Cato (Anti-Federalist) - Introduction
Cato was the pseudonym of an anonymous Anti-Federalist author publishing in New York during the Constitution’s Ratification Debates.
Cato
Between September 27, 1787 and January 3, 1788 a series of seven articles were published in The New-York Journal, and Daily Patriotic Register by an anonymous author using the pseudonym Cato.
These essays were used in an attempt to sway public sentiment against ratification of the US Constitution. They stand out from other Anti-Federalist Papers by focusing their attack on the office of President.
Cato seems to have been chosen as the pen name for two reasons. First, the ancient Roman leader who defended republican values against the assumption of power by Julius Caesar. Second, a popular book written about 70 years earlier in Britain called ‘Cato’s Letters’.
But who was this Anti-Federalist?
George Clinton
Unfortunately, there is no substantial evidence to prove without doubt who the author of the Cato articles was.
Though several historians have justifiably called this into question, most agree that the likely author was NY Governor George Clinton.
Clinton, still the longest serving Governor in the State’s history, was a longtime Patriot who had a bit of insider knowledge to the goings-on at the Constitutional Convention.
Robert Yates and John Lansing had left the Convention after just five weeks and no doubt had conversations with Clinton, who became outspoken against the new document.
Interestingly, Clinton would later assume the reins of power under that very Government he abhorred when he became the fourth Vice President of the United States.
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