Honorable Elias Dudley and Some of His Political Correspondence With Notes by the Author Sprague's Journal of Maine History Vol.III May, 1915 No. I pages 22-25 & vol III Oct, 1915 pages 101-105 & Vol III Jan, 1916 No. 4 page 143-147 22 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY Hon. Elias Dudley and Some of His Political Correspondence WITH NOTES By THE EDITOR. The Honorable Lucilius A. Emery of Ellsworth, Chief justice Emeritus, of the S. J. Court of Maine, recently furnished the Jour- nal with some old letters, to and papers of Honorable Elias Dudley who was prominent in the political affairs of the Whig party in Maine,-when Edward Kent was its leader and both of whom helped found the Republican party. The Whigs carried Maine in the Harrison campaign in 184o and elected Mr, Kent Governor, who then served his second term (1841). There was a Whig doggerel at the time, the first line of which read: "And Maine went Hell bent for Governor Kent." We believe this correspondence will be- of interest to all who are interested in the early history of political parties in Maine. We also append the following data relating to Mr. Dudley. ELIAS DUDLEY-born at Pittston, Me., Jan. 2I, 1789, married Sarah Crosby, daughter of General John Crosby, at Hampden, Me., March 5, 1815. He died at Hampden, Jan. 29, 1867. His wife was born Sept. 29, 1792, and died Oct. 28, 1880. In his early career he was a Deputy Sheriff for the County of Hancock. He operated a saw-mill and was engaged in merchandising and shipping. In I841 he was a member of the Governor's Council and had held other important offices and honors. His children were:- I-Sarah Crosby, born Jan. 31, 1816, married Barnabas Freeman, Jr. of Yarmouth, Me., June 1, I845. She died, Yarmouth, March 24, 1879, the mother of four children. 2-Mary Godfrey, born May 19, 1817, married Capt. Samuel Child, July 21, 1846. She died at Hampden, June 8, 1858. The compiler of the family record states;-"Her health was very delicate. So it was also with others of her family. They were good and bright souls in frail bodies." 3-Almira, born Jan. 5, 1819, married Jacob W. Curtis of Hampden, Oct. 12, 1848, died July 17, 1875. 4-George, born Nov. 11, 1820. A Sea Captain. Married Caroline M. Holmes of Frankfort, Me., July 3, I855. They lived at Winterport, Me. Father of three children. Date of death not given in family record. 5-Ann Maria, born Feb. 15, 1823, died May 4, 1834. HONORABLE ELIAS DUDLEY 23 6-John Crosby, born Aug. I3, 1825, died June 19, 1856. 7-Elias James, born! Jan. 28, 1828, married Sarah Scott, Oct. i2. 1854. Father of two children. Date of death not given in family record. 8-Irving, born Apr. 23, 1832, died Feb. 3, 1857. 9--Ann Elizabeth, born Sept 5, 1835, married Benj. S. Crosby of Bangor, Apr. 8, 1858. Died Feb. 14, 1864. Mother of one child. ELIAS DUDLEY was the second child of James Dudley, the other children being:- 1-Sibyl, married James Gorton of Hampden. 3-Mary, born 179I, died Apr. 17, 1815, Married Charles Godfrey of Hampden in 1810. 4-Edmund, born April, 1794- 5--James, a Sea Captain. Died at sea. 6--Pamelia, died unmarried, aged 21. 7-John, Died at Hampden in 1888. JAMES DUDLEY, father of Elias Dudley was the seventh son of Samuel Dudley. He was born in, 1761 and died in I805 in Hampden. He married Miss Sibyl Cheney at Pittston, Me., in I785. He was on the tax list at Pownalboro, Me., from 1787 to 1798. He was taxed at Pittston in 1803. "A good, active, sensible man, and useful to society." He was killed by the fall of a tree he cut down. His wife died May 26, 1848 at Hampden. His children were all born at Pittston, except John. SAMUEL DUDLEY, born 1720, was the son of James Dudley. JAMES DUDLEY, born 169o at Exeter, N. H., was the son of Stephen Dudley. STEPHEN DUDLEY, born at Exeter, N. H'., was the son of Rev. Samuel Dudley. SAMUEL DUDLEY, born about 1610 in England was the son of Thomas Dudley. THOMAS DUDLEY, born I576 in Northamptonshire, England was the son of Capt. Roger Dudley, a warrior. Died in 1653 in Roxbury, Mass., after having been Deputy Governor and Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony. SOB. SIR, IT has been resolved, at a large and respectable meeting of our political friends, to support as Candidate FOR GOVERNOR, The Honorable CHRISTOPHER GORE, FOR LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR, The Honorable DAVID COBB, and the federal Representatives from towns in your County, have appointed yourself and the gentlemen, whose names. are subjoined, to be a Committee for the county of ................. for the purpose of promoting these and for the county of ......... other (')Federal Elections. (')This refers to the Federal party which elected only two Presidents, Washington and John Adams before its dissolution 24 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY We confidently hope the failure of success the last year, will not produce a relaxation of exertion among good men, to save their country.