Carroll, Charles (1737-1832) to James McHenry
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00985 Author/Creator: Carroll, Charles (1737-1832) Place Written: Annapolis, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 December 1796 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 22.5 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy
Senator Carroll informs McHenry, Secretary of War, that Senator Rufus King intends to move resolutions in Congress related to the 1796 United States Presidential election. Reports in detail the number of votes currently held by each Presidential candidate, expressing favor for John Adams and disapproval of Thomas Jefferson. Mentions communications between Secretary of State Timothy Pickering and Charles Pinckney, the Ambassador to France, regarding the strained relationship between the United States and France. Referring to the election and foreign relations, states "there are no doubt many in all the States wishing for a revolution of war, but I am confident that the great body of the people are attached to the govern't, approve its measures, & wish to be remain at peace with all nations."
The 1796 two-party Presidential election was the first of its kind in the Untied States.
Dear Sir,
I recd the 4th instant your letter of the 2d. I perfectly approve the determination of the executive not to deign to answer Adet's last note. I have not heared myself a single person speak of it without expressing great disapprobations; yet I am told there are who excuse it, alledging he has said nothing but the truth. You may readily guess what sort of men these are.
Mr. King I believe, means to move some resolutions respecting the Presidents address exclusive of the same statements with those [struck: illegible] our answer to the Governor's address.
I do not see how the Legislature can with propriety go so far [illegible]. The Individual States, as such, are not known to foreign powers; we have nothing to do with them, nor do they with us... Yesterday all the Electors met Mr. Adams got 7 votes Mr. Jefferson 4 Mr Pinckney 4 Mr Burr 3 votes, & Mr Jno Henry 2. [Struck: illegible] Three eastern shore electors voted for Mr Adams; one, (Gilpin) for Mr Jefferson ... [2] It is said But upon what foundation I know not [that] neither Adams or Jefferson will get any votes in S. Carolina. It is confidently asserted that Mr. Adams will be elected by a majority of least 3 votes. I have my fears. Should Jefferson be elected or if no election takes place by the Electors, I suppose he will be elected by the present house of Representatives. Great anxiety prevails generally respecting the future President. The friends of the Government dread the election of Jefferson; they fear he will pursue a very different line of conduct from the present President.... I am confident the great body of the people are attached to the Governt, approve its measures, & wish to remain at peace with all nations. [4] 9th Decr. we have reelected Col. Edward into the Senate of the US to serve by years from the 4th of next March: he may be said to have been unanimously elected: there [inserted: were] 5 blanks , & 4 votes for Mr. Richd. Sprigg[?] altho' was in nomination but Col. Edward - Iam with much ? & regard
Yr. most hum. Sert.
Ch. Charles Carroll
[address leaf] Annapolis' Dec 9./ Hble/ James M' Henry Esqr./ Secretary at War/ Philadelphia/ Rpost
[docket] 5 Der. 1796/ Ch? Charles of Carroll Carrollton
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