Langdon John



John Langdon, NH Constitution Signer, Superb DS Re: James Madison's 1808 Presidential Election







New Hampshire state document signed by former Constitution Signer and sitting New Hampshire Governor John Langdon (1741-1819) as "John Langdon" near center. Signed in New Hampshire on June 13, 1808. Also co-signed by Secretary of the State of the New Hampshire Legislature Philip Carrigain (1772-1842) as "Philip Carrigain" at lower left. The 1p bifold partly printed and partly handwritten document on laid paper has an integral address leaf; the inner pages are blank. Expected paper folds and a few minor closed tears. Overall light toning and isolated soiling, else near fine. Each page measures 8.125" x 9.25".







Governor Langdon signed this document stipulating that town officials of Surry, New Hampshire (located about seven miles northwest of Keene) select seven Electors among its eligible citizens. These officials would select the nation's next President--only the fourth in its brilliant and meteoric history!







In part:







"State of New-Hampshire.







To the Selectmen of the Town of Surry Greeting.







YOU are hereby required, in the name of the State of New-Hampshire, to notify and warn a meeting of the Inhabitants of the said town of Surry qualified to vote in the choice of Senators for the State Legislature, to be holden on the first Friday of November next, to vote by ballot for seven persons, Inhabitants of this state, who shall not be Senators or Representatives in Congress, or persons holding Offices of profit or trust under the United States, to be Electors of President and Vice President, of the United States…"







The presidential contest of 1808 pitched Democratic-Republican candidate James Madison against Federalist contender Charles C. Pinckney. Madison--Founding Father, co-author of the Federalist Papers, drafter of the U.S. Constitution's Virginia Plan, and former U.S. Secretary of State--handily defeated his opponent with 122 Electoral College votes and 65% of the popular vote. Just four years later, President Madison invited fellow Constitutional Signer Governor Langdon to replace George Clinton as his vice presidential running mate. Langdon declined.







John Langdon entered the political arena around the time of the American Revolution. A wealthy shipping magnate, Langdon joined other New England Patriots in condemning British trade policies. He later served in the Second Continental Congress and oversaw construction of several American warships. Langdon attended the Constitutional Convention as one of two delegates from New Hampshire, and also signed the seminal document. He served as Governor of New Hampshire for four non-consecutive terms between 1785-1812; he signed this document during his third term.







This superb document illustrates New Hampshire's historic significance as a political battleground state. New Hampshire will play its next significant role in presaging the results of the 2020 presidential election!







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