The Herkimer convention demanded tlial the principle of non-extension, called also the Wilmot Proviso, be introduced into the party platform. The Whigs in the canvass of 1847 were signally victorious, but the seat of Mr. James E. Beers in the Assembly was contested by Colonel J. R. Hayward, who had held it the previous year. Mr Hayward was unsuccessful. In 1848 the breach between the two factions was made still wider at the meeting of the two conventions styled the "Old Hunker" and the "Barnburner," in both of which Westchester Democrats were represented. Among the names best remembered in the ranks of these two divisions are in the first, Dr. Benjamin Brandreth, .Tesse Lyon, Andrew Findlay, Warren Tompkins, Abraham Strong, and in the second Joseph H. Anderson, Colonel Hayward, Judge Schrugam, Honeywell Watson, Robt. H. Coles, William Fisher, Dr. Finch, and Samuel Ferris.

Upon the nomination of General Lewis Cass for the I'rcsidency a complete division took place, and separate National and State tickets were selected. Mr. VanBuren was named as the Free Soil candidate fir the high position which he formerly held. In the election which followed the Whig candidate General Zachary Taylor, who was elected, received in this county a majority over the entire opposing vote. General Cass fell behind Mr. Van Buren six thousand votes in the State but largely exceeded him in Westchester County. Some of the most ardent leaders of the Democracy of earlier days had by this time become the stanchest friends of the policies advocated by the Whigs. The old Senator and Sheriff, John Townsend, is mentioned in this connection.