Papers of John Adams, volume 21
r.8
th.1792
I have the honor to enclose you a list of the Votes in
the city and county of Philadelphia from which it appears that the antifederal
people are not as much animated upon this occasion as their leaders, and
that we have more than our real proportion of votes in the city, and much
more in the County. The Boroughs are generally enlightened and federal, and
vote largely in proportion in all elections, which are not great. I feel
therefore confident that 3/4 or 4/5 of the Electors of Pennsa. will be for you and against Mr. Clinton or any other person whatever that may
be attempted to be run.1
The same paper contains the list of the Jersey electors, in which State I think you will have an unanimous vote. I know several of the gentlemen to be duly impressed with the importance of your reelection, and that they have abilities and inclinations to place your public & private virtues, talents, and knowlege in their proper light, if their should be occasion—
149I trouble you, Sir, with more communications upon this subject than are probably convenient or agreeable to you; but my anxiety for the happy issue of this Election, and the mortification I should have felt had Pennsylvania; been as unwise, as she lately was, have exceedingly quickened my feelings on the occasion.
With perfect and unfeigned Respect / I have the honor to be, Sir, / your most obedient / & most humble Servant
RC and enclosures (Adams Papers).
Coxe enclosed two newspaper clippings. The first was
from the Philadelphia American Daily
Advertiser, 8 Nov., reporting that the New Jersey legislature
had appointed lawyer Frederick Frelinghuysen as U.S. senator and citing
the state’s seven presidential electors. A second clipping, which has
not been further identified, listed the Pennsylvania electors.
Philadelphia County voters chose all fifteen of the state’s electors,
fourteen of whom cast their vote for JA in the presidential
election of 1792 (
Biog. Dir. Cong.
; A New Nation Votes).