1241

(WAR OF 1812)

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(WAR OF 1812)
JERIMIAH BROWN HOWELL (1771 - 1822) Democratic-republican Senator from Rhode Island. Fine content A.L.S. 3pp. 4to., Washington, May 12, 1812 to James D. Wolf of Bristol, Rhode Island. About a month before James Madison would request a declaration of war against Great Britain, defensive preparations were already well under way. Here Howell informs Wolf on federal help ""...I obtaining for the Inhabitants of the Town of Bristol some additional Cannon, and Ammunition...the Secretary of War...objected to the expense of making a Gravel Fort as unnecessary till it probably should become useful, in which case the Troops could in a short time erect such a breastwork or Fort...He informed me he would immediately write to Major Custis or Capt. House commanding at Newport to send you Two pair of Twelve pound Cannon with Carriages of Ammunition...The Secretary of the Navy has ordered Ten Gun boats to sail from New York for our Harbor & Waters..."" The senator continues by updating Wolf on activities in the Senate relative to the embargo: ""...I think the removal or the expiration by Law of the Embargo will be followed by a Law Authorizing fitting out Letters of Marque and Reprisals, which will inevitably soon lead to a War. If a declaration would not be made by Congress immediately after its removal. A Caucus is to be holden here next week by the friends to the Administration for the purpose of making some arrangement for the Presidential Election: A decided Majority are firmly attached to Mr. Madison, who I have no doubt will be the Candidate..."" Howell adds a postscript noting that ""...a resolution for repealing the non importation Act and the whole of our restrictive system against G. Britain...was this day rejected in the Senate..."" At the end he adds cryptically with an underline: ""...the Hornet has not yet arrived."" Horizontal folds partially split and repaired, a few other minor defects, otherwise very good condition.