In the fall of 1832, a State Convention held in South Carolina, declared certain acts of Congress imposing import duties on foreign goods unconstitutional, and therefore null and void. It was furthermore declared that if Congress should attempt to enforce such acts by the collection of duties upon foreign goods imported into the sea-coast cities of South Carolina, that the State would immediately pass an ordinance of secession, withdraw from the Union, and set up an independent form of government. . . . a bright idea struck him. Here was a splendid show to build up a cheap reputation as a Prophet.