-The abuses of power actually committed by the ruling party, and those which are still threatened, have fulfilled our predictions and justify our fears. If time per- mitted a full development of the proceedings. of Government to the views and understanding of the people; if they could be made seasonably to com- prehend the extent and tendency of the innovations which have already been adopted, we think the effect of their conviction would be manifest in the approaching election. But the progress of truth has no proportion to the rapid violence of passion, and if from this cause we cannot promise ourselves immediate success, we should endeavor -to ensure it hereafter, we "SHOULD DO MORE, WE SHOULD DESERVE IT." We can only add, that our actual observation confirms all our apprehen- sions that political intolerance and persecution, will be pushed to any extrem- ity which the people will suffer, and the liberties and property of the citizen are in actual jeopardy from doctrines which are avowed, and measures which are adopted.-The hour of peril is at hand-our safety consists in vigilance and exertion-Let as yet rally to prevent the ruin of the constitution-and if this be ineffectual- LET US STAND TOGETHER AND ENDEAVOR TO BREAK ITS FALL. We therefore intreat you to be earnest and vigilant in exhorting, encourag- ing, and organizing your different towns and sections, in a judicious arrange- ment of a List of SENATORS; and we trust your tabour will be crowned with success. JOHN H. LEE SAM'L E. DUTTON WM. ABBOT PHILIP H WASHBURN ____ SHAW JOHN CROSBY STEPHEN PEABODY GEORGE HERBERT, ESQRS. JOHN WILSON BOHAN P. FIELD WM. CROSBY TO THE ELECTORS OF REPRESENTATIVE TO CONGRESS FOR THE COUNTIES OF SOMERSET AND PENOBSCOT. FELLOW CITIZENS: I had the honor of addressing you, under date of August 12th, last, propos- ing myself as a Candidate for Representative to Congress for this District. The second Monday of September hath passed; and the result is well known. I had the pleasure of perceiving that a large number of the Electors had sustained by nomination, in a manner which the law calls legal; whilst many more who voted for me, were deprived of their rights, by mere verbal errors in the votes, errors conjured up by technical lawyers, to defeat justice and equity. Another ingenious mode, to prevent the free suffrage of the electors in my favor, was, the artful givings out of my opposers, that my address was mere support, and no real nomination:-that it was one got up for amusement, or to draw to me votes in order to defeat the choice of HONORABLE ELIAS DUDLEY 25 either of my opponents as Representative. And, Fellow Citizens, it was further asserted that there was no probability, were I chosen, that I would devote my time and talents to the service of the public. Such conduct and suggestions of my opponents have thus far had their weight. But I now, with seriousness, and honesty, again come forward, to assure my Fellow Citizens, voters in this District, that my intentions are TRUE, PURE, and HONORABLE. THAT I DO PRESENT MYSELF AS A CANDIDATE AT THE NEXT ELECTION, FOR THEIR REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS. That if the office be devolved by their suffrages upon me, its duties shall be faithfully,honestly,and judiciously performed. That the talents and abili- ties possessed by me shall be unremittingly and devotedly exerted for their good. Self interest does not now influence me in taking this step, nor shall it ever bias me from the straightforward match in the path of my public duties. For my qualifications and political views, I refer you to the before men- tioned address. FELLOW CITIZENS, I AM A CANDIDATE FOR YOUR SUFFRAGES. SIMON HARRIMAN. BANGOR, DECEMBER 8, 1826. (To be continued.) The Editor of that excellent publication, The Maine Catholic Historical Magazine, says: "We beg to acknowledge, as we go to press, the excellent Feb- ruary number of Sprague's journal of Maine