1Charles Collins (of New York) to Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have for sometime past thought of writing to thee and now take the liberty to take up a little of thy attention to a subject that has interested me. The crouded situation of the Chinese and the plenty of room we have in this favoured land of America . Might not the Tea plant be cultivated to advantage in the Southern or Western States. I have understood that it now grows wild in the fields...
2To James Madison from Charles Collins, 30 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 November 1812 , “ Collector’s Office District of Bristol .” Has been informed by David Howell that he has “ceased to be the district attorney for the Rhode Island district.” Recommends Asher Robbins for that office. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Robbins”). 1 p.; torn.
3To James Madison from Charles Collins and David A. Leonard, 18 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1812, Bristol. Recollect that when Cushing’s seat on the U.S. Supreme Court was vacant, Asher Robbins of Newport was “held up as a suitable Candidate by the lawyers & several others, whose motives, in our view, were not worthy an object so important.” Thought at that time that it was their duty to “express to the Executive our thoughts upon the subject.” Distrusted Robbins because...
4To James Madison from Charles Collins, 25 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
Well assured that matters of high consideration press upon thy attention I feel diffident in diverting thee a moment therefrom, but would just say in a brief manner that for sometime past I have felt it my duty to abstain from the consumption of the produce of Slaves and there being some in our society similarly situated I have been induced to commence the trading in such articles as do not...
5To James Madison from Charles Collins and David A. Leonard, 27 November 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 November 1810, Bristol, Rhode Island. The vacancy on the Supreme Court “has put the spirit of intrigue into quick operation.” The leading Federalists of New England evidently plan to bring forward Asher Robbins of Newport, but his supporters are not “friends to the administration.” The writers suggest Gideon Granger as the best candidate, although “we are not without apprehensions that...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Collins, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A good administration of a republican government is allways to be estimated by a free people, a blessing doubly valuable, as it secures to them their dearest rights & bestows upon them the practical enjoyment of all their liberties. Such, we believe, has been your administration, & such has been its result to the American people;—felt & acknowledged by every true Republican & although felt by...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Collins, 29 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As you are the gentleman orethersed to hear and Redress the Complants of those americans who has Bin presners In England I make Bold to Rite to your honer as a Child wold to a father for I hop Sir you wold Be a father to me at this presant time. I wold Informe your honer that I was taken the 9 of September In the yer 1778 In a Contenantle Brig Resestance...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Collins et al., 8 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Wee understand by Capt obrey that you are the gentelman aurthorized to hear & Redress the Complant and Grievances of the amrican presoners wee thearfore make bold to petition to you Sir on this head that you will be So Good as to hear & answer this our petition poor naked & Distitute as we are hear having bin plundred of all our Clothes & money by The...