Chittenden Lyon Letters (1827–1830)
This page contains a small collection of letters written to or by Chittenden Lyon during his service in the U.S. House of Representatives from western Kentucky. The correspondence dates from 1827 to 1830 and reflects political matters affecting Kentucky and the surrounding region during the early nineteenth century.
The original letters are held by the New York Historical Society. They were located and transcribed by Mildred Tandy, with later amendments made by the NYHS. Permission was granted to post these documents with the requirement that original spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization be preserved and that proper attribution be maintained.
Although the letters are not limited to Caldwell County matters, they provide useful historical context for regional politics and public figures of the period.
About Chittenden Lyon
Chittenden Lyon (1787–1852) was an early nineteenth-century Kentucky politician and lawyer who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1827 to 1831, representing a western Kentucky district that included what is now Caldwell County. A supporter of Andrew Jackson, Lyon was active during a period of intense political realignment marked by debates over federal appointments, tariffs, internal improvements, and party loyalty. Although not all of his correspondence relates directly to Caldwell County, his position placed him at the center of political communication affecting western Kentucky during this era.
Letters
17 Jan 1827 – James B. Dozier to Chittenden Lyon (Hopkinsville, KY)
Discusses Kentucky politics following Andrew Jackson’s election, legislative disputes, and Dozier’s request for
assistance in securing a federal appointment.
James B. Dozier was a Kentucky political ally and office seeker who frequently wrote to members
of Congress seeking appointments and commenting on party politics during the Jackson era.
25 May 1828 – Robert Crittenden to Chittenden Lyon (Little Rock, AR)
Seeks Lyon’s support for appointment as territorial governor, defending his public service and addressing political
controversy surrounding his career.
Robert Crittenden was a prominent lawyer and politician who served as the first Secretary of
the Arkansas Territory and briefly as its acting governor. He was known for his political influence and involvement
in territorial affairs during the early 19th century.
25 Dec 1828 – Charles Caldwell to Chittenden Lyon (Little Rock, AR)
Strongly endorses Robert Crittenden for territorial office and urges Lyon to assist in obtaining the appointment.
Charles Caldwell was a physician and politician who played a significant role in the early
development of Arkansas. He was known for his advocacy of territorial governance and his support for fellow
politicians like Robert Crittenden.
25 Dec 1828 – :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} to Chittenden Lyon (Frankfort,
KY)
Warns of political opposition, outlines election strategy, and comments on party divisions involving Jackson, Clay,
and Adams supporters.
Linn Boyd was a Kentucky politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and later
as Speaker of the House. He was a prominent figure in Kentucky politics during the Jacksonian era and was known for
his advocacy of states' rights and opposition to federal overreach.
05 Jan 1829 – William G. Wigginton to Chittenden Lyon (Madisonville,
KY)
Comments on national political developments after Jackson’s election and critiques Henry Clay’s ambitions and
emerging opposition.
William G. Wigginton was a Kentucky politician and lawyer known for his involvement in state
and national politics during the early 19th century. He was an active supporter of Andrew Jackson and often engaged
in political discourse through correspondence with fellow politicians.
14 Feb 1829 – William Douglas to Chittenden Lyon (Louisville, KY)
Reports on legislative infighting, contested elections, and party realignments in Kentucky while requesting Lyon’s
help with a government appointment.
William Douglas was a Kentucky politician and lawyer who was active in state politics during
the Jacksonian era. He was known for his advocacy of Democratic principles and his involvement in legislative
affairs.
19 Jan 1830 – Charles S. Morehead to Chittenden Lyon (Frankfort, KY)
Discusses tariff policy, internal improvements, early railroad proposals, and broader political sentiment in
Kentucky.
Charles S. Morehead was a Kentucky politician who served as the state's governor and was
involved in various political and infrastructural developments during the early 19th century.