Hugh Henry Brackenridge, 1748-1816, jurist and author, classmate at Princeton of Freneau and Madison, is known chiefly as the author of the important literary satire Modern Chivalry . He was also a writer of Revolutionary propaganda, in plays, poems and political pamphlets. In 1799 he was appointed by Governor McKean Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Other works by him appear in this catalogue.

Begins: It will be recollected by the citizens of this territory, and of Adams County in particular, that on the fourth Monday in July last, (being the day of election) a handbill was circulated, containing amongst other things, copies of two letters addressed by me to my friends in Virginia; the one to Col. Thomas M. Randolph, and the other to John W. Eppes, Esquire, both sons-in-law to the President of the United States, and the latter gentleman a member of Congress from that state--I was astonished at finding copies of my letters thus exposed, and on enquiry, found, that governor Williams had procured their publication, and circulation, and had said that they were forwarded to him from the city of Washington . . .

On January 30, 1808, Governor Williams wrote from Washington, Mississippi Territory, to Jefferson: “I am informed by a friend whose moderation and discretion are such, as to induce violent partizans and credulous Zealots, to suppose he did not discountenance their measures, therefore disclosed them to him that letters have been written to M ^r. Thomas M Randolph, and M ^r. Epps by a M ^r. Bramham making the most false statements and representations respecting this Territory and its political situation--

"All I know of this young man is that he came to the country with Judge Leech; is practicing the law on a very moderate scale; is a very busy body, and so anxious to get into office, (under an administration too he so much dislikes) that he can’t be easy or satisfied in a state of probation--He has united with the opposition party here, and is well qualified to be a member thereof--Although pretending to be great politicians, they have no policy--Can’t keep their own secrets--

"I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with either M ^r. Randolph or Epps--Perhaps representations made in a certain way, may therefore, have a temporary effect with them relative to a person with whom they have not an acquaintance; however the drift of such communications to those genlmen I presume will be easily understood by them and others . . .”

This pamphlet contains copies of various letters that passed between Bramham and Thomas Mann Randolph, Bramham and Governor Williams, and other people concerned. The letter to Jefferson quoted above is not printed in the pamphlet.

Robert Williams, 1773-1836, Governor of Mississippi Territory.