The Peace Conference of 1861

In February 1861, following the inauguration of Lincoln and the secession of seven states from the Union, a convention of 131 politicians from the remaining states met in Washington, D. C., at the Willard Hotel. They aimed to prevent civil war, and the secession of further states, by proposing an amendment to the Constitution that would protect the existence and practice of slavery, within certain parameters, by enshrining them in constitutional law. An amendment was eventually agreed and recommended to Congress, where it was not passed.

Committee on Introductions with the President-Elect

The Committee on Introductions with the President-Elect was created to make arrangements for the introduction of the members of the Conference to the President-Elect. We do not have the records of this committee.

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Committee Document Library View

The list of documents under consideration by committee: Committee on Introductions with the President-Elect at the end of its timeline.