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diff --git a/7140-h/7140-h.htm b/7140-h/7140-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..81151c3 --- /dev/null +++ b/7140-h/7140-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,28699 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta name="linkgenerator" content="HTML-Kit Tools HTML Tidy plugin" /> + <title> + THE GREAT CONSPIRACY, COMPLETE, By John Logan + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> + <h1> + THE GREAT CONSPIRACY + </h1> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Great Conspiracy, Complete, by John Alexander Logan + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Great Conspiracy, Complete + +Author: John Alexander Logan + +Release Date: August 16, 2006 [EBook #7140] +Last Updated: July 18, 2014 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT CONSPIRACY, COMPLETE *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + + <p> + <br /> + </p> + + +<div class="mynote"> +<i><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/7140/old/orig7140-h/main.htm"> The original ebook, which was split into several small files, may be found by clicking on this link. DW</a></i> +</div> + + +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE GREAT CONSPIRACY + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By John Logan + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Its Origin and History + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="bookcover.jpg (102K)" src="images/cover.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="dedication.jpg (30K)" src="images/dedication.jpg" style="width:100%;" /> + </div> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="titlepage.jpg (65K)" src="images/titlepage.jpg" style="width:100%;" /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + In the preparation of this work it has been the writer's aim to present in + it, with historical accuracy, authentic facts; to be fair and impartial in + grouping them; and to be true and just in the conclusions necessarily + drawn from them. While thus striving to be accurate, fair, and just, he + has not thought it his duty to mince words, nor to refrain from "calling + things by their right names;" neither has he sought to curry favor, in any + quarter, by fulsome adulation on the one side, nor undue denunciation on + the other, either of the living, or of the dead. But, while tracing the + history of the Great Conspiracy, from its obscure birth in the brooding + brains of a few ambitious men of the earliest days of our Republic, + through the subsequent years of its devolution, down to the evil days of + Nullification, and to the bitter and bloody period of armed Rebellion, or + contemplating it in its still more recent and, perhaps, more sinister + development, of to-day, he has conscientiously dealt with it, throughout, + in the clear and penetrating light of the voluminous records so readily + accessible at the seat of our National Government. So far as was + practicable, he has endeavored to allow the chief characters in that + Conspiracy—as well as the Union leaders, who, whether in Executive, + Legislative, or Military service, devoted their best abilities and + energies to its suppression—to speak for themselves, and thus while + securing their own proper places in history, by a process of + self-adjustment as it were, themselves to write down that history in their + own language. If then there be found within these covers aught which may + seem harsh to those directly or indirectly, nearly or remotely, connected + with that Conspiracy, he may not unfairly exclaim: "Thou canst not say I + did it." If he knows his own heart, the writer can truly declare, with his + hand upon it, that it bears neither hatred, malice, nor uncharitableness, + to those who, misled by the cunning secrecy of the Conspirators, and + without an inkling or even a suspicion of their fell purposes, went + manfully into the field, with a courage worthy of a better cause, and for + four years of bloody conflict, believing that their cause was just, fought + the armies of the Union, in a mad effort to destroy the best government + yet devised by man upon this planet. And, perhaps, none can better + understand than he, how hard, how very hard, it must be for men of strong + nature and intense feeling, after taking a mistaken stand, and especially + after carrying their conviction to the cannon's mouth, to acknowledge + their error before the world. Hence, while he has endeavored truly to + depict—or to let those who made history at the time help him to + depict—the enormity of the offence of the armed Rebellion and of the + heresies and plottings of certain Southern leaders precipitating it, yet + not one word will be found, herein, condemnatory of those who, with manly + candor, soldierly courage, and true patriotism, acknowledged that error + when the ultimate arbitrament of the sword had decided against them. On + the contrary, to all such as accept, in good faith, the results of the war + of the Rebellion, the writer heartily holds out the hand of forgiveness + for the past, and good fellowship for the future. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + WASHINGTON, D. C. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + April 15, 1886. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch1">CHAPTER I.</a><br /> A PRELIMINARY RETROSPECT.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> AFRICAN SLAVERY IN AMERICA IN 1620—CONTROVERSY BETWEEN THE + COLONIES AND ENGLAND IN 1699—GEORGIAN ABHORRENCE OF SLAVERY IN 1775—JEFFERSON + AND THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE—SLAVERY A SOURCE OF WEAKNESS IN + THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR—THE SESSION BY VIRGINIA OF THE GREAT + NORTH-WEST—THEORDINANCE OF 1784 AND ITS FAILURE—THE ORDINANCE + OF 1787 AND ITS ADOPTION—THE GERM OF SLAVERY AGITATION PLANTED—THE + QUESTION IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION—SUBTERFUGES OF THE OLD + CONSTITUTION—THE BULLDOZING OF THE FATHERS—THE FIRST FEDERAL + CONGRESS, 1789—CONDITIONS OF TERRITORIAL CESSIONS FROM NORTH + CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, 1789-1802—THE "COLONY OF LOUISIANA" + (MISSISSIPPI VALLEY) PURCHASE OF 1803—THE TREATY—CONDITIONS + TOUCHING SLAVERY—THE COTTON INDUSTRY REVOLUTIONIZED—RAPID + POPULATING OF THE GREAT VALLEY, BY SLAVEHOLDERS AND SLAVES—JEFFERSON'S + APPARENT INCONSISTENCY EXPLAINED—THE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE—MULTIPLICATION + OF SLAVES—LOUISIANA ADMITTED, 1812, AS A STATE—THE TERRITORY + OF MISSOURI—THE MISSOURI STRUGGLE (1818-1820) IN A NUTSHELL— + THE "MISSOURI COMPROMISE"<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch2">CHAPTER II.</a><br /> PROTECTION AND FREE TRADE.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> CHIEF CAUSE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION—OUR INDEPENDENCE, + INDUSTRIAL AS WELL AS POLITICAL—FAILURE OF THE CONFEDERATION DUE TO + LACK OF INDUSTRIAL PROTECTION—MADISON'S TARIFF ACT OF 1789—HAMILTON'S + TARIFF OF 1790—SOUTHERN STATESMEN AND SOUTHERN VOTES FOR EARLY + TARIFFS—WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON ON "PROTECTION "—EMBARGO OF + 1807-8—WAR OF 1812-15—CONSEQUENT INCREASE OF AMERICAN + MANUFACTURES—BROUGHAM'S PLAN—RUIN THREATENED BY GLUT OF + BRITISH GOODS—TARIFF ACT OF 1816—CALHOUN'S DEFENSE OF + "PROTECTION"—NEW ENGLAND AGAINST THAT ACT—THE SOUTH SECURES + ITS PASSAGE—THE PROTECTIVE TARIFF ACTS OF 1824 AND 1828—SUBSEQUENT + PROSPERITY IN FREE STATES—THE BLIGHT OF SLAVERY—BIRTH OF THE + FREE TRADE HERESY IN THE UNITED STATES IN 1797—SIMULTANEOUS BIRTH OF + THE HERESY OF STATE RIGHTS—KENTUCKY RESOLUTIONS OF 1798—VIRGINIA + RESOLUTIONS OF 1799—JEFFERSON'S REAL PURPOSE IN FORMULATING THEM—ACTIVITY + OF THE FEW SOUTHERN FREE TRADERS—PLAUSIBLE ARGUMENTS AGAINST + "PROTECTION"—INGENIOUS METHODS OF "FIRING THE SOUTHERN HEART"—SOUTHERN + DISCONTENT WITH TARIFF OF 1824—INFLAMMATORY UTTERANCES—ARMED + RESISTANCE URGED TO TARIFF OF 1828—WALTERBOROUGH ANTI-PROTECTIVE + TARIFF ADDRESS—FREE TRADE AND NULLIFICATION ADVOCACY APPEARS IN + CONGRESS—THE HAYNE-WEBSTER DEBATE—MODIFIED PROTECTIVE TARIFF + OF 1832—SOUTH CAROLINA'S NULLIFICATION ORDINANCE—HAYNE ELECTED + GOVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLINA—HERESY OF "PARAMOUNT ALLEGIANCE TO THE + STATE"—SOUTH CAROLINA ARMS HERSELF—PRESIDENT JACKSON STAMPS + OUT SOUTHERN TREASON—CLAY'S COMPROMISE TARIFF OF 1833—CHIEF + JUSTICE MARSHALL'S SOLEMN WARNING—JACKSON'S FORECAST<br /> <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch3">CHAPTER III.</a><br /> GROWTH OF THE SLAVERY QUESTION.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> "EMANCIPATION" IN NORTHERN AND MIDDLE STATES—VIRGINIA'S + UNSUCCESSFUL EFFORT—CESSION OF THE FLORIDAS, 1819—BALANCE OF + POWER—ADMISSION OF ARKANSAS,1836—SOUTHERN SLAVE HOLDERS' + COLONIZATION OF TEXAS—TEXAN INDEPENDENCE, 1837—CALHOUN'S + SECOND AND GREAT CONSPIRACY—DETERMINATION BEFORE 1839 TO SECEDE—PROTECTIVE + TARIFF FEATURES AGAIN THE PRETEXT—CALHOUN, IN 1841, ASKING THE + BRITISH GOVERNMENT FOR AID—NORTHERN OPPOSITION TO ACQUISITION OF + TEXAS—RATIONALE OF THE LOUISIANA AND FLORIDA ACQUISITIONS—PROPOSED + EXTENSION OF SLAVERY LIMITS—WEBSTER WARNS THE SOUTH—DISASTERS + FOLLOWING COMPROMISE TARIFF OF 1833—INDUSTRIAL RUIN OF 1840—ELECTION + AND DEATH OF HARRISON—PROTECTIVE TARIFF OF 1842—POLK'S + CAMPAIGN OF 1844—CLAY'S BLUNDER AND POLK'S CRIME—SOUTHERN + TREACHERY—THE NORTH HOODWINKED—POLK ELECTED BY ABOLITION VOTE—SLAVE-HOLDING + TEXAS UNDER A SHAM "COMPROMISE"—WAR WITH MEXICO—FREE-TRADE + TARIFF OF 1846—WILMOT PROVISO—TREATY OF GUADALUPE—HIDALGO—SLAVERY + CONTEST IN CONGRESS STILL GROWING—COMPROMISE OF 1850—A LULL—FUGITIVE + SLAVE LAW—NEBRASKA BILL OF 1852-3—KANSAS-NEBRASKA BILL, + 1853-4, REPORTED—PARLIAMENTARY "JUGGLERY"—THE TRIUMPH OF + SLAVERY, IN CONGRESS—BLEEDING KANSAS—TOPEKA CONSTITUTION, 1855—KANSAS + LEGISLATURE DISPERSED, 1856, BY UNITED STATES TROOPS—LECOMPTON + CONSTITUTION OF 1857—FRAUDULENT TRIUMPH OF SLAVERY CONSTITUTION—ITS + SUBSEQUENT DEFEAT—ELECTION OF BUCHANAN, 1856—KANSAS ADMITTED—MISERY + AND RUIN CAUSED BY FREE-TRADE TARIFF OF 1846—FILLMORE AND BUCHANAN + TESTIFY<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch4">CHAPTER IV.</a><br /> "POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY."<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> DOUGLAS'S THEORY OF POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY—ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE + ENDORSEMENT OF IT, 1851—DOUGLAS'S POSITION ON KANSAS—NEBRASKA + BILL, 1854—DRED SCOTT DECISION—SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, + REPUBLICAN CONVENTION OF 1858—LINCOLN'S REMARKABLE SPEECH TO THE + CONVENTION—PIERCE AND BUCHANAN, TANEY AND DOUGLAS, CHARGED WITH + PRO-SLAVERY CONSPIRACY—DOUGLAS'S GREAT SPEECH (JULY 9TH, 1858) AT + CHICAGO, IN REPLY—LINCOLN'S POWERFUL REJOINDER, AT CHICAGO, (JULY + 10TH)—THE ADMIXTURE OF RACES—THE VOTING "UP OR DOWN" OF + SLAVERY—THE "ARGUMENTS OF KINGS"—TRUTHS OF THE DECLARATION OF + INDEPENDENCE—DOUGLAS'S BLOOMINGTON SPEECH (JULY 16TH), OF + VINDICATION AND ATTACK—HISTORY OF THE KANSAS-NEBRASKA STRUGGLE—THE + UNHOLY ALLIANCE—THE TWO POINTS AT ISSUE—THE "WHITE MAN'S" + COUNTRY—DOUGLAS'S PLEDGES TO WEBSTER AND CLAY—DOUGLAS'S + SPRINGFIELD SPEECH, JULY 17TH—THE IRRECONCILABLE PRINCIPLES AT ISSUE + BETWEEN LINCOLN AND HIMSELF—LINCOLN'S GREAT SPEECH, AT SPRINGFIELD, + THE SAME EVENING—DOUGLAS'S TRIUMPHANT MARCHES AND ENTRIES—THE + "OFFICES SEEN IN HIS ROUND, JOLLY, FRUITFUL FACE"—LINCOLN'S + LEAN-FACED FIGHT, FOR PRINCIPLE ALONE—DOUGLAS'S VARIOUS SPEECHES + REVIEWED—THE REAL QUESTION BETWEEN REPUBLICANS AND DOUGLAS MEN AND + THE BUCHANAN MEN—JACKSON'S VETO OF THE NATIONAL BANK CHARTER—DEMOCRATIC + REVOLT AGAINST THE SUPREME COURT DECISION—VINDICATION OF CLAY—"NEGRO + EQUALITY"—MR. LINCOLN'S CHARGE, OF "CONSPIRACY AND DECEPTION" TO + "NATIONALIZE SLAVERY," RENEWED—GREAT JOINT DEBATE OF 1858, BETWEEN + LINCOLN AND DOUGLAS, ARRANGED<br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch5">CHAPTER V</a>.<br /> THE PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST OF 1860—<br /> + THE CRISIS APPROACHING.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> HOW THE GREAT JOINT DEBATE OF 1858 RESULTED—THE "LITTLE GIANT" + CAPTURES THE SENATORSHIP—THE "BIG GIANT" CAPTURES THE PEOPLE—THE + RISING DEMOCRATIC STAR OF 1860—DOUGLAS'S GRAND TRIUMPHAL "PROGRESS" + THROUGH THE LAND—A POPULAR DEMOCRATIC IDOL—FRESH AGGRESSIONS + OF THE SLAVE POWER—NEW MEXICO'S SLAVE CODE OF 1859—HELPER'S + "IMPENDING CRISIS"—JOHN BROWN AND HARPER'S FERRY—THE MEETING + OF CONGRESS, DECEMBER, 1859—FORTY-FOUR BALLOTS FOR SPEAKER—DANGEROUSLY + HEATED CONGRESSIONAL DEBATES ON SLAVERY—THE DEMOCRATIC SPLIT—JEFFERSON + DAVIS'S ARROGANT DOUBLE-EDGED PRO-SLAVERY' RESOLUTIONS—DEMOCRATIC + NATIONAL CONVENTION, CHARLESTON, S. C., 1860—DECLARATIONS OF THE + MAJORITY AND MINORITY REPORTS AND BUTLER'S RECOMMENDATION, WITH VOTES + THEREON—ADOPTION OF THE MINORITY (DOUGLAS) PLATFORM—SOUTHERN + DELEGATES PROTEST AND "BOLT "—THE BOLTING CONVENTION ADJOURNS TILL + JUNE AT RICHMOND—THE REGULAR CONVENTION BALLOTS AND ADJOURNS TO + BALTIMORE—THE BALTIMORE CONVENTION—"THE AFRICAN SLAVE-TRADER A + TRUE MISSIONARY"—MORE BOLTING—DOUGLAS'S NOMINATION FOR THE + PRESIDENCY—THE BOLTING CONVENTION NOMINATES BRECKINRIDGE—THE + REPUBLICAN CONVENTION AND PLATFORM—NOMINATIONS OF LINCOLN, AND BELL—COMPARATIVE + ANALYSIS OF THE FOUR RIVAL PARTY PLATFORMS—THE OCTOBER ELECTIONS—THE + SOUTH PREPARING GLEEFULLY FOR SECESSION—GOVERNOR GIST'S TREASONABLE + MESSAGE TO S. C. LEGISLATURE, NOV. 5—OTHER SIMILAR UTTERANCES<br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch6">CHAPTER VI.</a><br /> THE GREAT CONSPIRACY MATURING. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> LINCOLN'S ELECTION ASSURED—SOUTHERN EXULTATION—NORTHERN + GLOOM—"FIRING THE SOUTHERN HEART"—RESIGNATIONS OF FEDERAL + OFFICERS AND SENATORS OF SOUTH CAROLINA—GOVERNOR BROWN, OF GEORGIA, + DEFIES "FEDERAL COERCION"—ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS'S ARGUMENT AGAINST + SECESSION—SOUTH CAROLINA CALLS AN "UNCONDITIONAL SECESSION + CONVENTION"—THE CALL SETS THE SOUTH ABLAZE—PROCLAMATIONS OF + THE GOVERNORS OF THE SOUTHERN STATES, FAVORING REVOLT—LOYAL ADDRESS + OF GOVERNOR MAGOFFIN OF KENTUCKY—THE CLAMOR OF REVOLT SILENCES + APPEALS FOR UNION—PRESIDENT BUCHANAN'S PITIFUL WEAKNESS—CONSPIRATORS + IN HIS CABINET—IMBECILITY OF HIS LAST ANNUAL MESSAGE TO CONGRESS, + DEC., 1860—ATTORNEY-GENERAL JEREMIAH BLACK'S OPINION AGAINST + COERCION—CONTRAST AFFORDED BY GENERAL JACKSON'S LOYAL LOGIC—ENSUING + DEBATES IN CONGRESS—SETTLED PURPOSE OF THE CONSPIRATORS TO RESIST + PLACATION—FUTILE LABORS OF UNION MEN IN CONGRESS FOR A PEACEFUL + SOLUTION—ABSURD DEMANDS OF THE IMPLACABLES—THE COMMERCIAL + NORTH ON ITS KNEES TO THE SOUTH—CONCILIATION ABJECTLY BEGGED FOR—BRUTAL + SNEERS AT THE NORTH, AND THREATS OF CLINGMAN, IVERSON, AND OTHER SOUTHERN + FIREEATERS, IN THE U. S. SENATE—THEIR BLUSTER MET BY STURDY + REPUBLICANS—BEN WADE GALLANTLY STANDS BY THE "VERDICT OF THE PEOPLE"—PEACEFUL-SETTLEMENT + PROPOSITIONS IN THE HOUSE—ADRIAN'S RESOLUTION, AND VOTE—LOVEJOY'S + COUNTER-RESOLUTION, AND VOTE—ADOPTION OF MORRIS'S UNION RESOLUTION + IN HOUSE<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch7">CHAPTER VII.</a><br /> SECESSION ARMING.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THE SOUTH CAROLINA SECESSION CONVENTION MEETS—SPEECHES AT + "SECESSION HALL" OF PARKER, KEITT, INGLIS, BARNWELL, RHETT, AND GREGG, THE + FIRST ORDINANCE OF SECESSION—ITS JUBILANT ADOPTION AND RATIFICATION—SECESSION + STAMPEDE—A SOUTHERN CONGRESS PROPOSED—PICKENS'S PROCLAMATION + OF SOVEREIGN INDEPENDENCE—SOUTH CAROLINA CONGRESSMEN WITHDRAW—DISSENSIONS + IN BUCHANAN'S CABINET—COBB FLOYD, AND THOMPSON, DEMAND WITHDRAWAL OF + FEDERAL TROOPS—BUCHANAN'S REPLY—SEIZURE OF FORTS, ETC.—THE + "STAR OF THE WEST" FIRED ON—THE MAD RUSH OF REBELLIOUS EVENTS—SOUTH + CAROLINA DEMANDS THE SURRENDER OF FORT SUMTER AND THE DEMAND REFUSED—SECRETARY + HOLT'S LETTER TO CONSPIRING SENATORS AND REBEL AGENT—TROOP'S AT THE + NATIONAL CAPITAL—HOLT'S REASONS THEREFOR—THE REVOLUTIONARY + PROGRAMME—"ARMED OCCUPATION OF WASHINGTON CITY"—LINCOLN'S + INAUGURATION TO BE PREVENTED—THE CRUMBLING AND DISSOLVING UNION—THE + NORTH STANDS AGHAST—GREAT DEBATE IN CONGRESS, 1860-1861—CLINGMAN + ON THE SOUTHERN TARIFF-GRIEVANCE—DEFIANCE OF BROWN OF MISSISSIPPI—IVERSON'S + BLOODY THREAT—WIGFALL'S UNSCRUPULOUS ADVICE—HIS INSULTING + DEMANDS—BAKER'S GLORIOUSLY ELOQUENT RESPONSE—ANDY JOHNSON + THREATENED WITH BULLETS—THE NORTH BULLIED—INSOLENT, IMPOSSIBLE + TERMS OF PEACE—LINCOLN'S SPEECHES EN ROUTE FOR WASHINGTON—SAVE + ARRIVAL—"I'LL TRY TO STEER HER THROUGH!"—THE SOUTH TAUNTS HIM—WIGFALL'S + CHALLENGE TO THE BLOODY ISSUE OF ARMS!<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch8">CHAPTER VIII.</a><br /> THE REJECTED OLIVE BRANCH. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THE VARIOUS COMPROMISES OFFERED BY THE NORTH—"THE CRITTENDEN + COMPROMISE"—THE PEACE CONFERENCE—COMPROMISE PROPOSITIONS OF + THE SOUTHERN CONSPIRATORS—IRRECONCILABLE ATTITUDE OF THE PLOTTERS—HISTORY + OF THE COMPROMISE MEASURES IN CONGRESS—CLARK'S SUBSTITUTE TO + CRITTENDEN RESOLUTIONS IN THE SENATE—ANTHONY'S MORE THAN EQUITABLE + PROPOSITIONS—HIS AFFECTING APPEAL TO STONY HEARTS—THE + CONSPIRACY DEVELOPING—SIX SOUTHERN SENATORS REFUSE TO VOTE AGAINST + THE CLARK SUBSTITUTE—ITS CONSEQUENT ADOPTION, AND DEFEAT OF THE + CRITTENDEN RESOLUTIONS—LYING TELEGRAMS FROM CONSPIRING SENATORS TO + FURTHER INFLAME REBELLION—SAULSBURY'S AFTERSTATEMENT (1862) AS TO + CAUSES OF FAILURE OF CRITTENDEN'S COMPROMISE—LATHAM'S GRAPHIC PROOF + OF THE CONSPIRATORS' "DELIBERATE, WILFUL DESIGN" TO KILL COMPROMISE—ANDREW + JOHNSON'S EVIDENCE AS TO THEIR ULTIMATE OBJECT "PLACE AND EMOLUMENT FOR + THEMSELVES"—"THE POWERS OF GOVERNMENT IN THE HANDS OF THE FEW"—THE + CORWIN COMPROMISE RESOLUTION IN THE HOUSE—THE BURCH AMENDMENT—KELLOGG'S + PROPOSITION—THE CLEMENS SUBSTITUTE—PASSAGE BY THE HOUSE OF + CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROHIBITING CONGRESSIONAL INTERFERENCE WITH + SLAVERY WHERE IT EXISTS—ITS ADOPTION BY THE SENATE—THE CLARK + SUBSTITUTE RECONSIDERED AND DEFEATED—PROPOSITIONS OF THE PEACE + CONGRESS LOST—REJECTION OF THE CRITTENDEN COMPROMISE<br /> <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch9">CHAPTER IX.</a><br /> SLAVERY'S SETTING AND FREEDOM'S + DAWN.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THE LAST NIGHT OF THE 36TH CONGRESS—MR. CRITTENDEN'S PATRIOTIC + APPEAL—"THE SADDEST SPECTACLE EVER SEEN"—IMPOTENCY OF THE + BETRAYED AND FALLING STATE—DOUGLAS'S POWERFUL PLEA—PATRIOTISM + OF HIMSELF AND SUPPORTERS—LOGAN SUMMARIZES THE COMPROMISES, AND + APPEALS TO PATRIOTISM ABOVE PARTY—STATESMANLIKE BREADTH OF DOUGLAS, + BAKER AND SEWARD—HENRY WINTER DAVIS ELOQUENTLY CONDENSES "THE + SITUATION" IN A NUTSHELL—"THE FIRST FRUITS OF RECONCILIATION" + OFFERED BY THE NORTH, SCORNED BY THE CONSPIRATORS—WIGFALL AGAIN + SPEAKS AS THE MOUTHPIECE OF THE SOUTH—HE RAVES VIOLENTLY AT THE + NORTH—THE SOUTH REJECTS PEACE "EITHER IN THE UNION, OR OUT OF IT"—THE + DAWN OF FREEDOM APPEARS (MARCH 4TH, 1861)—INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT + LINCOLN—LINCOLN'S FIRST INAUGURAL—GRANDEUR AND PATHOS OF HIS + PATRIOTIC UTTERANCES—HIS FIRST SLEEPLESS AND PRAYERFUL NIGHT AT THE + WHITE HOUSE—THE MORROW, AND ITS BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT—THE + MESSAGE OF "PEACE AND GOOD WILL" REGARDED AS A "CHALLENGE TO WAR"—PRESIDENT + LINCOLN'S CABINET<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch10">CHAPTER X.</a><br /> THE WAR-DRUM—"ON TO + WASHINGTON!"<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> REBEL COMMISSIONERS AT WASHINGTON ON A "MISSION"—SEWARD "SITS + DOWN" ON THEM—HE REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE "CONFEDERATE STATES"—THE + REBEL COMMISSIONERS "ACCEPT THE GAGE OF BATTLE THUS THROWN DOWN TO THEM"—ATTEMPT + TO PROVISION FORT SUMTER—THE REBELS NOTIFIED—THE FORT AND ITS + SURROUNDINGS—THE FIRST GUN OF SLAVERY FIRED—TERRIFIC + BOMBARDMENT OF THE FORT—THE GARRISON, STARVED AND BURNED OUT, + EVACUATES, WITH ALL THE HONORS OF WAR—THE SOUTH CRAZY WITH + EXULTATION—TE DEUMS SUNG, SALUTES FIRED, AND THE REBEL GOVERNMENT + SERENADED—"ON TO WASHINGTON!" THE REBEL CRY—"GRAY JACKETS OVER + THE BORDER"—PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S FIRST PROCLAMATION AND CALL FOR + TROOPS—INSULTING RESPONSES OF GOVERNORS BURTON, HICKS, LETCHER, + ELLIS, MAGOFFIN, HARRIS, JACKSON AND RECTOR—LOYAL RESPONSES FROM + GOVERNORS OF THE FREE STATES—MAGICAL EFFECT OF THE CALL UPON THE + LOYAL NORTH—FEELING IN THE BORDER-STATES—PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S + CLEAR SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION AND ITS PHILOSOPHY—HIS PLAIN DUTY—THE + WAR POWER—THE NATIONAL CAPITAL CUT OFF—EVACUATION OF HARPER'S + FERRY—LOYAL TROOPS TO THE RESCUE—FIGHTING THEIR WAY THROUGH + BALTIMORE—REBEL THREATS—"SCOTT THE ARCH—TRAITOR, AND + LINCOLN THE BEAST"—BUTLER RELIEVES WASHINGTON—THE SECESSION OF + VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA—SHAMEFUL EVACUATION OF NORFOLK NAVY YARD—SEIZURE + OF MINTS AND ARSENALS—UNION AND REBEL FORCES CONCENTRATING—THE + NATIONAL CAPITAL FORTIFIED—BLOCKADE OF SOUTHERN PORTS—DEATH OF + ELLSWORTH—BUTLER CONFISCATES NEGRO PROPERTY AS "CONTRABAND OF WAR"—A + REBEL YARN<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch11">CHAPTER XI.</a><br /> THE CAUSES OF SECESSION. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> ABOUNDING EVIDENCES OF CONSPIRACY—MACLAY'S UNPUBLISHED DIARY + 1787-1791—PIERCE BUTLER'S FIERCE DENUNCIATION OF THE TARIFF—SOUTH + CAROLINA WILL "LIVE FREE OR DIE GLORIOUS"—JACKSON'S LETTER TO + CRAWFORD, ON TARIFF AND SLAVERY—BENTON'S TESTIMONY—HENRY + CLAY'S EVIDENCE—NATHAN APPLETON'S—A TREASONABLE CAUCUS OF + SOUTHERN CONGRESSMEN—ALEXANDER H. STEPHEN'S EVIDENCE ON THE CAUSES + OF SECESSION—WIGFALL'S ADMISSIONS—THE ONE "REGRETTED" CLAUSE + IN THE CONSTITUTION PRECLUDING MONARCHIAL STATES—ADMISSIONS OF REBEL + COMMISSIONERS TO WASHINGTON—ADMISSIONS IN ADDRESS OF SOUTH CAROLINA + TO THE SLAVE-HOLDERS—JEFFERSON DAVIS'S STATEMENT IN SPECIAL MESSAGE + OF APRIL 29, 1861—DECLARATIONS OF REBEL COMMISSIONERS, TO LORD JOHN + RUSSELL—HIGH TARIFF AND "NOT SLAVERY" THE PRINCIPAL CAUSE—PERSONAL + LIBERTY BILLS—PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S DECLARATION OF THE UNDERLYING + CAUSE OF REBELLION—A WAR UPON LABOR AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE—ANDREW + JOHNSON ON THE "DELIBERATE DESIGN" FOR A "CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT"—"TIRED + OF FREE GOVERNMENT"—DOUGLAS ON THE "ENORMOUS CONSPIRACY"—THE + REBEL PLOT TO SEIZE THE CAPITOL, AND HOLD IT—MCDOUGALL'S GRAPHIC + EXPOSURE OF THE TREASONABLE CONSPIRACY—YANCEY'S FAMOUS "SLAUGHTER" + LETTER—JEFFERSON DAVIS'S STANDARD OF REVOLT, RAISED IN 1858—LAMAR'S + LETTER TO JEFF. DAVIS (186O)—CAUCUS OF TREASON, AT WASHINGTON—EVANS'S + DISCLOSURES OF THE CAUCUS PROGRAMME OF SECESSION—CORROBORATING + TESTIMONY—YULEE'S CAPTURED LETTER—CAUCUS RESOLUTIONS IN FULL<br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch12">CHAPTER XII.</a><br /> COPPERHEADISM VS. UNION + DEMOCRACY. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> NORTHERN COMPLICITY WITH TREASON—MAYOR FERNANDO WOOD + RECOMMENDS SECESSION OF NEW YORK CITY—THE REBEL JUNTA AT WASHINGTON + INSPIRES HIM—HE OBEYS ORDERS, BUT SHAKES AT THE KNEES—KEITT + BRAGS OF THE "MILLIONS OF DEMOCRATS IN THE NORTH," FURNISHING A "WALL OF + FIRE" AGAINST COERCION—ATTEMPTED REBEL—SEDUCTION OF NEW JERSEY—THE + PRICE-BURNETT CORRESPONDENCE—SECESSION RESOLUTIONS OF THE + PHILADELPHIA DEMOCRACY AT NATIONAL HALL—LANE OF OREGON "SERVES + NOTICE" OF "WAR ENOUGH AT HOME" FOR REPUBLICANS—"NORTHERN DEMOCRATS + NEED NOT CROSS THE BORDER TO FIND AN ENEMY"—EX-PRESIDENT PIERCE'S + CAPTURED TREASONABLE LETTER TO JEFF. DAVIS—THE "FIGHTING" TO BE + "WITHIN OUR OWN BORDERS, IN OUR OWN STREETS"—ATTITUDE OF DOUGLAS, + AND THE DOUGLAS DEMOCRACY, AFTER SUMTER—DOUGLAS CALLS ON MR. LINCOLN + AT THE WHITE HOUSE—HE PATRIOTICALLY SUSTAINS THE UNION—HE + RALLIES THE WHOLE NORTH TO STAND BY THE FLAG—THERE CAN BE "NO + NEUTRALS IN THIS WAR; ONLY PATRIOTS AND TRAITORS"—LAMENTED DEATH OF + "THE LITTLE GIANT"—TRIBUTES OF TRUMBULL AND MCDOUGALL TO HIS MEMORY—LOGAN'S + ATTITUDE AT THIS TIME, AND HIS RELATIONS TO DOUGLAS—THEIR LAST + PRIVATE INTERVIEW—DOUGLAS'S INTENTION TO "JOIN THE ARMY AND FIGHT"—HIS + LAST EFFORTS IN CONGRESS—"CONCILIATION," BEFORE SUMTER—"NO + HALF-WAY GROUND" AFTER IT<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch13">CHAPTER XIII.</a><br /> THE STORM OF BATTLE.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THE MILITARY SITUATION—THE GREAT UPRISING—POSITIONS AND + NUMBERS OF THE UNION AND REBEL ARMIES—JOHNSTON EVACUATES HARPER'S + FERRY, AND RETREATS UPON WINCHESTER—PATTERSON'S EXTRAORDINARY + CONDUCT—HE DISOBEYS GENERAL SCOTT'S ORDERS TO "ATTACK AND WHIP THE + ENEMY"—JOHNSTON CONSEQUENTLY FREE TO REINFORCE BEAUREGARD AT + MANASSAS—FITZ JOHN PORTER'S ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE DISASTROUS + CONSEQUENCES—MCDOWELL'S ADVANCE UPON BEAUREGARD—PRELIMINARY + BATTLE AT BLACKBURN'S FORD—JUNCTION OF JOHNSTON WITH BEAUREGARD—REBEL + PLANS OF ADVANCE AND ATTACK—CHANGE IN MCDOWELL'S PLANS—GREAT + PITCHED-BATTLE OF BULL RUN, OR MANASSAS, INCLUDING THE SECOND BATTLE AT + BLACKBURN'S FORD—VICTORY, AT FIRST, WITH MCDOWELL—THE CHECK—THE + LEISURELY RETREAT—THE PANIC AT, AND NEAR, THE NATIONAL CAPITAL—THE + WAR FULLY INAUGURATED<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch14">CHAPTER XIV.</a><br /> THE COLORED CONTRABAND.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THE KNELL OF SLAVERY—THE "IMPLIED POWERS" OF CONGRESS IN THE + CONSTITUTION—PATRICK HENRY'S PREDICTION—JOHN QUINCY ADAMS'S + PROPHECY—JOHN SHERMAN'S NON-INTERFERENCE—WITH-SLAVERY + RESOLUTIONS—JOHN Q. ADAMS ON EMANCIPATION—POWERS OF CONGRESS + AND MILITARY COMMANDERS—GENERAL MCCLELLAN'S WEST VIRGINIA + PROCLAMATION OF NONINTERFERENCE WITH SLAVES—GENERAL BUTLER'S + CORRESPONDENCE WITH GENERAL SCOTT AND SECRETARY CAMERON—CAMERON'S + REPLY—MILITARY TENDERNESS FOR THE DOOMED INSTITUTION—CONGRESS, + AFTER BULL RUN—CONFISCATION, AND EMANCIPATION, OF SLAVES USED TO AID + REBELLION—RINGING WORDS OF TRUMBULL, WILSON, MCDOUGALL, AND TEN + EYCK, IN THE SENATE—ROMAN COURAGE OF THE HOUSE—CRITTENDEN'S + STATEMENTS—WAR RESOLUTIONS—BRECKINRIDGE'S TREASONABLE SPEECH + UPON "THE SANCTITY" OF THE CONSTITUTION—BAKER'S GLORIOUS REPLY—HIS + MATCHLESS APOSTROPHE TO FREEDOM—HIS SELF-SACRIFICING DEVOTION AND + HEROIC DEATH AT BALL'S BLUFF<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch15">CHAPTER XV.</a><br /> FREEDOM'S EARLY DAWN.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THADDEUS STEVENS'S STARTLING UTTERANCES—CAPTURED SLAVES MUST + BE FREE FOREVER—"NO TRUCES WITH THE REBELS"—HIS PROPHECY AS TO + ARMING SLAVES TO FIGHT REBELLION—SECRETARY CAMERON'S LETTER TOUCHING + FUGITIVES FROM SERVICE—GENERAL FREMONT'S PROCLAMATION OF + CONFISCATION AND EMANCIPATION—ITS EFFECT NORTH AND SOUTH—JEFF. + THOMPSON'S SAVAGE PROCLAMATION OF RETALIATION—PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S + EMBARRASSMENT—HE PRIVATELY SUGGESTS TO FREMONT CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS—FREMONT + DEFENDS HIS COURSE—"STRONG AND VIGOROUS MEASURES NECESSARY TO + SUCCESS"—THE PRESIDENT PUBLICLY ORDERS THE MODIFICATION OF FREMONT'S + PROCLAMATION—THE MILITARY MIND GREATLY CONFUSED—GENERAL + INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT—GENERAL T. W. SHERMAN'S + PORT ROYAL PROCLAMATION—GENERAL WOOL'S SPECIAL AND GENERAL ORDERS AS + TO EMPLOYMENT OF "CONTRABANDS"—GENERAL DIX'S PROCLAMATION FOR + REPULSION OF FUGITIVE SLAVES FROM HIS LINES—HALLECK ORDERS EXPULSION + AS WELL AS REPULSION—HIS LETTER OF EXPLANATION TO FRANK P. BLAIR—SEWARD'S + LETTER TO MCCLELLAN ON "CONTRABANDS" IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA<br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch16">CHAPTER XVI.</a><br /> "COMPENSATED GRADUAL + EMANCIPATION."<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S ATTITUDE—SACRIFICES OF PATRIOTISM—ASSERTION + BY CONGRESS OF ITS EMANCIPATING WAR-POWERS—THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM + SLOWLY "MARCHING ON"—ABANDONED SLAVES OF BEAUFORT, S. C.—SECRETARY + CAMERON FAVORS ARMING THEM—THE PRESIDENT'S CAUTIOUS ADVANCES—HE + MODIFIES CAMERON'S REPORT TO CONGRESS ON THE SUBJECT—THE MILITARY + MIND, ALL "AT SEA"—COMMANDERS GUIDED BY POLITICAL BIAS—HALLECK'S + ST. LOUIS PROCLAMATION, 1862—BUELL'S LETTER—CONTRARY ACTION OF + DIX AND HALLECK, BUELL AND HOOKER, FREMONT AND DOUBLEDAY—LINCOLN'S + MIDDLE COURSE—HE PROPOSES TO CONGRESS, COMPENSATED GRADUAL + EMANCIPATION—INTERVIEW BETWEEN MR. LINCOLN AND THE BORDER-STATE + REPRESENTATIVES—INTERESTING REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT—MR. + LINCOLN BETWEEN TWO FIRES—VIEWS, ON COMPENSATED EMANCIPATION, OF + MESSRS. NOELL, CRISFIELD, MENZIES, WICKLIFFE, AND HALL—ROSCOE + CONKLING'S JOINT RESOLUTION, ADOPTED BY BOTH HOUSES—HOOKER'S "CAMP + BAKER" ORDER—MARYLAND FUGITIVE—SLAVE HUNTERS PERMITTED TO + SEARCH THE CAMP—UNION SOLDIERS ENRAGED—SICKLES ORDERS THE + SLAVE HUNTERS OFF—DOUBLEDAY'S DISPATCH AS TO "ALL NEGROES" ENTERING + HIS LINES—TO BE "TREATED AS PERSONS, NOT AS CHATTELS"<br /> <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch17">CHAPTER XVII.</a><br /> BORDER—STATE OPPOSITION.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> APPOINTMENT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE, IN HOUSE, ON GRADUAL EMANCIPATION—DISTRICT + OF COLUMBIA EMANCIPATION ACT—THE PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL MESSAGE OF + APPROVAL—GEN. HUNTER'S EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION—PRESIDENT + LINCOLN PROMPTLY RESCINDS IT BY PROCLAMATION—HIS SOLEMN AND + IMPASSIONED APPEAL TO PEOPLE OF THE BORDER-STATES—HE BEGS THEIR + CONSIDERATION OF GRADUAL COMPENSATED EMANCIPATION—GEN. WILLIAMS'S + ORDER EXPELLING RUNAWAY NEGROES FROM CAMP, AT BATON ROUGE—LIEUT.-COL. + ANTHONY'S ORDER EXCLUDING FUGITIVE-SLAVE HUNTERS FROM "CAMP ETHERIDGE"—GEN. + MCCLELLAN'S FAMOUS "HARRISON'S LANDING LETTER" TO THE PRESIDENT—"FORCIBLE + ABOLITION OF SLAVERY" AND "A CIVIL AND MILITARY POLICY"—SLAVEHOLDING + BORDER-STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES AT THE WHITE HOUSE—PRESIDENT + LINCOLN'S ADDRESS TO THEM, JULY, 1862—GRADUAL EMANCIPATION THE THEME—COMPENSATION + AND COLONIZATION TO ACCOMPANY IT—THE ABOLITION PRESSURE UPON THE + PRESIDENT INCREASING—HE BEGS THE BORDER STATESMEN TO RELIEVE HIM AND + THE COUNTRY IN ITS PERIL—THEIR VARIOUS RESPONSES<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch18">CHAPTER XVIII.</a><br /> FREEDOM PROCLAIMED TO ALL.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S PERSONAL APPEAL TO COLORED FREEMEN—HE BEGS + THEM TO HELP IN THE COLONIZATION OF THEIR RACE—PROPOSED AFRICAN + COLONY IN CENTRAL AMERICA—EXECUTIVE ORDER OF JULY 2, 1862—EMPLOYMENT + OF NEGROES FOR MILITARY PURPOSES OF THE UNION—JEFF. DAVIS RETALIATES—MCCLELLAN + PROMULGATES THE EXECUTIVE ORDER WITH ADDENDA OF HIS OWN—HORACE + GREELEY'S LETTER TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN—THE LATTER ACCUSED OF + "SUBSERVIENCY" TO THE SLAVE HOLDERS—AN "UNGRUDGING EXECUTION OF THE + CONFISCATION ACT" DEMANDED—MR. LINCOLN'S FAMOUS REPLY—HIS + "PARAMOUNT OBJECT, TO SAVE THE UNION, AND NOT EITHER TO SAVE OR DESTROY + SLAVERY"—VISIT TO THE WHITE HOUSE OF A RELIGIOUS DEPUTATION FROM + CHICAGO—MEMORIAL ASKING FOR IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION, BY PROCLAMATION—THE + PRESIDENT'S REPLY TO THE DEPUTATION—"THE POPE'S BULL AGAINST THE + COMET"—VARIOUS OBJECTIONS STATED TENTATIVELY—"A PROCLAMATION + OF LIBERTY TO THE SLAVES" IS "UNDER ADVISEMENT"—THE PROCLAMATION OF + EMANCIPATION ISSUED—ITS POPULAR RECEPTION—MEETING OF LOYAL + GOVERNORS AT ALTOONA—THEIR STIRRING ADDRESS—HOMAGE TO OUR + SOLDIERS—PLEDGED SUPPORT FOR VIGOROUS PROSECUTION OF THE WAR TO + TRIUMPHANT END—PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S HISTORICAL RESUME AND DEFENSE OF + EMANCIPATION—HE SUGGESTS TO CONGRESS, PAYMENT FOR SLAVES AT ONCE + EMANCIPATED BY BORDER STATES—ACTION OF THE HOUSE, ON RESOLUTIONS + SEVERALLY REPREHENDING AND ENDORSING THE PROCLAMATION—SUPPLEMENTAL + EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION OF JAN. 1, 1863<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch19">CHAPTER XIX.</a><br /> HISTORICAL REVIEW.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> COURSE OF SOUTHERN OLIGARCHS THROUGHOUT—THEIR EVERLASTING + GREED AND RAPACITY—BROKEN COVENANTS AND AGGRESSIVE METHODS—THEIR + UNIFORM GAINS UNTIL 1861—UPS AND DOWNS OF THE TARIFF—FREE + TRADE, SLAVERY, STATES RIGHTS, SECESSION, ALL PARTS OF ONE CONSPIRACY—"INDEPENDENCE" + THE FIRST OBJECT OF THE WAR—DREAMS, AMBITIONS, AND PLANS OF THE + CONSPIRATORS—LINCOLN'S FAITH IN NORTHERN NUMBERS AND ENDURANCE—"RIGHT + MAKES MIGHT"—THE SOUTH SOLIDLY-CEMENTED BY BLOOD—THE 37TH + CONGRESS—ITS WAR MEASURES—PAVING THE WAY TO DOWNFALL OF + SLAVERY AND REBELLION<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch20">CHAPTER XX.</a><br /> LINCOLN'S TROUBLES AND + TEMPTATIONS.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> INTERFERENCE WITH SLAVERY FORCED BY THE WAR—EDWARD EVERETT'S + OPINION—BORDER-STATES DISTRUST OF LINCOLN—IMPOSSIBILITY OF + SATISFYING THEIR REPRESENTATIVES—THEIR JEALOUS SUSPICIONS AND + CONGRESSIONAL ACTION—PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE OF KINDLY WARNING—STORMY + CONTENTION IN CONGRESS—CRITTENDEN'S ARGUMENT ON "PROPERTY" IN MAN—BORDER—STATES + "BID" FOR MR. LINCOLN—THE "NICHE IN THE TEMPLE OF FAME" OFFERED HIM—LOVEJOY'S + ELOQUENT COUNTERBLAST—SUMNER (JUNE, 1862,) ON LINCOLN AND + EMANCIPATION—THE PRESIDENT HARRIED AND WORRIED—SNUBBED BY + BORDER STATESMEN—MCCLELLAN'S THREAT—ARMY-MISMANAGEMENT—ARMING + THE BLACKS—HOW THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION WAS WRITTEN—CABINET + SUGGESTIONS—MILITARY SITUATION—REBEL ADVANCE NORTHWARD—LINCOLN, + AND THE BREAST-WORKS—WASHINGTON AND BALTIMORE MENACED—ANTIETAM, + AND THE FIAT OF FREEDOM—BORDER-STATE DENUNCIATION—KNIGHTS OF + THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, ETC.<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch21">CHAPTER XXI.</a><br /> THE ARMED—NEGRO.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> "WHO WOULD BE FREE, HIMSELF MUST STRIKE THE BLOW!"—THE COLORED + TROOPS AT PORT HUDSON—THEIR HEROISM—STIRRING INCIDENTS—AT + MILLIKEN'S BEND—AT FORT WAGNER—AT PETERSBURG AND ABOUT + RICHMOND—THE REBEL CONSPIRATORS FURIOUS—OUTLAWRY OF GENERAL + BUTLER, ETC.—JEFFERSON DAVIS'S MESSAGE TO THE REBEL CONGRESS—ATROCIOUS, + COLD-BLOODED RESOLUTIONS OF THAT BODY—DEATH OR SLAVERY TO THE ARMED + FREEMAN—PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S RETALIATORY ORDER—THE BLOODY + BUTCHERY AT FORT PILLOW—SAVAGE MALIGNITY OF THE REBELS—A + COMMON ERROR, CORRECTED—ARMING OF NEGROES COMMENCED BY THE REBELS—SIMILAR + SCHEME OF A REVOLUTIONARY HERO, IN 1778—REBEL CONGRESSIONAL ACT, + CONSCRIPTING NEGROES—JEFFERSON DAVIS'S POSITION—GENERAL LEE'S + LETTER TO BARKSDALE ON THE SUBJECT<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch22">CHAPTER XXII</a>.<br /> FREEDOM'S SUN STILL RISING.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> DEFINITE CONGRESSIONAL ACTION, ON EMANCIPATION, GERMINATING—GLORIOUS + NEWS FROM THE WEST AND EAST—FALL OF VICKSBURG—GETTYSBURG—LINCOLN'S + GETTYSBURG ORATION—THE DRAFT—THE REBEL "FIRE IN THE REAR"—DRAFT + RIOTS IN NEW YORK—LINCOLN'S LETTER, AUGUST, 1863, ON THE SITUATION—CHATTANOOGA—THE + CHEERING FALL-ELECTIONS—VALLANDIGHAM'S DEFEAT—EMANCIPATION AS + A "POLITICAL" MEASURE—"THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT" REPORTED IN THE SENATE—THADDEUS + STEVENS'S RESOLUTIONS, AND TEST VOTE IN THE HOUSE—LOVEJOY'S DEATH—ELOQUENT + TRIBUTES OF ARNOLD, WASHBURNE, GRINNELL, THADDEUS STEVENS, AND SUMNER<br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch23">CHAPTER XXIII.</a><br /> "THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT" IN THE + SENATE.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> GREAT DEBATE IN THE U. S. SENATE, ON EMANCIPATION—THE WHOLE + VILLANOUS HISTORY OF SLAVERY, LAID BARE—SPEECHES OF TRUMBULL, HENRY + WILSON, HARLAN, SHERMAN, CLARK, HALL, HENDERSON, SUMNER, REVERDY JOHNSON, + MCDOUGALL, SAULSBURY, GARRETT DAVIS, POWELL, AND HENDRICKS—BRILLIANT + ARRAIGNMENT AND DEFENSE OF "THE INSTITUTION"—U. S. GRANT, NOW + "GENERAL IN CHIEF"—HIS PLANS PERFECTED, HE GOES TO THE VIRGINIA + FRONT—MR. LINCOLN'S SOLICITUDE FOR THE THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT—BORDER—STATE + OBSTRUCTIVE MOTIONS, AMENDMENTS, AND SUBSTITUTES, ALL VOTED DOWN—MR. + LINCOLN'S LETTER TO HODGES, OF KENTUCKY, REVIEWING EMANCIPATION AS A WAR + MEASURE—THE DECISIVE FIELD-DAY (APRIL 8, 1864)—THE DEBATE ABLY + CLOSED—THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PASSED BY THE SENATE<br /> <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch24">CHAPTER XXIV.</a><br /> TREASON IN THE NORTHERN CAMPS.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> EMANCIPATION TEST—VOTES IN THE HOUSE—ARNOLD'S RESOLUTION—BLUE + PROSPECTS FOR THE THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT—LINCOLN'S ANXIETY—CONGRESSIONAL + COPPERHEADS—THINLY-DISGUISED TREASON—SPEECHES OF VOORHEES, + WASHBURNE, AND KELLEY—SPRINGFIELD COPPERHEAD PEACE-CONVENTION—"THE + UNION AS IT WAS"—PEACE ON ANY TERMS—VALLANDIGHAM'S LIEUTENANTS—ATTITUDE + OF COX, DAVIS, SAULSBURY, WOOD, LONG, ALLEN, HOLMAN, AND OTHERS—NORTHERN + ENCOURAGEMENT TO REBELS—CONSEQUENT SECOND INVASION, OF THE NORTH, BY + LEE—500,000 TREASONABLE NORTHERN "SONS OF LIBERTY"—RITUAL AND + OATHS OF THE "K. G. C." AND "O. A. K."—COPPERHEAD EFFORTS TO SPLIT + THE NORTH AND WEST, ON TARIFF-ISSUES—SPALDING AND THAD. STEVENS + DENOUNCE TREASON-BREEDING COPPERHEADS<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch25">CHAPTER XXV.</a><br /> THE "FIRE IN THE REAR."<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THE REBEL MANDATE—"AGITATE THE NORTH!"—OBEDIENT + COPPERHEADS—THEIR DENUNCIATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT—BROOKS, + FERNANDO WOOD, AND WHITE, ON THE "FOLLY" OF THE WAR FOR THE UNION—EDGERTON'S + PEACE RESOLUTIONS—ECKLEY, ON COPPERHEAD MALIGNITY—ALEXANDER + LONG GOES "A BOW-SHOT BEYOND THEM ALL"—HE PROPOSES THE + ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SOUTHERN INDEPENDENCE—GARFIELD ELOQUENTLY + DENOUNCES LONG'S TREASON—LONG DEFIANTLY REITERATES IT—SPEAKER + COLFAX OFFERS A RESOLUTION TO EXPEL LONG—COX AND JULIAN'S VERBAL + DUEL—HARRIS'S TREASONABLE BID FOR EXPULSION—EXTRAORDINARY + SCENE IN THE HOUSE—FERNANDO WOOD'S BID—HE SUBSEQUENTLY + "WEAKENS"—EXCITING DEBATE—LONG AND HARRIS VOTED "UNWORTHY + MEMBERS" OF THE HOUSE<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch26">CHAPTER XXVI.</a><br /> "THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT" DEFEATED + IN THE HOUSE.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> GLANCE AT THE MILITARY SITUATION—"BEGINNING OF THE END"—THE + CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT—HOLMAN "OBJECTS" TO "SECOND READING"—KELLOGG + SCORES THE COPPERHEAD-DEMOCRACY—CONTINUOUS "FIRE IN THE REAR" IN + BOTH HOUSES—THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT ATTACKED—THE ADMINISTRATION + ATTACKED—THE TARIFF ATTACKED—SPEECHES OF GARRETT DAVIS, AND + COX—PEACE-RESOLUTIONS OF LAZEAR AND DAVIS—GRINNELL AND + STEVENS, SCORE COX AND WOOD—HENDRICKS ON THE DRAFT—"ON" TO + RICHMOND AND ATLANTA—VIOLENT DIATRIBES OF WOOD, AND HOLMAN—FARNSWORTH'S + REPLY TO ROSS, PRUYN, AND OTHERS—ARNOLD, ON THE ETHICS OF SLAVERY—INGERSOLL'S + ELOQUENT BURST—RANDALL, ROLLINS, AND PENDLETON, CLOSING THE DEBATE—THE + THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT DEFEATED—ASHLEY'S MOTION TO RECONSIDER—CONGRESS + ADJOURNS<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch27">CHAPTER XXVII.</a><br /> SLAVERY DOOMED AT THE POLLS.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THE ISSUE BETWEEN FREEDOM AND SLAVERY—MR. LINCOLN'S + RENOMINATION—ENDORSED, AT ALL POINTS, BY HIS PARTY—HIS FAITH + IN THE PEOPLE—HORATIO SEYMOUR'S COPPERHEAD DECLARATIONS—THE + NATIONAL DEMOCRACY DECLARE THE WAR "A FAILURE"—THEIR COPPERHEAD + PLATFORM, AND UNION CANDIDATE—MCCLELLAN THEIR NOMINEE—VICTORIES + AT ATLANTA AND MOBILE—FREMONT'S THIRD PARTY—SUCCESSES OF GRANT + AND SHERIDAN—DEATH OF CHIEF-JUSTICE TANEY—MARYLAND BECOMES + "FREE"—MORE UNION VICTORIES—REPUBLICAN "TIDAL-WAVE" SUCCESS—LINCOLN + RE-ELECTED—HIS SERENADE-SPEECHES—AMAZING CONGRESSIONAL-RETURNS—THE + DEATH OF SLAVERY INSURED—IT BECOMES SIMPLY A MATTER OF TIME<br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch28">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a><br /> FREEDOM AT LAST ASSURED.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THE WINTER OF 1864—THE MILITARY SITUATION—THE "MARCH TO + THE SEA"—THOMAS AND HOOD—LOGAN'S INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT—VICTORIES + OF NASHVILLE AND SAVANNAH—MR. LINCOLN'S MESSAGE TO CONGRESS, ON + THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT—CONGRESSIONAL RECESS—PRESIDENT LINCOLN + STILL WORKING WITH, THE BORDER-STATE REPRESENTATIVES—ROLLINS'S + INTERVIEW WITH HIM—THE THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT UP, IN THE HOUSE, AGAIN—VIGOROUS + AND ELOQUENT DEBATE—SPEECHES OF COX, BROOKS, VOORHEES, MALLORY, + HOLMAN, WOOD, AND PENDLETON, AGAINST THE AMENDMENT—SPEECHES OF + CRESWELL, SCOFIELD, ROLLINS, GARFIELD, AND STEVENS, FOR IT—RECONSIDERATION + OF ADVERSE VOTE—THE AMENDMENT ADOPTED—EXCITING SCENE IN THE + HOUSE—THE GRAND SALUTE TO LIBERTY—SERENADE TO MR. LINCOLN—"THIS + ENDS THE JOB"<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch29">CHAPTER XXIX.</a><br /> LINCOLN'S SECOND INAUGURATION.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> REBELLION ON ITS "LAST LEGS"—PEACE COMMISSIONS AND + PROPOSITIONS—EFFORTS OF GREELEY, JACQUES, GILMORE, AND BLAIR—LINCOLN'S + ADVANCES—JEFFERSON DAVIS'S DEFIANT MESSAGE TO HIM—THE + PRESIDENT AND THE REBEL COMMISSIONERS AT HAMPTON ROADS—VARIOUS + ACCOUNTS, OF THE SECRET CONFERENCE, BY PARTICIPANTS THE PROPOSITIONS ON + BOTH SIDES—FAILURE—THE MILITARY OUTLOOK—THE REBEL CAUSE + DESPERATE—REBEL DESERTIONS—"MILITARY" PEACE-CONVENTION + PROPOSED BY REBELS—DECLINED—CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN GRANT AND + LEE, ETC.—THE SECOND INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN—A + STRANGE OMEN—HIS IMMORTAL SECOND-INAUGURAL<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch30">CHAPTER XXX.</a><br /> COLLAPSE OF THE ARMED + CONSPIRACY.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> PROGRESS OF THE WAR—CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS, 1865—MEETING, + AT CITY POINT, OF LINCOLN, GRANT, AND SHERMAN—SHERMAN'S ACCOUNT OF + WHAT PASSED—GRANT NOW FEELS "LIKE ENDING THE MATTER"—THE + BATTLES OF DINWIDDIE COURT HOUSE AND FIVE FORKS—UNION ASSAULT ON THE + PETERSBURG WORKS—UNION VICTORY EVERYWHERE—PETERSBURG AND + RICHMOND EVACUATED—LEE'S RETREAT CUT OFF BATTLE OF SAILOR'S CREEK—GRANT + ASKS LEE TO SURRENDER—LEE DELAYS—SHERIDAN CATCHES HIM, AND HIS + ARMY, IN A TRAP—THE REBELS SURRENDER, AT APPOMATTOX—GRANT'S + GENEROUS AND MAGNANIMOUS TERMS—THE STARVING REBELS FED WITH UNION + RATIONS—SURRENDER OF JOHNSTON'S ARMY—OTHER REBEL FORCES + SURRENDER—THE REBELLION STAMPED OUT—CAPTURE OF JEFFERSON DAVIS—THE + REBELS "YIELD EVERYTHING THEY HAD FOUGHT FOR"—THEY CRAVE PARDON AND + OBLIVION FOR THEIR OFFENCES<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch31">CHAPTER XXXI.</a><br /> ASSASSINATION!<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> PRESIDENT LINCOLN AT RICHMOND—HIS RECEPTIONS AT JEFFERSON + DAVIS'S MANSION—RETURN TO WASHINGTON—THE NEWS OF LEE'S + SURRENDER—LINCOLN'S LAST PUBLIC SPEECH—HIS THEME, + "RECONSTRUCTION"—GRANT ARRIVES AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL—PRESIDENT + LINCOLN'S LAST CABINET MEETING—HIS FOND HOPES OF THE FUTURE—AN + UNHEEDED PRESENTIMENT—AT FORD'S THEATRE—THE LAST ACCLAMATION + OF THE PEOPLE—THE PISTOL SHOT THAT HORRIFIED THE WORLD—SCULKING, + RED HANDED TREASON—THE ASSASSINATION PLOT-COMPLICITY OF THE REBEL + AUTHORITIES, BELIEVED BY THE BEST INFORMED MEN—TESTIMONY AS TO THREE + ATTEMPTS TO KILL LINCOLN—THE CHIEF REBEL-CONSPIRATORS "RECEIVE + PROPOSITIONS TO ASSASSINATE"—A NATION'S WRATH—ANDREW JOHNSON'S + VEHEMENT ASSEVERATIONS—"TREASON MUST BE MADE ODIOUS"—RECONSTRUCTION<br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch32">CHAPTER XXXII.</a><br /> TURNING BACK THE HANDS<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> "RECONSTRUCTION" OF THE SOUTH—MEMORIES OF THE WAR, DYING OUT—THE + FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH AMENDMENTS—THE SOUTHERN STATES + REHABILITATED BY ACCEPTANCE OF AMENDMENTS, ETC.—REMOVAL OF REBEL + DISABILITIES—CLEMENCY OF THE CONQUERORS—THE OLD CONSPIRATORS + HATCH A NEW CONSPIRACY—THE "LOST CAUSE" TO BE REGAINED—THE + MISSISSIPPI SHOT-GUN PLAN—FRAUD, BARBARITY, AND MURDERS, EFFECT THE + PURPOSE—THE "SOUTH" CEMENTED "SOLID" BY BLOOD—PEONAGE REPLACES + SLAVERY—THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1876—THE TILDEN "BARREL," + AND "CIPHER DISPATCHES"—THE "FRAUD" CRY—THE OLD LEADERS + DICTATE THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE OF 1880—THEIR FREE-TRADE + ISSUE TO THE FRONT AGAIN—SUCCESSIVE DEMOCRATIC EFFORTS TO FORCE + FREE-TRADE THROUGH THE HOUSE, SINCE REBELLION—EFFECT OF SUCH EFFORTS—REPUBLICAN + MODIFICATIONS OF THEIR OWN PROTECTIVE TARIFF—THE "SOLID SOUTH" + SUCCEEDS, AT LAST, IN "ELECTING" ITS CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT—IS THIS + STILL A REPUBLIC, OR IS IT AN OLIGARCHY?<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a href="#linkch33">CHAPTER XXXIII.</a><br /> WHAT NEXT?<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> THE PRESENT OUTLOOK—COMMERCIAL PROSPECTS, BRIGHT—WHAT + THE PEOPLE OF THE NORTHERN AND WESTERN STATES SEE—WHAT IS A + "REPUBLICAN FORM OF GOVERNMENT?"—WHAT DID THE FATHERS MEAN BY IT—THE + REASON FOR THE GUARANTEE IN THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION—PURPOSES OF + "THE PEOPLE" IN CREATING THIS REPUBLIC—THE "SOLID-SOUTHERN" + OLIGARCHS DEFEAT THOSE PURPOSES—THE REPUBLICAN PARTY NOT BLAMELESS + FOR THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THINGS—THE OLD REBEL-CHIEFTAINS AND + COPPERHEADS, IN CONTROL—THEY GRASP ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT WAS LOST + BY THE REBELLION—THEIR GROWING AGGRESSIVENESS—THE FUTURE—"WATCHMAN, + WHAT OF THE NIGHT?"<br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + IMAGES + </h3> + <p> + <a href="#linkhayne">ISAAC W. HAYNE,</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkseward">WM. + H. SEWARD,</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkclay">HENRY CLAY,</a><br /><br /> <a + href="#linkdavis">JEFFERSON DAVIS,</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkwebster">DANIEL + WEBSTER,</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkdouglas">STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS,</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#linkjefferson">THOMAS JEFFERSON,</a><br /><br /> <a + href="#linklincoln">ABRAHAM LINCOLN,</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkcalhoun">JOHN + C. CALHOUN,</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkvirginia">SEAT OF WAR IN VIRGINIA.</a> + (Map)<br /><br /> <a href="#linkbull1">FIRST BULL RUN BATTLE-FIELD.</a> + (Map)<br /><br /> <a href="#linkbull2">FIRST BULL RUN BATTLE-FIELD,</a> + (Map)<br /><br /> <a href="#linkcrittenden">J. J. CRITTENDEN</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#linkwigfall">LOUIS T. WIGFALL</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkhunter">DAVID + HUNTER</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkhenry">PATRICK HENRY</a><br /><br /> <a + href="#linkbaker">EDWARD D. BAKER</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkfremont">JOHN + C. FREMONT</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkcameron">SIMON CAMERON</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#linkhalleck">H. W. HALLECK</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkbutler">BENJ. + F. BUTLER</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linktrumbell">LYMAN TRUMBULL</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#linkwade">BENJ. F. WADE</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkmcclellan">GEO. + B. MCCLELLAN</a><br /><br /> <a href="#linkstevens">THAD. STEVENS</a><br /><br /> + <a href="#linkdavis">HENRY WINTER DAVIS</a><br /><br /> <a + href="#linkbreckinridge">J. C. BRECKINRIDGE</a><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkwebster" id="linkwebster"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p024-webster.jpg (88K)" src="images/p024-webster.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch1" id="linkch1"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I.<br /> <br /> A PRELIMINARY RETROSPECT. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + To properly understand the condition of things preceding the great war of + the Rebellion, and the causes underlying that condition and the war + itself, we must glance backward through the history of the Country to, and + even beyond, that memorable 30th of November, 1782, when the Independence + of the United States of America was at last conceded by Great Britain. At + that time the population of the United States was about 2,500,000 free + whites and some 500,000 black slaves. We had gained our Independence of + the Mother Country, but she had left fastened upon us the curse of + Slavery. Indeed African Slavery had already in 1620 been implanted on the + soil of Virginia before Plymouth Rock was pressed by the feet of the + Pilgrim Fathers, and had spread, prior to the Revolution, with greater or + less rapidity, according to the surrounding adaptations of soil, + production and climate, to every one of the thirteen Colonies. + </p> + <p> + But while it had thus spread more or less throughout all the original + Colonies, and was, as it were, recognized and acquiesced in by all, as an + existing and established institution, yet there were many, both in the + South and North, who looked upon it as an evil—an inherited evil—and + were anxious to prevent the increase of that evil. Hence it was that even + as far back as 1699, a controversy sprang up between the Colonies and the + Home Government, upon the African Slavery question—a controversy + continuing with more or less vehemence down to the Declaration of + Independence itself. + </p> + <p> + It was this conviction that it was not alone an evil but a dangerous evil, + that induced Jefferson to embody in his original draft of that Declaration + a clause strongly condemnatory of the African Slave Trade—a clause + afterward omitted from it solely, he tells us, "in complaisance to South + Carolina and Georgia, who had never* attempted to restrain the importation + of slaves, and who, on the contrary, still wished to continue it," as well + as in deference to the sensitiveness of Northern people, who, though + having few slaves themselves, "had been pretty considerable carriers of + them to others" a clause of the great indictment of King George III., + which, since it was not omitted for any other reason than that just given, + shows pretty conclusively that where the fathers in that Declaration + affirmed that "all men are created equal," they included in the term + "men," black as well as white, bond as well as free; for the clause ran + thus: "Determined to keep open a market where MEN should be bought and + sold, he has prostituted his negative for suppressing every Legislative + attempt to prohibit or to restrain this execrable commerce. And that this + assemblage of horrors might want no fact of distinguished dye, he is now + exciting those very people to rise in arms among us, and purchase that + liberty of which he has deprived them, by murdering the people on whom he + also obtruded them; thus paying of former crimes committed against the + LIBERTIES of our people with crimes which he urges them to commit against + the LIVES of another." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Prior to 1752, when Georgia surrendered her charter and became a Royal + Colony, the holding of slaves within its limits was expressly prohibited + by law; and the Darien (Ga.) resolutions of 1775 declared not only a + "disapprobation and abhorrence of the unnatural practice of Slavery in + America" as "a practice founded in injustice and cruelty, and highly + dangerous to our Liberties (as well as lives) but a determination to use + our utmost efforts for the manumission of our slaves in this colony upon + the most safe and equitable footing for the masters and themselves."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + During the war of the Revolution following the Declaration of + Independence, the half a million of slaves, nearly all of them in the + Southern States, were found to be not only a source of weakness, but, + through the incitements of British emissaries, a standing menace of peril + to the Slaveholders. Thus it was that the South was overrun by hostile + British armies, while in the North—comparatively free of this + element of weakness—disaster after disaster met them. At last, + however, in 1782, came the recognition of our Independence, and peace, + followed by the evacuation of New York at the close of 1783. + </p> + <p> + The lessons of the war, touching Slavery, had not been lost upon our + statesmen. Early in 1784 Virginia ceded to the United States her claims of + jurisdiction and otherwise over the vast territory north-west of the Ohio; + and upon its acceptance, Jefferson, as chairman of a Select Committee + appointed at his instance to consider a plan of government therefor, + reported to the ninth Continental Congress an Ordinance to govern the + territory ceded already, or to be ceded, by individual States to the + United States, extending from the 31st to the 47th degree of north + latitude, which provided as "fundamental conditions between the thirteen + original States and those newly described" as embryo States thereafter—to + be carved out of such territory ceded or to be ceded to the United States, + not only that "they shall forever remain a part of the United States of + America," but also that "after the year 1800 of the Christian era, there + shall be neither Slavery nor involuntary servitude in any of the said + States"—and that those fundamental conditions were "unalterable but + by the joint consent of the United States in Congress assembled, and of + the particular State within which such alteration is proposed to be made." + </p> + <p> + But now a signal misfortune befell. Upon a motion to strike out the clause + prohibiting Slavery, six States: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode + Island, Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania, voted to retain the + prohibitive clause, while three States, Maryland, Virginia and South + Carolina, voted not to retain it. The vote of North Carolina was equally + divided; and while one of the Delegates from New Jersey voted to retain + it, yet as there was no other delegate present from that State, and the + Articles of Confederation required the presence of "two or more" delegates + to cast the vote of a State, the vote of New Jersey was lost; and, as the + same Articles required an affirmative vote of a majority of all the States—and + not simply of those present—the retention of the clause prohibiting + Slavery was also lost. Thus was lost the great opportunity of restricting + Slavery to the then existing Slave States, and of settling the question + peaceably for all time. Three years afterward a similar Ordinance, since + become famous as "the Ordinance of '87," for the government of the + North-west Territory (from which the Free States of Ohio, Indiana, + Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin have since been carved and admitted to + the Union) was adopted in Congress by the unanimous vote of all the eight + States present. And the sixth article of this Ordinance, or "Articles of + Compact," which it was stipulated should "forever remain unalterable, + unless by common consent," was in these words: + </p> + <p> + "Art. 6. There shall be neither Slavery nor involuntary servitude in the + said Territory, otherwise than in punishment of crimes, whereof the party + shall have been duly convicted; provided always that any person escaping + into the same from whom labor or service is lawfully claimed in any one of + the original States, such fugitive may be lawfully reclaimed, and conveyed + to the person claiming his or her labor, or service, as aforesaid." + </p> + <p> + But this Ordinance of '87, adopted almost simultaneously with the framing + of our present Federal Constitution, was essentially different from the + Ordinance of three years previous, in this: that while the latter included + the territory south of the Ohio River as well as that north-west of it, + this did not; and as a direct consequence of this failure to include in it + the territory south of that river, the States of Tennessee, Alabama and + Mississippi, which were taken out of it, were subsequently admitted to the + Union as Slave States, and thus greatly augmented their political power. + And at a later period it was this increased political power that secured + the admission of still other Slave States—as Florida, Louisiana and + Texas—which enabled the Slave States to hold the balance of such + power as against the original States that had become Free, and the new + Free States of the North-west. + </p> + <p> + Hence, while in a measure quieting the great question of Slavery for the + time being, the Ordinance of '87 in reality laid the ground-work for the + long series of irritations and agitations touching its restrictions and + extension, which eventually culminated in the clash of arms that shook the + Union from its centre to its circumference. Meanwhile, as we have seen—while + the Ordinance of 1787 was being enacted in the last Congress of the old + Confederation at New York—the Convention to frame the present + Constitution was sitting at Philadelphia under the Presidency of George + Washington himself. The old Confederation had proved itself to be "a rope + of sand." A new and stronger form of government had become a necessity for + National existence. + </p> + <p> + To create it out of the discordant elements whose harmony was essential to + success, was an herculean task, requiring the utmost forbearance, + unselfishness, and wisdom. And of all the great questions, dividing the + framers of that Constitution, perhaps none of them required a higher + degree of self abnegation and patriotism than those touching human + Slavery. + </p> + <p> + The situation was one of extreme delicacy. The necessity for a closer and + stronger Union of all the States was apparently absolute, yet this very + necessity seemed to place a whip in the hands of a few States, with which + to coerce the greater number of States to do their bidding. It seemed that + the majority must yield to a small minority on even vital questions, or + lose everything. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was, that instead of an immediate interdiction of the African + Slave Trade, Congress was empowered to prohibit it after the lapse of + twenty years; that instead of the basis of Congressional Representation + being the total population of each State, and that of direct taxation the + total property of each State, a middle ground was conceded, which regarded + the Slaves as both persons and property, and the basis both of + Representation and of Direct Taxation was fixed as being the total Free + population "plus three-fifths of all other persons" in each State; and + that there was inserted in the Constitution a similar clause to that which + we have seen was almost simultaneously incorporated in the Ordinance of + '87, touching the reclamation and return to their owners of Fugitive + Slaves from the Free States into which they may have escaped. + </p> + <p> + The fact of the matter is, that the Convention that framed our + Constitution lacked the courage of its convictions, and was "bulldozed" by + the few extreme Southern Slave-holding States—South Carolina and + Georgia especially. It actually paltered with those convictions and with + the truth itself. Its convictions—those at least of a great majority + of its delegates—were against not only the spread, but the very + existence of Slavery; yet we have seen what they unwillingly agreed to in + spite of those convictions; and they were guilty moreover of the + subterfuge of using the terms "persons" and "service or labor" when they + really meant "Slaves" and "Slavery." "They did this latter," Mr. Madison + says, "because they did not choose to admit the right of property in man," + and yet in fixing the basis of Direct Taxation as well as Congressional + Representation at the total Free population of each State with + "three-fifths of all other persons," they did admit the right of property + in man! As was stated by Mr. Iredell to the North Carolina Ratification + Convention, when explaining the Fugitive Slave clause: "Though the word + 'Slave' is not mentioned, this is the meaning of it." And he added: "The + Northern delegates, owing to their peculiar scruples on the subject of + Slavery, did not choose the word 'Slave' to be mentioned." + </p> + <p> + In March, 1789, the first Federal Congress met at New York. It at once + enacted a law in accordance with the terms of the Ordinance of '87—adapting + it to the changed order of things under the new Federal Constitution—prohibiting + Slavery in the Territories of the North-west; and the succeeding Congress + enacted a Fugitive-Slave law. + </p> + <p> + In the same year (1789) North Carolina ceded her western territory (now + Tennessee) south of the Ohio, to the United States, providing as one of + the conditions of that cession, "that no regulation made, or to be made, + by Congress, shall tend to emancipate Slaves." Georgia, also, in 1802, + ceded her superfluous territorial domain (south of the Ohio, and now known + as Alabama and Mississippi), making as a condition of its acceptance that + the Ordinance of '87 "shall, in all its parts, extend to the territory + contained in the present act of cession, the article only excepted which + forbids Slavery." + </p> + <p> + Thus while the road was open and had been taken advantage of, at the + earliest moment, by the Federal Congress to prohibit Slavery in all the + territory north-west of the Ohio River by Congressional enactment, + Congress considered itself barred by the very conditions of cession from + inhibiting Slavery in the territory lying south of that river. Hence it + was that while the spread of Slavery was prevented in the one Section of + our outlying territories by Congressional legislation, it was stimulated + in the other Section by the enforced absence of such legislation. As a + necessary sequence, out of the Territories of the one Section grew more + Free States and out of the other more Slave States, and this condition of + things had a tendency to array the Free and the Slave States in opposition + to each other and to Sectionalize the flames of that Slavery agitation + which were thus continually fed. + </p> + <p> + Upon the admission of Ohio to Statehood in 1803, the remainder of the + North-west territory became the Territory of Indiana. The inhabitants of + this Territory (now known as the States of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and + Wisconsin), consisting largely of settlers from the Slave States, but + chiefly from Virginia and Kentucky, very persistently (in 1803, 1806 and + 1807) petitioned Congress for permission to employ Slave Labor, but—although + their petitions were favorably reported in most cases by the Committees to + which they were referred—without avail, Congress evidently being of + opinion that a temporary suspension in this respect of the sixth article + of the Ordinance of '87 was "not expedient." These frequent rebuffs by + Congress, together with the constantly increasing emigration from the Free + States, prevented the taking of any further steps to implant Slavery on + the soil of that Territory. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the vast territory included within the Valley of the Mississippi + and known at that day as the "Colony of Louisiana," was, in 1803, acquired + to the United States by purchase from the French—to whom it had but + lately been retroceded by Spain. Both under Spanish and French rule, + Slavery had existed throughout this vast yet sparsely populated region. + When we acquired it by purchase, it was already there, as an established + "institution;" and the Treaty of acquisition not only provided that it + should be "incorporated into the Union of the United States, and admitted + as soon as possible, according to the principles of the Federal + Constitution," but that its inhabitants in the meantime "should be + maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty, property, + and the religion which they professed"—and, as "the right of + property in man" had really been admitted in practice, if not in theory, + by the framers of that Constitution itself—that institution was + allowed to remain there. Indeed the sparseness of its population at the + time of purchase and the amazing fertility of its soil and adaptability of + its climate to Slave Labor, together with the then recent invention by Eli + Whitney, of Massachusetts, of that wonderful improvement in the separation + of cotton-fibre from its seed, known as the "cotton-gin"—which with + the almost simultaneous inventions of Hargreaves, and Arkwright's + cotton-spinning machines, and Watt's application of his steam engine, + etc., to them, marvelously increased both the cotton supply and demand and + completely revolutionized the cotton industry—contributed to rapidly + and thickly populate the whole region with white Slave-holders and black + Slaves, and to greatly enrich and increase the power of the former. + </p> + <p> + When Jefferson succeeded in negotiating the cession of that vast and rich + domain to the United States, it is not to be supposed that either the + allurements of territorial aggrandizement on the one hand, or the + impending danger to the continued ascendency of the political party which + had elevated him to the Presidency, threatening it from all the + irritations with republican France likely to grow out of such near + proximity to her Colony, on the other, could have blinded his eyes to the + fact that its acquisition must inevitably tend to the spread of that very + evil, the contemplation of which, at a later day, wrung from his lips the + prophetic words, "I tremble for my Country when I reflect that God is + just." It is more reasonable to suppose that, as he believed the + ascendency of the Republican party of that day essential to the perpetuity + of the Republic itself, and revolted against being driven into an armed + alliance with Monarchical England against what he termed "our natural + friend," Republican France, he reached the conclusion that the + preservation of his Republican principles was of more immediate moment + than the question of the perpetuation and increase of human Slavery. Be + that as it may, it none the less remains a curious fact that it was to + Jefferson, the far-seeing statesman and hater of African Slavery and the + author of the Ordinance of 1784—which sought to exclude Slavery from + all the Territories of the United States south of, as well as north-west + of the Ohio River—that we also owe the acquisition of the vast + territory of the Mississippi Valley burdened with Slavery in such shape + that only a War, which nearly wrecked our Republic, could get rid of! + </p> + <p> + Out of that vast and fertile, but Slave-ridden old French Colony of + "Louisiana" were developed in due time the rich and flourishing Slave + States of Louisiana, Missouri and Arkansas. + </p> + <p> + It will have been observed that this acquisition of the Colony of + Louisiana and the contemporaneous inventions of the cotton-gin, improved + cotton-spinning machinery, and the application to it of steam power, had + already completely neutralized the wisdom of the Fathers in securing, as + they thought, the gradual but certain extinction of Slavery in the United + States, by that provision in the Constitution which enabled Congress, + after an interval of twenty years, to prohibit the African Slave Trade; + and which led the Congress, on March 22, 1794, to pass an Act prohibiting + it; to supplement it in 1800 with another Act in the same direction; and + on March 2, 1807, to pass another supplemental Act—to take effect + January 1, 1808—still more stringent, and covering any such illicit + traffic, whether to the United States or with other countries. Never was + the adage that, "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft agley," + more painfully apparent. Slaves increased and multiplied within the land, + and enriched their white owners to such a degree that, as the years rolled + by, instead of compunctions of conscience on the subject of African + Slavery in America, the Southern leaders ultimately persuaded themselves + to the belief that it was not only moral, and sanctioned by Divine Law, + but that to perpetuate it was a philanthropic duty, beneficial to both + races! In fact one of them declared it to be "the highest type of + civilization." + </p> + <p> + In 1812, the State of Louisiana, organized from the purchased Colony of + the same name, was admitted to the Union, and the balance of the Louisiana + purchase was thereafter known as the Territory of Missouri. + </p> + <p> + In 1818 commenced the heated and protracted struggle in Congress over the + admission of the State of Missouri—created from the Territory of + that name—as a Slave State, which finally culminated in 1820 in the + settlement known thereafter as the "Missouri Compromise." + </p> + <p> + Briefly stated, that struggle may be said to have consisted in the efforts + of the House on the one side, to restrict Slavery in the State of + Missouri, and the efforts of the Senate on the other, to give it free + rein. The House insisted on a clause in the Act of admission providing, + "That the introduction of Slavery or involuntary servitude be prohibited, + except for the punishment of crimes whereof the party has been duly + convicted; and that all children born within the said State, after the + admission thereof into the Union, shall be declared Free at the age of + twenty-five years." The Senate resisted it—and the Bill fell. In the + meantime, however, a Bill passed both Houses forming the Territory of + Arkansas out of that portion of the Territory of Missouri not included in + the proposed State of Missouri, without any such restriction upon Slavery. + Subsequently, the House having passed a Bill to admit the State of Maine + to the Union, the Senate amended it by tacking on a provision authorizing + the people of Missouri to organize a State Government, without restriction + as to Slavery. The House decidedly refused to accede to the Senate + proposition, and the result of the disagreement was a Committee of + Conference between the two Houses, and the celebrated "Missouri + Compromise," which, in the language of another—[Hon. John Holmes of + Massachusetts, of said Committee on Conference, March 2, 1820.]—, + was: "that the Senate should give up its combination of Missouri with + Maine; that the House should abandon its attempt to restrict Slavery in + Missouri; and that both Houses should concur in passing the Bill to admit + Missouri as a State, with" a "restriction or proviso, excluding Slavery + from all territory north and west of the new State"—that + "restriction or proviso" being in these words: "That in all that territory + ceded by France to the United States under the name of Louisiana, which + lies north of thirty-six degrees, thirty minutes north latitude, excepting + only such part thereof as is included within the limits of the State + contemplated by this act, Slavery and involuntary servitude, otherwise + than in the punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly + convicted, shall be and is hereby forever prohibited; Provided always, + that any person escaping into the same, from whom labor and service is + lawfully claimed in any State or Territory of the United States, such + Fugitive may be lawfully reclaimed and conveyed to the person claiming his + or her labor or service, as aforesaid." At a subsequent session of + Congress, at which Missouri asked admission as a State with a Constitution + prohibiting her Legislature from passing emancipation laws, or such as + would prevent the immigration of Slaves, while requiring it to enact such + as would absolutely prevent the immigration of Free Negroes or Mulattoes, + a further Compromise was agreed to by Congress under the inspiration of + Mr. Clay, by which it was laid down as a condition precedent to her + admission as a State—a condition subsequently complied with—that + Missouri must pledge herself that her Legislature should pass no act "by + which any of the citizens of either of the States should be excluded from + the enjoyment of the privileges and immunities to which they are entitled + under the Constitution of the United States." + </p> + <p> + This, in a nut-shell, was the memorable Missouri Struggle, and the + "Compromise" or Compromises which settled and ended it. But during that + struggle—as during the formation of the Federal Constitution and at + various times in the interval when exciting questions had arisen—the + bands of National Union were more than once rudely strained, and this time + to such a degree as even to shake the faith of some of the firmest + believers in the perpetuity of that Union. It was during this bitter + struggle that John Adams wrote to Jefferson: "I am sometimes Cassandra + enough to dream that another Hamilton, another Burr, may rend this mighty + fabric in twain, or perhaps into a leash, and a few more choice spirits of + the same stamp might produce as many Nations in North America as there are + in Europe." + </p> + <p> + It is true that we had "sown the wind," but we had not yet "reaped the + whirlwind." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkdouglas" id="linkdouglas"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p052-douglas.jpg (82K)" src="images/p052-douglas.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch2" id="linkch2"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER II.<br /> <br /> PROTECTION AND FREE TRADE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + We have seen that the first Federal Congress met at New York in March, + 1789. It organized April 6th. None knew better than its members that the + war of the Americana Revolution chiefly grew out of the efforts of Great + Britain to cripple and destroy our Colonial industries to the benefit of + the British trader, and that the Independence conquered, was an Industrial + as well as Political Independence; and none knew better than they, that + the failure of the subsequent political Confederation of States was due + mainly to its failure to encourage and protect the budding domestic + manufactures of those States. Hence they hastened, under the leadership of + James Madison, to pass "An Act laying a duty on goods, wares and + merchandize imported into the United States," with a preamble, declaring + it to be "necessary" for the "discharge of the debt of the United States + and the encouragement and protection of manufactures." It was approved by + President Washington July 4, 1789—a date not without its + significance—and levied imports both specific and ad valorem. It was + not only our first Tariff Act, but, next to that prescribing the oath used + in organizing the Government, the first Act of the first Federal Congress; + and was passed in pursuance of the declaration of President Washington in + his first Message, that "The safety and interest of the People" required + it. Under the inspiration of Alexander Hamilton the Tariff of 1790 was + enacted at the second session of the same Congress, confirming the + previous Act and increasing some of the protective duties thereby imposed. + </p> + <p> + An analysis of the vote in the House of Representatives on this Tariff + Bill discloses the fact that of the 39 votes for it, 21 were from Southern + States, 13 from the Middle States, and 5 from New England States; while of + the 13 votes against it, 9 were from New England States, 3 from Southern + States, and 1 from Middle States. In other words, while the Southern + States were for the Bill in the proportion of 21 to 3, and the Middle + States by 13 to 1, New England was against it by 9 to 5; or again, while + 10 of the 13 votes against it were from the New England and Middle States, + 21 (or more than half) of the 39 votes for it were from Southern States. + </p> + <p> + It will thus be seen—singularly enough in view of subsequent events—that + we not only mainly owe our first steps in Protective Tariff legislation to + the almost solid Southern vote, but that it was thus secured for us + despite the opposition of New England. Nor did our indebtedness to + Southern statesmen and Southern votes for the institution of the now fully + established American System of Protection cease here, as we shall + presently see. + </p> + <p> + That Jefferson, as well as Washington and Madison, agreed with the views + of Alexander Hamilton on Protection to our domestic manufactures as + against those of foreign Nations, is evident in his Annual Message of + December 14, 1806, wherein—discussing an anticipated surplus of + Federal revenue above the expenditures, and enumerating the purposes of + education and internal improvement to which he thinks the "whole surplus + of impost" should during times of peace be applied; by which application + of such surplus he prognosticates that "new channels of communication will + be opened between the States; the lines of separation will disappear; + their interests will be identified, and their Union cemented by new and + indissoluble ties"—he says: "Shall we suppress the impost and give + that advantage to foreign over domestic manufactures. On a few articles of + more general and necessary use, the suppression in due season, will + doubtless be right; but the great mass of the articles on which impost is + paid is foreign luxuries, purchased by those only who are rich enough to + afford themselves the use of them." But his embargo and other retaliatory + measures, put in force in 1807 and 1808, and the War of 1812-15 with Great + Britain, which closely followed, furnished Protection in another manner, + by shutting the door to foreign imports and throwing our people upon their + own resources, and contributed greatly to the encouragement and increase + of our home manufactures—especially those of wool, cotton, and hemp. + </p> + <p> + At the close of that War the traders of Great Britain determined, even at + a temporary loss to themselves, to glut our market with their goods and + thus break down forever, as they hoped, our infant manufactures. Their + purpose and object were boldly announced in the House of Commons by Mr. + Brougham, when he said: "Is it worth while to incur a loss upon the first + importation, in order by the glut to stifle in the cradle those rising + manufactures in the United States which the War had forced into existence + contrary to the natural course of things." Against this threatened ruin, + our manufacturers all over the United States—the sugar planters of + Louisiana among them—clamored for Protection, and Congress at once + responded with the Tariff Act of 1816. + </p> + <p> + This law greatly extended and increased specific duties on, and diminished + the application of the ad valorem principle to, foreign imports; and it + has been well described as "the practical foundation of the American + policy of encouragement of home manufactures—the practical + establishment of the great industrial system upon which rests our present + National wealth, and the power and the prosperity and happiness of our + whole people." While Henry Clay of Kentucky, William Loundes of South + Carolina, and Henry St. George Tucker of Virginia supported the Bill most + effectively, no man labored harder and did more effective service in + securing its passage than John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. The + contention on their part was not for a mere "incidental protection" + —much less a "Tariff for revenue only"—but for "Protection" in + its broadest sense, and especially the protection of their cotton + manufactures. Indeed Calhoun's defense of Protection, from the assaults of + those from New England and elsewhere who assailed it on the narrow ground + that it was inimical to commerce and navigation, was a notable one. He + declared that: + </p> + <p> + "It (the encouragement of manufactures) produced a system strictly + American, as much so as agriculture, in which it had the decided advantage + of commerce and navigation. The country will from this derive much + advantage. Again it is calculated to bind together more closely our + wide-spread Republic. It will greatly increase our mutual dependence and + intercourse, and will, as a necessary consequence, excite an increased + attention to internal improvements—a subject every way so intimately + connected with the ultimate attainment of national strength and the + perfection of our political institutions." + </p> + <p> + He regarded the fact that it would make the parts adhere more closely; + that it would form a new and most powerful cement far outweighing any + political objections that might be urged against the system. In his + opinion "the liberty and the union of the country were inseparably united; + that as the destruction of the latter would most certainly involve the + former, so its maintenance will with equal certainty preserve it;" and he + closed with an impressive warning to the Nation of a "new and terrible + danger" which threatened it, to wit: "disunion." Nobly as he stood up then—during + the last term of his service in the House of Representatives—for the + great principles of, the American System of Protection to manufactures, + for the perpetuity of the Union, and for the increase of "National + strength," it seems like the very irony of fate that a few years later + should find him battling against Protection as "unconstitutional," + upholding Nullification as a "reserved right" of his State, and + championing at the risk of his neck that very "danger" to the "liberties" + and life of his Country against which his prophetic words had already + given solemn warning. + </p> + <p> + Strange was it also, in view of the subsequent attitudes of the South and + New England, that this essentially Protective Tariff Act of 1816 should + have been vigorously protested and voted against by New England, while it + was ably advocated and voted for by the South—the 25 votes of the + latter which secured its passage being more than sufficient to have + secured its defeat had they been so inclined. + </p> + <p> + The Tariff Acts of 1824 and 1828 followed the great American principle of + Protection laid down and supported by the South in the Act of 1816, while + widening, increasing, and strengthening it. Under their operation—especially + under that of 1828, with its high duties on wool, hemp, iron, lead, and + other staples—great prosperity smiled upon the land, and + particularly upon the Free States. + </p> + <p> + In the cotton-growing belt of the South, however, where the prosperity was + relatively less, owing to the blight of Slavery, the very contrast bred + discontent; and, instead of attributing it to the real cause, the + advocates of Free Trade within that region insisted that the Protective + Tariff was responsible for the condition of things existing there. + </p> + <p> + A few restless and discontented spirits in the South had indeed agitated + the subject of Free Trade as against Protected manufactures as early as + 1797, and, hand in hand with it, the doctrine of States Rights. And + Jefferson himself, although, as we have already seen, attached to the + American System of Protection and believing in its Constitutionality, + unwittingly played into the hands of these Free Traders by drawing up the + famous Kentucky Resolutions of '98 touching States Rights, which were + closely followed by the Virginia Resolutions of 1799 in the same vein by + Madison, also an out-and-out Protectionist. It was mainly in condemnation + of the Alien and Sedition Laws, then so unpopular everywhere, that these + resolutions were professedly fulminated, but they gave to the agitating + Free Traders a States-Rights-Secession-weapon of which they quickly + availed themselves. + </p> + <p> + Their drift may be gathered from the first of the Kentucky Resolutions of + '98, which was in these words: "Resolved, That the several States + composing the United States of America are not united on the principle of + unlimited submission to their General Government, but that, by a compact + under the style and title of a Constitution for the United States, and of + amendments thereto, they constituted a General Government for special + purposes—delegated to that Government certain definite powers, + reserving, each State to itself, the residuary mass of right to their own + self-government; and that whensoever the General Government assumes + undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void, and of no force; + that to this compact each State acceded as a State, and as an integral + party, its co-States forming, as to itself, the other party; that the + Government created by this compact was not made the exclusive or final + judge of the extent of the powers delegated to itself; since that would + have made its discretion, and not the Constitution, the measure of its + powers; but that, as in all other cases of compact among powers having no + common judge, each party has an equal right to judge for itself, as well + of infractions as of the mode and measure of redress." + </p> + <p> + The Resolutions, after enumerating the Alien and Sedition and certain + other laws as in point, conclude by calling upon the other States to join + Kentucky in her opposition to such Federal usurpations of power as thus + embodied, and express confidence: "That they will concur with this + Commonwealth in considering the said Acts as so palpably against the + Constitution as to amount to an undisguised declaration that that compact + is not meant to be the measure of the powers of the General Government, + but that it will proceed in the exercise over these States, of all powers + whatsoever; that they will view this as seizing the rights of the States, + and consolidating them in the hands of the General Government, with the + power assumed to bind the States (not merely as to the cases made federal + (casus foederis) but) in all cases whatsoever, by laws made, not with + their consent, but by others against their consent; that this would be to + surrender the form of government we have chosen, and live under one + deriving its powers from its own will, and not from our authority; and + that the co-States, returning to their natural rights in cases not made + federal, will concur in declaring these Acts void and of no force, and + will each take measures of its own in providing that neither these Acts, + nor any others of the General Government, not plainly and intentionally + authorized by the Constitution, shall be exercised within their respective + territories." + </p> + <p> + The doctrine of States Rights as formulated in these Resolutions, + including the assumed right of a State to nullify laws of the General + Government, naturally led up, as we shall see, not only to threats of + disunion, but ultimately to a dreadful sectional War waged in the effort + to secure it. That Jefferson, when he penned them, foresaw the terrible + results to flow from these specious and pernicious doctrines, is not to be + supposed for an instant; but that his conscience troubled him may be + fairly inferred from the fact that he withheld from the World for twenty + years afterward the knowledge that he was their author. It is probable + that in this case, as in others, he was a victim of that casuistry which + teaches that "the end justifies the means;" that he hoped and believed + that the assertion of these baleful doctrines would act solely as a check + upon any tendency to further centralization of power in the General + Government and insure that strict construction of the Constitution. + </p> + <p> + Though afterward violated by himself at the same time that he for the + moment threw aside his scruples touching African slavery, when he added to + our domain the great French Slave Colony of Louisiana—was none the + less the great aim of his commanding intellect; and that he fortuitously + believed in the "saving common sense" of his race and country as capable + of correcting an existing evil when it shall have developed into ill + effects. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Mr. Jefferson takes this very ground, in almost the same words, in his + letter, 1803, to Wilson C. Nichols in the Louisiana Colony purchase + case, when, after proving by his own strict construction of the + Constitution that there was no power in that instrument to make such + purchase, and confessing the importance in that very case of setting "an + example against broad construction," he concludes: "If, however, our + friends shall think differently, certainly I shall acquiesce with + satisfaction; confiding that the good sense of the country will correct + the evil of construction when it shall produce ill ejects."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Be that as it may, however, the fact remains that the seeds thus sown by + the hands of Jefferson on the "sacred soil" of Virginia and Kentucky, were + dragon's teeth, destined in after years to spring up as legions of armed + men battling for the subversion of that Constitution and the destruction + of that Union which he so reverenced, and which he was so largely + instrumental in founding—and which even came back in his own life to + plague him and Madison during his embargo, and Madison's war of 1812-15, + in the utterances and attitude of some of the New England Federalists. + </p> + <p> + The few Free Traders of the South—the Giles's and John Taylor's and + men of that ilk—made up for their paucity in numbers by their + unscrupulous ingenuity and active zeal. They put forth the idea that the + American Protective Policy was a policy of fostering combinations by + Federal laws, the effect of which was to transfer a considerable portion + of the profits of slave labor from the Slave States to other parts of the + Union where it was massed in the hands of a few individuals, and thus + created a moneyed interest which avariciously influenced the General + Government to the detriment of the entire community of people, who, made + restive by the exactions of this power working through the Federal + Government, were as a consequence driven to consider a possible + dissolution of the Union, and make "estimates of resources and means of + defense." As a means also of inflaming both the poor whites and Southern + slave-holders by arousing the apprehensions of the latter concerning the + "peculiar institution" of Slavery, they craftily declared that "If the + maxim advanced by the advocates of the protecting duty system will justify + Congress in assuming, or rather in empowering a few capitalists to assume, + the direction of manufacturing labor, it also invests that body with a + power of legislating for the direction of every other species of labor and + assigning all occupations whatsoever to the care of the intelligence of + mercenary combinations"—and hence untold misery to labor. + </p> + <p> + They charged as a further means of firing the Southern heart, that this + moneyed power, born of Protection, "works upon the passion of the States + it has been able to delude by computations of their physical strength and + their naval superiority; and by boasting of an ability to use the + weakening circumstance of negro slavery to coerce the defrauded and + discontented States into submission." And they declared as fundamental + truths upon which they rested that "The Federal is not a National + Government; it is a league between nations. By this league, a limited + power only over persons and property was given to the representatives of + the united nations. This power cannot be further extended, under the + pretext of national good, because the league does not create a national + government." + </p> + <p> + It was the passage of the Tariff of 1824 that gave these crafty Free + Traders their first great success in spreading their doctrine of Free + Trade by coupling it with questions of slave labor, States Rights, and + nullification, as laid down in the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions. + These arguments created great excitement throughout the South—especially + in South Carolina and Georgia—which was still further increased by + the passage of the Tariff of 1828, since declared by eminent authority to + have been "the highest and most protective ever adopted in this country." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Mr. Greeley, in his "History of the American Conflict," 1864.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Prior to the passage of this Tariff Act, excited assemblages met in some + of the Southern States, and protested against it as an outrage upon their + rights—arraying the South in seditious and treasonable attitude + against not only the North but the Union, with threats of Secession. At + one of these meetings in South Carolina, in 1827, one of their leaders—[Dr. + Thomas Cooper, President of South Carolina College.]—declared that + "a drilled and managed majority" in the House of Representatives had + determined "at all hazards to support the claims of the Northern + manufacturers, and to offer up the planting interest on the altar of + monopoly." He denounced the American system of Protection exemplified in + that Tariff measure as "a system by which the earnings of the South are to + be transferred to the North—by which the many are to be sacrificed + to the few—under which powers are usurped that were never conceded—by + which inequality of rights, inequality of burthens, inequality of + protection, unequal laws, and unequal taxes are to be enacted and rendered + permanent—that the planter and the farmer under this system are to + be considered as inferior beings to the spinner, the bleacher, and the + dyer—that we of the South hold our plantations under this system, as + the serfs and operatives of the North, subject to the orders and laboring + for the benefit of the master-minds of Massachusetts, the lords of the + spinning jenny and peers of the power-loom, who have a right to tax our + earnings for their emolument, and to burthen our poverty and to swell + their riches;" and after characterizing Protection as "a system of fraud, + robbery and usurpation," he continued "I have said that we shall ere long + be compelled to calculate the value of our Union; and to enquire of what + use to us is this most unequal alliance, by which the South has always + been the loser and the North always the gainer. Is it worth our while to + continue this union of States, where the North demands to be our masters + and we are required to be their tributaries? who with the most insulting + mockery call the yoke they put upon our necks the 'American system!' The + question, however, is fast approaching the alternative of submission or + separation." + </p> + <p> + Only a few days after this inflammatory speech at Columbus, S. C., + inciting South Carolinians to resist the pending Protective Tariff even to + the lengths of Secession, during a grand banquet at Richmond, Va., William + B. Giles—another Free Trade leader—proposed, and those present + drank a toast to the "Tariff Schemer" in which was embodied a declaration + that "The Southerners will not long pay tribute." Despite these turbulent + and treasonable mutterings, however, the "Jacksonian Congress" passed the + Act—a majority of members from the Cotton and New England States + voting against, while the vote of the Middle and Western Free States was + almost solidly for, it. + </p> + <p> + At a meeting held soon after the enactment of the Tariff of 1828, at + Walterborough Court House, S. C., an address was adopted and issued which, + after reciting the steps that had been taken by South Carolina during the + previous year to oppose it, by memorials and otherwise, and stating that, + despite their "remonstrances and implorations," a Tariff Bill had passed, + not indeed, such as they apprehended, but "ten-fold worse in all its + oppressive features," proceeded thus: + </p> + <p> + "From the rapid step of usurpation, whether we now act or not, the day of + open opposition to the pretended powers of the Constitution cannot be far + off, and it is that it may not go down in blood that we now call upon you + to resist. We feel ourselves standing underneath its mighty protection, + and declaring forth its free and recorded spirit, when we say we must + resist. By all the great principles of liberty—by the glorious + achievements of our fathers in defending them—by their noble blood + poured forth like water in maintaining them—by their lives in + suffering, and their death in honor and in glory;—our countrymen! we + must resist. Not secretly, as timid thieves or skulking smugglers—not + in companies and associations, like money chafferers or stock jobbers—not + separately and individually, as if this was ours and not our country's + cause—but openly, fairly, fearlessly, and unitedly, as becomes a + free, sovereign and independent people. Does timidity ask WHEN? We answer + NOW!" + </p> + <p> + These inflammatory utterances, in South Carolina especially, stirred the + Southern heart more or less throughout the whole cotton belt; and the + pernicious principles which they embodied found ardent advocates even in + the Halls of Congress. In the Senate, Mr. Hayne, of South Carolina, was + their chief and most vehement spokesman, and in 1830 occurred that + memorable debate between him and Daniel Webster, which forever put an end + to all reasonable justification of the doctrine of Nullification, and + which furnished the ground upon which President Jackson afterward stood in + denouncing and crushing it out with the strong arm of the Government. + </p> + <p> + In that great debate Mr. Hayne's propositions were that the Constitution + is a "compact between the States," that "in case of a plain, palpable + violation of the Constitution by the General Government, a State may + interpose; and that this interposition is constitutional"—a + proposition with which Mr. Webster took direct issue, in these words: "I + say, the right of a State to annul a law of Congress cannot be maintained, + but on the ground of the inalienable right of man to resist oppression; + that is to say, upon the ground of revolution. I admit that there is an + ultimate violent remedy, above the Constitution and in defiance of the + Constitution, which may be resorted to when a revolution is to be + justified. But I do not admit that, under the Constitution, and in + conformity with it, there is any mode in which a State Government, as a + member of the Union, can interfere and stop the progress of the general + movement by force of her own laws under any circumstances whatever." Mr. + Webster insisted that "one of two things is true: either the laws of the + Union are beyond the discretion and beyond the control of the States, or + else we have no Constitution of General Government, and are thrust back + again to the days of the Confederation;" and, in concluding his powerful + argument, he declared that "even supposing the Constitution to be a + compact between the States," Mr. Hayne's doctrine was "not maintainable, + because, first, the General Government is not a party to the compact, but + a Government established by it, and vested by it with the powers of trying + and deciding doubtful questions; and secondly, because, if the + Constitution be regarded as a compact, not one State only, but all the + States are parties to that compact, and one can have no right to fix upon + it her own peculiar construction." + </p> + <p> + While the comparatively miserable condition of the cotton-growing States + of the South was attributed by most of the Southern Free Traders solely to + the Protective Tariff of 1828, yet there were some Southerners willing to + concede—as did Mr. Hayne, in the Senate (1832)—that there were + "other causes besides the Tariff" underlying that condition, and to admit + that "Slaves are too improvident, too incapable of that minute, constant, + delicate attention, and that persevering industry which are essential to + manufacturing establishments," the existence of which would have made + those States prosperous. But such admissions were unwilling ones, and the + Cotton-lords held only with the more tenacity to the view that the Tariff + was the chief cause of their condition. + </p> + <p> + The Tariff Act of 1832, essentially modifying that of 1828, was passed + with a view, in part, to quiet Southern clamor. But the Southern Cotton + States refused to be mollified. On the contrary, the Free Traders of South + Carolina proceeded to extreme measures, putting in action that which they + had before but threatened. On November 19, 1832, the leading men of South + Carolina met in Convention, and a few days thereafter—[November + 24,1882]—unanimously passed an Ordinance of Nullification which + declared the Tariff Acts of 1828 and 1832 "Unauthorized by the + Constitution," and "null, void, and no law, nor binding on this State, its + officers, or citizens." The people of the State were forbidden by it to + pay, after the ensuing February 1st, the import-duties therein imposed. + Under the provisions of the Ordinance, the State Legislature was to pass + an act nullifying these Tariff laws, and any appeal to the United States + Supreme Court against the validity of such nullifying act was prohibited. + Furthermore, in the event of the Federal Government attempting to enforce + these Tariff laws, the people of South Carolina would thenceforth consider + themselves out of the Union, and will "forthwith proceed to organize a + separate Government, and do all other acts and things which sovereign and + independent States may of right do." + </p> + <p> + At the subsequent meeting of the Legislature, Mr. Hayne, who had been a + member of the Convention, having resigned his seat in the United States + Senate, was elected Governor of the State. He declared in his message that + he recognized "No allegiance as paramount to that which the citizens of + South Carolina owe to the State of their birth or their adoption"—that + doctrine of "paramount allegiance to the State" which in after-years gave + so much trouble to the Union and to Union-loving Southerners—and + declared that he held himself "bound by the highest of all obligations to + carry into effect, not only the Ordinance of the Convention, but every act + of the Legislature, and every judgment of our own Courts, the enforcement + of which may devolve upon the Executive," and "if," continued he, "the + sacred soil of Carolina should be polluted by the footsteps of an invader, + or be stained with the blood of her citizens, shed in her defense, I trust + in Almighty God * * * even should she stand alone in this great struggle + for constitutional liberty, encompassed by her enemies, that there will + not be found, in the wide limits of the State, one recreant son who will + not fly to the rescue, and be ready to lay down his life in her defense." + In support of the contemplated treason, he even went to the length of + calling for an enrolling of volunteer forces and of holding them ready for + service. + </p> + <p> + But while South Carolina stood in this treasonable and defiant attitude, + arming for war against the Union, there happened to be in the Presidential + chair one of her own sons—General Jackson. Foreseeing what was + coming, he had, prior to the meeting of the Convention that framed the + Nullification Ordinance, ordered General Scott to Charleston to look after + "the safety of the ports of the United States" thereabouts, and had sent + to the Collector of that port precise instructions as to his duty to + resist in all ways any and all attempts made under such Ordinance to + defeat the operation of the Tariff laws aforesaid. Having thus quietly + prepared the arm of the General Government for the exercise of its power, + he issued in December a Proclamation declaring his unalterable resolution + to treat Nullification as Treason—and to crush it. + </p> + <p> + In that famous document President Jackson said of Nullification: "If this + doctrine had been established at an earlier day, the Union would have been + dissolved in its infancy. The Excise law in Pennsylvania, the Embargo and + Non-intercourse law in the Eastern States, the Carriage-tax in Virginia, + were all deemed unconstitutional, and were more unequal in their operation + than any of the laws now complained of; but fortunately, none of those + States discovered that they had the right now claimed by South Carolina. * + * * The discovery of this important feature in our Constitution was + reserved for the present day. To the statesmen of South Carolina belongs + the invention, and upon the citizens of that State will unfortunately fall + the evils of reducing it to practice. * * * I consider, then, the power to + annul a law of the United States, assumed by one State, incompatible with + the existence of the Union, contradicted expressly by the letter of the + Constitution, unauthorized by its spirit, inconsistent with every + principle on which it was founded and destructive of the great object for + which it was formed. * * * To say that any State may at pleasure secede + from the Union, is to say that the United States are not a Nation, because + it would be a solecism to contend that any part of a Nation might dissolve + its connection with the other parts, to their injury or ruin, without + committing any, offense." + </p> + <p> + Farther on, in his moving appeal to the South Carolinians, he bids them + beware of their leaders: "Their object is disunion; be not deceived by + names. Disunion, by armed force, is Treason." And then, reminding them of + the deeds of their fathers in the Revolution, he proceeds: "I adjure you, + as you honor their memory, as you love the cause of freedom to which they + dedicated their lives, as you prize the peace of your country, the lives + of its best citizens, and your own fair fame, to retrace your steps. + Snatch from the archives of your State the disorganizing edict of its + Convention—bid its members to reassemble and promulgate the decided + expression of your will to remain in the path which alone can conduct you + to safety, prosperity, and honor—tell them that, compared to + disunion, all other evils are light, because that brings with it an + accumulation of all—declare that you will never take the field + unless the Star-spangled banner of your country shall float over you—that + you will not be stigmatized when dead, and dishonored and scorned while + you live, as the authors of the first attack on the Constitution of your + country! Its destroyers you cannot be." + </p> + <p> + After asserting his firm "determination to execute the laws—to + preserve the Union by all constitutional means"—he concludes with + the prayer, "May the great Ruler of Nations grant, that the signal + blessings with which He has favored, ours may not, by the madness of + party, or personal ambition be disregarded and lost; and may His wise + providence bring those who have produced this crisis to see the folly + before they feel the misery, of civil strife; and inspire a returning + veneration for that Union, which, if we may dare to penetrate His designs, + He has chosen as the only means of attaining the high destinies to which + we may reasonably aspire." + </p> + <p> + The firm attitude of General Jackson, together with the wise precautionary + measures he had already taken, and the practical unanimity with which his + declaration to crush out the Treason was hailed in most of the Southern as + well as the Northern States, almost at once broke the back of + Nullification. