Category Archives: From The Desk

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 →

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How Moderates Continued to Control the Convention

How Moderates Seized Control of the Hartford Convention

Posted on March 1, 2015 by “Caius”

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 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How Moderates Seized Control of the Hartford Convention

Why Harrison Gray Otis Dismissed Comments the Hartford Convention Would Seek Secession

Posted on January 22, 2015 by “Caius”

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 →

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Harrison Gray Otis Dismissed Comments the Hartford Convention Would Seek Secession

Why Cooler Heads Urged Moderation at the Hartford Convention

Posted on December 28, 2014 by “Caius”

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 →

Posted in From The Desk | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Cooler Heads Urged Moderation at the Hartford Convention

Why Peace Was So Important to New Englanders

Posted on November 29, 2014 by “Caius”

  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 →

Posted in From The Desk | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Peace Was So Important to New Englanders

How Governor Strong Responded to British Conditions for Peace

Posted on November 2, 2014 by “Caius”

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 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

How President Madison Responded to New England’s Threat of Secession

Posted on October 4, 2014 by “Caius”

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 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How President Madison Responded to New England’s Threat of Secession

Governor Caleb Strong’s Secret Mission

Posted on September 27, 2014 by “Caius”

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 →

Posted in From The Desk, Secession | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Governor Caleb Strong’s Secret Mission

What John Lowell Hoped the Hartford Convention Would Accomplish

Posted on September 20, 2014 by “Caius”

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 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What John Lowell Hoped the Hartford Convention Would Accomplish

What Timothy Pickering Hoped the Hartford Convention Would Accomplish

Posted on September 13, 2014 by “Caius”

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 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What Timothy Pickering Hoped the Hartford Convention Would Accomplish