Democratic-Republicans feared the Hartford Convention would lead to a confederation in New England. So did John Adams.[1]
A twenty-three year old Federalist visited Adams, then eighty years old. He wanted letters of introduction to Jefferson and other Virginians. John Adams differed from his fellow Federalists. He advocated war with Britain. The young Federalist related:[2]
“[Adams] was dressed in a single-breasted dark-green coat, buttoned tightly by very large white metal buttons over his somewhat rotund person. As he grew more and more excited in his discourse he impatiently endeavored to thrust his hand into the breast of his coat. The buttons did not yield readily; at last he forced his hand in, saying, as he did so, in a very loud voice and most excited manner: ‘Thank God! Thank God! George Cabot’s close-buttoned ambition has broke out at last: he wants to be President of New England, sir!’”[3]
In Virginia, the young Federalist visited Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was certain the British would conquer New Orleans and occupy it indefinitely.[4]
Next: How Other New England States Replied to Invitations to a Convention
[1] Henry Adams, History of the United States of America During the Administrations of James Madison, (New York: Literary Classics of the United States, 1986) 1121.
[2] Adams, History…James Madison, 1121.
3 George Ticknor’s anecdote from the Life of Ticknor, quoted in Adams, History…James Madison, 1121-2.
[4] Adams, History…James Madison, 1122.
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