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In this connection the following letter, written at that time by the + great Chief Justice Marshall, to a cousin of his, on the subject of + State Sovereignty, is of interest, as showing how clearly his + penetrating intellect perceived the dangers to the Union hidden in the + plausible doctrine of State Rights: + </p> + <p> + RICHMOND, May 7, 1833. + </p> + <p> + "MY DEAR SIR: + </p> + <p> + "I am much indebted to you for your pamphlet on Federal Relations, which + I have read with much satisfaction. No subject, as it seems to me, is + more misunderstood or more perverted. You have brought into view + numerous important historical facts which, in my judgment, remove the + foundation on which the Nullifiers and Seceders have erected that + superstructure which overshadows our Union. You have, I think, shown + satisfactorily that we never have been perfectly distinct, independent + societies, sovereign in the sense in which the Nullifiers use the term. + When colonies we certainly were not. We were parts of the British + empire, and although not directly connected with each other so far as + respected government, we were connected in many respects, and were + united to the same stock. The steps we took to effect separation were, + as you have fully shown, not only revolutionary in their nature, but + they were taken conjointly. Then, as now, we acted in many respects as + one people. The representatives of each colony acted for all. Their + resolutions proceeded from a common source, and operated on the whole + mass. The army was a continental army commanded by a continental + general, and supported from a continental treasury. The Declaration of + Independence was made by a common government, and was made for all the + States. + </p> + <p> + "Everything has been mixed. Treaties made by Congress have been + considered as binding all the States. Some powers have been exercised by + Congress, some by the States separately. The lines were not strictly + drawn. The inability of Congress to carry its legitimate powers into + execution has gradually annulled those powers practically, but they + always existed in theory. Independence was declared `in the name and by + the authority of the good people of these colonies.' In fact we have + always been united in some respects, separate in others. We have acted + as one people for some purposes, as distinct societies for others. I + think you have shown this clearly, and in so doing have demonstrated the + fallacy of the principle on which either nullification or the right of + peaceful, constitutional secession is asserted. + </p> + <p> + "The time is arrived when these truths must be more generally spoken, or + our Union is at an end. The idea of complete sovereignty of the State + converts our government into a league, and, if carried into practice, + dissolves the Union. + </p> + <p> + "I am, dear sir, + </p> + <p> + "Yours affectionately, + </p> + <p> + "J. MARSHALL. + </p> + <p> + "HUMPHREY MARSHALL, ESQ., + </p> + <p> + "FRANKFORT, KY."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The Nullifiers hailed with pretended satisfaction the report from the + House Committee on Ways and Means of a Bill making great reductions and + equalizations of Tariff duties, as a measure complying with their demands, + and postponed the execution of the Ordinance of Nullification until the + adjournment of Congress; and almost immediately afterward Mr. Clay's + Compromise Tariff Act of 1833 "whereby one tenth of the excess over twenty + per cent. of each and every existing impost was to be taken off at the + close of that year; another tenth two years thereafter; so proceeding + until the 30th of June, 1842, when all duties should be reduced to a + maximum of twenty per cent."—[Says Mr. Greeley, in his History + aforesaid.]—agreed to by Calhoun and other Nullifiers, was passed, + became a law without the signature of President Jackson, and South + Carolina once more became to all appearances a contented, law-abiding + State of the Union. + </p> + <p> + But after-events proved conclusively that the enactment of this Compromise + Tariff was a terrible blunder, if not a crime. Jackson had fully intended + to hang Calhoun and his nullifying coadjutors if they persisted in their + Treason. He knew that they had only seized upon the Tariff laws as a + pretext with which to justify Disunion, and prophesied that "the next will + be the Slavery or Negro question." Jackson's forecast was correct. Free + Trade, Slavery and Secession were from that time forward sworn allies; and + the ruin wrought to our industries by the disasters of 1840, plainly + traceable to that Compromise Tariff measure of 1833, was only to be + supplemented by much greater ruin and disasters caused by the Free Trade + Tariff of 1846—and to be followed by the armed Rebellion of the Free + Trade and Pro-Slavery States of the South in 1861, in a mad attempt to + destroy the Union. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkjefferson" id="linkjefferson"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p078-jefferson.jpg (77K)" src="images/p078-jefferson.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch3" id="linkch3"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER III.<br /> <br /> GROWTH OF THE SLAVERY QUESTION. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that during the period of the Missouri Struggle, + 1818-1820, the Territory of Arkansas was formed by an Act of Congress out + of that part of the Missouri Territory not included in the proposed State + of Missouri, and that the Act so creating the Territory of Arkansas + contained no provision restricting Slavery. Early in 1836, the people of + Arkansas Territory met in Convention and formed a Constitution under + which, "and by virtue of the treaty of cession by France to the United + States, of the Province of Louisiana," they asked admission to the Union + as a State. Among other provisions of that Constitution was a section + rendering the State Legislature powerless to pass laws for the + emancipation of slaves without the consent of the owners, or to prevent + emigrants to that State from bringing with them slaves. On June 15th of + the same year, Arkansas was, under that Constitution, admitted to the + Union as a Slave State, with the sole reservation, that nothing in the Act + of admission should be construed as an assent by Congress to all or any of + the propositions contained" in the said Constitution. + </p> + <p> + Long ere this, all the Northern and Middle States had made provision for + the emancipation of such slaves as remained within their borders, and only + a few years previous (in 1829 and 1831-32) Virginia had made strong but + insufficient efforts toward the same end. The failure to free Virginia of + Slavery—the effort to accomplish which had been made by some of the + greatest of her statesmen—only served to rivet the chains of human + bondage more securely throughout all the Slave States, and from that time + on, no serious agitation occurred in any one of them, looking toward even + the most gradual emancipation. On the other hand, the advocates of the + extension of the Slave-Power by the expansion of Slave-territory, were + ever on the alert, they considered it of the last importance to maintain + the balance of power between the Slave States and the Free States. Hence, + while they had secured in 1819 the cession from Spain to the United States + of the Slave-holding Floridas, and the organization of the Slave Territory + of Florida in 1822—which subsequently came in as a Slave State under + the same Act (1845) that admitted the Free State of Iowa—their + greedy eyes were now cast upon the adjoining rich territories of Mexico. + </p> + <p> + Efforts had (in 1827-1829) been made to purchase from Mexico the domain + which was known as Texas. They had failed. But already a part of Texas had + been settled by adventurous Americans under Mexican grants and otherwise; + and General Sam Houston, an adherent of the Slave Power, having become a + leading spirit among them, fomented a revolution. In March, 1836, Texas, + under his guidance, proclaimed herself a Republic independent of Mexico. + </p> + <p> + The War that ensued between Texas and Mexico ended in the flight of the + Mexican Army and the capture of Santa Anna at San Jacinto, and a treaty + recognizing Texan independence. In October, 1836, General Houston was + inaugurated President of the Republic of Texas. Close upon this followed + (in August, 1837) a proposition to our Government from the Texan envoy for + the annexation of Texas to the United States. President Van Buren declined + the offer. The Northern friends of Freedom were as much opposed to this + annexation project as the advocates of Slavery were anxious for it. Even + such conservative Northern Statesmen as Daniel Webster strongly opposed + the project. In a speech delivered in New York [1837], after showing that + the chief aim of our Government in the acquisition of the Territory of + Louisiana was to gain command of the mouths of the great rivers to the + sea, and that in the acquisition of the Floridas our policy was based on + similar considerations, Mr. Webster declared that "no such necessity, no + such policy, requires the annexation of Texas," and that we ought "for + numerous and powerful reasons to be content with our present boundaries." + He recognized that Slavery already existed under the guarantees of the + Constitution and those guarantees must be fulfilled; that "Slavery, as it + exists in the States, is beyond the power of Congress. It is a concern of + the States themselves," but "when we come to speak of admitting new + States, the subject assumes an entirely different aspect. Our rights and + our duties are then both different. The Free States, and all the States, + are then at liberty to accept or to reject;" and he added, "In my opinion + the people of the United States will not consent to bring into the Union a + new, vastly extensive and Slaveholding country, large enough for a half a + dozen or a dozen States. In my opinion, they ought not to consent to it." + </p> + <p> + Farther on, in the same speech—after alluding to the strong feeling + in the Northern States against the extension of Slavery, not only as a + question of politics, but of conscience and religious conviction as wellhe + deems him a rash man indeed "who supposes that a feeling of this kind is + to be trifled with or despised." Said he: "It will assuredly cause itself + to be respected. It may be reasoned with; it may be made willing—I + believe it is entirely willing—to fulfill all existing engagements + and all existing duties—to uphold and defend the Constitution as it + is established, with whatever regrets about some provisions which it does + actually contain. But to coerce it into silence, to endeavor to restrain + its free expression, to seek to compress and confine it, warm as it is, + and more heated as such endeavors would inevitably render it,—should + this be attempted, I know nothing, even in the Constitution or in the + Union itself, which would not be endangered by the explosion which might + follow." + </p> + <p> + In 1840, General Harrison, the Whig candidate, was elected to the + Presidency, but died within a few weeks after his inauguration in 1841, + and was succeeded by John Tyler. The latter favored the Slave Power; and + on April 12th, 1844, John C. Calhoun, his Secretary of State, concluded + with Texas a treaty of annexation—which was, however, rejected by + the Senate. Meanwhile the public mind was greatly agitated over the + annexation and other, questions. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In the London Index, a journal established there by Jefferson Davis's + agents to support the cause of the rebellious States, a communication + appeared during the early part of the war, Dec. 4, 1861, supposed to + have been written by Mr. Mason, of Virginia, in which he said: "To tell + the Norths, the Butes, the Wedderburns of the present day, that previous + to the year 1839 the sovereign States of the South had unalterably + resolved on the specific ground of the violation of the Federal + Constitution by the tariff of spoliation which the New England States + had imposed upon them—to secede from the Union; to tell them that + in that year the leader of the South, Calhoun, urged an English + gentleman, to whom he had fully explained the position of the South, and + the intolerable tyranny which the North inflicted upon it, to be the + bearer of credentials from the chief persons of the South, in order to + invite the attention of the British Government to the coming event; that + on his death-bed (Washington, March 31, 1850), he called around him his + political friends—one of whom is now in England—warned them + that in no event could the Union survive the Presidential election of + 1860, though it might possibly break up before that urged them to be + prepared; leaving with his dying words the sacred cause of Southern + secession a solemn legacy in their hands—to have told this to the + Norths and Dartmouths of the present day, with more and even stronger + evidence of the coming events of November, 1860, would have been like + speaking to the stones of the street. In November, 1860, they were + thoroughly ignorant of all the momentous antecedents of secession—of + their nature, their character, their bearing, import, and consequences." + </p> + <p> + In the same correspondence the distinguished Rebel emissary + substantially let out the fact that Calhoun was indirectly, through + himself (Mason), in secret communication with the British Government as + far back as 1841, with a view to securing its powerful aid in his + aforesaid unalterable resolve to Secede from the Union; and then Mr. + Mason pleads—but pleads in vain—for the armed intervention + of England at this later day. Said he: + </p> + <p> + "In the year 1841 the late Sir William Napier sent in two plans for + subduing the Union, to the War Office, in the first of which the South + was to be treated as an enemy, in the second as a friend and ally. I was + much consulted by him as to the second plan and was referred to by name + in it, as he showed by the acknowledgment of this in Lord Fitzroy + Somerset's letter of reply. This plan fully provided for the contingency + of an invasion of Canada, and its application would, in eighteen or + twenty months, have reduced the North to a much more impotent condition + than it exhibits at present. At this very moment the most difficult + portion of that plan has been perfectly accomplished by the South + itself; and the North, in accordance with Sir William Napier's + expectations, now lies helpless before England, and at our absolute + mercy. Nor is there any doubt of this, and if Lord Palmerston is not + aware of it Mr. Seward certainly is. We have nothing remaining to do but + to stretch out our arm in the way Sir William Napier proposed, and the + Northern power—power as we ignorantly call it—must come to + an end. Sir William knew and well estimated the elements of which that + quasi power consisted; and he knew how to apply the substantive power of + England to dissolve it. In the best interest of humanity, I venture to + say that it is the duty of England to apply this power without further + delay—its duty to itself, to its starving operatives, to France, + to Europe, and to humanity. And in the discharge of this great duty to + the world at large there will not even be the dignity of sacrifice or + danger."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Threats and counter-threats of Disunion were made on either hand by the + opponents and advocates of Slavery-extension through annexation; nor was + it less agitated on the subject of a Protective Tariff. + </p> + <p> + The Compromise Tariff of 1833, together with President Jackson's upheaval + of our financial system, produced, as has already been hinted, terrible + commercial disasters. "In 1840," says competent authority, "all prices had + ruinously fallen; production had greatly diminished, and in many + departments of industry had practically ceased; thousands of working men + were idle, with no hope of employment, and their families suffering from + want. Our farmers were without markets, their products rotted in their + barns, and their lands, teeming with rich harvests, were sold by the + sheriff for debts and taxes. The Tariff, which robbed our industries of + Protection failed to supply Government with its necessary revenues. The + National Treasury in consequence was bankrupt, and the credit of the + Nation had sunk very low." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Clay himself stated "the average depression in the value of property + under that state of things which existed before the Tariff of 1842 came to + the rescue of the country, at fifty per cent." And hence it was that + Protection was made the chief issue of the Presidential campaign of 1840, + which eventuated in the election of Harrison and Tyler, and in the Tariff + Act of August 30, 1842, which revived our trade and industries, and + brought back to the land a full measure of prosperity. With those + disasters fresh in the minds of the people, Protection continued to be a + leading issue in the succeeding Presidential campaign of 1844—but + coupled with the Texas-annexation issue. In that campaign Henry Clay was + the candidate of the Whig party and James K. Polk of the Democratic party. + Polk was an ardent believer in the annexation policy and stood upon a + platform declaring for the "re-occupation of Oregon and the re-annexation + of Texas at the earliest practicable moment"—as if the prefix "re" + legitimatized the claim in either case; Clay, on the other hand, held that + we had "fairly alienated our title to Texas by solemn National compacts, + to the fulfilment of which we stand bound by good faith and National + honor;" that "Annexation and War with Mexico are identical," and that he + was "not willing to involve this country in a foreign War for the object + of acquiring Texas." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In his letter of April 17, 1844, published in the National + Intelligencer.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + As to the Tariff issue also, Clay was the acknowledged champion of the + American system of Protection, while Polk was opposed to it, and was + supported by the entire Free-trade sentiment, whether North or South. + </p> + <p> + As the campaign progressed, it became evident that Clay would be elected. + Then occurred some of those fatalities which have more than once, in the + history of Presidential campaigns, overturned the most reasonable + expectations and defeated the popular will. Mr. Clay committed a blunder + and Mr. Polk an equivocation—to use the mildest possible term. Mr. + Clay was induced by Southern friends to write a letter—[Published in + the North Alabamian, Aug. 16, 1844.]—in which, after stating that + "far from having any personal objection to the annexation of Texas, I + should be glad to see it—without dishonor, without War, with the + common consent of the Union, and upon just and fair terms," he added: "I + do not think that the subject of Slavery ought to affect the question, one + way or the other." Mr. Polk, on the other hand, wrote a letter in which he + declared it to be "the duty of the Government to extend, as far as it may + be practicable to do so, by its revenue laws and all other means within + its power, fair and just Protection to all the great interests of the + whole Union, embracing Agriculture, Manufactures, the Mechanic Arts, + Commerce and Navigation." This was supplemented by a letter (August 8, + 1844) from Judge Wilson McCandless of Pennsylvania, strongly upholding the + Protective principle, claiming that Clay in his Compromise Tariff Bill had + abandoned it, and that Polk and Dallas had "at heart the true interests of + Pennsylvania." Clay, thus betrayed by the treachery of Southern friends, + was greatly weakened, while Polk, by his beguiling letter, backed by the + false interpretation put upon it by powerful friends in the North, made + the North believe him a better Protectionist than Clay. + </p> + <p> + Polk was elected, and rewarded the misplaced confidence by making Robert + J. Walker his Secretary of the Treasury, and, largely through that great + Free Trader's exertions, secured a repeal by Congress of the Protective + Tariff of 1842 and the enactment of the ruinous Free Trade Tariff of 1846. + Had Clay carried New York, his election was secure. As it happened, Polk + had a plurality in New York of but 5,106 in an immense vote, and that slim + plurality was given to him by the Abolitionists throwing away some 15,000 + on Birney. And thus also it curiously happened that it was the Abolition + vote which secured the election of the candidate who favored immediate + annexation and the extension of the Slave Power! + </p> + <p> + Emboldened and apparently sustained by the result of the election, the + Slave Power could not await the inauguration of Mr. Polk, but proceeded at + once, under whip and spur, to drive the Texas annexation scheme through + Congress; and two days before the 4th of March, 1845, an Act consenting to + the admission of the Republic of Texas as a State of the Union was + approved by President Tyler. + </p> + <p> + In that Act it was provided that "New States of convenient size, not + exceeding four in number, in addition to the said State of Texas, and + having sufficient population, may hereafter, by the consent of said State, + be formed out of the territory thereof, which shall be entitled to + admission under the provisions of the Federal Constitution; and such + States as may be formed out of that portion of said territory lying south + of thirty-six degrees thirty minutes north latitude, commonly known as the + Missouri Compromise line, shall be admitted into the Union with or without + Slavery, as the people of each State asking admission may desire. And in + such State or States as shall be formed out of said territory north of + said Missouri Compromise line, Slavery or involuntary servitude (except + for crime) shall be prohibited." As has been lucidly stated by another,—[Greeley's + History]—"while seeming to curtail and circumscribe Slavery north of + the above parallel (that of 36 30' north latitude), this measure really + extended it northward to that parallel, which it had not yet approached, + under the flag of Texas, within hundreds of miles. But the chief end of + this sham Compromise was the involving of Congress in an indirect + indorsement of the claim of Texas to the entire left bank of the Rio + Grande, from its mouth to its source; and this was effected." + </p> + <p> + Texas quickly consented to the Act of annexation, and in December, 1845, a + Joint Resolution formally admitting her as a State of the Union, reported + by Stephen A. Douglas, was duly passed. + </p> + <p> + In May, 1846, the American forces under General Taylor, which had been + dispatched to protect Texas from threatened assault, were attacked by the + Mexican army, which at Palo Alto was badly defeated and at Resaca de la + Palma driven back across the Rio Grande. + </p> + <p> + Congress immediately declared that by this invasion a state of War existed + between Mexico and the United States. Thus commenced the War with Mexico—destined + to end in the triumph of the American Army, and the acquisition of large + areas of territory to the United States. In anticipation of such triumph, + President Polk lost little time in asking an appropriation of over two + million dollars by Congress to facilitate negotiations for peace with, and + territorial cession from, Mexico. And a Bill making such appropriation was + quickly passed by the House of Representatives—but with the + following significant proviso attached, which had been offered by Mr. + Wilmot: "Provided. That as an express and fundamental condition to the + acquisition of any territory from the Republic of Mexico by the United + States, by virtue of any treaty that may be negotiated between them, and + to the use by the Executive of the moneys herein appropriated, neither + Slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist in any part of said + territory, except for crime, whereof the party shall first be duly + convicted." + </p> + <p> + The debate in the Senate upon the Wilmot proviso, which immediately + ensued, was cut short by the expiration of the Session of Congress—and + the Bill accordingly failed of passage. + </p> + <p> + In February, 1848, the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was made between Mexico + and the United States, and Peace reigned once more. About the same time a + Bill was passed by the Senate providing Territorial Governments for + Oregon, California and New Mexico, which provided for the reference of all + questions touching Slavery in such Territories to the United States + Supreme Court, for arbitration. The Bill, however, failed in the House. + The ensuing Presidential campaign resulted in the election of General + Taylor, the Whig candidate, who was succeeded upon his death, July 10, + 1850, by Fillmore. Meanwhile, on the Oregon Territory Bill, in 1848, a + strong effort had been made by Mr. Douglas and others to incorporate a + provision extending to the Pacific Ocean the Missouri Compromise line of + 36 30' of north latitude and extending to all future organizations of + Territories of the United States the principles of said Compromise. This + provision was adopted by the Senate, but the House struck it from the + Bill; the Senate receded, and Oregon was admitted as a Free Territory. But + the conflict in Congress between those who would extend and those who + would restrict Slavery still continued, and indeed gathered vehemence with + time. In 1850, California was clamoring for admission as a Free State to + the Union, and New Mexico and Utah sought to be organized under + Territorial Governments. + </p> + <p> + In the heated discussions upon questions growing out of bills for these + purposes, and to rectify the boundaries of Texas, it was no easy matter to + reach an agreement of any sort. Finally, however, the Compromise of 1850, + offered by Mr. Clay, was practically agreed to and carried out, and under + it: California was admitted as a Free State; New Mexico and Utah were + admitted to Territorial organization without a word pro or con on the + subject of Slavery; the State of Texas was awarded a pecuniary + compensation for the rectification of her boundaries; the Slave Trade in + the District of Columbia was abolished; and a more effectual Fugitive + Slave Act passed. + </p> + <p> + By both North and South, this Compromise of 1850, and the measures growing + out of it, were very generally acquiesced in, and for a while it seemed as + though a permanent settlement of the Slavery question had been reached. + But in the Fugitive Slave law, thus hastily enacted, lay embedded the seed + for further differences and excitements, speedily to germinate. In its + operation it proved not only unnecessarily cruel and harsh, in the manner + of the return to bondage of escaped slaves, but also afforded a shield and + support to the kidnapping of Free Negroes from Northern States. The + frequency of arrests in the Northern States, and the accompanying + circumstances of cruelty and brutality in the execution of the law, soon + made it especially odious throughout the North, and created an active + feeling of commiseration for the unhappy victims of the Slave Power, which + greatly intensified and increased the growing Anti-Slavery sentiment in + the Free States. + </p> + <p> + In 1852-53, an attempt was made in Congress to organize into the Territory + of Nebraska, the region of country lying west of Iowa and Missouri. Owing + to the opposition of the South the Bill was defeated. In 1853-4 a similar + Bill was reported to the Senate by Mr. Douglas, but afterward at his own + instance recommitted to the Committee on Territories, and reported back by + him again in such shape as to create, instead of one, two Territories, + that portion directly west of Missouri to be called Kansas, and the + balance to be known as Nebraska—one of the sections of the Bill + enacting: + </p> + <p> + "That in order to avoid all misconstruction it is hereby declared to be + the true intent and meaning of this Act, so far as the question of Slavery + is concerned, to carry into practical operation the following propositions + and principles, established by the Compromise measures of 1850, to wit: + </p> + <p> + "First, That all questions pertaining to Slavery in the Territories, and + the new States to be formed therefrom, are to be left to the decision of + the people residing therein through their appropriate representatives. + </p> + <p> + "Second, That 'all cases involving title to slaves,' and 'questions of + personal freedom,' are referred to the adjudication of the local tribunals + with the right of appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States. + </p> + <p> + "Third, That the provisions of the Constitution and laws of the United + States, in respect to fugitives from service, are to be carried into + faithful execution in all the `organized Territories,' the same as in the + States." + </p> + <p> + The sections authorizing Kansas and Nebraska to elect and send delegates + to Congress also prescribed: + </p> + <p> + "That the Constitution, and all laws of the United States which are not + locally inapplicable, shall have the same force and effect within the said + Territory, as elsewhere in the United States, except the section of the + Act preparatory to the admission of Missouri into the Union, approved + March 6th, 1820, which was superseded by the principles of the Legislation + of 1850, commonly called the Compromise Measures, and is declared + inoperative." + </p> + <p> + And when "explaining this Kansas-Nebraska Bill" Mr. Douglas announced + that, in reporting it, "The object of the Committee was neither to + legislate Slavery in or out of the Territories; neither to introduce nor + exclude it; but to remove whatever obstacle Congress had put there, and + apply the doctrine of Congressional Non-intervention in accordance with + the principles of the Compromise Measures of 1850, and allow the people to + do as they pleased upon this as well as all other matters affecting their + interests." + </p> + <p> + A vigorous and able debate ensued. A motion by Mr. Chase to strike out the + words "which was superseded by the principles of the legislation of 1850, + commonly called the Compromise Measures," was defeated decisively. + Subsequently Mr. Douglas moved to strike out the same words and insert in + place of them, these: "which being inconsistent with the principles of + Non-intervention by Congress with Slavery in the States and Territories, + as recognized by the legislation of 1850 (commonly called the Compromise + Measures), is hereby declared inoperative and void; it being the true + intent and meaning of this Act not to legislate Slavery into any Territory + or State, nor to exclude it therefrom, but to leave the people thereof + perfectly free to form and regulate their domestic institutions in their + own way, subject only to the Constitution of the United States"—and + the motion was agreed to by a vote of 35 yeas to 10 nays. Mr. Chase + immediately moved to add to the amendment just adopted these words: "Under + which, the people of the Territory, through their appropriate + representatives, may, if they see fit, prohibit the existence of Slavery + therein;" but this motion was voted down by 36 nays to 10 yeas. This + developed the rat in the meal-tub. The people were to be "perfectly free" + to act either way on the subject of Slavery, so long as they did not + prohibit Slavery! In this shape the Bill passed the Senate. + </p> + <p> + Public sentiment in the North was greatly stirred by this direct attempt + to repeal the Missouri Compromise. But by the superior parliamentary + tactics of Southern Representatives in the House, whereby the radical + friends of Freedom were shut out from the opportunity of amendment, a + House Bill essentially the same as the Senate Bill was subsequently passed + by the House, under the previous question, and afterward rapidly passed + the Senate, and was approved by the President. At once commenced that long + and terrible struggle between the friends of Free-Soil and the friends of + Slavery, for the possession of Kansas, which convulsed the whole Country + for years, and moistened the soil of that Territory with streams of blood, + shed in numerous "border-ruffian" conflicts. + </p> + <p> + The Territorial Government of Kansas was organized late in 1854, and an + "election" for Delegate held, at which the Pro-Slavery candidate + (Whitfield) was fraudulently elected. On March 30, 1855, a Territorial + Legislature was similarly chosen by Pro-Slavery voters "colonized" from + Missouri. That Legislature, upon its meeting, proceeded at once to enact + most outrageous Pro-Slavery laws, which being vetoed by the Free-Soil + Governor (Reeder), were passed over the veto, and the Free-Soil Governor + had to give place to one who favored Slavery in Kansas. But the Free-Soil + settlers of Kansas, in Mass Convention at Big Springs, utterly repudiated + the bogus Legislature and all its acts, to which they refused submission. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of these radical differences, two separate elections for + Delegate in Congress were held by the opposing factions, at one of which + was elected the Pro-Slavery Whitfield, and at the other the Free-Soiler + Reeder. Furthermore, under a call issued by the Big Springs Convention, a + Free-State Constitutional Convention was held in October, 1855, at Topeka, + which framed a Free-State Constitution, and asked admission under it to + the Union. + </p> + <p> + In 1856, the House of Representatives—which, after a protracted + struggle, had elected N. P. Banks Speaker—passed a Bill, by a bare + majority, admitting Kansas under her Topeka Constitution; but the Senate + defeated it. July 4, 1856, by order of President Pierce, the Free-State + Legislature, chosen under the Topeka Constitution to meet at Topeka, was + dispersed by United States Troops. Yet, despite all oppositions, + discouragements, and outrages, the Free-State population of Kansas + continued to increase from immigration. + </p> + <p> + In 1857, the Pro-Slavery Legislature elected by the Pro-Slavery voters at + their own special election—the Free-State voters declining to + participate—called a Constitutional Convention at Lecompton, which + formed a Pro-Slavery Constitution. This was submitted to the people in + such dexterous manner that they could only vote "For the Constitution with + Slavery" or "For the Constitution without Slavery"—and, as the + Constitution prescribed that "the rights of property in Slaves now in the + Territory, shall in no manner be interfered with," to vote "for the + Constitution Without Slavery" was an absurdity only paralleled by the + course of the United States Senate in refusing to permit the people of + Kansas "to prohibit Slavery" while at the same time declaring them + "perfectly free to act" as they chose in the matter. + </p> + <p> + The Constitution, with Slavery, was thus adopted by a vote of over 6,000. + But in the meanwhile, at another general election held for the purpose, + and despite all the frauds perpetrated by the Pro-Slavery men, a + Free-State Legislature, and Free-State Delegate to Congress had been + elected; and this Legislature submitted the Lecompton Pro-Slavery + Constitution to the people, January 4, 1858, so that they could vote: "For + the Lecompton Constitution with Slavery," "For the Lecompton Constitution + without Slavery," or "Against the Lecompton Constitution." The consequence + was that the Lecompton Constitution was defeated by a majority of over + 10,000 votes—the Missouri Pro-Slavery colonists declining to + recognize the validity of any further election on the subject. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, in part upon the issues growing out of this Kansas conflict, + the political parties of the Nation had passed through another + Presidential campaign (1856), in which the Democratic candidate Buchanan + had been elected over Fremont the "Republican," and Fillmore the + "American," candidates. Both Houses of Congress being now Democratic, Mr. + Buchanan recommended them to accept and ratify the Lecompton Pro-Slavery + Constitution. + </p> + <p> + In March, 1858, the Senate passed a Bill—against the efforts of + Stephen A. Douglas—accepting it. In the House, however, a substitute + offered by Mr. Montgomery (Douglas Democrat) known as the + Crittenden-Montgomery Compromise, was adopted. The Senate refused to + concur, and the report of a Committee of Conference—providing for + submitting to the Kansas people a proposition placing limitations upon + certain public land advantages stipulated for in the Lecompton + Constitution, and in case they rejected the proposition that another + Constitutional Convention should be held—was adopted by both Houses; + and the proposition being rejected by the people of Kansas, the + Pro-Slavery Lecompton Constitution fell with it. + </p> + <p> + In 1859 a Convention, called by the Territorial Legislature for the + purpose, met at Wyandot, and framed a Free State Constitution which was + adopted by the people in October of that year, and at the ensuing State + election in December the State went Republican. In April, 1860, the House + of Representatives passed a Bill admitting Kansas as a State under that + Constitution, but the Democratic Senate adjourned without action on the + Bill; and it was not until early in 1861 that Kansas was at last admitted. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the Free Trade Tariff of 1846 had produced the train of + business and financial disasters that its opponents predicted. Instead of + prosperity everywhere in the land, there was misery and ruin. Even the + discovery and working of the rich placer mines of California and the + consequent flow, in enormous volume, of her golden treasure into the + Eastern States, could not stay the wide-spread flood of disaster. + President Fillmore, who had succeeded General Taylor on the latter's + death, frequently called the attention of Congress to the evils produced + by this Free Trade, and to the necessity of protecting our manufactures + "from ruinous competition from abroad." So also with his successor, + President Buchanan, who, in his Message of 1857, declared that "In the + midst of unsurpassed plenty in all the productions and in all the elements + of national wealth, we find our manufactures suspended, our public works + retarded, our private enterprises of different kinds abandoned, and + thousands of useful laborers thrown out of employment and reduced to + want." Further than this, the financial credit of the Nation was at zero. + It was financially bankrupt before the close of Buchanan's Presidential + term. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linklincoln" id="linklincoln"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p098-lincoln.jpg (86K)" src="images/p098-lincoln.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch4" id="linkch4"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV.<br /> <br /> POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + But now occurred the great Presidential struggle of 1860—which + involved not alone the principles of Protection, but those of human + Freedom, and the preservation of the Union itself—between Abraham + Lincoln of Illinois, the candidate of the Republican party, as against + Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois, the National or Douglas—Democratic + candidate, John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky, the Administration or + Breckinridge—Democratic candidate, and John Bell of Tennessee, the + candidate of the Bell-Union party. The great preliminary struggle which + largely influenced the determination of the Presidential political + conflict of 1860, had, however, taken place in the State of Illinois, two + years previously. To that preliminary political contest of 1858, + therefore, we will now turn our eyes—and, in order to fully + understand it, it may be well to glance back over a few years. In 1851 the + Legislature of Illinois had adopted—[The vote in the House being 65 + yeas to 4 nays.]—the following resolution: "Resolved, That our + Liberty and Independence are based upon the right of the people to form + for themselves such a government as they may choose; that this great + principle, the birthright of freemen, the gift of Heaven, secured to us by + the blood of our ancestors, ought to be secured to future generations, and + no limitation ought to be applied to this power in the organization of any + Territory of the United States, of either Territorial Government or State + Constitution, provided the government so established shall be Republican + and in conformity with the Constitution of the United States." This + resolution was a practical endorsement of the course of Stephen A. Douglas + in supporting the Compromise measures of 1850, which he had defended as + being "all founded upon the great principle that every people ought to + possess the right to form and regulate their own domestic institutions in + their own way," and that "the same principle" should be "extended to all + of the Territories of the United States." + </p> + <p> + In accordance with his views and the resolution aforesaid, Mr. Douglas in + 1854, as we have already seen, incorporated in the Kansas-Nebraska Bill a + clause declaring it to be "the true intent and meaning of the Act not to + legislate Slavery into any State or Territory, or to exclude it therefrom, + but to leave the people thereof perfectly free to form and regulate their + domestic institutions in their own way, subject only to the Constitution + of the United States." + </p> + <p> + His position, as stated by himself, was, substantially that the Lecompton + Pro-Slavery Constitution was a fraud upon the people of Kansas, in that it + did not embody the will of that people; and he denied the right of + Congress to force a Constitution upon an unwilling people—without + regard, on his part, to whether that Constitution allowed or prohibited + Slavery or any other thing, whether good or bad. He held that the people + themselves were the sole judges of whether it is good or bad, and whether + desirable or not. + </p> + <p> + The Supreme Court of the United States had in the meantime made a decision + in a case afterward known as the "Dred Scott case," which was held back + until after the Presidential election of 1856 had taken place, and added + fuel to the political fire already raging. Dred Scott was a Negro Slave. + His owner voluntarily took him first into a Free State, and afterward into + a Territory which came within the Congressional prohibitive legislation + aforesaid. That decision in brief was substantially that no Negro Slave + imported from Africa, nor his descendant, can be a citizen of any State + within the meaning of the Constitution; that neither the Congress nor any + Territorial Legislature has under the Constitution of the United States, + the power to exclude Slavery from any Territory of the United States; and + that it is for the State Courts of the Slave State, into which the negro + has been conveyed by his master, and not for the United States Courts, to + decide whether that Negro, having been held to actual Slavery in a Free + State, has, by virtue of residence in such State, himself become Free. + </p> + <p> + Now it was, that the meaning of the words, "subject only to the + Constitution," as used in the Kansas-Nebraska Act, began to be discerned. + For if the people of a Territory were to be "perfectly free," to deal with + Slavery as they chose, "subject only to the Constitution" they were by + this Judicial interpretation of that instrument "perfectly free" to deal + with Slavery in any way so long as they did not attempt "to exclude" it! + The thing was all one-sided. Mr. Douglas's attitude in inventing the + peculiar phraseology in the Kansas-Nebraska Act—which to some seemed + as if expressly "made to order" for the Dred Scott decision—was + criticized with asperity; the popularity, however, of his courageous stand + against President Buchanan on the Lecompton fraud, seemed to make it + certain that, his term in the United States Senate being about to expire, + he would be overwhelmingly re-elected to that body. + </p> + <p> + But at this juncture occurred something, which for a long time held the + result in doubt, and drew the excited attention of the whole Nation to + Illinois as the great battle-ground. In 1858 a Republican State Convention + was held at Springfield, Ill., which nominated Abraham Lincoln as the + Republican candidate for United States Senator to succeed Senator Douglas + in the National Legislature. On June 16th—after such nomination—Mr. + Lincoln made to the Convention a speech—in which, with great and + incisive power, he assailed Mr. Douglas's position as well as that of the + whole Democratic Pro-Slavery Party, and announced in compact and cogent + phrase, from his own point of view, the attitude, upon the Slavery + question, of the Republican Party. + </p> + <p> + In that remarkable speech—which at once attracted the attention of + the Country—Mr. Lincoln said: "We are now far into the fifth year, + since a policy was initiated with the avowed object, and confident + promise, of putting an end to Slavery agitation. Under the operation of + that policy, that agitation has not only not ceased, but has constantly + augmented. In my opinion it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been + reached and passed. 