i 
 
 I 
 
 OF HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR CLINTON, | 
 
 To t\\e llovise o? ^\ssemV)\v, 
 
 January 18lh, 1821. 
 
 The resolution of your liononrable house, of tiie 16tli of Novem- 
 ber, relative to an intimation in my speech, at the opening' of the * 
 session, has been respectfully considered, and duly appreciated 
 — and I shall now communicate to you, agreeably to your request, 
 the evidence in my possession relative to tlie Improper interference 
 of tlie officers of tiie general government in the local concerns of 
 this state. 
 
 That many of ttie ofBcers of the United States have,- for a num- 
 ber of years, acted very improperly, by interfei-ing in the elections 
 t)f this state, must be known to every man in the community who 
 has bud opportunity for information, and whose mind is not steel- 
 ed by prejudice against the admission of Irutli : At the last elec- 
 tion tins influence was manifested in such a variety of shapes, and 
 in such a very exceptionable manner, that I considered it my duty 
 to refer to it: And in performing this d;ity as a magistrate, and 
 in availing myself of a right possessed by every citizen, to ex- 
 press his opinion of the conduct of public men, I did not consider 
 it necessary tliat I should be provided with documentary testimo- 
 ny, nor did I suppose that at an extraordinary session of the legis- 
 lature, held for a special purpose, it would be deemed adviseable 
 to delibei'ate on any of the matters indicated in my speech. And 
 
 I was confirmed in tliis impression, so far as it respects this sub- I 
 
 ject, wlien I adverted to tlie resolution of tl>e senate then befoi-e 
 
 you, proposing to adjourn on the next day — and to a resolution of 
 
 your house, passed on the 18th day of November, for adjourning 
 
 on the 20th. Under tliese circumstances, I tliought proper to 
 
 delay tins communication until the present session. And when I 
 
 make tliis observation, 1 must be permitted to state, that whenever 
 
 I am called on for information, by any branch of the legislature, 
 
 in a proper mani-ter and in a proper case, I shall always attend to 
 
 the I'cquest with pleasure ; but I shall r^-serve to myself sufficient 
 
 time to prepare a satisfactory answer. And tlie universal mxler- 
 
 standing, in parliamentary practice, has been, that if the inform i- 
 
 tion requested is afforded in time for full legislative deliberation 
 
 alid decision, no exception ought to be taken. 
 
 i 
 
tn] animadverting on the obtrusion of extraneous influence iu 
 the politics of tins state, I was desirods of arresting the prog-ress 
 of a great evil, by attracting the public attention to its predomi- 
 nance. And I was not without hopes, that the national legislature 
 would consider it a fit case for the salutary exercise of its high 
 authorities. In the inquiry which lias been recently instituied in- 
 to the conduct of one of the departments of the nationa' admin- 
 istration, some of the abuses which will be developed in this mes- 
 sage may be deemed a fit subject for cognizance ; and L am per- 
 suaded, that the general investigation which has been made, will 
 have a beneficial tendency, even if it be not followed by any mea- 
 sures of punisliment. 
 
 Considering the immense patronage which must be necpssarlly 
 entrusted to the executive government of the union, the constitution 
 of tlie United States has wisely declared " that no senator or re- 
 presentative shall during the time for which he was elected, be 
 appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United 
 States, which shall have been created or the emoluments whereof 
 shall have been encreased during such time ; and no person hold- 
 ing any office under the United States, shall be a member of either 
 house during his continuance in office-," and " that no senator or 
 representative or person holding an office of trust or profit under 
 the United States shall be appointed an elector of president and 
 vice president." The object of these provisions is to preserve the 
 independence of the national legislature and of the electoral colle- 
 ges, and to maintain the purity of republican government. The 
 same salutary provisions for analogous beneficial objects have 
 been extended to the state legislatures, and all the state constitu- 
 tions formed since the proposal of the national constitution in 
 1787, declare in substance that no member of congress, or officer 
 of the United States, shall have a seat in the state legislature. 
 There are in some constitutions, variations in the provisions, but 
 they all embrace in a gretiier or less degree the spirit of the ex- 
 cluding principle. In those states which had adopted constitu- 
 tions before the establishment of a national government, there is 
 of course no constitutional prohibition— but it is undei-stood that 
 in such case statutes have been passed to the same effect. Vir- 
 ginia, whose constitution was formed in 1776, has a very compre- 
 hensive law on the subject. Pennsylvania, in addition to a consti- 
 tutional restriction, has a statute which prohibits officers of the 
 United States from acting as judges, inspectors or clerks of state 
 
3 
 
 elec'ions. The constitution of this s'ate was formed in 1777, and 
 altho' no statute has been passed on this subject/yet by a concur- 
 rent res ilution of March 1790, it was resolved as tiie sense of the 
 legisliture, that it is incompatible (according to the conftiluliou 
 of this state and of tlie United States,) that a member of congress, 
 or oiher person holding any office wliatsoever under the United 
 States should be a member of the senate or assembly of iliis state 
 during Wn continuance in congress, or in such office ; and that 
 whenever a member of the legislature shall be elected or ap- 
 pointed a member of conc^ress, or to any office whaiever under 
 liie Uriited States, and shall accept of such office or appointment, 
 it is hereby farther resoive.l, that his seat in the legishtture ought 
 to be vacated. Even in the government of Great Britain, officers of 
 the excise and customs, and clerks or deputies in the treasury, 
 navy, victualling and admiralty offices, and a long list of other 
 .dependents on the crown, are interdicted from being elected or 
 sitting as members of tlie house of commons. 
 
 Every officer of the United States is in a state of partial disfran- 
 chisement. He cannot sit in congress, in the state legislatures ( r 
 in the electors 1 colleges — In the view of the constitution, he is au 
 object of jealousy ; he can however at any time be restored to all 
 tlie franchises of a citizen by abdicating his office. Our govern- 
 ment is founded on the representative system ; it protects the pu- 
 rity and independence of the representative ; it erects a barrier 
 against the inroads of executive patronage, and it intends that the 
 constituent body should be free from the operation of the san e 
 influence. In reserving to the national officer his elective francliise 
 it was undoubtedly contemplated that it should be exercised in the 
 genuine spirit of republicanism; that the suffrages of the citizen 
 could not be biassed by the emoluments and honors of the officer, 
 and tliathe should no! carry into the elections, any of the influ- 
 ence derived from bis official station ; and I trust that it will be 
 universally admitted, that the national government ought not to 
 confer or withhold offices with a view of creating influence in 
 state politics. It is well known tliat in this state, the nadonal ad- 
 ministration has for some years selected in almost every case of any 
 importance, its officers in opposition to the state administration, 
 and this undoubtedly operates as an encouragement to organized 
 and disciplined hoslillty. It is a virtual instruction to its officers 
 to oppose, and it is an invitation to all who are desirous of the pa- 
 tronage of the general government, to embark in the opposition. 
 
 —r-^---- ii''''-'-m' --''1ir- - ' 
 
4 
 
 The iriterference of the officers of the general government m stale 
 politics in 1798, was at that period a subject of general and well 
 founded complaint : in tlie interval between my first election and 
 entrance into office, I took the liberty of apprising Mr. Monroe, 
 the president of the United States, of the obtrusive intermeddling 
 of the officers of the general government in our state polillcs> 
 iind of my earnest hope that under his administration this systena 
 ^o justly and so generally reprobated, would be no longer tolerat 
 cd. In discharging this duty to the republic, 1 entertained every 
 wish to promote the most amicable relations between the g-eneral 
 and state administration, and I can truly declare that no act of hos- 
 tility has been in any shape manifested or encouraged on tJie part 
 of the authorities of this state. 
 
 The documents which I have now the honor to transmit to you, 
 do not extend beyond the last general elecUon 8c the agitations pre- 
 ceding -and accompanying it. At the very period when the officers 
 of the United States, who have behaved so reprehensibly, ought 
 to have conducted themselves with the greatest delicacy ; when 
 a legislature was to be chosen that was to appoint the electors of 
 president : and when the second officer of tlie United States was 
 a candidate for the office of governor, all the influence of their 
 offices was put in requisition and brought into activity. Although 
 deprived of the right of being chosen, yet if in the exercise of the 
 right of choosing, they are permi' ted by the power of office to 
 influence elections, what security have the people for a pure legis- 
 lature, lor an inJependent congress or for an incorrupt college of 
 electors? On this occasion I take a pleasure in staling, that not- 
 withstanding the practices complained of were marked wi h sig- 
 nal iiP propriety in tl»e general operations of the navy yard, in 
 King's county, yet f do not know of a single instance wherein a 
 naval officer who distinguished himself during the late w..r, huS 
 conducted himself improperly. The officers of the army stationed 
 in this state have furnished, generally speaking, no ground of com- 
 plaint. And the custom house officers, on the lakes, so far as I can 
 Icarn.have behaved in an imexceptiimable manner. In exercising the 
 right's ofsutfrak-e, they have 1 believe generally abstained from 
 bringing any official influence in any shape to bear upon the con- 
 .troversy. 
 
 The navy yard Is situate in Brooklyn.King's coimty, and contains 
 about 40 acres. Large sums of money have been expended there 
 in building and repairing ships of war, and an extensive est;;bllsh- 
 
5 
 
 ,ne!U is maintained In tliat place. The docunnenls lierev. iili trans, 
 nuttttl will shew, that under the principal direction oi Mr. De- 
 catur, (the naval storekeeper,) the blacksmiths, caulkers, carpen- 
 ters, lahorers, and other persons in the public employ at tlie navy 
 yard, were brouglit up to vote — that he was assisted in lii^ opera- 
 tions by other officers of that establislmietit— and that improper 
 attempts were made in a varietyof shapes lo operate on the electors. 
 The whole presents a scene of undue inttu<"nce and exirhneous in- 
 trusiun revolting to every friend of republican government. The 
 papers maiked from A to L inclusive, establish the charge 
 beyond tlie pos-ibility of refutation, and the certificate marked 
 M, from tiie fir--t judge of the county of Kings, places tlie credi- 
 bility oftlie witnesses beyond doubt. 
 
 Tlie patron:ige of the custom house in New-Y.n-k is immense- 
 There are lo printed documents whtcli disclose the number and 
 compensation of the officers employed in that establishment , as 
 the resolution of congress of 27ih April, 1816. direciing a compi- 
 lation and printing ofa legister once in every two years, of tiie offi- 
 cer* of tlie United States, has not been complkd with in respect 
 to the subordinate officers of the customs of New-York, i can 
 therefore only state as a matter of estimate, that the patronage of 
 that esl.iblisliment approximates to i'00,000 dollars ar.nuully. The 
 surveyor of the port, Mr. J<)seph G. Swift, has the immedi^ite di- 
 rection of the inspectors and other subordinate officers of the cus- 
 toms ; and altlio' he has not the posver of disiilacement, yei they 
 are in sucli a state of dependence, tliat their persona! comfort must 
 directly, and thtir official existen.ce indirectly, depend on his voli- 
 tion. In order that tiiere might be no doubt of his determina- 
 tion to interfere in the state election, he reported, as a member of 
 a committee to a public meeting in King's county, tlie resolution 
 marked N. Vvhen the situation, connexion, and polilicid prin- 
 ciples of this officer of the United States are considered, there can 
 fee no doubt, but that he had previously ascertained the sense of 
 his political superiors, and thathewas instructed to act accordingly. 
 In pursuance of this exnmple the two inspectors of the customs 
 at Staten Island, interfered in the most improper manner in tliC 
 election — the papers marked (). V. Q. R. S. T. will establish this 
 charge and the certificate, mai;ked U. given by the fi,rst judae of 
 liichmond county, g'^es lo prove the unque-tionable good cliar- 
 acter of the witnesses. The papers marked V. & W. will also she^v 
 tlic conduct of some of the inspector in the city of Xew.York. 
 
 B 2 
 
Ttf S'ucIi an immense population it is difficult to trace the course of 
 individuals particularly, but it is believed that the few friendly 
 officers of the customs were intimidated into entire neutrality, 
 and that tlie m:iss of the influence of that institution was niade to 
 exhibit a hostile attitude to the state administration. The law 
 regulating the compensation of the inspectors of the customs au- 
 thorizes the allowance of three dollars a day, for the days that 
 they are actually employed. These documents prove that seven of 
 those (jfficers were employed in eleciioneering ; and I presume it 
 will not be denied that each individual received three dollars a 
 day from the public treasury when so engaged. 
 
 The resolution marked W, V, of the citizens of Buffiilo, com- 
 plains of the undue interference of the officers of the general gov- 
 eniment in that quarter. The chairman of that meeting, Mr. John 
 E. Marshal!, informs me, " That this resolution was intended to 
 be a censure upon the general political conduct of those persons ' 
 residing in Niagara county who are attached to tlie commission for 
 establishing the boundary line between the United States and Ca- 
 nada. It is very notorious that those men, and all their depend- 
 ents, have for two years been actively and zealously engaged in 
 oppofition to the state administration — At the last spring election 
 tliey were peculiarly industrious, some of them frequently de- 
 claring that they were determined to revolutionize the county and 
 state." The direct compensation of these officers amounts to 
 jiearly 12,000 dollars a year, and their expenses are believed to 
 be very considerable. 
 
 The conduct of the judge of the United States of the northern 
 district &f this state, is daily before the eyes of the legislature. 
 The marshals have acted \n co-incidence with the general current 
 of extraneous influence, and in their selections of deputies to take 
 the census, they have, as far as I can learn, studiously excluded 
 all those applicants tViat were friendly to the state administration. 
 The conduct of Mr. Robert Tillotson, one of the district attornles, 
 and nephew of the president of the United States, is glanced at 
 In the paper marked X.— and that of Mr. Jacob Sutherland, the 
 other district attorney, and nephew of the secretary of the navy, 
 is mentioned in the paper marked Y. It will give me pleasure to 
 find, that there is error in some of these imputations ; but of theii" 
 officious and improper interference, generally speaking, there can 
 be no doubt. There are three newspapers employed by the go- 
 ^iemment for publishing the lawa of the Union, in this state, and 
 
7 
 
 these consisted oPttie Argus, National Advocate, and Ontario Mes- 
 senger, until within a few weeks, wlien the business was taken 
 from the last paper, and committed to the Times, in Batavia,- a 
 gazette of recent date, of comparatively limited circulation, and 
 hostile to the state administration. 
 
