Description:

Maryland -

In 1812, Maryland Congressman Charles Goldsborough gives his Federalist colleague, Congressman Harmanus Bleecker of New York, the local Maryland election returns, commenting that the War issue has favored the Federalists locally.

Autograph letter signed "C Goldsborough", as Congressman, 2.5 pages, 7.5" x 9.5". Cambridge, Md., October 12, 1812. Addressed on verso of third page to: "Harmanus Bleecker Esquire/Albany/New York."

In part: "I have much satisfaction in communicating to you the result of the Election held in this State on last Monday... ." Goldsborough lists the number of delegates elected to the Maryland General Assembly for each of the state's counties, totaling 56 Federalists and 24 Democrats. Goldsborough points out: "federal Majority in the House of Delegates 32, deduct for the Senate, which is all democratic 15. 17 Majority on joint ballot for Governor & Council, and Senator of the US. in room of P. Reed, whose term will expire on the 4th of next March." He then lists the votes cast in the three counties of his district in his own bid for reelection in which he defeated the Democrat Dr. Williams 2490 to 1901.

Goldsborough continues: "Our friend Governor Wright is re-elected by a Majority of between two and three hundred only, against a plain farmer, who I do not recollect even to have been a candidate before. And was of course but little known. If R.H. Goldsborough, whom you saw at Washington had been put up against him, it is very probable he would have succeeded. In Balt. City & County McKim and Col. Moore are elected. Col. P. Stewart is certainly re-elected; and Hanson is elected by a large Majority... As yet I have heard of no favorable change in the congressional election, owing to the manner in which the State is districted; but in the Election by the counties it is great beyond all previous calculation - The War, the fifty thousand Dollars to Henry, and the Mobs in Balt. are the great operating Causes..."

Alexander C. Hanson established and edited the "Federal Republican," a pro-Federalist newspaper, in Baltimore. On June 22, 1812, four days after war was declared, a mob, irritated by his articles denouncing the Madison administration, destroyed his office. When he issued the paper from another building one week later, he was seriously injured by a mob. Goldsborough mentions his election to Congress and the fact that the pro-War mobs helped elect other anti-War Federalists as well. Goldsborough also sarcastically refers to the reelection of "Our friend Governor Wright," a Democrat who had served as Governor of Maryland from 1806-1809 before entering Congress in 1810.

An excellent political content letter showing how almost 200 years ago, a war (called "Mr. Madison's War" by Federalists) affected local elections. Except for a hole in blank areas of the third and fourth pages resulting from the opening of the letter at the wax seal, the letter is in fine condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000