Sampson, Zabdiel (1781-1828) to Aaron Hobart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06313.04.058 Author/Creator: Sampson, Zabdiel (1781-1828) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 January 1818 Pagination: 3 p. ; 24.1 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Sends his condolence for Hobart's father's death. Mentions a "Bill, to establish a uniform system of Bankruptcy." Informs Hobart that he has not voted for the additional pay for "our services." Also, mentions that Henry Clay "is 'tooth & nail' against the present Administration." Explains that Clay and his friends are against everything the executive proposes; for instance, they oppose Monroe's belief that Congress does not have the authority to appropriate funds for internal improvements.
Zabdiel Sampson was a congressional representative from Massachusetts from 1817 to 1820, after which he was appointed collector of customs at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1820, serving until his death.
Aaron Hobart, lawyer, jurist, state senator, and congressman, was born on June 26, 1787 in Abington, Massachusetts. Hobart pursued classical studies and graduated from Brown University in 1805. Thereafter, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1809, commencing practice in Abington. 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, taking his seat on December 18, 1820. 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 judge of probate, 1843-58. He is the author of Historical Sketches of Abington Mass. (1839). He died in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts on September 19, 1858 and was buried in Central Cemetery.
[Draft Excerpt:]
...strictly confidential...Clay is'tooth & nails' against the present administration and the City Washington Gazette, printed in this City is devoted to his views. He and his few friends take open ground against every thing which appears to be advocated by the present Executive - Clay & his friends condemn the propriety & the manner of taking possession of Amelia Island, they accuse the present Executive of a disposition to prevent the success of the patriots of L. America [Latin America]. They oppose the President in the opinion he has given respecting the constitutional power of Congress to appropriate the money of the U.S. for the construction of roads & canals. They blame the President for his treatment to the ambassador from Buenos Ayres [Buenos Aires]. Clay is a man of powerful eloquence, and his mind is of a sterling stamp. Ambition [power?] appear to be his 'ruling passion' and to this passion I fear the noble qualities of his mind will fall a sacrifice.
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