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JOHN HAMM TO WORTHINGTON

Zanesville, Ohio, June 31. 1812

Dr Sir,

I take the liberty of enclosing to your care an application of a Capt. Marshall of this place for a Lieutenancy in the Army of the U.S. Mr. Marshall is a man of information, and is deemed to possess very considerable military knowledge and ex- pereince.

Genl Van Horne has recd. the paper you sent him containing the long looked for Declaration of War.

The news was hailed here with general joy, which was signified by 18 discharges from a Six pounder. This was, as I have long imagined, the attitude to take to support the sinking honor of the nation: That it is the only ground to support the administration of the genl. govt. there can, I verily believe, be no doubt. Mr. Madison was rapidly lessening in the estimation of the people in this part of the state -- Nay such were the doubts & suspicions on the minds of many active Democrats of his want of energy, that our Electoral ticket would not have been supported. Did you receive the letter which I wrote to you not long since? If you have & feel at liberty let me have your opinion as therein asked.

Will the application of Isaac Van Horne Jr. for a Lieutenancy be successful?

If the death of the British Minister be true information that, together with the Declaration of War by the U.S. will produce in that abominably perfidious & wicked government a sensation hitherto unknown in that country.

Probably, a change of ministry, under such critical circumstances, might be productive of the most salutary effects towards America. I fervently pray it may so eventuate!

Give my Compts to Dr. Tiffin & Mr. Collins & for yourself accept of my sincere acknowledgements &c.

Jno Hamm

[Ed. the date, 31 June is on the letter, but the post mark is Jul. 1]

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