WHIG CONVENTION, COLUMBUS, OHIO, 1840
Letter of JOHN M. WOODBRIDGE*
COLUMBUS. Feb. 21, 1840.
DEAR UNCLE: The object of this
communication is to inform you of
the movements in this city at the
present time. I do wish you were here
to participate with us in the
festivities of the occasion. Columbus is already
filled to overflowing. It is computed
that there will be between fifteen and
twenty thousand Whigs in the city before
the close of the week.
Truly this is a movement of the people.
You may be surprised to
learn that I am a delegate from
Washington County to a political conven-
tion as I am soon to be admitted to the
office of the Sacred Ministry, but
I feel that under existing circumstances
it is the duty of all to come up in
defence of their country. In a few
moments an organization of the dele-
gates will be made, and a Governor is
to be nominated. Thomas Corwin
is the prominent Candidate, the names of
Whittlesay [sic], Anthony and
others were named, but "Union
for the sake of Union" is the motto of all
who are opposed to our present
administration.
Feb. 22. 1840.
Last evening the City of Columbus was
brilliantly illuminated and the
committees from the Congressional districts nominated Unanimously
Thomas Corwin as their Candidate for
Governor. A little opposition was
at first manifested by the Confederates
but before the close of the Meeting
unanimity prevailed. "Harrison and
Tyler" meet with the cordial approba-
tion of the Multitude of
delegates who throng the city at this time. Ewing,
Murphy & Kelly have been the orators
of the day. General Bell was ap-
pointed President of the Convention and
Judge Wilson acted as his Alter-
nate. There have been already some
most able and Eloquent addresses.
This Morning was ushered in by the
ringing of bells Cannonading, and
reveille. Never since the days of '76
was there so much rejoicing. Every
heart beats with high anticipations of
the Success of our Cause. And a
feeling of enthusiasm and Zeal will be
carried from this convention which
will produce a revolution in the minds
of the Wavering, and despondent.
The procession is now forming. Now and
then are to be seen a log
* This letter, written from Columbus in
1840 and now preserved among the
William Woodbridge papers in the Burton
Collection of the Detroit Public Library,
has been furnished us by Dr. M. M. Quaife,
secretary-editor of the collection. The
writer, John M. Woodbridge, was a son of
Dudley Woodbridge, of Marietta, and a
nephew of Governor Willis Woodbridge of Michigan.--Editor.
(135)
136
OHIO ARCHEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Cabin filled with the yeomanry of the land. Singing the
"Harrison Song",
and at different intervals Canoes, loaded
with ladies and drawn by six span
of horses, have inscribed on their
sides, "The Hero of Tippecanoe. ["] "Fort
Meigs" in Miniature brings up the train, followed by cavalry,
Infantry,
pedestrians, banners &c. &c. A
little in advance is a Vessel rigged, and
bearing the inscription "Don't give
up the Ship".
As no building could Accomodate [sic]
one fifth of this immense
Multitude. The State house Square is
the place of rendezvous. Gov.
Shannon occupied a seat on the Platform
yesterday with a number of his
party. A disposition was manifest that
this meeting should be considered
as a convention opposed to the present
Administration, Without distinction
of party. By this course, The "Federalist",
"states rights party", "Whigs",
"Harrisonians" &c. all can
unite in harmony. We trust that such an im-
pulse will be given to our Cause, as
will be felt throughout the Whole
Country. Ohio is the pivot, on which the next presidential
Election must
turn.
But I must close this communication,
that I may write with my
fellow citizens on this occasion. Dear
Uncle, Though years have elapsed,
and I have not had an opportunity of
seeing you still I feel that the ties of
nature which bind us together cannot be
severed by distance; I hope that
ere long I may enjoy the privilege of
meeting with you and my dear rel-
atives in Detroit. I expect soon to
enter upon the duties of the Sacred
ministry and shall go, wherever
providence may cast my lot. I intend next
week to visit our friends in Chillicothe
on my return home. had I another
week of leisure time, 1 should certainly
visit you, but am compelled to
deferr [sic] it until some more
Convenient season.
Father and family were enjoying usual
health, when I left home. Do
write soon to your Affectionate Nephew.
JOHN M. WOODBRIDGE.
Addressed: W. WOODBRIDGE, ESQR. GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN DETROIT.
Endorsed: JOHN M. WOODBRIDGE COLUMBUS 1840.