History, which offers as a leader, a most interesting article, by the Editor, John Francis Sprague, on the life and Work of Colonel John Allan, Indian Agent, for Maine Indians during the Revolution. . . . Mr. Sprague's interesting article shows research, is well arranged, and should be a valuable addition to this eventful period of our history. To Catho- lics, Mr. Sprague is no stranger. Many have read with interest his life of Father Rale, as well as his other contributions from time to time on the Catholic History of our State. "There are many interesting features in Mr. Sprague's journal, which should make it valuable for the future historian" Among the sheriffs in Maine in 1826 were: Josiah W. Seaber, South Berwick; Peter W. Green, Bath; Jessie Robinson, Hallowell; Wm. C. Whitney, Hebron; Jonas Parlin, Jr., Norridgewock; Leonard Javis, Surry; Wm. D. Williamson, Bangor; Wm. Chaloner, Lubec; Horatio G. Balch, Machias, HONORABLE ELIAS DUDLEY MI Honorable Elias Dudley and Some of His Political Correspondence WITH NOTES BY THE EDITOR. (Continued from Page 25) PENOBSCOT COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CONVENTION. A meeting of delegates from the several towns and plantations in the County of Penobscot, was held at the Court-House in Bangor, on Wednes- day, the 9th day of July, 1828, agreeably to previous notice. The meeting was called to order by John Wilkins, Esq. The Hon. MARTIN KINSLEY being chosen CHAIRMAN, and WILLIAM UPTON, SECRETARY, it was voted, that the Chairman and Secretary examine the returns of the members; whereupon it was ascertained that thirty-five members were present. VOTED, That a Committee of seven be appointed to report resolutions for the consideration of the Convention, at the hour to which this meeting shall adjourn. The following gentlemen were accordingly chosen on, said Committee: JOHN WILKINS, SIMEON STETSON, GEORGE LEONARD, EDWARD KENT, P. P. FURBER, GEORGE B. MOODY, PARKER EATON. VOTED, That this meeting be adjourned to three o'clock this afternoons The Convention met according to adjournment. The Committee appointed for that purpose, then reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: RESOLVED, That, having full confidence in the talents, experience, and political integrity of JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, we will unite our efforts with those of our fellow-citizens, in every part of the Union, to secure his re-election. RESOLVED, That we approve of the nomination of RICHARD RUSH for Vice-President. RESOLVED, That we approve of the nomination of COL. THOMAS FILLEBROWN and GEN. SIMON NOWELL, as Electors at large for the State, and will give them our undivided support. RESOLVED, That we concur in the nomination, made by our fellow- citizens in the County of Somerset, of the HON. JOHN MOOR, of Arson, as Elector for the Somerset and Penobscot District, and that we will use an fair and honorable means to ensure his election. The Convention then proceeded to nominate a candidate to represent the Somerset and Penobscot District in the next Congress, and the votes were for the HON. SAMUEL BUTMAN, 32-wbereupon it was UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED, That, approving of 'the course pursued by the HON. SAMUEL BUTMAN, member of Congress from this District, we cordially unite in recommending him as a Candidate for re-election, and will use all honorable means to effect it. I02 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY The Convention then proceeded to nominate a candidate for Senator from this County to the next Legislature, and SOLOMON PARSONS, ESQ. having thirty votes, it was UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED, that he be recommended as a candidate for re-election to the Senate of this State. RESOLVED, That CHARLES RICE, Esq., be recommended as a Can- didate for the office of County Treasurer, at the next election. The Convention then adopted tbe following Resolution: Whereas the next Legislature Of this State will elect two Senators in Congress, and otherwise exert an important influence on the subject of national politics-RESOLVED, that we recommend to our fellow-citizens, to exert themselves to elect undoubted friends of the Administration, as mem- bers of the next Legisature. RESOLVED, That a Committee of three he appointed to prepare and publish an address to the Electors, to accompany the proceedings of this meeting: Whereupon, GEORGE B. MOODY, EDWARD KENT