Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) to William S. Holabird
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03390.02 Author/Creator: Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) Place Written: Hartford, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 December 1833 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.4 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Welles discusses the appointment of District Attorney for the State of Connecticut. States that Asa Child's term has expired, and "Many of our friends are decidedly opposed to his re-appointment and there are, I believe, very few in his favor... I have very little confidence in him... It is... notorious that he has played a double game as a politician..." About the new appointment, states "I have long been dissatisfied with the policy of turning out one poor devil, to make a place for one that is no better." States that the District of Litchfield must elect a democrat to congress, and it will not succeed with anyone but Holabird. Discusses other Connecticut politics and politicians. Marked as "confidential."
Welles served as a Democrat in the Connecticut state legislature 1827-1835. Holabird was Postmaster of Winchester, Connecticut when Welles was a member of the Connecticut state legislature, and served as U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut 1834-1841. As such Holabird represented the government's case in the district and circuit court trials of the Amistad case.
The appointment of 'District Attorney' for the State of Connecticut is about to be made - the term of Mr Child having expired. Many of our friends are decidedly opposed to his re-appointment, and there are, I believe, very few in his favor. The Marshall, and, I understand, all connected with the court are decidedly opposed to the present incumbent. As for Child, I have very little Confidence in him ... It is ... notorious that he has played a double game as a politician, and, although he has thought he played deep, he has been seen through for years. All this you know as well as myself. But the question has come up, who shall be appointed in his place. Entertaining, as I do, a wretched opinion of most of the lawyers in this state, I have not felt a disposition to enter into the feelings of some of our friends on this subject. For I have long been dissatisfied with the policy of turning out one poor devil, to make a place for one that is no better...Under the Circumstances you must consent to take the office, and if necessary, you can resign before the next Congressional election. We shall send on your name to-morrow, and shall write to friends in other parts of the state to the same effect ...Whatever I can do in this matter, therefore, command me. It is a satisfaction to labor for a true man, and I do it most cheerfully ...
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