202 years ago next Monday…

On September 20, 1808, the President sent this to the inhabitants of Kingston in response to their earlier petition about the Embargo Act of 1807.  As form letters go, this is a good one.

Jefferson letter, page 1, 1808
Jefferson letter, page 1, 1808
Jefferson letter, page 2, 1808
Jefferson letter, page 2, 1808
Jefferson letter, page 3, 1808
Jefferson letter, page 3, 1808

For medicinal purposes and no other

Seth Drew Liquor Agent appointment, 1856
Seth Drew Liquor Agent appointment, 1856

To Mr. Seth Drew

In accordance with the provisions of the statues of 1855 Chap. 215 you are hereby appointed an Agent of the Town of Kingston to purchase Spiritous or Intoxicating liquors and sell the same at your residence to the inhabitants of said town to be used in the Arts or for Medicinal chemical and Mechanical purposes and no other.

And in the performance of the duties of said Agency you are to conform in All respects to the provisions of the statute aforesaid.

Alden S. Bradford, James Foster, Selectmen of Kingston

May 21, 1856

A true Copy Attest, Nathan Brooks Town Clerk of Kingston.