 Tliere are, I believe, 674 post-maslers in this state, and I should 
 estimate the aggregate patronage of the department in the stale at 
 large, at 100,000 dollars annually. During the able and impartial 
 administration of the predecessor of the present post-master gene- 
 ral, these offices were conferred without any reference to state 
 politics. Attempts have been made, at different times, to cause 
 the removal of post-masters friendly to the state administration 
 and 1 am sorry to say that in several instances tliey liave suc- 
 ceeded. The papers marked Z. will exhibit the case of Mr. Heze- 
 kiah L. Granger, who, in tlie spring of 1819, was removed from 
 the office of post-master at Manlius. The papers marked A A. 
 are an expose of the removal of Alpheus Doty from the post-office 
 at Sandy-Hill. This removal, it appears, was effected through the 
 instrumentality of Mr . Roger Skinner, who resided in the same 
 village. Mr. Doty , who lias since died, had incuri ed the resent- 
 ment of Mr. Skinner for iiis support of the state administration, 
 and he was accordingly marked out for a victim, and in December, 
 1818, his removal was solicited by Mr. Skinner in the city of 
 Washington. To effi;ct this purpose, it would appear, that the good 
 offices of Mr. Henry Meigs were employed to operate on iiis uncle, 
 the post-master general. It appears that the post-master general 
 had determined to make the removal on Mr. Skinner's rejiresent- 
 ation alone. The petition was signed by violent partizans, and 
 the reasons assigned in it were only ostensible. — And there is this 
 singular circumstance attending tliis transaction — The papers di- 
 recting the displacement, were enclosed to Mr. Skinner ; and it 
 was not, it appears, in his estimation, a sufficient punishment to 
 effect the removal of a good citizen and faithful officer, under 
 false pretenceS) but his humiliation must be witnessed by his po- 
 litical adversaries, who were apprised of the event, and were call- 
 ed in to exult over his fitU. The papers marked BB. will shew 
 the removal of the post-master at Caldwell. This was also prin- 
 cipally accomplished through the agency of Mr. Skinner, and upon 
 the same grounds of party excitement. His letter to the post- 
 master general, on this subject, could not be found. The par 
 per marked QC refers to the- removal of Mr. Brown, the post- 
 
8 
 
 master at TIartfbrd, in Washinj^ton county, which was also the 
 result of the same spirit. In March, 1819, Mr. Jacob Van Ness 
 was removed from tae office of clerk of the county of Dutchess ; 
 and Mr. Peter II. Livingston, a senator from the soutliern district, 
 publicly declare d, as I am credibly informed, that the then post- 
 master at Poughkeepsie should be removed from office, and Mr. 
 Van Ness appointed in his place. This event actually took place, 
 and indicates an understanding and co-operation between a de- 
 partment, at least, at Washington and a polliical parly ia this 
 state. 
 
 Although tliese measures were unequivocal in demonstration, 
 and reprehensible in character, yet they were not deem.ed suffi- 
 ciently energetic for the crisis. And^ accordingly, on the 4-.h of 
 April, 18:^0, twenty-one days before the general election, Mr. 
 Martin Van Biu'cn, chairman of the meeting which nominated Mr. 
 Tompkins for governor, addressed tlie following letter to Mr. 
 Henry Meigs, tlie iK-phew, before alluded to, of the post-master 
 general.—" iVJy dear sh — Our sufferings, owing to the rascality of 
 deputy post-masters, is intolerable, and cries .aloud for relief. 
 We find it absolutely impossible to penetrate the interior with our 
 papers, and unless v. e can a^ain tliem by two or three prompt re- 
 moval.':, tliere is no limiting the injiu-ioiis consequences that may 
 result from it ; let me therefore entreat the post-master general 
 to do an act of justice, ar^l render us a partial service, by the I'e- 
 jnoval of Holt, of Herkimer, and the appointment of Jabez Fox, 
 Eiq.— Also of Howell, of P.atl), and the appointment of an excel- 
 lent friend. W. U. llochestei, Esq. a yoimg man of the first respect- 
 ability and wortli in the state,— and the removal of Smith, at Lit- 
 tle-Falls, and the appointment of IloUister,— and the removal of 
 Chamberlain, in Oxford, and tlie appointment Lot Clark, Esq. 
 I am in extreme haste, and can tl'.erefore .add no more. Use tiie 
 enclosed pap^ers according to your discretion, and if any thing is 
 done. Let it be quickly done, and you may rely upon it, much good 
 will residt from it. Yours, affectionately, M. Van Ruren. Ap -il 
 4tli, 1820. The Hon. Henry Meigs." The ostensible object of this 
 letter is the displacement of certain post-masters on account of 
 alleged mal-practices, but the real design was to subserve the 
 purposes of party. The removal of a few distinguished post-mas- 
 ters would serve as a monition to the 674 post-masters in the 
 state to come out as electioneering partizans against the state .ad- 
 ministration, or to maintain siknce. The improper and cgrritpt 
 
'firacUces Imputed lopost-masicrs by Mr. Van Biiren,arc,no doubt, 
 entirely unfounded. The private characters of tl.ose geHtlemen 
 are perfectly respectable, and their official conduct had never, as 
 I Understand, been impeached before that period. " If any thinj? 
 is done, let it be quickly done, and you may rely upon it, much 
 good will result from it." That is, let it be done before the elec- 
 tion, and many votes will be acquired. 
 
 The letter of Mr. Van Buren produced the removal of Messrs. 
 Chamberlain and Smith, two of the Post Masters mentioned in it. 
 It seems that Mr. J.R. Drake, then a member of Congress, inter- 
 fered very officiously against a Post Master living out of iiis dis- 
 trict. And it is believed that the removal of Mr. Leonard, whose 
 case will be hereafter mentioned, was accomplished through his 
 instrumentality : It appears that Mr. Drake cultivated an influence 
 when in Washington, sufficient not only to injure men much more 
 respectable than himself, but to secure a contract with the gov- 
 ernment which he considered of some consequence. Mr. Howell 
 was kept in his office, by a personal acquaintance with Dr. Brad-^ 
 ley of the general post effi e, wlio very properly exerted himself 
 to continue the services of t » .- excellent officer for the benefit of 
 the department. Mr.Holt wis i.ot removed until the7lhofDe. 
 cember last, after the resolulio is of a party meeting, marked DD 
 held on the 30th October last, were forwarded to the Post Master 
 GeneraL It is said by the Post Master General, that Mr. Holt 
 was considerably delinquent, and failed for a nuuiber .of quarters 
 to render his accounts according to law. lu order to establish the 
 reality of tliis reason, the application of removal wight to exist in 
 every similar case ; but an intimation has been publicly and re- 
 peatedly made of a great delinquency, & no notice has been taken 
 of it; and lam greatly mistaken if many cases do not exist where 
 t!ie returns required by law have not been duly made, and which 
 have notwithstanding been passed over without animadversion. 
 
 The papers marked EE, probably contain the true statement of 
 this case. The papers marked GO, relate to the removal of the 
 Post Master, at the Little Falls ; And the affidavits of the Honor- 
 able Robert Monell and Joseph S. Lyman, mark.d FF, will illus- 
 trate the general character of tlie transactions. On the 15ih 
 April, 182'-), Mr. Stephen B. Leonard was removed from the office 
 of Post Master at Owego. The letter announcing this is in the 
 words following, to wit : " Post OrTice Department, 15lh April, 
 1820,--S:r, your being a mail con'. rtictor, and the only printer in 
 
HQ 
 
 •Jie place where you reside, it is considered that your holding iiie 
 office of Post Master, g-lves you an undue preference over other 
 citizens and printers, not justified by the usual practice of tliis 
 department With your conduct as Post Master, I am well satis- 
 ed. Respectfully, yours, &C.R.J. Meigs, jr.— Stephen B.Leonard, 
 Esq.'' The report of tlie Post Master General, marked HH, made 
 at the present session of Congress, shews that there are 58 Post 
 Masters who are at the same time contractors for carrying the 
 mail : and it is well known that in three important cities, the Post 
 Masters are at the same time proprietors and editors ofnewspr- 
 pers ; and it cannot be presumed that the circumstance of Mr. 
 Leonard's being the otily printer in Owego, would increase the 
 force of tlie general objection. In this case there would be no in-.- 
 roediate rival establisliment which he would be interested in injur- 
 ing by virtue of iiis official situation. The case of Mr Leonard is 
 particularly mentioned in the paper marked II. The documents 
 marked JJ, KK, LL, MM, andNN, are corroborative of the other 
 proofs, and exhibit some interesting views of this subject. 
 
 There are in all probability scenes of equal if not greater turpi- 
 tude, which cannot be exposed on account of the peculiar situa- 
 tion of individuals, dependent for their livelihood, in maintaining 
 silence, interested in concealing abuses, desirous of screening per- 
 sonal or political friends, averse to encounter tlie vituperation 
 which will ensue— appprehensive of personal injury from the des- 
 peration of detected malefactors, or looking to a particular quar- 
 ter for favours to themselves or connexions. Under these circum- 
 stances it. would be impossible for any department of the govern- 
 ment, even if armed with the power of compelling testimony, to 
 attain a full knowledge of the abuses complained of In the prese; t 
 case, it was rendered still more difficult from the want of officiiil 
 authority to take cognizance of the investigation. And when it 
 was instituted with a view to the obtainment of documentary tes- 
 limony, the offenders w«re fore-warned, and had ample time to 
 take measures for the suppression of the truth. 
 
 It iSj I conceive, impossible to resist the unfavourable conclu- 
 sions which must be drawn from the body of testimony now sub- 
 mitted to you. Making full allowances for exaggeration or error, 
 for tlie influence of prejudice and the operation of improper mo- 
 tives,— and admitting that a considerable portion of the allega- 
 tions may be successful!} refuted, yet still there will remain a suf- 
 ficient number of strong and establislicd facts, to prove a con.ccrt 
 
li 
 
 of exertions on the part 6f the officers of (he national goverumeut 
 — in the Navy Yard, tlie Custom House, the General Post Office, 
 and in the Judicial and some other institutions of that Government 
 operating in our U)cal elections : and wliich demonstrates the ex* 
 stence of an organized and disciplined corps, and the obtrusion of 
 extraneous influence for ihe purpose of promoting the aspirations 
 of ambition — of securing the possession of authority, or of break- 
 ing down the power of the state, by the encouragement of intes-^ 
 tine divisions : And this is a case m which the maxim — He or clem 
 ihe commission of a crime -who does not forbid it, ichentt is in ftispo-wei' 
 — may be justly and emphatically applied. Tlie least intimation 
 iVom the proper quarter, would have effectually prevented these- 
 notorious and alarming evils. 
 
 To all sincere friends of Republican Government, and such. 
 Gentlemen, I believe you all to be, this statement must present 
 subjects for serious reflection. Without the existence of State 
 Governments, it is impossible for us to enjoy the blessings of free 
 government. And without a National Government, we would be 
 involved in wars at home, and have but feeble security against at- 
 tacks from abroad. Both are essential to the freedom, the safety, 
 the prosperity and the honour of our country. The National Gov- 
 ernment is from the necessity of the case, armed with controlling 
 authority over the revenues and physical force of the country. In 
 its military and naval establishments — in the arrangem^t of the 
 National domains — in the disposition of its diplomatic intercourse 
 — in the collection of taxes — in the immense patronage which it 
 derives from the numerous and lucrative offices in its gift — and in 
 the allurements which are consequently held fortli to ambition 
 and cupidity, we perceire the foundation of .in influence which 
 may be arrayed with a force almost irresistible against the inde- 
 pemlence and stability of the State Governments. It may be truly 
 observed tliat in proportion to the population of the United States, 
 no government has more numerous and efficient means of directing 
 and controlling public opinion. And when we consider that few of 
 the States have any funds or resources except what are derived 
 from taxation ; that the compensation of tlieir public officers is 
 comparatively small ; and that the heads of their Executive and 
 Judicial departments have been even sometimes induced to accept 
 offices under the National Government, subordinate in importance, 
 but superior in emoluments ; we must at once perceive the diffi- 
 culties which the State Authorities might have in opposing the 
 
12 
 
 improper influence of the National Government. And when vve 
 farther consider that in all probability there would be no unity of 
 views or coincidence of exertions operating at the same time, in 
 the States, while the National Authority might make its ap- 
 proaches by singling out particular States, and advancing against 
 them with its combined and consolidated force, we have every 
 reason to exercise the utmost vlgihmce, and to interpose all pro- 
 per barriers against undue encroacliments. A government of influ- 
 ence and corruption is the worst possible sliape which a republican 
 government can assume, because under the forms of freedom, it 
 combines the essence of tyranny. And although I am far from 
 saying, that this is now the case, yet the first attempts to give a 
 wrong direction to the au.hority of government, ought to be re- 
 sisted. Slavery is ever preceded by sleep. And tiie liberties of free 
 Btates are more frequently prostrated by fraud, tlian by force. In the 
 mtelligence and patriotism of the body of our fellow citizens, we may, 
 1 trust, rely for the preservation of our free governments. And with 
 an anxious desire to merit their good opinion by a faithful and in- 
 dependent discliarge of my important duties, and with an entire 
 disregard of any hostility which may arise from any quarter in con- 
 sequence of my pursuing tliis course, I submit this communication 
 t ) the Representatives of the people, fully persuaded that wlien the 
 personal animosities and party agitations of the times are buried 
 in oblivion, I shall be considered by impartial posterity, as having 
 endeavoured to deserve well of the Kepublic by my conduct on 
 this occasion. 1)E WI IT CLINTON. 
 
 Aibany, 17th January, 1821. 
 
 Documents referred to in the foregoing Message. 
 (A) 
 
 1 do certify, that during the election last spiing, for governor, lieutenant 
 govemnr, &c. I was a cliallpngpr at the poll iield at Br-ooklyn,, and saw 
 col. J. P. Decatur, naval store keeper, bring tip several persons from the 
 navy yard to vote, and making himself very hmy dnring the wliole three 
 days of the election, and declaring repeatedly, that he would bring up his 
 carpenters, blacksmiths, and caulkers, in. succession. One day in particular, 
 he slated, " well, now you have had tlie carpenters, to-morrow you shall 
 have iJie blacksmiths." When tiie votes from the navy yard came up, col, 
 Deca*ur always attended on them to the box for receiving votes, unless 
 they came up witli some of the master mechanics of the yard Tlie second 
 day of the election, col. Decatur brought up a person from the navy yard, 
 liavMig the naval butlon on bis cnat, and who was challenged, as an illegal 
 voter, and refused to take the oath required by law to qualify iiiin for a vote. 
 
IS 
 
 The last day oftlie election, col. Decatur came again op wilb iiim, and iu- 
 sisted on tiis taking the oath ; the.persou commeDced, ai'd was ag.iiii inter- 
 rupted by oae of tiie injpeclors, and recommended not to take the oat^ 
 for it appeared very doubtful whether he was entitled to a vote j neverlhe! 
 le?s,<:ol. Decatur kept persisting ; but the man, on being told to ben are 
 of the consequences, declined, and left the poll. The master blacksmith 
 beaded the blacksmiths from tiie navy yard when they came to the poll. 1 
 often saw sailing mast r Bloodgood busily engaged in the poll room re- 
 ipeatedly, and bringing up votes. JOHN DIKEMAN. 
 
 Brooklyn, 21st Dec. 1820. 
 
 (B) 
 
 I do certify, that during the election last spring, for governor and liente- 
 nant governor, I was frequently at and about the polls; that durin<r the 
 lime J was so about the polls, I saw John P. Decatur bring up meulroai 
 tJie navy yard in squads, to vote; that said Decatur was violent in his ex- 
 pressions, and actions ; dealing out tickets, brow beating the men whoap- 
 proached the polls ia order to vote for De Witt Clinton, and denouncing 
 said Clinton as an enemy to the general government. 
 
