553. FEDERALISTS VS. REPUBLICANS URIAH TRACEY (1755-1807) Federalist member of Congress 1793-96 and Senator from 1796-1800. A very fine political content A.L.S. 2pp. 4to., Philadelphia, April 26, 1798 to Benjamin Bourne of Rhode Island who had been in Congress with Tracey, but now was serving as a federal judge. Tracey, a staunch Federalist, describes the increasing party acrimony in Philadelphia, and insulting the republican-leaning American Aurora, operated by Benjamin Franklin's grandson. He writes, in most part: "...As to in doors, in Congress I mean; We shall experience, and now are experiencing the inveteracy of the party against Govt., it is true the floating characters, are now on our side, but those who had inlisted under, and taken their bounty from the Devil are more bitter, because they are more exposed [Benjamin Franklin] Bache, in his Aurora is more virulent than ever. I really think the sign is favorable - they feel as though their time was short. I hope it may be shortened, in mercy, but the Federalists must look to them, they spring up like the hydra's head 100, where there was but one. The French people are removing from Baltimore & many from this City, going to France, the West Indies & some further South in the U. States expecting no doubt more favor there than hereabouts. Last evening the Song composed by Josh. Hopkinson, & set to the tune of the President's march, was sung on the State, the Theatre was full, the song was encored 4 times & the last time Gallery pit Boxes & all joined in chorus. If noise has any agency in promoting or exhibiting patriotism, so benoised [?]. The people in this City are all with the wind you...they tell by the direction of their floating, which way the wind blows. Our Vice President sweats more than ever, unless it was, when he resigned the Govr. Chair in...". Provenance: Walter Benjamin 1955; Collection of Henry Luhrs. Slightly irregular margins, usual folds, else fine. $300 - 400