and JOHN WILKINS, were chosen a Committee for this purpose. RESOLVED, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chair- man and Secretary, and published in the Bangor Register and Somemet journal. MARTIN KINSLEY, CHAIR-MAN. WILLIAM UPTON, SECRETARY. BANGOR, June, 1834. Dear Sir, The friends of the Union and Constitution, and the supporters of Whig Principles in Bangor, have determined to celebrate the coming Fourth of July, the great day which gave birth to their privileges. They feel desirous to meet their friends from the Country on that occasion-they therefore extend an invitation to you, and all the citizens of your town, and hope that all who can make it convenient will attend and unite in the Celebration. The Oration will be delivered by WILLIAM PITT FESSENDEN, ESQ. THEOPHILUS P. CHANDLER, SAMUEL J. FOSTER, COMMITTEE NATHAN B. WIGGIN, OF AMOS DAVIS, ARRANGEMENTS. A. R. HALLOWELL, BANGOR, August-i837. D. Sir: Our friends here feel some anxiety in relation to the town of Newburg There ought to be a complete thorough but secret organization of the Whigs in that town. That only can be done by the personal exertions of some our Hampden friends, & by seeing personally the Whigs in that town. The defection in the Tory party is by no means confined according the informa- tion we can obtain here to this County. They boast among their friends that they (the Silver Greys) can reduce the Parks vote 5ooo in the state. It would be bad enough to lose the election in this County but it would be an eternal disgrace to us under such circumstances to lose the election of Kent. As Bangor is at present rather head quarters as we have determined HONORABLE ELIAS DUDLEY 103 to leave nothing undone I thought I would just drop you a line about New- burg although I suppose the necessary work in that town has long since been performed. It is extremely important that every Whig old & young should be at the polls & that carriages should be provided for the infirm & destitute as there is no doubt from -information, from upper (part of the County that there will be a close vote. Truly yours, WM. H. McCRILLIS. William H. McCrillis was born in Georgetown, Maine, Nov. 4, 1813, and died in Bangor. 'He studied law with Allen & Appleton and commenced practice there in 1834, and was for many years a prominent citizen and a leading lawyer of that city, and had an extensive law practice throughout Eastern Maine. He was formerly a Whig and then a Republican, but after the close of the Civil War he became a Democrat and acted with that party during the remain- der of his life. He was a member of the Maine House of Repre- sentatives in i859-6o-61. He was a man of brilliant abilities and a forceful and eloquent advocate at the bar. He died in Bangor, Maine, May 3, 1889. Hon. Elias Dudley- DEAR SiR-It Has been suggested to me, that it may be thought expedient to put some other person in the place of him who holds the office of Register of Probate in this County-If such change should be deemed expedient by the Governor, I should be glad to have Mr. Joseph Chapman of Bangor appointed to fill the office-All the habits of Mr. Chapman are remarkably well adapted to qualify him for that office- Mr. C's moral character is altogether unexceptionable-In every other respect I can cheerfully recommend him- Very respectfuly your friend & Svt JACOB McGAW. I Elias Dudley, Esq., D. SiR. There is much interest felt in reference to the D. SiR. There is much interest felt in reference to the.appointment of Superintendent of the Insane Hospital. It is supposed that the appointment will be 'made at the next session of the Gov. & Council. The name of Dr. Benj. D. Bartlett of this city has been proposed for that situation. Dr. Bartlett has been, in several cases of great difficulty, called to visit in consultation in my family. In my instance he has exhibited great carefullness & skill in his investigations, & sagacity in his conclusions, and I take great pleasure in saying that I should place unlimited confidence in his ability to discharge any situation to which he might be called in the range I04 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY of his profession I have no doubt his appointment to the situation referred to would prove highly satisfactory. My opinion having been limited to this point, I have ventured thus far to trouble you in the mat-ter. With high regard Your friend & Obt. Svt., JOHN A. POOR. John Alfred Poor, son of Daniel