Houghton, Nathaniel (1784-1840) to Aaron Hobart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06313.04.009 Author/Creator: Houghton, Nathaniel (1784-1840) Place Written: Barre, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 September 1809 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Asks Hobart to forgive his not writing immediately and says it is a pleasure to receive a letter from him. Answers Hobart's inquiry on what is it that he does in Barre. Mentions that he may be a "father or founder of the small family in the Courts of Justice..." and wishes Hobart could visit. Discusses the political situation. Claims that those who were in favor of the British cause now despised John Adams's "essays on this Administration." Also mentions it is the federal party that is condemning the Banking System, which they devised. Expects a treaty to be made with Great Britain and says that the British have waited for Austria to fall "and then hastens to America for a negotiation."
Aaron Hobart, lawyer, jurist, state senator, and congressman, was born in Abington, Massachusetts and graduated from Brown University in 1805. He was admitted to the bar in 1809 and commenced practice in Abington, Massachusetts. In 1824, he moved to East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He was a representative in the state legislature in 1814; a state senator in 1819; and in 1820 was elected a representative in the 16th congress to fill a vacancy. He was re-elected to the 17th, 18th, & 19th congresses, serving from 1820-1827. He was a member of the governor's council, 1827-31, and a probate judge from 1843-58.
[Draft Excerpt:]
I have made 70 Justice Writs and 20 Court; perhaps I may be considered a sort of father or founder of a small family in the Courts of Justice...Politics are at a very low ebb, all these tongues that used...to vibrate in favour of the British cause and that was hung upon their golden wire, have become palsied and lick the dust with humility, that they were wont to dispise -- Those who, are on the other side as we term it, are very much out with Mr Adams and condemn his never [faiding?] Essays on this administration and the exposure of that base and obnoxious Essex Junto party whose offences 'smell to heaven,' to the world. The federal party are here condemning what they in the plenitude of their power devised viz - the Banking System -. Their execrations...are well leveled, and they power them...like a charger of grape shot from a man [o] War - The times are pinching; but I hope for the best. I suppose that we may expect a Treaty with G. Britain now she has sent her 2 Ministers base equivocation. She has waited to see the powers of Austria buried in oblivion, and then hastens to America for a negotiation.
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