Category Archives: Secession

Involving Secession

How Moderates Continued to Control the Convention

Posted on March 29, 2015 by “Caius”

Otis’ control of the agenda caused intense debate from those who wanted constitutional amendments.  James Hillhouse, of Connecticut, a staunch advocate of constitutional amendments was horrified by measures he considered timid and halfway.  He urged more action pressing for the … Continue reading →

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How Moderates Seized Control of the Hartford Convention

Posted on March 1, 2015 by “Caius”

Unknown to the Connecticut delegates, Harrison Gray Otis and George Cabot had a plan.  George Cabot, president of the Convention, had the authority to decide on the committees to be formed, and to acknowledge speakers.  He immediately recognized Harrison Gray … Continue reading →

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Why Harrison Gray Otis Dismissed Comments the Hartford Convention Would Seek Secession

Posted on January 22, 2015 by “Caius”

Despite Mathew Carey’s concerns that New England was on the brink of seceding from the Union, Harrison Gray Otis had other plans.  He wrote the purpose of the convention was “to take measures to defend ourselves against the enemy; as … Continue reading →

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How Governor Strong Responded to British Conditions for Peace

Posted on November 2, 2014 by “Caius”

On October 17, 1814, the day the Massachusetts legislature invited New England states to a convention, newspapers published British conditions for peace.  They were issued August 20 in Ghent.  Governor Strong wrote to Timothy Pickering that the terms seemed reasonable.  … Continue reading →

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How President Madison Responded to New England’s Threat of Secession

Posted on October 4, 2014 by “Caius”

To recap: On October 17, 1814 the legislature in Massachusetts invited New England states to a convention in Hartford on December 15.  They responded.  Connecticut named seven delegates.  Rhode Island appointed four delegates.   Democratic-Republicans blocked attempts to appoint delegates in … Continue reading →

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Governor Caleb Strong’s Secret Mission

Posted on September 27, 2014 by “Caius”

In the weeks before the Hartford Convention, George Cabot and Harrison Gray Otis did not know that Governor Caleb Strong sent an emissary to Halifax, Nova Scotia.  In November, 1814, his representative approached General Sir John Sherbrooke.  Governor Strong wanted … Continue reading →

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What John Lowell Hoped the Hartford Convention Would Accomplish

Posted on September 20, 2014 by “Caius”

Called “Crazy Jack” by his Democratic-Republican opponents, John Lowell had a plan.  In the months leading to the Hartford Convention, December 15, 1814, many thought the British would conquer New Orleans and occupy it indefinitely.  (Andrew Jackson did not win … Continue reading →

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What Timothy Pickering Hoped the Hartford Convention Would Accomplish

Posted on September 13, 2014 by “Caius”

In Washington, November 28, 1814 Timothy Pickering wrote a letter to John Lowell, Jr.  After touching upon the notion he formerly held that “the Western States go off, leaving the ‘good old thirteen States…to themselves’ ”  Pickering wrote of the … Continue reading →

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Who Was Absent From the Convention

Posted on September 6, 2014 by “Caius”

Timothy Pickering and John Lowell were absent from the convention.  The convention’s delegates were selected by state legislatures.  Timothy Pickering represented Massachusetts nationally in the House of Representatives.  In Washington he was noted for his obstructionism of the war with … Continue reading →

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How Other New England States Replied to Invitations to a Convention

Posted on August 30, 2014 by “Caius”

Just three New England states appointed delegates to the proposed convention. Massachusetts led the way with twelve delegates:  George Cabot, William Prescott, Harrison Gray Otis, Timothy Bigelow, Nathan Dane, George Bliss, Joshua Thomas, Hodijah Baylies, Daniel Waldo, Joseph Lyman, Samuel … Continue reading →

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