FUNDAMENTAL
DOCUMENTS

ARCHIVES/
LIBRARY

ONLINE
RESEARCH
TOOLS

ONLINE
DOCUMENTS

ONLINE
SERVICES

VAN HORNE TO WORTHINGTON

Zanesville 12th Decr. 1811

Dr. Sir,

Affliction in my family & the loss of a promising Son has hitherto prevented my writing & answering your letter - Our Legislature have already commenced their approach- es toward the "Sweeping Resolution" Huntington moved a Resolution to Elect a Secretary of State yesterday the 11 on the ground that his time would expire according to the old state of things, which was finally negatived by one vote only the Washigton & Athens Members voting in the Affirmative Jackson on this occasion took the Democratic side.

Ludlow yesterday moved an other project that in future the Judges of the Supreme Court & Presidents of Circuits should be Elected & Commissioned for seven years, and the Democratic Republicans are considerably alarmed but it may carry in the house of Representatives - in Senate however they feel confident every attempt of the kind will be defeated

Dr. Edwards voted with the Feds on the first Resolution, but hopes are entertained he will eventually go right.

T. Morris took middle ground in Argument, but finally voted with the Feds his brother against.

Govr. Meiggs read me your letter, in part (as I believe) for want of a proper opening, no free conversation has yet taken place between us on the subject to which you alluded - that circumstance and the vote above mentioned, would appear rather parad[illeg.] with his professions. I shall bring up the subject the first favourable oppertunity. In short things look rather squally - no Democratic leader of talent to detect & expose the sophistry of Huntington & Co. - Sharp does well in his place, if he was a good speaker we should have nothing to fear.

Hooker of Fairfield appears firm with the Republicans After the Presidents Message & Documents & especially the Report of the Committee of foreign Relations, we calculated on our early & spirited Address from our Legislature in support of the position taken - but thus nothing is yet done - and indeed I fear nothing will be done to suit the Crisis - can pure water spring from a muddy fountain? in the Senate Mr. Arthur, Todd & are the Committee to report an Address. It may be good - but if it is, I for one shall be disappointed ([illeg.])

The Crisis seems to have arrived when temporising is out of the question, our Governt. & G. Britain are now fairly at Issue - her demands are now so clearly under- stood that Federalists, must shrink with horror from Abeting them - She is to proud & haughty to yield, if so, then is, I had almost said, but one course left, War. You possibly may loosen up the nonimportation system

May you steer that course which will but promote the honor, the Interest & happiness of our beloved Country is the ardent wish of Sir your friend & humbl Servt.

Van Horne

16