 In 1849 , Briggs failed to secure a majority in the popular vote because of the rise in power of the Free Soil Party , but the Whig legislature returned him to office . In the 1850 election , anger over the <unk> of 1850 ( a series of federal acts designed to preserve the unity of the nation which included the <unk> Slave Act ) prompted the Democrats and Free <unk> to form a coalition to gain control over the Massachusetts legislature , and divided the Whigs along <unk> and <unk> lines . With the gubernatorial election again sent to the legislature , Democrat George S. <unk> was chosen over Briggs . 
