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Howard, N. G. [centered]

Ellsworth September 16, 1820.

Dear Sir,

It has been known for several months through this county that the subject of the shrievalty would be taken into consideration at Bucksport on the 13th. Many classes had meetings and authorized persons to act for them there. There are fourteen classes in Hancock; then of which were represented. There was but one opinion prevailing which they have taken the liberty to express to your Excellency in the enclosed paper.

It is thought that there is no good reason why the present incumbent should be retained; he was appointed a time of emergency by the influences of his brother in law, Wm. Wilson and the western federalist, when the wishes of the county were but little consulted; he ought not to be amassed of ingratitude towards his benefactors, for he did his utmost to prevent the independence of Maine; he is a man of very dilatory and __________ habits and is not well calculated for business; it is said he is very negligent in bringing over money when collected; his deputies are not backward in mistaking this part of their principal's character. For years past there has not been one solitary assemblism _________ in the county.

Your worthy friend Mr. Johnson of Belfast is so surrounded by Mr. Matson's partisans that he finds it unpleasant to take a ____ against him. He has more than once assured me he should be will satisfied with Wm. Jarvis' appointment. Judge Crosby in my late return with him from Machias expressed the same sentiment & said he had serious apprehensions that Mr. Watson's and would be like that of Ulmers a delinquency. I have been informed the federalist of this county have endeavored to persuade your Excellency to reappoint him and that several of their managing members cajoled the rest of the