Harrison, William Henry (1773-1841) to Joseph Gales, Jr. and William W. Seaton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.032 Author/Creator: Harrison, William Henry (1773-1841) Place Written: Cincinnati, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 October 1822 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 31.8 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy
Letter to the publishers of the "Annals of Congress: Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States" regarding his finances. Says he will pay them as soon as the "account for adjustment" he has before the "2nd & 3rd Auditor" is approved. Notes that he is waiting on a duplicate of a single voucher. Briefly mentions his defeat in the race for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, which he lost because of his pro-slavery stance during the Missouri Compromise debates. Says the issue of slavery led to his defeat. Docketed in pencil. Numbered on front and back "13456." "Pays to Feb 27, 1823" is written in another hand near the signature.
Harrison had taken a strict interpretation of the Constitution, stating Congress did not have the power to regulate slavery in the territories. His vote against the Tallmadge amendment, which restricted slavery in Missouri, is what led to his defeat.
[draft]
Cincinnati 16th Octr. 1822.
Dear Sir
I have had an account for adjustment before the 2nd. & 3rd. Auditor for two years. The final Settlement has been delayed by the difficulty of procuring a duplicate of a single voucher. Mr Hagnin has at length [text loss] it to a Close & as I always knew, there would be a [illegible] ballance is declared in my favor. It was always My intention to pay you out of that fund. I have [denied] Mr Hagnin to plan the balance in the Branch Bank & I annex a Check for 18 Dollrs which I believe is the amt. due. You will know by Speaking to Hagnin or the Cashier of the Bank what day the Money will be ready. Our Election has just terminated & resulted in my defeat. Innumerable Hand bills [illegible] [giving] Slavery & the Corruption of the Government the Ears of the people absolutely Suspended the reasoning faculties of the people. I glory in a defeat produced by adhering to the principles of our Constitution
Yours Respectfully
W. H. Harrison
Direct yr. paper to Cleves Ohio
Messrs Gales & Seaton
[docket:]
13436
Wm. H. Harrison
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