Letters by Thomas Elwyn to his brother William, 1805, 1812

Abstract

Three letters written by Thomas Elwyn in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to his brother William in England, 1805-1812. Two of the letters were written in 1812 and mention the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States.

The first letter is dated at Portsmouth [New Hampshire], March 14, 1805, and is addressed to George’s Coffee House, Temple Bar, London. The letter is four pages. Elwyn writes about his work publishing an anonymous pamphlet titled “Letter to a Federalist” defending Thomas Jefferson and his Administration against Federalist critics. Although he did not put his name to it “the feds discovered the author and everything was sought for to abuse me personally”. He writes about the praise and criticism he received since its publication but is very pleased with his work, noting that “the facility with which I write is amazing to myself…my elegance of language, admirable choice of words, and great power of commanding the attention may enrich me very greatly”. Elwyn had sent a copy of this publication to President Jefferson and later received a letter from the President thanking him for his support.

The second letter is dated at Portsmouth, January 25, 1812, and is addressed to W.B. Elwyn, Barrister at Law, Bristol, England. The letter is four pages. Elwyn writes about a possible reunion with his brother in England but notes that “I will never…take my family from this place whilst Mr. Langdon [his father-in-law] lives. They shall at least stay to assuage the pains and enliven the last dull scenes of his life”. He goes on to tell his brother not to emigrate, despite the disappointment that this will cause Elwyn and his family. This is because of the political state of the country. There is “no talk but of war within the walls of Congress. An act already passed for raising 25,000 additional regulars. Another nearly so far embodying 50,000 volunteers. 1,900,000 appropriated for the purchases of munitions of war. The President speaking of nothing but resistance to the hostility of Britain. Yet no one alarmed—not a thought of war in the minds of anyone but Congress”. Elwyn also writes that although he is still a Federalist, he has decided to abandon American public life.

The third letter is dated at Portsmouth, December 10, 1812 and is addressed to W.B. Elwyn, Barrister at Law, Bristol, England. The letter is four pages and mostly discusses the war. He writes that “There are so many difficulties in the way of writing in the present unhappy relations of our two countries, that I shall beg you to do towards me as I shall towards you—write whenever you have an opportunity, always think of me with affection and confidence in my regard and let us flatter ourselves that we all continue in good health and shall one day be recompensed for the painful alienation we suffer”. Elwyn writes that he lives as quietly as possible and his property has not been severely injured by the war. He adds that “England has behaved admirably in most respects since the war began. Prejudice and passion subside every day. As manly a war as you will on the drumbeaters in Canada—no sniveling, pitiful submission, no contempt, but for heaven’s sake, no burnings, no wanton destruction and cruelty. This would unite all parties against you…Recollect we are a free country and the reluctance of a great potion of our people to engage at all in the war. This will account for the ridiculous management of our Canada expeditions.”