Binns called the Aurora and its supporters “The Philadelphia Junto,” and they soon joined with the Federalists. Binns already was in favor of a war with England, and he was active in pledging support to the Administration.
In 1811, Governor Snyder was overwhelmingly re-elected, and by 1812 Binns was even stronger as a leader, possibly increased by his war enthusiasm. The Democratic Press published strong articles on the war, while the Aurora was silent.
In fall of 1813 the Democrats were successful, but in 1814, though Snyder was elected for a third term by 20,000 votes over Wayne, and the State Legislature was strongly Democratic, yet the Federalists were largely successful in Philadelphia.
Leib was appointed postmaster at Philadelphia in February, 1814, but the opposition was too strong and he was removed, and passed off the political stage. Duane, who was supreme for a time, antagonized large numbers of his party, and finally yielded to Binns, who completely took from him his power.
Binns was an aid on the staff of Governor Snyder, with rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was actively engaged during the War of 1812–14.
Governor Snyder always remained a close and intimate friend of Binns, and while he was in office, Binns exercised great power, but only maintained his sway a few years after Snyder’s last term.
Binns bitterly opposed Jackson for President. He issued the famous coffin handbills in 1828, and excited thereby such opposition that his house was mobbed, Binns escaping by the roof.
He was appointed an alderman by Governor Hiester in 1822, and in 1829 the publication of the Democratic Press ceased.
John Binns died November 16, 1860.