Original Letters; Wm. and Mary Qrtly., Vol. 1, No. 2, 1892 Transcribed by Kathy Merrill for the USGenWeb Archives Special Collections Project ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** Original Letters William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Papers, Vol. 1, No. 2. (Oct., 1892), pp. 99-109. ORIGINAL LETTERS. JAMES MONROE TO GOV. BENJAMIN HARRISON. TRENTON, Oct. 30, 1784. SIR: I have the honor to inform your Excellency that I arrived here last night, and can with pleasure add, we have the prospect of a representation of the states in a few days. As yet neither of my colleagues have joined me, but I understand Mr Lee is in Phila, and of course expect him to-day. In a visit I lately made by the North river to the lakes, in the necessity I was under of returning thro' Canada to the states, I was informed of some of the measures adopted by the British Government in that province, which I conceived highly interesting to us; that the commanding officer had received order to retain the possession of the posts which fell within our lines by the treaty, and which shod have been evacuated some time since, and that many of the vessels on the lakes, laid aside under the provisional treaty for a peace establishment, were again put in commission. This information I had from authority so respectable as to gain my entire assent which further added that this procedure was founded on the conduct of the States of New York and Virginia, which they accuse of having violated the treaty. From every information I could obtain I have reason to believe that the temper of that court is very unfriendly to us and that they require only the most flimsy pretext to create a rupture; their councils are it is true in a divided state, but in the talents and superior popularity of Mr Pitt, this may not long be the case. I have thought it my duty to give to yr Excellency this information and have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, Yr most humble servant, JAS. MONROE. Page 100. JOHN TYLER TO JAMES MONROE. Richmond, November 26th, 1784. Dear Sir: I received your favor of the 14th of this month, and am happy to find you have escaped the Indians and British in your late rout through Canada. I suppose your Hon'ble Body will take the business of the Treaty up as soon as you make a number sufficient for the purpose, and communicate to us your determination. It is evident to me that the Intention of Britain was never to surrender the Posts, thereby giving up the trade of the Lakes; and their policy is now to negociate for this object by ceding the points of confiscation and sterling debts; as to any hostile measures further, I am persuaded to the contrary. They feel the consequences of trade and commerce with America too sensibly to pursue such mistaken policy as that which lost not only this commerce but the subjection of the States. A nation determined to draw the sword never wants a pretext. Now to say that we have broke the Treaty is monstrous when all man- kind know they broke it in two Instances, from the very beginning to this hour. However, whatever your Body shall determine will be my rule on this head, al- though, I confess, my heart wou'd bleed to be compel'd to yield to any Nation under Heaven unjustly, and I know not what is Liberty or independence if neither can be asserted with fortitude. We have bled for these, let us bleed again if they shall be violated, and be finally determined whether we are a nation free or Tributaries to a Tyrant. I can't say enough in this Letter, so will drop the Subject and proceed to inform you that Henry is Governor, our worthy and upright Jones one of the council, Roan and Selden. I am sorry from my Heart that my Friend Mercer did not make his Intentions known sooner, as I am well assured he wou'd have been appointed to a Seat in the Executive. We are doing nothing yet, a great waste of time much to Page 101. our disgrace, but nothing is left on my hands, as I took up every thing laid before us by the Govt long since, and Bills of safety and defense order'd, besides many others, for internal policy. I wrote to Hardy telling him to pay my respects to you and Mr. Mercer which I beg you will do to them. The next letter shall be to Colo Mercer. I am now closely engaged. I can say no more at present, but that I am with great regard your very humble servant, JNO. TYLER. [Addressed] The Honble James Monroe, Esqr Member in Congress. [Endorsed] John Tyler. _____________ JOHN TYLER(1) TO GOV. JAMES MONROE. Green-Way, Decr 27, '99. Dear Sir: After the bustle is a little over, I set down to congratulate you on the signal Victory you have obtain'd over your