Mitchell, Nahum (1769-1853) to Aaron Hobart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06313.04.138 Author/Creator: Mitchell, Nahum (1769-1853) Place Written: East Bridgewater, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 January 1822 Pagination: 2 p. : address : free frank ; 25.2 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Responds to Hobart's request for an opinion of the Bankruptcy Bill before Congress. Explains that he has paid little attention to it and has not formed an opinion, but some of his friends are "exceedingly desirous the Bill should pass." He has tried to get a sense of the general feeling towards it and claims most are indifferent, while those with opinions "are much divided." Notes that dislike for the old law has caused prejudice against the one being proposed. Indicates that he will keep the request confidential, according to Hobart's wishes.
Nahum Mitchell wrote a "History of the early settlement of Bridgewater."
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.
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