Van Der Kemp, Probably Writing To New York Governor John Jay, Declines An Assistant Justice For The New County Of Oneida

FRANOIS ADRIAAN VAN DER KEMP (1752-1829). Van der Kamp was born in the Netherlands and led some radical political movements. He was imprisoned and released in 1787. The next year, he came to the United States and moved to Ulster County. He met many of the Founding Fathers, and had an extensive correspondence with the Adamses.ALS. 1pg. 8 x 9. March 25, 1798. Oldenbarneveld. An autograph letter signed Fr. Adr. Van der Kemp; based on the language and the content, it was likely addressed to New York Governor John Jay. Van der Kemp wrote: Informed by the Clerk of the County that it has please the Hon: the Council of Appointment to reappointment me as an Assistant Justice for the new county of Oneida, your Excellency will favour me, in excusing my declining the intended honour. Supposing to have acquired my duty towards my country having served there three years in that Station, and firmly persuaded that my longer continuance will, in my present situation, be only burdensome for my family, without any equivalent advantage wither to the county at large, or the Settlement, in which I reside, I should desire to enjoy my retirement. Permit me, to recommend myself and my family to your Excellencys benevolent attention, and assure you, that with the best and warmest wishes for the Prosperity of your Excellencys administration, and Statements of the highest respect. In 1798, Oneida County was formed from part of Herkimer County. The letter has dark ink and a couple of mailing folds. I could locate no other Van der Kamp letters selling at auction.