Lot 1799

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Description:

(ELECTION OF 1812) PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATS ABANDON MADISON
A superb content, war date manuscript L.S., 4pp. 4to., Philadelphia, July 27, 1812, written by a group of prominent Pennsylvania Democratic Republicans to an unknown Federalist announcing their intentions in the upcoming Presidential election, and trying to garner support of the opposite party. In part: '...The nomination of Mr. [Dewitt] Clinton as a candidate for the Presidency by the democratic republicans of the State of New York opens at this alarming and dangerous crisis in the affairs of our country, so important it seems for the contemplation and decision of the federalists as in the opinion of the friends of peace and commerce in this city, to render a free but confidential interchange of opinion...We have...been appointed a committee of correspondence and conference in regard to the presidential election...to learn what are your views and those of the federal party generally in your state on this very interesting subject...In Pennsylvania public opinion is not entirely fixed...yet his [Clinton] northern residence and attachments, his asserted freedom from foreign influence, his avowed hostility to the anti-commercial system, the purity of his private and the energy of his public character...that he is desirous of the restoration of peace...have created a strong impression in his favor as apposed to Mr. [James] Madison...These considerations that we think preclude all reasonable doubt that if the federalists of the Northern states should decide to support Mr. Clinton those of Pennsylvania will aid them...The number of democrats at this time united in his support is we believe inconsiderable...in the event of our supporting Mr. Clinton a new party must be formed...We trust Sir that the dangers of our Country and the importance of the crisis will justify this intrusion...' Signed at the conclusion by five individuals, notably mayor of Philadelphia ROBERT WHARTON (1757-1834), U.S. Congressman JAMES WILSON (1779-1868), and lawyer HORACE BINNEY (1780-1875). The 1812 Presidential Election took place in the shadow of the War of 1812 which had commenced in June. The Democratic Republicans chose to renominate the incumbent Madison, however the party's New York caucus also nominated Dewitt Clinton. The democrats of Northern states were unhappy with the perceived dominance of the presidency by the state of Virginia, which produced three of the last four chief executives, and wanted to see a change. With Clinton in the race the Federalist Party chose to not put forth a nominee, so he sought to draw support from a coalition of both parties, as seen here. Despite the partisan divide Madison was still able to overwhelmingly win the state of Pennsylvania, and the election.

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August 26, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

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