franklin pierce of new hampshire, a former congressman and senator, did not get on the board until the 35th ballot, when the virginia delegation brought him forward as a compromise choice, selecting pierce as their dark horse by one vote over former new york congressman and brooklyn mayor henry c. murphy, and then supporting him as a unit. after being nominated by the virginia delegation, pierce's support remained steady until the 46th ballot, when it began to increase at cass's expense. pierce's support was consolidated in subsequent voting, and he was nominated nearly unanimously on the 49th ballot.