James Madison Papers

To James Madison from John Dawson, 4 May 1800

From John Dawson

Phia. May 4th. 1800.

Dear Sir!

The republic is safe. Our ticket has succeeded in the city of N. York by a majority of about four hundred—Burr is in for Orange—accounts from other parts of that state are equally favourable—we may count on a majority of thirty in their legislature;1 & there is good ground to believe the N. Jersey will exhibit the same spirit which her neighbour has done, nor do I think that the Senate of this state will remain obstinate, finding they cannot change the choice—however the party are in rage & despair, & will endeavour to move heaven & hell, rather than give us the loaves & fishes!

I will write you on tomorrow respecting the certificates, this is sunday & I cannot obtain the necessary information. With much Esteem, Your friend

J D

RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.

1The results of the New York legislative elections were seen by both Federalists and Republicans as a crucial test of the upcoming election for president, since that body appointed the state’s presidential electors. Some politicians in both parties saw the New York victory as assurance that Jefferson would be elected. For example, on 20 Apr. Dawson wrote to Monroe of the probable outcome of the presidential election: “I think ‘Old Codfish’ may prepare for Braintree & ‘red breeches’ to quit the mountain” (Kline, Papers of Burr description begins Mary-Jo Kline, ed., Political Correspondence and Public Papers of Aaron Burr (2 vols.; Princeton, N.J., 1983). description ends , 1:419–25; Dawson to Monroe, 20 Apr. 1800 [NN: Monroe Papers]).

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