Introduction
The Moses Dawson Correspondence contains digitized and transcribed 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, an alumnus of Xavier University whose spouse was a descendant of Moses Dawson.Credits
Participants in the project from Xavier University included former staff members Amy Ensor, 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.Digital Accessibility & Archival Disclaimer
Archival Status: This collection contains archival materials and historical records created or published on or before May 11, 2026.
Regulatory Compliance: In accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the content hosted within this repository meets the criteria for exemption as Archived Web Content and/or Preexisting Conventional Electronic Documents. These materials are maintained in their original format to preserve historical integrity and institutional record.
Requesting Assistance: Xavier University is committed to ensuring that our digital resources are as accessible as possible. If you encounter barriers to accessing any information in this collection due to a disability, please let us know so we can provide an alternative format. Please contact: webaccessibility@xavier.edu
Adapted for Xavier University with credit to the University of North Florida.
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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
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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
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William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson
William Berkeley Lewis
Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the Secretary of War appointment and attacks on Green and Lewis.
5-31-1831
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Art Epistolaire manuscript
Unknown creator
Manuscript likely created after 1818. Possibly a student essay or copybook.
1830
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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
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Unidentified correspondent to Moses Dawson
Unknown creator
Appears to be a portion of a letter. Possibly created between 1818-1844.
1830
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