'A House divided against itself cannot stand.' I + believe this Government cannot endure permanently half Slave and half + Free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved—I do not expect the + House to fall—but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will + become all one thing, or all the other. Either the opponents of Slavery + will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind + shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; + or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike lawful + in all the States, old as well as new, North as well as South." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Governor Seward's announcement of an "irrepressible conflict" was made + four months later.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He then proceeded to lay bare and closely analyze the history of all that + had been done, during the four years preceding, to produce the prevailing + condition of things touching human Slavery; describing it as resulting + from that, "now almost complete legal combination-piece of machinery, so + to speak—compounded of the Nebraska doctrine and the Dred Scott + decision." After stating the several points of that decision, and that the + doctrine of the "Sacred right of self-government" had been perverted by + the Nebraska "Squatter Sovereignty," argument to mean that, "if any one + man chose to enslave another, no third man shall be allowed to object," he + proceeded to show the grounds upon which he charged "pre-concert" among + the builders of that machinery. Said he: "The people were to be left + perfectly free, 'subject only to the Constitution.' What the Constitution + had to do with it, outsiders could not see. Plainly enough now, it was an + exactly fitted niche for the Dred Scott decision to afterward come in and + declare the perfect freedom of the people to be just no freedom at all. + Why was the amendment, expressly declaring the right of the people, voted + down? Plainly enough now, the adoption of it would have spoiled the niche + for the Dred Scott decision. Why was the Court decision held up? Why even + a Senator's individual opinion withheld, till after the Presidential + election? Plainly enough now: the speaking out then would have damaged the + 'perfectly free' argument upon which the election was to be carried. Why + the outgoing President's felicitation on the indorsement? Why the delay of + a re-argument? Why the incoming President's advance exhortation in favor + of the decision? These things look like the cautious patting and petting + of a spirited horse, preparatory to mounting him, when it is dreaded that + he may give the rider a fall. And why the hasty after-indorsement of the + decision, by the President and others? We cannot absolutely know that all + these exact adaptations are the result of pre-concert. But when we see a + lot of framed timbers, different portions of which we know have been + gotten out at different times and places and by different workmen—Stephen, + Franklin, Roger, and James—[Douglas, Pierce, Taney and Buchanan.]—for + instance—and when we see these timbers joined together, and see they + exactly make the frame of a house or a mill, all the tenons and mortices + exactly fitting, and all the lengths and proportions of the different + pieces exactly adapted to their respective places, and not a piece too + many or too few—not omitting even the scaffolding, or, if a single + piece be lacking, we see the place in the frame exactly fitted and + prepared yet to bring such piece in—in such a case, we find it + impossible not to believe that Stephen and Franklin and Roger and James + all understood one another from the beginning, and all worked upon a + common plan or draft drawn up before the first blow was struck." + </p> + <p> + He drew attention also to the fact that by the Nebraska Bill the people of + a State, as well as a Territory, were to be left "perfectly free," + "subject only to the Constitution," and that the object of lugging a + "State" into this merely Territorial law was to enable the United States + Supreme Court in some subsequent decision to declare, when the public mind + had been sufficiently imbued with Judge Douglas's notion of not caring + "whether Slavery be voted up or voted down," that "the Constitution of the + United States does not permit a State to exclude Slavery from its limits"—which + would make Slavery "alike lawful in all the States." That, he declared to + be Judge Douglas's present mission:—"His avowed mission is + impressing the 'public heart' to care nothing about it." Hence Mr. Lincoln + urged Republicans to stand by their cause, which must be placed in the + hands of its friends, "Whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work—who + do care for the result;" for he held that "a living dog is better than a + dead lion." + </p> + <p> + On the evening of July 9, 1858, at Chicago, Mr. Douglas (Mr. Lincoln being + present) spoke to an enthusiastic assemblage, which he fitly described as + a "vast sea of human faces," and, after stating that he regarded "the + Lecompton battle as having been fought and the victory won, because the + arrogant demand for the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton + Constitution unconditionally, whether her people wanted it or not, has + been abandoned, and the principle which recognizes the right of the people + to decide for themselves has been submitted in its place," he proceeded to + vindicate his position throughout; declared that he opposed "the Lecompton + monstrosity solely on the ground than it was a violation of the + fundamental principles of free government; on the ground that it was not + the act and deed of the people of Kansas; that it did not embody their + will; that they were averse to it;" and hence he "denied the right of + Congress to force it upon them, either as a Free State or a Slave State." + </p> + <p> + Said he: "I deny the right of Congress to force a Slaveholding State upon + an unwilling people. I deny their right to force a Free State upon an + unwilling people. I deny their right to force a good thing upon a people + who are unwilling to receive it. The great principle is the right of every + community to judge and decide for itself, whether a thing is right or + wrong, whether it would be good or evil for them to adopt it; and the + right of free action, the right of free thought, the right of free + judgment upon the question is dearer to every true American than any other + under a free Government. * * * It is no answer to this argument to say + that Slavery is an evil, and hence should not be tolerated. You must allow + the people to decide for themselves whether it is good or evil." He then + adverted to the arraignment of himself by Mr. Lincoln, and took direct + issue with that gentleman on his proposition that, as to Freedom and + Slavery, "the Union will become all one thing or all the other;" and + maintained on the contrary, that "it is neither desirable nor possible + that there should be uniformity in the local institutions and domestic + regulations of the different States of this Union." + </p> + <p> + Upon the further proposition of Mr. Lincoln, which Mr. Douglas described + as "a crusade against the Supreme Court of the United States on account of + the Dred Scott decision," and as "an appeal from the decision" of that + Court "upon this high Constitutional question to a Republican caucus + sitting in the country," he also took "direct and distinct issue with + him." To "the reason assigned by Mr. Lincoln for resisting the decision of + the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott case * * * because it deprives the + Negro of the privileges, immunities and rights of citizenship which + pertain, according to that decision, only to the White man," Mr. Douglas + also took exception thus: "I am free to say to you that in my opinion this + Government of ours is founded on the White basis. It was made by the White + man for the benefit of the White man, to be administered by White men, in + such manner as they should determine. It is also true that a Negro, an + Indian, or any other man of inferior race to a White man, should be + permitted to enjoy, and humanity requires that he should have, all the + rights, privileges, and immunities which he is capable of exercising + consistent with the safety of society. * * * But you may ask me what are + these rights and these privileges? My answer is, that each State must + decide for itself the nature and extent of these rights. * * * Without + indorsing the wisdom of that decision, I assert that Virginia has the same + power by virtue of her sovereignty to protect Slavery within her limits, + as Illinois has to banish it forever from our own borders. I assert the + right of each State to decide for itself on all these questions, and I do + not subscribe to the doctrine of my friend, Mr. Lincoln, that uniformity + is either desirable or possible. I do not acknowledge that the States must + all be Free or must all be Slave. I do not acknowledge that the Negro must + have civil and political rights everywhere or nowhere. * * * I do not + acknowledge any of these doctrines of uniformity in the local and domestic + regulations in the different States. * * * Mr. Lincoln goes for a warfare + upon the Supreme Court of the United States because of their judicial + decision in the Dred Scott case. I yield obedience to the decisions in + that Court—to the final determination of the highest judicial + tribunal known to our Constitution. He objects to the Dred Scott decision + because it does not put the Negro in the possession of the rights of + citizenship on an equality with the White man. I am opposed to Negro + equality. * * * I would extend to the Negro, and the Indian, and to all + dependent races every right, every privilege, and every immunity + consistent with the safety and welfare of the White races; but equality + they never should have, either political or social, or in any other + respect whatever. * * * My friends, you see that the issues are distinctly + drawn." + </p> + <p> + On the following evening (July 10th) at Chicago, Mr. Lincoln addressed + another enthusiastic assemblage, in reply to Mr. Douglas; and, after + protesting against a charge that had been made the previous night by the + latter, of an "unnatural and unholy" alliance between Administration + Democrats and Republicans to defeat him, as being beyond his own knowledge + and belief, proceeded: "Popular Sovereignty! Everlasting Popular + Sovereignty! Let us for a moment inquire into this vast matter of Popular + Sovereignty. What is Popular Sovereignty? We recollect at an early period + in the history of this struggle there was another name for the same thing—Squatter + Sovereignty. It was not exactly Popular Sovereignty, but Squatter + Sovereignty. What do those terms mean? What do those terms mean when used + now? And vast credit is taken by our friend, the Judge, in regard to his + support of it, when he declares the last years of his life have been, and + all the future years of his life shall be, devoted to this matter of + Popular Sovereignty. What is it? Why it is the Sovereignty of the People! + What was Squatter Sovereignty? I suppose if it had any significance at + all, it was the right of the people to govern themselves, to be sovereign + in their own affairs while they were squatted down in a country not their + own—while they had squatted on a territory that did not belong to + them in the sense that a State belongs to the people who inhabit it—when + it belonged to the Nation—such right to govern themselves was called + 'Squatter Sovereignty.' + </p> + <p> + "Now I wish you to mark. What has become of that Squatter Sovereignty? + What has become of it? Can you get anybody to tell you now that the people + of a Territory have any authority to govern themselves, in regard to this + mooted question of Slavery, before they form a State Constitution? No such + thing at all, although there is a general running fire and although there + has been a hurrah made in every speech on that side, assuming that that + policy had given the people of a Territory the right to govern themselves + upon this question; yet the point is dodged. To-day it has been decided—no + more than a year ago it was decided by the Supreme Court of the United + States, and is insisted upon to-day, that the people of a Territory have + no right to exclude Slavery from a Territory, that if any one man chooses + to take Slaves into a Territory, all the rest of the people have no right + to keep them out. This being so, and this decision being made one of the + points that the Judge (Douglas) approved, * * * he says he is in favor of + it, and sticks to it, and expects to win his battle on that decision, + which says there is no such thing as Squatter Sovereignty; but that any + man may take Slaves into a Territory and all the other men in the + Territory may be opposed to it, and yet by reason of the Constitution they + cannot prohibit it; when that is so, how much is left of this vast matter + of Squatter Sovereignty, I should like to know? Again, when we get to the + question of the right of the people to form a State Constitution as they + please, to form it with Slavery or without Slavery—if that is + anything new, I confess I don't know it * * *. + </p> + <p> + "We do not remember that, in that old Declaration of Independence, it is + said that 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are + created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain + inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of + happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among + men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.' There, + is the origin of Popular Sovereignty. Who, then, shall come in at this day + and claim that he invented it? The Lecompton Constitution connects itself + with this question, for it is in this matter of the Lecompton Constitution + that our friend, Judge Douglas, claims such vast credit. I agree that in + opposing the Lecompton Constitution, so far as I can perceive, he was + right. * * * All the Republicans in the Nation opposed it, and they would + have opposed it just as much without Judge Douglas's aid as with it. They + had all taken ground against it long before he did. Why, the reason that + he urges against that Constitution, I urged against him a year before. I + have the printed speech in my hand now. The argument that he makes, why + that Constitution should not be adopted, that the people were not fairly + represented nor allowed to vote, I pointed out in a speech a year ago + which I hold in my hand now, that no fair chance was to be given to the + people. * * * The Lecompton Constitution, as the Judge tells us, was + defeated. The defeat of it was a good thing or it was not. He thinks the + defeat of it was a good thing, and so do I, and we agree in that. Who + defeated it? [A voice—'Judge Douglas.'] Yes, he furnished himself, + and if you suppose he controlled the other Democrats that went with him, + he furnished three votes, while the Republicans furnished twenty. That is + what he did to defeat it. In the House of Representatives he and his + friends furnished some twenty votes, and the Republicans furnished ninety + odd. Now, who was it that did the work? * * * Ground was taken against it + by the Republicans long before Douglas did it. The proportion of + opposition to that measure is about five to one." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln then proceeded to take up the issues which Mr. Douglas had + joined with him the previous evening. He denied that he had said, or that + it could be fairly inferred from what he had said, in his Springfield + speech, that he was in favor of making War by the North upon the South for + the extinction of Slavery, "or, in favor of inviting the South to a War + upon the North, for the purpose of nationalizing Slavery." Said he: "I did + not even say that I desired that Slavery should be put in course of + ultimate extinction. I do say so now, however; so there need be no longer + any difficulty about that. * * * I am tolerably well acquainted with the + history of the Country and I know that it has endured eighty-two years + half Slave and half Free. I believe—and that is what I meant to + allude to there—I believe it has endured, because during all that + time, until the introduction of the Nebraska Bill, the public mind did + rest all the, time in the belief that Slavery was in course of ultimate + extinction. That was what gave us the rest that we had through that period + of eighty-two years; at least, so I believe. + </p> + <p> + "I have always hated Slavery, I think, as much as any Abolitionist—I + have been an Old Line Whig—I have always hated it, but I have always + been quiet about it until this new era of the introduction of the Nebraska + Bill began. I always believed that everybody was against it, and that it + was in course of ultimate extinction. * * * The great mass of the Nation + have rested in the belief that Slavery was in course of ultimate + extinction. They had reason so to believe. The adoption of the + Constitution and its attendant history led the People to believe so, and + that such was the belief of the framers of the Constitution itself. Why + did those old men about the time of the adoption of the Constitution + decree that Slavery should not go into the new territory, where it had not + already gone? Why declare that within twenty years the African Slave + Trade, by which Slaves are supplied, might be cut off by Congress? Why + were all these acts? I might enumerate more of these acts—but + enough. What were they but a clear indication that the framers of the + Constitution intended and expected the ultimate extinction of that + institution? + </p> + <p> + "And now, when I say, as I said in my speech that Judge Douglas has quoted + from, when I say that I think the opponents of Slavery will resist the + further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest with + the belief that it is in course of ultimate extinction, I only mean to + say, that they will place it where the founders of this Government + originally placed it. I have said a hundred times, and I have now no + inclination to take it back, that I believe there is no right, and ought + to be no inclination in the people of the Free States, to enter into the + Slave States, and interfere with the question of Slavery at all. I have + said that always; Judge Douglas has heard me say it—if not quite a + hundred times, at least as good as a hundred times; and when it is said + that I am in favor of interfering with Slavery where it exists, I know + that it is unwarranted by anything I have ever intended, and as I believe, + by anything I have ever said. If, by any means, I have ever used language + which could fairly be so construe (as, however, I believe I never have) I + now correct it. So much, then, for the inference that Judge Douglas draws, + that I am in favor of setting the Sections at War with one another. + </p> + <p> + "Now in relation to his inference that I am in favor of a general + consolidation of all the local institutions of the various States * * * I + have said, very many times in Judge Douglas's hearing, that no man + believed more than I in the principle of self-government from beginning to + end. I have denied that his use of that term applies properly. But for the + thing itself, I deny that any man has ever gone ahead of me in his + devotion to the principle, whatever he may have done in efficiency in + advocating it. I think that I have said it in your hearing—that I + believe each individual is naturally entitled to do as he pleases with + himself and the fruit of his labor, so far as it in no wise interferes + with any other man's rights—that each community, as a State, has a + right to do exactly as it pleases with all the concerns within that State + that interfere with the rights of no other State, and that the General + Government, upon principle, has no right to interfere with anything other + than that general class of things that does concern the whole. I have said + that at all times. + </p> + <p> + "I have said, as illustrations, that I do not believe in the right of + Illinois to interfere with the cranberry laws of Indiana, the oyster laws + of Virginia, or the liquor laws of Maine. I have said these things over + and over again, and I repeat them here as my sentiments. * * * What can + authorize him to draw any such inference? I suppose there might be one + thing that at least enabled him to draw such an inference that would not + be true with me or many others, that is, because he looks upon all this + matter of Slavery as an exceedingly little thing—this matter of + keeping one-sixth of the population of the whole Nation in a state of + oppression and tyranny unequaled in the World. + </p> + <p> + "He looks upon it as being an exceedingly little thing only equal to the + cranberry laws of Indiana—as something having no moral question in + it—as something on a par with the question of whether a man shall + pasture his land with cattle, or plant it with tobacco—so little and + so small a thing, that he concludes, if I could desire that anything + should be done to bring about the ultimate extinction of that little + thing, I must be in favor of bringing about an amalgamation of all the + other little things in the Union. + </p> + <p> + "Now it so happens—and there, I presume, is the foundation of this + mistake—that the Judge thinks thus; and it so happens that there is + a vast portion of the American People that do not look upon that matter as + being this very little thing. They look upon it as a vast moral evil; they + can prove it as such by the writings of those who gave us the blessings of + Liberty which we enjoy, and that they so looked upon it, and not as an + evil merely confining itself to the States where it is situated; while we + agree that, by the Constitution we assented to, in the States where it + exists we have no right to interfere with it, because it is in the + Constitution; and we are by both duty and inclination to stick by that + Constitution in all its letter and spirit, from beginning to end. * * * + The Judge can have no issue with me on a question of establishing + uniformity in the domestic regulations of the States. * * * + </p> + <p> + "Another of the issues he says that is to be made with me, is upon his + devotion to the Dred Scott decision, and my opposition to it. I have + expressed heretofore, and I now repeat, my opposition to the Dred Scott + decision; but I should be allowed to state the nature of that opposition. + * * * What is fairly implied by the term Judge Douglas has used, + 'resistance to the decision?' I do not resist it. If I wanted to take Dred + Scott from his master, I would be interfering with property and that + terrible difficulty that Judge Douglas speaks of, of interfering with + property, would arise. But I am doing no such thing as that, but all that + I am doing is refusing to obey it, as a political rule. If I were in + Congress, and a vote should come up on a question whether Slavery should + be prohibited in a new Territory, in spite of the Dred Scott decision, I + would vote that it should. That is what I would do. + </p> + <p> + "Judge Douglas said last night, that before the decision he might advance + his opinion, and it might be contrary to the decision when it was made; + but after it was made, he would abide by it until it was reversed. Just + so! We let this property abide by the decision, but we will try to reverse + that decision. We will try to put it where Judge Douglas would not object, + for he says he will obey it until it is reversed. Somebody has to reverse + that decision, since it is made, and we mean to reverse it, and we mean to + do it peaceably. + </p> + <p> + "What are the uses of decisions of Courts? They have two uses. As rules of + property they have two uses. First, they decide upon the question before + the Court. They decide in this case that Dred Scott is a Slave. Nobody + resists that. Not only that, but they say to everybody else, that persons + standing just as Dred Scott stands, are as he is. That is, they say that + when a question comes up upon another person, it will be so decided again, + unless the Court decides in another way—unless the Court overrules + its decision.—Well, we mean to do what we can to have the Court + decide the other way. That is one thing we mean to try to do. + </p> + <p> + "The sacredness that Judge Douglas throws around this decision is a degree + of sacredness that has never before been thrown around any other decision. + I have never heard of such a thing. Why, decisions apparently contrary to + that decision, or that good lawyers thought were contrary to that + decision, have been made by that very Court before. It is the first of its + kind; it is an astonisher in legal history. It is a new wonder of the + world. It is based upon falsehood in the main as to the facts—allegations + of facts upon which it stands are not facts at all in many instances; and + no decision made on any question—the first instance of a decision + made under so many unfavorable circumstances—thus placed, has ever + been held by the profession as law, and it has always needed confirmation + before the lawyers regarded it as settled law. But Judge Douglas will have + it that all hands must take this extraordinary decision, made under these + extraordinary circumstances, and give their vote in Congress in accordance + with it, yield to it and obey it in every possible sense. + </p> + <p> + "Circumstances alter cases. Do not gentlemen remember the case of that + same Supreme Court, some twenty-five or thirty years ago, deciding that a + National Bank was Constitutional? * * * The Bank charter ran out, and a + recharter was granted by Congress. That re-charter was laid before General + Jackson. It was urged upon him, when he denied the Constitutionality of + the Bank, that the Supreme Court had decided that it was Constitutional; + and General Jackson then said that the Supreme Court had no right to lay + down a rule to govern a co-ordinate branch of the Government, the members + of which had sworn to support the Constitution—that each member had + sworn to support that Constitution as he understood it. I will venture + here to say, that I have heard Judge Douglas say that he approved of + General Jackson for that act. What has now become of all his tirade about + 'resistance to the Supreme Court?'" + </p> + <p> + After adverting to Judge Douglas's warfare on "the leaders" of the + Republican party, and his desire to have "it understood that the mass of + the Republican party are really his friends," Mr. Lincoln said: "If you + indorse him, you tell him you do not care whether Slavery be voted up or + down, and he will close, or try to close, your mouths with his declaration + repeated by the day, the week, the month, and the year. Is that what you + mean? * * * Now I could ask the Republican party, after all the hard names + that Judge Douglas has called them by, all his repeated charges of their + inclination to marry with and hug negroes—all his declarations of + Black Republicanism—by the way, we are improving, the black has got + rubbed off—but with all that, if he be indorsed by Republican votes, + where do you stand? Plainly, you stand ready saddled, bridled, and + harnessed, and waiting to be driven over to the Slavery-extension camp of + the Nation—just ready to be driven over, tied together in a lot—to + be driven over, every man with a rope around his neck, that halter being + held by Judge Douglas. That is the question. If Republican men have been + in earnest in what they have done, I think that they has better not do it. + * * * + </p> + <p> + "We were often—more than once at least—in the course of Judge + Douglas's speech last night, reminded that this Government was made for + White men—that he believed it was made for White men. Well, that is + putting it in a shape in which no one wants to deny it; but the Judge then + goes into his passion for drawing inferences that are not warranted. I + protest, now and forever, against that counterfeit logic which presumes + that because I do not want a Negro woman for a Slave I do necessarily want + her for a wife. My understanding is that I need not have her for either; + but, as God has made us separate, we can leave one another alone, and do + one another much good thereby. There are White men enough to marry all the + White women, and enough Black men to marry all the Black women, and in + God's name let them be so married. The Judge regales us with the terrible + enormities that take place by the mixture of races; that the inferior race + bears the superior down. Why, Judge, if we do not let them get together in + the Territories, they won't mix there. + </p> + <p> + " * * * Those arguments that are made, that the inferior race are to be + treated with as much allowance as they are capable of enjoying; that as + much is to be done for them as their condition will allow—what are + these arguments? They are the arguments that Kings have made for enslaving + the People in all ages of the World. You will find that all the arguments + in favor of king-craft were of this class; they always bestrode the necks + of the People, not that they wanted to do it, but because the People were + better off for being ridden! That is their argument, and this argument of + the Judge is the same old Serpent that says: you work, and I eat; you + toil, and I will enjoy the fruits of it. + </p> + <p> + "Turn it whatever way you will—whether it come from the mouth of a + King, an excuse for enslaving the People of his Country, or from the mouth + of men of one race as a reason for enslaving the men of another race, it + is all the same old Serpent; and I hold, if that course of argumentation + that is made for the purpose of convincing the public mind that we should + not care about this, should be granted, it does not stop with the Negro. + </p> + <p> + "I should like to know, taking this old Declaration of Independence, which + declares that all men are equal upon principle, and making exceptions to + it, where will it stop? If one man says it does not mean a Negro, why not + say it does not mean some other man? If that Declaration is not the truth, + let us get the Statute Book, in which we find it, and tear it out! Who is + so bold as to do it? If it is not true, let us tear it out!" [Cries of + "No, no."] "Let us stick to it then; let us stand firmly by it, then. * * + * + </p> + <p> + " * * * The Saviour, I suppose, did not expect that any human creature + could be perfect as the Father in Heaven; but He said, 'As your Father in + Heaven is perfect, be ye also perfect.' He set that up as a standard, and + he who did most toward reaching that standard, attained the highest degree + of moral perfection. So I say, in relation to the principle that all men + are created equal—let it be as nearly reached as we can. If we + cannot give Freedom to every creature, let us do nothing that will impose + Slavery upon any other creature. Let us then turn this Government back + into the channel in which the framers of the Constitution originally + placed it. Let us stand firmly by each other. * * * Let us discard all + this quibbling * * * and unite as one People throughout this Land, until + we shall once more stand up declaring that all men are created equal." + </p> + <p> + At Bloomington, July 16th (Mr. Lincoln being present), Judge Douglas made + another great speech of vindication and attack. After sketching the + history of the Kansas-Nebraska struggle, from the introduction by himself + of the Nebraska Bill in the United States Senate, in 1854, down to the + passage of the "English" Bill—which prescribed substantially that if + the people of Kansas would come in as a Slave-holding State, they should + be admitted with but 35,000 inhabitants; but if they would come in as a + Free State, they must have 93,420 inhabitants; which unfair restriction + was opposed by Judge Douglas, but to which after it became law he "bowed + in deference," because whatever decision the people of Kansas might make + on the coming third of August would be "final and conclusive of the whole + question"—he proceeded to compliment the Republicans in Congress, + for supporting the Crittenden-Montgomery Bill—for coming "to the + Douglas platform, abandoning their own, believing (in the language of the + New York Tribune), that under the peculiar circumstances they would in + that mode best subserve the interests of the Country;" and then again + attacked Mr. Lincoln for his "unholy and unnatural alliance" with the + Lecompton-Democrats to defeat him, because of which, said he: "You will + find he does not say a word against the Lecompton Constitution or its + supporters. He is as silent as the grave upon that subject. Behold Mr. + Lincoln courting Lecompton votes, in order that he may go to the Senate as + the representative of Republican principles! You know that the alliance + exists. I think you will find that it will ooze out before the contest is + over." Then with many handsome compliments to the personal character of + Mr. Lincoln, and declaring that the question for decision was "whether his + principles are more in accordance with the genius of our free + institutions, the peace and harmony of the Republic" than those advocated + by himself, Judge Douglas proceeded to discuss what he described as "the + two points at issue between Mr. Lincoln and myself." + </p> + <p> + Said he: "Although the Republic has existed from 1789 to this day, divided + into Free States and Slave States, yet we are told that in the future it + cannot endure unless they shall become all Free or all Slave. * * * He + wishes to go to the Senate of the United States in order to carry out that + line of public policy which will compel all the States in the South to + become Free. How is he going to do it? Has Congress any power over the + subject of Slavery in Kentucky or Virginia or any other State of this + Union? How, then, is Mr. Lincoln going to carry out that principle which + he says is essential to the existence of this Union, to wit: That Slavery + must be abolished in all the States of the Union or must be established in + them all? You convince the South that they must either establish Slavery + in Illinois and in every other Free State, or submit to its abolition in + every Southern State and you invite them to make a warfare upon the + Northern States in order to establish Slavery for the sake of perpetuating + it at home. Thus, Mr. Lincoln invites, by his proposition, a War of + Sections, a War between Illinois and Kentucky, a War between the Free + States and the Slave States, a War between the North and South, for the + purpose of either exterminating Slavery in every Southern State or + planting it in every Northern State. He tells you that the safety of the + Republic, that the existence of this Union, depends upon that warfare + being carried on until one Section or the other shall be entirely subdued. + The States must all be Free or Slave, for a house divided against itself + cannot stand. That is Mr. Lincoln's argument upon that question. My + friends, is it possible to preserve Peace between the North and the South + if such a doctrine shall prevail in either Section of the Union? + </p> + <p> + "Will you ever submit to a warfare waged by the Southern States to + establish Slavery in Illinois? What man in Illinois would not lose the + last drop of his heart's blood before lie would submit to the institution + of Slavery being forced upon us by the other States against our will? And + if that be true of us, what Southern man would not shed the last drop of + his heart's blood to prevent Illinois, or any other Northern State, from + interfering to abolish Slavery in his State? Each of these States is + sovereign under the Constitution; and if we wish to preserve our + liberties, the reserved rights and sovereignty of each and every State + must be maintained. * * * The difference between Mr. Lincoln and myself + upon this point is, that he goes for a combination of the Northern States, + or the organization of a sectional political party in the Free States, to + make War on the domestic institutions of the Southern States, and to + prosecute that War until they all shall be subdued, and made to conform to + such rules as the North shall dictate to them. + </p> + <p> + "I am aware that Mr. Lincoln, on Saturday night last, made a speech at + Chicago for the purpose, as he said, of explaining his position on this + question. * * * His answer to this point which I have been arguing, is, + that he never did mean, and that I ought to know that he never intended to + convey the idea, that he wished the people of the Free States to enter + into the Southern States and interfere with Slavery. Well, I never did + suppose that he ever dreamed of entering into Kentucky, to make War upon + her institutions, nor will any Abolitionist ever enter into Kentucky to + wage such War. Their mode of making War is not to enter into those States + where Slavery exists, and there interfere, and render themselves + responsible for the consequences. Oh, no! They stand on this side of the + Ohio River and shoot across. They stand in Bloomington and shake their + fists at the people of Lexington; they threaten South Carolina from + Chicago. And they call that bravery! But they are very particular, as Mr. + Lincoln says, not to enter into those States for the purpose of + interfering with the institution of Slavery there. I am not only opposed + to entering into the Slave States, for the purpose of interfering with + their institutions, but I am opposed to a sectional agitation to control + the institutions of other States. I am opposed to organizing a sectional + party, which appeals to Northern pride, and Northern passion and + prejudice, against Southern institutions, thus stirring up ill feeling and + hot blood between brethren of the same Republic. I am opposed to that + whole system of sectional agitation, which can produce nothing but strife, + but discord, but hostility, and finally disunion. * * * + </p> + <p> + "I ask Mr. Lincoln how it is that he purposes ultimately to bring about + this uniformity in each and all the States of the Union? There is but one + possible mode which I can see, and perhaps Mr. Lincoln intends to pursue + it; that is, to introduce a proposition into the Senate to change the + Constitution of the United States in order that all the State Legislatures + may be abolished, State Sovereignty blotted out, and the power conferred + upon Congress to make local laws and establish the domestic institutions + and police regulations uniformly throughout the United States. + </p> + <p> + "Are you prepared for such a change in the institutions of your country? + Whenever you shall have blotted out the State Sovereignties, abolished the + State Legislatures, and consolidated all the power in the Federal + Government, you will have established a Consolidated Empire as destructive + to the Liberties of the People and the Rights of the Citizen as that of + Austria, or Russia, or any other despotism that rests upon the neck of the + People. * * * There is but one possible way in which Slavery can be + abolished, and that is by leaving a State, according to the principle of + the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, perfectly free to form and regulate its + institutions in its own way. That was the principle upon which this + Republic was founded, and it is under the operation of that principle that + we have been able to preserve the Union thus far under its operation. + Slavery disappeared from New Hampshire, from Rhode Island, from + Connecticut, from New York, from New Jersey, from Pennsylvania, from six + of the twelve original Slave-holding States; and this gradual system of + emancipation went on quietly, peacefully, and steadily, so long as we in + the Free States minded our own business, and left our neighbors alone. + </p> + <p> + "But the moment the Abolition Societies were organized throughout the + North, preaching a violent crusade against Slavery in the Southern States, + this combination necessarily caused a counter-combination in the South, + and a sectional line was drawn which was a barrier to any further + emancipation. Bear in mind that emancipation has not taken place in any + one State since the Free Soil Party was organized as a political party in + this country. Emancipation went on gradually, in State after State, so + long as the Free States were content with managing their own affairs and + leaving the South perfectly free to do as they pleased; but the moment the + North said we are powerful enough to control you of the South, the moment + the North proclaimed itself the determined master of the South, that + moment the South combined to resist the attack, and thus sectional parties + were formed and gradual emancipation ceased in all the Slave-holding + States. + </p> + <p> + "And yet Mr. Lincoln, in view of these historical facts, proposes to keep + up this sectional agitation, band all the Northern States together in one + political Party, elect a President by Northern votes alone, and then, of + course, make a Cabinet composed of Northern men, and administer the + Government by Northern men only, denying all the Southern States of this + Union any participation in the administration of affairs whatsoever. I + submit to you, my fellow-citizens, whether such a line of policy is + consistent with the peace and harmony of the Country? Can the Union endure + under such a system of policy? He has taken his position in favor of + sectional agitation and sectional warfare. I have taken mine in favor of + securing peace, harmony, and good-will among all the States, by permitting + each to mind its own business, and discountenancing any attempt at + interference on the part of one State with the domestic concerns of the + others. * * * + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Lincoln tells you that he is opposed to the decision of the Supreme + Court in the Dred Scott case. Well, suppose he is; what is he going to do + about it? * * * Why, he says he is going to appeal to Congress. Let us see + how he will appeal to Congress. He tells us that on the 8th of March, + 1820, Congress passed a law called the Missouri Compromise, prohibiting + Slavery forever in all the territory west of the Mississippi and north of + the Missouri line of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes; that Dred + Scott, a slave in Missouri, was taken by his master to Fort Snelling, in + the present State of Minnesota, situated on the west branch of the + Mississippi River, and consequently in the Territory where Slavery was + prohibited by the Act of 1820; and that when Dred Scott appealed for his + Freedom in consequence of having been taken into that Territory, the + Supreme Court of the United States decided that Dred Scott did not become + Free by being taken into that Territory, but that having been carried back + to Missouri, was yet a Slave. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Lincoln is going to appeal from that decision and reverse it. He does + not intend to reverse it as to Dred Scott. Oh, no! But he will reverse it + so that it shall not stand as a rule in the future. How will he do it? He + says that if he is elected to the Senate he will introduce and pass a law + just like the Missouri Compromise, prohibiting Slavery again in all the + Territories. Suppose he does re-enact the same law which the Court has + pronounced unconstitutional, will that make it Constitutional? * * * Will + it be any more valid? Will he be able to convince the Court that the + second Act is valid, when the first is invalid and void? What good does it + do to pass a second Act? Why, it will have the effect to arraign the + Supreme Court before the People, and to bring them into all the political + discussions of the Country. Will that do any good? * * * + </p> + <p> + "The functions of Congress are to enact the Statutes, the province of the + Court is to pronounce upon their validity, and the duty of the Executive + is to carry the decision into effect when rendered by the Court. And yet, + notwithstanding the Constitution makes the decision of the Court final in + regard to the validity of an Act of Congress, Mr. Lincoln is going to + reverse that decision by passing another Act of Congress. When he has + become convinced of the Folly of the proposition, perhaps he will resort + to the same subterfuge that I have found others of his Party resort to, + which is to agitate and agitate until he can change the Supreme Court and + put other men in the places of the present incumbents." + </p> + <p> + After ridiculing this proposition at some length, he proceeded: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Lincoln is alarmed for fear that, under the Dred Scott decision, + Slavery will go into all the Territories of the United States. All I have + to say is that, with or without this decision, Slavery will go just where + the People want it, and not an inch further. * * * Hence, if the People of + a Territory want Slavery, they will encourage it by passing affirmatory + laws, and the necessary police regulations, patrol laws and Slave Code; if + they do not want it, they will withhold that legislation, and, by + withholding it, Slavery is as dead as if it was prohibited by a + Constitutional prohibition, especially if, in addition, their legislation + is unfriendly, as it would be if they were opposed to it." + </p> + <p> + Then, taking up what he said was "Mr. Lincoln's main objection to the Dred + Scott decision," to wit: "that that decision deprives the Negro of the + benefits of that clause of the Constitution of the United States which + entitles the citizens of each State to all the privileges and immunities + of citizens of the several States," and admitting that such would be its + effect, Mr. Douglas contended at some length that this Government was + "founded on the White basis" for the benefit of the Whites and their + posterity. He did "not believe that it was the design or intention of the + signers of the Declaration of Independence or the frames of the + Constitution to include Negroes, Indians, or other inferior races, with + White men as citizens;" nor that the former "had any reference to Negroes, + when they used the expression that all men were created equal," nor to + "any other inferior race." He held that, "They were speaking only of the + White race, and never dreamed that their language would be construed to + apply to the Negro;" and after ridiculing the contrary view, insisted + that, "The history of the Country shows that neither the signers of the + Declaration, nor the Framers of the Constitution, ever supposed it + possible that their language would be used in an attempt to make this + Nation a mixed Nation of Indians, Negroes, Whites, and Mongrels." + </p> + <p> + The "Fathers proceeded on the White basis, making the White people the + governing race, but conceding to the Indian and Negro, and all inferior + races, all the rights and all the privileges they could enjoy consistent + with the safety of the society in which they lived. That," said he, "is my + opinion now. I told you that humanity, philanthropy, justice, and sound + policy required that we should give the Negro every right, every + privilege, every immunity consistent with the safety and welfare of the + State. The question, then, naturally arises, what are those rights and + privileges, and what is the nature and extent of them? My answer is, that + that is a question which each State and each Territory must decide for + itself. * * * I am content with that position. My friend Lincoln is not. * + * * He thinks that the Almighty made the Negro his equal and his brother. + For my part I do not consider the Negro any kin to me, nor to any other + White man; but I would still carry my humanity and my philanthropy to the + extent of giving him every privilege and every immunity that he could + enjoy, consistent with our own good." + </p> + <p> + After again referring to the principles connected with non-interference in + the domestic institutions of the States and Territories, and to the + devotion of all his energies to them "since 1850, when," said he, "I acted + side by side with the immortal Clay and the god-like Webster, in that + memorable struggle in which Whigs and Democrats united upon a common + platform of patriotism and the Constitution, throwing aside partisan + feelings in order to restore peace and harmony to a distracted Country"—he + alluded to the death-bed of Clay, and the pledges made by himself to both + Clay and Webster to devote his own life to the vindication of the + principles of that Compromise of 1850 as a means of preserving the Union; + and concluded with this appeal: "This Union can only be preserved by + maintaining the fraternal feeling between the North and the South, the + East and the West. If that good feeling can be preserved, the Union will + be as perpetual as the fame of its great founders. It can be maintained by + preserving the sovereignty of the States, the right of each State and each + Territory to settle its domestic concerns for itself, and the duty of each + to refrain from interfering with the other in any of its local or domestic + institutions. Let that be done, and the Union will be perpetual; let that + be done, and this Republic, which began with thirteen States and which now + numbers thirty-two, which when it began, only extended from the Atlantic + to the Mississippi, but now reaches to the Pacific, may yet expand, North + and South, until it covers the whole Continent, and becomes one vast + ocean-bound Confederacy. Then, my friends, the path of duty, of honor, of + patriotism, is plain. There are a few simple principles to be preserved. + Bear in mind the dividing line between State rights and Federal authority; + let us maintain the great principles of Popular Sovereignty, of State + rights and of the Federal Union as the Constitution has made it, and this + Republic will endure forever." + </p> + <p> + On the next evening, July 17th, at Springfield, both Douglas and Lincoln + addressed separate meetings. + </p> + <p> + After covering much the same ground with regard to the history of the + Kansas-Nebraska struggle and his own attitude upon it, as he did in his + previous speech, Mr. Douglas declined to comment upon Mr. Lincoln's + intimation of a Conspiracy between Douglas, Pierce, Buchanan, and Taney + for the passage of the Nebraska Bill, the rendition of the Dred Scott + decision, and the extension of Slavery, but proceeded to dilate on the + "uniformity" issue between himself and Mr. Lincoln, in much the same + strain as before, tersely summing up with the statement that "there is a + distinct issue of principles—principles irreconcilable—between + Mr. Lincoln and myself. He goes for consolidation and uniformity in our + Government. I go for maintaining the Confederation of the Sovereign States + under the Constitution, as our fathers made it, leaving each State at + liberty to manage its own affairs and own internal institutions." + </p> + <p> + He then ridiculed, at considerable length, Mr. Lincoln's proposed methods + of securing a reversal by the United States Supreme Court of the Dred + Scott decision—especially that of an "appeal to the People to elect + a President who will appoint judges who will reverse the Dred Scott + decision," which he characterized as "a proposition to make that Court the + corrupt, unscrupulous tool of a political party," and asked, "when we + refuse to abide by Judicial decisions, what protection is there left for + life and property? To whom shall you appeal? To mob law, to partisan + caucuses, to town meetings, to revolution? Where is the remedy when you + refuse obedience to the constituted authorities?" In other respects the + speech was largely a repetition of his Bloomington speech. