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OSL JOSEPH WILLED[?] to MEIGS

Marietta 14th Sepr. 1812 -

Dr. Sir

Permit me to observe, that the deplorable situation in which Genl. Hull & the army under his command, is placed, has exited much sensibility -- produced much conversation, and many hard words, with us -- though but little laudable ambition, & less exertion -- I liment that so much of your faithfull labors (though successful in your hands) should now be worse than lost to the public -- but I trust the misfortune will ultimately be as a drop to Ocean, as it reguards the stability & strength of the nation -- I am happy to heare of your success in forming a second Army -- I hope their Opporations will be Crowned with success --

The Election of governor draws near -- Suffer me with due respect, & the freedom of a friend, to name to you sum reports, industerously pro- pigated, I presume, for Electioneering purposes, though of no importance in the minds of your friends here, and to contemptable, to be confuted, except, to correct the minds of the credulous and give information to new settlers in remote parts of the state -- (Viz) 1st That Governor Meigs Coales'd with Genll. Hull in all his seling & buying of the army &c. and is to be made independent by receiving one half, of the price of Hull Treason -- 2nd That Governor Meigs might have saiv'd the Fort &c at Detroit, by sending the Troops there which he wantonly keept to Escort him to the treaty over; 3rd. That Governor Meigs, is now confined in Chillicotha Jail, for Treason -- 4th. That Mrs. Meigs is the Sister of Genll. Hull -

This last piece of infamy, seams to be calculated to give courencey to the former -- but to draw into the Vortex, of an Electioneering Vulcano an unoffending Lady, and Attempt to connect his name with a reputed Trator, is a crime of the darkest hue, and must have Originated in the sink of pollution --

I doubt not but these reports have reached you before this, but by desire of Sum of your friends & in Obedieance to my own feeling, I wish this communication, which I am more convinced of the propriety of doing, having seen, within a few days sum Genttlemen from different parts of the State, who say that those reports are not only in circulation, but that they are beleaved by man y -- If for any reason you should think propper to confute those reports, I will leand you any aid in my power --

I know Genl. Hull to be a native of the State of Connecticut & Town of Derby 10 Miles west of New Haven, I am acquainted with many of his family connections, who now reside in that place-- I know Mrs. Meigs to be from the Town of boatchester[?] in sd. state 50 Miles East of New-Haven & am acquainted with many of her family connections who now reside in that place -- but I never knew of any relation between Genl Hull & Mrs. Meigs more than what prevades the whole of Adams race - which I am certain I must have know, if any relationship existed -- You are at liberty to make any use of this letter which you may think propper --

I am sir,with sentiments of Respect & Esteem your obd. H. Servant

Joseph Willed

His Excellency
R. J. Meigs --