Tag Archives: secession

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 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

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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 Lowell Hoped the Hartford Convention Would Accomplish

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

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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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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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

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How Napoleon’s Defeat at Leipzig Affected War in the United States

    In October 1813, Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Leipzig.  On April 11, 1814, Austria, Russia and Prussia formed an alliance, signing the Treaty of Fontainebleau.  The treaty removed Napoleon as emperor of France, exiling him to the isle … Continue reading

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