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln in his speech, the same night, at Springfield, opened by + contrasting the disadvantages under which, by reason of an unfair + apportionment of State Legislative representation and otherwise, the + Republicans of Illinois labored in this fight. Among other disadvantages—whereby + he said the Republicans were forced "to fight this battle upon principle + and upon principle alone"—were those which he said arose "out of the + relative positions of the two persons who stand before the State as + candidates for the Senate." + </p> + <p> + Said he: "Senator Douglas is of world-wide renown. All the anxious + politicians of his Party, or who have been of his Party for years past, + have been looking upon him as certainly, at no distant day, to be the + President of the United States. They have seen in his round, jolly, + fruitful face, Post-offices, Land-offices, Marshalships, and Cabinet + appointments, Chargeships and Foreign Missions, bursting and sprouting out + in wonderful exuberance, ready to be laid hold of by their greedy hands. + And as they have been gazing upon this attractive picture so long, they + cannot, in the little distraction that has taken place in the party, bring + themselves to give up the charming hope; but with greedier anxiety they + rush about him, sustain him, and give him marches, triumphal entries, and + receptions, beyond what even in the days of his highest prosperity they + could have brought about in his favor. On the contrary, nobody has ever + expected me to be President. In my poor, lean, lank face, nobody has ever + seen that any cabbages were sprouting out." + </p> + <p> + Then he described the main points of Senator Douglas's plan of campaign as + being not very numerous. "The first," he said, "is Popular Sovereignty. + The second and third are attacks upon my speech made on the 16th of June. + Out of these three points—drawing within the range of Popular + Sovereignty the question of the Lecompton Constitution—he makes his + principal assault. Upon these his successive speeches are substantially + one and the same." Touching the first point, "Popular Sovereignty"—"the + great staple" of Mr. Douglas's campaign—Mr. Lincoln affirmed that it + was "the most arrant Quixotism that was ever enacted before a community." + </p> + <p> + He said that everybody understood that "we have not been in a controversy + about the right of a People to govern themselves in the ordinary matters + of domestic concern in the States and Territories;" that, "in this + controversy, whatever has been said has had reference to the question of + Negro Slavery;" and "hence," said he, "when hereafter I speak of Popular + Sovereignty, I wish to be understood as applying what I say to the + question of Slavery only; not to other minor domestic matters of a + Territory or a State." + </p> + <p> + Having cleared away the cobwebs, Mr. Lincoln proceeded: + </p> + <p> + "Does Judge Douglas, when he says that several of the past years of his + life have been devoted to the question of 'Popular Sovereignty' * * * mean + to say that he has been devoting his life to securing the People of the + Territories the right to exclude Slavery from the Territories? If he means + so to say, he means to deceive; because he and every one knows that the + decision of the Supreme Court, which he approves, and makes special ground + of attack upon me for disapproving, forbids the People of a Territory to + exclude Slavery. + </p> + <p> + "This covers the whole ground from the settlement of a Territory till it + reaches the degree of maturity entitling it to form a State Constitution. + * * * This being so, the period of time from the first settlement of a + Territory till it reaches the point of forming a State Constitution, is + not the thing that the Judge has fought for, or is fighting for; but, on + the contrary, he has fought for, and is fighting for, the thing that + annihilates and crushes out that same Popular Sovereignty. Well, so much + being disposed of, what is left? Why, he is contending for the right of + the People, when they come to make a State Constitution, to make it for + themselves, and precisely as best suits themselves. I say again, that is + Quixotic. I defy contradiction when I declare that the Judge can find no + one to oppose him on that proposition. I repeat, there is nobody opposing + that proposition on principle. * * * Nobody is opposing, or has opposed, + the right of the People when they form a State Constitution, to form it + for themselves. Mr. Buchanan and his friends have not done it; they, too, + as well as the Republicans and the Anti-Lecompton Democrats, have not done + it; but on the contrary, they together have insisted on the right of the + People to form a Constitution for themselves. The difference between the + Buchanan men, on the one hand, and the Douglas men and the Republicans, on + the other, has not been on a question of principle, but on a question of + fact * * * whether the Lecompton Constitution had been fairly formed by + the People or not. * * * As to the principle, all were agreed. + </p> + <p> + "Judge Douglas voted with the Republicans upon that matter of fact. He and + they, by their voices and votes, denied that it was a fair emanation of + the People. The Administration affirmed that it was. * * * This being so, + what is Judge Douglas going to spend his life for? Is he going to spend + his life in maintaining a principle that no body on earth opposes? Does he + expect to stand up in majestic dignity and go through his apotheosis and + become a god, in the maintaining of a principle which neither man nor + mouse in all God's creation is opposing?" + </p> + <p> + After ridiculing the assumption that Judge Douglas was entitled to all the + credit for the defeat of the Lecompton Constitution in the House of + Representatives—when the defeating vote numbered 120, of which 6 + were Americans, 20 Douglas (or Anti-Lecompton) Democrats, and 94 + Republicans —and hinting that perhaps he placed "his superior claim + to credit, on the ground that he performed a good act which was never + expected of him," or "upon the ground of the parable of the lost sheep," + of which it had been said, "that there was more rejoicing over the one + sheep that was lost and had been found, than over the ninety and nine in + the fold—" he added: "The application is made by the Saviour in this + parable, thus: 'Verily, I say unto you, there is more rejoicing in Heaven + over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and nine just persons + that need no repentance.' And now if the Judge claims the benefit of this + parable, let him repent. Let him not come up here and say: 'I am the only + just person; and you are the ninety-nine sinners!' Repentance before + forgiveness is a provision of the Christian system, and on that condition + alone will the Republicans grant his forgiveness." + </p> + <p> + After complaining that Judge Douglas misrepresented his attitude as + indicated in his 16th of June speech at Springfield, in charging that he + invited "a War of Sections;"—that he proposed that "all the local + institutions of the different States shall become consolidated and + uniform," Mr. Lincoln denied that that speech could fairly bear such + construction. + </p> + <p> + In that speech he (Mr. L.) had simply expressed an expectation that + "either the opponents of Slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and + place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the + course of ultimate extinction, or its advocates will push it forward till + it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new, North + as well as South." Since then, at Chicago, he had also expressed a "wish + to see the spread of Slavery arrested, and to see it placed where the + public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate + extinction"—and, said he: "I said that, because I supposed, when the + public mind shall rest in that belief, we shall have Peace on the Slavery + question. I have believed—and now believe—the public mind did + rest on that belief up to the introduction of the Nebraska Bill. Although + I have ever been opposed to Slavery, so far I rested in the hope and + belief that it was in the course of ultimate extinction. For that reason, + it had been a minor question with me. I might have been mistaken; but I + had believed, and now believe, that the whole public mind, that is, the + mind of the great majority, had rested in that belief up to the Repeal of + the Missouri Compromise. But upon that event, I became convinced that + either I had been resting in a delusion, or the institution was being + placed on a new basis—a basis for making it Perpetual, National, and + Universal. Subsequent events have greatly confirmed me in that belief. + </p> + <p> + "I believe that Bill to be the beginning of a Conspiracy for that purpose. + So believing, I have since then considered that question a paramount one. + So believing, I thought the public mind would never rest till the power of + Congress to restrict the spread of it shall again be acknowledged and + exercised on the one hand, or, on the other, all resistance be entirely + crushed out. I have expressed that opinion and I entertain it to-night." + </p> + <p> + Having given some pieces of evidence in proof of the "tendency," he had + discovered, to the Nationalization of Slavery in these States, Mr. Lincoln + continued: "And now, as to the Judge's inference, that because I wish to + see Slavery placed in the course of ultimate extinction—placed where + our fathers originally placed it—I wish to annihilate the State + Legislatures—to force cotton to grow upon the tops of the Green + Mountains—to freeze ice in Florida—to cut lumber on the broad + Illinois prairies—that I am in favor of all these ridiculous and + impossible things! It seems to me it is a complete answer to all this, to + ask if, when Congress did have the fashion of restricting Slavery from + Free Territory; when Courts did have the fashion of deciding that taking a + Slave into a Free, Country made him Free—I say it is a sufficient + answer to ask, if any of this ridiculous nonsense, about consolidation and + uniformity, did actually follow? Who heard of any such thing, because of + the Ordinance of '87? because of the Missouri Restriction because of the + numerous Court decisions of that character? + </p> + <p> + "Now, as to the Dred Scott decision; for upon that he makes his last point + at me. He boldly takes ground in favor of that decision. This is one-half + the onslaught and one-third of the entire plan of the campaign. I am + opposed to that decision in a certain sense, but not in the sense which he + puts on it. I say that in so far as it decided in favor of Dred Scott's + master, and against Dred Scott and his family, I do not propose to disturb + or resist the decision. I never have proposed to do any such thing. I + think, that in respect for judicial authority, my humble history would not + suffer in comparison with that of Judge Douglas. He would have the citizen + conform his vote to that decision; the member of Congress, his; the + President, his use of the veto power. He would make it a rule of political + action for the People and all the departments of the Government. I would + not. By resisting it as a political rule, I disturb no right of property, + create no disorder, excite no mobs." + </p> + <p> + After quoting from a letter of Mr. Jefferson (vol. vii., p. 177, of his + Correspondence,) in which he held that "to consider the judges as the + ultimate arbiters of all Constitutional questions," is "a very dangerous + doctrine indeed; and one which would place us under the despotism of an + Oligarchy," Mr. Lincoln continued: "Let us go a little further. You + remember we once had a National Bank. Some one owed the Bank a debt; he + was sued, and sought to avoid payment on the ground that the Bank was + unconstitutional. The case went to the Supreme Court, and therein it was + decided that the Bank was Constitutional. The whole Democratic party + revolted against that decision. General Jackson himself asserted that he, + as President, would not be bound to hold a National Bank to be + Constitutional, even though the Court had decided it to be so. He fell in, + precisely, with the view of Mr. Jefferson, and acted upon it under his + official oath, in vetoing a charter for a National Bank. + </p> + <p> + "The declaration that Congress does not possess this Constitutional power + to charter a Bank, has gone into the Democratic platform, at their + National Conventions, and was brought forward and reaffirmed in their last + Convention at Cincinnati. They have contended for that declaration, in the + very teeth of the Supreme Court, for more than a quarter of a century. In + fact, they have reduced the decision to an absolute nullity. That + decision, I repeat, is repudiated in the Cincinnati platform; and still, + as if to show that effrontery can go no further, Judge Douglas vaunts in + the very speeches in which he denounces me for opposing the Dred Scott + decision, that he stands on the Cincinnati platform. + </p> + <p> + "Now, I wish to know what the Judge can charge upon me, with respect to + decisions of the Supreme Court, which does not lie in all its length, + breadth, and proportions, at his own door? The plain truth is simply this: + Judge Douglas is for Supreme Court decisions when he likes, and against + them when he does not like them. He is for the Dred Scott decision because + it tends to Nationalize Slavery—because it is a part of the original + combination for that object. It so happens, singularly enough, that I + never stood opposed to a decision of the Supreme Court till this. On the + contrary, I have no recollection that he was ever particularly in favor of + one till this. He never was in favor of any, nor (I) opposed to any, till + the present one, which helps to Nationalize Slavery. Free men of Sangamon—Free + men of Illinois, Free men everywhere—judge ye between him and me, + upon this issue! + </p> + <p> + "He says this Dred Scott case is a very small matter at most—that it + has no practical effect; that at best, or rather I suppose at worst, it is + but an abstraction. * * * How has the planting of Slavery in new countries + always been effected? It has now been decided that Slavery cannot be kept + out of our new Territories by any legal means. In what do our new + Territories now differ in this respect from the old Colonies when Slavery + was first planted within them? + </p> + <p> + "It was planted, as Mr. Clay once declared, and as history proves true, by + individual men in spite of the wishes of the people; the Mother-Government + refusing to prohibit it, and withholding from the People of the Colonies + the authority to prohibit it for themselves. Mr. Clay says this was one of + the great and just causes of complaint against Great Britain by the + Colonies, and the best apology we can now make for having the institution + amongst us. In that precise condition our Nebraska politicians have at + last succeeded in placing our own new Territories; the Government will not + prohibit Slavery within them, nor allow the People to prohibit it." + </p> + <p> + Alluding to that part of Mr. Douglas's speech the previous night touching + the death-bed scene of Mr. Clay, with Mr. Douglas's promise to devote the + remainder of his life to "Popular Sovereignty"—and to his relations + with Mr. Webster—Mr. Lincoln said: "It would be amusing, if it were + not disgusting, to see how quick these Compromise breakers administer on + the political effects of their dead adversaries. If I should be found dead + to-morrow morning, nothing but my insignificance could prevent a speech + being made on my authority, before the end of next week. It so happens + that in that 'Popular Sovereignty' with which Mr. Clay was identified, the + Missouri Compromise was expressly reserved; and it was a little singular + if Mr. Clay cast his mantle upon Judge Douglas on purpose to have that + Compromise repealed. Again, the Judge did not keep faith with Mr. Clay + when he first brought in the Nebraska Bill. He left the Missouri + Compromise unrepealed, and in his report accompanying the Bill, he told + the World he did it on purpose. The manes of Mr. Clay must have been in + great agony, till thirty days later, when 'Popular Sovereignty' stood + forth in all its glory." + </p> + <p> + Touching Mr. Douglas's allegations of Mr. Lincoln's disposition to make + Negroes equal with the Whites, socially and politically, the latter said: + "My declarations upon this subject of Negro Slavery may be misrepresented, + but cannot be misunderstood. I have said that I do not understand the + Declaration (of Independence) to mean that all men were created equal in + all respects. They are not equal in color; but I suppose that it does mean + to declare that all men are equal in some respects; they are equal in + their right to 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.' Certainly + the Negro is not our equal in color—perhaps not in many other + respects; still, in the right to put into his mouth the bread that his own + hands have earned, he is the equal of every other man, White or Black. In + pointing out that more has been given you, you cannot be justified in + taking away the little which has been given him. All I ask for the Negro + is that if you do not like him, let him alone. If God gave him but little, + that little let him enjoy. + </p> + <p> + "The framers of the Constitution," continued Mr. Lincoln, "found the + institution of Slavery amongst their other institutions at the time. They + found that by an effort to eradicate it, they might lose much of what they + had already gained. They were obliged to bow to the necessity. They gave + Congress power to abolish the Slave Trade at the end of twenty years. They + also prohibited it in the Territories where it did not exist. They did + what they could, and yielded to the necessity for the rest. I also yield + to all which follows from that necessity. What I would most desire would + be the separation of the White and Black races." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln closed his speech by referring to the "New Departure" of the + Democracy—to the charge he had made, in his 16th of June speech, + touching "the existence of a Conspiracy to Perpetuate and Nationalize + Slavery"—which Mr. Douglas had not contradicted—and, said he, + "on his own tacit admission I renew that charge. I charge him with having + been a party to that Conspiracy, and to that deception, for the sole + purpose of Nationalizing Slavery." + </p> + <p> + This closed the series of preliminary speeches in the canvass. But they + only served to whet the moral and intellectual and political appetite of + the public for more. It was generally conceded that, at last, in the + person of Mr. Lincoln, the "Little Giant" had met his match. + </p> + <p> + On July 24, Mr. Lincoln opened a correspondence with Mr. Douglas, which + eventuated in an agreement between them, July 31st, for joint-discussions, + to take place at Ottawa, Freeport, Jonesboro, Charleston, Galesburgh, + Quincy, and Alton, on fixed dates in August, September and October—at + Ottawa, Mr. Douglas to open and speak one hour, Mr. Lincoln to have an + hour and a half in reply, and Mr. Douglas to close in a half hour's + speech; at Freeport, Mr. Lincoln to open and speak for one hour, Mr. + Douglas to take the next hour and a half in reply, and Mr. Lincoln to have + the next half hour to close; and so on, alternating at each successive + place, making twenty-one hours of joint political debate. + </p> + <p> + To these absorbingly interesting discussions, vast assemblages listened + with breathless attention; and to the credit of all parties be it said, + with unparalleled decorum. The People evidently felt that the greatest of + all political principles—that of Human Liberty—was hanging on + the issue of this great political contest between intellectual giants, + thus openly waged before the World—and they accordingly rose to the + dignity and solemnity of the occasion, vindicating by their very example + the sacredness with which the Right of Free Speech should be regarded at + all times and everywhere. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p098-lincoln.jpg (86K)" src="images/p098-lincoln.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch5" id="linkch5"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER V.<br /> <br /> THE PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST OF 1860—<br /> THE + CRISIS APPROACHING. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The immediate outcome of the remarkable joint-debate between the two + intellectual giants of Illinois was, that while the popular vote stood + 124,698 for Lincoln, to 121,130 for Douglas—showing a victory for + Lincoln among the People—yet, enough Douglas-Democrats were elected + to the Legislature, when added to those of his friends in the Illinois + Senate, who had been elected two years before, and "held over," to give + him, in all, 54 members of both branches of the Legislature on joint + ballot, against 46 for Mr. Lincoln. Lincoln had carried the people, but + Douglas had secured the Senatorial prize for which they had striven—and + by that Legislative vote was elected to succeed himself in the United + States Senate. This result was trumpeted throughout the Union as a great + Douglas victory. + </p> + <p> + During the canvass of Illinois, Douglas's friends had seen to it that + nothing on their part should be wanting to secure success. What with + special car trains, and weighty deputations, and imposing processions, and + flag raisings, the inspiration of music, the booming of cannon, and the + eager shouts of an enthusiastic populace, his political journey through + Illinois had been more like a Royal Progress than anything the Country had + yet seen; and now that his reelection was accomplished, they proposed to + make the most of it—to extend, as it were, the sphere of his + triumph, or vindication, so that it would include not the State alone, but + the Nation—and thus so accentuate and enhance his availability as a + candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination of 1860, as to make + his nomination and election to the Presidency of the United States an + almost foregone conclusion. + </p> + <p> + The programme was to raise so great a popular tidal-wave in his interest, + as would bear him irresistibly upon its crest to the White House. + Accordingly, as the idol of the Democratic popular heart, Douglas, upon + his return to the National Capital, was triumphantly received by the chief + cities of the Mississippi and the Atlantic sea-board. Hailed as victor in + the great political contest in Illinois—upon the extended newspaper + reports of which, the absorbed eyes of the entire nation, for months, had + greedily fed—Douglas was received with much ostentation and immense + enthusiasm at St. Louis, Memphis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, + Baltimore and Washington. Like the "Triumphs" decreed by Rome, in her + grandest days, to the greatest of her victorious heroes, Douglas's return + was a series of magnificent popular ovations, + </p> + <p> + In a speech made two years before this period, Mr. Lincoln, while + contrasting his own political career with that of Douglas, and modestly + describing his own as "a flat failure" had said: "With him it has been one + of splendid success. His name fills the Nation, and is not unknown even in + foreign lands. I affect no contempt for the high eminence he has reached. + So reached, that the oppressed of my species might have shared with me in + the elevation, I would rather stand on that eminence than wear the richest + crown that ever pressed a monarch's brow." And now the star of Douglas had + reached a higher altitude, nearing its meridian splendor. He had become + the popular idol of the day. + </p> + <p> + But Douglas's partial victory—if such it was—so far from + settling the public mind and public conscience, had the contrary effect. + It added to the ferment which the Pro-Slavery Oligarchists of the South—and + especially those of South Carolina—were intent upon increasing, + until so grave and serious a crisis should arrive as would, in their + opinion, furnish a justifiable pretext in the eyes of the World for the + contemplated Secession of the Slave States from the Union. + </p> + <p> + Under the inspiration of the Slave Power, and in the direct line of the + Dred Scott decision, and of the "victorious" doctrine of Senator Douglas, + which he held not inconsistent therewith, that the people of any Territory + of the United States could do as they pleased as to the institution of + Slavery within their own limits, and if they desired the institution, they + had the right by local legislation to "protect and encourage it," the + Legislature of the Territory of New Mexico at once (1859) proceeded to + enact a law "for the protection of property in Slaves," and other measures + similar to the prevailing Slave Codes in the Southern States. + </p> + <p> + The aggressive attitude of the South—as thus evidenced anew—naturally + stirred, to their very core, the Abolition elements of the North; on the + other hand, the publication of Hinton Rowan Helper's "Impending Crisis," + which handled the Slavery question without gloves, and supported its views + with statistics which startled the Northern mind, together with its + alleged indorsement by the leading Republicans of the North, exasperated + the fiery Southrons to an intense degree. Nor was the capture, in October, + 1859, of Harper's Ferry, Virginia, by John Brown and his handful of + Northern Abolitionist followers, and his subsequent execution in Virginia, + calculated to allay the rapidly intensifying feeling between the + Freedom-loving North and the Slaveholding South. When, therefore, the + Congress met, in December, 1859, the sectional wrath of the Country was + reflected in the proceedings of both branches of that body, and these + again reacted upon the People of both the Northern and Southern States, + until the fires of Slavery Agitation were stirred to a white heat. + </p> + <p> + The bitterness of feeling in the House at this time, was shown, in part, + by the fact that not until the 1st of February, 1860, was it able, upon a + forty-fourth ballot, to organize by the election of a Speaker, and that + from the day of its meeting on the 5th of December, 1859, up to such + organization, it was involved in an incessant and stormy wrangle upon the + Slavery question. + </p> + <p> + So also in the Democratic Senate, the split in the Democratic Party, + between the Lecompton and Anti-Lecompton Democracy, was widened, at the + same time that the Republicans of the North were further irritated, by the + significantly decisive passage of a series of resolutions proposed by + Jefferson Davis, which, on the one hand, purposely and deliberately knifed + Douglas's "Popular Sovereignty" doctrine and read out of the Party all who + believed in it, by declaring "That neither Congress nor a Territorial + Legislature, whether by direct legislation, or legislation of an indirect + and unfriendly character, possesses power to annul or impair the + Constitutional right of any citizen of the United States to take his + Slave-property into the common Territories, and there hold and enjoy the + same while the Territorial condition remains," and, on the other, + purposely and deliberately slapped in the face the Republicans of the + North, by declaring—among other things "That in the adoption of the + Federal Constitution, the States adopting the same, acted severally as + Free and Independent sovereignties, delegating a portion of their powers + to be exercised by the Federal Government for the increased security of + each against dangers, domestic as well as foreign; and that any + intermeddling by any one or more States or by a combination of their + citizens, with the domestic institutions of the others, on any pretext + whatever, political, moral, or religious, with a view to their disturbance + or subversion, is in violation of the Constitution, insulting to the + States so interfered with, endangers their domestic peace and tranquillity—objects + for which the Constitution was formed—and, by necessary consequence, + tends to weaken and destroy the Union itself." + </p> + <p> + Another of these resolutions declared Negro Slavery to be recognized in + the Constitution, and that all "open or covert attacks thereon with a view + to its overthrow," made either by the Non-Slave-holding States or their + citizens, violated the pledges of the Constitution, "are a manifest breach + of faith, and a violation of the most solemn obligations." + </p> + <p> + This last was intended as a blow at the Freedom of Speech and of the Press + in the North; and only served, as was doubtless intended, to still more + inflame Northern public feeling, while at the same time endeavoring to + place the arrogant and aggressive Slave Power in an attitude of injured + innocence. In short, the time of both Houses of Congress was almost + entirely consumed during the Session of 1859-60 in the heated, and + sometimes even furious, discussion of the Slavery question; and + everywhere, North and South, the public mind was not alone deeply + agitated, but apprehensive that the Union was founded not upon a rock, but + upon the crater of a volcano, whose long-smouldering energies might at any + moment burst their confines, and reduce it to ruin and desolation. + </p> + <p> + On the 23rd of April, 1860, the Democratic National Convention met at + Charleston, South Carolina. It was several days after the permanent + organization of the Convention before the Committee on Resolutions + reported to the main body, and not until the 30th of April did it reach a + vote upon the various reports, which had in the meantime been modified. + The propositions voted upon were three: + </p> + <p> + First, The Majority Report of the Committee, which reaffirmed the + Cincinnati platform of 1856—with certain "explanatory" resolutions + added, which boldly proclaimed: "That the Government of a Territory + organized by an Act of Congress, is provisional and temporary; and, during + its existence, all citizens of the United States have an equal right to + settle with their property in the Territory, without their rights, either + of person or property, being destroyed or impaired by Congressional or + Territorial Legislation;" that "it is the duty of the Federal Government, + in all its departments, to protect, when necessary, the rights of persons + and property in the Territories, and wherever else its Constitutional + authority extends;" that "when the settlers in a Territory, having an + adequate population, form a State Constitution, the right of Sovereignty + commences, and, being consummated by admission into the Union, they stand + on an equal footing with the people of other States, and the State thus + organized ought to be admitted into the Federal Union, whether its + Constitution prohibits or recognizes the institution of Slavery;" and that + "the enactments of State Legislatures to defeat the faithful execution of + the Fugitive Slave Law, are hostile in character, subversive of the + Constitution, and revolutionary in effect." The resolutions also included + a declaration in favor of the acquisition of Cuba, and other comparatively + minor matters. + </p> + <p> + Second, The Minority Report of the Committee, which, after re-affirming + the Cincinnati platform, declared that "Inasmuch as differences of opinion + exist in the Democratic party as to the nature and extent of the powers of + a Territorial Legislature, and as to the powers and duties of Congress, + under the Constitution of the United States, over the institution of + Slavery within the Territories * * * the Democratic Party will abide by + the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States on the questions + of Constitutional law." + </p> + <p> + Third, The recommendation of Benjamin F. Butler, that the platform should + consist simply of a re-affirmation of the Cincinnati platform, and not + another word. + </p> + <p> + The last proposition was first voted on, and lost, by 105 yeas to 198 + nays. The Minority platform was then adopted by 165 yeas to 138 nays. + </p> + <p> + The aggressive Slave-holders (Majority) platform, and the Butler + Compromise do-nothing proposition, being both defeated, and the Douglas + (Minority) platform adopted, the Alabama delegation, under instructions + from their State Convention to withdraw in case the National Convention + refused to adopt radical Territorial Pro-Slavery resolutions, at once + presented a written protest and withdrew from the Convention, and were + followed, in rapid succession, by; the delegates from Mississippi, + Louisiana (all but two), South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Arkansas (in + part), Delaware (mostly), and Georgia (mostly)—the seceding + delegates afterwards organizing in another Hall, adopting the above + Majority platform, and after a four days' sitting, adjourning to meet at + Richmond, Virginia, on the 11th of June. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the Regular Democratic National Convention had proceeded to + ballot for President—after adopting the two-thirds rule. + Thirty-seven ballots having been cast, that for Stephen A. Douglas being, + on the thirty-seventh, 151, the Convention, on the 3d of May, adjourned to + meet again at Baltimore, June 18th. + </p> + <p> + After re-assembling, and settling contested election cases, the delegates + (in whole or in part) from Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, + California, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland and Massachusetts, withdrew from + the Convention, the latter upon the ground mainly that there had been "a + withdrawal, in part, of a majority of the States," while Butler, who had + voted steadily for Jefferson Davis throughout all the balloting at + Charleston, gave as an additional ground personal to himself, that "I will + not sit in a convention where the African Slave Trade—which is + piracy by the laws of my Country—is approvingly advocated"—referring + thereby to a speech, that had been much applauded by the Convention at + Charleston, made by a Georgia delegate (Gaulden), in which that delegate + had said: "I would ask my friends of the South to come up in a proper + spirit; ask our Northern friends to give us all our rights, and take off + the ruthless restrictions which cut off the supply of Slaves from foreign + lands. * * * I tell you, fellow Democrats, that the African Slave Trader + is the true Union man (cheers and laughter). I tell you that the Slave + Trading of Virginia is more immoral, more unchristian in every possible + point of view, than that African Slave Trade which goes to Africa and + brings a heathen and worthless man here, makes him a useful man, + Christianizes him, and sends him and his posterity down the stream of + Time, to enjoy the blessings of civilization. (Cheers and laughter.) * * * + I come from the first Congressional District of Georgia. I represent the + African Slave Trade interest of that Section. (Applause.) I am proud of + the position I occupy in that respect. I believe that the African Slave + Trader is a true missionary, and a true Christian. (Applause.) * * * Are + you prepared to go back to first principles, and take off your + unconstitutional restrictions, and leave this question to be settled by + each State? Now, do this, fellow citizens, and you will have Peace in the + Country. * * * I advocate the repeal of the laws prohibiting the African + Slave Trade, because I believe it to be the true Union movement. * * * I + believe that by re-opening this Trade and giving us Negroes to populate + the Territories, the equilibrium of the two Sections will be maintained." + </p> + <p> + After the withdrawal of the bolting delegates at Baltimore, the Convention + proceeded to ballot for President, and at the end of the second ballot, + Mr. Douglas having received "two-thirds of all votes given in the + Convention" (183) was declared the "regular nominee of the Democratic + Party, for the office of President of the United States." + </p> + <p> + An additional resolution was subsequently adopted as a part of the + platform, declaring that "it is in accordance with the true interpretation + of the Cincinnati platform, that, during the existence of the Territorial + Governments, the measure of restriction, whatever it may be, imposed by + the Federal Constitution on the power of the Territorial Legislatures over + the subject of the domestic relations, as the same has been, or shall + hereafter be, finally determined by the Supreme Court of the United + States, should be respected by all good citizens, and enforced with + promptness and fidelity by every branch of the General Government." + </p> + <p> + On the 11th of June, pursuant to adjournment, the Democratic Bolters' + Convention met at Richmond, and, after adjourning to meet at Baltimore, + finally met there on the 28th of that month—twenty-one States being, + in whole or in part, represented. This Convention unanimously readopted + the Southern-wing platform it had previously adopted at Charleston, and, + upon the first ballot, chose, without dissent, John C. Breckinridge of + Kentucky, as its candidate for the Presidential office. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, however, the National Conventions of other Parties had + been held, viz.: that of the Republican Party at Chicago, which, with a + session of three days, May 16-18, had nominated Abraham Lincoln of + Illinois and Hannibal Hamlin of Maine, for President and Vice-President + respectively; and that of the "Constitutional Union" (or Native American) + Party which had severally nominated (May 19) for such positions, John Bell + of Tennessee, and Edward Everett of Massachusetts. + </p> + <p> + The material portion of the Republican National platform, adopted with + entire unanimity by their Convention, was, so far as the Slavery and + Disunion questions were concerned, comprised in these declarations: + </p> + <p> + First, That the history of the nation, during the last four years, has + fully established the propriety and necessity of the organization and + perpetuation of the Republican Party; and that the causes which called it + into existence are permanent in their nature, and now, more than ever + before, demand its peaceful and Constitutional triumph. + </p> + <p> + Second, That the maintenance of the principle, promulgated in the + Declaration of Independence, and embodied in the Federal Constitution, + "that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator + with certain inalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and + the pursuit of Happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are + instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the + governed," is essential to the preservation of our Republican + institutions; and that the Federal Constitution, the Rights of the States, + and the Union of the States must and shall be preserved. + </p> + <p> + Third, That to the Union of the States, this Nation owes its unprecedented + increase in population, its surprising development of material resources, + its rapid augmentation of wealth, its happiness at home, and its honor + abroad; and we hold in abhorrence all schemes for Disunion, come from + whatever source they may: And we congratulate the Country that no + Republican member of Congress has uttered or countenanced the threats of + Disunion, so often made by Democratic members, without rebuke, and with + applause, from their political associates; and we denounce those threats + of Disunion, in case of a popular overthrow of their ascendancy, as + denying the vital principles of a free Government, and as an avowal of + contemplated Treason, which it is the imperative duty of an indignant + People, sternly to rebuke and forever silence. + </p> + <p> + Fourth, That the maintenance inviolate of the rights of the States, and + especially the right of each State, to order and control its own domestic + institutions according to its own judgment exclusively, is essential to + that balance of powers on which the perfection and endurance of our + political fabric depend; and we denounce the lawless invasion, by armed + force, of any State or Territory, no matter under what pretext, as among + the gravest of crimes. + </p> + <p> + Fifth, That the present Democratic Administration has far exceeded our + worst apprehensions, in its measureless subserviency to the exactions of a + Sectional interest, as especially evinced in its desperate exertions to + force the infamous Lecompton Constitution upon the protesting people of + Kansas; in construing the personal relation between master and servant to + involve an unqualified property in persons; in its attempted enforcement, + everywhere, on land and sea, through the intervention of Congress and of + the Federal Courts, of the extreme pretensions of a purely local interest; + and in its general and unvarying abuse of the power intrusted to it by a + confiding People. + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + Seventh, That the new dogma that the Constitution, of its own force, + carries Slavery into any or all of the Territories of the United States, + is a dangerous political heresy, at variance with the explicit provisions + of that instrument itself, with contemporaneous exposition, and with + legislation and judicial precedent; is revolutionary in its tendency and + subversive of the peace and harmony of the Country. + </p> + <p> + Eighth, That the normal condition of all the territory of the United + States is that of Freedom; that as our Republican fathers, when they had + abolished Slavery in all our National Territory, ordained that "No person + should be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of + law," it becomes our duty, by legislation, whenever such legislation is + necessary, to maintain this provision of the Constitution against all + attempts to violate it; and we deny the authority of Congress, of a + Territorial Legislature, or of any individuals, to give legal existence to + Slavery in any Territory of the United States. + </p> + <p> + Ninth, That we brand the recent re-opening of the African Slave-trade + under the cover of our National flag, aided by perversions of judicial + power, as a crime against humanity and a burning shame to our Country and + Age; and we call upon Congress to take prompt and efficient measures for + the total and final suppression of that execrable traffic. + </p> + <p> + Tenth, That in the recent vetoes, by their Federal Governors, of the acts + of the Legislatures of Kansas and Nebraska, prohibiting Slavery in those + Territories, we find a practical illustration of the boasted Democratic + principle of Non-Intervention and Popular Sovereignty embodied in the + Kansas-Nebraska Bill, and a demonstration of the deception and fraud + involved therein. + </p> + <p> + Eleventh, That Kansas should, of right, be immediately admitted as a + State, under the Constitution recently formed and adopted by the House of + Representatives. + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + The National platform of the "Constitutional Union" Party, was adopted, + unanimously, in these words: + </p> + <p> + "Whereas, experience has demonstrated that platforms adopted by the + partisan Conventions of the Country have had the effect to mislead and + deceive the People, and at the same time to widen the political divisions + of the Country, by the creation and encouragement of geographical and + Sectional parties; therefore, + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That it is both the part of patriotism and of duty to recognize + no political principle other than the Constitution of the Country, the + Union of the States, and the Enforcement of the Laws, and that, as + representatives of the Constitutional Union men of the Country, in + National Convention assembled, we hereby pledge ourselves to maintain, + protect, and defend, separately and unitedly, these great principles of + public liberty and national safety, against all enemies, at home and + abroad; believing that thereby peace may once more be restored to the + Country, the rights of the people and of the States re-established, and + the Government again placed in that condition of justice, fraternity, and + equality which, under the example and Constitution of our fathers, has + solemnly bound every citizen of the United States to maintain a more + perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide + for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the + blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." + </p> + <p> + Thus, by the last of June, 1860, the four National Parties with their + platforms and candidates were all in the political field prepared for the + onset. + </p> + <p> + Briefly, the attitude of the standard-bearers representing the + platform-principles of their several Parties, was this: + </p> + <p> + Lincoln, representing the Republicans, held that Slavery is a wrong, to be + tolerated in the States where it exists, but which must be excluded from + the Territories, which are all normally Free and must be kept Free by + Congressional legislation, if necessary; and that neither Congress, nor + the Territorial Legislature, nor any individual, has power to give to it + legal existence in such Territories. + </p> + <p> + Breckinridge, representing the Pro-Slavery wing of the Democracy, held + that Slavery is a right, which, when transplanted from the Slave-States + into the Territories, neither Congressional nor Territorial legislation + can destroy or impair, but which, on the contrary, must, when necessary, + be protected everywhere by Congress and all other departments of the + Government. + </p> + <p> + Douglas, representing the Anti-Lecompton wing of Democracy, held that + whether Slavery be right or wrong, the white inhabitants of the + Territories have the sole right to determine whether it shall or shall not + exist within their respective limits, subject to the Constitution and + Supreme Court decisions thereon; and that neither Congress nor any State, + nor any outside persons, must interfere with that right. + </p> + <p> + Bell, representing the remaining political elements, held that it was all + wrong to have any principles at all, except "the Constitution of the + Country, the Union of the States, and the Enforcement of the Laws"—a + platform which Horace Greeley well described as "meaning anything in + general, and nothing in particular." + </p> + <p> + The canvass that ensued was terribly exciting—Douglas alone, of all + the Presidential candidates, bravely taking the field, both North and + South, in person, in the hope that the magnetism of his personal presence + and powerful intellect might win what, from the start—owing to the + adverse machinations, in the Northern States, of the Administration or + Breckinridge-Democratic wing—seemed an almost hopeless fight. In the + South, the Democracy was almost a unit in opposition to Douglas, holding, + as they did, that "Douglas Free-Soilism" was "far more dangerous to the + South than the election of Lincoln; because it seeks to create a Free-Soil + Party there; while, if Lincoln triumphs, the result cannot fail to be a + South united in her own defense;" while the old Whig element of the South + was as unitedly for Bell. In the North, the Democracy were split in twain, + three-fourths of them upholding Douglas, and the balance, powerful beyond + their numbers in the possession of Federal Offices, bitterly hostile to + him, and anxious to beat him, even at the expense of securing the election + of Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + Douglas's fight was that the candidacy and platform of Bell were + meaningless, those of both Lincoln and Breckinridge, Sectional, and that + he alone bore aloft the standard of the entire Union; while, on the other + hand, the supporters of Lincoln, his chief antagonist, claimed that—as + the burden of the song from the lips of Douglas men, Bell men, and + Breckinridge men alike, was the expression of a "fear that," in the + language of Mr. Seward, "if the people elected Mr. Lincoln to the + Presidency, they would wake up and find that they had no Country for him + to preside over"—"therefore, all three of the parties opposing Mr. + Lincoln were in the same boat, and hence the only true Union party, was + the party which made no threats of Disunion, to wit, the Republican + party." + </p> + <p> + The October elections of 1860 made it plain that Mr. Lincoln would be + elected. South Carolina began to "feel good" over the almost certainty + that the pretext for Secession for which her leaders had been hoping in + vain for thirty years, was at hand. On the 25th of October, at Augusta, + South Carolina, the Governor, the Congressional delegation, and other + leading South Carolinians, met, and decided that in the event of Mr. + Lincoln's election, that State would secede. Similar meetings, to the same + end, were also held about the same time, in others of the Southern States. + On the 5th of November—the day before the Presidential election—the + Legislature of South Carolina met at the special call of Governor Gist, + and, having organized, received a Message from the Governor, in which, + after stating that he had convened that Body in order that they might on + the morrow "appoint the number of electors of President and Vice-President + to which this State is entitled," he proceeded to suggest "that the + Legislature remain in session, and take such action as will prepare the + State for any emergency that may arise." He went on to "earnestly + recommend that, in the event of Abraham Lincoln's election to the + Presidency, a Convention of the people of this State be immediately + called, to consider and determine for themselves the mode and measure of + redress," and, he continued: "I am constrained to say that the only + alternative left, in my judgment, is the Secession of South Carolina from + the Federal Union. The indications from many of the Southern States + justify the conclusion that the Secession of South Carolina will be + immediately followed, if not adopted simultaneously, by them, and + ultimately by the entire South. The long-desired cooperation of the other + States having similar institutions, for which so many of our citizens have + been waiting, seems to be near at hand; and, if we are true to ourselves, + will soon be realized. The State has, with great unanimity declared that + she has the right peaceably to Secede, and no power on earth can + rightfully prevent it." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Referring to the Ordinance of Nullification adopted by the people of + South Carolina, November 24, 1832, growing out of the Tariff Act of 1832—wherein + it was declared that, in the event of the Federal Government undertaking + to enforce the provisions of that Act: "The people of this State will + thenceforth hold themselves absolved from all further obligation to + maintain or preserve their political connection with the people of the + other States, and will forthwith proceed to organize a separate + government, and do all other acts and things which Sovereign and + independent States may of right do."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He proceeded to say that "If, in the exercise of arbitrary power, and + forgetful of the lessons of history, the Government of the United States + should attempt coercion, it will become our solemn duty to meet force by + force"—and promised that the decision of the aforesaid Convention + "representing the Sovereignty of the State, and amenable to no earthly + tribunal," should be, by him, "carried out to the letter." He recommended + the thorough reorganization of the Militia; the arming of every man in the + State between the ages of eighteen and forty-five; and the immediate + enrollment of ten thousand volunteers officered by themselves; and + concluded with a confident "appeal to the Disposer of all human events," + in whose keeping the "Cause" was to be entrusted. + </p> + <p> + That same evening (November 5), being the eve of the election, at Augusta, + South Carolina, in response to a serenade, United States Senator Chestnut + made a speech of like import, in which, after predicting the election of + Mr. Lincoln, he said: "Would the South submit to a Black Republican + President, and a Black Republican Congress, which will claim the right to + construe the Constitution of the Country, and administer the Government in + their own hands, not by the law of the instrument itself, nor by that of + the fathers of the Country, nor by the practices of those who administered + seventy years ago, but by rules drawn from their own blind consciences and + crazy brains? * * * The People now must choose whether they would be + governed by enemies, or govern themselves." + </p> + <p> + He declared that the Secession of South Carolina was an "undoubted right," + a "duty," and their "only safety" and as to himself, he would "unfurl the + Palmetto flag, fling it to the breeze, and, with the spirit of a brave + man, live and die as became" his "glorious ancestors, and ring the clarion + notes of defiance in the ears of an insolent foe!" + </p> + <p> + So also, in Columbia, South Carolina, Representative Boyce of that State, + and other prominent politicians, harangued an enthusiastic crowd that + night—Mr. Boyce declaring: "I think the only policy for us is to + arm, as soon as we receive authentic intelligence of the election of + Lincoln. It is for South Carolina, in the quickest manner, and by the most + direct means, to withdraw from the Union. Then we will not submit, whether + the other Southern States will act with us or with our enemies. They + cannot take sides with our enemies; they must take sides with us. When an + ancient philosopher wished to inaugurate a great revolution, his motto was + to dare! to dare!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkhayne" id="linkhayne"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p120-hayne.jpg (73K)" src="images/p120-hayne.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch6" id="linkch6"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI.<br /> <br /> THE GREAT CONSPIRACY MATURING.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + The 6th of November, 1860, came and passed; on the 7th, the prevailing + conviction that Lincoln would be elected had become a certainty, and + before the close of that day, the fact had been heralded throughout the + length and breadth of the Republic. The excitement of the People was + unparalleled. The Republicans of the North rejoiced that at last the great + wrong of Slavery was to be placed "where the People could rest in the + belief that it was in the course of ultimate extinction!" The Douglas + Democracy, naturally chagrined at the defeat of their great leader, were + filled with gloomy forebodings touching the future of their Country; and + the Southern Democracy, or at least a large portion of it, openly exulted + that at last the long-wished-for opportunity for a revolt of the Slave + Power, and a separation of the Slave from the Free States, was at hand. + Especially in South Carolina were the "Fire-eating" Southrons jubilant + over the event. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + ["South Carolina rejoiced over the election of Lincoln, with bonfires + and processions." p. 172, Arnold's "Life of Abraham Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + "There was great joy in Charleston, and wherever 'Fire Eaters' most did + congregate, on the morning of November 7th. Men rushed to shake hands + and congratulate each other on the glad tidings of Lincoln's election. * + * * Men thronged the streets, talking, laughing, cheering, like mariners + long becalmed on a hateful, treacherous sea, whom a sudden breeze had + swiftly wafted within sight of their longed-for haven." p. 332, vol. i., + Greeley's American Conflict.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Meanwhile any number of joint resolutions looking to the calling of a + Secession Convention, were introduced in the South Carolina Legislature, + sitting at Columbia, having in view Secession contingent upon the + "cooperation" of the other Slave States, or looking to immediate and + "unconditional" Secession. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of November 7th, Edmund Ruffin of Virginia—a + Secession fanatic who had come from thence in hot haste—in response + to a serenade, declared to the people of Columbia that: "The defense of + the South, he verily believed, was only to be secured through the lead of + South Carolina;" that, "old as he was, he had come here to join them in + that lead;" and that "every day delayed, was a day lost to the Cause." He + acknowledged that Virginia was "not as ready as South Carolina;" but + declared that "The first drop of blood spilled on the soil of South + Carolina would bring Virginia, and every Southern State, with them." He + thought "it was perhaps better that Virginia, and all other border States, + remain quiescent for a time, to serve as a guard against the North. * * * + By remaining in the Union for a time, she would not only prevent coercive + legislation in Congress, but any attempt for our subjugation." + </p> + <p> + That same evening came news that, at Charleston, the Grand Jury of the + United States District Court had refused to make any presentments, because + of the Presidential vote just cast, which, they said, had "swept away the + last hope for the permanence, for the stability, of the Federal Government + of these Sovereign States;" and that United States District Judge Magrath + had resigned his office, saying to the Grand Jury, as he did so: "In the + political history of the United States, an event has happened of ominous + import to fifteen Slave-holding States. The State of which we are citizens + has been always understood to have deliberately fixed its purpose whenever + that event should happen. Feeling an assurance of what will be the action + of the State, I consider it my duty, without delay, to prepare to obey its + wishes. That preparation is made by the resignation of the office I have + held." + </p> + <p> + The news of the resignations of the Federal Collector and District + Attorney at Charleston, followed, with an intimation that that of the + Sub-Treasurer would soon be forthcoming. On November 9th, a joint + resolution calling an unconditional Secession Convention to meet at + Columbia December 17th, was passed by the Senate, and on the 12th of + November went through the House; and both of the United States Senators + from South Carolina had now resigned their seats in the United States + Senate. + </p> + <p> + Besides all these and many other incitements to Secession was the fact + that at Milledgeville, Georgia, Governor Brown had, November 12th, + addressed a Georgian Military Convention, affirming "the right of + Secession, and the duty of other Southern States to sustain South Carolina + in the step she was then taking," and declaring that he "would like to see + Federal troops dare attempt the coercion of a seceding Southern State! For + every Georgian who fell in a conflict thus incited, the lives of two + Federal Soldiers should expiate the outrage on State Sovereignty"—and + that the Convention aforesaid had most decisively given its voice for + Secession. + </p> + <p> + It was about this time, however, that Alexander H. Stephens vainly sought + to stem the tide of Secession in his own State, in a speech (November 14) + before the Georgia Legislature, in which he declared that Mr. Lincoln "can + do nothing unless he is backed by power in Congress. The House of + Representatives is largely in the majority against him. In the Senate he + will also be powerless. There will be a majority of four against him." He + also cogently said: "Many of us have sworn to support it (the + Constitution). Can we, therefore, for the mere election of a man to the + Presidency—and that too, in accordance with the prescribed forms of + the Constitution—make a point of resistance to the Government, and, + without becoming the breakers of that sacred instrument ourselves, + withdraw ourselves from it? Would we not be in the wrong?" + </p> + <p> + But the occasional words of wisdom that fell from the lips of the few + far-seeing statesmen of the South, were as chaff before the storm of + Disunion raised by the turbulent Fire-eaters, and were blown far from the + South, where they might have done some good for the Union cause, away up + to the North, where they contributed to aid the success of the + contemplated Treason and Rebellion, by lulling many of the people there, + into a false sense of security. Unfortunately, also, even the ablest of + the Southern Union men were so tainted with the heretical doctrine of + States-Rights, which taught the "paramount allegiance" of the citizen to + the State, that their otherwise powerful appeals for the preservation of + the Union were almost invariably handicapped by the added protestation + that in any event—and however they might deplore the necessity—they + would, if need be, go with their State, against their own convictions of + duty to the National Union. + </p> + <p> + Hence in this same speech we find that Mr. Stephens destroyed the whole + effect of his weighty and logical appeal against Secession from the Union, + by adding to it, that, "Should Georgia determine to go out of the Union I + shall bow to the will of her people. Their cause is my cause, and their + destiny is my destiny; and I trust this will be the ultimate course of + all."—and by further advising the calling of a Convention of the + people to decide the matter; thus, in advance, as it were, binding himself + hand and foot, despite his previous Union utterances, to do the fell + bidding of the most rampant Disunionists. And thus, in due time, it + befell, as we shall see, that this "saving clause" in his "Union speech," + brought him at the end, not to that posture of patriotic heroism to which + he aspired when he adjured his Georgian auditors to "let us be found to + the last moment standing on the deck (of the Republic), with the + Constitution of the United States waving over our heads," but to that of + an imprisoned traitor and defeated rebel against the very Republic and + Constitution which he had sworn to uphold and defend! + </p> + <p> + The action of the South Carolina Legislature in calling an Unconditional + Secession Convention, acted among the Southern States like a spark in a + train of gunpowder. Long accustomed to incendiary resolutions of + Pro-Slavery political platforms, as embodying the creed of Southern men; + committed by those declarations to the most extreme action when, in their + judgment, the necessity should arise; and worked up during the + Presidential campaign by swarming Federal officials inspired by the + fanatical Secession leaders; the entire South only needed the spark from + the treasonable torch of South Carolina, to find itself ablaze, almost + from one end to the other, with the flames of revolt. + </p> + <p> + Governor after Governor, in State after State, issued proclamation after + proclamation, calling together their respective Legislatures, to consider + the situation and whether their respective States should join South + Carolina in seceding from the Union. Kentucky alone, of them all, seemed + for a time to keep cool, and look calmly and reasonably through the + Southern ferment to the horrors beyond. In an address issued by Governor + Magoffin of that State, to the people, he said: + </p> + <p> + "To South Carolina and such other States as may wish to secede from the + Union, I would say: The geography of this Country will not admit of a + division; the mouth and sources of the Mississippi River cannot be + separated without the horrors of Civil War. We cannot sustain you in this + movement merely on account of the election of Mr. Lincoln. Do not + precipitate by premature action into a revolution or Civil War, the + consequences of which will be most frightful to all of us. It may yet be + avoided. There is still hope, faint though it be. Kentucky is a Border + State, and has suffered more than all of you. * * * She has a right to + claim that her voice, and the voice of reason, and moderation and + patriotism shall be heard and heeded by you. If you secede, your + representatives will go out of Congress and leave us at the mercy of a + Black Republican Government. Mr. Lincoln will have no check. He can + appoint his Cabinet, and have it confirmed. The Congress will then be + Republican, and he will be able to pass such laws as he may suggest. The + Supreme Court will be powerless to protect us. We implore you to stand by + us, and by our friends in the Free States; and let us all, the bold, the + true, and just men in the Free and Slave States, with a united front, + stand by each other, by our principles, by our rights, our equality, our + honor, and by the Union under the Constitution. I believe this is the only + way to save it; and we can do it." + </p> + <p> + But this "still small voice" of conscience and of reason, heard like a + whisper from the mouths of Stephens in Georgia, and Magoffin in Kentucky, + was drowned in the clamor and tumult of impassioned harangues and + addresses, and the drumming and tramp of the "minute men" of South + Carolina, and other military organizations, as they excitedly prepared + throughout the South for the dread conflict at arms which they recklessly + invited, and savagely welcomed. + </p> + <p> + We have seen how President Andrew Jackson some thirty years before, had + stamped out Nullification and Disunion in South Carolina, with an iron + heel. + </p> + <p> + But a weak and feeble old man—still suffering from the effects of + the mysterious National Hotel poisoning—was now in the Executive + Chair at the White House. Well-meaning, doubtless, and a Union man at + heart, his enfeebled intellect was unable to see, and hold firm to, the + only true course. He lacked clearness of perception, decision of + character, and nerve. He knew Secession was wrong, but allowed himself to + be persuaded that he had no Constitutional power to prevent it. He had + surrounded himself in the Cabinet with such unbending adherents and tools + of the Slave-Power, as Howell Cobb of Georgia, his Secretary of the + Treasury, John B. Floyd of Virginia, as Secretary of War, Jacob Thompson + of Mississippi, as Secretary of the Interior, and Isaac Toucy of + Connecticut, as Secretary of the Navy, before whose malign influence the + councils of Lewis Cass of Michigan, the Secretary of State, and other + Union men, in and out of the Cabinet, were quite powerless. + </p> + <p> + When, therefore, the Congress met (December 3, 1860) and he transmitted to + it his last Annual Message, it was found that, instead of treating + Secession from the Jacksonian standpoint, President Buchanan feebly wailed + over the threatened destruction of the Union, weakly apologized for the + contemplated Treason, garrulously scolded the North as being to blame for + it, and, while praying to God to "preserve the Constitution and the Union + throughout all generations," wrung his nerveless hands in despair over his + own powerlessness—as he construed the Constitution—to prevent + Secession! Before writing his pitifully imbecile Message, President + Buchanan had secured from his Attorney-General (Jeremiah S. Black of + Pennsylvania) an opinion, in which the latter, after touching upon certain + cases in which he believed the President would be justified in using force + to sustain the Federal Laws, supposed the case of a State where all the + Federal Officers had resigned and where there were neither Federal Courts + to issue, nor officers to execute judicial process, and continued: "In + that event, troops would certainly be out of place, and their use wholly + illegal. If they are sent to aid the Courts and Marshals there must be + Courts and Marshals to be aided. Without the exercise of these functions, + which belong exclusively to the civil service, the laws cannot be executed + in any event, no matter what may be the physical strength which the + Government has at its command. Under such circumstances, to send a + military force into any State, with orders to act against the people, + would be simply making War upon them." + </p> + <p> + Resting upon that opinion of Attorney-General Black, President Buchanan, + in his Message, after referring to the solemn oath taken by the Executive + "to take care that the laws be faithfully executed," and stating that + there were now no longer any Federal Officers in South Carolina, through + whose agency he could keep that oath, took up the laws of February 28, + 1795, and March 3, 1807, as "the only Acts of Congress on the Statute-book + bearing upon the subject," which "authorize the President, after he shall + have ascertained that the Marshal, with his posse comitatus, is unable to + execute civil or criminal process in any particular case, to call out the + Militia and employ the Army and Navy to aid him in performing this + service, having first, by Proclamation, commanded the insurgents to + 'disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes, within a + limited time'"—and thereupon held that "This duty cannot, by + possibility, be performed in a State where no judicial authority exists to + issue process, and where there is no Marshal to execute it; and where even + if there were such an officer, the entire population would constitute one + solid combination to resist him." And, not satisfied with attempting to + show as clearly as he seemed to know how, his own inability under the laws + to stamp out Treason, he proceeded to consider what he thought Congress + also could not do under the Constitution. Said he: "The question fairly + stated, is: Has the Constitution delegated to Congress the power to coerce + into submission a State which is attempting to withdraw, or has actually + withdrawn, from the Confederacy? If answered in the affirmative, it must + be on the principle that the power has been conferred upon Congress to + declare and make War against a State. After much serious reflection, I + have arrived at the conclusion that no such power has been delegated to + Congress or to any other department of the Federal Government." And + further: "Congress possesses many means of preserving it (the Union) by + conciliation; but the sword was not placed in their hands to preserve it + by force." + </p> + <p> + Thus, in President Buchanan's judgment, while, in another part of his + Message, he had declared that no State had any right, Constitutional or + otherwise, to Secede from that Union, which was designed for all time—yet, + if any State concluded thus wrongfully to Secede, there existed no power + in the Union, by the exercise of force, to preserve itself from instant + dissolution! How imbecile the reasoning, how impotent the conclusion, + compared with that of President Jackson, thirty years before, in his + Proclamation against Nullification and Secession, wherein that sturdy + patriot declared to the South Carolinians that "compared to Disunion, all + other evils are light, because that brings with it an accumulation of + all;" that "Disunion by armed force, is Treason;" and that he was + determined "to execute the Laws," and "to preserve the Union!" + </p> + <p> + President Buchanan's extraordinary Message—or so much of it as + related to the perilous condition of the Union—was referred, in the + House of Representatives, to a Select Committee of Thirty-three, + comprising one member from each State, in which there was a very large + preponderance of such as favored Conciliation without dishonor. But the + debates in both Houses, in which the most violent language was indulged by + the Southern Fire-eaters, as well as other events, soon proved that there + was a settled purpose on the part of the Slave-Power and its adherents to + resist and spit upon all attempts at placation. + </p> + <p> + In the Senate also (December 5), a Select Committee of Thirteen was + appointed, to consider the impending dangers to the Union, comprising + Senators Powell of Kentucky, Hunter of Virginia, Crittenden of Kentucky, + Seward of New York, Toombs of Georgia, Douglas of Illinois, Collamer of + Vermont, Davis of Mississippi, Wade of Ohio, Bigler of Pennsylvania, Rice + of Minnesota, Doolittle of Wisconsin, and Grimes of Iowa. Their labors + were alike without practical result, owing to the irreconcilable attitude + of the Southrons, who would accept nothing less than a total repudiation + by the Republicans of the very principles upon which the recent + Presidential contest had by them been fought and won. Nor would they even + accept such a repudiation unless carried by vote of the majority of the + Republicans. The dose that they insisted upon the Republican Party + swallowing must not only be as noxious as possible, but must absolutely be + mixed by that Party itself, and in addition, that Party must also go down + on its knees, and beg the privilege of so mixing and swallowing the dose! + That was the impossible attitude into which, by their bullying and + threats, the Slave Power hoped to force the Republican Party—either + that or "War." + </p> + <p> + Project after project in both Houses of Congress looking to Conciliation + was introduced, referred, reported, discussed, and voted on or not, as the + case might be, in vain. And in the meantime, in New York, in Philadelphia, + and elsewhere in the North, the timidity of Capital showed itself in great + Conciliation meetings, where speeches were applauded and resolutions + adopted of the most abject character, in behalf of "Peace, at any price," + regardless of the sacrifice of honor and principles and even decency. In + fact the Commercial North, with supplicating hands and beseeching face, + sank on its knees in a vain attempt to propitiate its furious creditor, + the South, by asking it not only to pull its nose, but to spit in its + face, both of which it humbly and even anxiously offered for the purpose!* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Thus, in Philadelphia, December 13, 1860, at a great meeting held at + the call of the Mayor, in Independence Square, Mayor Henry led off the + speaking—which was nearly all in the same line—by saying: "I + tell you that if in any portion of our Confederacy, sentiments have been + entertained and cherished which are inimical to the civil rights and + social institutions of any other portion, those sentiments should be + relinquished." Another speaker, Judge George W. Woodward, sneeringly + asked: "Whence came these excessive sensibilities that cannot bear a few + slaves in a remote Territory until the white people establish a + Constitution?" Another, Mr. Charles E. Lex (a Republican), speaking of + the Southern People, said: "What, then, can we say to them? what more + than we have expressed in the resolutions we have offered? If they are + really aggrieved by any laws upon our Statute-books opposed to their + rights—if upon examination any such are found to be in conflict + with the Constitution of these United States—nay, further, if they + but serve to irritate our brethren of the South, whether Constitutional + or not, I, for one, have no objection that they should instantly be + repealed." Another said, "Let us repeal our obnoxious Personal Liberty + bills * * *; let us receive our brother of the South, if he will come + among us for a little time, attended by his servant, and permit him thus + to come." And the resolutions adopted were even still more abject in + tone than the speeches.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + But the South at present was too busy in perfecting its long-cherished + plans for the disruption of the Union, to more than grimly smile at this + evidence of what it chose to consider "a divided sentiment" in the North. + While it weakened the North, it strengthened the South, and instead of + mollifying the Conspirators against the Union, it inspired them with fresh + energy in their fell purpose to destroy it. + </p> + <p> + The tone of the Republican press, too, while more dignified, was + thoroughly conciliatory. The Albany Evening Journal,—[November 30, + 1860]—the organ of Governor Seward, recognizing that the South, + blinded by passion, was in dead earnest, but also recognizing the + existence of "a Union sentiment there, worth cherishing," suggested "a + Convention of the People, consisting of delegates appointed by the States, + in which it would not be found unprofitable for the North and South, + bringing their respective griefs, claims, and proposed reforms, to a + common arbitrament, to meet, discuss, and determine upon a future"—before + a final appeal to arms. So, too, Horace Greeley, in the New York Tribune,—[November + 9, 1860.]—after weakly conceding, on his own part, the right of + peaceable Secession, said: "But while we thus uphold the practical + liberty, if not the abstract right, of Secession, we must insist that the + step be taken, if it ever shall be, with the deliberation and gravity + befitting so momentous an issue. Let ample time be given for reflection; + let the subject be fully canvassed before the People; and let a popular + vote be taken in every case, before Secession is decreed." Other leading + papers of the Northern press, took similar ground for free discussion and + conciliatory action. + </p> + <p> + In the Senate, as well as the House of Representatives—as also was + shown by the appointment, heretofore mentioned, of Select Committees to + consider the gravity of the situation, and suggest a remedy—the same + spirit of Conciliation and Concession, and desire for free and frank + discussion, was apparent among most of the Northern and Border-State + members of those Bodies. But these were only met by sneers and threats on + the part of the Fire-eating Secession members of the South. In the Senate, + Senator Clingman of North Carolina, sneeringly said: "They want to get up + a free debate, as the Senator (Mr. Seward) from New York expressed it, in + one of his speeches. But a Senator from Texas told me the other day that a + great many of these free debaters were hanging from the trees of that + country;" and Senator Iverson, of Georgia, said: "Gentlemen speak of + Concession, of the repeal of the Personal Liberty bills. Repeal them all + to-morrow, and you cannot stop this revolution." After declaring his + belief that "Before the 4th of March, five States will have declared their + independence" and that "three other States will follow as soon as the + action of the people can be had;" he proceeded to allude to the refusal of + Governor Houston of Texas to call together the Texas Legislature for + action in accord with the Secession sentiment, and declared that "if he + will not yield to that public sentiment, some Texan Brutus will arise to + rid his country of this hoary-headed incubus that stands between the + people and their sovereign will!" Then, sneering at the presumed cowardice + of the North, he continued: "Men talk about their eighteen millions (of + Northern population); but we hear a few days afterwards of these same men + being switched in the face, and they tremble like sheep-stealing dogs! + There will be no War. The North, governed by such far-seeing Statesmen as + the Senator (Mr. Seward) from New York, will see the futility of this. In + less than twelve months, a Southern Confederacy will be formed; and it + will be the most successful Government on Earth. The Southern States, thus + banded together, will be able to resist any force in the World. We do not + expect War; but we will be prepared for it—and we are not a feeble + race of Mexicans either." + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, there were Republicans in that Body who sturdily met + the bluster of the Southern Fire-eaters with frank and courageous words + expressing their full convictions on the situation and their belief that + Concessions could not be made and that Compromises were mere waste paper. + Thus, Senator Ben Wade of Ohio, among the bravest and manliest of them + all, in a speech in the Senate, December 17, the very day on which the + South Carolina Secession Convention was to assemble, said to the + Fire-eaters: "I tell you frankly that we did lay down the principle in our + platform, that we would prohibit, if we had the power, Slavery from + invading another inch of the Free Soil of this Government. I stand to that + principle to-day. I have argued it to half a million of people, and they + stand by it; they have commissioned me to stand by it; and, so help me + God, I will! * * * On the other hand, our platform repudiates the idea + that we have any right, or harbor any ultimate intention to invade or + interfere with your institutions in your own States. * * * It is not, by + your own confessions, that Mr. Lincoln is expected to commit any overt act + by which you may be injured. You will not even wait for any, you say; but, + by anticipating that the Government may do you an injury, you will put an + end to it—which means, simply and squarely, that you intend to rule + or ruin this Government. * * * As to Compromises, I supposed that we had + agreed that the Day of Compromises was at an end. The most solemn we have + made have been violated, and are no more. * * * We beat you on the + plainest and most palpable issue ever presented to the American people, + and one which every man understood; and now, when we come to the Capital, + we tell you that our candidates must and shall be inaugurated—must + and shall administer this Government precisely as the Constitution + prescribes. * * * I tell you that, with that verdict of the people in my + pocket, and standing on the platform on which these candidates were + elected, I would suffer anything before I would Compromise in any way." + </p> + <p> + In the House of Representatives, on December 10, 1860, a number of + propositions looking to a peaceful settlement of the threatened danger, + were offered and referred to the Select Committee of Thirty-three. On the + following Monday, December 17, by 154 yeas to 14 nays, the House adopted a + resolution, offered by Mr. Adrian of New Jersey, in these words: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That we deprecate the spirit of disobedience to the + Constitution, wherever manifested; and that we earnestly recommend the + repeal of all Statutes by the State Legislatures in conflict with, and in + violation of, that sacred instrument, and the laws of Congress passed in + pursuance thereof." + </p> + <p> + On the same day, the House adopted, by 135 yeas to no nays, a resolution + offered by Mr. Lovejoy of Illinois, in these words: + </p> + <p> + "Whereas, The Constitution of the United States is the Supreme law of the + Land, and ready and faithful obedience to it a duty of all good and + law-abiding citizens; Therefore: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That we deprecate the spirit of disobedience to the + Constitution, wherever manifested; and that we earnestly recommend the + repeal of all Nullification laws; and that it is the duty of the President + of the United States to protect and defend the property of the United + States." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [This resolution, before adoption, was modified by declaring it to be + the duty of all citizens, whether "good and law abiding" or not, to + yield obedience to the Constitution, as will be seen by referring to the + proceedings in the Globe of that date, where the following appears: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. LOGAN. I hope there will be no objection on this side of the House + to the introduction of the [Lovejoy] resolution. I can see no difference + myself, between this resolution and the one [Adrian's] just passed, + except in regard to verbiage. I can find but one objection to the + resolution, and that is in the use of the words declaring that all' law + abiding' citizens should obey the Constitution. I think that all men + should do so. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. LOVEJOY. I accept the amendment suggested by my Colleague. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. LOGAN. It certainly should include members of Congress; but if it + is allowed to remain all 'good and law abiding' citizens, I do not think + it will include them. [Laughter.] + </p> + <p> + "The resolution was modified by the omission of those words."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It also adopted, by 115 yeas to 44 nays, a resolution offered by Mr. + Morris of Illinois, as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved by the House of Representatives: That we properly estimate the + immense value of our National Union to our collective and individual + happiness; that we cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment + to it; that we will speak of it as the palladium of our political safety + and prosperity; that we will watch its preservation with jealous anxiety; + that we will discountenance whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it + can, in any event, be abandoned, and indignantly frown upon the first + dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our Country from the + rest, or enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various + parts; that we regard it as a main pillar in the edifice of our real + independence, the support of tranquillity at home, our peace abroad, our + safety, our prosperity, and that very liberty which we so highly prize; + that we have seen nothing in the past, nor do we see anything in the + present, either in the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of + the United States, or from any other existing cause, to justify its + dissolution; that we regard its perpetuity as of more value than the + temporary triumph of any Party or any man; that whatever evils or abuses + exist under it ought to be corrected within the Union, in a peaceful and + Constitutional way; that we believe it has sufficient power to redress + every wrong and enforce every right growing out of its organization, or + pertaining to its proper functions; and that it is a patriotic duty to + stand by it as our hope in Peace and our defense in War." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkseward" id="linkseward"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p128-seward.jpg (74K)" src="images/p128-seward.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch7" id="linkch7"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII.<br /> <br /> SECESSION ARMING. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + While Congress was encouraging devotion to the Union, and its Committees + striving for some mode by which the impending perils might be averted + without a wholesale surrender of all just principles, the South Carolina + Convention met (December 17, 1860) at Columbia, and after listening to + inflammatory addresses by commissioners from the States of Alabama and + Mississippi, urging immediate and unconditional Secession, unanimously and + with "tremendous cheering" adopted a resolution: "That it is the opinion + of the Convention that the State of South Carolina should forthwith Secede + from the Federal Union, known as the United States of America,"—and + then adjourned to meet at Charleston, South Carolina. + </p> + <p> + The next day, and following days, it met there, at "Secession Hall," + listening to stimulating addresses, while a committee of seven worked upon + the Ordinance of Secession. Among the statements made by orators, were + several clear admissions that the rebellious Conspiracy had existed for + very many years, and that Mr. Lincoln's election was simply the + long-sought-for pretext for Rebellion. Mr. Parker said: "It is no + spasmodic effort that has come suddenly upon us; it has been gradually + culminating for a long period of thirty years. At last it has come to that + point where we may say, the matter is entirely right." Mr. Inglis said: + "Most of us have had this matter under consideration for the last twenty + years; and I presume that we have by this time arrived at a decision upon + the subject." Mr. Keitt said: "I have been engaged in this movement ever + since I entered political life; * * * we have carried the body of this + Union to its last resting place, and now we will drop the flag over its + grave." Mr. Barnwell Rhett said: "The Secession of South Carolina is not + an event of a day. It is not anything produced by Mr. Lincoln's election, + or by the non-execution of the Fugitive Slave Law. It has been a matter + which has been gathering head for thirty years." Mr. Gregg said: "If we + undertake to set forth all the causes, do we not dishonor the memory of + all the statesmen of South Carolina, now departed, who commenced forty + years ago a war against the tariff and against internal improvement, + saying nothing of the United States Bank, and other measures which may now + be regarded as obsolete." + </p> + <p> + On the 20th of December, 1860—the fourth day of the sittings—the + Ordinance of Secession was reported by the Committee, and was at once + unanimously passed, as also was a resolution that "the passage of the + Ordinance be proclaimed by the firing of artillery and ringing of the + bells of the city, and such other demonstrations as the people may deem + appropriate on the passage of the great Act of Deliverance and Liberty;" + after which the Convention jubilantly adjourned to meet, and ratify, that + evening. At the evening session of this memorable Convention, the Governor + and Legislature attending, the famous Ordinance was read as engrossed, + signed by all the delegates, and, after announcement by the President that + "the State of South Carolina is now and henceforth a Free and Independent + Commonwealth;" amid tremendous cheering, the Convention adjourned. This, + the first Ordinance of Secession passed by any of the Revolting States, + was in these words: + </p> + <p> + "An Ordinance to dissolve the Union between the State of South Carolina + and other States united with her, under the compact entitled the + 'Constitution of the United States of America.' + </p> + <p> + "We the people of the State of South Carolina in Convention assembled, do + declare and ordain, and it is hereby declared and ordained, that the + Ordinance adopted by us in Convention on the 23rd day of May, in the year + of our Lord 1788, whereby the Constitution of the United States of America + was ratified, and also all Acts and parts of Acts of the General Assembly + of this State ratifying the amendments of the said Constitution, are + hereby repealed; and that the Union now subsisting between South Carolina + and other States, under the name of the United States of America, is + hereby dissolved." + </p> + <p> + Thus, and in these words, was joyously adopted and ratified, that solemn + Act of Separation which was doomed to draw in its fateful train so many + other Southern States, in the end only to be blotted out with the blood of + hundreds of thousands of their own brave sons, and their equally + courageous Northern brothers. + </p> + <p> + State after State followed South Carolina in the mad course of Secession + from the Union. Mississippi passed a Secession Ordinance, January 9, 1861. + Florida followed, January 10th; Alabama, January 11th; Georgia, January + 18th; Louisiana, January 26th; and Texas, February 1st; Arkansas, North + Carolina, and Virginia held back until a later period; while Kentucky, + Tennessee, Missouri, Maryland, and Delaware, abstained altogether from + taking the fatal step, despite all attempts to bring them to it. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, however, South Carolina had put on all the dignity of a + Sovereign and Independent State. Her Governor had a "cabinet" comprising + Secretaries of State, War, Treasury, the Interior, and a Postmaster + General. She had appointed Commissioners, to proceed to the other + Slave-holding States, through whom a Southern Congress was proposed, to + meet at Montgomery, Alabama; and had appointed seven delegates to meet the + delegates from such other States in that proposed Southern Congress. On + the 21st of December, 1860, three Commissioners (Messrs. Barnwell, Adams, + and Orr) were also appointed to proceed to Washington, and treat for the + cession by the United States to South Carolina, of all Federal property + within the limits of the latter. On the 24th, Governor Pickens issued a + Proclamation announcing the adoption of the Ordinance of Secession, + declaring "that the State of South Carolina is, as she has a right to be, + a separate sovereign, free and independent State, and as such, has a right + to levy war, conclude peace, negotiate treaties, leagues or covenants, and + to do all acts whatsoever that rightfully appertain to a free and + independent State;" the which proclamation was announced as "Done in the + eighty-fifth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of South Carolina." + On the same day (the Senators from that State in the United States Senate + having long since, as we have seen, withdrawn from that body) the + Representatives of South Carolina in the United States House of + Representatives withdrew. + </p> + <p> + Serious dissensions in the Cabinet of President Buchanan, were now rapidly + disintegrating the "official family" of the President. Lewis Cass, the + Secretary of State, disgusted with the President's cowardice and weakness, + and declining to be held responsible for Mr. Buchanan's promise not to + reinforce the garrisons of the National Forts, under Major Anderson, in + Charleston harbor, retired from the Cabinet December 12th—Howell + Cobb having already, "because his duty to Georgia required it," resigned + the Secretaryship of the Treasury, and left it bankrupt and the credit of + the Nation almost utterly destroyed. + </p> + <p> + On the 26th of December, Major Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie, removing + all his troops and munitions of war to Fort Sumter—whereupon a cry + went up from Charleston that this was in violation of the President's + promise to take no step looking to hostilities, provided the Secessionists + committed no overt act of Rebellion, up to the close of his fast expiring + Administration. On the 29th, John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, having + failed to secure the consent of the Administration to an entire withdrawal + of the Federal garrison from the harbor of Charleston, also resigned, and + the next day—he having in the meantime escaped in safety to Virginia—was + indicted by the Grand Jury at Washington, for malfeasance and conspiracy + to defraud the Government in the theft of $870,000 of Indian Trust Bonds + from the Interior Department, and the substitution therefor of Floyd's + acceptances of worthless army-transportation drafts on the Treasury + Department. + </p> + <p> + Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior, also resigned, January 8th, + 1861, on the pretext that "additional troops, he had heard, have been + ordered to Charleston" in the "Star of the West."—[McPherson's + History of the Rebellion, p. 28.] + </p> + <p> + Several changes were thus necessitated in Mr. Buchanan's cabinet, by these + and other resignations, so that by the 18th of January, 1861, Jeremiah S. + Black was Secretary of State; General John A. Dix, Secretary of the + Treasury; Joseph Holt, Secretary of War; Edwin M. Stanton, Attorney + General; and Horatio King, Postmaster General. But before leaving the + Cabinet, the conspiring Southern members of it, and their friends, had + managed to hamstring the National Government, by scattering the Navy in + other quarters of the World; by sending the few troops of the United + States to remote points; by robbing the arsenals in the Northern States of + arms and munitions of war, so as to abundantly supply the Southern States + at the critical moment; by bankrupting the Treasury and shattering the + public credit of the Nation; and by other means no less nefarious. Thus + swindled, betrayed, and ruined, by its degenerate and perfidious sons, the + imbecile Administration stood with dejected mien and folded hands + helplessly awaiting the coming catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + On December 28th, 1860, the three Commissioners of South Carolina having + reached Washington, addressed to the President a communication, in which—after + reciting their powers and duties, under the Ordinance of Secession, and + stating that they had hoped to have been ready to proceed to negotiate + amicably and without "hostile collision," but that "the events—[The + removal, to Fort Sumter, of Major Anderson's command, and what followed.]—of + the last twenty-four hours render such an assurance impossible"—they + declared that the troops must be withdrawn from Charleston harbor, as + "they are a standing menace which render negotiation impossible," + threatening speedily to bring the questions involved, to "a bloody issue." + </p> + <p> + To this communication Mr. Buchanan replied at considerable length, + December 30th, in an apologetic, self-defensive strain, declaring that the + removal by Major Anderson of the Federal troops under his command, from + Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter was done "upon his own responsibility, and + without authority," and that he (the President) "had intended to command + him to return to his former position," but that events had so rapidly + transpired as to preclude the giving of any such command; + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The seizure by the Secessionists, under the Palmetto Flag, of Castle + Pinckney and Fort Moultrie; the simultaneous raising of that flag over + the Federal Custom House and Post Office at Charleston; the resignation + of the Federal Collector, Naval Officer and Surveyor of that Port—all + of which occurred December 27th; and the seizure "by force of arms," + December 30th, of the United States Arsenal at that point.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + and concluding, with a very slight stiffening of backbone, by saying: + "After this information, I have only to add that, whilst it is my duty to + defend Fort Sumter as a portion of the public property of the United + States against hostile attacks, from whatever quarter they may come, by + such means as I may possess for this purpose, I do not perceive how such a + defense can be construed into a menace against the city of Charleston." To + this reply of the President, the Commissioners made rejoinder on the 1st + of January, 1861; but the President "declined to receive" the + communication. + </p> + <p> + From this time on, until the end of President Buchanan's term of office, + and the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln as President, March 4th, 1861, events + crowded each other so hurriedly, that the flames of Rebellion in the South + were continually fanned, while the public mind in the North was staggered + and bewildered, by them. + </p> + <p> + On January 2nd, prior to the Secession of Georgia, Forts Pulaski and + Jackson, commanding Savannah, and the Federal Arsenal at Augusta, Georgia, + with two 12 pound howitzers, two cannon, 22,000 muskets and rifles, and + ammunition in quantity, were seized by Rebel militia. About the same date, + although North Carolina had not seceded, her Governor (Ellis) seized the + Federal Arsenal at Fayetteville, Fort Macon, and other fortifications in + that State, "to preserve them" from mob-seizure. + </p> + <p> + January 4th, anticipating Secession, Alabama State troops seized Fort + Morgan, with 5,000 shot and shell, and Mount Vernon Arsenal at Mobile, + with 2,000 stand of arms, 150, 000 pounds of powder, some pieces of + cannon, and a large quantity of other munitions of war. The United States + Revenue cutter, "Lewis Cass," was also surrendered to Alabama. + </p> + <p> + On the 5th, the Federal steamer "Star of the West," with reinforcements + and supplies for Fort Sumter, left New York in the night—and + Secretary Jacob Thompson notified the South Carolina Rebels of the fact. + </p> + <p> + On the 9th, the "Star of the West" appeared off Charleston bar, and while + steaming toward Fort Sumter, was fired upon by Rebel batteries at Fort + Moultrie and Morris Island, and struck by a shot, whereupon she returned + to New York without accomplishing her mission. That day the State of + Mississippi seceded from the Union. + </p> + <p> + On the 10th, the Federal storeship "Texas," with Federal guns and stores, + was seized by Texans. On the same day Florida seceded. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th, Forts Jackson and St. Philip, commanding the mouth of the + Mississippi River, and Fort Pike, dominating Lake Pontchartrain, were + seized by Louisiana troops; also the Federal Arsenal at Baton Rouge, with + 50,000 small arms, 4 howitzers, 20 heavy pieces of ordnance, 2 batteries, + 300 barrels of powder, and other stores. The State of Alabama also seceded + the same day. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th—Fort Marion, the coast surveying schooner "Dana," the + Arsenal at St. Augustine, and that on the Chattahoochee, with 500,000 + musket cartridges, 300,000 rifle cartridges and 50,000 pounds of powder, + having previously been seized—Forts Barrancas and McRae, and the + Navy Yard at Pensacola, were taken by Rebel troops of Florida, Alabama and + Mississippi. On the same day, Colonel Hayne, of South Carolina, arrived at + Washington as Agent or Commissioner to the National Government from + Governor Pickens of that State. + </p> + <p> + On the 14th, the South Carolina Legislature resolved "that any attempt by + the Federal Government to reinforce Fort Sumter will be regarded as an act + of open hostility, and a Declaration of War." + </p> + <p> + On the 16th, Colonel Hayne, of South Carolina, developed his mission, + which was to demand of the President the surrender of Fort Sumter to the + South Carolina authorities—a demand that had already been made upon, + and refused by, Major Anderson. + </p> + <p> + The correspondence concerning this demand, between Colonel Hayne and ten + Southern United States Senators;—[Senators Wigfall, Hemphill, Yulee, + Mallory, Jeff. Davis, C. C. Clay, Fitzgerald, Iverson, Slidell, and + Benjamin.]—the reply of the President, by Secretary Holt, to those + Senators; Governor Pickens's review of the same; and the final demand; + consumed the balance of the month of January; and ended, February 6th, in + a further reply, through the Secretary of War, from the President, + asserting the title of the United States to that Fort, and declining the + demand, as "he has no Constitutional power to cede or surrender it." + Secretary Holt's letter concluded by saying: "If, with all the multiplied + proofs which exist of the President's anxiety for Peace, and of the + earnestness with which he has pursued it, the authorities of that State + shall assault Fort Sumter, and peril the lives of the handful of brave and + loyal men shut up within its walls, and thus plunge our Common Country + into the horrors of Civil War, then upon them and those they represent, + must rest the responsibility." + </p> + <p> + But to return from this momentary diversion: On the 18th of January, + Georgia seceded; and on the 20th, the Federal Fort at Ship Island, + Mississippi, and the United States Hospital on the Mississippi River were + seized by Mississippi troops. + </p> + <p> + On the 26th, Louisiana seceded. On the 28th, Louisiana troops seized all + the quartermaster's and commissary stores held by Federal officials; and + the United States Revenue cutter "McClelland" surrendered to the Rebels. + </p> + <p> + On February 1st, the Louisiana Rebels seized the National Mint and Custom + House at New Orleans, with $599,303 in gold and silver. On the same day + the State of Texas seceded. + </p> + <p> + On February 8th, the National Arsenal at Little Rock, Arkansas, with 9,000 + small arms, 40 cannon, and quantities of ammunition, was seized; and the + same day the Governor of Georgia ordered the National Collector of the + Port of Savannah to retain all collections and make no further payments to + the United States Government.* + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [It was during this eventful month that, certain United States troops + having assembled at the National Capital, and the House of + Representatives having asked the reason therefor, reply was made by the + Secretary of War as follows: + </p> + <p> + "WAR DEPARTMENT, February 18, 1861. [Congressional Globe, August 8, + 1861, pp. 457,458] "SIR: On the 11th February, the House of + Representatives adopted a resolution requesting the President, if not + incompatible with the public interests, to communicate 'the reasons that + had induced him to assemble so large a number of troops in this city, + and why they are kept here; and whether he has any information of a + Conspiracy upon the part of any portion of the citizens of this Country + to seize upon the Capital and prevent the Inauguration of the President + elect.' + </p> + <p> + "This resolution having been submitted to this Department for + consideration and report, I have the honor to state, that the body of + troops temporarily transferred to this city is not as large as is + assumed by the resolution, though it is a well-appointed corps and + admirably adapted for the preservation of the public peace. The reasons + which led to their being assembled here will now be briefly stated. + </p> + <p> + "I shall make no comment upon the origin of the Revolution which, for + the last three months, has been in progress in several of the Southern + States, nor shall I enumerate the causes which have hastened its + advancement or exasperated its temper. The scope of the questions + submitted by the House will be sufficiently met by dealing with the + facts as they exist, irrespective of the cause from which they have + proceeded. That Revolution has been distinguished by a boldness and + completeness of success rarely equaled in the history of Civil + Commotions. Its overthrow of the Federal authority has not only been + sudden and wide-spread, but has been marked by excesses which have + alarmed all and been sources of profound humiliation to a large portion + of the American People. Its history is a history of surprises and + treacheries and ruthless spoliations. The Forts of the United States + have been captured and garrisoned, and hostile flags unfurled upon their + ramparts. Its arsenals have been seized, and the vast amount of public + arms they contained appropriated to the use of the captors; while more + than half a million dollars, found in the Mint at New Orleans, has been + unscrupulously applied to replenish the coffers of Louisiana. Officers + in command of revenue cutters of the United States have been prevailed + on to violate their trusts and surrender the property in their charge; + and instead of being branded for their crimes, they, and the vessels + they betrayed, have been cordially received into the service of the + Seceded States. These movements were attended by yet more discouraging + indications of immorality. It was generally believed that this + Revolution was guided and urged on by men occupying the highest + positions in the public service, and who, with the responsibilities of + an oath to support the Constitution still resting upon their + consciences, did not hesitate secretly to plan and openly to labor for, + the dismemberment of the Republic whose honors they enjoyed and upon + whose Treasury they were living. As examples of evil are always more + potent than those of good, this spectacle of demoralization on the part + of States and statesmen could not fail to produce the most deplorable + consequences. The discontented and the disloyal everywhere took courage. + In other States, adjacent to and supposed to sympathize in sense of + political wrong with those referred to, Revolutionary schemes were set + on foot, and Forts and arms of the United States seized. The unchecked + prevalence of the Revolution, and the intoxication which its triumphs + inspired, naturally suggested wilder and yet more desperate enterprises + than the conquest of ungarrisoned Forts, or the plunder of an unguarded + Mint. At what time the armed occupation of Washington City became a part + of the Revolutionary Programme, is not certainly known. More than six + weeks ago, the impression had already extensively obtained that a + Conspiracy for the accomplishment of this guilty purpose was in process + of formation, if not fully matured. The earnest endeavors made by men + known to be devoted to the Revolution, to hurry Virginia and Maryland + out of the Union, were regarded as preparatory steps for the subjugation + of Washington. This plan was in entire harmony with the aim and spirit + of those seeking the subversion of the Government, since no more fatal + blow at its existence could be struck than the permanent and hostile + possession of the seat of its power. It was in harmony, too, with the + avowed designs of the Revolutionists, which looked to the formation of a + Confederacy of all the Slave States, and necessarily to the Conquest of + the Capital within their limits. It seemed not very indistinctly + prefigured in a Proclamation made upon the floor of the Senate, without + qualification, if not exultingly, that the Union was already dissolved—a + Proclamation which, however intended, was certainly calculated to + invite, on the part of men of desperate fortunes or of Revolutionary + States, a raid upon the Capital. In view of the violence and turbulent + disorders already exhibited in the South, the public mind could not + reject such a scheme as at all improbable. That a belief in its + existence was entertained by multitudes, there can be no doubt, and this + belief I fully shared. My conviction rested not only on the facts + already alluded to, but upon information, some of which was of a most + conclusive character, that reached the Government from many parts of the + Country, not merely expressing the prevalence of the opinion that such + an organization had been formed, but also often furnishing the plausible + grounds on which the opinion was based. Superadded to these proofs, were + the oft-repeated declarations of men in high political positions here, + and who were known to have intimate affiliations with the Revolution—if + indeed they did not hold its reins in their hands—to the effect + that Mr. Lincoln would not, or should not be inaugurated at Washington. + Such declarations, from such men, could not be treated as empty bluster. + They were the solemn utterances of those who well understood the import + of their words, and who, in the exultation of the temporary victories + gained over their Country's flag in the South, felt assured that events + would soon give them the power to verify their predictions. + Simultaneously with these prophetic warnings, a Southern journal of + large circulation and influence, and which is published near the city of + Washington, advocated its seizure as a possible political necessity. + </p> + <p> + "The nature and power of the testimony thus accumulated may be best + estimated by the effect produced upon the popular mind. Apprehensions + for the safety of the Capital were communicated from points near and + remote, by men unquestionably reliable and loyal. The resident + population became disquieted, and the repose of many families in the + city was known to be disturbed by painful anxieties. Members of + Congress, too—men of calm and comprehensive views, and of + undoubted fidelity to their Country—frankly expressed their + solicitude to the President and to this Department, and formally + insisted that the defenses of the Capital should be strengthened. With + such warnings, it could not be forgotten that, had the late Secretary of + War heeded the anonymous letter which he received, the tragedy at + Harper's Ferry would have been avoided; nor could I fail to remember + that, had the early admonitions which reached here in regard to the + designs of lawless men upon the Forts of Charleston Harbor been acted on + by sending forward adequate reinforcements before the Revolution began, + the disastrous political complications that ensued might not have + occurred. + </p> + <p> + "Impressed by these circumstances and considerations, I earnestly + besought you to allow the concentration, at this city, of a sufficient + military force to preserve the public peace from all the dangers that + seemed to threaten it. An open manifestation, on the part of the + Administration, of a determination, as well as of the ability, to + maintain the laws, would, I was convinced, prove the surest, as also the + most pacific, means of baffling and dissolving any Conspiracy that might + have been organized. It was believed too that the highest and most + solemn responsibility resting upon a President withdrawing from the + Government, was to secure to his successor a peaceful Inauguration. So + deeply, in my judgment, did this duty concern the whole Country and the + fair fame of our Institutions, that, to guarantee its faithful + discharge, I was persuaded no preparation could be too determined or too + complete. The presence of the troops alluded to in the resolution is the + result of the conclusion arrived at by yourself and Cabinet, on the + proposition submitted to you by this Department. Already this display of + life and loyalty on the part of your Administration, has produced the + happiest effects. Public confidence has been restored, and the feverish + apprehension which it was so mortifying to contemplate has been + banished. Whatever may have been the machinations of deluded, lawless + men, the execution of their purpose has been suspended, if not + altogether abandoned in view of preparations which announce more + impressively than words that this Administration is alike able and + resolved to transfer in peace, to the President elect, the authority + that, under the Constitution, belongs to him. To those, if such there + be, who desire the destruction of the Republic, the presence of these + troops is necessarily offensive; but those who sincerely love our + Institutions cannot fail to rejoice that, by this timely precaution they + have possibly escaped the deep dishonor which they must have suffered + had the Capital, like the Forts and Arsenals of the South, fallen into + the hands of the Revolutionists, who have found this great Government + weak only because, in the exhaustless beneficence of its spirit, it has + refused to strike, even in its own defense, lest it should wound the + aggressor. + </p> + <p> + "I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "J. HOLT. "Secretary of War, + </p> + <p> + "THE PRESIDENT."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On February 20th, Forts Chadbourne and Belknap were seized by the Texan + Rebels; and on the 22nd, the Federal General Twiggs basely surrendered to + them all the fortifications under his control, his little Army, and all + the Government stores in his possession—comprising $55,000 in + specie, 35,000 stand of arms, 26 pieces of mounted artillery, 44 + dismounted guns, and ammunition, horses, wagons, forage, etc., valued at + nearly $2,000,000. + </p> + <p> + On the 2nd of March, the Texan Rebels seized the United States Revenue + cutter "Dodge" at Galveston; and on the 6th, Fort Brown was surrendered to + them. + </p> + <p> + Thus, with surrender after surrender, and seizure after seizure, of its + revenue vessels and fortifications and troops and arms and munitions of + war in the Southern States—with Fort Sumter invested and at the + mercy of any attack, and Fortress Monroe alone of all the National + strongholds yet safe—with State after State seceding—what + wonder that, while these events gave all encouragement to the Southern + Rebels, the Patriots of the North stood aghast at the appalling spectacle + of a crumbling and dissolving Union! + </p> + <p> + During this period of National peril, the debates in both branches of + Congress upon propositions for adjustment of the unfortunate differences + between the Southern Seceders and the Union, as has been already hinted, + contributed still further to agitate the public mind. Speech after speech + by the ablest and most brilliant Americans in public life, for or against + such propositions, and discussing the rightfulness or wrongfulness of + Secession, were made in Congress day after day, and, by means of the + telegraph and the press, alternately swayed the Northern heart with + feelings of hope, chagrin, elation or despair. + </p> + <p> + The Great Debate was opened in the Senate on almost the very first day of + its session (December 4th, 1860), by Mr. Clingman, of North Carolina, who, + referring to South Carolina, declared that "Instead of being precipitate, + she and the whole South have been wonderfully patient." A portion of that + speech is interesting even at this time, as showing how certain phases of + the Tariff and Internal Improvement questions entered into the + consideration of some of the Southern Secession leaders. Said he, "I know + there are intimations that suffering will fall upon us of the South, if we + secede. My people are not terrified by any such considerations. * * * They + have no fears of the future if driven to rely on themselves. The Southern + States have more territory than all the Colonies had when they Seceded + from Great Britain, and a better territory. Taking its position, climate, + and fertility into consideration, there is not upon Earth a body of + territory superior to it. * * * The Southern States have, too, at this + day, four times the population the Colonies had when they Seceded from + Great Britain. Their exports to the North and to Foreign Countries were, + last year, more than $300,000,000; and a duty of ten per cent. upon the + same amount of imports would give $30,000,000 of revenue—twice as + much as General Jackson's administration spent in its first year. + Everybody can see, too, how the bringing in of $300,000,000 of imports + into Southern ports would enliven business in our seaboard towns. I have + seen with some satisfaction, also, Mr. President, that the war made upon + us has benefitted certain branches of industry in my State. There are + manufacturing establishments in North Carolina, the proprietors of which + tell me that they are making fifty per cent. annually on their whole + capital, and yet cannot supply one tenth of the demand for their + production. The result of only ten per cent. duties in excluding products + from abroad, would give life and impetus to mechanical and manufacturing + industry, throughout the entire South. Our people understand these things, + and they are not afraid of results, if forced to declare Independence. + Indeed I do not see why Northern Republicans should wish to continue a + connection with us upon any terms. * * * They want High Tariff likewise. + They may put on five hundred per cent. if they choose, upon their own + imports, and nobody on our side will complain. They may spend all the + money they raise on railroads, or opening harbors, or anything on earth + they desire, without interference from us; and it does seem to me that if + they are sincere in their views they ought to welcome a separation." + </p> + <p> + From the very commencement of this long three-months debate, it was the + policy of the Southern leaders to make it appear that the Southern States + were in an attitude of injured innocence and defensiveness against + Northern aggression. Hence, it was that, as early as December 5th, on the + floor of the Senate, through Mr. Brown, of Mississippi, they declared: + "All we ask is to be allowed to depart in Peace. Submit we will not; and + if, because we will not submit to your domination, you choose to make War + upon us, let God defend the Right!" + </p> + <p> + At the same time it was esteemed necessary to try and frighten the North + into acquiescence with this demand to be "let alone." Hence such + utterances as those of Clingman and Iverson, to which reference has + already been made, and the especially defiant close of the latter's + speech, when—replying to the temperate but firm Union utterances of + Mr. Hale—the Georgia Senator said: "Sir, I do not believe there will + be any War; but if War is to come, let it come; we will meet the Senator + from New Hampshire and all the myrmidons of Abolitionism and Black + Republicanism everywhere upon our own soil; and, in the language of a + distinguished member from Ohio in relation to the Mexican War, we will + 'welcome you with bloody hands to hospitable graves.'" + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, in order to encourage the revolting States to the + speedy commission of overt acts of Rebellion and violence, that would + precipitate War without a peradventure, utterances fell from Southern + lips, in the National Senate Chamber, like those of Mr. Wigfall, when he + said, during this first day of the debate: "Frederick the Great, on one + occasion, when he had trumped up an old title to some of the adjacent + territory, quietly put himself in possession and then offered to treat. + Were I a South Carolinian, as I am a Texan, and I knew that my State was + going out of the Union, and that this Government would attempt to use + force, I would, at the first moment that that fact became manifest, seize + upon the Forts and the arms and the munitions of war, and raise the cry + 'To your tents, O Israel, and to the God of battles be this issue!" + </p> + <p> + And, as we have already seen, the Rebels of the South were not slow in + following the baleful advice to the letter. But it was not many days after + this utterance when the Conspirators against the Union evidently began to + fear that the ground for Rebellion, upon which they had planted + themselves, would be taken from under their feet by the impulse of + Compromise and Concession which stirred so strongly the fraternal spirit + of the North. That peaceful impulse must be checked and exasperated by + sneers and impossible demands. Hence, on December 12th we find one of the + most active and favorite mouthpieces of Treason, Mr. Wigfall, putting + forth such demands, in his most offensive manner. + </p> + <p> + Said he: "If the two Senators from New York (Seward and King), the Senator + from Ohio (Wade), the two Senators from Illinois (Douglas and Trumbull), + the Senator from New Hampshire (Hale), the Senator from Maine, and others + who are regarded as representative men, who have denied that by the + Constitution of the United States, Slaves are recognized as Property; who + have urged and advocated those acts which we regard as aggressive on the + part of the People—if they will rise here, and say in their places, + that they desire to propose amendments to the Constitution, and beg that + we will vote for them; that they will, in good faith, go to their + respective constituencies and urge the ratification; that they believe, if + these Gulf States will suspend their action, that those amendments will be + ratified and carried out in good faith; that they will cease preaching + this 'irrepressible conflict'; and if, in those amendments, it is declared + that Slaves are Property, that they shall be delivered up upon demand; and + that they will assure us that Abolition societies shall be abolished; that + Abolition speeches shall no longer be made; that we shall have peace and + quiet; that we shall not be called cut-throats and pirates and murderers; + that our women shall not be slandered—these things being said in + good faith, the Senators begging that we will stay our hand until an + honest effort can be made, I believe that there is a prospect of giving + them a fair consideration!" + </p> + <p> + Small wonder is it, that this labored and ridiculous piece of impertinence + was received with ironical laughter on the Republican side of the Senate + Chamber. And it was in reference to these threats, and these preposterous + demands—including the suppression of the right of Free Discussion + and Liberty of the Press—that, in the same chamber (January 7, 1861) + the gallant and eloquent Baker said: + </p> + <p> + "Your Fathers had fought for that right, and more than that, they had + declared that the violation of that right was one of the great causes + which impelled them to the Separation. * * * Sir, the Liberty of the Press + is the highest safeguard to all Free Government. Ours could not exist + without it. It is with us, nay, with all men, like a great exulting and + abounding river, It is fed by the dews of Heaven, which distil their + sweetest drops to form it. It gushes from the rill, as it breaks from the + deep caverns of the Earth. It is fed by a thousand affluents, that dash + from the mountaintop to separate again into a thousand bounteous and + irrigating rills around. On its broad bosom it bears a thousand barks. + There, Genius spreads its purpling sail. There, Poetry dips its silver + oar. There, Art, Invention, Discovery, Science, Morality, Religion, may + safely and securely float. It wanders through every land. It is a genial, + cordial source of thought and inspiration, wherever it touches, whatever + it surrounds. Sir, upon its borders, there grows every flower of Grace and + every fruit of Truth. I am not here to deny that that Stream sometimes + becomes a dangerous Torrent, and destroys towns and cities upon its bank; + but I am here to say that without it, Civilization, Humanity, Government, + all that makes Society itself, would disappear, and the World would return + to its ancient Barbarism. + </p> + <p> + "Sir, if that were to be possible, or so thought for a moment, the fine + conception of the great Poet would be realized. If that were to be + possible, though but for a moment, Civilization itself would roll the + wheels of its car backward for two thousand years. Sir, if that were so, + it would be true that: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + 'As one by one in dread Medea's train,<br /> Star after Star fades off + th' ethereal plain,<br /> Thus at her fell approach and secret might,<br /> + Art after art goes out, and all is night.<br /> Philosophy, that leaned + on Heaven before,<br /> Sinks to her second cause, and is no more.<br /> + Religion, blushing, veils her sacred fires,<br /> And, unawares, Morality + expires.'<br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "Sir, we will not risk these consequences, even for Slavery; we will not + risk these consequences even for Union; we will not risk these + consequences to avoid that Civil War with which you threaten us; that War + which, you announce so deadly, and which you declare to be inevitable. * * + * I will never yield to the idea that the great Government of this Country + shall protect Slavery in any Territory now ours, or hereafter to be + acquired. It is, in my opinion, a great principle of Free Government, not, + to be surrendered. + </p> + <p> + "It is in my judgment, the object of the great battle which we have + fought, and which we have won. It is, in my poor opinion, the point upon + which there is concord and agreement between the great masses of the + North, who may agree in no other political opinion whatever. Be he + Republican, or Democrat, or Douglas man, or Lincoln man; be he from the + North, or the West, from Oregon, or from Maine, in my judgment nine-tenths + of the entire population of the North and West are devoted, in the very + depths of their hearts, to the great Constitutional idea that Freedom is + the rule, that Slavery is the exception, that it ought not to be extended + by virtue of the powers of the Government of the United States; and, come + weal, come woe, it never shall be. + </p> + <p> + "But, sir, I add one other thing. When you talk to me about Compromise or + Concession, I am not sure that I always understand you. Do you mean that I + am to give up my convictions of right? Armies cannot compel that in the + breast of a Free People. Do you mean that I am to concede the benefits of + the political struggle through which we have passed, considered + politically, only? You are too just and too generous to ask that. Do you + mean that we are to deny the great principle upon which our political + action has been based? You know we cannot. But if you mean by Compromise + and Concession to ask us to see whether we have not been hasty, angry, + passionate, excited, and in many respects violated your feelings, your + character, your right of property, we will look; and, as I said yesterday, + if we have, we will undo it. Allow me to say again, if there be any lawyer + or any Court that will advise us that our laws are unconstitutional, we + will repeal them. + </p> + <p> + "Now as to territory. I will not yield one inch to Secession; but there + are things that I will yield, and there are things to which I will yield. + It is somewhere told that when Harold of England received a messenger from + a brother with whom he was at variance, to inquire on what terms + reconciliation and peace could be effected between brothers, he replied in + a gallant and generous spirit in a few words, 'the terms I offer are the + affection of a brother; and the Earldom of Northumberland.' And, said the + Envoy, as he marched up the Hall amid the warriors that graced the state + of the King, 'if Tosti, thy brother, agree to this, what terms will you + allow to his ally and friend, Hadrada, the giant.' 'We will allow,' said + Harold, 'to Hadrada, the giant, seven feet of English ground, and if he + be, as they say, a giant, some few inches more!' and, as he spake, the + Hall rang with acclamation. + </p> + <p> + "Sir, in that spirit I speak. I follow, at a humble distance, the ideas + and the words of Clay, illustrious, to be venerated, and honored, and + remembered, forever. * * * He said—I say: that I will yield no inch, + no word, to the threat of Secession, unconstitutional, revolutionary, + dangerous, unwise, at variance with the heart and the hope of all mankind + save themselves. To that I yield nothing; but if States loyal to the + Constitution, if people magnanimous and just, desiring a return of + fraternal feeling, shall come to us and ask for Peace, for permanent, + enduring peace and affection, and say, 'What will you grant? I say to + them, 'Ask all that a gentleman ought to propose, and I will yield all + that a gentleman ought to offer.' Nay, more: if you are galled because we + claim the right to prohibit Slavery in territory now Free, or in any + Territory which acknowledges our jurisdiction, we will evade—I speak + but for myself—I will aid in evading that question; I will agree to + make it all States, and let the People decide at once. I will agree to + place them in that condition where the prohibition of Slavery will never + be necessary to justify ourselves to our consciences or to our + constituents. I will agree to anything which is not to force upon me the + necessity of protecting Slavery in the name of Freedom. To that I never + can and never will yield." + </p> + <p> + The speeches of Seward, of Douglas, of Crittenden, of Andrew Johnson, of + Baker, and others, in behalf of the Union, and those of Benjamin, Davis, + Wigfall, Lane, and others, in behalf of Secession, did much toward fixing + the responsibility for the approaching bloody conflict where it belonged. + The speeches of Andrew Johnson of Tennessee—who, if he at a + subsequent period of the Nation's history, proved himself not the + worthiest son of the Republic, at this critical time, at all events, did + grand service in the National Senate—especially had great and good + effect on the public mind in the Northern and Border States. They were, + therefore, gall and wormwood to the Secession leaders, who hoped to drag + the Border States into the great Southern Confederacy of States already in + process of formation. + </p> + <p> + Their irritation was shown in threats of personal violence to Mr. Johnson, + as when Wigfall—replying February 7th, 1861, to the latter's speech, + said, "Now if the Senator wishes to denounce Secession and Nullification + eo nomine, let him go back and denounce Jefferson; let him denounce + Jackson, if he dare, and go back and look that Tennessee Democracy in the + face, and see whether they will content themselves with riddling his + effigy!" + </p> + <p> + It would seem also, from another part of Wigfall's reply, that the + speeches of Union Senators had been so effective that a necessity was felt + on the part of the Southern Conspirators to still further attempt to + justify Secession by shifting the blame to Northern shoulders, for, while + referring to the Presidential canvass of 1860—and the attitude of + the Southern Secession leaders during that exciting period—he said: + "We (Breckinridge-Democrats) gave notice, both North and South, that if + Abraham Lincoln was elected, this Union was dissolved. I never made a + speech during the canvass without asserting that fact. * * * Then, I say, + that our purpose was not to dissolve the Union; but the dire necessity has + been put upon us. The question is, whether we shall live longer in a Union + in which a Party, hostile to us in every respect, has the power in + Congress, in the Executive department, and in the Electoral Colleges—a + Party who will have the power even in the Judiciary. We think it is not + safe. We say that each State has the clear indisputable right to withdraw + if she sees fit; and six of the States have already withdrawn, and one + other State is upon the eve of withdrawing, if she has not already done + so. How far this will spread no man can tell!" + </p> + <p> + As tending to show the peculiar mixture of brag, cajolery, and threats, + involved in the attitude of the South, as expressed by the same favorite + Southern mouthpiece, toward the Border-States on the one hand, and the + Middle and New England States on the other, a further extract from this + (February 7th) speech of the Texan Senator may be of interest. Said he: + </p> + <p> + "With exports to the amount of hundreds of millions of dollars, our + imports must be the same. With a lighter Tariff than any people ever + undertook to live under, we could have larger revenue. We would be able to + stand Direct Taxation to a greater extent than any people ever could + before, since the creation of the World. We feel perfectly competent to + meet all issues that may be presented, either by hostility from abroad or + treason at home. So far as the Border-States are concerned, it is a matter + that concerns them alone. Should they confederate with us, beyond all + doubt New England machinery will be worked with the water power of + Tennessee, of Kentucky, of Virginia and of Maryland; the Tariff laws that + now give New England the monopoly in the thirty-three States, will give to + these Border States a monopoly in the Slave-holding States. Should the + non-Slave-holding States choose to side against us in organizing their + Governments, and cling to their New England brethren, the only result will + be, that the meat, the horses, the hemp, and the grain, which we now buy + in Pennsylvania, in Ohio, in Indiana and Illinois, will be purchased in + Kentucky and in Western Virginia and in Missouri. Should Pennsylvania + stand out, the only result will be, that the iron which is now dug in + Pennsylvania, will be dug in the mountains of Tennessee and of Virginia + and of Kentucky and of North Carolina. These things we know. + </p> + <p> + "We feel no anxiety at all, so far as money or men are concerned. We + desire War with nobody; we intend to make no War; but we intend to live + under just such a Government as we see fit. Six States have left this + Union, and others are going to leave it simply because they choose to do + it; that is all. We do not ask your consent; we do not wish it. We have + revoked our ratification of the Treaty commonly known as the Constitution + of the United States; a treaty for common defense and general welfare; and + we shall be perfectly willing to enter into another Treaty with you, of + peace and amity. Reject the olive branch and offer us the sword, and we + accept it; we have not the slightest objection. Upon that subject we feel + as the great William Lowndes felt upon another important subject, the + Presidency, which he said was neither to be sought nor declined. When you + invade our soil, look to your own borders. You say that you have too many + people, too many towns, too dense a population, for us to invade you. I + say to you Senators, that there is nothing that ever stops the march of an + invading force, except a desert. The more populous a country, the more + easy it is to subsist an army." + </p> + <p> + After declaring that—"Not only are our non-Slaveholders loyal, but + even our Negroes are. We have no apprehensions whatever of insurrection—not + the slightest. We can arm our negroes, and leave them at home, when we are + temporarily absent"—Mr. Wigfall proceeded to say: "We may as well + talk plainly about this matter. This is probably the last time I shall + have an opportunity of addressing you. There is another thing that an + invading army cannot do. It cannot burn up plantations. You can pull down + fences, but the Negroes will put them up the next morning. The worst fuel + that ever a man undertook to make fire with, is dirt; it will not burn. + Now I have told you what an invading army cannot do. Suppose I reverse the + picture and tell you what it can do. An invading army in an enemy's + country, where there is a dense population, can subsist itself at a very + little cost; it does not always pay for what it gets. An invading army can + burn down towns; an invading army can burn down manufactories; and it can + starve operatives. It can do all these things. But an Invading army, and + an army to defend a Country, both require a military chest. You may + bankrupt every man south of North Carolina, so that his credit is reduced + to such a point that he could not discount a note for thirty dollars, at + thirty days; but the next autumn those Cotton States will have just as + much money and as much credit as they had before. They pick money off the + cotton plant. Every time that a Negro touches a cotton-pod with his hand, + he pulls a piece of silver out of it, and he drops it into the basket in + which it is carried to the gin-house. It is carried to the packing screw. + A bale of cotton rolls out—in other words, five ten-dollar pieces + roll out—covered with canvas. We shall never again make less than + five million bales of cotton. * * * We can produce five million bales of + cotton, every bale worth fifty dollars, which is the lowest market price + it has been for years past. We shall import a bale of something else, for + every bale of cotton that we export, and that bale will be worth fifty + dollars. We shall find no difficulty under a War-Tariff in raising an + abundance of money. We have been at Peace for a very long time, We are + very prosperous. Our planters use their cotton, not to buy the necessaries + of life, but for the superfluities, which they can do without. The States + themselves have a mine of wealth in the loyalty and the wealth of their + citizens. Georgia, Mississippi, any one of those States can issue its six + per cent. bonds tomorrow, and receive cotton in payment to the extent + almost of the entire crop. They can first borrow from their own citizens; + they can tax them to an almost unlimited extent; and they can raise + revenue from a Tariff to an almost unlimited extent. + </p> + <p> + "How will it be with New England? where will their revenue come from? From + your Custom-houses? what do you export? You have been telling us here for + the last quarter of a century, that you cannot manufacture, even for the + home market, under the Tariffs which we have given you. When this Tariff + ceases to operate in your favor, and you have to pay for coming into our + markets, what will you export? When your machinery ceases to move, and + your operatives are turned out, will you tax your broken capitalist or + your starving operative? When the navigation laws cease to operate, what + will become of your shipping interest? You are going to blockade our + ports, you say. That is a very innocent game; and you suppose we shall sit + quietly down and submit to a blockade. I speak not of foreign + interference, for we look not for it. We are just as competent to take + Queen Victoria and Louis Napoleon under our protection, as they are to + take us; and they are a great deal more interested to-day in receiving + cotton from our ports than we are in shipping it. You may lock up every + bale of cotton within the limits of the eight Cotton States, and not allow + us to export one for three years, and we shall not feel it further than + our military resources are concerned. Exhaust the supply of cotton in + Europe for one week, and all Europe is in revolution. + </p> + <p> + "These are facts. You will blockade us! Do you suppose we shall do + nothing, even upon the sea? How many letters of marque and reprisal would + it take to put the whole of your ships up at your wharves to rot? Will any + merchant at Havre, or Liverpool, or any other portion of the habitable + globe, ship a cargo upon a New England, or New York, or Philadelphia + clipper, or other ship, when he knows that the seas are swarming with + letters of marque and reprisal? Why the mere apprehension of such a thing + will cut you out of the Carrying Trade of the civilized World. * * * I + speak not of the absurdity of the position that you can blockade our + ports, admitting at the same time that we are in the Union. Blockade is a + remedy, as all writers on International law say, against a Foreign Power + with whom you are at War. You cannot use a blockade against your own + people. An embargo even, you cannot use. That is a remedy against a + Foreign Nation with whom you expect to be at War. You must treat us as in + the Union, or out of it. We have gone out. We are willing to live at peace + with you; but, as sure as fate, whenever any flag comes into one of our + ports, that has thirty-three stars upon it, that flag will be fired at. + Displaying a flag with stars which we have plucked from that bright + galaxy, is an insult to the State within whose waters that flag is + displayed. You cannot enforce the laws without Coercion, and you cannot + Coerce without War. + </p> + <p> + "These matters, then, can be settled. How? By withdrawing your troops; + admitting our right to Self-government clearly, unqualifiedly. Do this, + and there is no difficulty about it. You say that you will not do it. Very + well; we have no objection—none whatever. That is Coercion. When you + have attempted it, you will find that you have made War. These, Senators, + are facts. I come here to plead for Peace; but I have seen so much and + felt so much, that I am becoming at last, to tell the plain truth of the + matter, rather indifferent as to which way the thing turns. If you want + War, you can have it. If you want Peace, you can get it; but I plead not + for Peace." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Seceding States of the South were strengthening their + attitude by Confederation. On February 4, 1861, the Convention of Seceding + States, called by the South Carolina Convention at the time of her + Secession, met, in pursuance of that call, at Montgomery, Alabama, and on + the 9th adopted a Provisional Constitution and organized a Provisional + Government by the election of Jefferson Davis of Mississippi, as + President, and Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia, as Vice-President; to + serve until a Presidential election could be held by the people of the + Confederacy. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [At a later day, March 11, 1861, a permanent Constitution for the + "Confederate States" was adopted, and, in the Fall of the same year, + Messrs. Davis and Stephens were elected by popular vote, for the term of + six years ensuing, as President and Vice-President, respectively, of the + Confederacy.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Mr. Davis almost at once left Jackson, Mississippi, for Montgomery, where + he arrived and delivered his Inaugural, February 17, having received on + his road thither a succession of ovations from the enthusiastic Rebels, to + which he had responded with no less than twenty-five speeches, very + similar in tone to those made in the United States Senate by Mr. Wigfall + and others of that ilk—breathing at once defiance and hopefulness, + while admitting the difficulties in the way of the new Confederacy. + </p> + <p> + "It may be," said he, at Jackson, "that we will be confronted by War; that + the attempt will be made to blockade our ports, to starve us out; but they + (the Union men of the North) know little of the Southern heart, of + Southern endurance. No amount of privation could force us to remain in a + Union on unequal terms. England and France would not allow our great + staple to be dammed up within our present limits; the starving thousands + in their midst would not allow it. We have nothing to apprehend from + Blockade. But if they attempt invasion by land, we must take the War out + of our territory. If War must come, it must be upon Northern, and not upon + Southern soil. In the meantime, if they were prepared to grant us Peace, + to recognize our equality, all is well." + </p> + <p> + And, in his speech at Stevenson, Alabama, said he "Your Border States will + gladly come into the Southern Confederacy within sixty days, as we will be + their only friends. England will recognize us, and a glorious future is + before us. The grass will grow in the Northern cities, where the pavements + have been worn off by the tread of Commerce. We will carry War where it is + easy to advance—where food for the sword and torch await our Armies + in the densely populated cities; and though they may come and spoil our + crops, we can raise them as before; while they cannot rear the cities + which took years of industry and millions of money to build." + </p> + <p> + Very different in tone to these, were the kindly and sensible utterances + of Mr. Lincoln on his journey from Springfield to Washington, about the + same time, for Inauguration as President of the United States. Leaving + Springfield, Illinois, February 11th, he had pathetically said: + </p> + <p> + "My friends: No one, not in my position, can realize the sadness I feel at + this parting. To this people I owe all that I am. Here I have lived more + than a quarter of a century. Here my children were born, and here one of + them lies buried. I know not how soon I shall see you again. I go to + assume a task more difficult than that which has devolved upon any other + man since the days of Washington. He never would have succeeded except for + the aid of Divine Providence, upon which he at all times relied. I feel + that I cannot succeed without the same Divine blessing which sustained + him; and on the same Almighty Being I place my reliance for support. And I + hope you, my friends, will all pray that I may receive that Divine + assistance, without which I cannot succeed, but with which success is + certain. Again I bid you an affectionate farewell." + </p> + <p> + At Indianapolis, that evening, the eve of his birthday anniversary, after + thanking the assembled thousands for their "magnificent welcome," and + defining the words "Coercion" and "Invasion"—at that time so loosely + used—he continued: "But if the United States should merely hold and + retake her own Forts and other property, and collect the duties on foreign + importation, or even withhold the mails from places where they were + habitually violated, would any or all of these things be 'Invasion' or + 'Coercion'? Do our professed lovers of the Union, who spitefully resolve + that they will resist Coercion and Invasion, understand that such things + as these on the part of the United States would be 'Coercion' or + 'Invasion' of a State? If so, their idea of means to preserve the object + of their great affection would seem to be exceedingly thin and airy." + </p> + <p> + At Columbus, Ohio, he spoke in a like calm, conservative, reasoning way + —with the evident purpose of throwing oil on the troubled waters—when + he said: "I have not maintained silence from any want of real anxiety. It + is a good thing that there is no more than anxiety; for there is nothing + going wrong. It is a consoling circumstance that, when we look out, there + is nothing that really hurts anybody. We entertain different views upon + political questions; but nobody is suffering anything. This is a consoling + circumstance; and from it we may conclude that all we want is time, + patience, and a reliance on that God who has never forsaken this People." + </p> + <p> + So, too, at Pittsburg, Pa., February 15th, he said, of "our friends," as + he termed them, the Secessionists: "Take even their own views of the + questions involved, and there is nothing to justify the course they are + pursuing. I repeat, then, there is no crisis, except such an one as may be + gotten up at any time by turbulent men, aided by designing politicians. My + advice to them, under the circumstances, is to keep cool. If the great + American People only keep their temper both sides of the line, the trouble + will come to an end, and the question which now distracts the Country be + settled, just as surely as all other difficulties, of a like character, + which have been originated in this Government, have been adjusted. Let the + people on both sides keep their self-possession, and, just as other clouds + have cleared away in due time, so will this great Nation continue to + prosper as heretofore." + </p> + <p> + And toward the end of that journey, on the 22nd of February—Washington's + Birthday—in the Independence Hall at Philadelphia, after eloquently + affirming his belief that "the great principle or idea that kept this + Confederacy so long together was * * * that sentiment in the Declaration + of Independence which gave Liberty not alone to the People of this + Country, but" he hoped "to the World, for all future time * * * which gave + promise that, in due time, the weight would be lifted from the shoulders + of all men"—he added, in the same firm, yet temperate and reassuring + vein: "Now, my friends, can this Country be saved on that basis? If it + can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world, if I can + help to save it. If it cannot be saved on that basis, it will be truly + awful. But, if this Country cannot be saved without giving up that + principle, I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot + than surrender it. Now in my view of the present aspect of affairs, there + need be no bloodshed or War. There is no necessity for it. I am not in + favor of such a course; and I may say, in advance, that there will be no + bloodshed, unless it be forced upon the Government, and then it will be + compelled to act in self-defense. * * * I have said nothing but what I am + willing to live by, and, if it be the pleasure of Almighty God, to die + by." + </p> + <p> + Thus, as he progressed on that memorable journey from his home in + Illinois, through Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburgh, + Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, Albany, New York, Trenton, Newark, Philadelphia, + and Harrisburg—amid the prayers and blessings and acclamations of an + enthusiastic and patriotic people—he uttered words of wise + conciliation and firm moderation such as beseemed the high functions and + tremendous responsibilities to which the voice of that liberty—and + union-loving people had called him, and this too, with a full knowledge, + when he made the Philadelphia speech, that the enemies of the Republic had + already planned to assassinate him before he could reach Washington. + </p> + <p> + The prudence of his immediate friends, fortunately defeated the murderous + purpose—and by the simple device of taking the regular night express + from Philadelphia instead of a special train next day—to Washington, + he reached the National Capital without molestation early on the morning + of the 23rd of February. + </p> + <p> + That morning, after Mr. Lincoln's arrival, in company with Mr. Lovejoy, + the writer visited him at Willard's Hotel. During the interview both urged + him to "Go right along, protect the property of the Country, and put down + the Rebellion, no matter at what cost in men and money." He listened with + grave attention, and said little, but very clearly indicated his approval + of all the sentiments thus expressed—and then, with the same firm + and manly and cheerful faith in the outcome, he added: "As the Country has + placed me at the helm of the Ship, I'll try to steer her through." + </p> + <p> + The spirit in which he proposed to accomplish this superhuman task, was + shown when he told the Southern people through the Civic authorities of + Washington on the 27th of February—When the latter called upon him—that + he had no desire or intention to interfere with any of their + Constitutional rights—that they should have all their rights under + the Constitution, "not grudgingly, but fully and fairly." And what was the + response of the South to this generous and conciliatory message? Personal + sneers—imputations of Northern cowardice—boasts of Southern + prowess—scornful rejection of all compromise—and an insolent + challenge to the bloody issue of arms! + </p> + <p> + Said Mr. Wigfall, in the United States Senate, on March 2d, alluding to + Mr. Lincoln, "I do not think that a man who disguises himself in a + soldier's cloak and a Scotch cap (a more thorough disguise could not be + assumed by such a man) and makes his entry between day and day, into the + Capital of the Country that he is to govern—I hardly think that he + is going to look War sternly in the face. