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Papers of Richard Cutts, 1753-1886, Accession #10029-e, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
This collection was given to the University of Virginia Library by Susan Lyman, Charleston, South Carolina, on 28 April 2001.
Richard Cutts (1771-1845) was a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, born on Cutts Island, Saco, Maine. He graduated from Harvard in 1790, beame a member of the State house of representatives, 1799 and 1800. Cutts was then elected as a Democrat to Congress, 1810-1813. Later he was appointed as superintendent general of military supplies, 1813-1817, and as Second Comptroller of the U.S. Treasury, 1817-1829.
This autograph collection consists chiefly of letters to Richard Cutts. The letters are from prominent individuals, primarily of Maine and Massachusetts and other areas of New England.
Also present are invitations from Dolley Madison and [Lydia Howard] Sigourney; a commission for Walter Coles Cutts as midshipman, signed by John Quincy Adams; a commission for Richard Cutts as a Massachusetts Justice of the Peace, signed by Governor Joshua Strong; envelopes franked by Dolley Madison (no content) and one envelope franked by President James Madison; brief genealogical materials on the Cutts family; two letters to Lucia Beverly Cutts (1851-?), grand-niece of Dolley Madison, concerning Memoirs and Letters of Dolly Madison: wife of James Madison, President of the U.S. ; news clippings; an oath of Richard Cutts to perform the duties of Superintendent General of Military Supplies of the United States sworn before Joseph Forrest; obituaries for Colonel Richard D. Cutts, Dr. Harry M. Cutts; and General Richard D. Cutts (1817-1883); recepits for pew rent and a minister's salary; a poem addressed to the Honorable John Quincy Adams; a printed appeal for biographical information from Harvard graduates from John Langdon Sibley; promissory note signed by James Madison; and a silhouette fo Martha Jefferson Hackley Cutts.
Warns recipient that he will be removed from office and replaced by Richard Cutts for political reasons
Congratulates Cutts on his new position and discusses the purchase of a new set of china for Mrs. Cutts
Ships the red wine ordered by Cutts
Introduces his partner to [James?] Monroe
Notifies Cutts of an unfavorable decision by a committee of the Bank of the United States concerning a debt
Comments on the recent election of Madison as raising the spirit of the Republicans in his area and the death of Governor Sullivan as not harming their chances in next year's gubernatorial election
Requests his help in securing command of a revenue cutter from the district of Frenchman's Bay west to the Penobscot River in Maine
Discusses the participation of himself and his men int eh Battle of Chrystler's Farm on November 11th and requests his aid in avoiding duty at New Orleans
Thanks him for his assistance in securing army and other appointments for himself and his friends, mentions conflict between local Federalists and Republicans, especially concerning Colonel Learned
Warns that the British influence in New England might pave the way for a separation of the states due to the reaction to the Embargo, referring particularly to the influence of the letter rom Rimothy Pickering to the Governor
Makes disparaging remarks about the New York militia refusing to cross the lines at Lake Champlain and to fight their way to the Saint Lawrence River, partly from the political motive of outsting Madison from the presidency by military disasters
Acknowledges the receipt of a proxy from Cutts to him while president of the Bank of the United States
Coles, cousin of Anna Cutts, asks Richard Cutts to pay the taxes on his lots in the City of Washington to prevent their being sold for taxes, and to find out if Mr. Crawford intends to have a public sale of lands at the Illinois land office
Conveys his consternation at being appointed by Mr. Rish to examine the land offices of India when he had requested an appointment in Illinois
Has received the forms for making his quarterly returns, and teasingly asks Mrs. Cutts to search for him a wife
Recommends several people for office and defends his service in office, protesting that he was not reappointed
Writing from Monticello she regrets being unable to accept her invitation to visit; expects Mrs. Madison to make her usual visit to Monticello in April, and comments on the extreme cold
Discusses Cutts' removal from office
Writes a moving note during the British attack on Washington, "My Sister Tell me for gods sake where you are and what going to do -- I have only time to ask Mr. C- to take out he fore part of the carriage -- put in the piano -- and anything he can get in there or in a wagon if the British are coming -- we can hear nothing but what is horrible here -- I know not who to send this to -- and will say but little"
