About “Caius”
Mathew Carey (1760-1839) used the pseudonym of “Caius,” a character from King Lear who was loyal but blunt. When Mathew Carey feared New England would secede from the Union, he read everything he could find on the history of civil wars. In that spirit, “Caius” offers a historical perspective for political discussion.
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
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Tagged Caius, Civil War, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Essex Junto, Federalists, George Bliss, George Cabot, Harrison Gray Otis, Hartford Convention, James Hillhouse, Mathew Carey, Matthew Carey, New England, Olive Branch, secession 2012, secession petitions, War of 1812
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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
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Tagged Caius, Civil War, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Embargo, Essex Junto, Federalists, George Cabot, Harrison Gray Otis, Hartford Convention, Mathew Carey, Matthew Carey, New England, Olive Branch, secession, secession 2012, War of 1812
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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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Tagged Caius, Civil War, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Embargo, Essex Junto, Federalists, Harrison Gray Otis, Hartford Convention, James Madison, Olive Branch, secession, War of 1812
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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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Tagged Caius, Civil War, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Embargo, Essex Junto, Federalists, George Cabot, Harrison Gray Otis, Hartford Convention, John Lowell, Madison, Mathew Carey, Matthew Carey, Nathan Dane, New England, Olive Branch, secession 2012, Timothy Pickering, War of 1812
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John Lowell urged immediate action. He wrote “Throwing off all connection with this wasteful war making peace with our enemy and opening once more our commerce with the worlds would be a wise and manly course.”[1] The war was … Continue reading →
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Tagged Caius, Civil War, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Embargo, Essex Junto, Faults on both Sides, Federalists, Hartford Convention, Madison, Mathew Carey, Matthew Carey, New England, Olive Branch, Peace, War of 1812
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On October 17, 1814, the day the Massachusetts legislature invited New England states to a convention, newspapers published British conditions for peace. They were issued August 20 in Ghent. Governor Strong wrote to Timothy Pickering that the terms seemed reasonable. … Continue reading →
Posted in From The Desk, Secession
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Tagged Caius, Civil War, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Essex Junto, Federalists, Governor Strong, Hartford Convention, Mathew Carey, Matthew Carey, New England, Olive Branch, War of 1812 peace negotiations
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To recap: On October 17, 1814 the legislature in Massachusetts invited New England states to a convention in Hartford on December 15. They responded. Connecticut named seven delegates. Rhode Island appointed four delegates. Democratic-Republicans blocked attempts to appoint delegates in … Continue reading →
Posted in From The Desk, Secession
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Tagged Battle of Bladensburg, Burning of Washington, Caius, Civil War, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Embargo, Essex Junto, Federalists, Hartford Convention, James Madison, Jefferson, Madison flight from White House, Mathew Carey, Matthew Carey, New England, Olive Branch, President Madison, War of 1812, William Wirt
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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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Tagged Caius, Caleb Strong, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Embargo, Essex Junto, Federalists, George Cabot, Harrison Gray Otis, Hartford Convention, Jefferson, John Sherbrooke, Lord Bathurst, Madison, Mathew Carey, Matthew Carey, New England, Olive Branch, secession, secession 2012, War of 1812
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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 →
Posted in From The Desk, Secession
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Tagged Caius, Civil War, Constitution, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Essex Junto, Federalists, Hartford Convention, John Lowell Jr., Madison, Mathew Carey, Matthew Carey, New England, Olive Branch, secession, secession 2012, War of 1812
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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 →
Posted in From The Desk, Secession
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Tagged Caius, Civil War, Democratic-Republicans, Economic sanctions, Embargo, Essex Junto, Federalists, Hartford Convention, Jefferson, John Lowell, Jr. Constitution, Madison, Mathew Carey, Matthew Carey, New England, Olive Branch, secession, secession 2012, Timothy Pickering, War of 1812
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