To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 25 February 1803
From Levi Lincoln
Feby 25th. 1803
Sir
It may be gratifying to learn the temper of friends, in distant parts of the Country. By the enclosed you will perceive one I hope, in which, the spirit of republicanism is about to exhibit, itself, in Massachusetts. Similar preparations, it is said, are making in other parts of that State—Such things have a double effect—to animate on the one hand, on the other, to depress—All my late letters, speak of Government measures, with approbation, & confidence of their success—The lawyers are coming around—the Clergy, becoming mute, and I suspect the Worcester celebration will be without prayers, for the want of a priest to make them
Most respectfully yours,
L Lincoln
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “President of US”; endorsed by TJ. Recorded in SJL as received 28 Feb. Enclosure: probably a notice addressed “To All True Republicans and Friends of the Federal Union,” dated 16 Feb., announcing a public celebration to be held in Worcester on 4 Mch. for all “desirous of rejoicing in our glorious return to the first principles of our Revolution, at the commencement of the present Administration”; the event includes a discharge of cannon, a procession to the South Meeting House to hear an address by Levi Lincoln, Jr., “appropriate Music,” and a public dinner; with the request that officers and members of the Worcester Artillery Company join in the celebration “and perform the Military Honors of the day”; tickets are available for $1 through the committee of arrangements, which includes Samuel Flagg, Abraham Lincoln, Francis Blake, and four others (Worcester National Aegis, 16 Feb.; Massachusetts Spy, or Worcester Gazette, 16 Feb.).
worchester celebration: see enclosure described above and Lincoln to TJ, 15 Mch.