Books and Manuscripts

(Massachusetts), 1804. One sheet, 12 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (317 x 190 mm). Manuscript campaign broadside for Federalist Caleb Strong in the 1804 Massachusetts gubernatorial election: "Federal Ticket. / His Excellency, / Caleb Strong: / Will be supported as Governor for / For the year, 1804, / And the Honorable, / Edward H. Robbins, / For Lieut Governor. / Abner Hill Fairbanks; / Union March the 30th 1804". Creasing from contemporary folds, several separations and losses along same; chipping along edges; loss in top left fold affecting "Caleb".

The 1804 Massachusetts gubernatorial election saw Federalist Caleb Strong win his fifth consecutive one-year term as Governor, defeating Democratic-Republican candidate John Sullivan, and preserving Federalist dominance in the state as it waned nationwide. President Thomas Jefferson swept to reelection this year over Federalist contender Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, but the Federalist's managed to hold their four governorships in New England, and gain the office in Delaware. Strong managed to hold the governorship until 1807, when Republicans, who had gradually gained prominence in the legislature, elected Sullivan to office.