 And I do further certify, that Brockholst Livingston, an officer in the cu3. 
 torn house in New York, was also active.at the election against De U'itt 
 Clinton, and as well as said Decatur, made great and extraordinary exer- 
 tions to injur£ said Clinton in his re-election, and spoke of him as an enemy 
 of the general governmeoL JOHN HUNTER, 
 
 (C) 
 
 I, the underslgnd citizen of the United States, atKl inhabitant nnci free- 
 holder of the town of Brooklyn, Kings county, and state of Wevv^York d» 
 solemnly declare that 1 atterded the poll lb. etceiing governor, and liemen- 
 anl governor of this state,at Iheelection in April last, and most ofthe time 
 dunng the election ; and thai the oflicers of the general government of ,h« 
 Umted States, (wuh some few exceptions) were excessively opposed to tlw- 
 ada.m,st,at.on of governor Clinton, and u.ade the .no.t eviraordinury and. 
 .mproper effort, to prevent his re-election, and in ,ome instances •excired 
 the dread and the fears of n,y fellow citizens, lest they mi.ht experience 
 personal tnjury as well as discharges fro.n public empLynu^t u 
 them, or from the navy yard of«he United States, that tj.e said office -1 
 v.e-eactu-ely engaged n,bringi.,g up to the ..,irs all persons under t 
 control ahi^o'there were occasional instance, of a d«ire to vole or 
 vernorClmton as a chief magistrate of this Slate v.n ,v,o 
 
 tt,a. i, „o.,a ,-„,L, , ; - 
 
14 
 
 ■voles. Among the officers who excited the greatest noise and violence oF 
 Jeeliiig were col, Decatur, and officer Bloodgood : the formei',receivinga8 
 it were, bodies of men, by detachments, and marshaling Ihem up to the 
 polls, in the most boit-terous and threatening manner, and declared he 
 would bring up one hundred men or more, by himself and friends, from 
 the navy yard, which I have no doubt is true as to numbers, and after- 
 wards on my observing my astonishment, and great dissatisfaction — the 
 extraordinary interference of the officers ol the U. States government, in 
 t'.ie election of our state officers (to an officer of distinction) and particula; Iv 
 the pi-Dceedings of Col. Decatur, I was informed by him that if he himself 
 V ere present, when I so expressed my surprise and dissatisfaction, that he 
 ■would down with my house, and the conduct of officer BIoodgood,was very 
 indecently outrageous, and used threatning language and blows, and so 
 much irritation was exemplified by him otherwise, (and having his mil- 
 itary appearance) as intimidated, peaceable quiet citizens from exercising 
 and while exercising iheir privileges in voting at the election. 
 
 VV.THOxMFSON. 
 
 New-York, Oct. 16, 1820. 
 
 Sworn to, before me, this 16th day of December, 1820. 
 
 William Seaman, Commissioner* 
 
 This may certify, that I attended the poll at Brooklyn, during the late 
 t-lection of governor and lieut. governor, 1 saw John P- Decatur come up 
 to the poll at the head of fquads of men who are labourers in the navy yard. 
 } heard Decatur say, that he had brought up the carpenters to day, and 
 should bring up the riggers anu blacksmiths to morrow. Purser Wise, was 
 also active in bringing up, and inducing men to vote. Sailing aiaster Blood- 
 good was also at the polls, and was very quarrelsome, and had a fight with 
 a man. Decatur urged many to vote against gov. Clinton, on the ground 
 that he was opposed to the administration of the general government. The 
 master blacksmith of the yard, named Dixon, came up at the head of a 
 equad. Mr. Cosgrove, a gunner of the yard, drove a chair, to carry people 
 to the polls. Mr. Cheney, a master labourer in government service, came 
 up at the head of a gang of men who labour in, his department of the yard. 
 1 am very confident that a considerable number of the men thus brought up 
 fl'om the navy yard were not legal voters. A sutler near the navy yard, 
 by the name of Johnson^ was ascertained to be friendly to gov. Clinton. — 
 Decatur attempted to turn Johnson, but'when he found it iueffectual, lie 
 observed to Mr. Delany, " Wever niiud, we can fix the damn'd rascal." 
 
 DANIEL WRIGHT. 
 
 Brooklyn, Dec. 20, 1820. 
 
This is to certify, that I was a challenger at tlie poll in Brooklyn, diiutig 
 the late election for governor, lieutenant governor, &c. that 1 saw John P. 
 Decatur, Purser Wise, and sailing master Bioodgood, very active at ihe 
 polls Mr. Bloodpood drove a chair to bring np voters to ihe poll—that 
 Mt Cof grove, gnnner, also drove a chair for that purpofe— that I heard 
 Decatur say he had not yet brought half his force ; b;it should on the third 
 dayof theekctiongivetbe Clintoniansa black eye, by bringing up lh« 
 blacksmiths and othei s-— that i did see the blaiksm'tiis come up in a bod}', 
 Leaded by the master blacksmith, Dickinson— ilmt sailing master Blood, 
 good was very quavreisoine at the poll, and during one of these quarrels I 
 saw him with his coat off, and a dirk in his hand, whic;h he put in his bo- 
 som—the dirk liad been once before taken from iiiin by Mr, Langdon, as I 
 understood— that in my opinion lliere were near two hundred persons 
 brought up by the navy ofliiiera to vote— I am of opinion that many of these 
 persons were not legal voters— I heard Decatur and Bioodgood, (and^ as I 
 believe, Mr. Cheney, master lahourei) repeatedly declare that any maa 
 ought to be damn'd who would vote the Clintonian ticket, as Clinton never 
 was a friend to the general government — that Mr.Decatur attended during 
 the three days, distributing tickets and often challenging t!ie voters— that 
 he brought up a man twice, who was a labourer in the yard, urging him to 
 iake the oath, after he had been rejected by the inspectors— Bloodgnod, in 
 company with Decatur, brought a man up twice who had the navy button 
 on his coat, and urged him to swear, but he was rejected by the inspector?. 
 On the last day of the election five or six persons were brought up at one 
 time by Decatur, who were rejected as not bahig legal voters. 
 
 JOHN DEZE.\DORF. 
 
 Brooklyn, Kings county, 25th Dec. 1820, 
 
 In a conversation with Col. John P. Decatur, naval storekepper on the 
 I^ew-York station, some lime in November last, he related that duiingtiifi 
 last election at Brooklyn he had brought up fifty men to the polls, raostef 
 whom were not entitled to votes, and,as an instance of his infinecce & elec- 
 tioneering talents, stated that he had offeied the Rev. Parson Ireland, 
 chaplain of the navy yard, the bucktail tickets, which the parson was wil- 
 ling to vote with the exception of ihe assemblymen— to which Decatur re- 
 plied that if he did not vote all oftlie tickets, he should not vote any ; and 
 that unless he voted the whole, he was going shortly to Washington and 
 would represent the thing there, and would see whether he would any long' 
 er be maintained by a government which he did not support— in conse- 
 quence of which the reverend parson was induced to vote the whole butk- 
 lail ticket. 
 
 Flalbush, Kings county, Dec. 182(1. 
 
f do certify Uiaf if tlie lionoiirahle the senate should deem it expedient 
 lo sent! for persons, the wilhinslatemeot can be siibstanliatpd by two rc- 
 fpectable wkiiesses. JOHN C. VANDERVEER. 
 
 (G.) 
 
 ! do certify, tl>at during ths election lasl spring, for governor, lieutenant 
 governor, &,e. I was frequently at the poll held at Brooklyn. I saw Col. 
 Decatur, who is naval storekeeper, bring up companies, of nien from the 
 navy yard to the poll to vole for Tompkins side — Col. Decatur said one 
 day at the poIl,in presence of many people, " to-day 1 have brouglit up the 
 carpenters, and to-n>orrow I mean to bring up the blacksmiths and caulk-- 
 fs" — when the men came up at one time, Decatur v^-as standing on the 
 Stoop, and when he saw the men, he brandi.sbed his cane and cried out, 
 " clear the way, there come my troops Ironi the navy yard" When 
 the carpenters came up Co vote, Cheney, the mailer laborer, headed them, 
 und when the blacksmiths came, Dicfcerson^, the master blacksmith, 
 headed them. During the election, sailing master Bloodgood, was very 
 noisy and outrageous, bullying governor Cliftton^s friends. Purser Wise^ 
 also electioneered against governor Clinton. 1 saw Cosgw-e the gunner 
 going through the town in various ways in a chair, and bringing up mea 
 to vote against the state administration, on the second day of the election. 
 
 Burnet came to me and said " they (the navy officers) have been 
 
 to see me, and they say that if I do not vote for Tompkins' side) they wilt 
 t^kfe away their business — they will give me namore business." 
 
 JAMES BOYD. 
 
 (H) 
 
 I do cerlily', that previous to the last election for governor, &c. Dr. 
 
 Hunt stated to wie, he inleuded to vote the Clintonian fundidates, that af* 
 t«r the election I understood that Dr. Hum had voted the bucktail ticket, 
 und i shoi ily after met him in Flatbush, and enquired of him how he came 
 to vote different from what he intended, be replied that he w as infliienced 
 by the officers of the navy yard at Brooklyn, as he was eniployed in thia 
 Cipacily ofsu-rgeon in the said yard. — And I do further certify, that in a, 
 conversation with John P. Decatur, an officer in the navy yard about the 
 beginning of November last, he stated and confessed that he bad influen- 
 ced and controlied Dr Hunt to vote the b'lcktai! ticket. 
 Witness my hand at Flalsbush,, Dec 26, 1820. 
 
 CORNELIUS BERGEN. 
 
 (0 
 
 I do certify, thfit ott or about the 14th day of November, 1320, I met 
 itolrn P. Decatorj at Mr. Voorhees' tavern in this place, that he appeared 
 
17 
 
 verj' much elated by the iulelligence that the enemies of governor Clhiton, 
 had the niajoriiy in (lie legislature, and had obtained a council of appoint- 
 ment.— And I do certify, that said Decatur, declared in the course of con- 
 versation, that he had brought up a hundred voles, at the last election, for 
 the bucktails — And I do further certify, that said Decatur, was engaged 
 during the whole time of the election at Brooklyn, and that he alluded, in 
 making the remark above staled lo the exertions he had inade in that place^ 
 — And I do also cenify, that said Decatur was at that time an officer in the 
 service of the United States, attached to the navy }'ard at Brooklyn, and as 
 1 have understood and believC; the naval stoiekeeper therein. 
 
 JOHN C. VANDERVEER. 
 
 Flatbush, Dec. 16, 1820. 
 
 (J.) 
 
 I do certify that on or about the 14th of November, 1820, I met Jolm 
 P. Decatur at Mr. Voorliees' tavern in thif place- -that he appeared very 
 jnuch elated by the intelligence that the enemies of Governor Clinton had 
 (he majority in the legislature, and had obtained a council of appointment 
 — and I do certify that said Decatur declared in the course of the conversa- 
 tion, that he had bmught up nearly a hinidred votes at the last election, 
 /or the buclvtails— and 1 further certify that said Decatur, as I verily be- 
 lieve, vras engaged during the whole time of the election at Brooklyn, and 
 that he alluded, in making the remark above stated, to the exertions he 
 had made at that place— and I also certify that said Decatur was at that 
 time an officer in the service of the United States, and attached to the na- 
 vy yard at Brooklyn, and, as I have understood and believe, the naval 
 storekeeper therein. GERRIT KOWENHOVEN. 
 
 Flaib-jsh, Dec. 16, 1820. 
 
 (K.) 
 
 I do certify, that durmg the last election for governor and lieutenant go- 
 vernor, &c. the gunner of the navy yard called upon me at my house, with 
 a chair, and urged me to vote for the ticket opposed to Governor Clinton— 
 and 1 then told him, that, although I was employed in the yard, and its 
 work was important to me, I had my principle, and I had made up my mind 
 to vote the other ticket. When I came to the poll, 1 saw John P. Decatur, 
 and Purser Wise there ; and said Decatur pressed roe to vote fbr the ticket 
 opposed to DeAritt Clinton, and told me, in order lo induce me to vote 
 for his ticket, that he had doue me good iu the yard, and was willing to do 
 me more. MARTIN BURNET. 
 
 We the subscribers, inhabitants and freeholders of the county of Kingv 
 do certify, that during the last election for governor, llfut. governor, 
 
IS 
 
 aad from that period till the meeting of the legislafure In November las!, 
 many of us iiave from time to time had conversations with divers inliabi - 
 tants of Brooklyn, and have frequently visited that place ; and we do fur- 
 ther certify, that the conduct of the officers of the navy yard at the said 
 election, was often afluded to in said conversations — that the universal im- 
 pression anil opinion of those whom we conversed with on the subject; was, 
 fhat the whole influence of the navy yard had been exerted to deieat the 
 election of governor Clinton, and the tickets fiiendly to his administration, 
 and that great and extraordinary exertions were made by many of the ofB- 
 cersin said navy yard for that purpose. Decena-ber 18. h, 1820. 
 
 John C. Vanderveer, Cornelius Berger, Elias Hubbard, jun. Gerrit 
 Vanderveer, John S. Ditmas, Jobn Loti, A. L. Ostrander, Adrian Vander- 
 veer, John C. Bergen, John Vanderbilt, Abraham Vansickler, Simon Ra- 
 pelye, John R. Suedeker, John Lott, jun. Gerrit Kouvenhoven, John 
 Terhune. 
 
 (M.) 
 
 I, William Furman, do hereby certify that John C. Vanderveei, Cornel- 
 ius Bergen, Elias Hubbard, Ju.i. Gerrit Vanderveer, John S. Ditmas, 
 Jobn Lott. A. L. Ostrander, Adrian Vanderveer, John C. Bergen, John 
 Vanderbilt, Abraham Van Sickler, Simon Rapalye, John R. Snedeker^ 
 John Loll, Jua. Gerrit Eouenhoven, Jolin Terhune, Daniel Wright, John 
 Dezendorf, John Hunter, James Boyd, John Dyckman, William Thompson 
 and Martin Burnet, are refpectable inhabitants, and freeholders of this 
 county, with the exception of four, lhat their characters as good and valua- 
 ble citizens are irreproachable ; that most of thera were brought up ou 
 Long Island, and are now, and for a long timepnst have been, independent 
 faimers, and that they are entitled to the full confidence of the pubHc. 
 
 WILLIAM FURMAN. 
 
 Kings county, Dec. 30, 1820. 
 
 (N) 
 
 " At a meeting of -the i epublican citizens of the coanty of Kings, con- 
 vened pursumt to public notice, given for that purpose, at the house of 
 Samuel Carman, in the town ol Flaibush, on the 7ih of March, 1820, John- 
 Lefferts, Esq. was chosen chairman, and Wiiliam Conselyea, jun. secretary. 
 
 " The meeting being organized, it was Resolved, That a committee of 
 seven persons be appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of 
 this meeting, and report as soon as po.«ible ; when the following gentle- 
 men were appointed— viz: Jehi«l Jagger. gen. Joseph 6 Swift, Tunis Jo- 
 ralemsQ, John Garrison, Dr. Cornelius Lowe, John W. Van Nuyse, and 
 Isaac Snedeker. The committee having retired for a short time, reported 
 t!»€ foUowing resolutioDJ, hlch were unanimously adopted : 
 
*' Resolved, That wehigbly approve of the adminislratioD of the govera- 
 raCDt of the Union ; thai we liave the fullest confidence in the president and 
 vice president of the United States, and in the persons composing the cabi- 
 net of :he executive. 
 