Plans to leave Montpelier for Washington with her brother James and informs her husband that Mr. Madison has had two letters from R. Smith, who says [Andrew?] Jackson refuses to make communication until the arrival of the President
Asks for the help of his cousin in securing the post of Secretary of State
His brother writes concerning financial matters
His brother forwards his mail and mentions the launching of the ship [ Castor ?] and other related business matters
Refers tonews of a treaty in London, probably the Monroe-Pickney Treaty and the surrender of Aaron Burr and his forces to the militia of the Mississippi Territory
Refers to his recent appointment and the fears of the friends of James Monroe upon his appointment of John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State
Mentions the hand bill about British cruelty upon the inhabitants of Virginia, the poor in Maine suffering from lack of bread, and Judge Kelham's request for six mails a week at Wenham
His cousin discusses Cutts Family genealogy
Asks for his help in securing an appointment and a mortgage on his daughter's land at [Saco?] Falls
Requests the establishment of a post road from Fryeburg to Waterford, Maine
Discusses the possible appointment as a commissioner to adjust the Yazoo claims
Approves of Madison's appointment of General John Armstrong (1758-1843) of New York as Secretary of War; discusses New York politics, particularly De Witt Clinton, mayor of New York City, and the unpopularity of G[ideon?] Granger
Writes that the King of Spain had sent notice that the United States was to keep its right of deposit at New Orleans on the same footing as it was prior to his orders last autumn, until another agreement could be reached between the two governments
Has paid the duties and freight for the articles on the brig Rambler destined for Mr. and Mrs. Madison; ashamed for the lack of support in Boston for the government and the war against Great Britain; believes that Russia, France, Holland, Spain, and the Italian states have the same interests as the United States in reducing the power and control of Great Britain over the ocean; also predicts another revolution in France.
Asks for her to sit for her portrait
Promises that the parcels intended for James Madison will be taken by Hazlewood Farish to Montpelier or the Orange Courthouse
Two letters as Secretary of War to Ingels, acknowledging receipts for Indian goods (1811 Dec 24); letters to Cutts include: advice on recruiting for the military force for the War of 1812 (1813 Jan 25); asks about arrangements for his passage to Europe, with a note on the verso page from Benjamin W. Crowninshield (1814 Mar 18); discusses scheme to take Montreal in the winter over the ice (1814 Jun 22); inquires about the records of the War Office and other matters following the burning of Washington by the British (1814 Sep 16); his approval of James Monroe as Secretary of War and of James Madison's speech following the attack on Washington (1814 Oct 5); asks if the account of expenditures spent on the Boston harbor and fortifications for several years could answer the critics of the government who believed Boston had been neglected (1814 Oct 19); discusses the militia bill of [William Branch] Giles (1814 Nov 25); refers to the Battle of New Orleans, "Should they stand & beat the enemy, he & they [his troops] will deserve immortality" (1815 Jan 28 & Feb 13); and describes his arrival in Holland to take up his post as minister to Holland (1815 Nov 26)
Writes "since the President's message they [the Federalist Party] have nothing to attend to but separation business"
Warns that the British have agents in Washington ready to kill Madison by dagger of poison
Writes concerning a financial matter
Asks for his recommendations for the posts of collectors of Saco and Kennebunk
Sends flannel to Mrs. Cutts and reflects with pleasure on her visit to Montpelier
Asks that the President permit their vessels to go as far as the Sakonnet River and still be in compliance with the Embargo, and mentions the amount of whale oil carried by several vessels, including one with 1,600 barrels of oil valued at $75,000
Forwards letters (not attached) from his district for Cutts to bring before the President as he thought best
Discusses several legal matters
Discusses the best way to raise troops (1812-1813) and the effect of the burning of Washington by the British (1814 Sep 19)
Writes of financial matters, appointments, and personal news; discusses his salt producing business at Clarksburg, Ohio (1814 Jul 25; Aug 19)
Advises Cutts on a college for his son
