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Auction: 313 - Numismatic Collector's Series - Ft. Worth, TX
Lot: 1503

War of 1812: The Hartford Convention Exceptional pair of letters concerning the event, at which representatives of the New England states met in Hartford in December 1814-January 1815 to discuss the War of 1812, which nearly all of them opposed, and purportedly also to consider secession and a separate peace with the United Kingdom. Autograph Letter Signed by US Senator from Massachusetts "George Cabot" as president of the convention, 1 page, 4to, Hartfor, December 23, 1814. He writes to Nathaniel Terry chairman of the Committee of Arrangements that "The invitation from the Gentlemen of Hartford to the honor of a public dinner has been received by the members of the Convention as a mark of respect...It is with extreme regret that they have concluded that considering the nature & circumstances of the occasion of their meeting they are obliged to deny themselves" the pleasure. Toned at sides, VG. With ALS "John Cotton Smith" as Governor of Connecticut, 1 page, oblong 8vo, Council Chamber, (Hartford), February 2, 1815. He writes state representative Nathaniel Terry, informing that he has appointed him "a commissioner, to form an arrangement with the National Government relative to the defence of the State, pursuant to a resolution of the General Assemly..." Seal hole in address leaf, VG/F. There is some doubt among scholars whether secession was ever a real goal of the convention, but it did petition for changes to the US Constitution that would limit the power of the South by removing the 3/5 representation for slaves, limiting presidents to one term, and requiring successive presidents to be from different states. These were considered bases for negotiation between the New England states and the federal government, and it is likely that Terry was being sent (as delegates from Massachusetts were at the same time) to make those negotiations. However, news soon came of Andrew Jackson´s victory at New Orleans, and then of the Treaty of Ghent ending the war, making the entire matter a political embarrassment for the region. [2]

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