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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Thomas Taylor letter to Moses Dawson
Thomas Taylor
Letter from Taylor (Richmond, Virginia) to Dawson (Cincinnati, Ohio) regarding the visit of LaFayette; recollections of the Harrison and Wilton families; effect upon wife and daughter; will visit Wilton. Ritchie trying to get appointment for Harrison. Arrangements for the sale of Dawson's book in Virginia. Death of William A. Harrison. Money Matters; and Mr. Creighton's missing papers.
11-15-1824
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The American System
Unknown creator
Letter to be printed in the National Republican newspaper containing answers to the editor of the Cincinnati Gazette, proving Adams's enmity to the favorite policy of the west, protective tariffs, recommendations of Monroe to Congress, comments on Adams, and quotations from inaugural addresses of Adams and Monroe.
1824
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Moses Dawson letter to M. Stout
Moses Dawson
Letter from Dawson (Lexington, Kentucky) to Stout (Lexington, Kentucky) regarding the punishment of Hunt's daughter in school, her brother's anger, an explanation of situation, and the necessity of discipline and no interference in school. Initialed copy.
9-10-1818
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Isaac Shelby and Andrew Jackson letter to John C. Calhoun
Andrew Jackson and Isaac Shelby
Copy of letter from Isaac Shelby and Andrew Jackson (Nashville, Tennessee) to John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War regarding the treaty with Chickasaw Indians; letter of James Colbert to Jackson dated July 17; Jackson's letter of July 24; appointment of time and place for treaty; copy of treaty proceedings and letters entrusted to Robert Butler for delivery; difficulties of price and payment; necessity and importance of transaction's details; hope for approval by president; advantages of paying annuities to Indians in money instead of goods.
10-30-1818
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Darhelou B. D. Ervine letter to Moses Dawson
B. D. Darhelou Ervine
Letter from Ervine to Dawson (Belfast, Ireland) discussing lodge difficulties of Irish Masons; Duke of Leicester succeeds Lord Donoughmore.
9-6-1813
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Unidentified correspondent to Moses Dawson
Unknown creator
Letter from unidentified correspondent (Bloomingdale, New York) to Dawson (Ireland) contains story of immigrant from Ireland to the United States, his troubles and misfortunes. Last pages are missing.
8-3-1811
