Page:Nullification Controversy in South Carolina.djvu/178

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The First Test of Strength
159

convocation of the Club," to await the action of the next Congress. The governor's message, more moderate than the Union party had expected, recommended the wait-awhile policy, and this immediately quieted what little fear there was of imminent conflict with the general government.[1]

On the evening of November 29 there was held in the Senate room a meeting "of the members of the legislature friendly to the re-election of General Jackson." It was a Union party move, but the State Rights party members attended. Daniel E. Huger presided, and James L. Petigru offered resolutions nominating Jackson for re-election, thus causing a heated debate. Many of the State Rights men spoke against the resolutions, on the ground that they were premature, in view of the struggle in which South Carolina was engaged with the general government. They admitted that they preferred Jackson to Clay or Wirt, but they wanted South Carolina to keep aloof for a time. Finally the meeting agreed to adjourn, so that those favorable to the nomination could remain, while those who opposed the nomination could assemble at another place. The opponents

  1. Journal, November 26, 1831 ; Courier, December 5, 10. Poinsett Papers: Drayton to Poinsett, December 27.