 Resolved, That we approve the mode pursued by the members of the two 
 bouses of tlie legislatai e, in recommending candidates for the oiSces of go- 
 vernor and lieiit. governor, and we do hereby tender our warmest ihanka 
 to those members of the legislature, who, on the 22,(1 day of Febi uary last, 
 in a public meeting held at the capitol, in the cily of Albany, pursuant to 
 previous notice, nominated Daniel D. Tompkins for governor, and Benja- 
 min Mooers for lieut. governor. 
 
 " Resolved, That we have entire confidence in the moral and political 
 integrity and character of Daniel D Tompkins j that we behold in him 
 the long tried patriot and statesman j that it was by his exertions and re- 
 commendation during our late war, that the fortifications on the west end 
 of this island were erected, and thereby our wives and children were ena- 
 bled to sleep in security, and our property was protected Irom the ravages' 
 of a powerful and desolating enemy ; that it was by his exerti(ms in a great 
 measure, that the eity of New- York, the emporium of our state, was pre- 
 served from plunder and conflagration, and the inhabitants from the fate 
 and horrible condition of those at Hampton and Havre dc Grace ; that we 
 will give him our united suffrages for governor at the ensuing election, and 
 leave an example to posterity, iliat ingratitude is not always the portion of 
 the patriot. 
 
 " Resolved^ That we will support Benjamin Mooers as a candidate for 
 the office of lieut. governor, at the ensuing election. He was a soldier of 
 the revolution, and is entitled to the love of his countrymen. He had the 
 <!ommand of the troops of this state at Plattsburgh, during the late war, and 
 is entitled to a share of the glory of that victory over the British fleet oa 
 Lake Champlain, which purchased for M'Douough an immortal naiue. 
 
 " Resolved, That we view with the utmost detestation and abhorrence, 
 the systematic scheme which has been pursued by De Witt Clinton, Archi- 
 bald M'lntyre, and the calculating Williams, to destroy the character of 
 Daniel D. Tc mpkins. 
 
 " Resolved, That we consider the administration of De Witt Clinton as 
 anti-republican ; that since his elevation to the gubernatorial chair, he has 
 proscribed and removed from ofiBce, republicans of the school of Washington 
 and .Teffeison, and has appointed to their places, men in whom we have no 
 confidence— men who, during the late war, advocated the detestable princi- 
 ples of the Hartford convention, and who called aloud for a separation of 
 the northern from the southern states ; that although he recommended to 
 the legislature to charter no new banks, yet, at the session of the game le- 
 gislature, he figned the act incorporating the Franklin bank. His friend* 
 have declared him to be a republicaaand a patriot— big acts have coBtes- 
 dieted their asseftioas. 
 
20 
 
 «' Resoh-ed, That we consider it as highly necessary, that the character 
 ofour judges should not only be pure, but unsuspected— that we consider 
 it as dangerous to our liberties, and degrading to tiie slate, for lliose who sit 
 in judgment upon onr fortunes and lives, to lay aside the robe > of office, and 
 mingle in the party feuds of the day— that we can have no confidence in tiie 
 j udicial decisions of such of our judges as exercise the influence which their 
 stations give them, in exasperating the miflds, and in exciting the political 
 prejudices of any portion of the people. 
 
 " Resolved, That this meeting now proceed to appoint a delegate to re- 
 present this county in the senatorial convention, to be held at Tammany 
 Hall, on the last AV'eduesday of March inst. when John LefiFerts was unani- 
 mously chosen. 
 
 " Resolved, That John LcflfeitS; Isaac Snedeker, Joseph Smith, of Flat- 
 bush, John Bergen, Cornelius Stoothoof, and Abraham Vooris, of Flatlands, 
 Dr. Cornelius Lowe, Thomas Morrel, and John I. Meserole, jnn. of Bushr 
 wick, James Cropsy, Evert Suydam, and John VV. Bennet, of New Utrecht; 
 John Ga.rison, Btirditt St.yker, John P. Decatur, John Spadee, Wynant 
 Bennet, and Edward Coop, of Brooklyn, be a standing committee of tlie 
 county, and that they call a meeting of the republican electors of the county 
 for the purpose of nominating a suitable candidate to represent this county 
 in the asst mbly of this state, when they may judge proper. 
 
 " Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the chair- 
 man and secretary, and publi»ked iu the National Advocate, Amciican, 
 and Long Island Star. 
 
 JOHN LEFFERTS, auiirman, 
 William Consklyea, Secretary," 
 
 (0) 
 
 1 John W B'ake, inhahiiant and freeholder of Staten IslanJ, do certify , 
 that at the election last S()rins held in this county lor Governor Lf. Go\ - 
 ern 'P, I aitended as a challenger at the poll. On the first day of the 
 election when the poll was held at Hazard's, at the Qaaraniine ground, 
 William Van Bnren and William Arnel, two officers belonging lo the cus- 
 tom-house in New-York, were actively engaged in brow beating the eh-c- 
 tors hostile lothe election o^^'overnor Tompkins, and friendly to the elec- 
 tion of governor Clinion. Said Van Buren was so outrageous at me for 
 exercising my rights as an elector, that he said he would give any man 
 fifty dollars, who would tar and feather me. Oa the last day of the elec- 
 tion; when the work was almost over, and all the mi-chief done that could 
 be, I saw Van Buren and told hiiu I would soon give him an opportunity 
 of putting his threat into execution, and he then said he was sorry for what 
 ke had said, and hoped I would drop it. ^^^^^ ^ BLAKE. 
 
 Castletown, Richmond county, 1820' 
 
m 
 
 I, Richard Wood, an inbah'rtant and frreholdcr in tire ccTjnly of RiJi' 
 mond, do certify, that at the last spring election for governor, lieutenant 
 governor, &c. I attended the poll, and that William Van Buren and Wil- 
 liam Arnet, both cnstom bouse officers, also attended the poll, and that 
 they vrere both very active during the raid election, and warmly and ^io- 
 Iwitly opposed the election of Da Witt Clinton. One day of the election 
 Van Buren said to me, " as to that Captain Blake, ! consider bira a devil 
 standing in the church." 
 
 RICHARD WOOD. 
 
 Castletown, Richmond eounty, 1820. 
 
 Tq) 
 
 1 certify, that on the last day of the election, fn and for the coonty df 
 Richmond, in April last, for the purpose of electing gowrnor, lieuteminf 
 governor, &c. I attended at the poll held at the bouse of Vincent Bodine, 
 M Castletown, about three and a half miles froia the quarantine ground, 
 where I saw William Van Buren and William Arnelt, two officers belong- 
 ing to the custom house, in the city of N.York, actively engaged in giving 
 out tickets, and denouncing all such as were friendly to ibe re-election of 
 De Wilt Clinton— that it was a subject of surprise and gerrerally reported 
 and believed, that W.ti. Van Buren had offered 50 dollars to tar and fea» 
 iher John W. Blake, one of the challengers at the election. 
 
 WILLIAM W.BLAKE. 
 
 Castletown, Richmond county, Dee. 1820. 
 
 (RO 
 
 I, John Wood, inhabitant and freeholder in the county of Richraond) 
 Staten Island, do certify, that on the last day of the eleetion, held last 
 spring for governor, lieutenant governor, senators, &c. I was at Bodine^a 
 tavern, where the poll was held on that day, and I there saw William Van 
 Buren and William Arnett, both of^hem custom house officers, belonging 
 1.0 the custom hcusa in New Yoik— and I heard Van Buren admit that he 
 bad said he would give fifty dollars to see John Blake, who is a neighbouE 
 of mine, tarred and feathered. 
 
 JOHN WOOD. 
 
 Richmond county, Dec. 22, 1820. 
 
 (S) 
 
 I do certify that during the late election for governor and lieutenant go- 
 vernor, I was on Staten Island, and frequently at the poll— that William 
 Van Buren and William Arnet are officers in the custom house, and were 
 unusually busy during the election in bringing up voter?, handing tickets, 
 ^xw beating and deoouncing. And 1 do further qerlify that the said \Vil« 
 
liam '^an Buien and William Arnet were violently opposed to the state ad- 
 ministiation— and tiial it was currently reported, and generally believed, 
 that said ^Villiam Van Buien used very abusive language against John W. 
 Blake, and offered, during the election, to give any man 6fty dollars, who 
 would tar and feather said Blake, because of hi3 politics. 
 
 N. COMBES. 
 
 New- York, December 15, 1820. 
 
 Vn 
 
 Richmond County, Castletown, I4th December, 1820. 
 1 certTy and declare that 1 a' tended the poll of the election for this comi- 
 ty in April last, for the purposeof electing governor, Lt. Governor, &ic. &,c. 
 thai while 1 was iliere I saw William Arnel and William Van Beuren, two 
 oflicers belohging to the custom house in New-York, busily and actively 
 engaged during the first and last days ofelection in bringing up voteis find 
 distributing tickets — that they used great and extraordinary e.sertions — 
 that they were decidedly hostile to Gov. Clinton, and spared no pains to 
 annoy his friends by brow beating and denouncing them— that during the 
 two days alluded to, the poll was held at Hazard's at the Quarantine 
 ground and at Bodine's tavern in this town, about 5 miles from the Quar- 
 antine ground ; and that Van Buren and Arnet^ were so abusive, that i 
 thought it ultimately prudent to retire. And I do further certify, lhat I 
 verily believe, that during the time they attended the poll, they were rece}» 
 ving pay from the custom house without performing the duties incumbent 
 on them — that w hile 1 attended the poll on the last day, it was currently 
 reported and generally believed, that Van Buren had offered fifty dollars 
 to any man who would tar &l feather capt. Blake — that Abraham Parker, 
 who voted for D. D. Tomi kins, shewed me a deed for property which he 
 said the said Tompkins had made him a present of, the ink of w hith was 
 
 hardly dry, and that Paiicer said he had just received. 
 
 ^ ^' RICHARD E. BLAKE. 
 
 (U.) 
 
 I certify, that John Wocd, Richard Wood, William W. Blake, John W 
 Blake, and Richard E. Blake, are respect ble farmers, who were born and 
 brought up on this island, and who have resided upon it fiom infanc}- — that, 
 they have always supported fair and good characters for probity, and de- 
 serve public confidence. 
 
 ^ JOHN GARRETSON, 
 
 First Judge of the county of Richmond . 
 
 SoutbSeld, Dec. 22, 1320. 
 
 (V) 
 
 I, John Peterson, do hereby certify, that during the three days of the 
 last ?prii)g electitn, or for a great part of that time, George Jones, James' 
 
23 
 
 Aoderson, Thomas Darling, and Benjamin Wood, were actively employed 
 in promoting the election of Daniel D. Tompkins for jcovernor, and aljo, in 
 promoting Ibe success of the othei tickets hostile to the present state admi- 
 nistration. That the above named persons were all opposed to governor 
 Clinton, and spoke of him and his measures in disrespectful and hostile 
 terms, alleging that he was opposed to the administration of the general 
 government; and that they used their influence and exertions to pri vent 
 the re-election of governor Clinton, and the success of the candidates friend- 
 ly to his administration. That the above nSmed persons were all United 
 States' officers, or employed by United States' otficers, and that they were 
 then all attached to the custom house in the city of New York. That al- 
 though in the ordinary course of ttieir official duties, their presence at the 
 custom iiouse may have been necessary or proper, yet they were a great 
 part ol the time during the three days of the last spring election, busily en- 
 gaged ai the poll in the fifth ward, in promoting the election of Daniel D. 
 Tompkins, and the other candidates opposed to the present stale adminis- 
 tration. Dated New York, Dec. 13th, 1820. 
 
 JOHN PETERSON. 
 
 (VW) 
 
 1, John J. Riker, do hereby certify, that Benjamin Wood was actively 
 engaged, during the three days cf the last spring election, at the poll of 
 the fiftttward in the city of New-York, in promoting the election of Daniel 
 D. Tompkins, and the other candidates opposed to the present administra- 
 tion. That he charged Governor Clinton with being hostile to tbead- 
 minisiratioB of the general government, and spoke of him and his measures 
 in terms of hostility— was extremely busy at the poll, interfering with the 
 electors and endeavouring to prevail upon them to vote for Daniel D. 
 Tompkins and the other candidates opposed to the state administration.— 
 Tha' be manifested much temper as well as interest, and was engaged ia 
 severvil controversies at the poll during the election. That the said Ben- 
 jamin Wood was at thai time a custom house officer in the city of New- 
 York, but was at the said poll almost as constantly as the inspectors them- 
 selves. 
 
 JOHN J. RIKER. 
 
 New-York, December 14, 1820. 
 
 (WV.) 
 
 Copy of a resolution passed at a meeting o.'' the citizens of the village of 
 BiifiPrflo, friendly to equal represenlaiion held on the 7th Dee. 1820. 
 
 /JesoZiJei, as the sense oflhis meeting, that the electors of this county 
 liav e, at and since the last election, experienced much anfioj-ance and in- 
 convenience ill the exercise of their elective rights and privileges 5^ndiB 
 
S4 
 
 ibeir political deliberations from the salaried officers of the general govern- 
 ment now i-esiding in this county : — That the conduct of those officers in 
 endeavoring' to control and coerce the votes of the electors; their frequent 
 threats to revolutionize this county and to overihrov the present state ad- 
 ministration, are viewed "by this meeting as unwarrantable and dangerous 
 assumptions of the rights of the people That the political corps compos- 
 ed of those officers regularly organized, and acting with energy ar.J am- 
 ple means afforded b^' their high snlaries, is formidable and dangerous to 
 our rights and institutions, and should be viewed with apprehension and 
 distrust by every friend to stale rights, and the purity of state govern- 
 Oien 18 " — [A true copy.] 
 
 JOHN E. MARSHALL, Chairman. 
 
 jSxkes Dill, Secre^ary, 
 
 (X.) 
 
 I certHy and declare, that in a conversation, some time in the month of 
 October or Nc.vember last, with Maj. Samuel Cooper, U States agent for 
 building fortifications, he said to me that two men were sent from tVa?h- 
 •ington to this slate, on or about the last election, to oppose the re-election 
 of De Witt Clinton — that they went through tlie western district of this 
 state to efifeet the above object, and that their electioneeriiig expenses were 
 paid at Washington. I then asked him who the two men above alluded to 
 were, to which he replied that he could not or dared not tell. 
 
 And I further certify that William Eaton, who has a lottery ofiSce ie 
 Broadway, declared to me, a few days ago, that in April last he was in the 
 oSice of Robert Tillotson, Esq. the United States district attornt y, and 
 while there he heard said Tillotson direct a gentleman to go to certain in- 
 dividuals in the western district, and to say to tiiem diat any rfiice they 
 wanted in that quarter, which was in the gift of the general government, 
 should be given to them — upon inquiiing of said Eaton what were the 
 Dames of the persons mentioned by said Tillotson, he replied that he only 
 recollected that of Norton, the man who lately encountered John C. Spen- 
 cer ia Canandaigua — said Eaton further understood and inferred, from whal 
 passed at the time, and now believes that these promises ^rere made by 
 said Tillotson as the autliorised agent of the general gDvernment, and th-it 
 the object was to induce the persons to oppose the election of De Witt 
 Clinton. ' ISRAEL KETCHAftl. 
 
