Details:

Manuscript election document recording the proceedings of a legally warned meeting of the Freemen of the Town of Warren, Connecticut, held on April 8, 1811, to record votes cast for candidates seeking election as Assistants for the State of Connecticut. Measuring approximately 7.5 x 12.5 inches, the document preserves the official vote totals for numerous prominent Connecticut statesmen just over a year before the outbreak of the War of 1812.

The document opens:

“At a meeting of the Freemen in the town of Warren legally warned & held on the 8th day of April, 1811. The following persons were voted for, to be assistants for the State of Connecticut for the year ensuing. The number of votes for each person is annexed to his name.”

Listed among the nominees are Aaron Austin, Jonathan Brace, Matthew Griswold, Stephen Titus Hosmer, Henry Champion, Calvin Goddard, Judson Canfield, Theodore Dwight, Frederick Wolcott, Roger Minott Sherman, and Noah B. Benedict, each accompanied by the number of votes received. Several of these men were among Connecticut’s leading political figures during the early republic. Roger Minott Sherman later served as a U.S. Representative from Connecticut and was a nephew of Declaration of Independence signer Roger Sherman. Theodore Dwight was a prominent lawyer, journalist, and influential Federalist political writer. Stephen Titus Hosmer went on to serve as Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court.

The manuscript is certified at the conclusion by Nathaniel Swift, Town Clerk, authenticating the official vote tally. The verso bears a contemporary docket identifying the document as relating to the nomination of assistants and is dated April 8, 1811.

The office of Assistant was one of the most important elected positions in early Connecticut government. Serving alongside the Governor and Deputy Governor, the Assistants formed the Upper House of the General Assembly and exercised both legislative and judicial authority. Elections such as this one illustrate the state’s unique political system immediately before the War of 1812, when Connecticut remained a stronghold of the Federalist Party and maintained a prominent role in New England politics.

Overall good condition with expected folds, light toning, and minor edge wear from age and handling. An attractive and historically significant Connecticut political manuscript documenting the election of state officers on the eve of the War of 1812.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11669 1416980-1