Author Archives: “Caius”

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.

Was Federalist Criticism of Madison Unjust?

Faults of the Federalists:  (continued) 7.  The Erskine Arrangement Revisited To recap:  The Federalists accused Jefferson and Madison of being influenced by the French.  This accusation was disturbing.  The atrocities of the French Revolution were a recent memory.  Carey pointed out … Continue reading

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Faults on Both Sides: Incorrect Allegations Concerning Impressment

Faults of the Federalists (continued) 6.  Incorrect Allegations Concerning Impressment When Britain went to war with France in 1793, the British Navy had 16,600 sailors.  As the war continued demand for seamen increased.  By 1797, the number of sailors in the … Continue reading

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Faults on Both Sides (continued) and Should the House Fund Legislation It Opposes?

Faults of the Federalists (continued) 5.  The Embargo and the “Force Act” were Constitutional Jefferson’s intent was to keep his embargo in effect until either the French repealed their decrees, or the British repealed their Orders in Council.  In 1809 … Continue reading

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Faults on Both Sides; Can the House Refuse to Fund Legislation It Opposes?

  Faults on Both Sides Part II:  Faults of the Federalists (continued) 3.  British Orders in Council and the Federalists’ Reaction to Jefferson’s Embargo Frustrated in his war against Britain, Napoleon declared economic warfare with his Berlin Decree, November 21, … Continue reading

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Faults of the Federalists; Can the House Refuse to Fund Obamacare?

Mathew Carey published the Olive Branch on November 8, 1814.  The full title was The Olive Branch: or Faults on Both Sides, Federal and Democratic, A Serious Appeal on the Necessity of Mutual Forgiveness & Harmony, to Save our Common … Continue reading

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How Mathew Carey Found Fault with Madison’s Administration

Faults on Both Sides Part I (continued)   7.  The Erskine Arrangement The Federalists accused Jefferson and Madison of being under the influence of the French.  This accusation was disturbing.  The atrocities of the French Revolution were a recent memory.  Carey … Continue reading

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How Mathew Carey Found Fault with Democratic-Republicans

  Mathew Carey published the Olive Branch on November 8, 1814.  The full title was The Olive Branch: or Faults on Both Sides, Federal and Democratic, A Serious Appeal on the Necessity of Mutual Forgiveness & Harmony, to Save our … Continue reading

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Why the Olive Branch Was an Act of Courage for Carey; How the Nullification Crisis was Resolved

Why Writing the Olive Branch was an Act of Courage for Mathew Carey Carey published his book on secession, the Olive Branch, on November 6, 1814, shortly before the Hartford Convention.  It was an act of courage.  Carey was concerned his political … Continue reading

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How New England Responded When the British Invaded Washington; What is the American Colonization Society?

How New England Responded When the British Invaded Washington In August 1814, British troops invaded Washington and burned the White House.  Inhabitants of Maine, under occupation, swore loyalty to Britain.  Massachusetts pulled its troops out of service to the United … Continue reading

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Secession During the War of 1812; Nullification Threats in 1832

How Mathew Carey Suggested Madison Deal with Secessionists During the War of 1812 As Madison passively ignored him, and New Englanders became bolder, Carey’s protests became more urgent.   He continued to write to Madison, even suggesting that Congress pass a … Continue reading

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