 New- York, Dec. 30, 1820. 
 
 In a subsequent conversation had with said Eaton, I inquired how it hap- 
 pened that Mr. Tillotson was so free and open before him, to which Eatoa 
 T^eplied, that Mr. Tillotson knew him to be a bucktail. 
 
 ISRAEL KETCH AM, 
 
 New>york, Jan. 2, 1321. . 
 
23 
 
 (Y.) 
 
 Jonathan Knapp, Esq. of the town ol Blenheim, in the coimly of Scho- 
 harie and state ol N Y. beini^ duly sworn, depovcili and saith, that at the 
 last annual election. tor the choice of g;ovei nor, he. Jacob Sutherland, E.sq. 
 of.'iaiutown «as very active, and seemed ir.iich spiriied in the e»erit of 
 the same, and inanilesicd much anxiety ; and to the best ol tlii* deponent's 
 recollection, did circulate ballots fbrgowrnor and lieut. governor, as like- 
 wi.-:e for senatois and members of the legislature. Said Sutherland was 
 not one 01 the board of inspectors, but attended as 'in eleciioneerer the 
 three days siipcessively ; said Sutherland being the owner or agent, or <ii 
 least act.- as s^ch, of a considerable part of the land lying in the aforesaid 
 town. It is the opinion of this deponent, and also the general opinion as " 
 this deponent verily believes, that his influence was greater with regard 
 to the election in said town, than that of an/ other ni;in, and further thti 
 deponent saith not. JONATHAN KNAPP. 
 
 Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 6th day of Jan. 1821. 
 Silas Bradford, just, peace. 
 
 Silas Bradford, Esq of Blenheim, Schoharie country, "being dulj' sworn, 
 deposeth and sait'i, that he was present at the last anniversary election 
 the three days successively ; that Jacob Sulhe.-Iand, Esq district attorney 
 of the northern district of the state of New-York so called, was present 
 each day of the election, and appeared to nmnilest a considerable degree 
 of anxiety in the event oftlic election; and this deponent fu iher saith. That 
 he verily believes that said Sutherland's influence, had as great an eflTecl 
 oivthe event of the election, as any other pejson in the county of Schoha- 
 rie, he being nn owner or agent of a large tract of land lying in said coun- 
 iy, and further this deponent saith not. 
 
 SILAS BRADFORD, 
 Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 6ih day of Jan. 1C2!. 
 Jo.VATJiAN Knapp, com. &c. in and for Schoharie county. 
 
 Schoharie county, ss— R. W. Rulilson of the town of Blenheim, in 
 the county of Sciicharie, being duly sworn, saith, that he is acqit;.inied 
 , with Jacob Sutherland, Esq. district attorney for the northern .^istiict of 
 the state of New-York. That said Sutherland, is politically hosiiie to 
 the present chief magistrate of this state, and that previous to, and at the 
 last general election In this state, was very actix ely engaged in the political 
 contest. This deponent has generally uiider.^tood, aiKl believes, that said 
 Sutherland, previous to the said election, visited almost every fawily in 
 the town of Blenheim, where he resides, with a view of influencing their 
 votes at such election ; and that as the agent of the .'ate Chancellor Lan- 
 sing, he threatened those who were in arrear for rent with p.osecuiion, 
 unless they would vote as he diiected ; ajid further saith U'.t 
 
 , . „ . , i^. W. RULIFSO>\ 
 
 Sworn this 8th day of Jan. 1821, before me, 
 
 HE^.!M.•^a's Boucic, judge of the Schoharie com. plea". 
 
 c 
 
(Z.) 
 
 Hezekiah L. Granger of Manlius, in the county ofOnondaga, being dulv 
 sworn, <lolhdej>o?e and say, that in June, 1811, lie received the appoint- 
 ment of deputy postmaster, in the room of Robert Wihon the former poil- 
 master then lately deceased— thai he held said office until the spring of 
 1819, at which lime he was removed, and Nathan Williams, Esq. appoint- 
 ed in his place— that while he, the said deponent held said office, he never 
 heard any complaint from any quarter, that the duties of his office were 
 not faithfully discharged— that his removal was unexpected and without 
 !he least intimation from the post-master general, nor was it l<nown to the 
 citizens of the village who are principally interested in having a well regu- 
 lated post-ofnce, that any change was even contemplated ; that after his 
 removal, he addressed a respectful letter to the post-master general, re- 
 questing him to inform this deponent of the grounds of his removal, to 
 Which he has not been favoured with an answer. Several citizens of re- 
 spectability likewise addressed the post-master general, making the same 
 request to which no answers have been given. This deponent, fuither 
 says, that a short time previous to his dismissal, he had after much exer- 
 tion, recovered 474 which had been stolen from the mail, prosecu- 
 ted the offender who was convicted, and is now in state prison, suffering 
 punishment for his offence That he gave the post-master genera! imme- 
 diate notice of the transaction, and received from him a letter ot thanks 
 ior\he zeal end fidelity oi- this deponent in the discharge of his official 
 duties. And this deponent further says, that this, his removal, was at the 
 time, and ever has been considered as the result of (.olitical management, 
 and that bnh' — and further sa}s not. 
 
 HEZEKIAH L. GRANGER. 
 
 .Manliu?, Dec. 26th 1820. 
 
 Subscribedandsworn,this26thdrty of December, 1820, before me, 
 
 Samukl MoTT, Com. he. 
 
 AVe the undersigned, inhabitants of the villnge of Alanlius, certify, that 
 we were residents of said village while Hezekiah L. Granger, Esq. held 
 the office ofdnputy post-master, and at the time of his removal from tha 
 game, and that we' never heard of any complaint against said Grander re- 
 lating to the discharge of his duty in said office jacd that we verily believe 
 that his removal was the resuU of political management, and that the office 
 wa^ given to the present incumbent, without consulting in any manner 
 Mhatcver,the wish6:.8f those principally interested in a well resulated 
 j.osl-office in said village, and decidedly in opposition to a large majority 
 of the inhabitants who are benefitted by said office. 
 
 Manlius. 29lh Dec. 1820. 
 
 R H. Hopkins, Amos Foot, Jame.s Smith, Nehemiah White, R Bennet, 
 Wm. Taylor, Guy Fox. Charles Williams, Nicholas F, Randall, Har- 
 vey ftloseiey, James Jacks<,n, John Watson, Elijah Rhodes, Asa Nimsj 
 Youngs Led.vard, Joseph Farn. 
 
Onondaga, 53.— James 0. Waltlcs being sworn, saiili,thnl lie has been a 
 resident of Manlius for about fourieen ^eurs, and during a!) liie lime, the 
 post oft'ice there, was hpl«l by Hezekiah L Gran<;er, Esq. and that he be- 
 lieves il\i> duties of the ulTire were performed dm ing tlial period, to the sa- 
 tisfaction of thojc concerned That in the spring of 1S19, it was rmiioiired 
 in the village that said Grangar was remov ed, and N. Williams, Esq. was 
 appointed in his piaee, but ol which the peo(^le of the villiige knew noth- 
 ing, and had in no « ay muiiilijsiod a wish for hk h change. That soon 
 alter the report, it was ttSi-eriained that n supersedeas and eomiiii>sioU 
 had been Ibrwaided to N. 11. Earle, Bsq posi-maiicr at 0;tondaga, which 
 wailed there some da.vs for \he letuni of Mr. Williaaii from Alba- 
 ny, during which lime several letters were vvrtlten to the post-mastcr gen. 
 and a remonslranre signed by almost all the people of business of ih« vil- 
 iagc, to neiilier of vvhich was any answer returned. 
 
 This deponent fuiiher saiih, that he had several conversations wiih 
 gendemen opposed in poliiics to the adminislralion of this stale, on liie 
 fcubjecl of that removal, in whidi it was conceded and understood, ihac 
 the removal was prtfc\i:€d on polilica! considerations, and that he ncvof 
 heard anv other cause assigned. 
 
 JAMES 0. WATTLEJ^. 
 
 Sworn this 27ih day of December. 1320, before me, 
 VViLUAM Hay, Com. 
 
 Onondaga county, ss. — Saiimel Mott of Jlan'ius, being duly sworn,doai 
 depose and say, that he has resided in the village of INlanlius since 1811, 
 and that during that lime, that Hezekiah L. Granger, Esq. was post- 
 master of that place, he never heard any complaint , but what the duties 
 of ihe office were faithfully discharged- That in the spring of 1819, the. 
 said Hezekiah L. Granger was removed from the ofllce of post-master., 
 and Nathan Williams, Esq. appointed to succeed him. Tiiat said remo- 
 val and appointment, were~entire!y une.x-pected to the villagers generally , 
 and this deponent verily believes were effecied through the influence of 
 men residing out of said village, and not particularly interested in the con- 
 cerns of the posl-oiTice at Manlius aforesaid. This deponent further saith, 
 that he addressed a letter to the post-master general, requesting the rea- 
 sons why said removal and appointment took place, and also requesting 
 thai the villagers might have a voice in saying who should be appointed 
 to fill the office, to which no answer was ever received by this deponent. — 
 This deponent further saith, that on hearing of suid removal, a remon- 
 strance was ciiculaled in said village and iis vicinity, and signed by al- 
 most all of the men of business in said village, whicn was sent on to the 
 post-master general. And ihia deponent further states, that it has ever 
 been and still is considered, that said removal and appointment were ef- 
 fected entirely through political inolives,and because the said Granger « as 
 
28 
 
 fi iemlly to ihe present slale executive, and the said Williams oppoj?ci t6 
 iiirfi- SAMUEL MOTr. 
 
 Sworn ill!.* 27 Dec. 1820. 
 
 J. O. U'ATTtEs, judge of Onon. com pleas. 
 
 (AA.) 
 
 To Ihe Honourable Return J. Me:gs, Post Master General of ike United 
 
 Stales. 
 
 The subscribers residing in tlie village of Sflody Hill, in the town of 
 Kingsbury, counly of Washington, and state cf New Yoik, respectfully 
 represent that the post-t ffice within said village is one of considerable im- 
 portance, and its accommodations and attendance ought, in some measnre, 
 to correspond H ilU the business of the cfEce ; the office is now held by AI- 
 i>heuj Doty, who is a tavern keeper, and has no post-office, bat a small 
 corner of his bar room, partitioned with an open railing, and frequently the 
 door is left open and letters and other deposits left exposed to the throng 
 xvhich are usual in bar rooms, it is also a fact, that the post-master and bis 
 deputy are very freq:uently absent, and ifpresent oftentimes unaccommoda- 
 ting. Letters many times lie over for days after being called for, which oc- 
 casions disappointment ; in short we deem it unjust that the office should be 
 any longer continued witn the present incumbent, subject to the numerous 
 complaints continually making, when It can be transferred into other bands 
 perfectly satisfactory to the citizens at large. We, therefore, request that 
 a supersedeas issue displacing Mr. Doty, and that Carmi Dibble, of the 
 same place, be appointed in his stead. Mr. Dibble is a merchant, his re- 
 sidence well adapted for the office, a man of property, and of unimpeaclia- 
 b!e integrity, possessing an obliging disposition. 
 
 Yourg with every seniimeat of respect, 
 
 B. SHEkRILL, M. D. DMNFERS, 
 
 REUBEN MUSSE Y, NA TIPL. PITCHER, 
 
 J.B.LATHROP, H C. MJRTINDALE, 
 
 REUBEN a GIBSON, LUTHER WAIT, 
 
 June 2Qtk, 1 a20. STEPHEN LE E. 
 
 The Hon. Return J. Meics, Albany, I5!h March, 1820. 
 
 Dear Sir— The memorial which I left with Mr. Meigs of New York, 
 the subject matter of which I mentioned to you, when I bad the honor of 
 calling on you in December. 
 
 I herewith enclose, hoping that it may meet your approbation, you 
 manifested a willingness to make the renwval and appointment without 
 the petition, if I had wished it, but I thought it most espedient to forward 
 ca tiie same. 
 
29 
 
 - The petitioners are very desirous that it sboulJ be effected as soon as 5s 
 practicable, with very great respect, 
 
 Your liuinble serv't. ROGER SKINNER. 
 
 I shall be at Albany until the middle of April, and will suggest the pro> 
 priety of forwarding the papers to me at Albany. 
 
 The papers were sent as desired. 
 
 Sandy Hill, IQtk Dtc. 1820. 
 Relative to A. Doty's removal from the office of post-master, no docu- 
 mentary proof of the manner of his removal can be found — but none here 
 doubts that it was done at the instigation of Skinner. We have the ac- 
 knowledgment of the present P. M. that he was laid under a s'-lcmn in- 
 junction of profonod secresy when he was first consulted by Mr. Pitcher 
 as to his receiving the appointment, and Mr Doty had no intimation of hjj 
 removal till he was served with a supersedeas by his successor, in presence 
 of the bucktail party, who were called together to witness and exult on 
 the occasion. Mr. Doty said, not long before he died, that he had written 
 to the P, M. G. to inform him the reason of his removal, but received ns 
 answer. It is a well known fact that he was not removed on charges, and 
 that his successor had no superior claims to the oflSce, other tiian being de- 
 voted to the interest of R. Skinner. R. CLARK. 
 
 (B B) 
 
 Caldwell, 22d December, 1320. 
 
 Siu — The post master general's letter informing me of m^' removal as 
 postmaster of this place is dated the 17th March, 1820, of vvMch 1 had no- 
 tice flbout the 25th, and delivered over the post office ef?ecis on the 28tli 
 March to my successor. 1 had an intimation that Nathaniel Pitcher, Esq. 
 one of the members of Congress !rom this district, had solicited Mr Meigs 
 to remove me, and not knowing; the grounds upon which the applicadon 
 was made, I on the 11th February, 1820, addressed a letter to Mr. Santbrd, 
 from which I make the following extract : I am told that an application 
 has been made to the post master general to remove irve as post master of 
 this place ; the emoluments of the oflife are of no conseijuence to any one, 
 and I believe the duties since I have held it have been discharged to the 
 satisfaction of the public. I know not the grounds upon which the appli- 
 cation is founded, and wish to be informed." 
 
 The enclosed letter from Mr. Sanford which was addressed Mr. Beacli 
 and myself on the envelope,, is his answer to in.y enquiries and that of Mr. 
 Beach, who had written him particularly to know if any eharges were 
 made against the manner in which the duties of the office had been dis- 
 charged by me — from Mr. Sanford's answer I was aware, that the post 
 master general did not mean to let me know if charges were exhibited a- 
 gaiust me, and believing his conduct in this particular, unwarrantable, awl 
 unworthy of the station which he held, I gave myself no further 
 
 C 2 
 
30 
 
 trouble on the subject ; as common justice, 1 did conceive, enti- 
 tled me, when malving enquiries of the proper officer, to be informed if any 
 charges were made agrtinsi my conduct, in the discharge of my official 
 duties. 1 have the honor to be your obedient servant. 
 
 IIALSEY ROGERS. 
 
