[New York State; Politics] [Porter, Peter Buell, possibly].

Contemporary manuscript speech for New York State Republican Party, concerning DeWitt Clinton [who] "we despise, oppose and denounce"

1817. Nine pages of text of speech addressed to "Fellow Citizens" written by a political insider in the 'Republican' party of New York state, denouncing the "treachery" of Dewitt Clinton and analyzing the political maneuverings of the Livingston and Clinton families. A very early use of the term 'Republican' party. The unidentified author writes, "These two family compacts were both avericious (sic) & were both ambitious and they could not long agree or Rupture takes place and the then Vice Presd't Aaron Burr - taking advantage of their Breach - made an effort to gain the Gubernatorial Chair - to allow him to succeed would benefit neither & a Junction of their forces again took place which affected the election of Lewis for Governor & the Defeat of Burr. Lewis was a member of the Livingston family Compact and the ambition of Dewitt Clinton view'd it with a jealous eye - To effect then a junction of forces with his late enemy he plan'd & executed that master piece of political Fraud & Treachery which took wings at the Famous Dydes Supper - the republican party saw and knew they were betrayed ..."

The author goes on to describe the meeting at Martlings, the election of Tompkins for Governor, the term "Marcus" (Matthew L. Davis, pamphleteer and loyal Burrite), and to rally the party: "Have we not mighty cause? Do we but an act of Justice in Denouncing Dewitt Clinton as an intriguing - ambitious - unprincipled userper (sic) and those who have the heartlessness to be his Creatures as our political enemies. ... they have amalgamated together - and Graduated thro' - all the Titles - of Whig, Republican, Torry (sic), Burrite, Federalists, Clintonians & forsooth Independents. ... If we fail - & if they succeed depend upon it - it will be less for what they did - than what we neglected to do- On this Crisis hangs as well the interests of posterity as ourselves, its importance therefore is mor (sic) than coequal with all other considerations - Tomorrow opens the Campaign and with vigilence (sic) & unity for our watch words let us press onwards to almost certain victory." Written on both sides, 6 1/2 x 8", pages attached with straight pin.

The author is possibly Peter Buell Porter (1773 – 1844) who ran against DeWitt Clinton for Governor of New York in 1817, in the special election which was held after the resignation of Governor Daniel Tompkins. Porter's political supporters in Tammany Hall despised DeWitt Clinton, who would otherwise have run for governor unopposed.

Provenance: collection from East Hampton Long Island, from the Pennypacker, Eastman and Hedges families.

6 1/4 x 8", held with a period straight pin. 5 leaves, written on front and back of the first 4 leaves; one period fold. Very good condition. Item #19607

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