234 On the Correspondence of Governor D. D. Tompkins. 



The first is a letter from Governor Tompkins and illustrates the 

 operation of the party animosities of the day. 



February 29, 1812: 



To the Hon. Peter B. Porter : 



The enclosed letter is from Judge Ostrom, who wishes an appoint- 

 ment in the army. He was formerly a decided Federalist and repre- 

 sented Oneida county in the Assembly for several years. But disap- 

 pointment in 1810 and disgust with the Federal party since, has caused 



him to avow himself a republican He is well qualified for a major 



in the army and I can recommend him cheerfully 



By a list, which it is understood is before the Secretary of War, I 

 learn that the names of Aquila Giles and Solomon Van Rensselaer, 

 B j i \\ dker and William North are presented for the first grades 



of command Our republicans will illy brook it, that the command 



of an army in a contest with Great Britain should be entrusted to 



March 2, 1812. 



To John Bullus: 



* * * I have been repeatedly desired to mention to you that the 

 republicans in this quarter are desirous that instead of Mr. Walton, 

 some friend to the government should have the transportation of 

 navy articles from Albany to the western waters. 



Walton is considered in the light of a British adherent, and is 

 largely engaged in smuggling from Canada. * * * Eli Lusher is 

 the republican transporter. 



I have mounted your charger but once, and his spirits were then so 

 high, that it put me in a fine perspiration to ride him about ten miles 

 * * * As soon as the ice leaves the roads I shall pay him off for 

 his winter frolick. 



m „ April 3, 1812. 



To Gen. Paulding: 



I have received your letter relative to the application of Mr. Davis 

 for the office of deputy commissary general. I have already recom- 

 mended Col. Lamb. Even if I had not, I should be reluctant to 

 hazard any further recommendations, after such men as William North, 

 P . I. Schuyler, Robert L. Livingston, etc., are honored with the highest 

 military distinctions in this State by a republican administration. I 

 shall avoid even the appearance of responsibility in the appointments 

 to be made 



I have received an order from Washington to station militia at Nia- 