 His Excellency De Witt Clinton. 
 
 Warren County, ss.— Edward Fallen, Henry Thurston, James L. Thur- 
 man, John Beebe. Myron Beach, Timothy Hoskins, David Alden, Selh C. 
 Baldwin, jun. being duly sworn, depose and say, that they reside in the 
 village of Caldwell, and wete acquintcd with the manner in which the 
 duties of posanasler were discharged by Halsey Rogers, Esq. late post 
 master of this pldce, and are of t!ie opinion, that the office was managed to 
 the general satisfaction of the public, and those who had any intercourse 
 with the office : and that Mr. Rogers was removed last March, by the 
 post master general, as we have ever underslood and believed, m conse- 
 quence of his being a sU[>porter of the administration of Governor Clinioa, 
 o.^this State : and that we have no knowledge of, nor do we believe, th.U 
 any petition from the iiihabiiants of this place, was ever Fesented to the 
 post master general, for the removal of .Mr. Rogers. 
 
 Edward Patten, Henry Thurston, James L. Th.irman, J Beebe, My- 
 rou Bef.ch,T. Hoskins, David Alden, Seib C. Baldwin, jun. 
 
 Subscribed and sworn this day of December, 1820 i before me- 
 Seth C. Baldwin, |un Justice Peace. 
 
 Subscribed and sworn by SeihC. Baldwin, jun. this 13th day ol De- 
 cember, 1820 ; before me John Beebe, Justice Peace 
 
 Warren Com.tv, ss.-Joseph Tiffi, late she, iff of the County of ^ arren, 
 bein- duly swor J, deposeth and saiih, that during the time Halsey Ro- 
 ver's, was post master at Caldwell, he had frequent intercourse w.ih the 
 office, and a part of ihelime as sheriff, wa. ii> the receipt probably, ol 
 more letters than any other individual ; and so far as this deponent has any 
 knowledge and from his situation, he believes, he had as good an oppor- 
 tanity of judging as almost any other person ; he is of opinion the duties 
 of post master by Mr, Rogers, were honestly ^'^'^ ^'^^^^'1^%^^^^^^^ 
 
 Sworn before meihis2lst November, 1220. J. Beeo^ J«5«ce Pe«ce. 
 
 " Washington, 4ih March 1820. 
 
 <• Deak Sm-I duly received your tetter of the Uth, and that of Mr. 
 Rogers, of the nth of February.-' , ^ v,-^ 
 
 :i have since, waited on the postmaster general ; and I showed hnn 
 both letters. 1 cai^not learn what charges are made against Mr. Rogers ; 
 or indeed, that any are exhibited, still, there may be charges, as you sup- 
 pose, (or upon this point, 1 have not been able to obtain any information 
 1 am satisfied, however, that Mr. Rogers will not be removed from office, 
 Uhless it shall appear to thepost master general, th a a change is req.u.Ue 
 «a aceouniof miscondttctinoff>:«, on soine gooipivbUc rcasoa. 
 
31 
 
 " Please to mate my complimenls (o Mr. Roger?, and show him this 
 letter. With respect and esteem, yours' obediently.'' 
 
 NATHAN SANFORD." 
 
 M^Ton Beach, Esq. 
 
 (CC.) 
 
 Wasliington County, ss.— Isaac W. Clary, IJarlow C. U'etherill, CaN 
 vin L, Parker, Daniel llervey, Calvin JilUon, Kussel T. Green, being 
 duly sworn depose anci say — That they are well acquaiiiteu with Slade 
 D. Brown, the late Postmaster of the town of Hartford, in the county of 
 Washington, that they live in the village (or within one and a half mileg 
 thereof) where the Post Office was kept while said Slade was such Post- 
 master, and have ofien done business with him as Postmaster, and never 
 heard or saw any thing with respect to the transacting the business of said 
 oftice by him, otherwise than as a fair, faithful and honest officer — nor do 
 we believe any good cause existed at any time forremovmg him from said 
 office, and we do further say, that we have ever understood and believe 
 that he was so removed fro.m political motives alone, and merely because 
 he was a supporter of the administration of the state of New-York, as he 
 has always professed himself in favour of ihe administration of the national 
 government and still does so. We have also been informed and verily 
 believe, that only ten persons signed the petition for his removal, and those 
 warmly opposed to said S. D. Brown in politics ; and that one hundred 
 and three of his neighbours and townsmen signed a remonstrance again st 
 his removal, fifty-three of whom were opposed to him in politics, as re- 
 spects the state administration. 
 Isaac W. Clary, H. C. AVetherill, Calvin L, Parker, Daniel Hervey, 
 Calvin Jill.-on, Russell T Green, 
 Sworn this 6th day of January, 1821, before me, 
 David Austin, Commissioner, &.c. 
 
 (DD) 
 
 " At a county convention, composed of five republican delegates, elected 
 and chosen by and from each of the fifteen towns in the county of Herkimer,, 
 and state of New York, held at the public inn of Benjamin Kelsey, iu the 
 village & town of Herkimer, on the 30th October, 1820, of which the hon. 
 John Herkimer, was chairman, and Abijah Mann, juu. secretary , it was 
 unanimously 
 
 " Resolved, That a due regard to republican principles, and the mainte-' 
 nance and support of the republican party, demands the prompt removal 
 from office of David Holt, the present post master in the village and tow9 
 of Herkimer aforesaid. It was also unanimously 
 
 "Resolved, That Jabez Fox, Fsq. of the said village of Herkimer, be, 
 and he is hereby recommended to the hon. the post master general, as a fit 
 
32 
 
 aAd proper person to be appointed post master in said village, and that the 
 said convention have every reason to expect that tlie wishes of this county, 
 thus expressed, will be listened to with attention by the head of the post of- 
 fice department, and his pleasure made known as soon as may consist with 
 the duties of his cfBce, and his own peisonal convenience. 
 Signed by order of faid convention. 
 
 JOHN HERKIMER, Chairman. 
 
 A. Mann, Secretary. 
 
 (EE) 
 
 To the post master general of (he United States. 
 ■ The undersigned, inhabitants oi' the village of Herkimer, in the county 
 of Herkimer, have this moment learned witii extreme surprise that a peti- 
 tion has been in a most secret manner, circulated for the removal of David 
 Holt, Esq. from the office of post master in said village, and for the ap- 
 poinlment of Jabez Fox, to said office Mr. Holt has always discharged the 
 duties of that offivie with perfect satisfaction to all the inhabitants doing bu- 
 siness at the ofBce. We esteem him as a most faithful and valuable public 
 officer, and should consider his removal as a severe injury to the inhabitants. 
 Mr. Fox has very recently come to reside in the village. No one has had 
 any information of his application, we presume, but those who have signed 
 his petition ; and we now are wholly uniisiiirmed of the reasons assigned 
 for the change. We do, from a full and perfect kno vledge of the two men, 
 beg leave most seriously to remonstrate against the removal of Mr. Holt, 
 and even should he be removed, we hesitate not to state, that in our opin- 
 ion, Mr. Fox is a very improper man to fill that office. 
 All which is respectfully submitted, 
 
 Simon Ford, district attorney of ilie couiity of Meitimer;. Abijali Tom- 
 bling, surrogate ; Frederick Bellinger, county treasurer; Windsor May- 
 nard, justice peace; James Byer?, merchant ; Pliilo M. Hackley, mer- 
 chant; Thomas G. Barniiin, merchani ; Robert Shoemaker, sheriCTof the 
 county; Michael Myers, innkeeper; Edward P. Seymour, printer ; Jacor) 
 Burrill, jun. merchant; George Petrie, late merchant ; Horace Morse, 
 merchant ; Lauren Ford, attorney at law ; Jolin Welles, late keeper stage 
 ho ise; Wm. B. GofT, attorney at law ; R\lpl) Merry, gaoler of Herkimer 
 county; H. Wiiltiug, keeper stag^^ house ; Wm. Antliony, watch repairer ; 
 BeU Posgate, druggist ; Henry Hopkins, former sheriff of Herkimer ; H.ir- 
 vey Hackley, merchant. 
 
 I certify the above to be a true copy of a letter now on file in the general 
 post office THOMAS ARBUCKLE, Clerk. 
 
 The undersigned does not wish to express any unfavourable opinion of 
 Mr. Fox, at the same time considers it his duty to say, that in cas-^ of a re- 
 moval of Mr. Holt, the public will soon discover the loss of a vigilant, at 
 tentive, and obliging officer. 
 
 If philanthropy caD be called in qtrestJon, with the ensolumeata of the of- 
 
S5 
 
 fice, Mr. HolPs family need it— if industry Las a claim, Mr. IToU deserve! 
 it. WALTER FISH, c!erk of tbe county of Herkimer. 
 
 Herkimer, 5lh May, 1820. 
 
 Stale of New York, Herkimer coimfy, ss.— David Holt, being duly 
 sworn, SI itli, That for several years past, iie has held the ofGce of post 
 master in the village of HerkimRr ; that on or about the 5th day of May 
 last past, lie received information, lliat a petition or petitions, subscribed 
 by citizens unfriendly to the present governor of this state, i)ad been trans- 
 mitted to the post naasler general, praying for tlje deponent's removal, and 
 for the appointment of Jabez Fox in his stead, and that the removal was 
 solicited fiom political motives, without any complaint on the part of said 
 citizens of mal-conduct in office on tbe part of said deponent. That upon 
 the reception of this information, it was communicated to a neighbour of tbe 
 deponent, who thereupon, unsolicited, wrote a letter to the post master ge- 
 neral, remonstrating against both the contemplated removal and appoint- 
 ment, which letter was subscribed by citizens nho have paid, perhaps Ihrec- 
 fout ths of all the postage received at the Herkimer post office for years 
 pas!, which letter was sent per mail directed to the post master general, 
 and a copy of which, furnished by Mr. Meigs, (as the deponent is inform- 
 ed, and believes to be true} is hefeunto annexed. That upon the retura 
 from Washington of the member of congress from this district, in May or 
 June last, this deponent called upon, and conversed with him, upon the 
 subject, when the said member informed the deponent that he left Wash- 
 ington previous to the anival there of the said letter to the post master ge-« 
 ueral, but that there was no speciBc ciiarge exiiibited against tlie deponent, 
 and that the post naaster general would do nothing further upon the papers 
 then before him. That in the early part of November last, the deponent 
 was informed, that at a convention of delegates of the political party opposed 
 to the executive of this state, held at Herkimer, on the 30th of October 
 last, a resolution was pasted, to make another application to the post master 
 general for the removal of the deponent, and the appointment of Mr. Fox. 
 Tiiat several of tbe members of said convention, have informed this depo- 
 nent, that they knew of no charges against him in bis official capacity as 
 post master, and that political motives governed said convention. That on 
 or about the 7lh of December inst. the said Jabez Fox, exhibited to this 
 deponent, a commission for himself as post master, and a supersedeas, or aa 
 order from the post master general, for this deponent to deliver to said 
 Fox, the keys, letters, &c. belonging to the post cfHce in this place. That 
 the deponent now understands that one cause assigned by the post master 
 general for his removal, is, that the deponent " is considerably in arrears in 
 payment.'^ That if this allegation be true, it is a fact that cannot be known, 
 at the general post office, to which receipts had been sent for every dollar 
 that had been asked for of this deponent. That the payment of monies 
 due from the post office io Herkimer to the geSeral post office, has hee& io- 
 
34 
 
 variably, made, r. llh a single exception, l^^r many years past, upon drafts 
 drawn upon the post master in favour of mail contractors ; and that previous 
 to the removal of ilie deponent, no diaft upon him had evei been piotesled 
 nor had the conlractors ever comp'ained to him of any want of prompti- 
 tude on his part, although from irregularity in drawing, he had been com- 
 pelled to pay nearly the amount of three years' balances within the present 
 year. That the only complaint ever received by the deponent from the 
 general po t office, was contained in a printed circular letter, some time 
 iu the year 1819, it being a ca'.l for quarterly returns in arrears, and stating 
 tbat in case of c.-'ntiuued failure on the part of the deponent, a prosfcntion 
 of his bond would be directed. That no correspondence between the post 
 master general and the deponent relative to the removal of the deponent 
 has ever taken place, and no intimation of said i emoval, for any cause « hat- 
 Soever, has ever been received by this deponent, from any person conaetted 
 with, or attached to the general post ofTue ; and furtiier the deponent saith 
 not. DAViD HOLT. 
 
 Subscribed and «worn to this 2oth day of December, 1820,^ 
 before me, WisDSon Mavnaud, justice peace. 
 
 (FF) 
 
 My dear sir, 
 
 Oar suffi ings, ovvinj; to the rascality of deputy post-masters, is intolera- 
 ble, and cries aloud for relief. We find it absolutely impossible to pene- 
 trate the interior with oui* papers, and unless we can attain them by tvve 
 orthree prompt removals, there is no liminling the injurious consequen- 
 ces that may result from it ; let me, therefore entreat llic post-master gen- 
 eral to do an act of justice, and render us a partial service, by the removaf 
 of Holt in Herkimer, and ihe appointment of Jabez Fo.v, Esq. aisoof How- 
 ell of Bath, and the appointment of an excellent friend W. B. Rochester* 
 Esq. a 3'oung man of the first respectability and worth in the state, and 
 the lemoval of Smith at Little Falls, and the appointment of Hollister, 
 and the removal of Chamberlin in Oxford, and the appointment of Lot 
 Clark, Esq. I am in extreme haste, and can, therefore, add no more- 
 use the euflosed papers according to your discretion — if any thing is done, 
 letitbequicklydone, and you may rely upon it, much good will resuH 
 from it. 
 
 Yours afTeciionately, 
 
 M. V. BUREN. 
 
 'Xhe hon. Henry Meigs. 
 April i, 1820. 
 
 Hon. R. J. Meigs, Jun. 
 
 Sir, — From various l epresentalions which have been made to me in re- 
 gard to mal-practices of the post-master at Norwich, I most cordially unite 
 
35 
 
 "'with Mr. Van Buren, in recommending his removal and the appointment 
 of Mr. Lot Clark. 
 
 Very respecifullj yours, 
 
 JUHiN R. BRAKE. 
 
 April 15lh,1820. 
 
 I certiiy, that the foregoing is a true copy of letters on file in the general 
 post-office. THOMAS ARBUGKLE, 
 
 CJerk of Appointments. 
 
 21sl of November, 1820. 
 
