Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

Congratulations on election to First Congress. Hopes to strike up a correspondence. "You are now at Headquarters, & can communicate a thousand things both agreeable & instructive. The grand federal wheel is now about to move. Mighty I suppose will be the preparations." Mentions shifting opinions about separation preceding the "eastern Convention."

Draft: "Address to the State on the Appointment of Federal Representatives." Emphasizes the significant responsibility of electing good politicians and details some requisites for good representatives. Notes the benefit of Pennsylvania politicians being "intimately acquainted with the Genius of her Inhabitants, the Extent of her resources, her foreign & domestic Commerce, her Manufactures, & her relative situation in all these Points with the other states & with the Powers of Europe."

Draft of a letter to the editor of the Lancaster Journal. Compares personal contracts to alliances made between nations, noting differences between commercial and military alliances. "If I were to enter into such intimate connection with any individual as would imply mutual protection, I ought certainly to enquire into whether the person be meek and peaceable or quarrelsome and insolent; whether he be just and equitable, or cruel and rapacious." Opposes any treaty with Great Britain based on a long record of religious and political oppression. Worries that an alliance would make American sailors "aid her in desolating the fertile plains of India, in depopulating the shores of Africa, in hunting down the few remaining natives of St. Vincents." Includes a note to Mr. A. W. Gayley, stating "this is far from being a fair specimen of the mental productions or manual performance of the late Rev James Latta DD." Accompanied by a clipped title, "Discourses on Important Subjects," with a manuscript annotation, "Jas Latta's, Jan 25, 1759."

Wishes to have a post established on the state road between Albany and Cooperstown. While the route May not prove profitable, believes "it is of consequence for governments to prepare the way & open as many communications as possible for the distribution of their acts... let the people be early & rightly informed of the reasons which induce governemnt to tax, to arm, to fight." Comments on elections and New York politics. Blasts the "villainous arts" of the anti-Federalists, but admits that the Federalist ticket was a weak one.

Investigated claims on his lands while travelling up the Ohio River. Mentions wives' objections or consent to moving westward. Intends to send "some negroes next year" to prepare crops. Discusses national politics, being on "Tiptoe on the subject of the election of President," and the Congressional disputes over electoral votes.

Comments on New England and European politics; he fears the Federalists will eventually lose favor and anticipates the power of the "Jacobin phalanx" in Europe. "When the fun of Jacobinism has reached its meridian, we shall be nauseated by the muck worms that have been lying torpid, and the insects which have never done more than bu[zz] and shew their Stings."

Decries loss of Federalist strength and ideals, but remains confident of a resurgence in Massachusetts. Emphasizes the need to have faith in Divine Providence. "One important Pillar of the constitution is hewn down, & which will be the next to fall, is uncertain. That they are devoted to destruction in the issue of the measures adopted & adopting by the ministerialists is beyond a doubt." Mentions expected results of Massachusetts elections and how its districts are arranged. Locals are pleased with the "Constitutionalists in Congress."

Account of a tea and card party given at the Washington home of Mr. Taylor, a wealthy Virginia planter, slave owner, and "firm Federalist of the Washington School." Describes the social setting, furnishings, behavior, ladies and gentlemen present (including other prominent Federalists), and conversations about Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory and death.