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 Henry Harrison letter to Moses Dawson

William Henry Harrison

Harrison (Cleves, Ohio) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) Hammond has the correspondence between William Henry Harrison and Major Moore; was published correctly in the Gazette; no vindication of Harrison's character in the local press; all the correspondence should be published.

7-14-1829
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding Senate nominations and Jackson's arrival in Washington.

2-12-1829
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding Ohio General Assembly elections, Jackson's possible second term, attacks on Secretary of War Eaton, and the effects of the Kentucky Gazette on the treaty with the Chickasaw (also known as Treaty of Franklin).

10-23-1829
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding Indian affairs.

10-24-1829
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the removal of federal officers in Ohio and Dawson's attitude towards Col. Newell.

5-19-1829
Martin Van Buren letter to Moses Dawson

Martin Van Buren

Van Buren (Washington) writes to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) that the application of Dawson's son will be favorably considered, but Van Buren cannot commit himself this early.

8-3-1829
B.E.W. Earl letter to Moses Dawson

B. E. W. Earl

Letter from Earl (Nashville, Tennessee) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding subscriptions to the Friend of Reform; continue to send Advertiser. P.S. Jackson and wife in good health; grateful for Dawson's defense of womanhood; return of Major Lewis.

6-10-1828
James Findlay letter to Moses Dawson

James Findlay

Letter from Findlay (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) enclosing thirty-five dollars. Findlay discusses a collection for Dawson's patriotic purpose and comments that a pamphlet concerning Mrs. Jackson is all over the country.

3-23-1828
William Berkeley Lewis letter to Moses Dawson

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from Lewis (Nashville, Tennessee) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the health of the Jackson family, Ohio elections, and upcoming presidential elections.

11-21-1828
Robert Lucas letter to Moses Dawson

Robert Lucas

Letter from Lucas (Friendly Grove, Pike County, Ohio) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding Democrats of the district fighting hard for House and Campbell but the opposition is to be feared.

9-30-1828
Robert T. Lytle letter to Moses Dawson

Robert T. Lytle

Letter from Lytle (Columbus, Ohio) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding amendments to city charters, bills in Congress, and new senators.

12-20-1828
James McLane letter to Moses Dawson

James McLane

Letter from McLane (or McLean?) (Columbus, Ohio) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) commenting that the state printers organization is going to fail.

2-18-1828
John Overton letter to Moses Dawson

John Overton

Letter from Overton (Nashville, Tennessee) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding biographical information on Jackson, particularly about his appointment as Attorney General in the territory that is now Tennessee; Court organization at time of Jackson's trial; doubtful facts of the quarrel with Samuel Jackson.

6-7-1828
James Paton Jr. letter to Editor of the Friend of Reform

James Paton Jr.

Letter from Paton (Paris, Kentucky) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding subscription to the paper; Benning to forward the money.

4-10-1828
A. St. Clair III letter to Looker and Reynolds and Moses Dawson

Arthur St. Clair

Letter from St. Clair (Lawrenceburg, Indiana) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the lack of a pro-Jackson paper in the Lawrenceburg district; proposes to Dawson that Looker and Reynolds publish one in Cincinnati.

8-18-1828
L. C. Allen Jr. letter to Moses Dawson

L. C. Allen Jr.

Letter from Allen (Louisville, Kentucky) to Dawson requesting (Cincinnati, Ohio) that Dawson insert an advertisement announcing the opening of an office in Louisville. Letter also discusses the Washington lottery.

6-19-1827
Moses Dawson letter to Henry Clay

Moses Dawson

Letter from Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) to Henry Clay regarding a paper from Registrar's office. Dawson writes that the threat is an unworthy way of showing friendship to Clay and he is sending a copy of threat.

5-24-1827
Duff Green letter to Moses Dawson

Duff Green

Letter from Green (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding position for Dawson's son being assured; Buchanan's course lowering his popularity; only difficulty is the vice-presidency; political strategy; position of the west in political situation; nomination of Calhoun; victory is near. P.S. message to Mr. Burke.

9-24-1827
Duff Green letter to Moses Dawson

Duff Green

Letter from Green (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the vice-presidential situation and Clay's alliance with Governor Clinton. Green remarks that western action is necessary against this alliance and St. Clairville is setting an example. He also writes about contributions to campaign, warnings against Atwater, and remembrances to Hayward.

10-9-1827
Charles Hammond letter to Moses Dawson

Charles Hammond

Letter from Hammond (Columbus, Ohio) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the history of 1819 Bank Tax law; its execution in the face of injunction and subsequent litigation to the Supreme Court; adjustment of cases; Hammond's attitude toward presidency; alleged supporting of Clay to save damages resulting from lawsuits.

12-7-1827
William Henry Harrison letter to Moses Dawson

William Henry Harrison

Letter from Harrison (North Bend, Ohio) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) offering to help Dawson in any way not incompatible with creditors and family; Dawson's difficulties; Harrison to decide on his actions in a few days.

9-22-1827
William Henry Harrison letter to Moses Dawson

William Henry Harrison

Letter from Harrison (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding remittances from Major Duncan and Richmond in order to transmit to United States Bank in Philadelphia; can draw 200 dollars on receipt of letter. Harrison is very busy, but wants to keep Dawson's interest.

3-4-1827
William Henry Harrison letter to Moses Dawson

William Henry Harrison

Letter from Harrison (Washington) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) takes exception to editorial remarks in Dawson's paper. Harrison also mentions the Navy and treasury reports.

12-27-1827
Duff Green letter to Moses Dawson

Duff Green

Letter from Green (Louisville, Kentucky) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding supplies for the agent in Ohio; selection of agent is up to Jackson's friends; prospects flattering. P.S. Penn indisposed; prospectus enclosed; instructions for agent.

6-27-1826
John Cleves Symmes Harrison letter to Moses Dawson

John Cleves Symmes Harrison

Letter from Harrison (Vincennes, Indiana) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding arrangements to furnish subscribers in Vincennes with Dawson's works and providing a list of subscribers.

9-21-1824