 State of New-Tork, Otsego county, ss — Joseph S. Lyman, being duly 
 sworn, depose! h and saith, that on the 13th or I kh day of May last, Ro- 
 bert Monel!, Esq, member ofcongress, from the county of Chenango, stale 
 of New- York, informed this deponent ihat he had received a letter from 
 Nathan Chamberlain of said county of Chenango, apprising him, that he, 
 the said Chamberlain, had been removed from the office of post-inasier ; 
 that in compliance with the request of Mr. Chamberlain, he had called on 
 he post-ma<ter general for the purpose of learning the cause of his remo- 
 val, but had fai/ed in the attempt, the post-master genaral assigning as a 
 reason for not showing him the papers on which the removal was ground- 
 ed, that the clerk who filed iliem was absent from the office. Mr Monell 
 likewise informed this deponent that he had discovered from the inspec- 
 tion, of a book at the office, that Stephen B. Leonard, of the couniy of 
 Broome, in the state aforesaid, had also been recently' removed li om the of- 
 fice of post-master. On Monday, the 15th day ef May, aforesaid, this de- 
 ponent in company with Mr. Monell, called on the post-master general, at 
 his office, with a determination, if possible, to ascertain the causes of the 
 removal of Messis. Chamberiain and Leonard, an<' whai were the charges 
 of mal-conduct, if an}', which had been preferred against them. After 
 some delay , the post-masier general, vi iih apparent he-itation and reluc- 
 tance, produced a letter from the hon. Martin Van Buren, of the state of 
 New-York, to Henry Meigs, Esq. member ofcongress from the city of 
 New-York, and handed it to Mr. Monell, observing, / suppose it nill 
 make you angry. According to the present impressions of this deponent 
 there were subjoined to the letter a few lines signed by John R. Drake, ex- 
 pressing his concurrence in the recommendation oT the removal of Messrs. 
 Chamberlain and Leonard. The post-master general, on being asked 
 whether this letter was the only paper on file on which the removals were 
 founded, replied that he believed it was. Leave was asked of him to take 
 a copy of the letter, but refused. This deponent, observed to the post- 
 master general, that the letter appeared to be on file in the office, and must 
 be considered a public document, and expressed his surp.' i.se, that Mr Mo- 
 nell and himself should be refused a copy, representing as they did, the 
 district in which Messrs. Chamberlain and Leonard resided. The post- 
 master general, however, persisied in his refusal. He was told by Mr, 
 Monell, or the deponent, that they were convinced from fac s and circum- 
 stances disclosed, that the removals were to be attributed to causes of a 
 
36 
 
 polilical nature — t'le persons removed bein;^ friendly, and their successoi^s 
 hostile, lo the re-election of Gov. Cliuion According to (he bestofihis 
 deponent's recollect ion, the post-master general denied having been influ- 
 enced by poliiical considei aiions, in making the removals ; but no reasons 
 were assigned by him for maiiing ihem b.U what are contained in Mr. 
 Van Biiren's 'ett^r, and the concurrent recommendation of Mr. Drake ; and 
 further this deponent saiih not. 
 
 J. S. LYMAxN. 
 
 Sworn and subscribed before me, Dec 29th, 1820. 
 E B. Morehouse Com. Sic. 
 
 District of Columbia s«. — Robert Monell, of the connty of Chenango, 
 and state of New Y )rk, being <3uly sworn, according to law, deposeth and 
 saitb that on the thirteenth day of May. 1S2G, he received a letter from 
 Nathan Chamberlain, ot Norwich, in Chenango countv, stating that he had 
 been removed from the office of post-master at that place and Lot Clark 
 appointed, and requested this deponent to ascertain from the Post-Master 
 General the cause of his removal. And this deponent further says, that 
 ontiie said I3th day of May last past, he called upon the Post Master 
 General and iriquired of him why Mr. Chamberlain had been removed, to 
 which iiscjuiry Mr. Meigs, the post-master general, replied that chirgesof 
 Hjisconduct were preferred ag.iinst Chamberlain — that the clerk who filed 
 papers of that kind was not in th»' office and the papers could not then be 
 Been, that he would have the «uh3tance of the charges brought against 
 Ghamberlin copied atid sent to the residence of this deponent. 
 
 And this deponent fui thcr says, that on an examination of the, book 
 where the removal of i;hamberlaia was entered, he discovered that Stephen 
 B. Leonard, of Owego, io the coun'y of Broome, was also removed, and 
 that the removals of Chamberlain and Leona/d were entered on the book a.s 
 having taken place on the recomaiendation of John R. Drake, of Oivego, 
 in said county of Broame : this deponent i-emarked to the Post Master 
 General, that it was very eKtraordiniuy that leuiovals should be made in 
 the district he represented without notice to this deponent, as ire had al- 
 ways understood that the member.'! of congress were unifoimly advised by 
 tiie Post-Master General of all applications for removals in their district?, 
 and that he was confident Messrs. Chamberlin and Leonard had not been 
 removed ou the lecommendation o! Judge Drake alone ; that political con- 
 siderations must have produced the removals : that these men were -he 
 friends of Mr. Clinton, and had supported him for goveinor of New Yoi k. 
 And this deponent further says, that on the evening of the same day, lie 
 addressed a note to the Post-Master General requestitig him to furni,-h this 
 deponent with copies of the charges ag^iinst Messrs. Chamberlin and Leon- 
 ard, and the names of the persous who preferred them, to which note no 
 reply was received. 
 
 And this deponent further says, that on the 15th day of May last, he, to- 
 gether with Mr. Lyman, a member of congress fiom Otsego couniy, New- 
 
37 
 
 York, called upon the post master general, and pressed hiin to see liie pa- 
 pers on which the removals had taken place. Mr. Meigs replied as on I he 
 13lb, that the clerk who filed such papers was not in the office, and he 
 could not then show them to this deponent and the said Lyman ; eitlier 
 Mr. Lyman or this deponent then stated to the post master general, that 
 we bad come determined to know what charges were alleged against the 
 I emoved post masters, and unless an express refusal was given, we should 
 remain in the office until the papers could be seen. The post master gene- 
 ral, apparently with reluctance, handed to this deponent a letter written by 
 Martin Van Buren, Esq. to Henry Meigs, E?q. a member of congress for 
 the city of New York, a certified copy of which is subjoined, and wliich co- 
 py was obtained from the post master general, on the day it is certified to 
 be given. When the letter was banded to this deponent, the post master 
 general expressed a doubt whether he ought to show the letter, as he knew 
 it would displease us. And this deponent further sailh, that the post mus- 
 ter general informed this deponent, that the removals toot place on the 
 15tb day of April. 1820. 
 
 And this deponent further says, that the P. M. G. was asked, whether 
 there were any other papers or charges than the letter of Mr. Van Buren, 
 and the concurrence of Judge Drake, he replied there were none. Permisi 
 sion was asked to take a copy of the letter, and refused on the allegation 
 that it was a private letter to Henry Meigs. To this it was replied, that 
 the letter appeared to be on the fiks of the office, and must be considered 
 a public document, and that as representatives of the district in which 
 removals had been made, we thought ourselves entitled to a copy It was 
 again refused by the post-master general. The post-master g:eneral was 
 told,that all the gentlemen (as was believed) named for removal in Mr 
 Van Buren's letter, were uniform republicans ; that it was now evident,' 
 they were removed for supporting Mr. Clinton for Governor of the state 
 of New-York. This deponent, has since his arrival at Washington this 
 session, obtained from the post-master general, a copy of Mr. Van Bu- 
 ren's letter, and it is now certified to be on the files of the office 
 
 And this deponent further says, that the foregoing relation, is (he sub- 
 stance of two conversations with the P. M. G. and further says not. 
 
 KOBERT MONELL. 
 bworn and subscribed this Uth day of Dec. 1820, before me, 
 William D. Fobd, com. &c. 
 
 ^orreich Chenango zouTily, Jan. \Q,\m. 
 We the subscribers, resident citizens and freeholders of the town of Nor- 
 wich, do certify, that we were severally acquainted intimately with Na- 
 than Chamberlin, Esq late deputy post-master in the village of Norwich 
 and w.th the manner in which he kept and conducted said office. Thai 
 Mr. Chamberhn sustained an unblemished character ; that he was a gea- 
 
 D 
 
38 
 
 tieman of amiable and conciliating manners, and that he enjo3'ed the con- 
 fidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. That in the discharge of the du- 
 ties of his said office, he was unusuall3' attentive, and particularly careful 
 and correct. 1 hat Mr. Chamberiin, since our first acquaintance with him, 
 has been thought 8 mild and temperate, yet an unilbrm and efficient re« 
 publican. 
 
 James Birdsall, Loring Fenten, Truman Enos,l. S. Fenten, John Ran- 
 dall, Hezekiah Brown, Jonathan Johnson, Hascall Ransford, Thomas 
 Milner^ 
 
 I certify, that between the date of the above certificate, and this 13th 
 day of January, 1821, the several persons whose names are subscribed to 
 said certificate, personally came before me, and severally made solemn 
 oath to the same, and that I fully assent to the facts therein stated. 
 David Buttolph, oneof the judges of Chenango com. pleas. 
 
 (GG.) 
 
 We do hereby certify, that we have been well acquainted with Mr. 
 Samuel Smith, late post-master at said village, before and during the re- 
 spective periods he held that office ; and state that we believ&he did per- 
 form the duties of that office with impartiality, integrity and fidelity, and 
 that we were, and are in the habit of receiving letters and papers at this 
 post-office, and know of no just or proper cause for his removal from that 
 fjffice. 
 
 George Rosecrants, Oeorge H. Feeter, John M'Combs, James Kennedy, 
 Thomas Smith, O G. Otis, \Vm. Gir van, Richard Fetrie, Robert Hench- 
 iTian, Jchn Fhilips, Thomas Gould. Dated 29ih Dec. 1820. 
 
 State of Nevv-Yorkj county of Herkimer, ss.— Samuel Smith being 
 eworn on the holy evangelists of God, deposeth and saithjthat on the fourth 
 day of May now last past, and for a considerable time previous, this de- 
 ponent was a post-master at the village of Little Falls, in the county afore- 
 said. That onj or about the day aforesaid, this deponent was served with 
 a supersedeas to his said office of pOst-master by Anson Hoilister of the 
 said village, and that the said Hoilister, thereiipon took cha' ge of the post 
 office at the said villages That this deponpnt, had no information or 
 knowledge front Any pet^on that he was to be removed, nor knew that 
 any thing was done or doing to effect his removal, until he actually was 
 removed as aforesaid, f^or \Vas the same until then known, or suspected 
 by the friends of this deponent, or by the friends of the administration o£ 
 this state, nor to the public or the inhabitants of th<» village of Little Falls 
 generally, as this dop on«nt is informed and believes true* Nor had the 
 
39^ 
 
 post-masler general held any communication with this deponent respect, 
 ing his said removal. Nor did the posl-master general at any tuT>^ before 
 or since the removal of this deponent, express or intimate to this deponent, 
 that he had any reason whatever of complaint against this deponent, or 
 that any other person or persons had suggested any causle of comp.a.nt a- 
 eninst this deponent, in relation to the discharge ofany of the dut.es of sa.d 
 ofiice. Nor is this deponent to this day, informed either that there was, 
 or that there was made, any complaint against this deponent, except it be 
 that he was friendly to the present administration of this state, and this de- 
 ponent hath no doubt that his removal as aforesaid was caused thereby .- 
 And this deponent further saith, that the said Hollister hath been reputed 
 and no doubt is strongly opposed to the present adinin'stralion of this slate. 
 And that the said removal was made, before any public expression was 
 made ofiheopinion of the inhabitants particularly interested m the said 
 post office, and before any opportunity was given therefor. 
 
 SAMUEL SMITH. 
 
 Subscribed and sworn before me, this 5th of Jan. 1§2I. 
 John M'Comb, juU. peace. 
 
 (HH) 
 
 Letter from the Post-Master General, transmitting a List of the names 
 of persons who are Contraetors for conveying the Mail of the United 
 States, and are atthe same time Post Masters, and the compensations of 
 such mail contractors and post-mastefs. 
 
 Dec. 5, 1820. 
 
 General Post-Ofice, l 
 Dec. 2d, 1820. S 
 
 SIR, 
 
 In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives, I 
 have the honour to inclose a List of Mail Contractors, who are at the 
 same time Post-Masters. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, 
 Respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient Servant, 
 
 R. J. MEIGS, jr. 
 
 HoK. John W. Taylor, 
 Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
 
40 
 
 A List of Mail Contractors, who are at the same time Post Master*, and the ewn- 
 pensatioii of such Ci-ntractors aud Post-Masters, designating the Stateor Terri- 
 tory in which they respectively reside. 
 
 Compensa- Compensa- 
 tion as con-jtion as p. 
 tractors, jMasteri, 
 per ann. per ann. 
 
 «563 48 «5y 53 
 
 80 00 22 27 
 
 375 00 III 45 
 
 600 00 370 46 
 
 970 00 21 25 
 
 932 00 119 01 
 
 400 00 54 35 
 
 104 00 122 59 
 
 400 00 l50 58 
 
 400 00 51 73 
 
 *00 00 S7 66 
 
 45 00 255 80 
 
 230 00 235 97 
 
 S80 00 54 21 
 
 4000 00 l52 24 
 
 260 00 IS7 55 
 
 900 00 Il4 32 
 
 800 GO 28 44 
 
 2700 00 464 75 
 
 730 00 l42 71 
 
 200 00 42 74 
 
 11500 00 I43 64 
 
 800 00 78 78 
 
 130 00 I70 38 
 
 22C4 00 438 03 
 
 670 00 93 22 
 
 750 00 55 78 
 
 225 00 40 40 
 
 4464 00 19 Ot 
 
 450 00 II 79 
 
 1145 00 78 33 
 
 940 00 301 31 
 
 150 00 36 74 
 
 2S00 00 42 79 
 
 2490 00 19 65 
 
 550 00 4* 39 
 
 300 00 529 79 
 
 400 00 34 46 
 
 1786 80 I4 92 
 
 200 00 7 64 
 
 1-100 00 I3II 71 
 
 936 00 40 00 
 
 430 00 34 22 
 
 500 00 64 SO 
 
 1000 00 152 02 
 
 600 00 2000 00 
 
 34 00 19 40 
 
 75 00 43 25 
 
 200 00 9 80 
 
 29S 00 201 35 
 
 ]44o 00 80 07 
 
 100 00 4 36 
 
 52 00 26 12 
 
 120 00 28 88 
 
 50 00 68 28 
 
 200 00 31 67 
 
 140 00 174 39 
 
 140 00 17 27 
 
 Cejihas L. Loekwood. Chester. Vermont, 
 
 John Aaroiisoii, Blaclf Horse New Jersey, 
 
 iTohii Ailamson, Montgomery Court Houscj Marjland, 
 
 .foel Butler, Columbus, Ohio, 
 
 Moratio Catlett. Catltittsburg, Kentucky, 
 
 James Clark, Somerset Pennsylvania, 
 
 Peter Engle, Barbourville. Kentucky. 
 
 Aaron Kaekney, Mercer, Pennsylvania 
 
 Charles L, Hutter, Allen Town, Pennsylvania-, 
 
 Adam Johnston, Coshocton, Oliio, 
 
 John M'Kinney jr* Bell Air, Maiyland, 
 
 Kichard Marsh, Rahway, New-Jersey. 
 
 Jacob Walter, Lewistown, Pennsylvania 
 
 Joseph Aborn,New Iberia, Louisiana 
 
 John Butt, Warrenton, Georgia, 
 
 Sichard L. Cook, Hillsborough. North Carolina, 
 
 George W. Earle, Greenville Court House, South Carolina, 
 
 Edward Fealherston, Montgomery Court House, Georgia^ 
 
 Wm B. Holzeldorf, DarieR, Georgia, 
 
 Alexander Hawthorn, Morgantown, Virginia^ 
 
 Stephen Herrunau, AvoyeUs, Louisania, 
 
 James Hewett, Washington. Alississippi, 
 i)arling Jones, Liberty, Mississippi. 
 
