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VAN HORNE TO WORTHINGTON

Zanesville 19th. Decr. 1811

Dear Sir,

The prospect of a war with Britain has excited a stir here among our young men to take a part in the patriotic struggle In consequence it seems to be agreed by the Republicans here to Recommend to the Secy at War Joseph Cairns for Captain Michael McClelland Lieut. & William Prosser Ensign since which a Son of Col Jackson is also Recommended for a Captaincy, and I assure you I feel a deep Interest in the success of these applications, they are warmly attached to the present Administration, Sober & temperate in their habits, Industrious & presevering, good Stature & genteel deport- ment, and, as I believe, well suited to the Officers we have assigned to them. Permit me to solicit your good offices in support of these Recommendations. Indeed I feel a persuasion if you procure their appointment, you will not have cause to regret your patronage. Gov. Meiggs & all the leading Republicans here I believe have united in their Recommend.

We go on the ground, you see, that War is unavoidable Our Legislature are about to renovate the State, that section of the Commissioning land (passed 2 years ago) that goes to limit the term of Office, is about to be repealed, if this passed the house of Reprs. and from the Circumstance of its being postponed a few days in senate - in- stead of coming to the direct rejection, I am apprehensive the Senate will also give way.

The Address to the President goes on slowly, and I am yet doubtful of its being passed in that spirit of support which the President ought to receive in the present Crisis. I must confess however that a better spirit is [illeg.] by some of them than I had expected in the Commencement of it Tod & McArthur seem now to vie with each other which shall display the most Patriotism Tod dissented from the Committee & ofered a substitute which finally carried in Senate, with some amendments - it has yet to run the gauntlet in the House

It is found that papers by the Mail & Marietta come here in about half the time requisite by the great Pittsburg & Wheeling Mail yet papers seldom come that way, If it will not be inconvenient, you will do me a great favour to pay the years advance for the National Intelligencer & procure it to be sent by the Marietta route, at least during your session, a word to the Editor & the Post Master from you, no doubt will effect it Govr. Meiggs joins me in the request for such an arrangement

An Impeachment against Judge Thompson has been this day carried, in the House of Representatives

I am sorry to see by the papers you have disagreed about the aportionment Bill. On further reflection however it may be but for us as it will probably strenthen the advocates for a general Ticket Since it now rumoured among the Members, to pass a law & authorise the Governor to give it effect by proclamation (general Ticket)

We had several schakes of an Earthquake here Monday morn last about 3 oClock AM. at day light, 8 Oclock &c how was it with you at Washington

I am sir your obt Huml Sevt.

V Horne

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