Offers his services to the branch of the Bank of the United States at Washington
Discusses foreign affairs with Europe, the new reign of Louis XVIII of France, and the opposition of New England to the War of 1812 against Great Britain
Discusses the heavy snows, the building of a meeting-house, and plans for a new bank at Portland
Discusses political appointments, local politics, and the Bank of the United States
Discuss their plans to raise a regiment in York County, Maine
Expresses his pleasure with the papers and speeches Cutts has sent him and the activities of Congress; reports the election of Nicholas Gilman as Senator (1804)
Explains he was unaware of his appointment until he received the letter from Cutts
Writing probably as a member of the New York state legislature, he complains that President Madison has not rewarded his friends in New York with patronage and support but his enemies
Complains about the performance of the revenue officers of Maine in curbing smugglers since the beginning of the war; every port is full of British goods; the collector at Castine in contrast has performed his duty well; believes that the British are actively purchasing provisions for their army at the port of Belfast
Writes concerning the inconvenience of the dates of the district and state courts
Seeks the office of collector of the excise taxes at Boston
Offers to build and rig a twenty gun ship for the government by June
Requests assistance in settling the account of the United States with the estate of the late collector, Joseph Tucker
Writes shortly after the death of James Madison, thanking him for his sympathy, asks him to visit Mr. Morris of the Highlands and tell him that she valued his friendship and advice, and says of her husband, "I would write but have not power over my confused and oppressed mind to speak fully [the rest?] of the enduring goodness of my beloved husband! - he left me many pledges of his confidence and love especially all his valued writings, from the proceeds of the first part (the Debates in the Convention of 1787) I have to pay donations to several public Institutions"
Discusses the transport of prisoners from Salem to Halifax
Discusses the difficulties involved with Virginia tracing her title to disputed Western lands
Asks assistance in securing a pension for the widow of John Lee, discharged from the army in 1783; also lists the names of his children
Sends letter of introduction for Joseph W. [Harnum?]
Mentions shortages in corn, flour, coffee, and other staples (1813 May 8); the election of Elbridge Gerry as Vice-President, the activities of the Federalists in Massachusetts, and no news of the U.S. frigate Chesapeake (1813 Jun 11); refers to the resolves by [Harrison Gray] Otis supporting Vermont in the bid to recall state militias from the service of the United States and smuggling in New England (1814 Jan 17); and concern over the burning of Washington (1814 Oct 6)
Writes his wife from Havana with personal news and describes in detail the "young queen's" wedding, presumably at Havana
With an attached letter from James Taylor, January 23, 1815, both concerned with helping their friend, Captain Payne, find new employment
Writing from Montpelier, she congratulates Anna on the birth of her son, and extols the delights of staying at Montpelier, mentioning the house, surroundings, inhabitants, and its extensive library
Writes of the opposition to the administration in the eastern district of Massachusetts, and of his hopefulness that the effectiveness of President Madison's speech will unite the opposition
Sends her regards and hopes that her husband will soon be able to return home
Sends a recommendation for the appointment of Librarian to Congress
Asks for his help getting permission from the Secretary of State to equip a ship from the port of Boston to carry passengers and mail to England
Asks for a position in the Boston Post Office
Writes concerning the appointments of his sons to the navy
Has published his opinions about the election in The Boston Patriot
Thanks Cutts for the newspapers and asks him to send him the publications of some agricultural societies so he can improve the productivity of his fields and garden
Requests forms to comply with the request of Mr. Eustis
Says that the recent elections has made him ashamed of New England, "that patriotism which animated our fathers in the revolution has fled to the backwoods of Kentucky and Ohio," disagrees with the contention that the election of DeWitt Clinton would bring peace, and promises "Fear not Massachusetts - and her satellites - she is almost ashamed to see you carry on the war without her. Forty thousand of her sons have not yet bowed the knee to Baal" (1812 Nov 23); while news of the disaster concerning the forces of James Winchester on the frontier was a terrible blow, he is encouraged by news of the destruction of the British frigate Java (1813 Feb 18); describes a large Republican convention at Alfred, Maine, and welcomes news of the victory of the U.S. Hornet over the British ship The Peacock (1813 Mar 25); mentions the American victories at York (present-day Toronto) and Fort Meigs, and admits to being open to an appointment if his abilities are needed (1813 Jun 2 & 15); and discusses the estate of Foxwell Cutts (1817 Apr 8)