 George Kennedy, Chester c. h South Carolina, 
 James G. Lyon, St. Stephens, Alabama, 
 John Mullen, Moorefields, Virginia, 
 Peter Lamar, Lincolnton, Georgia. 
 Garrison M. Smith, Winton, North Carolina, 
 Harry Tonlmen, Fort Stoddard, Alabama, 
 William Walker, Great Bridge, Virginia, 
 William P. Waugh, Wilkesborough, North CaroKnaj 
 William Wooddy, Leesburgh, Virginia, 
 Peter B. Bealls, Burton, Ohio 
 Barnabas Dickerson, Denmark, New- York, 
 William D. Waples, Millsborough, Delaware, 
 Gabriel Nourse, Sharpsburgh, Maryland, 
 Thomas Watson, Newbern, North Carolina, 
 Jonah Hood, Aldie, Virginia, 
 German Jordan, Campbtll c. h. Virginia, 
 Xathaiiiel Pendleton, Hull's store, Virginia, 
 Henry P. Wilcov, Marietta, Oliio,t 
 William Gholson. Gholsonville, Virginia, 
 3<;li,jah Carpenter, Russia, New- York, 
 John Fords, Fords, Mississipi)i, 
 William M'Cluney, Brook e. h. Virginia, 
 \Villiani Murphy," Washington, Kentucky ,i- 
 David Osborn, Scotch Plains, New-Jersey, 
 Oaius B. Rich, Attica. New- York, 
 Hartwell H. Tarver, Tarver's Mills, Georgia, 
 George Brown, jr. Brownsnlle, New- York,* 
 Samuel Hcldrelh, Pittsford, New- York,* 
 Samuel Morrison, Rogers' Mills, New-Yorkj* 
 Fretlerick Paine. Winslow, Maine,* 
 Sidney Tuttle, Windham, New- York.* _ 
 Stephen Towne, Kcnnebunk, Port, Maine,* 
 William Wickham, Troupsvillej New- York,* 
 Benjamin Whettier, Belfast, Mame,* 
 Cyrenus Noble, Pittstield, New- York,* 
 
 Note.— Those maked thus • now holding contracts for carrying the mail ; the 
 same will expire on the 3Ist of December, 1820, and have not been renewed. T^hose 
 having this mark t are distributing offices. 
 
41 
 
 (II) 
 
 Oswego, Dec. 20, 1820. 
 
 His Excellency De Wilt Clinton, — Sir, 
 
 In answer to your request of ihe 23d ultimo, I have the honor of fta* 
 ting the following circumstances relative to my removal from the ofti<;e 
 of post-master in this village. 
 
 I received my appointment from the hon. J. Meigs, in FebJriary, 1816, 
 and in the November following, contracted in person, at the department 
 in Washington, for conveying a mail I'roni this village to Benton, in the 
 county of Ontario. In the fall of 1817, I contracted for several route?, to 
 the amount of ^1600 per year, which contracts have not yet expired. I 
 was removed from the office of Postmaster on the 13th. April, 1820, being 
 about four years from the date of the first, and three years from the date 
 of the second contract. 
 
 With respect to the motives for my removal, it may appear difficult to 
 reconcile (he cau«e assigned by the Post Master General, with the facts of 
 the case above stated ; especially, as so many others have continued 40 
 this day to retain both the station of Post Master and contractor •, and, 
 from the respect I have always entertained for Mr. Meigs, the personal as- 
 surances of friendship he has given me, and the approbation he has expres- 
 sed of my official conduct, induces a belief, that he has been importuned 
 and deceived into the measure, by some of those unprincipled and intri- 
 guing politicians with whom I had the honor to differ, as it respects {he 
 local politics of my native stale. 
 
 Subjoined you have a true copy of the only-communication I have recei^- 
 ved from the P. M. G. on the subject of my removal. Wiih sentiments of 
 jespect, I am, sir, your obedient servant. 
 
 S. B. LEO.NARD. 
 
 His Excellency De Witt Clinton. 
 
 (JJ) 
 
 I hereby certify, that some time about the beginning of April last, I was 
 requested to attend a meeting of officers at Tammany Hall, for the purpose, 
 as was said, of drilling them, for an intended procession, in honour of Dan- 
 iel D. Tompkins, Esq. I attended the naeeting, at which general John 
 Swartwont, commanded, gen. Josephs. Swift, United States surveyor of 
 the port of New York, was present ; also, gei!. Robert Swartwout, navy 
 agent, gen. Gile?, military store keeper of the United States, Lieut. Plisn, 
 of tne navy, capt. Evan.., of the navy of the United States, and superin'- 
 tendent of the navy yard at Brooklyu.'aad many other officers of the Uti'i- 
 ted Stales army and navy. 
 
 There was a correspondence between the meeting and the vice prcsklent 
 relative to the time of his intended arrival here, from Albany, in whielj 
 correspondence the vice president was to give iaformatioo as to the time 
 
 D2 
 
42 
 
 whea lie was to arrive, so that the probessioo might be ia readiness to meet 
 Vim. 1 was ioformed that the revenue cutter of the United States was to 
 meet the vice president, some distance north of the city, to take him out of 
 the steam boat, and bring him into town ; and which was actually done. — 
 Every thing appeared as an organized plan to pay respect to Mr. Tomp- 
 kins, with a view to promote the interests of his election — and I was so 
 well convinced that the meeting was entirely political, and iBimical to the 
 New York state administration, that I withdrew fiom the meeting, and did 
 not attend the public procession, although niy name was published in ilsk 
 Advocate, as one of the attendants. 
 
 CHARLES N. BALDWIN. 
 
 New York, Dec. 1820. 
 
 (KK) 
 
 f do hereby certify that some time in November last, at the public 
 breakfast table at Washington Hal!, I heard Doct J. VV. Sackeit, surgeon 
 at the hospital on one of the Islands, after grossly and violently abusing 
 Gov. Clinton, declare, that he had discharged the Baker, who supplied the 
 hospital with bread, because he would not vote for Daniel D. Tompkins at 
 the last election — and the above declaration was made in the presence of 
 lilessrs. John Bogere and Renicke, CHAR'LES TINDAR, 
 
 CIreensburgh, Dec. 1820. 
 
 I certify that I was present at the public breakfast table at the Wasli- 
 ington Hall in tiie city of New- York, in -\ovember last, and I heard J. H, 
 Sackett, U. S. surgeon, make the declaration stated in the foregoing cer- 
 •ificate, signed by Charles Pindar, Esq. and I hereby certify, that I heard 
 the said J. H. Jacketl also further declare, that he took an active part in 
 she election in April last, and that he, the said J. H. Sackett, brought up 
 several (/our or Jive} soldiers to vote at the poll. 
 
 J NO. BOGERE, 
 
 Washingtoti Hall, December SUt, 18iO. 
 
 (L L) 
 
 Ido hereby certify, that I have lieard Jno. Knerrenger repeatedly de- 
 clare since the last election, that Peter Dielerich, a tjuarlcr master in the 
 V. S. service, (at West Point) was very active during the election, and 
 Stated that he called with a^arriage, and insisted on his go'mg with him 
 to vote for Daniel D. Tompkins, as governor of the stale of New-York,-—- 
 The said Jno. Knerrenger is willing to testify to that fact when called on. 
 
 THO.MAS V.\1S BEUREN. 
 
 New.York; December 26, 1820 
 
43 
 
 (MM) 
 
 This is to certify that I attended the poll at the sixth ward election last 
 spring for Governor, Lt. Governor, Senators and Assemblymen, for this 
 slate, for the purpose of taking down the names of all the voters — that I 
 there saw b gentleman with a cockade, a U. S. officer, who they called by 
 name Doctor Sackett — that he was very active in handing out tickets, 
 and prevailing upon all he could, to support the tickets hostile to the pre- 
 sent state administration of Gov. Clinton— that he offered himself to vote, 
 and was refused on the challenge of Justice Roollelt — that I afterwards un- 
 derstood he voted in the first ward by his own bragging, and that 1 heard 
 him avow his quarters were on one of the Islands in this harbour. 
 
 JOHN McDERMOTT. 
 
 ^'ew-Yo^k, December 23d, 1820. 
 
 (NN) 
 
 \, Daniel M. Frye, of Montgomery, in the county of Orange, do certify, 
 that Charles Borland, Jan attorney at law and post master at Wards- 
 bridge, in said town, acted as an inspector at the general election in April, 
 1820, (being town clerk.) 
 
 That on the third day of the election which was held in the village of 
 Montgomery, JVJr. Samuel MtKinstry a substantial freeholder of said (own, 
 in the right of his wife, presented himself at the poll and offered his suf- 
 frage for Governor and Senators. Mr. Borland refused to receii-e it, al- 
 leging that said McKinstry was not a freeholder— I then stated to the 
 board that the wife of McKinstry enjoyed an estate for life in a valuable 
 I'arm which they all well knew, & gave it as my opinion that he was enti- 
 tled to a vote. Mr. Borland said that I had no right to say any thing oh 
 the subject— and again refused to let McKinstry vote, but without consult* 
 ing the other inspectors, 
 
 David Ruggles, Esq. then came forward in behalf vf McKinstry, anj 
 insisted that he was qualified to vote — he explained to the inspectors what 
 constituted a freehold estate, but was contradicted by Mr. Borland. Ha 
 then asked Mr. Borland if" he would undertake to say as a lawyer, that 
 McKinstry had no right to vote, or that an estate in dower, was not a 
 freehold estate" — Mr. Borland said « yes" upon which Mr. Ruggles obser- 
 ved that " he was either grossly ignorant in the law, or intended to mis- 
 lead the board of inspectors.'' Mr, Borland however still persisted in re- 
 fusing to receive the vole, when Mr. Blake, another of the inspectors, pro- 
 posed that McKinstry should lake the oath prescribed by the statute 
 which was accordingly administered to him, and after Mr. Borland had 
 examined him, he still insisted lhat he should not vote; but the other In^ 
 specters being of opinion that he had a right to vole, he was permitted to 
 do so. 
 
 I da also certify, that at the said election one Abraham Moul was per- 
 
44 
 
 mUted to vole for governor and senators. That in February last, all the 
 real estate of said Moul was sold at sheriff's sale and purchased by me and 
 a deed therefor executed and delivered to me by the sheriff. That the said 
 Charles Borland, Jun . was one of the attornies who obtamed the judg- 
 mem upon which the said property was sold, that after the sale, I paid 
 the costs to said Borland, and told him I had purchased the property, and 
 the said property has ever since belonged to me. 
 
 I do also certify tha« at the said election, 1 thought proper to challenge 
 several votes, but Mr. Borland would not permit me to interrogate those 
 whom I had challenged, and decided that none but the inspectors had a 
 right to do so. DANIEL M. FRYE. 
 
 jMontgomery, January 8, 1S21. 
 
 I Samuel McKinstry, of Montgomery, in the county of Orange, da 
 hereby certify,that Charles Borland, Jun. Esq. post master at Wardibridge 
 and town clerk of Montgomery, aforesaid, was one of the inspectors of the 
 election for members of the senate and assembly, held in the town of 
 Montgomery, in the year 1819. That prior to the said election, I had not 
 publicly expressed my political opinions, and have good reason to believe 
 that the same were unknov n to the said Charles Borland, Jun. 
 
 That upon offering my vote for senators at said election, my right to 
 vote was challenged by some person then present,upon which I stated that I 
 claimed a right to such vote by reason of an estate in dower belonging to 
 my wife, and the said Charles Borland, Jim. then one of the said inspec- 
 tors, thereupon decided that such estate gave me a legal right to vote for 
 senators, and my vote was accordingly taken by the said inspectors. 
 
 And I further certify, that between that lime and the election Ibr gover- 
 nor of this state, which took place in the month of April last past, I had 
 repeated conversations with various persons on political subjects, and that 
 from an open avowal of my sentiments and opinions in relation thereto, 1 
 am well satisfied that it was publicly known, and that the said Charles 
 Borland, Jun. knew that I approved the public measures of the preseut 
 governor of this state, and that it was my intention to vote for him as well 
 as for the senatorial candidates then understood to be friendly to his admin- 
 istration. 
 
 And I further certify, (hat the said Charles Borland, Jun. was also one 
 of the inspectors of the election for governor, senators and members of as- 
 sembly, which election was held in said town of Montgomery, in the 
 month of April last past, and that at that election I offered to Ihe inspectors 
 thereof my vole for governor and senators, at w hich lime the.saiel Charles 
 Boiland, Jun. challenged my right to give such votes, upon which I in- 
 sisted that I had a right to ^ive the same by reason of the said estate in 
 dower of my said wife, the same being worth more than twj hundred and 
 fifty dollars, but the said Borland, without taking the opinion of the otiiet 
 inspectors; decided that such estate did not entitle me to siich vote. 
 
45 
 
 Immediately after the occurence above slated, David Ruggles, Esq. of 
 the said town of Montgomery being present, addiessed the said inspectors 
 and pointed out to them what constituted a freehold estate and insisted that 
 my voles should be taken, when the said Charles Borland, Jun. interrupted 
 him, and asserted that the said Ruggles had no right to address the said 
 inspectors, and that I had no right to be heard by counsel ; to whicn the 
 «aid Ruggles replied that he was speaking in his own behalf, and in behalf 
 of the public, in support of a public right, and one which he would not 
 submit to have taken from him, or words to the like effect ; after which 
 the said Ruggles repeated to the inspectors the requisites to constitute an 
 estate of freehold, and slated to them that«state3. in dower were expressly 
 recognized and instanced freehold estates by Judge Blackstone in his com- 
 mentaries on the laws of England, to which the said Borland replied " its 
 no such thing." The said Ruggles thereupon addressed himself to the 
 said Boi land and enquired " do you, sir, as a lawyer undertake to say that 
 an estate in dower is not a freehold estate the saidioi-land replied 'yes,' 
 upen which the said Ruggles replied then sir you either intend to mis- 
 lead the board of inspectors, or you are ignorant of what is the law," 
 
 Some personal altercation then took place between the said Ruggles and 
 the said Borland, which it is unnecessary to detail, after which, upon tak- 
 ing the oath prescribed by the statute, and stating that my voles were of- 
 fered upon the right of dower aforesaid of my wife, Iwas allowed to put the 
 same into the ballot boxes. SAMUEL McKlNSTRY. 
 
 Montgomery, Orange county, Jaurary 6, 1821. 
 
 1 David Ruggles, of Montgomery, in the county of Orange, do herebv 
 certify that I have read the certificate of Samnel McKinstry, hereunto an- 
 nexed. That I was present at the poll of the said election in the said town 
 of Montgomery, in the month of April, 1820, and that the facts stated in 
 the said certificate relative to the attempt of Charles Borland, jr. Esq post 
 master at Wardsbridge, and one of the inspectors of the election, to exclude 
 the vote of the said McKinstry, are correctly stated and set forth in the cet;- 
 tificate aforesaid according to the best of my recollection and belief. 
 
 DAVID RUGGL^. 
 
 January Gth, ISSL-" 
 
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 SEYMOUR DURST 
 
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