Enemies; and also for that which is gain'd by Truth over falsehood, and Democracy over Tyranny all over the World. "Viva la Republique." I hope you are well and your good Lady and children, and I hope also to see you all with a few of the chosen at Green Way in the course of the year Such as Randolph, Foushee, etc., etc. I have not time to compare the characters of Washington ________________________ (1) Judge of the General court of Va. Page 102. and Henry, or I would clearly show that fewer blunders fell to the share of the latter than the former, and yet I have no objection to paying a tribute to the past services and virtues of either. Your friend and Sert JNO. TYLER, [Endorsed] Dec. 27, 1799 John Tyler, [Addressed] The Honble James Monroe, Esqr, Govr of Virginia, Richmond. ____________________ SAMUEL TYLER TO GOV. JAMES MONROE. Thursday Evening, Feb'y 9h, 1801. Dear Sir: In conformity with my promise I avail myself of the first opportunity which has occur'd since my arrival here to give you those impressions which my mind has received from an assiduous attention bestowed to-day to the debates in Congress, and also from communications with the most influential characters who think with us on the important Election. I enclose to you a copy of resolutions, and upon every question growing out of them it appeared that the Feds had a majority of six votes - they have passed all the resolutions without amendment except the last, and to that they have made an amendment, which is that all elections shall be considered as incidental to the main power of voting by States, that each State shall have a vote: this was opposed by Messrs Gallitin, Randolph, Nicholas and Macon. As in part it was made a question between the larger and smaller states, and as few of our foremost Republicans upon this principle voted with the Feds, it cannot be considered as a _________________________________________ (1) Judge of the General Court of Va. Page 103. vote entirely upon principle as bearing wholly upon the presidential election, but still it gave rise to a very uneasy sensations not only with myself but those with whom I associate. In a word, the opinion as far as it can be formed by the most intelligent is - that they will unquestionably pursue precisely the same system of policy that the Senate of Pensy did, and that, in a caucus, which they held last night, it was resolved to put everything to the hazard. Be assured that the Election depends on one of three persons - Bayard from Del. and Craik and Baer from Maryland. The former there are reasonable hopes from; (Mr. Randolph says there are not the smallest from either); the 2d full as good. Mr. Fitzhugh is decidedly in favour of Mr. J. (Mr. C's Lady it is said will renounce her husband if he does not vote for Mr. J., this is the expression of her opinion, a fact) and you can judge, combining [torn] cir- cumstances with the interests Maryland has, how far they ought to be relied on. Baer, it is said by Mr. Christie, has declared he shall vote for Mr. J. This has to-day been denied. Mr. Nicholson is very sick. Upon the whole it is believed things do not bear as favourable an aspect as they did three days ago. I delivered with my own hands your Letter to Mr. Irvin, you shall hear from me to-morrow. Yrs. sincerely, S. TYLER(1) [Endorsed] Feb'y 9th, 1801, S. Tyler. [Addressed] James Monroe, Esqr Richmond. ______________________________________ (1)Samuel Tyler was a nephew of Judge John Tyler, and was educated at William and Mary College, was a member of the House of Delegates in 1798-99, and one of the Council of James Monroe, who sent him to New York to watch the progress of the difficulty regarding the election of Jefferson. He was elected by the General Assembly to Page 104. There object is apparently confined to electing Mr. Burr or rather the other. He is the instrument by which they mean to effect any worse purpose. Mr. Jno Nicholas I am inclined to thing is sanguine in favor of Mr. [torn] but there appears to be little or no concert. __________________________ SAMUEL TYLER(1) TO JAMES MONROE. 