[mainly in copyist’s hand]

1819 May 24

Defence of | | Ballot

Caucussing from Fearon

p. 320

*1

1

Fearon pp. 320 to 325. Elections. In all the electioneering addresses which I have seen, it is deserving of remark, that the defeated party complain of the corrupt influence of “Caucus”. I have often enquired the meaning of this term, or the nature of the power exercised, but have not received any very satisfactory information. An American Writer says that it is a “cant term for those private meetings which are held by the political parties, previous to Elections, for the purpose of agreeing upon Candidates for office, or concerting any measure which they design carrying, at the subsequent public meeting.” The other day I called upon a resident of this City, a person of some political importance. Aware that the subject is already and very variously discussed throughout the States, I casually enquired, “Who do you think, Sir, will be your next President”? He gave no reply, except by a significant nod. I followed up my enquiry by, “Do you think, Sir, M r Adams will be selected?” To which he answered with decided confidence, “No; I guess not, Sir; we have the man, we have the man, we know our man. Crawford (the present Secretary of the Treasury) had it in caucus last time within a few.” I enquired what he meant by having it in Caucus; for that M r Munroe was elected by an overwhelming Majority. His answer was – “Ah! I guess you don’t understand our modes; when you have been here a few years, you will comprehend these things. Only mind, I tell you Adams never can be President; for he will not be able to do any thing with Caucus”. From Minute Enquiry, I understood that this thing called Caucus, was practically invented by M r John Adams, during his Presidentship; and that it is now universally practised in the Election to every office in America.

Since