On June 30th, 1812 the editors of the pro-Federalist newspaper the Constitutionalist, published in Exeter, swallowed hard at the news that President Madison had declared war on Great Britain. The War was unpopular throughout New England and rising star Daniel Webster would soon be lifted to Congress on the basis of his opposition to it. Inexperienced with both popular politics and organized parties, Americans on both sides were struggling hard to define exactly what a loyal opposition looked like and whether it was politically legitimate - which is why I found this excerpt noteworthy.
The Point of Honor
We have little room and less inclination to say much in to-day’s paper. If, in common with our agonized fellow-citizens, we feel a certain sentiment almost rising to horror at the madness of a certain recent (would to God we might say unexampled) measure in the annals of any country; if, we say, we participate (and how can we do otherwise) in the general mortification and distress; - we will nevertheless strive not to give way to our feelings, but, on the contrary, to repress and conceel them. We had rather support an administration we dislike than encourage an enemy whom, so far as public safety is concerned we must and will hate. To the task then – Our energies henceforth be exerted in rousing the people to a sense of their danger and the corresponding exertions their Country will expect from them.