11TH, 5 O'CK. In very great haste I scrawled to you on the subject of the pre. Election; at 5 o'ck. there have been seven Ballots, they stand 8 for Jefferson, 6 Burr, two divided. On the first vote, Virginia gave 16 for J., and the State of N. Carolina gave 9 for J., one Burr. On the second Virga. gave 14 for J., 5 Burr; N.C: 6-4. Vermont and Maryland divided. An effort was made to set aside the vote of Georgia on the ground of some informality - rejected. It is believed that the Repubs will remain firm and never relinguish one inch of ground, and that they will put every thing to the hazard; the fact is this opp'n cannot elect Mr. Burr. But if they had passed appropriation Laws &c., my opinion is the opposite party would hold out to the last. Yet I am still of the opinion that Maryland will yield. I dine out, and therefore can give you only my own weak opinion, which is that Jef. will be the pres. Pensy has her courier here and the report is that she had 22 thousand prepared to take up arms in the even of extremities; that the Ass: of Virginia should be convened if things remain in S: quo for this week I should decide as prudent and that Pensy: and Virga. should clasp hands, N. York would join, and that a Congress comosed of these States and all South of the Poto: ought to be recommended; yet I would be understood to mean that this should be adopted only in last extremities: for I am clear the Foeds will yield. __________________________________ succeed Mann Page as Chancellor of the Williamsburg District, an office which had been tendered to his uncle. He died in 1812. Page 105. I am to bring you a letter from Mr. Irwin on my return. I am very sincerely yr friend &c., S. TYLER. [Endorsed] 1801 Feby. 11. S. TYLER. [Addressed] JAMES MONROE, Richmond. ____________________________ Dear Sir: I received by express an appointment to the Court of Chancery in Williams- burg, which I shall always consider as the highest testimony of my Country's Esteem, and I most sincerely wish there were not so many objections to my acceptance of it. For some time I have thought it desirable, as it would place me in a situation where my sons could be educated under my own eyes, and where I might be more convenient to my married daughters, and by that means get discharged from the terrible business of riding my Life away, expending half the salery attached to my office; but since I saw my nephew I have heard of the continuation of my oldest Daughter's(1) dangerous situation as to her health, who lies in the old city, which may terminate unfortunately. If so melancholy an Event should take place, my absence from the scene would be most advisable. Besides the reflection of relinquishing an agreeable seat in many respects, but more especially as to health, I own I am afraid of the experiment, and am almost ashamed, that I should for once in my Life want decision. You will be pleased, therefore, to receive this Letter as a full resignation of all pretentions to the office, not doubting but ________________________________________ (1)Anne Contesse Tyler, who married Judge James Semple. Page 106. that you may yet find some person better qualified to discharge the duties of it than I am. Accept my thanks for so honorable a mark of approbation confer'd, and assure the members that advised it that I feel very sensibly the obligation. I am, with sentiments of the highest esteem, Yr. very ob't H'ble serv't, JNO. TYLER. _______________________________ DEFENCE OF MR. JEFFERSON. CERTIFICATE of "the venerable John Tyler," published in the Richmond Equirer of Sept. 10, 1805. "Mr Jefferson finding at the end of the second year of his administration in 1781 that some people were discontented with his conduct with respect to Arnold's and Cornwallis' invasions declined offering for the office of Chief Magistrate, but neither resigned nor refused the acceptance of it. His particular friends, however, expressed a wish to appoint him again, but on its having been moved that an enquiry should take place at the succeeding session into the conduct of the executive, nothing more was said on the subject, but Gen. Nelson who was then at the head of the militia was elected governor. Mrs. Jefferson was sent to the Assembly in the Fall or Spring following, and there called on the house for the threatened examination in a very handsome address, but by this time even those who thought him culpable began to think otherwise on a real reflection and better information, and the house by a general vote directed their thanks to be delivered to him from the chair by John Tyler, then their speaker, who did it accordingly in a warm and affectionate manner. The appointment of G. Nelson was at Staunton where the Assembly sat. Mr. Jefferson, I believe, was immediately sent to Congress and from thence to France, where he continued seven Page 107. years discharging his important affairs, highly to the interest of his country, and greatly to the satisfaction of the government of France. JOHN TYLER." Richmond, Sept. 9th, 1805. ___________________________________ JUDGE JOHN TYLER TO GOV. CABELL. Feb'y. 10th, 1808. Dear Sir: I find the Assembly has made a considerable alteration in the District Law which I think a good one as far as it goes, but