November 30, 1796
Smith, Melancton, 1744-1798
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Samuel Holten
Smith is attempting to reestablish his acquaintance with Holten to get information on the presidential race in Massachusetts. Smith is worried that electors in New England, under the influence of Alexander Hamilton, will give their votes to Thomas Pinckney of South Carolina, the supposed vice presidential candidate. Says that if southern electors vote for Pinckney, a favorite son, that both Jefferson and Adams could lose the presidency. To prevent this he hopes the Massachusetts electors will vote for another candidate and mentions Aaron Burr. Asks the correspondence to remain confidential…
GLC02471.37
