In 1821, he was chosen a delegate for the county of Richmond to the convention for framing a new constitution for the state; and lie was afterwards appointed president of this body.