Peace Conference of 1861

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Prior to the beginning of fighting between Americans in 1861, there took place a meeting at Washington, D. C., of many of the most influential men in the United States. Attendees at the Peace conference of 1861 included Generals Winfield Scott and William Orlando Butler.

The "peace convention" was held in February, 1861 at the Willard Hotel. Ex-President Tyler presided over the convention. Fourteen free States and seven slave States were represented. A special committee recommended the adoption of certain amendments to the Federal Constitution, but the recommendations were not favorably received by either house of Congress.

Despite the meeting of those important men, insurrectionists began hostile behavior. By the end of 1861, the fighting had increased to the point that it was called the War of the Rebellion.

After the fighting ceased in 1865, the war became known as the American Civil War or The War Between the States.