It was known that King and Van Buren shared a twenty-year intimate friendship. They shared quarters in Washington, D.C. for many years, and Buchanan called their relationship a communion. A law partner of James K. Polk labeled the two Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan. King was born when the United States was young and developing. Three years after his birth, the United States Constitution was ratified, creating a stronger central government. Therefore, the political system was of great importance as many adapted to the new form of government. The nation was divided on the concept of federalism and most had to ponder when it came to taking sides. There were many instance of duels when heated debates over federalism arose.Like most distinguished politicians, King studied profusely to gain ample knowledge. He was educated in Chapel Hill. He graduated from the University of North Carolina. Later he moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina to read the law in the office of the Honorable William Duffy. At the tender age of nineteen, King was admitted to the bar. He opened an office in Clinton. Three years later, he entered the public spotlight. He served as a state legislature as a member of the House of Commons from Sampson County. He was re-elected to a second term, but did not serve because he was elected to the office of the city solicitor for Wilmington. Reluctantly, he resigned from his legislature duties. At the age of twenty-four, King entered the national political scene. He was chosen to represent North Carolina in Congress in 1811. As a Representative, he worked along with other political giants of time. Many started their careers around the same time that King did. These distinguished gentlemen consist of Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, and William Lowndes. As a rookie in Congress, King gave ample support to the Madison administration and the use of tariffs to promote American manufacturing. During that time, the United State...
