Beschreibung:

MONROE, James. Letter signed ("Ja s . Monroe") as Secretary of State and acting Secretary of War, to Colonel Thomas Jesup, "Department of War," [Washington, D.C.], 26 November 1814. 2 pages, folio (7 5/8 x 12½ in.), integral blank, silked, otherwise fine. GUARDING AGAINST TREASON: THE THREAT OF THE HARTFORD CONVENTION DURING THE WAR OF 1812: "THE UNION WILL BE CHERISHED" After many years of abuse of their neutral rights upon the high seas, the United States finally went to war against Great Britain in 1812. A young group of Western and Southern politicians known as the Warhawks had demanded the conflict despite significant opposition from the New England states. Mercantile interests in the northern states, though, were convinced that the war would prove even more disastrous to to trade than the depredations they had suffered as neutrals. Led by the Federalists, a convention was called in the midst of the war at Hartford, Connecticut to discuss their opposition, suggestions for changing the government, and even the possibility of secession. President Madison knew that the convention had to be watched closely. Here, Secretary of State Monroe sends instructions to Colonel Thomas Jesup (1788-1860), asking him to monitor the Convention, and be alert for any movement to secede or to seek alliance with the British: "You will proceed to Connecticut, and assist in the recruiting of your regiment...It is understood that a considerable british force has sailed from Canada, for the east end of Long Island, where they mean to take port, and to watch the proceedings of a convention, which it is expected will be held at Hartford, from Massachusetts, Connecticut & Rhode Island, and to profit of any circumstance, that may occur favourable to Great Britain." Monroe acknowledges the uncertain yet suspect goals of the convention: "You will observe with particular attention the conduct of the proposed convention, and of its members; endeavor to ascertain its views; whether they lead to connection with Great Britain, and severance of the union; and in that event what are their means, and resources in arms and money, & what measures they propose to adopt to carry them into effect. Should you suspect that an attempt will be made to take possession of the arms at Springfield, you will concert with Colonel Leavenworth the means of securing them." Faced with an internal threat in the midst of defending the nation against a foreign enemy, Monroe expresses determination to persevere: "In communicating with the friends of the Union in Connecticut...you will apprize them that their cause is approved, that their interest will be regarded, and that protection will be afforded them...You may assure them that the union will be cherished, and that in no event will the United States be suffered to be dismembered by the designs of the unprincipled traitors, should such appear." The delegates to the Hartford Convention met from December 15, 1814 to January 5, 1815. They proposed amending the Constitution to increase the votes necessary to declare war and to limit the ability of the president to order an embargo. The much celebrated victory of Andrew Jackson at New Orleans on the 8th of January, combined with the news that the war had ended, cast a dark shadow upon the convention. Attendees were promptly branded as traitors and the Federalist Party ceased to exist shortly thereafter. Provenance : Mrs. Philip D. Sang, (sale, Sotheby's, 31 October 1985, lot 159).