Poor, who emigrated to New England from Andover, Hampshire County, England, in 1638, was a descendant of Roger Poor, a priest in the time of William the Conqueror, and a Chaplain in the army of his youngest son Prince Henry. For two centuries or more Daniel Poor's descendants lived in Andover and other towns in Essex County, Massachusetts, when three brothers of this name emigrated, to what is now Oxford County, Maine, in I790, in what was formerly called East Andover and is now the town of Andover which was settled by Ezekiel Mer- rill in 1789. The second of these brothers was Silvanus Poor, a physician, who married the daughter of Ezekiel Merrill. He was a prominent citizen and a member of the Maine Constitutional Con- vention in 1819. John Alfred Poor was their second son born Janu- try 8, 18o8. Jacob McGaw, a graduate of Dartmouth College, and a lifelong friend and correspondent of Daniel Webster, married a sister of Silvanus Poor. Mr. McGaw was one of the most brilliant of Maine's early lawyers and was the first County Attorney of Penobscot County. When John Alfred was about twelve years of age Mr. McGaw visited the Poor family in East Andover and he was so favorably impressed with the lad that he invited him to visit him at his home in Bangor. Later (1827) after he had attended school and an Academy and had taught school he returned to Bangor, entered Mr. McGaw's office as a law student and was admitted to the Penobscot County Bar in 1832, and commenced the practice of law in Old Town, but in a few months returned to Bangor where he formed a law partnership with Mr. McGaw and later with his brother, Henry Varmun Poor, he practiced law for a period of about fourteen years when he became profoundly interested in the then new idea that railroads could be developed for long dis- tances as thoroughfares for freight and passengers, and in 1846 he moved to Portland and was the greatest promoter of the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railway, which was the beginning of the Grand Trunk system. For several years there was a great struggle through- out New England and Canada as to whether the terminus should be at Boston or Portland. The Portland interests were ably led by Mr. Poor, who finally won the fight. One curious fact connected HONORABLE ELIAS DUDLEY 105 with this enterprise is that the officials of the Atlantic and St. Law- rence Railway objected to paying Mr. Poor the sum of five dollars per day for his services which would now probably be regarded as moderate at ten times that amount for the herculean work per- formed by him. He was also the principal founder of the European and North American Railway and at the time of his death it was generally conceded that he was, in the words of the Boston journal, "the father of the railroad system of Maine, especially in its relations to British North America." He was powerful both as a writer and orator. His writings for newspapers and public journals and his published addresses, in his efforts to awaken public sentiment to the importance of the development of railroads would fill volumes. At one time he founded a newspaper in Portland which he owned and edited for six years, called The State of Maine and which was after- wards (1849) merged into the Portland Advertiser. In 1849 he purchased the American Railway journal in New York and was for a time its editor. He died in Portland, Maine, September 5, 1871. CARMEL, Jan'y 16, 1841. Elias Dudley, Esqr. DR. SR. I learn, by Mr. Emery of this place that you have been Elected Counciler for Penobscot which I can assure you is very gratifying -to me and that my Exertions has not been in vain. The reason of My Writing you at this time is as follows, viz: There came a few days since a petition for a Mr. Hill of Exeter for my name it being stated at the time that Mr. Hill would be the choice of the Whigs of Penobscot for Sheriff. Since I have learned that it is a moove of some of the Most Poison Locos to have some of these Loco Dept. Sheriff reappointed being connected by marriage you probably will see the petitions and the leading Locos names to them if Mr. Hill is Sheriff. A Mr. Franklin Ruggles is to be Dept. for this section. I Hope you will inform Mr. Kent and others of the council of the fact if Mr. Hills claims are more than any one beside I have nothing to say if not I presume this will be a word in season. Yours Respectfully in haste, GEO. W. CHAMBERLAIN. "Loco-Focos," a