Tag Archives: secession petitions

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 the Embargo of 1813 Affected New England

Posted on July 21, 2014 by “Caius”

Despite Federalist protests against the war, New England’s economy prospered.  Enterprising New Englanders profited by smuggling goods to the British in Canada.  Madison was outraged.  He reported to Congress on December 9, 1813: “The tendency of our commercial and navigation … Continue reading →

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How the Peace Party Failed

Posted on July 12, 2014 by “Caius”

  Noah Webster’s friends tried to broaden the scheme for a convention.  They proposed a state-wide convention in Massachusetts.   Federalist Party leaders knew the Massachusetts senate would never approve of a convention.  It had a Democratic-Republican majority.[1] Instead, they backed … Continue reading →

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What Noah Webster Had Already Done

Posted on July 5, 2014 by “Caius”

Noah Webster had proposed a convention to Governor Strong.  Cautiously, Strong brought Webster’s idea to his council, controlled by the Federalists.  The council shelved Webster’s proposal.  They favored a more cautious approach.  They advocated Federalists hold conventions in the counties.  … Continue reading →

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How New Englanders Reacted to the War of 1812

Posted on June 21, 2014 by “Caius”

Massachusetts Governor Caleb Strong urged New Englanders to fast.  Touching on his region’s roots in English history he denounced the war “against the nation from which we are descended, and which for many generations has been the bulwark of the … Continue reading →

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More on Nineteenth Century Economic Sanctions: Napoleon’s Continental System

Posted on April 26, 2014 by “Caius”

By 1806 Napoleon had conquered or formed alliances with every country that mattered on the continent.  Napoleon dominated the land; Britain dominated the sea.  He lacked enough troops to invade Britain.  He was unable to conquer Britain’s formidable Navy. Napoleon … Continue reading →

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Conservatives’ Dilemma: Moderation or Adherence to Principles?

Posted on March 29, 2014 by “Caius”

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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How Jefferson’s Attempt to End Impressment Led to Talk of Secession

Posted on March 15, 2014 by “Caius”

On June 21, 1807, the British frigate Leopard fired on the USS Chesapeake near Norfolk, Virginia, after the commander of the American vessel refused to let the British board it.   The British killed three sailors and injured another eighteen.  They … Continue reading →

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What Happened in Rufus King’s Library

Posted on February 22, 2014 by “Caius”

Most rank and file Federalists disagreed with Hamilton, who opposed Burr’s nomination for governor of New York.  Nevertheless, in the name of disunion, Pickering and Griswold were locked in a battle to secure leadership of the party in New York.  … Continue reading →

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How Hamilton Learned About Roger Griswold’s Remarks on Burr

Posted on February 17, 2014 by “Caius”

On March 11, 1804, Griswold tried to persuade Federalists that secession was necessary.  He wrote to Oliver Wolcott, Jr.  Wolcott was a prominent Connecticut Federalist.  Griswold promoted the idea that Aaron Burr was the right person to lead the North … Continue reading →

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