Agency History / Biographical Note:
Smith entered the practice of law in Wiscasset, Maine, and became interested in politics. He served as a representative to the Massachusetts General Court (1819) and in the Maine legislature (1820-1821). He was appointed chief justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas of the Second District (1821) and, upon the reorganization of the court system, became an associate judge of its replacement court (1822-1830).
Smith was elected governor of Maine in 1832. He served three terms and oversaw the move of the state capitol from Portland to Augusta (1832). During his administration issues relating to the controversy over the northeast boundary of the United States (principally the border between Maine and New Brunswick) came to a head. The issue was not settled until 1842, when the current boundary was agreed upon. Soon after leaving office, Smith was reappointed to the Court of Common Pleas (1835) from which he retired in 1837.
While governor, Smith was trustee ex-officio of Bowdoin (1831-1834). He married Louisa Sophia Fuller in 1832 and had nine sons. Smith died at Wiscasset, Maine, on March 3, 1860.
Scope and Content:
The letters include many relating to the northeast boundary dispute, written to or by principals such as Sir Archibald Campbell, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick; John G. Deane of Ellsworth, Maine; Levi Lincoln, Governor of Massachusetts; Edward Kavanagh, who negotiated the settlement; William Pitt Preble, who had been instrumental in achieving the separation of Maine and Massachusetts; and Ashur Ware, Portland judge.