surely equity ought to follow the law, and had another law gone hand in hand with it for the diffusion of knowledge on easy terms throughout the State, in a short time the morals and manners of the people would be considerbly improved. The first mentioned subject was half done because of some influential members having a monopoly in three chancery Courts. The second is done nothing in because of the eternal war declared against the Arts and Sciences, and a determination to pay nothing by way of Taxes to ye support and encouragement of Education, the true and solid foundation of free government. This new system will derange me I expect in my old days, unless I am allow'd to have pretentions not inferior to my Brothers. I have been four years longer in the Judiciary than any Judge of the Gen. court, and 32 years in public service, so that when the allotment is made I may reasonably be allowed to expect a convenient Circuit. I am willing to go into the Noror Williamsburg Circuit, which from every consideration I may reasonably enough expect. I beg you will be pleased to lay my pretentions before your Honorable Board when it is proper to do so. I am with sincere respect your most ob't servant, JNO. TYLER. P.S. I am in the center of the Williamsburg rout and convenient to the Norfolk. J.T. Page 108. GOV. TYLER(1) TO JUDGE SPENSER ROANE. Richmond, Aug. 15th, 1809. Dear Sir: I beg leave to recommend young Mr. Claiborne to your notice, who will apply for an examination in the Law. I suppose you have seen the proclamation of the President, which brings into operation the non-intercourse Scheme again, and down went our wheat one shil- ling in the bushel, and that perfidious Nation, G.B., quite glutted with our produce - Nothing saves us from a War now but the Success of Napoleon. Indeed we had better have gone to War two years ago and catched the spirit of the people so that they could not have had time to calculate on the price of our produce, to which they Nation has sacrifised its honor and true Interst. O times! how changed. I am sincerely your friend and servant. JNO. TYLER. _______________________ BRETT-ISHAM-RANDOLPH By W.G. STANARD. In the New England Historical and Genealogical register for July, 1890. was published, in Mr. Water's most valuable series of English Gleanings, the Will of sir Edward Brett of Blendenhall, parish of Bexley, County of Kent, England, dated Dec. 22d, 1682, and proved March 17th 1683. Among his legatees were the children of his niece Ann, daughter of his sister Mary Isham; and L200 apiece to the two daughters of his nephew Henry Isham, late of Virginia, de- ceased, by Kaherine his wife. _______________________________________________ (1)Governor of Virginia from 1808-1811, when he became judge of the U.S. District Court of Virginia. Page 109. The following pedigree is compiled from the Visitation of London, 1568 (published by the Harleian Society): Alexander Brett of Whitstanton in Devon married -------, daughter of Rose- maderos and had issue, I, John; II. Robert of Lincolnshire, Gent. married Elizabeth, daughter of Edward bush, of Sison, 3rd brother of the Bushes of Hobun; III. Symon. Robert and Elizabeth (Bush) Brett had issue: Robert first son, citizen and Merchant-tailor of London, married Elizabeth, daughter of Reginald Highgate (arms: gu. two bars ary. over all on a bend or a torteau, between two leopards' heads az). Margaret married -------- Veale of Lincolnshire. Robert and Elizabeth (Highgate) Brett had issue: I. John, oldest son; II. William [of Toddington, Bedforsdhire]; III. Robert; IV. Richard; V. Elizabeth; VI.Catharine. William Brett of Toddington, just named, had with other issue, Sir Edward, born 1608, whose Will has been quoted, and Mary who married William Isham (Bloyde's Genealogia Bedfordiensis). Their son, Henry Isham, came to Virginia, settled at Bermuda Hundred, married Katherine, widow of Joseph Royall of Henrico County, and dying about 1675, left issue: I. Henry, "of Virginia and London", died unmarried; II. Mary, married William Randolph of "Turkey Island"; III. Elizabeth, married Francis Eppes, of Henrico. The Brett arms are "arg. seme of Crosses Crosslets fitche, a lion rampant gules." In notes appended to Sir Edward Brett's Will in the Register, it is stated that he was knighted by the king, 31st August, 1644, after a gallant charge on the Parliamentary forces at Lootwithiel, Cornwall; was in the military service of William of Orange, and died, Feb. 12th, 1682-3, aged seventy-five years. His tomb, with an elaborate epitaph, is at Bexley. A fine impression of the Isham arms, on a red wax seal, is attached to a paper at Henrico Court House.