To New England’s Federalists the Louisiana Purchase tipped the balance of power in favor of the South. By the end of 1803, Massachusetts Federalists dubbed the Essex Junto were scheming to secede from the Union. They were joined by a group of Federalists from Connecticut dubbed the River Gods.[1] Federalist newspapers promoted allegiance to New England and antagonism towards Virginia and the South.[2]
The secessionists wanted New York to join the confederacy, and approached Alexander Hamilton. After Hamilton refused to join, they approached Aaron Burr. Burr’s political prospects were waning. Jefferson and Burr were both Democratic-Republicans. Each received an equal number of votes from electors during the election of 1800. After thirty-five ballots and one all-night session, the House of Representatives elected Jefferson as president on the thirty-sixth ballot. Burr became vice president. Alexander Hamilton worked behind the scenes to ensure Jefferson’s victory. Even though he disliked Jefferson, Hamilton considered Jefferson superior to Burr. After the election, Jefferson ignored Burr when he selected his cabinet and offered few government positions to Burr’s supporters.
Jefferson excluded Burr from his ticket when he campaigned for re-election in 1804. Burr decided to run for governor of New York State against the Jeffersonian favorite, Morgan Lewis. The New England secessionists offered to support Burr during his campaign if he would persuade New York to join their confederacy. Burr declined their offer. Alexander Hamilton again worked to discredit Burr during the campaign. Lewis won the election. Without New York in the confederacy, the New England Federalists suspended their plans for secession.
Embittered, Burr challenged Alexander Hamilton to a duel. He killed Hamilton in Weehawken, New Jersey on July 11, 1804.
What do you think? Is any group ignoring the interests of another today?
Next: Why Jefferson’s Crippling Policies Harmed New England
Look for it Monday, December 24.
