William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

The resolves to appoint commissioners to attend a convention to be held in Washington, Feb. 5, were approved by the Governor, and were as follows:—

Whereas, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is desirous of a full and free conference with the General Government, and with any or all of the other States of the Union, at any time and on every occasion, when such conference may promote the welfare of the country; and

Whereas questions of grave moment have arisen touching the powers of the Government, and the relations between the different States of the Union; and

Whereas the State of Virginia has expressed a desire to meet her sister States in convention at Washington; therefore—

Resolved, That the Governor of this Commonwealth, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, be, and he hereby is, authorized to appoint seven persons as commissioners, to proceed to Washington to confer with the General Government, or with the separate States, or with any association of delegates from such States, and to report their doings to the Legislature at its present session; it being expressly declared, that their acts shall be at all times under the control, and subject to the approval or rejection, of the Legislature.

On the same day, Feb. 5, the Governor, with the consent of the Council, appointed the following named gentlemen as commissioners:—

Hon. John Z. Goodrich, of Stockbridge.

Hon. Charles Allen, of Worcester.

Hon. George S. Boutwell, of Groton.

Hon. Francis B. Crowninshield, of Boston.

Theophilus P. Chandler, Esq., of Brookline.

John M. Forbes, Esq., of Milton.

Richard P. Waters, Esq., of Beverly.

These gentleman immediately proceeded to Washington, and took part in the deliberations of the ‘Peace Congress.’ It was a very able delegation.

There was great interest felt in regard to the action of the Peace Congress, and how far its acts would bind the States which the delegates represented.

Feb. 8. In the House.—Mr. Albee, of Marlborough, offered the following resolution:—