Wilson, John (1777-1848) to Aaron Hobart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06313.04.040 Author/Creator: Wilson, John (1777-1848) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 January 1815 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Sends his condolence to Hobart for the death of his child, as well as his congratulations for "Sister M. on the birth." Discusses political matters of the day, commenting on the correspondence of John Quincy Adams, Albert Gallatin, and J.A. Bayard, who were negotiating the Treaty of Ghent to end the War of 1812. Discusses a bank bill.
John Wilson was a Massachusetts congressman, elected as a federalist to the Thirteenth Congress (March 4, 1813-March 3, 1815)and the Fifteenth Congress (March 4, 1817-March 3, 1819).
[Draft Excerpt:]
I take it to be free from doubt that the Republican Ministers, as they are called in Europe, are superior to the British, Adams is learned, Gallatin possesses much information, Bayard is a great statesman, Russel possesses a happy faculty at Diplomatic Correspondence & Clay is cunning, & must be acknowledged an over match for their adversaries. The Bank Bill has passed our House after undergoing important amendments...I voted against the Bill...I fear that Govt., pressed for money, will, by a future action to suspend the injunction to [text loss], on condition of getting a [text loss] if [is?] the Bills in circulation will appreciate & the loss fall on the Public, who can never know when they are safe. Much fear is entertained for New Orleans but we know nothing of its fate.
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