That the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut meant to take the first step toward a change in the Federal compact was an open secret at Washington before the close of the year. As early as December 29 Gallatin wrote to his friend Nicholson a letter of alarm,[352] which showed that the plan was already known by the Administration:—
“I actually want time to give you more details, but I will only state that it is intended by the Essex Junto to prevail on the Massachusetts legislature, who meet in two or three weeks, to call a convention of the five New England States, to which they will try to add New York; and that something must be done to anticipate and defeat that nefarious plan.”
FOOTNOTES:
[332] Erskine to Canning, Nov. 5, 1808; MSS. British Archives.
[333] R. Smith to Jefferson, Nov. 1, 1808; Jefferson MSS.
[334] Erskine to Canning, Dec. 3, 1808; Cobbett’s Debates, xvii., Appendix cxxxiv.
[335] Erskine to Canning, Dec. 4, 1808; Cobbett’s Debates, xvii., Appendix cxxxvii.
[336] Erskine to Gallatin, Aug. 15, 1809; State Papers, iii. 307.
[337] Gallatin to the National Intelligencer, April 21, 1810; Gallatin’s Writings, i. 475.
[338] Erskine to Canning, Nov. 26, 1808; MSS. British Archives.