political nickname given to a certain faction of the Democratic party in the state of New York (1835-7), and after- wards its use as applied to the entire party, became national. This faction called themselves the "Equal Rights party" and were opposed to special privileges in granting charters to banks and other cor- porations. At a meeting in Tammany Hall, October 29, 1835, the regular Tammany Democrats tried to gain control. Finding them- selves outnumbered they turned out the lights and retired. The Equal Rights men poduced candles and "loco-foco" matches, and contined the meeting. Hence the name loco-foco. HONORABLE ELIAS DUDLEY I43 Sprague's Journal of Maine History Vol III Jan, 1916 No. 4 page 143-147 Honorable Elias Dudley and Some of His Political Correspondence WITH NOTES BY THE EDITOR. (Continued from Page I05.) The Honorable Lucilius A. Emery, of Ellsworth, Chief justice Emeritus of the S. J. Court of Maine, recently furnished the journal with old letters to and papers of Honorable Elias Dudley who was prominent in the political affairs of the Whig party in Maine, when Edward Kent was Governor of the State and its political leader, and who was later a justice of the Supreme judicial Court of Maine. Hon. Elias Dudley, Dear Sir: It not being in my power to call upon you, as I intended, I take this opportunity to address you a line. Allow me, Sir, to congratulate you upon your election to the high & responsible office of Councellor of our good State of Maine & to express to you my sincere gratification at the result, & to say, that, in my opinion your election will give universal satisfaction. I feel a deep interest in the success and popularity of our state admin- istration, at the same time I would respectfully suggest, that very much is depending upon the appointments to be made by the Gov. & Council. Not desiring office myself, I feel more at liberty to suggest a word upon the subject. For Clerk of the Courts for Penobscot I think the appointment of Geo. B. Moody of Bangor would be satisfactory. It will never do to appoint John A. Poor, not that I am personally opposed to him, but he is very unpopular & many would take offence at it. For County Att'y, I would respectfully urge the appointment of Geo. W. Ingersoll, Esq. of Bangor. I have made diligent inquiry & am satisfied that his appointment would be judicious & popular. I know him to be well qualified to perform the duties & be is high minded & honorable. Bro. A. Sanborn of Levant declines the appointment absolutely. Bro. Ingersoll, in my humble opinion, should be appointed. I think you will find that Col. Wm. Ramsdell, Maj. Burr & Mr. Hitch- born, if you will converse with them will concur in my opinion. I am, also, particularly desirous to have Jeremiah Colburn of Orono appointed one of the County Commissioners. Col. Ramsdell will tell you all about him, if you are not personally acquainted with him. No ap- pointment, in every point of view, could be more satisfactory to the Peo- ple of Penobscot & no reasonable man of either Political Party could find fault with his appointment. I44 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY I would also suggest the appointment of Saml. Pratt of Oldtown as Indian Agent. He is, at present, one of the Selectmen of Oldtown & is a suitable & good man. I regret, exceedingly, that, I cannot see you in person, but, I have no time to spare, as I am on my way to Connecticut River. With high Regard, I am, Dear Sir, yours, &c. NATHL. WILSON. Abram Sanborn for many years a prominent and able lawyer of Bangor. When the Whig party dissolved he joined the Democratic party and affiliated with it until his death. He was a member of the Legislature two or more terms and was appointed one of the Com- mittee to investigate the "Paper Credits" charges soon after the close of the Civil War. Bangor, Jan. 21, 184I. Dear Sir: There is much said among us in regard to the appointment of a Clerk of the Courts. It is pretty generally agreed that there must be an ap- pointment, but who is the man that will be most acceptable to the people generally is the inquiry? Many have been mentioned, but I do not know of one that will give more general satisfaction in that office than George A. Thatcher. I have been long acquainted with him and have reason to know that he is both 'honest and capable'. We want a correct man for clerk. It is not necessary that he should be a lawyer if he is capable. Isaac Hodsdon gave as good