1To 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.
2To 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...
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...