Sentinels of Federalism: Rhetoric and Ideology of the Federalist Party in Maryland, 1800-1815.

Abstract

To Maryland Federalists the most crucial ingredient for good government was virtue. During the 1790's when they were in power virtue and sound principles of government had been firmly established. This legacy, they believed, should be passed on to succeeding generations. The election of 1800, however, seemed to compromise this hope. In that election the opposition party, headed by Thomas Jefferson, gained control of government. The Federalists found themselves outside of government and had to adapt to this new situation. Faced with these circumstances, the Maryland Federalists transformed themselves into sentinels. It was their responsibility, they believed, not only to pass on the legacy of Federalism but to warn the people of the errors of the Jeffersonians. This study examines their role as sentinels of Federalism. From 1800 to 1815 the Maryland Federalists pursued their new role. A great deal of energy was spent examining and proclaiming to the people the deficiencies of Jefferson. For instance, his beliefs about religion and slavery were criticized as blasphemous and duplicitous, respectively. His actions during the American Revolution were held aloft to the people in order to illustrate his lack of principles. His presidential policies, such as his actions toward the army and navy, his use of the patronage, and his Embargo, among others, were criticized by the Maryland sentinels. The Federalists did not hesitate to include other Jeffersonians as well in their analysis. For instance, the Republicans were viewed as unfit to serve as public leaders because of their mishandling of the war of 1812. The Jeffersonians also lacked virtue, meaning the people would feed on democracy, resulting in disorder. The Baltimore riots were proof, offered the Federalists, of this accusation. Furthermore, the Jeffersonians were in reality the dupes of Bonaparte, and if the country were not h and ed over to him it would probably wind up with a similar government, despotic. If the people could be informed about the principles of the virtuous party, if they could be warned of the errors of the Jeffersonians, then perhaps there was a chance that the Federalists would be returned to their former status and forestall the dissolution of the nation.