Description:

Hartford Convention



Hartford Convention Original Document in the Hand of Edward D. Bangs ca. 1829

 

Ca. 1829 contemporary copy of a document in the hand of Edward D. Bangs (1790-1838), then Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, originally signed in Boston, Massachusetts on January 21, 1815, three weeks after Massachusetts delegates had returned from the Hartford Convention. On cream paper measuring 7.875" x 13.125." With outer docketed cover. In very good to near fine condition, with minor repairs to clean splits verso and a few chipped or toned edges.

 

The original document, issued by Massachusetts Governor Caleb Strong (1745-1819), appointed three state commissioners to the federal government: Harrison Gray Otis (1765-1848), a wealthy Boston politician who had attended the Hartford Convention; Thomas Handasyd Perkins (1764-1839), a slave, fur, and opium merchant; and William Sullivan (1774-1839), a published author and historian.

 

The Massachusetts commissioners were tasked with: "mak[ing earnest and respectful application, to the Government of the United States, requesting their consent to some arrangement, whereby the State of Massachusetts, separately, or in concert with neighboring States, may be enabled to assume the defence [sic of their territories against the enemy; and that to this end, a reasonable portion of the taxes collected within said States may be paid into the respective Treasuries thereof and appropriated to the balance due to the said States and to the future defence [sic of the same..." 

 

The document continued: "Now therefore, by virtue of the Resolve aforesaid, and the power and authority thereby invested in me, I Caleb Strong, Governor of the said Commonwealth of Massachusetts, confiding in the ability, integrity and patriotism of the Honl. Harrison G. Otis, Thomas H. Perkins and William Suillivan, Esquires, Citizens of the said Commonwealth…do appoint you…to be Commissioners for the purposes aforesaid…"

 

New England Federalists had secretly convened in Hartford, Connecticut between mid-December 1814 and early January 1815. The 26 delegates from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire had discussed their regional grievances and future plans. New Englanders opposed the Madison administration's foreign policy, the War of 1812, and the growing power of slave states whose populations were inflated by the 3/5 Compromise. While some radicals among delegates had proposed secession or the seizure of federal property, more moderate voices prevailed. Delegates drafted a convention report with several requests, including limiting the presidential tenure to one term.

 

The Hartford Convention was widely criticized, and became a byword for duplicity, effectively dooming the Federalist Party. One of the only Federalists who retained his popularity was Caleb Strong. A Northampton lawyer, patriot politician, and ardent Federalist, Strong served as Governor of Massachusetts between 1800-1807 and 1812-1816.

 


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