"lobby", v. intr., 1820, v. trans. 1829; "lobbying", n., 1825

[Joel S. Berson]

A.  "lobby", v. intr.  1820.

New-Hampshire Sentinel, 1820 April 1, page 1, col. 4.  Two articles
from the same issue.  Both show that the Senators were lobbying the
Representatives, rather than just gathering in a lobby.

(1)  "The following is the most particular account ... [referring to
the letter below] ... Other letters from Washington affirm, that
members of the Senate, when the compromise question was to be taken
in the House, were not only "lobbying about the Representatives'
Chamber," but were active in endeavoring to intimidate certain weak
representatives by insulting threats _to dissolve the Union;_ and
openly declaring, that unless he compromise was acceded to, they
would immediately dissolve the Senate and go home."

(2)  [Within a letter from Washington.]  "The Senate would not pass
the Maine bill till the House had executed their part of this _Holy
Bargain_[.] They therefore adjourned and attended to assist the
deliberations of their friends in the House. The thing had been some
time in preparation.---The Senate had done little more than to meet
and adjourn for some days;---and as I observed from the gallery, the
members were rather lobbying about the Representatives' chamber than
engaged in discussion among themselves. At length this wise and
patriotic committee of conference brought forth after a gestation of
one night.  [Sic; the last sentence ends without saying what was
gestated ("brought forth" as intransitive?).]

Antedates OED2 "lobby" v. sense 2. intr.  1837--.


B.  "lobby", v. trans. 1829.

" _The Sabbath_. A letter from Washington ... 'Some of the Sabbath
day memorialists are here lobbying Congress on the subject.' "

New-Hampshire Patriot and State Gazette, 1829 Jan. 26, page 3, col. 3.

Antedates OED2 "lobby" v. sense 1. trans. 1850-.


C.  "lobbying", n.  1825.

"It is gratifying to the Freemen of this district, that the only
charge which the Regency paper[s?] have alledged against Mr. Viele,
is, that in former times he differed with them in opinion[.] But no
[B]ank, Agency, no Lobbying, has ever been laid at his door."

Ballston Spa Gazette [NY], 1825 Oct. 4, page 2, col. 5.

Antedates OED2 "lobbying" n. 1855-.

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Joel

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