Moses Dawson Correspondence | University Archives and Special Collections

Introduction

Xavier University is pleased to present the digitized and transcribed collection of letters from politicians of the Jacksonian era. The collection documents candid discussion about the most controversial issues of the era, from some of the most powerful men in the country. The letters were written to Moses Dawson (1768-1844), editor of the Cincinnati Advertiser, a direct predecessor of today's Cincinnati Enquirer. Dawson was a well-connected figure, and these letters reflect his friendships and associations with many politicians including four United States presidents (Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, James K. Polk, and William Henry Harrison); several senators, congressmen and governors; military personnel; and other notable individuals.

The Collection

The collection consists of 182 letters written between 1811 and 1844.

Source of Acquisition

The Moses Dawson Correspondence was donated to Xavier University in 1934 by Joseph Debar, a prominent alumnus of Xavier University whose spouse was a descendant of Moses Dawson.

Credits

Participants in the project from Xavier University included Amy Ensor, former Director, University Library; Marty Ferrell, Head, Collection Development, Special collections, & Preservation; and Marcia Poggione, Head, Web Services & Open Access. Teresa Chupp, a volunteer who devoted countless hours reviewing transcriptions and uploading files, was an indispensable member of the project team and we appreciate her contribution. We thank our digitization partner, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County; and our transcription vendor, Backstage Library Works. The digitization and transcription of the collection was made possible through a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), awarded by the State Library of Ohio in 2010.

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William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding Jackson's health and attacks on the Secretary of State.

3-18-1831
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding payment of Dawson's claims against the government.

9-13-1831
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the National Bank.

12-29-1831
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding attacks on Secretary of War Eaton.

7-2-1831
Thomas Hart Benton letter to Moses Dawson

Thomas Hart Benton

Letter from Benton to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) about Dawson's course regarding Van Buren and Benton's support of another man. Created between 1818-1844.

1830
Bill from Moses Dawson to Dr. Henry B. Funk

Moses Dawson

Bill, Moses Dawson to Henry B. Funk. Cincinnati, Ohio for thirteen dollars and sixty-two cents.

12-22-1830
Moses Dawson letter to William Berkeley Lewis

Moses Dawson

Letter from Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) to Lewis regarding the Globe newspaper publication cycle and making allusions to Major Thomas Henry Eaton and Mrs. Eaton. Dawson asks Lewis whether he advises printing articles sent last year. Created between 1829-1844.

1830
Moses Dawson letter to William Berkeley Lewis

Moses Dawson

Letter from Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) about the importance of appointing the right man as governor of Huron Territory. He recommends Colonel Piatt for the good of the party in Ohio. He is possibly writing to Major William Berkeley Lewis.

3-23-1830
Elijah Hayward letter to Moses Dawson

Elijah Hayward

Letter from Hayward (Washington City) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding Dawson's nomination to Senate; Hammond's evidence against him; intervention of President; need for material for defense; election to Supreme Court of Ohio.

2-11-1830
Elijah Hayward letter to Moses Dawson

Elijah Hayward

Letter from Hayward (Washington City) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the President's efforts on Dawson's behalf; help of Col. Platt; hope for favorable decision.

2-15-1830
Andrew Jackson letter to Moses Dawson

Andrew Jackson

Letter from Jackson (Hermitage) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the resignation of General Herrick and the appointment of Noah Swayne. It also talks about Jackson's views on a national bank of deposit in time of war.

7-17-1830
Andrew Jackson letter to William Burke and others. Committee. Cincinnati, Ohio

Andrew Jackson and William Burke

Signature of Hiram Powers. Created between 1818-1844. Wrapper is dated May 13 and postmarked Nashville, Tennessee.

1830
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding dinner with Harrison, the Senate not cooperating with the President, the United States Bank, and Indian affairs.

5-15-1830
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding congressional meetings and appointments and the election of Haywood to the Ohio Supreme Court.

2-10-1830
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding payment for grass seed, trade with the West Indies, and Henry Clay.

9-30-1830
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson, 1831

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding Dawson's article on his own rejection by the Senate, furnishing supplies to Indians moving West, and Jackson's vetoes.

6-9-1830
Art Epistolaire manuscript

Unknown creator

Manuscript likely created after 1818. Possibly a student essay or copybook.

1830
Rules for Presidential Succession

Unknown creator

Created between 1818-1844.

1830
Sentiment to Daughters of the Emerald Isle

Unknown creator

Text reads "The Daughters of the Emerald Isle - obedient and dutiful children, faithful and loving wives, affectionate mothers, virtue and beauty united. Erin go Bragh." Created between 1800-1844.

1830
Unidentified correspondent to Moses Dawson

Unknown creator

Appears to be a portion of a letter. Possibly created between 1818-1844.

1830
Martin Van Buren letter to Moses Dawson

Martin Van Buren

Letter from Van Buren (Kinderhook, New York) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the return of misdirected post and offering congratulations upon the outcome of the Democratic Caucus in Ohio. Created between 1818-1844.

1830
William Taylor Barry letter to Moses Dawson

William T. Barry

Letter from Barry (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) expresses concern over alleged administration interference in Kentucky elections. Barry writes that Van Buren had nothing to do with it and no interference was meant.

8-13-1829
Moses Dawson letter to Major John Henry Eaton

Moses Dawson

Letter from Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) to Major Eaton regarding the presidential prospects of Clay, McLean, Hammond, and Jackson; uncertainty of situation; does not know whom to support; question of a second term for Jackson; arguments against McLean, Hammond, and Clay attempting to split Jackson's support by advancing McLean as the candidate.

8-31-1829
George Graham letter to Moses Dawson

George Graham

Letter from Graham (Treasury Department, General Land Office, Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) requesting a more detailed inventory of articles turned over to Dawson by his predecessor in office as Receiver of Public Funds.

7-22-1829
Duff Green letter to Moses Dawson

Duff Green

Letter from Green (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding arrangements to sell 100 copies of Trial of Mr. Watkins; proceeds to be remitted.

8-29-1829