Item 40: Letter from Millard Fillmore to [Solomon G.] Haven”, 1839 December 20
Item — Box: 9, Folder: 40
Dates
- Created: 1839 December 20
Creator
- Fillmore, Millard, 1800-1874. (Person)
Disclaimer for Name and Subject Authorities
Some of the name and subject authority tags have been assigned by educated guessing and estimation of persons and subjects by region, age, profession, and familial relationships. They have been thoroughly researched by using primary and secondary sources available digitally, and named in each description, or in some cases linked directly to the person tag.
Access:
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Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Letter.
Condition Note:
Fair. Slight discoloration and fragile edges with minor tearing
Measurements:
10 in. x 8 in.
Description:
The following item depicts a letter dated December 2, 1839, written by Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States, to Solomon G. Haven, a mayor of Buffalo, New York and U.S. representative of the state. In the letter, Fillmore discusses the recent developments of a vote for the upcoming speaker position. He writes that there was an understanding that many of the initials votes could be secured for Mr. John Bell but that others were certain to be secured by Mr. Davidson, a Georgian representative. Fillmore goes on to discuss how the Harrisburg vote is expected to go to Winifield Scott and some question of Henry Clay’s ability to hold the New York seat is mentioned. Fillmore also shares that there were five seats being contested against, but that they were undecided at the present meeting for failure of competency. In the final section of his letter, Fillmore states that the Virginia representatives have voted for Jones, possibly James Jones, to hold the speaker role. He asks Haven to make Doctor Foot aware of the contents of these letters and suggests he look over the papers to get the finer details. In the sign off, Fillmore writes that his wife, Abigail, sends her love to Haven and his wife, Harriet.
The letter mentions a speaker from Virginia being elected as Speaker, saying that the Brutonians have won by doing so. The name appears to be attached to a religious sect of parishioners in Virginia.
Location:
Washington, D.C.
Transcription:
Washington. Dec[ember]. 2[n]D. 1839.
Monday Ev[enin]g. 6.
Dear Haven,
The caucus last evening agreed to support
Mr. Bell for speaker on the 1st. vote, and understanding
that there were several votes that might possibly be
obtained for Mr. Davison of Georgia. that would not
be given for Mr. Bell, they further resolved to support
Mr. D. after the first vote if there approved a
reasonable chance of success by him. Mr. Bell being informed
of this as the meeting was about to adjourn sent in a
declension and urged ^us to support Davison at first.
I am inclined to think Scott will be
nominated at Harrisburgh (sic) [Harrisburg]. I am informed that
Mr. Clay has been made acquainted with the fact
that the entire delegation in Congress from N. York think
it doubtful whether our state can be carried for him, and
has written to the Kentucky delegation disclaiming any
desire for the nomination and urging that the strongest
man may be nominated and promising a most
cordial cooperation and support of the person selected.
This is patriotic and magnanimous and if the
convention now does its duty and nominates
Genl.[General] Scott, N. York at least is safe at the
next election.
Back:
Our House met at 12 and the clerk according to custom proceeded to call the members by states. Commencing with Maine and proceeded as for as N. J. when he stated that 5 seats from that state were contested and not finding himself competent to decide who were entitled he proposed to pass over all, and call the remaining states. Thence arose a debate, mainly among the Whigs as to what ought to be done which continued until 4, when the House became exhausted and adjourned without coming to any conclusion. I must refer you to the papers for the details. It is said the Tories have nominated Jones of Va. for speaker. So the Brutonians are triumphant. They first discarded the lead house faction by refusing to vote for Pickins as speaker and now it is said they have whipped them all for the support of Jones. This is southern chivalry!!! Please show these letters to Doct[or] Foot as I have not time to invite him. Mrs. F. writes with me in love to yourself and Mrs. Haven. Sincerely yours Fillmore No letter from you to day [today].
Back:
Our House met at 12 and the clerk according to custom proceeded to call the members by states. Commencing with Maine and proceeded as for as N. J. when he stated that 5 seats from that state were contested and not finding himself competent to decide who were entitled he proposed to pass over all, and call the remaining states. Thence arose a debate, mainly among the Whigs as to what ought to be done which continued until 4, when the House became exhausted and adjourned without coming to any conclusion. I must refer you to the papers for the details. It is said the Tories have nominated Jones of Va. for speaker. So the Brutonians are triumphant. They first discarded the lead house faction by refusing to vote for Pickins as speaker and now it is said they have whipped them all for the support of Jones. This is southern chivalry!!! Please show these letters to Doct[or] Foot as I have not time to invite him. Mrs. F. writes with me in love to yourself and Mrs. Haven. Sincerely yours Fillmore No letter from you to day [today].
Creator
- Fillmore, Millard, 1800-1874. (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu