Details:

Manuscript political document recording the proceedings of a legally warned meeting of the Freemen of the Town of Warren, Connecticut, held on April 17, 1812, just weeks before the outbreak of the War of 1812. Measuring approximately 7.5 x 12.5 inches, the document lists the vote totals cast by the town’s freemen for candidates nominated to stand for election as Representatives of Connecticut in the United States Congress.

The heading reads in part:

“At a meeting of the Freemen in the town of Warren legally warned & held on the 13th day of April, 1812, the following persons were voted for, to stand in nomination for election in Oct. next, as Representatives of the people of this State in the Congress of the United States…”

The manuscript then records each candidate together with the number of votes received, including numerous prominent Connecticut Federalists such as John Davenport, Benjamin Tallmadge, Timothy Pitkin, Jr., Jonathan O. Moseley, Lewis B. Sturges, Lyman Law, Samuel B. Sherwood, Sylvester Gilbert, Uriel Holmes, Noah Webster, Jr., and Asa Bacon, Jr.

Several of the men listed were among Connecticut’s leading political figures during the War of 1812 era. Benjamin Tallmadge achieved fame as George Washington’s Revolutionary War intelligence chief and organizer of the Culper Spy Ring before serving for many years in Congress. Timothy Pitkin, Jr. represented Connecticut in the House of Representatives from 1805 to 1819 and authored one of the earliest comprehensive histories of American commerce. Noah Webster, Jr., the celebrated lexicographer and author of the American Dictionary of the English Language, was also active in Connecticut politics and public affairs during this period.

Created less than two months before the United States declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812, the document reflects the political climate of New England, where many Federalists strongly opposed the coming conflict. Connecticut would become one of the centers of Federalist resistance to the war, culminating in the Hartford Convention of 1814-1815.

The verso bears a contemporary docket identifying the document as a “Freeman Meeting Legally” with an additional notation referencing the nomination for Congress and the date April 17, 1812.

Overall good condition with expected folds, light toning, and minor edge wear, including a small loss at the lower right corner. An attractive and historically significant Connecticut political manuscript documenting local congressional nominations 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 1416979-1