“Secession was a lie. Insurrection was a continuing problem. “
And where was the cradle of American secession? Well, it was among the Federalists of New England, especially those opposed to President Madison and the War of 1812:
” As early as 1804 some New England Federalists had discussed secession from the Union if the national government became too oppressive. “
“Secession was again mentioned in 1814–1815; all but one leading Federalist newspaper in New England supported a plan to expel the western states from the Union. Otis, the key leader of the Hartford Convention, blocked radical proposals like seizing the Federal customs house, impounding federal funds, or declaring neutrality. Otis thought the Madison administration was near collapse and that unless conservatives like himself and the other delegates took charge, the radical secessionists might take power. Indeed, Otis was unaware that Massachusetts Governor Caleb Strong had already sent a secret mission to discuss terms with the British for a separate peace.”
“the Madison administration had reasons to be concerned about the consequences of the Hartford Convention. Federalists were already blocking efforts to finance the war and bring it to a successful conclusion that included an invasion of Canada. There were fears that New England would negotiate a separate peace with Great Britain, an action in many ways just as harmful to the nation as actual secession. In preparing for a worst case scenario, Madison moved troops from the New York- Canadian border to Albany where they could quickly be sent to Massachusetts or Connecticut if needed to reserve federal authority. Several New England regiments that had participated in the Niagara campaign were returned home where it was hoped that they could serve as a focal point for New Englanders opposed to disunion.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartford_Convention
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