satisfaction in that office as any clerk we have had, and every one knows the pride he takes in being called a blacksmith. Mr. Thatcher has had advantages-he is a correct business man & possesses the right kind of talents for a Clerk. And if misfortune & necessity can be offered as one reason why he should have the office, he can urge them with as much propriety as any one. I trust that Mr. Kent will see fit to nominate him for I think it will be a popular appointment. I am, very Respectfully, HON. ELIAS DUDLEY, Your friend & Servant, Augusta, Me. JOHN E. GODFREY. We heartily concur in the opinions expressed within. CHARLES GODFREY, C. A. STACKPOLE. John E. Godfrey, lawyer of Bangor and judge of Probate, 1856- 1880. He was a man of superior ability in many directions. He was also deeply interested in Maine history and some of his papers appear in the Collections of the Maine Historical Society. His "Annals of Bangor" and other writings on Penobscot county pub- lished in the history of that county (Williams, Chase & Co., Cleve- land, 1882) are of great value in historical research in Eastern, Maine. HONORABLE ELIAS DUDLEY I45 Hon. Elias Dudley. Dr. Sr. I take the liberty to address you relative to the appointment of Reg- ister of Probate for this County. The present incumbent will doubtless be removed, and I learn that there are already a number of applicants for the station, and that some of the most influential men in the south western part of the Co. have proposed & recommended (or are about so to do), my brother, Geo. P. Brown of Newburgh, as a fit person to fill the place. I feel some solicitude concerning the matter and am, in some way, at a loss to know what is the best course to take respecting the subject. That my brother is qualified for the office there is no doubt, and could we know that in addition to the recommendations of influential individuals, a petition or petitions could ensure his appoint- ment we would forward, in the course of next week, a petition signed, if necessary, by all of our "Whig" friends in that part of the county. If the appointment is not already made, and in your opinion such petition as I've just named would be likely to ensure his appointment, will you have the kindness to advise me of the fact as soon as you can conveniently. Please let me know how matters stand relative to this appointment, whether my bro. may be a successful applicant or not. Apologizing for the liberty I have taken in addressing you, and relying, upon your kindness in this matter, I have the honor to subscribe myself. Very respectfully, Your Obdt. Svt. CHARLES P. BROWN, of Dixmont. P. S. Shall be in Bangor during next week. Charles P. Brown was a lawyer and later became a resident of Bangor and was for many years a leading practitioner in that city. Hon. Elias Dudley, Dr. Sir: I trust you will pardon me for addressing you upon the subject of the ap- pointments which are to be made by the Gov. & Council. I do not wish to make any suggestions in relation to the individuals who are filling the various offices, for upon this point I care nothing if so be we get good and faithful officers & such as are acceptable to the community. The point upon which I wish to make a remark or two is that by the policy of removing those county officers, the election of which it is our contemplation to give to the people my opinion is that, that measure will pass the Legislature. It certainly will if the wishes of the people are carried out. If it should be I cannot believe it would be good policy to remove the present incumbents from office before our election takes place. Suppose for instance the county aty for Penobscot (who is perhaps as obnoxious as any one I could name) was to come before the people for an election, he could not possibly be elected, but were he to be removed, the danger I think would be that a sympathy I46 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY would be created for him which might result in his election. Again if the election is not given to the people, I believe I speak the opinion of this whole community, when I say that a clean sweep of all the officers will not give satisfaction. I believe that a better time never did exist for breaking down those strong party feelings which exist than the present, & I do not believe that this is to be done by that proscriptive policy which we have complained so much of in our opponents. One idea more, Mr. Kent says in his message, is, that