Beal, Thomas P. (1786-1852) to Aaron Hobart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06313.04.210 Author/Creator: Beal, Thomas P. (1786-1852) Place Written: Kingston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 December 1822 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 22.5 x 18.5 Order a Copy
Expresses support for John Quincy Adams but questions the abilities of "The General." Most likely refering to John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. Defends Adams as "a statesman," details his experience, and says "The General" is "a shabby auxiliary."
[Draft Excerpt:]
I received the Genls Proclamation ag[ains]t Adams. I should like to know under whose flag the Genl has enlisted, be he who he may, unless the Genl is more successful than formerly, in enlisting recruits, he will be a shabby auxiliary. He says Adams is not statesman & yet he has been prime minister, during almost the whole of that administration, which S. says has been more glorious than any other. Is there in the U.S. a man who had ever intimated that Adams was unfit for the foreign [mission?], he has held or the station, he now oversees? Even his enemies admitt he has discharged the duties of these stations with signal, & almost [unnequalled?] glory. Does this give him no claim to the character of statesman. The General is pleased to give the preference to this administration over the last; forgeting perhaps that he has figured under both, tho' I can assure him the American people have not forgot it -
What, I ask, under Heaven, casts a shade over Madisons administration, except the bungling & blustering conduct & disgraceful defeats & retreats of some of his military chieftains on the Canada border, who appeared much more dexterous & fond of wielding the quill, than the sword.
...I desire to know how it came about, that Russell was appointed chairman of the com. of &c. do he & A. meet & converse?
I want to know who this [illegible] like to have the honor of giving birth to a V. President? Has the Dr brought in his bill yet to this effect, &, if so, will it pass?
I think when we have ___President & ___V. pres. and Russell, Sec. of State, Smyth, Sec. of War & Dr. F. Sec. of the Navy we shall again be in the high road of successful experiment - [Don Amis?] if he should come again, will be overwhelmed & confounded by the Secretarys latin if not by his argument - Our Army will be as brave as Demosthenes to talk, and about as good to fight - And our Navy will be amputated in stile, or phisicked to perfection....
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