Requests his help in securing an appointment for Franklin Greene as an officer in the army
Asks for his help in applying for the office of collector at Boston
Writes concerning Eaton's petition to Benjamin Crowninshield
Asks for her help in completing shirts for her son George before he sails
Writes from the Washington City Prison, relating the details of his incarceration and begging for her help
Presents Mrs. Cutts with another pack of snuff to be shared with her sister
Discusses a controversy about the appointment of General Commissioner of Bankruptcy for the District of Maine
Believes that Madison is popular in Vermont (1812 Jan 21); the Senate has confirmed the army appointment of Henry Dearborn (1812 Jan 28); and says that the "success of [Andrew] Jackson and the peace" has confounded the opposition (1815 Feb 27)
Sends a book as a gift and thanks him for his true and sincere friendship
Sends orders for his naval service
Sends his condolence over the death of Cutts' mother
Discusses his insurance policy on The Yorrick
Defends Colonel L.D. Learned against charges of improper conduct while contracting for cartridge boxes
Describes her travels in Great Britain, particularly Scotland, and furnishes details about the young Queen Victoria; mentions the publication of Mr. Madison's works and that Mrs. Coolidge goes to China in March
Has safely arrived from London at Norfolk, and asks his opinions about the future of trade with either France or England
Asks that the Cutts look out for his son, George, now visiting Washington, congratulates Cutts on the election, and believes Albert Gallatin a man of much ability
Sends letter of introduction for Dr. John Martin
Mentions the interruption of the commerce of the United States by the French and assures her that he has all of her letters and will get them to her as soon as he can find a proper conveyance
Asks him to pay his subscription to The Universal Gazette and send him copies of reports from Congress
Forwards a request for an appointment to army by David Thomas
Reveals concerns about Monroe's appointment of John Quincy Adams and asks him to take care of some financial matters for him Washington (1817 Apr 15); three slaves and his son, Johnson, sick with typhoid fever, caused him to miss the current term of the Supreme Court, although he was anxious about changes in the judicial system (1819 Jan 31); and plans to visit Montpelier on the way home to Frankfurt, Kentucky (1822 Mar 3)
Writes that the sons of the late Governor Roger Griswold stand accused of "holding direct intercourse with the British squadron" as an example of the treachery going on in Connecticut (1814 Mar 22); asks for help with an appointment (1815 Feb 13); and mentions the mortification of the enemies of the administration of Madison at news of the peace agreement (1815 Mar 20)
Discusses political appointments for Massachusetts
Inquires after her health and asks if there is anything she can do for her in her illness
Thanks her for her letter and pamphlet, proposes to settle in Boston, and sends his regards to the rest of her family ([1782?] Nov 5); and to Richard Cutts, offers to supply Cutts with a correct list of the newly adopted names of medicines used by the medical staff of the army, for the military supply forms, and complains at his treatment by a young surgeon at the Brownsville Hospital, now supposedly acting as an inspector of medical men and matters at Cambridge and who desires his post (1816)
Approves of the Republican administrations of Jefferson and Madison, congratulates Cutts on his appointment, and discusses the interest of his son, Nathan Weston, Jr., in the appointment of district attorney for Augusta County, Maine
Supports John Balkam for an appointment in the army
Supports Captain Ebenezer Greenleaf for an appointment as sailing master in the navy
Discusses troubles with the Embargo in his area of Portland, Maine, suggests using fast sailing schooners to enforce the Embargo, offers to build them for the navy at $4,600 each, and tells a story of a man who informed the collector about a cargo of rum and was tarred and feathered for his trouble (1808 Dec 2 & 24)
Orders him to New York to report for duty
Discusses an appointment for district attorney in Boston