Thomas Tillotson (1750-1832)
This letter was written by Thomas Tillotson (1750-1832)—an American patriot. In 1776, he was commissioned as a First lieutenant in the Maryland Militia, and served during the American Revolutionary War. He was appointed by Congress as a physician and surgeon general of the Northern Department of the Continental Army in 1780, and served until the close of the war. Afterward, he settled in Rhinebeck, New York and engaged in the practice of medicine.
A Federalist, he represented Dutchess County in the New York State Assembly in 1788. In 1790, State Senator Anthony Hoffman died, and Tillotson was elected to fill the vacancy. He was a member of the State Senate from 1791 to 1799, and served as a member of the Council of Appointment in 1791. He was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the 7th United States Congress in 1800, but resigned on August 10, 1801, before Congress met to become Secretary of State of New York. He remained in this office until March 15, 1806, and again from February 16, 1807 to February 1, 1808. He died in Rhinebeck on May 5, 1832 and was buried in the Livingston family vault in the cemetery at the Dutch Reformed Church in Rhinebeck.
In this letter, Thomas Tillotson offers to use whatever influence he might have with the State Legislature in Albany to make some adjustments favorable to his acquaintance—the purchaser of some lands acquired from the State of New York in what was called the Oneida Purchase. In 1788, the Oneidas ceded most of their six million acre homeland to the State, reserving only 300,000 acres for themselves.
It is not stated to whom Tillotson wrote this letter nor have I been able to determine the recipient’s identity based on the content. Tillotson was well-connected in the political community of his time. He is known to have corresponded with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, for example.
TRANSCRIPTION
Rhinebeck [New York]
November 29, 1800
Dear Sir,
Your favor of this month from Utica is come to hand. I propose passing a week or two in Albany towards the first of March next when I shall with pleasure give you any assistance in my power towards rectifying any advantage the State may have taken of you in adjusting your Oneida purchase.
When I use the word assistance it can only mean by way of conversation with some of the members for anything further would be beyond my powers. Whilst with these members of the Legislature—as one of them—some attention will be paid and opinions; but as soon as that connection is dissolved, the influence ceases to exert itself. New members come in with new prejudices and new objects and former services are forgotten. I mention this thing to heed you that little estimate should be placed on the exertions of one circumstanced as I am however desirous I may be to serve you.
I have waited to hear from you on the subject of the Charlotte lands. Ere this I supposed the sale for quit-rents had taken place and that you would have sent a person (or come yourself) to have examined the Mills. I have sold a farm for the purpose of having some money ready to comply with such engagements as I might be induced to make. If the exchange should be made and I could get the one-forth together at one or other end of the patent, I might be able to make better payments than first contemplated.
You will have some business probably at New York this fall or the coming winter. Call on me and I will accompany you to the Mills where you can form some opinion of their value, or of their capability of being rendered valuable. Perhaps such a visit independent of your New York business might not prove a disagreeable one. You need not feel any apprehensions from Democratic inhospitality. I am yours with great respect &c., — Tho. Tillotson
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