Monthly Archives: January 2011

January 31, 1861: Edgerton: “the first blast of war will be the trumpet-signal of emancipation.”

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Sidney Edgerton I have often said that the North did not fight to end slavery, and certainly that was not Lincoln’s primary goal in the war. However, we should not forget that there were Northern abolitionists who fought precisely for … Continue reading →

Posted in Abolitionism, Ohio, Sidney Edgerton | Leave a comment

January 30, 1861: The Tribune quotes Clay

Posted on January 30, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Henry Clay Greeley’s New York Tribune looked to “The Great Compromiser”, Henry Clay of Kentucky, for some counsel on the issue of slavery. Clay helped engineer both the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Compromise of 1850 — both efforts … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes of the war, Horace Greeley, Kentucky, Slavery | Leave a comment

January 29, 1861: “If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot.”

Posted on January 29, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Louisiana having seceded on January 26, state forces were seizing US ships at the port of New Orleans. The revenue cutter McClelland was in New Orleans, and was ordered to leave and make for New York. Captain Breshwood (or Brushwood, … Continue reading →

Posted in John A. Dix | 2 Comments

January 29, 1861: Georgia’s declaration of the causes of secession: tariffs?

Posted on January 29, 2011 by Allen Gathman

The Georgia Secession Convention passed its ordinance of secession on January 19, 1861. Then days later, on January 29, the convention then went on to adopt a Declaration of Causes of Secession. It’s an interesting one; like every other statement … Continue reading →

Posted in Abolitionism, Causes of the war, Georgia, Secession, Slavery | Leave a comment

January 28, 1861: Why is Texas considering secession?

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Oran M. Roberts Roberts was a justice of the Texas Supreme Court in 1861, when he served as president of the secession convention. He resigned to join the Confederate Army during the war, where he was colonel of the 11th … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes of the war, Secession, Slavery, Texas | Leave a comment

January, 1861: DeBow: Non-Slaveholders should fight to defend slavery

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Allen Gathman

James D. B. DeBow I’ve reproduced articles from DeBow’s Review occasionally; it was a magazine of agricultural advice originally, but by the time of the war it had become one of the primary defenders of slavery. In January, 1861, DeBow … Continue reading →

Posted in James D. B. DeBow, Slavery | 7 Comments

January 26, 1861: Alabama convention encounters some backlash.

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Allen Gathman

William Lowndes Yancey The Alabama Convention, having passed an ordinance of secession on January 11, remained in session dealing with constitutional matters — or, as the New York Times’ correspondent suggests, maintaining their grip on power. From the New York … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, William Yancey | Leave a comment

January 26, 1861: Louisiana Secedes

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Ordinance of Secession of Louisiana, adopted January 26, 1861. AN ORDINANCE to dissolve the union between the State of Louisiana and other States united with her under the compact entitled “The Constitution of the United States of America.” We, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Louisiana | 1 Comment

January 25, 1861: Georgia forms an army. And a navy.

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Francis S. Bartow From the journals of the Georgia Secession Convention: THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 1861.   The Convention met in secret session.   Mr. Bartow, from the Committee on Military Affairs, made the following reports :   First : — … Continue reading →

Posted in Georgia, Rhode Island, Secession | 1 Comment

January 24, 1861: Rep. Perry denounces secession

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Nehemiah Perry It’s kind of long; if you don’t want to read it all, skip to the last paragraph, which is a gem. Congressional Globe, HR 36th congress, 2nd session. p. 550-551 Nehemiah Perry (D-NJ) Mr. Speaker, I recognize, today, … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes of the war, Nehemiah Perry, New Jersey, Slavery | Leave a comment