Tag Archives: Harrison Gray Otis

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

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How Moderates Continued to Control the Convention

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

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How Moderates Seized Control of the Hartford Convention

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

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

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Harrison Gray Otis Dismissed Comments the Hartford Convention Would Seek Secession

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

Posted in From The Desk | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Cooler Heads Urged Moderation at the Hartford Convention

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

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Governor Caleb Strong’s Secret Mission

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

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Timothy Pickering Had His Doubts

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

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What the Committee Reported

How Massachusetts Reacted When the British Captured Castine, Maine

New England was defenseless against the British.  Earlier in the war, Federalist governors refused to pledge their state militias to defense of the nation. [1] After the British captured Castine, a town in Maine, Governor Strong of Massachusetts called up … Continue reading

Posted in From The Desk, Newspaper Politics, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How Massachusetts Reacted When the British Captured Castine, Maine

How the Massachusetts Legislature Reacted

  During its winter session, from January 26 to March 4, 1809, the Massachusetts legislature passed three resolutions: They denounced the Enforcement Act as “unjust, oppressive, and unconstitutional, and not legally binding on the citizens of this state.”  They opposed … Continue reading

Posted in From The Desk, Secession, States' rights | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How the Massachusetts Legislature Reacted

Federalists Organized Another Constitutional Convention

Madison was elected the next president of the United States in 1808.  For the Federalist Party’s leaders in New England, it was a significant setback.  Their attempt to unify the party by a moderate course of action had failed.[1] The … Continue reading

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Federalists Organized Another Constitutional Convention