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.

Officers of the Convention


(non-voting)

Members (5):

Name Visualize Details Delegations
W. W. Hoppin Jr. Visualize None Officers of the Convention (This negotiation)
–– Olcott Visualize None Officers of the Convention (This negotiation)
J. H. Puleston Visualize Acting Secretary in the absence of Crafts Wright. Officers of the Convention (This negotiation)
John Stryker Visualize None Officers of the Convention (This negotiation)
Crafts J. Wright Visualize Secretary to the Conference. Son of John Crafts Wright, delegate from Ohio. Officers of the Convention (This negotiation)