Autograph Letter Signed

Election of Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson

McHenry discusses the expediency of pushing Aaron Burr over Thomas Jefferson in the House of Representatives. A crisis appeared in 1800 when Burr and Jefferson tied in the electoral college, even though Jefferson was the intended presidential candidate.

1800

10

31

Baltimore

Alexander Hamilton

James McHenry

Oliver Wolcott, Jr.

John Adams

General Smith

ministers

Seneca

Federalists

Aaron Burr

Baltimore

London

Election

1800103100001

1

31 Decr 1800
To: Alexr Hamilton.
Baltimore 31 Decr 1800
My dear Sir
Private
I have read a letter from Mr. W. this morning in which he says, "I have made enquiry respecting the declaration of Mr. Adams while in London in Nov. 1783., it seems he thought negociations could be better conducted there than in a foreign country and observes - "Here with the most perfect politeness to ministers we may keep them in awe; a visit to a distinguished member of opposition, even though nothing should be said at it, would have more weight than all our arguments" "Mr. Jay, I believe also thinks so" The above is I believe a true extract though the idea which you possessed was correct, yet you will see the mode of expression is different".
So much for my recollection a a letter read about seventeen years ago.
What think you of this crisis? Seneca or somebody for him observes, 'Whatever happens, think that it ought to happen, and cast no reproach upon nature." Some of our Federalists, who have been here on a christmas visit seemed inclined, if not determined to run Mr. Brr notwithstanding his letter to Genl. Smith. They do not consider Mr. Burrs declarations in this letter as committing him - not to accept of the Presidency if elected by the House of Representatives. They hope, by this attempt, should it even fail of success to plant the seeds of disunion between him and his party; and should it succeed, to get in him, a man who will not suffer the Executive power to be frittered into insignificance. For myself, I do not calculate upon their succeeding to elect him, and I believe besides, that he will not make terms with them to obtain a chance for the Presidency. Is it, in the present state of things, an attempt that ought to be made? If made and fails, how will it effect the federal cause in the opinions of the great body of the people?
We undoubtedly are threatened with a change in some most essential points in government and our national affairs; but who will venture to say, that equal evils did not await us, had Mr. Adams been elected. This case at least affords us this kind of consolation.
Let me hear from you, and believe me always & affectionably yours
J McHenry
Alexr Hamilton Es