Hamlin, Hannibal (1809-1891) [to Jabez True]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00034 Author/Creator: Hamlin, Hannibal (1809-1891) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 January 1849 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Informs that Rufus McIntire has been appointed marshal of Maine and states that President James Polk advised him of this beforehand. Mentions former President John Tyler and Zachary Taylor, who would be inaugurated president two months after this. "We once were Tylerized, I trust we shall not be Taylorized." Discusses what the various sectors of the Whig party think Taylor's course of action in office may be. "Ultra Whigs fear he will be the second edition of Tyler -- and the Taylor Whigs fear he will be ultra -- Northern Whigs are afraid of him on our territory & that he will veto the Jeffersonian Ordinance of [17]87 -- while Southern Whigs say & fear he will approve it ... " Also comments on other internal Maine politics.
Hamlin was a United States senator.
Washington Jan 10. 1849
My Dear Sir
Your letter of 6th inst. Came to hand this morning-I was right glad to hear from you, having hardly heard a word from our friends in Bangor since I came here.
McIntire as you see and say has been appointed Marshall of Maine-I saw the Prest. before the nomination, and learned that he would appoint McIntire. Last summer McIntire came here last summer, and Polk promised him the office. He said about the same to me-McIntire did to ask a single mad of the House or Senate to aid him-He altogether on his old acquaintances-Had you decision to have been a candidate, I could [illegible] all our delegation except Broadley& Hollaway-But from what you said to me, I made us [illegible}. It was my wish above all things o see you have that place, under a democratic administration, but as we were beaten, I did think your course was the judicious one-Yet if we could have known what course Taylor would take, it might have altered the case-Still my opinion is that it will be far better if all democrats would let all offices alone-We were once Tylerised, I trust we shall not be Taylorised-
The Whigs are all in doubt as to what Taylor will do. The truth is the Whigs do not know nay better than democrats what will be the course of Taylor-Ultra Whigs fear he will be the second edition of Tyler-and the Taylor Whigs fear he will be ultra-Northern Whigs are afraid of him on our territory& that he will veto the Jeffersonian Ordinance of 1787-while Southern Whigs say& fear he will approve it-So then yes
You must not give up your present place-Your friends have a right to insist you must hold on-
I sent (Hathaway?) a letter yesterday-If Moore should get the apt. I am not certain but it would (be) best for us in the end, as it will be a place which would take him out of the arena of politics,--But I have given MH. A letter for his appointment, as I should have done if I (had?) Ruane Moore was in for the place-
Boutell must see that they were going ahead-God speed them. Prudence is the object-Do not lure any quarrel or controversy with the Dem-Go ahead& establish a character for the paper, & secure the confidence of the party first-then if they want to quarrel give them (Jesse?)
No body knows any thing of old Zach's Cabinet-all is dull-
(Hublour?) of Hallowell is with us out& out & I have it in black& white-I say this confidential, because it is a matter that nothing need be or should be said publically-Had we not better go for his (?)-What say our friends?-
Yr Truly
H. Hamlin
[Address leaf]
H. Hamlin
Jan. 10. 49
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