Perley Keyes | The Papers of Martin Van Buren

Perley Keyes (1774-1834) was a Democratic-Republican politician who resided in Watertown, New York and served as a judge of the Jefferson County Court in 1807 and as the county sheriff from 1808 to 1812. Keyes served in the New York State Senate alongisde MVB from 1814 to 1817 and was a member of the Council of Appointment in 1816. Keyes served again in the State Senate from 1824 to 1827 and became a leader of the New York Democratic party. MVB regarded Keyes in his autobiography as "a man of very rare sagacity."

Documents

As Sender

MVB et al. to Republican electors of New York, 20 February 1816

At a period when we have just emerged from a bloody but succe[ss]ful and glorious struggle for national hono[r] and existence, an opportunity presents itself to express our gratitude for services rendered in that contest; and to proclaim to the world by our suffrages, that is the calm of peace we are not unmindful of the Statesman who was the shield of his country in the storm of war. In DANIEL D... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB, Sender: Perley Keyes, Sender: William Christian Bouck, Sender: Peter Robert Livingston

MVB et al., Address to the electors of New York, 11 April 1814

At a time when our country is engaged in war with one of the most powerful nations on earth, in defence of our national rights and sovereignty; when opposition has reared her hydra form, and put at defiance the constituted authorities; when treason walks forth at noon-day, and, under the specious garb of patriotism, sounds the tocsin of alarm, and invites you to marshal yourselves under her... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB, Sender: Erastus Root, Sender: Perley Keyes, Sender: William Christian Bouck, Sender: Samuel Young

MVB et al. to Daniel D. Tompkins, 22 February 1816

The Republican members of the Legislature met on the 20th instant, to confer on the selection of a suitable candidate to be supported at the ensuing election for the office of Governor; and upon the most mature deliberation, have unanimously declared their conviction that the best interests of the state required that you should again be supported for that station. But as your Excellency had... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB, Sender: Perley Keyes

Perley Keyes to MVB, 6 October 1818

The money having been Payed over By the Sheriff to me on all the Execution Excepte that of Holten which execution Still remains in my hands nothing at Present can be collected of him I here with enclose one hundred and Eighty Seven dollars to you on a account of Cost

Sender: Perley Keyes

Recipient: MVB

As Recipient

MVB to Perley Keyes, 16 November 1826

According to promise I now enclose you a copy of Mr Jeffersons letter to me. I do this in the most positive confidence that you suffer no person to take a copy of it or to take extracts from it or to take it out of your presence so that it may find its way into the papers. I have no objection to its being read by your friend. I congratulate you most sincerely on the general result of the election... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: Perley Keyes

MVB to Perley Keyes, 14 February 1827

I have only time to say one word in reply to your last. The Republicans of New york have plainly to choose between one of three alternatives viz to go down with Mr Adams or to go up & take the lead with Jackson or to make themselves contemptible by splitting between the two. There is not, nor will there be any other person in the field & Mr. Adams’s re-election is not within the range of... Continue Reading

Sender: MVB

Recipient: Perley Keyes

Daniel D. Tompkins to MVB et al., 27 February 1816

It has long been my intention to retire from the cares and sacrifices of my present office at the expiration of the existing term. That intention has been freely communicated, that I might not be regarded as a candidate for re-election. It is unnecessary, on this occasion, to enumerate the many cogent reasons which led to this wish. They were such as induce the utmost reluctance in departing from... Continue Reading

Recipient: MVB, Recipient: Perley Keyes

MVB to Perley Keyes, 17 January 1824

The article Phocion is written by the Presidnts son in law. When such sentiments are fulminated from the Palace you cannot be surprised that there should be apostacy among the Subjects. There are however thank god sound men enough to save the party if they are well sustained from the north.

Sender: MVB

Recipient: Perley Keyes

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