As the last decade of the eighteenth century began, Massachusetts Federalists continued to be guided by the state’s revolutionary patriots.
John Hancock (1737/8-1793) the wealthy merchant, and first signer the Declaration of Independence was enormously popular, with nearly infallible political instincts. He presented the new federal constitution to the state’s ratifying convention without comment. Debates raged pro and con. Finally Hancock spoke in favor of ratification, promoting three amendments later incorporated into the Bill of Rights. Following his speech, delegates voted to ratify the Constitution. Hancock became the first governor of the state of Massachusetts in 1780. He coined the term “Essex Junto” during the convention to adopt a new state constitution.[1]
James Bowdoin (1726-1790) was also a wealthy Bostonian, who, in 1780, presided over the state’s convention to adopt a new constitution. He chaired the subcommittee that with the guidance of John Adams, wrote the Massachusetts constitution. Bowdoin was a conservative who opposed Hancock’s fiscal policies. They became political enemies. Like Hancock, he was elected governor of Massachusetts. Bowdoin represented the conservative wing of the Federalists in Massachusetts.[2]
Samuel Adams (1722-1803) Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814) and James Warren (1726-1808) represented most liberal Federalists.
Like John Hancock, Samuel Adams signed the Declaration of Independence. He was a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses. John Adams was his cousin. Like most of the Federalist leaders, he graduated from Harvard College in 1740. He studied law, and flirted with a career in business, but found his niche in politics. After playing a significant role during the American Revolution, Adams helped John Hancock draft amendments to the Constitution. Those amendments paved the way for the state convention’s delegates to ratify it. Later, Adams became a governor of Massachusetts. He was a skilled orator and worked behind the scenes to achieve his objectives.[3]
Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814) was a prosperous merchant from Essex County. He graduated from Harvard College in 1762. Gerry played a key role in the Constitutional Convention. He feared a popular democracy, and opposed the general election of senators. He was concerned the federal government should not have too much power, and promoted specifically enumerating its powers. Like Samuel Adams and John Hancock, he wanted a bill of rights and helped to frame amendments to it. Gerry refused to sign the Constitution. It had no bill of rights, and personal liberties were not secure. He sought to ensure the division of sovereignty between states and the federal government. He thought the Constitution gave the government too much power over the military. Gerry was part of the XYZ Affair when John Adams was president. He is best remembered for the term “Gerrymandering.” By the time the term was coined, he was a Democratic-Republican. He subdivided Massachusetts into new senatorial districts, consolidating the Federalists’ votes, giving the Democratic-Republicans the advantage. One district on the map resembled a salamander. One wag called it a “Gerrymander” and the name stuck. Today the practice is still followed, and redistricting is used to give a party greater strength against its opponent.[4]
James Warren (1726-1808) graduated from Harvard in 1742. After the Stamp Act crisis in 1765 he became acquainted with James Otis Jr, John and Samuel Adams. Like John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Elbridge Gerry, Warren advocated a bill of rights. He opposed ratifying the Constitution, and wrote essays attacking it. He thought the Constitution would consolidate states, and the government of Massachusetts would be dissolved. The Constitution would cause despotism. By the 1790s, Warren had become a Democratic Republican.[5]
Next: How the French Revolution and the Jay Treaty Affected Massachusetts Federalists
Look for it Monday, August 26.
[1] William M. Fowler, “John Hancock” American National Biography
[2] Gordon E. Kershaw “James Bowdoin” American National Biography
[3] Pauline Maier, “Samuel Adams” American National Biography
[4] George Athan Billias, “Elbridge Gerry” American National Biography
[5] Winfred E.A. Bernhard, “James Warren” American National Biography
