Tag Archives: secession 2012

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 Cooler Heads Urged Moderation at the Hartford Convention

Posted on December 28, 2014 by “Caius”

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

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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Why Timothy Pickering Had His Doubts

Posted on August 16, 2014 by “Caius”

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

Posted on August 10, 2014 by “Caius”

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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How Massachusetts Reacted When the British Captured Castine, Maine

Posted on August 2, 2014 by “Caius”

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 →

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