he is willing to give up the appointing power so far as the constitution will allow. I have already heard the remark made by some of our own friends that "the appointment of Reg. Probate & Clk. of Courts for Washington does took as if he was determined to do it any way. Now I have no doubt some good reason exists for those appointments, but were a full sweep to be made I could not say as much. I do not wish and I trust I shall not be considered as interferring or endeavoring to obtrude my opinions upon you by the remarks I have made. I have spoken freely what I believe to be public opinion on this subject, & have no objec- tion to your communicating the same to any one you may see fit. I shall be at Augusta as soon as possible again when I hope for a better acquaintance with you and an opportunity to converse more fully upon these matters. Very Respectfull ours Very Respectfully yours, LYSANDER CUTLER. Lysander Cutler moved to Dexter, Maine, from Massachusetts in 1828, and was one of the energetic business men who helped to found that thrifty and prosperous town. He was for several years a partner in the firm of Amos Abbott & Co,, Woolen Manufacturers, and continued with them until 1835, when be formed a partnership with Jonathan Farrar and erected a woolen mill. He was a promi- nent citizen of Dexter during all the time that be resided there. In 1835 Mr. Cutler organized the Dexter Rifle Company, a military corps quite celebrated in its time; was chosen its first captain and two years later was elected Colonel of the Ninth Regiment of Maine Militia. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he went to the front as Colonel of the Sixth Wisconsin Regiment. During the war he was twice severely wounded and had no less than seven horses shot under him. He rose to the rank of Brigadier General and died in Milwau- kee in July, 1866. Bangor, Jany. 27th, 1841. Dr. Sir: Permit me to introduce to you the bearer Mr. G. K. Jewitt of this city. Mr. Jewitt thinks of making application for the Agency of the Penobscot Indians. Should other applicants not meet the approbation of the Gov. & Council, I would. take the liberty to say in behalf of Mr. Jewitt, that he is a HONORABLE ELIAS DUDLEY 147 respectable Merchant of this city whose income is small, and that I have no doubt he would faithfully discharge the duty of Agent. Yours very respty. GEO. W. PICKNEY. Bangor, Jan'y. 16, 1841. Elias Dudley, Esq. Dear Sir: I write at this time in behalf of a friend of mine a Mr. Joseph Chapman. I have signed a petition to the Governor & Council that he be appointed Register of Probate. I do not know that Mr. Palmer will be removed, but the expectation here is that he will be. If this should be the case I take the liberty to name for your consideration the above named Chapman. Mr. Chapman has resided here several years and I believe his character is with- out spot. I do not know that he has an enemy. He is always spoken well of by all. He has been employed for several years as an accountant, is a good penman. I think his appointment to that office would be highly satis- factory to the best kind of our people. I am with great respect, Yours &c., John Godfrey was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, May 27, I781, and was a direct descendant of Richard Godfrey, born in England in 1651. He was a graduate of Brown University at Providence and studied law and was admitted to the Bar in Massachusetts, and afterwards settled in Hamden, Maine, as a lawyer in (18O5-06) at what was known as the "Upper Corner." He was a resident of Hampden at the time it was captured by the British in the war of 1812 and with others was taken prisoner and detained one night in the cabin of a British war vessel. The History of Penobscot county (1882) says: "His house was used as a hospital, his library was taken by the British soldiers and put in to a martin-house and with it converted into a bonfire and his horse was appropriated by American thieves, in 1821. He became a citizen of Bangor and entered in to a law partnership with Samuel E. Dutton. He was appointed Chief jus- tice of the Court of Sessions in 1823 and his associates were Ephriam Goodale of Orrington and Seba French of Dexter. He was the second County Attorney of the new county of Penobscot, serving from 1825 to 1833. He died May 28, 1862." * * * * NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. 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