“I fear if Mr Madison is elected the war will last longer than I shall live and reduce many thousands to beggary…”

(War of 1812) Autograph Letter Signed,“Jame[s] Anderson”, 3pp., 9 3/4 x 8in. Philadelphia, 21 October 1812 to Thomas Truxtun (1755 – 1822) who commanded the USS Constellation during the Quasi-War with France gaining fame in his victory over l’Insurgente in 1800.

Our correspondent updates Truxtun on a convoluted real estate matter involving water rights and neighboring lands (including some owned by Clement Biddle, then moves on to politics, bemoaning the likely victory of James Madison – an irksome prospect for Federalists everywhere now that war with Britain had begun: “Our election has been conducted and concluded in a very fraudulent manner for of real voters there is not a doubt but that the Federalists had a majority but for the grand object on the 30th inst great precaution will be used and we fully expect prosperity. I am still uneasy about Jersey for the Democrats declare that the state will be for Madison – I fear if Mr Madison is elected the war will last longer than I shall live and reduce many thousands to beggary. There has arrived a flag of truce from England but I do not think any pacific overtures will be listened to by the present Rulers. I shall be very glad of an opportunity of sending good news to you but I see no prospect.” New Jersey did go for DeWitt Clinton, contrary to our correspondent’s fears, but Pennsylvania went to Madison despite the Federalists’ “great precaution”.

The War of 1812 did make the Federalists, already in political decline, very defensive and suspicious of Democratic methods.The Federalist press of the period abounded in rumors of electoral fraud and intimidation and even “threats of assassination and murder … against all those who dare to oppose President Madison’s election.”¹

Integral transmittal leaf addressed to “Commodore Truxtun Woodlawn near Moore’s town New Jersey” and bears a red “PHA 21 OC” cancellation and red ink “24” at right.

Loss to second leaf from seal tear and again at bottom right (quite deliberately but not affecting text), usual folds, else very good condition.

(EXA 4090) $500

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¹ Salem Gazette, 20 Oct. 1812, 2.