^Lot 203 Dewitt Clinton

American politician (1769-1828) who served as senator and who, as governor of New York, played a major role in the construction of the Erie Canal. ALS, one page, 8 x 9.75, December 1817. Letter to to General James Tallmadge. In part: "I have received your interesting letter. I shall be impatient until I see the report of the committee for internal improvements. The appropriation with the President on this point can do no injury and it may well comfort with a general support of his measures which I hope will be the case. An indefinite support of…an administration is…anti-patriotic and generally unprincipled. If a member is to follow implacably the Presidential track, where is his independence as a legislator and a man! The Cabinet, as it is called, will be the main thing that will propel the whole machinery of Government. Rely upon it that a war with Spain will terminate in a war with G.B. I consider the independence of L. America as connected with the cardinal interests of mankind. To seal up the faculties of such a fine country against the…of improvement & the reciprocation of commercial benefits, is a high-handed offense against humanity. D-of…migrated from the vicinity of Newburgh…in his origin, his principles have not improved by his…nomination was a country one and it was nearly…The next member will be of a different complexion. He has no other influence than that which be acquired by his office-a regular appointment. As to W-he is the very representation of deception and…T-are very malicious - they are plausible & apparently moderate but rely upon it they are false and hollow.” Second integral page bears a free franked address panel in an unknown hand. Intersecting folds, Clinton’s name printed in pencil at the bottom in an unknown hand, several brushes to text and mild toning, otherwise fine condition.