Lot 31
ELBRIDGE GERRY
(1744 - 1814) Signer of the Declaration of Independence and member of the Continental Congress who opposed ratification of the Constitution as drafted. Autograph endorsement. "Copy a letter to his Excell[enc]y James Madison President of the U States" on the docket of a retained manuscript secretarial copy of a lengthy letter to President-elect James Madison, 5pp. Cambridge, Feb. 20, 1809, an amazing letter warning that British and French interference in American political affairs was threatening to split the Union. He writes, in large part: "...On the 27th of Jan'y last a town meeting was held here, on the subject of the last embargo act. as the federalists conducting it were leading characters, and extremely opposed to Government, and their party the most numerous, I had my doubts in regard to an attendance; but complied with the wishes of respectable republicans, and appeared at the meeting. Anticipating the severe federal measures, afterwards adopted, I made the enclosed motion. This was recorded and supported by the republicans, but by the federalists was overruled; and their motion prevailed. I was afterwards urged to permit a copy to be send to the press, and complied; but accompanied with it an introduction, and with subsequent remarks, both of which were in the enclosed transcript. To my great surprise however, the publication was suppressed, both at the Chronicle and democratic offices; by persons who, I am since informed, shackle those presses. They dared not to appear, and I was desired to publish the while in a pamphlet but as I learnt one of their reasons, altho' not intended to reach my ears, which was, that the federal administration would be displeased with the measure; and it was impossible, as I conceived, that the Government had much [sic. many?]confidants as there, I at once determined to give you in manuscript this information, and to request your opinion, merely in regard to the good, or ill, that might result from the publication... I confess to you, my dear Sir, that I have been more alarmed of late, than at any preceding period for the public welfare. The objects of G. Britain and France, are first to dupe us into the promotion of their respective views... Britain conducts her affairs here, by her agents, who put on the garb of federalists, but are as different from uncorrupted American federalists, as they are from true republicans. France has her agents garbed as republicans, but as different from them in principles, as the latter are from Napoleon... The ultimate object of the British, is concealed from the American federalists; the present object of both, is to unite the legislatures of the New England and other commercial States, against the federal Government, to represent it as despotic, to compel it to retrace its steps, and thus to disgrace, to destroy, the confidence of the people, and to overthrow it. This they will effect, if possible, by alarming the members of the next Congress, for they cannot wait for new elections, and by inducing them to alter they systems, and oppose the executive. If this should not answer, and the measures of Government should not materially be changed, and moreover, if they should succeed in their expectations, in regard to other states, they will declare a secession and independence, make it treason to remit their measure, marshal their citizens against the loyal stats, and call in immediately the aid of G. Britain. Altho' the British federalists have ostensibly clamored against a war with G. Britain, I have not the least doubt, they have ardently wished for and recently promoted it: hoping, that by uniting the unsuspecting hardy federalists of the north, with her myrmidons, to overthrow the southern States, an on the ruins of the Union, to establish a monarchy. There are many measures of the British administration, who appear to be guided by the counsels of the British federalists, in regard to the United States... the distressing effects of the embargo, and perhaps the want of address on the part of republicans in this quarter, have aided the British federalists and reinforced and strengthened their party... G. B. would not hesitate for a moment, that she is ever pledged, to aid the mal-contents, first secretly and then by an open declaration of War... I think... that some of our news papers are as much devoted to France, as other are to G. Britain... in the Monitor there is an explicit proposition that our government should be 'aided,' influenced by French counsel, and our army led by French officers... some republicans, who pretend to great political knowledge, are so inexperienced, as to suppose, that should we aid in the overthrow of G.B. Napoleon will take us by the hand, as his friends. how he conducted toward nations, and individuals, who have been devoted to his service? Look at Spain, and Portugal and every public man who has prostituted himself to his views. He has indeed spared the life of the Prince of Peace as own who spares the life of a decoy duck... " Much more fine content. A very interesting and balanced analysis by Gerry, who in 1800 switched his allegiance from the Federalists to the Republicans. Usual folds, minor tape marks at the margin of the fourth page, else very good condition.
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