Dated March 2, 1826, this letter, written by William Dietz to his friend Adam Vrooman Jr., demonstrates just how long the debate over the Electoral College has gone on in the United States Congress.
William Dietz was born on June 28, 1778 in Schoharie, NY and was educated in district schools while engaging in agricultural pursuits. His career in public service began with his position as Schoharie Town Clerk and then Schoharie County Supervisor. He also served as a colonel in the state militia and went on to represent Schoharie County in the New York State Assembly in 1814, 1814-1815 and 1823.
Dietz was elected to the 19th United States Congress and served from March 4, 1825, to March 3, 1827.
It was during his time in Washington as a member of the 19th U.S. Congress in the House of Representatives that Dietz penned this letter to Adam Vrooman Jr.
While the letter begins with common pleasantries, including comments on the health and well-being of both men’s families, Dietz soon goes on to give Vrooman an update on the recent activities of the house. An excerpt from the letter reads as follows,
We have at present the bill to amend the united states constitution under debate – receiving long speeches every day – two members each spoke two days on this question – I think it very likely we shall spend about three weeks of our time on this question and then reject the bill – although it aught to pass – by the passage of this bill it makes it proper for the people to vote for President and vice president.
-William Dietz, March 2, 1826
According to the publication Washington Monthly, the United States Congress devoted a considerable amount of time and energy to the debate of the Electoral College between the years 1813 and 1826, the year in which this letter was written.
The closest Congress has ever come to abolishing the winner-take-all Electoral College was actually in the 16th Congress (1819–21), when more than two-thirds of senators and 63 percent of House members (just short of the requisite two-thirds) supported district elections.
The full transcription of the letter reads as follows;
Washington March 2th 1826
Dear friend/
Yours dated February 23th has been duly received from which I am very sorry to learn that you are out of health – I hope however that it is not serious – and that you may soon have your health restored. I am in health and Caty also but she is not contented here – I expect that she will shortly start for home – I am happy to learn that the rest of your family are all well and David also – We had the greatest funeral here the day before yesterday that I ever (saw?) one of the united state senators was taken to his grave – and it is expected that shortly one from our house will follow him. He is yet a good deal sickly in this place.
We have at present the bill to amend the united state constitution under debate – receiving long speeches every day – two members each spoke two days on this question – I think it very likely we shall spend about three weeks of our time on this question and then reject the bill – although it aught to pass – by the passage of this bill it makes it proper for the people to vote for President and vice president. It is very warm here and a great deal of rain. It has rained all this week – and rains now. I do not know how I shall stand it here until the middle of may and some say june – for I am a good home sick already. I would rather go home to morrow then to stay another day.
My best wishes to all your family –
Yours respectfully
Wm. Dietz
