American politician (1757-1837) who represented North Carolina in both houses of Congress, rising to Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate. Remembered for his earnest defense of 'Old Republican' values, he was dubbed by Thomas Jefferson as 'Ultimas Romanorum'—'the last of the Romans.' ALS signed “Nath. Macon,” one page, 8 x 9.75, May 26, 1824. Handwritten letter from the "Senate Chamber," commenting on the case of David Brydie Mitchell. In full: "In answer to your note of this day, I have to state: that I was a member of the Committee therein named & that to the best of my recollection, a letter or letters from Mitchell late Creek agent was before the Committee, directed to Mr. Crawford, I believe, which you notice or some amount of the Africans then in his possession as being imported against law; it is very probable, that any other member of the committee may have a better recollection of the fact, as my memory is not very good at this time." In fine condition, with an area of repaired paper loss to the right side, and a paperclip impression to the top.
David Brydie Mitchell resigned as governor of Georgia in 1817 to accept an appointment by President James Monroe as United States Indian Agent to the Creek Nation. In the American Importation Case of 1820, he was accused of smuggling slaves into Creek and US territory, in violation of the 1808 Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves. While his direct responsibility remains controversial, Mitchell allowed those engaged in this illegal activity to seek refuge for their captives at the agency he supervised along the Flint River. The incident resulted in a major inquiry and his dismissal by President James Monroe in 1821.
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