Otis4.html

Harrison Gray Otis to William Sullivan, February 9, 1820

Page 4

is not our genre- The Massachusetts federalists are the

most disinterested men on earth. They stand by and

extol all merit but that of their own friends and citizens-

You will find this true one of these days, with all your grow

ing popularity. So dont [sic] learn to love it too well -------

You will do nothing about new Constitution I guess-And

to be honest I am not sure that there may not be objections,

considering the rage for reform in salaries &c-In any

event there can be no great harm in waiting till

June-Who will be Senator in Mr. [Prentiss] Mellens [sic] room?

He will certainly [retire?] at the end of this session, and

I think he will not be alone-I have serious thoughts

of opening an office, and advertising for the smallest

favors, and abjuring forever in the most solemn man

ner every political engagement. I think I could

yet argue a cause, as well as [Leland?] of your house, with

time to prepare- and I should certainly help my own

flesh and blood by such a decision-Good night-

yrs sincerely

H. G. Otis

Genl Sullivan, Counsr at law. Ex Speaker H.R. &c &c &c