Tag Archives: George Cabot

How Moderates Continued to Control the Convention

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

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 Cooler Heads Urged Moderation at the Hartford Convention

Those favoring radical action, Timothy Pickering and John Lowell, did not take part in the Hartford Convention.  George Cabot planned to urge a moderate course.  He said that he went to Hartford “to allay the ferment and prevent a crisis…We … Continue reading

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Governor Caleb Strong’s Secret Mission

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 Adams Thought About Cabot and the Convention

  Democratic-Republicans feared the Hartford Convention would lead to a confederation in New England.  So did John Adams.[1] A twenty-three year old Federalist visited Adams, then eighty years old.  He wanted letters of introduction to Jefferson and other Virginians.  John … Continue reading

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Why Timothy Pickering Had His Doubts

After years promoting a convention of New England states, Timothy Pickering was in favor of it. George Cabot and Harrison Gray Otis, two moderates, headed the delegation from Massachusetts.  In a confidential letter to John Lowell, Pickering began by praising George … Continue reading

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What the Committee Reported

Harrison Gray Otis reported for his committee: “The state of the national Treasury…requires an augmentation of existing taxes; and if in addition to these the people of Massachusetts, deprived of their commerce and harassed by a formidable enemy, are compelled … Continue reading

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Conservatives’ Dilemma: Moderation or Adherence to Principles?

Federalist Party leaders in Massachusetts faced a situation that is similar to what is going on within the Republican Party today.  As Tea Party leaders clamor for principles, the party’s leadership in Congress, Mitch McConnell and John Boehner, pursue a moderate … Continue reading

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Who was Theophilus Parsons?

Theophilus Parsons (1750-1813) like Timothy Pickering and George Cabot, was born in Essex County, Massachusetts.  Parsons, the son of a Congregational minister,  graduated from Harvard College in 1769.  While he studied law he taught school in what is now Maine.  Like … Continue reading

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Who was George Cabot?

George Cabot (1752-1823), like Timothy Pickering, was born in Salem, in Essex County Massachusetts.  He too, attended Harvard.  He was a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress in 1775.  He was a delegate to his state’s constitutional convention in 1777 … Continue reading

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