The first Mayor of Hartford, writes about the tied election results between Jefferson and Burr, and the French Treaty
Author
Recipient
Date Written
1801
History Referenced
Thomas Seymour was 65 years old when this was written.
The recipient, Ledyard Seymour, was 27 when it was received.
Thomas Seymour died 28 years, 6 months, 29 days after writing this.
It was written 222 years, 2 months, 28 days ago.
It was a Thursday.
My dear Ledyard,
We duly rec’d your pleasing favors of 8th & 11th Oct. & the 21th of Nov. ulto, with journal & note there contents, -- especially the providential escape you have experienced from the fatal fever, to which so many have fallen unfortunate victims, why you were distinguished from others, can, & ought to be ascribed to him, alone, in whose hands our lives are, may we never forget his benefits.
You mentioned a remittance to N. Y. I. of $5012—then of the return of the bill of $700 unpaid-it is said, & there can be no doubt of it, that his affairs are too perplexed to reply upon—he sent us your letters to him, without invoice, relating insurance, saying, he could do nothing, on acc’t of his situation—we referred them to W. L. V. & Co., but as you have since sold vessel, suppose insurance is needless--On return to Nassau, you will meet, we trust, with our several letters by [?] will see it advisable to consign to W. L. V. & Co. and in a manner the most secure in all events---
It seems by return of votes for Pres. & Vice Pres. that Jefferson & Burr stand highest—the struggle has been arduous—but it is said, their numbers are equal, if so, it may yet be a question, which shall be first, whether either—this depends constitutionally upon the House of Representatives—should that body not agree by a majority, then the government must be administered by the President of the Senate, until a new election next sess.-- such is the fluctuating condition of an elective Executive—have enclosed you our papers in [?] you’ll observe the state of parties—the treaty with France, & the news of the day. Z. Swift has got home—past thru town—curses the Treaty—says it’s good for nothing etc.etc, that, tho France is a fine country—everything cheap and plenty—that flour, of first quality is but five dollars per Bar’l, & yet a man may live in Paris for five cents Per day, yet he adds that the men in power in civil & military departments are rogues, robbers, lyars, and whoremasters, from the greatest to the least so far [?] ---how far such a character will comport with the doings of our envoys or the men with whom the convention was made must leave you to judge--at any rate, it reflects no honor upon the former or dependence upon the latter---you know Swift.
I shall, as soon as may be, endeavor to obtain for you the appointment of consul, or other agency at Nassau and doubt not of succeeding, tho’ not, perhaps, till the bustle about our next executive is settled, which will be in the course of next month—or as soon, as can hear from you at Nassau—the meeting of the British Parliament, so early as 12th Nov. to consider the overture made for peace is indicative [?] it may probably take place—and it best to calculate accordingly: great parade for war often precedes a Peace.
Your remarks upon the manners & customs of the Spaniards—their religious ones particularly all goes to evince the monstrous absurdities of civil & religious despotism, bigotry, superstition & priestcraft—god grant that these may soon be abolished from the Earth.—the time can’t be far distant—Our river has been high & open to now—double the business done this season than ever before via shipments &-- several ships built & someone now at wharf, White & Elys, 420 tons rigging—others on the Stocks—should treaty take place with France, our commerce will be rapidly extended—the most extensive however will always be with the English—
The last session of our Legislature incorporated a company who are to clear our river from bars from here to Saybrook inclusively—they prosecute it next summer—they calculate the cost at $50,000—should it be affected, the advantages to our city & the facility to commerce will be much increased
Hartford Jany. 1st 1801—our friends are well and remember you most affectionately, wish you a happy & prosperous year—God bless & keep you—son.
Mr. Ledyard Seymour Your affectionate friend and Pater
Nassau N. Providence T. Seymour
PS. since the above rec’d yours of the 29th, Dec. and observe your intention of soon returning to Nassau—in a licensed vessel—etc., etc.
Jany 12th—since the above rec’d your two last of Dec. 15th via N.Y.C. & Boston—note your intention of remaining at Hava(na).—let yr. health be regarded—shall endeavor to obtain an appointment—have wrote accordingly.
Yrs. ut supra.
TS
Scans of Letter