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Had Mr. Wigfall been able at this time to look four years into the + future and behold the downfall of the Southern Rebellion, the flight of + its Chieftains, and the capture of Jefferson Davis while endeavoring to + escape, with his body enclosed in a wrapper and a woman's shawl over his + head, as stated by Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart of Jefferson Davis's Staff, + p. 756, vol. ii., Greeley's American Conflict—he would hardly have + retailed this slander.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "I look for nothing else than that the Commissioners from the Confederated + States will be received here and recognized by Abraham Lincoln. I will now + predict that this Republican Party that is going to enforce the Laws, + preserve the Union, and collect Revenue, will never attempt anything so + silly; and that instead of taking Forts, the troops will be withdrawn from + those which we now have. See if this does not turn out to be so, in less + than a week or ten days." + </p> + <p> + In the same insulting diatribe, he said: "It is very easy for men to + bluster who know there is going to be no danger. Four or five million + people living in a territory that extends from North Carolina down to the + Rio Grande, who have exports to above three hundred million dollars, whose + ports cannot be blockaded, but who can issue letters of marque and + reprisal, and sweep your commerce from the seas, and who will do it, are + not going to be trifled with by that sensible Yankee nation. Mark my + words. I did think, at one time, there was going to be War; I do not think + so now. * * * The Star of the West swaggered into Charleston harbor, + received a blow planted full in the face, and staggered out. Your flag has + been insulted; redress it if you dare! You have submitted to it for two + months, and you will submit to it for ever. * * * We have dissolved the + Union; mend it if you can; cement it with blood; try the experiment! we do + not desire War; we wish to avoid it. * * * This we say; and if you choose + to settle this question by the Sword, we feel, we know, that we have the + Right. We interfere with you in no way. We ask simply that you will not + interfere with us. * * * You tell us you will keep us in the Union. Try + the experiment!" + </p> + <p> + And then, with brutal frankness, he continued: "Now, whether what are + called The Crittenden Resolutions will produce satisfaction in some of + these Border States, or not, I am unaware; but I feel perfectly sure they + would not be entertained upon the Gulf. As to the Resolutions which the + Peace Congress has offered us, we might as well make a clean breast of it. + If those Resolutions were adopted, and ratified by three fourths of the + States of this Union, and no other cause ever existed, I make the + assertion that the seven States now out of the Union, would go out upon + that." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkclay" id="linkclay"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p132-clay.jpg (78K)" src="images/p132-clay.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch8" id="linkch8"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII.<br /> <br /> THE REJECTED OLIVE BRANCH. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + While instructive, it will also not be devoid of interest, to pause here, + and examine the nature of the Crittenden Resolutions, and also the + Resolutions of the Peace Congress, which, we have seen, were spurned by + the Secession leaders, through their chief mouthpiece in the United States + Senate. + </p> + <p> + The Crittenden Compromise Resolutions * were in these words: + </p> + <p> + "A Joint Resolution proposing certain Amendments to the Constitution of + the United States: + </p> + <p> + "Whereas, serious and alarming dissensions have arisen between the + Northern and the Southern States, concerning the Rights and security of + the Rights of the Slaveholding States, and especially their Rights in the + common territory of the United States; and whereas, it is eminently + desirable and proper that these dissensions, which now threaten the very + existence of this Union, should be permanently quieted and settled by + Constitutional provisions which shall do equal justice to all Sections, + and thereby restore to the People that peace and good-will which ought to + prevail between all the citizens of the United States; Therefore: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States + of America, in Congress assembled, (two thirds of both Houses concurring), + the following articles be, and are hereby proposed and submitted as + amendments to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid + to all intents and purposes, as part of said Constitution, when ratified + by Conventions of three-fourths of the several States: + </p> + <p> + "Article I. In all the territory of the United States now held, or + hereafter to be acquired, situate north of latitude 36 30', Slavery or + involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, is prohibited, + while such territory shall remain under Territorial government. In all the + territory south of said line of latitude, Slavery of the African race is + hereby recognized as existing, and shall not be interfered with by + Congress, but shall be protected as Property by all the departments of the + Territorial government during its continuance. And when any Territory, + north or south of said line, within such boundaries as Congress may + prescribe, shall contain the population requisite for a member of + Congress, according to the then Federal ratio of representation of the + People of the United States, it shall, if its own form of government be + republican, be admitted into the Union, on an equal footing with the + original States; with or without Slavery, as the Constitution of such new + State may provide. + </p> + <p> + "Article II. Congress shall have no power to abolish Slavery in places + under its exclusive jurisdiction, and situate within the limits of States + that permit the holding of Slaves. + </p> + <p> + "Article III. Congress shall have no power to abolish Slavery within the + District of Columbia; so long as it exists in the adjoining States of + Virginia and Maryland, or either, nor without the consent of the + inhabitants, nor without just compensation first made to such owners of + Slaves as do not consent to such abolishment. Nor shall Congress, at any + time, prohibit officers of the Federal government, or members of Congress + whose duties require them to be in said District, from bringing with them + their Slaves, and holding them as such during the time their duties may + require them to remain there, and afterward taking them from the District. + </p> + <p> + "Article IV. Congress shall have no power to prohibit or hinder the + Transportation of Slaves from one State to another, or to a Territory in + which Slaves are, by law, permitted to be held, whether that + transportation be by land, navigable rivers, or by the sea. + </p> + <p> + "Article V. That in addition to the provisions of the third paragraph of + the second section of the fourth article of the Constitution of the United + States, Congress shall have power to provide by law, and it shall be its + duty to provide, that the United States shall pay to the owner who shall + apply for it, the full value of his Fugitive Slaves in all cases where the + Marshal, or other officer whose duty it was to arrest said Fugitive, was + prevented from so doing by violence or intimidation, or where, after + arrest, said Fugitive was rescued by force, and the owner thereby + prevented and obstructed in the pursuit of his remedy for the recovery of + his Fugitive Slave under the said clause of the Constitution and the laws + made in pursuance thereof. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + ["No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws + thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any Law or + Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall + be delivered up on claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may + be due."—Art. IV., Sec. 2, P 3, U. S. Constitution.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "And in all such cases, when the United States shall pay for such + Fugitive, they shall have the Right, in their own name, to sue the county + in which said violence, intimidation, or rescue, was committed, and + recover from it, with interest and damages, the amount paid by them for + said Fugitive Slave. And the said county, after it has paid said amount to + the United States, may, for its indemnity, sue and recover from the + wrong-doers or rescuers by whom the owner was prevented from the recovery + of his Fugitive Slave, in like manner as the owner himself might have sued + and recovered. + </p> + <p> + "Article VI. No future amendment of the Constitution shall affect the five + preceding articles; nor the third paragraph of the second section of the + first article of the Constitution, nor the third paragraph of the second + section of the fourth article of said Constitution; and no amendment shall + be made to the Constitution which shall authorize or give to Congress any + power to abolish or interfere with Slavery in any of the States by whose + laws it is or may be, allowed or permitted. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + ["Representatives and Direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the + several States which may be included within this Union, according to + their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the + whole Number of Free Persons, including those bound to Service for a + Term of Years, and excluding Indians not Taxed, three-fifths of all + Other Persons," etc.—Art. 1., Sec. 2, P 3, U. S. Constitution.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "And whereas, also, besides those causes of dissension embraced in the + foregoing amendments proposed to the Constitution of the United States, + there are others which come within the jurisdiction of Congress, and may + be remedied by its legislative power; And whereas it is the desire of + Congress, as far as its power will extend, to remove all just cause for + the popular discontent and agitation which now disturb the peace of the + Country and threaten the stability of its Institutions; Therefore: + </p> + <p> + "1. Resolved by the Senate and house of Representatives in Congress + assembled, that the laws now in force for the recovery of Fugitive Slaves + are in strict pursuance of the plain and mandatory provisions of the + Constitution, and have been sanctioned as valid and Constitutional by the + judgment of the Supreme Court of the United States; that the Slaveholding + States are entitled to the faithful observance and execution of those + laws; and that they ought not to be repealed, or so modified or changed as + to impair their efficiency; and that laws ought to be made for the + punishment of those who attempt, by rescue of the Slave, or other illegal + means, to hinder or defeat the due execution of said laws. + </p> + <p> + "2. That all State laws which conflict with the Fugitive Slave Acts of + Congress, or any other Constitutional Acts of Congress, or which, in their + operation, impede, hinder, or delay, the free course and due execution of + any of said Acts, are null and void by the plain provisions of the + Constitution of the United States; yet those State laws, void as they are, + have given color to practices, and led to consequences, which have + obstructed the due administration and execution of Acts of Congress, and + especially the Acts for the delivery of Fugitive Slaves; and have thereby + contributed much to the discord and commotion now prevailing. Congress, + therefore, in the present perilous juncture, does not deem it improper, + respectfully and earnestly, to recommend the repeal of those laws to the + several States which have enacted them, or such legislative corrections or + explanations of them as may prevent their being used or perverted to such + mischievous purposes. + </p> + <p> + "3. That the Act of the 18th of September, 1850, commonly called the + Fugitive Slave Law, ought to be so amended as to make the fee of the + Commissioner, mentioned in the eighth section of the Act, equal in amount + in the cases decided by him, whether his decision be in favor of, or + against the claimant. And, to avoid misconstruction, the last clause of + the fifth section of said Act, which authorizes the person holding a + warrant for the arrest or detention of a Fugitive Slave to summon to his + aid the posse comitatus, and which declares it to be the duty of all good + citizens to assist him in its execution, ought to be so amended as to + expressly limit the authority and duty to cases in which there shall be + resistance, or danger of resistance or rescue. + </p> + <p> + "4. That the laws for the suppression of the African Slave Trade, and + especially those prohibiting the importation of Slaves into the United + States, ought to be more effectual, and ought to be thoroughly executed; + and all further enactments necessary to those ends ought to be promptly + made." + </p> + <p> + The Peace Conference, or "Congress," it may here be mentioned, was called, + by action of the Legislature of Virginia, to meet at Washington, February + 4, 1861. The invitation was extended to all of such "States of this + Confederacy * * * whether Slaveholding or Non-Slaveholding, as are willing + to unite with Virginia in an earnest effort to adjust the present unhappy + controversies in the spirit in which the Constitution was originally + formed, and consistently with its principles, so as to afford to the + people of the Slaveholding States adequate guarantees for the security of + their rights"—such States to be represented by Commissioners "to + consider, and, if practicable, agree upon some suitable adjustment." + </p> + <p> + The Conference, or "Congress," duly convened, at that place and time, and + organized by electing ex-President John Tyler, of Virginia, its President. + This Peace Congress—which comprised 133 Commissioners, representing + the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, + Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, + Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, + Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Kansas—remained in session until + February 27, 1861—and then submitted the result of its labors to + Congress, with the request that Congress "will submit it to Conventions in + the States, as Article Thirteen of the Amendments to the Constitution of + the United States, in the following shape: + </p> + <p> + "Section 1. In all the present territory of the United States, north of + the parallel of 36 30' of north latitude, Involuntary Servitude, except in + punishment of crime, is prohibited. In all the present territory south of + that line, the status of Persons held to Involuntary Service or Labor, as + it now exists, shall not be changed; nor shall any law be passed by + Congress or the Territorial Legislature to hinder or prevent the taking of + such Persons from any of the States of this Union to said Territory, nor + to impair the Rights arising from said relation; but the same shall be + subject to judicial cognizance in the Federal Courts, according to the + course of the common law. When any Territory north or south of said line, + within such boundary as Congress may prescribe, shall contain a population + equal to that required for a member of Congress, it shall, if its form of + government be republican, be admitted into the Union on an equal footing + with the original States, with or without Involuntary Servitude, as the + Constitution of such State may provide. + </p> + <p> + "Section 2. No territory shall be acquired by the United States, except by + discovery and for naval and commercial stations, depots, and transit + routes, without the concurrence of a majority of all the Senators from + States which allow Involuntary Servitude, and a majority of all the + Senators from States which prohibit that relation; nor shall Territory be + acquired by treaty, unless the votes of a majority of the Senators from + each class of States hereinbefore mentioned be cast as a part of the + two-thirds majority necessary to the ratification of such treaty. + </p> + <p> + "Section 3. Neither the Constitution, nor any amendment thereof, shall be + construed to give Congress power to regulate, abolish, or control, within + any State, the relation established or recognized by the laws thereof + touching Persons held to Labor or Involuntary Service therein, nor to + interfere with or abolish Involuntary Service in the District of Columbia + without the consent of Maryland, and without the consent of the owners, or + making the owners who do not consent just compensation; nor the power to + interfere with or prohibit Representatives and others from bringing with + them to the District of Columbia, retaining, and taking away, Persons so + held to Labor or Service; nor the power to interfere with or abolish + Involuntary Service in places under the exclusive jurisdiction of the + United States within those States and Territories where the same is + established or recognized; nor the power to prohibit the removal or + transportation of Persons held to Labor or Involuntary Service in any + State or Territory of the United States to any other State or Territory + thereof where it is established or recognized by law or usage; and the + right during transportation, by sea or river, of touching at ports, + shores, and landings, and of landing in case of distress, shall exist; but + not the right of transit in or through any State or Territory, or of sale + or traffic, against the laws thereof. Nor shall Congress have power to + authorize any higher rate of taxation on Persons held to Labor or Service + than on land. The bringing into the District of Columbia of Persons held + to Labor or Service, for sale, or placing them in depots to be afterwards + transferred to other places for sale as merchandize, is prohibited. + </p> + <p> + "Section 4. The third paragraph of the second section of the fourth + article of the Constitution shall not be construed to prevent any of the + States, by appropriate legislation, and through the action of their + judicial and ministerial officers, from enforcing the delivery of + Fugitives from Labor to the person to whom such Service or Labor is due. + </p> + <p> + "Section 5. The Foreign Slave Trade is hereby forever prohibited; and it + shall be the duty of Congress to pass laws to prevent the importation of + Slaves, Coolies, or Persons held to Service or Labor, into the United + States and the Territories from places beyond the limits thereof. + </p> + <p> + "Section 6. The first, third, and fifth sections, together with this + section of these amendments, and the third paragraph of the second section + of the first article of the Constitution, and the third paragraph of the + second section of the fourth article thereof, shall not be amended or + abolished without the consent of all the States. + </p> + <p> + "Section 7. Congress shall provide by law that the United States shall pay + to the owner the full value of the Fugitive from Labor, in all cases where + the Marshal, or other officer, whose duty it was to arrest such Fugitive, + was prevented from so doing by violence or intimidation from mobs or + riotous assemblages, or when, after arrest, such Fugitive was rescued by + like violence or intimidation, and the owner thereby deprived of the same; + and the acceptance of such payment shall preclude the owner from further + claim to such Fugitive. Congress shall provide by law for securing to the + citizens of each State the privileges and immunities of citizens in the + several States." + </p> + <p> + To spurn such propositions as these—with all the concessions to the + Slave Power therein contained—was equivalent to spurning any and all + propositions that could possibly be made; and by doing this, the Seceding + States placed themselves—as they perhaps desired—in an utterly + irreconcilable attitude, and hence, to a certain extent, which had not + entered into their calculations, weakened their "Cause" in the eyes of + many of their friends in the North, in the Border States, and in the + World. They had become Implacables. Practically considered, this was their + great mistake. The Crittenden Compromise Resolutions covered and yielded + to the Slaveholders of the South all and even more than they had ever + dared seriously to ask or hope for, and had they been open to + Conciliation, they could have undoubtedly carried that measure through + both Houses of Congress and three-fourths of the States. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + ["Its advocates, with good reason, claimed a large majority of the + People in its favor, and clamored for its submission to a direct popular + vote. Had such a submission been accorded, it is very likely that the + greater number of those who voted at all would have voted to ratify it. + * * * The 'Conservatives,' so called, were still able to establish this + Crittenden Compromise by their own proper strength, had they been + disposed so to do. The President was theirs; the Senate strongly theirs; + in the House, they had a small majority, as was evidenced in their + defeat of John Sherman for Speaker. Had they now come forward and said, + with authority: 'Enable us to pass the Crittenden Compromise, and all + shall be peace and harmony,' they would have succeeded without + difficulty. It was only through the withdrawal of pro-slavery members + that the Republicans had achieved an unexpected majority in either + House. Had those members chosen to return to the seats still awaiting + them, and to support Mr. Crittenden's proposition, they could have + carried it without difficulty."—Vol. 360, Greeley's Am. Conflict.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + But no, they wilfully withdrew their Congressional membership, State by + State, as each Seceded, and refused all terms save those which involved an + absolute surrender to them on all points, including the impossible claim + of the "Right of Secession." + </p> + <p> + Let us now briefly trace the history of the Compromise measures in the two + Houses of Congress. + </p> + <p> + The Crittenden-Compromise Joint-Resolution had been introduced in the + Senate at the opening of its session and referred to a Select Committee of + Thirteen, and subsequently, January 16th, 1861, having been reported back, + came up in that body for action. On that day it was amended by inserting + the words "now held or hereafter to be acquired" after the words "In all + the territory of the United States," in the first line of Article I., so + that it would read as given above. This amendment—by which not only + in all territory then belonging to the United States, but also by + implication in all that might thereafter be acquired, Slavery South of 36 + 30' was to be recognized—was agreed to by 29 yeas to 21 nays, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + YEAS.—Messrs. Baker, Bayard, Benjamin, Bigler, Bragg, Bright, + Clingman, Crittenden, Douglas, Fitch, Green, Gwin, Hemphill, Hunter, + Iverson, Johnson of Tennessee, Kennedy, Lane, Mason, Nicholson, Pearce, + Polk, Powell, Pugh, Rice, Saulsbury, Sebastian, Slidell and Wigfall—29. + </p> + <p> + NAYS.—Messrs. Anthony, Bingham, Cameron, Chandler, Clark, Collamer, + Dixon, Doolittle, Durkee, Fessenden, Foot, Foster, Grimes, Hale, Harlan, + King, Latham, Seward, Simmons, Sumner, Ten Eyck, Trumbull, Wade and Wilson—24. + </p> + <p> + The question now recurred upon an amendment, in the nature of a + substitute, offered by Mr. Clark, to strike out the preamble of the + Crittenden proposition and all of the resolutions after the word + "resolved," and insert: + </p> + <p> + "That the provisions of the Constitution are ample for the preservation of + the Union, and the protection of all the material interests of the + Country; that it needs to be obeyed rather than amended; and that an + extrication from our present dangers is to be looked for in strenuous + efforts to preserve the peace, protect the public property, and enforce + the laws, rather than in new Guarantees for particular interests, + Compromises for particular difficulties, or Concessions to unreasonable + demands. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That all attempts to dissolve the present Union, or overthrow + or abandon the present Constitution, with the hope or expectation of + constructing a new one, are dangerous, illusory, and destructive; that in + the opinion of the Senate of the United States no such Reconstruction is + practicable; and, therefore, to the maintenance of the existing Union and + Constitution should be directed all the energies of all the departments of + the Government, and the efforts of all good citizens." + </p> + <p> + Before reaching a vote on this amendment, Mr. Anthony, (January 16th) made + a most conciliatory speech, pointing out such practical objections to the + Crittenden proposition as occurred to his mind, and then, continuing, + said: "I believe, Mr. President, that if the danger which menaces us is to + be avoided at all, it must be by Legislation; which is more ready, more + certain, and more likely to be satisfactory, than Constitutional + Amendment. The main difficulty is the Territorial question. The demand of + the Senators on the other side of the Chamber, and of those whom they + represent, is that the territory south of the line of the Missouri + Compromise shall be open to their peculiar Property. All this territory, + except the Indian Reservation, is within the limits of New Mexico; which, + for a part of its northern boundary, runs up two degrees above that line. + This is now a Slave Territory; made so by Territorial Legislation; and + Slavery exists there, recognized and protected. Now, I am willing, as soon + as Kansas can be admitted, to vote for the admission of New Mexico as a + State, with such Constitution as the People may adopt. This disposes of + all the territory that is adapted to Slave Labor or that is claimed by the + South. It ought to settle the whole question. Surely if we can dispose of + all the territory that we have, we ought not to quarrel over that which we + have not, and which we have no very honest way of acquiring. Let us settle + the difficulties that threaten us now, and not anticipate those which may + never come. Let the public mind have time to cool * * *. In offering to + settle this question by the admission of New Mexico, we of the North who + assent to it propose a great Sacrifice, and offer a large Concession. + </p> + <p> + "* * * But we make the offer in a spirit of Compromise and good feeling, + which we hope will be reciprocated. * * * I appeal to Senators on the + other side, when we thus offer to bridge over full seven-eighths of the + frightful chasm that separates us, will you not build the other eighth? + When, with outstretched arms, we approach you so near that, by reaching + out your hands you can clasp ours in the fraternal grasp from which they + should never be separated, will you, with folded arms and closed eyes, + stand upon extreme demands which you know we cannot accept, and for which, + if we did, we could not carry our constituents? * * * Together our Fathers + achieved the Independence of their Country; together they laid the + foundations of its greatness and its glory; together they constructed this + beautiful system under which it is our privilege to live, which it is our + duty to preserve and to transmit. Together we enjoy that privilege; + together we must perform that duty. I will not believe that, in the + madness of popular folly and delusion, the most benignant Government that + ever blessed humanity is to be broken up. I will not believe that this + great Power which is marching with giant steps toward the first place + among the Nations of the Earth, is to be turned 'backward on its mighty + track.' There are no grievances, fancied or real, that cannot be redressed + within the Union and under the Constitution. There are no differences + between us that may not be settled if we will take them up in the spirit + of those to whose places we have succeeded, and the fruits of whose labors + we have inherited." + </p> + <p> + And to this more than fair proposition to the Southerners—to this + touching appeal in behalf of Peace—what was the response? Not a + word! It seemed but to harden their hearts. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Immediately after Mr. Anthony's appeal to the Southern Senators, a + motion was made by Mr. Collamer to postpone the Crittenden Resolutions + and take up the Kansas Admission Bill. Here was the chance at once + offered to them to respond to that appeal—to make a first step, as + it were. They would not make it. The motion was defeated by 25 yeas to + 30 nays—Messrs. Benjamin and Slidell of Louisiana, Hemphill and + Wigfall of Texas, Iverson of Georgia, and Johnson of Arkansas, voting + "nay." The question at once recurred on the amendment of Mr. Clark—being + a substitute for the Crittenden Resolutions, declaring in effect all + Compromise unnecessary. To let that substitute be adopted, was to insure + the failure of the Crittenden proposition. Yet these same six Southern + Senators though present, refused to vote, and permitted the substitute + to be adopted by 25 yeas to 23 nays. The vote of Mr. Douglas, who had + been "called out for an instant into the ante-room, and deprived of the + opportunity of voting "—as he afterwards stated when vainly asking + unanimous consent to have his vote recorded among the nays—would + have made it 25 yeas to 24 nays, had he been present and voting, while + the votes of the six Southern Senators aforesaid, had they voted, would + have defeated the substitute by 25 yeas to 30 nays. Then upon a direct + vote on the Crittenden Compromise there would not only have been the 30 + in its favor, but the vote of at least one Republican (Baker) in + addition, to carry it, and, although that would not have given the + necessary two-thirds, yet it would have been a majority handsome enough + to have ultimately turned the scales, in both Houses, for a peaceful + adjustment of the trouble, and have avoided all the sad consequences + which so speedily befell the Nation. But this would not have suited the + Treasonable purposes of the Conspirators. Ten days before this they had + probably arranged the Programme in this, as well as other matters. Very + certain it is that no time was lost by them and their friends in making + the best use for their Cause of this vote, in the doubtful States of + Missouri and North Carolina especially. In the St. Louis journals a + Washington dispatch, purporting (untruly however) to come from Senators + Polk and Green, was published to this effect. + </p> + <p> + "The Crittenden Resolutions were lost by a vote of 25 to 23. A motion of + Mr. Cameron to reconsider was lost; and thus ends all hope of + reconciliation. Civil War is now considered inevitable, and late + accounts declare that Fort Sumter will be attacked without delay. The + Missouri delegation recommend immediate Secession." + </p> + <p> + This is but a sample of other similar dispatches sent elsewhere. And the + following dispatch, signed by Mr. Crittenden, and published in the + Raleigh, N. C., Register, to quiet the excitement raised by the + telegrams of the Conspirators, serves also to indicate that the friends + of Compromise were not disheartened by their defeat: + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, Jan. 17th, 9 P. M. + </p> + <p> + "In reply the vote against my resolutions will be reconsidered. Their + failure was the result of the refusal of six Southern Senators to vote. + There is yet good hope of success. + </p> + <p> + "JOHN J. CRITTENDEN." + </p> + <p> + There is instruction also to be drawn from the speeches of Senators + Saulsbury, and Johnson of Tennessee, made fully a year afterward (Jan. + 29-31, 1862) in the Senate, touching the defeat of the Crittenden + Compromise by the Clark substitute at this time. Speaking of the second + session of the Thirty-sixth Congress, Mr. Saulsbury said: + </p> + <p> + "At that session, while vainly striving with others for the adoption of + those measures, I remarked in my place in the Senate that— + </p> + <p> + "'If any Gibbon should hereafter write the Decline and Fall of the + American Republic, he would date its fall from the rejection by the + Senate of the propositions submitted by the Senator from Kentucky.' + </p> + <p> + "I believed so then, and I believe so now. I never shall forget, Mr. + President, how my heart bounded for joy when I thought I saw a ray of + hope for their adoption in the fact that a Republican Senator now on + this floor came to me and requested that I should inquire of Mr. Toombs, + who was on the eve of his departure for Georgia to take a seat in the + Convention of that State which was to determine the momentous question + whether she should continue a member of the Union or withdraw from it, + whether, if the Crittenden propositions were adopted, Georgia would + remain in the Union. + </p> + <p> + "Said Mr. Toombs: + </p> + <p> + "'Tell him frankly for me that if those resolutions are adopted by the + vote of any respectable number of Republican Senators, evidencing their + good faith to advocate their ratification by their people, Georgia will + not Secede. This is the position I assumed before the people of Georgia. + I told them that if the party in power gave evidence of an intention to + preserve our rights in the Union, we were bound to wait until their + people could act.' + </p> + <p> + "I communicated the answer. The Substitute of the Senator from New + Hampshire [Mr. Clark] was subsequently adopted, and from that day to + this the darkness and the tempest and the storm have thickened, until + thousands like myself, as good and as true Union men as you, Sir, though + you may question our motives, have not only despaired but are without + hope in the future." + </p> + <p> + To this speech, Mr. Johnson of Tennessee subsequently replied as follows + in the United States Senate (Jan. 31, 1862) + </p> + <p> + "Sir, it has been said by the distinguished Senator from Delaware [Mr. + Saulsbury] that the questions of controversy might all have been settled + by Compromise. He dealt rather extensively in the Party aspect of the + case, and seemingly desired to throw the onus of the present condition + of affairs entirely on one side. He told us that, if so and so had been + done, these questions could have been settled, and that now there would + have been no War. He referred particularly to the resolution offered + during the last Congress by the Senator from New Hampshire [Mr. Clark], + and upon the vote on that he based his argument. * * * The Senator told + us that the adoption of the Clark amendment to the Crittenden + Resolutions defeated the settlement of the questions of controversy; and + that, but for that vote, all could have been peace and prosperity now. + We were told that the Clark amendment defeated the Crittenden + Compromise, and prevented a settlement of the controversy. On this point + I will read a portion of the speech of my worthy and talented friend + from California [Mr. Latham]; and when I speak of him thus, I do it in + no unmeaning sense I intend that he, not I, shall answer the Senator + from Delaware. * * * As I have said, the Senator from Delaware told us + that the Clark amendment was the turning point in the whole matter; that + from it had flowed Rebellion, Revolution, War, the shooting and + imprisonment of people in different States—perhaps he meant to + include my own. This was the Pandora's box that has been opened, out of + which all the evils that now afflict the Land have flown. * * * My + worthy friend from California [Mr. Latham], during the last session of + Congress, made one of the best speeches he ever made. * * * In the + course of that speech, upon this very point he made use of these + remarks: + </p> + <p> + "'Mr. President, being last winter a careful eye-witness of all that + occurred, I soon became satisfied that it was a deliberate, wilful + design, on the part of some representatives of Southern States, to seize + upon the election of Mr. Lincoln merely as an excuse to precipitate this + revolution upon the Country. One evidence, to my mind, is the fact that + South Carolina never sent her Senators here.' + </p> + <p> + "Then they certainly were not influenced by the Clark amendment. + </p> + <p> + "'An additional evidence is, that when gentlemen on this floor, by their + votes, could have controlled legislation, they refused to cast them for + fear that the very Propositions submitted to this body might have an + influence in changing the opinions of their constituencies. Why, Sir, + when the resolutions submitted by the Senator from New Hampshire [Mr. + Clark], were offered as an amendment to the Crittenden Propositions, for + the manifest purpose of embarrassing the latter, and the vote taken on + the 16th of January, 1861, I ask, what did we see? There were fifty-five + Senators at that time upon this floor, in person. The Globe of the + second Session, Thirty-Sixth Congress, Part I., page 409, shows that + upon the call of the yeas and nays immediately preceding the vote on the + substituting of Mr. Clark's amendment, there were fifty-five votes cast. + I will read the vote from the Globe: + </p> + <p> + "'YEAS—Messrs. Anthony, Baker, Bingham, Cameron, Chandler, Clark, + Collamer, Dixon, Doolittle, Durkee, Fessenden, Foot, Foster, Grimes, + Hale, Harlan, King, Seward, Simmons, Sumner, Ten Eyck, Trumbull, Wade, + Wilkinson, and Wilson—25. + </p> + <p> + "NAYS—Messrs. Bayard, Benjamin, Bigler, Bragg, Bright, Clingman, + Crittenden, Douglas, Fitch, Green, Gwin, Hemphill, Hunter, Iverson, + Johnson of Arkansas, Johnson of Tennessee, Kennedy, Lane, Latham, Mason, + Nicholson, Pearce, Polk, Powell, Pugh, Rice, Saulsbury, Sebastian, + Slidell and Wigfall—30. + </p> + <p> + "The vote being taken immediately after, on the Clark Proposition, was + as follows: + </p> + <p> + "YEAS—Messrs. Anthony, Baker, Bingham, Cameron, Chandler, Clark, + Collamer, Dixon, Doolittle, Durkee, Fessenden, Foot, Foster, Grimes, + Hale, Harlan, King, Seward, Simmons, Sumner, Ten Eyck, Trumbull, Wade, + Wilkinson and Wilson—25. + </p> + <p> + "NAYS—Messrs. Bayard, Bigler, Bragg, Bright, Clingman, Crittenden, + Fitch, Green, Gwin, Hunter, Johnson of Tennessee, Kennefly, Lane, + Latham, Mason, Nicholson, Pearce, Polk, Powell, Pugh, Rice, Saulsbury + and Sebastian—23. + </p> + <p> + "'Six senators retained their seats and refused to vote, thus themselves + allowing the Clark Proposition to supplant the Crittenden Resolution by + a vote of twenty-five to twenty-three. Mr. Benjamin of Louisiana, Mr. + Hemphill and Mr. Wigfall of Texas, Mr. Iverson of Georgia, Mr. Johnson + of Arkansas, and Mr. Slidell of Louisiana, were in their seats, but + refused to cast their votes.' + </p> + <p> + "I sat right behind Mr. Benjamin, and I am not sure that my worthy + friend was not close by, when he refused to vote, and I said to him, + 'Mr. Benjamin, why do you not vote? Why not save this Proposition, and + see if we cannot bring the Country to it?' He gave me rather an abrupt + answer, and said he would control his own action without consulting me + or anybody else. Said I: 'Vote, and show yourself an honest man.' As + soon as the vote was taken, he and others telegraphed South, 'We cannot + get any Compromise.' Here were six Southern men refusing to vote, when + the amendment would have been rejected by four majority if they had + voted. Who, then, has brought these evils on the Country? Was it Mr. + Clark? He was acting out his own policy; but with the help we had from + the other side of the chamber, if all those on this side had been true + to the Constitution and faithful to their constituents, and had acted + with fidelity to the Country, the amendment of the Senator from New + Hampshire could have been voted down, the defeat of which the Senator + from Delaware says would have saved the Country. Whose fault was it? Who + is responsible for it? * * * Who did it? SOUTHERN TRAITORS, as was said + in the speech of the Senator from California. They did it. They wanted + no Compromise. They accomplished their object by withholding their + votes; and hence the Country has been involved in the present + difficulty. Let me read another extract from this speech of the Senator + from California + </p> + <p> + "'I recollect full well the joy that pervaded the faces of some of those + gentlemen at the result, and the sorrow manifested by the venerable + Senator from Kentucky [Mr. Crittenden]. The record shows that Mr. Pugh, + from Ohio, despairing of any Compromise between the extremes of ultra + Republicanism and Disunionists, working manifestly for the same end, + moved, immediately after the vote was announced, to lay the whole + subject on the table. If you will turn to page 443, same volume, you + will find, when, at a late period, Mr. Cameron, from Pennsylvania, moved + to reconsider the vote, appeals having been made to sustain those who + were struggling to preserve the Peace of the Country, that the vote was + reconsidered; and when, at last, the Crittenden Propositions were + submitted on the 2d day of March, these Southern States having 'nearly + all Seceded, they were then lost but by one vote. Here is the vote: + </p> + <p> + "YEAS—Messrs. Bayard, Bigler, Bright, Crittenden, Douglas, Gwin, + Hunter, Johnson of Tennessee, Kennedy, Lane, Latham, Mason, Nicholson, + Polk, Pugh, Rice, Sebastian, Thomson and Wigfall—19. + </p> + <p> + "'NAYS—Messrs. Anthony, Bingham, Chandler, Clark, Dixon, + Doolittle, Durkee, Fessenden, Foot, Foster, Grimes, Harlan, King, + Morrill, Sumner, Ten Eyck, Trumbull, Wade, Wilkinson and Wilson—20. + </p> + <p> + "'If these Seceding Southern senators had remained, there would have + passed, by a large vote (as it did without them), an amendment, by a + two-third vote, forbidding Congress ever interfering with Slavery in the + States. The Crittenden Proposition would have been indorsed by a + majority vote, the subject finally going before the People, who have + never yet, after consideration, refused Justice, for any length of time, + to any portion of the Country. + </p> + <p> + "'I believe more, Mr. President, that these gentlemen were acting in + pursuance of a settled and fixed plan to break up and destroy this + Government.' + </p> + <p> + "When we had it in our power to vote down the amendment of the Senator + from New Hampshire, and adopt the Crittenden Resolutions, certain + Southern Senators prevented it; and yet, even at a late day of the + session, after they had Seceded, the Crittenden Proposition was only + lost by one vote. If Rebellion and bloodshed and murder have followed, + to whose skirts does the responsibility attach? + </p> + <p> + "What else was done at the very same session? The House of + Representatives passed, and sent to this body, a Proposition to amend + the Constitution of the United States, so as to prohibit Congress from + ever hereafter interfering with the Institution of Slavery in the + States, making that restriction a part of the Organic law of the Land. + That Constitutional Amendment came here after the Senators from seven + States had Seceded; and yet it was passed by a two-third vote in the + Senate. Have you ever heard of any one of the States which had then + Seceded, or which has since Seceded, taking up that Amendment to the + Constitution, and saying they would ratify it, and make it a part of + that instrument? No. Does not the whole history of this Rebellion tell + you that it was Revolution that the Leaders wanted, that they started + for, that they intended to have? The facts to which I have referred show + how the Crittenden Proposition might have been carried; and when the + Senators from the Slave States were reduced to one-fourth of the members + of this body, the two Houses passed a Proposition to Amend the + Constitution, so as to guarantee to the States perfect security in + regard to the Institution of Slavery in all future time, and prohibiting + Congress from legislating on the subject. + </p> + <p> + "But what more was done? After Southern Senators had treacherously + abandoned the Constitution and deserted their posts here, Congress + passed Bills for the Organization of three new Territories: Dakota, + Nevada, and Colorado; and in the sixth section of each of those Bills, + after conferring, affirmatively, power on the Territorial Legislature, + it went on to exclude certain powers by using a negative form of + expression; and it provided, among other things, that the Legislature + should have no power to legislate so as to impair the right to private + property; that it should lay no tax discriminating against one + description of Property in favor of another; leaving the power on all + these questions, not in the Territorial Legislature, but in the People + when they should come to form a State Constitution. + </p> + <p> + "Now, I ask, taking the Amendment to the Constitution, and taking the + three Territorial Bills, embracing every square inch of territory in the + possession of the United States, how much of the Slavery question was + left? What better Compromise could have been made? Still we are told + that matters might have been Compromised, and that if we had agreed to + Compromise, bloody Rebellion would not now be abroad in the Land. Sir, + Southern Senators are responsible for it. They stood here with power to + accomplish the result, and yet treacherously, and, I may say, tauntingly + they left this chamber, and announced that they had dissolved their + connection with the Government. Then, when we were left in the hands of + those whom we had been taught to believe would encroach upon our Rights, + they gave us, in the Constitutional Amendment and in the three + Territorial Bills, all that had ever been asked; and yet gentlemen + talked Compromise! + </p> + <p> + "Why was not this taken and accepted? No; it was not Compromise that the + Leaders wanted; they wanted Power; they wanted to Destroy this + Government, so that they might have place and emolument for themselves. + They had lost confidence in the intelligence and virtue and integrity of + the People, and their capacity to govern themselves; and they intended + to separate and form a government, the chief corner-stone of which + should be Slavery, disfranchising the great mass of the People, of which + we have seen constant evidence, and merging the Powers of Government in + the hands of the Few. I know what I say. I know their feelings and their + sentiments. I served in the Senate here with them. I know they were a + Close Corporation, that had no more confidence in or respect for the + People than has the Dey of Algiers. I fought that Close Corporation + here. I knew that they were no friends of the People. I knew that + Slidell and Mason and Benjamin and Iverson and Toombs were the enemies + of Free Government, and I know so now. I commenced the war upon them + before a State Seceded; and I intend to keep on fighting this great + battle before the Country, for the perpetuity of Free Government. They + seek to overthrow it, and to establish a Despotism in its place. That is + the great battle which is upon our hands. * * * Now, the Senator from + Delaware tells us that if that (Crittenden) Compromise had been made, + all these consequences would have been avoided. It is a mere pretense; + it is false. Their object was to overturn the Government. If they could + not get the Control of this Government, they were willing to divide the + Country and govern part of it."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The Clark substitute was then agreed to, by 25 (Republican) yeas to 23 + Democratic and Conservative (Bell-Everett) nays—6 Pro-Slavery + Senators not voting, although present; and then, without division, the + Crittenden Resolutions were tabled—Mr. Cameron, however, entering a + motion to reconsider. Subsequently the action of the Senate, both on the + Resolutions and Substitute, was reconsidered, and March 2d the matter came + up again, as will hereafter appear. + </p> + <p> + Two days prior to this action in the Senate, Mr. Corwin, Chairman of the + Select Committee of Thirty-three, reported to the House (January 14th), + from a majority of that Committee, the following Joint Resolution: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States + of America in Congress assembled, That all attempts on the parts of the + Legislatures of any of the States to obstruct or hinder the recovery and + surrender of Fugitives from Service or Labor, are in derogation of the + Constitution of the United States, inconsistent with the comity and good + neighborhood that should prevail among the several States, and dangerous + to the Peace of the Union. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the several States be respectfully requested to cause + their Statutes to be revised, with a view to ascertain if any of them are + in conflict with or tend to embarrass or hinder the execution of the Laws + of the United States, made in pursuance of the second section of the + Fourth Article of the Constitution of the United States for the delivery + up of Persons held to Labor by the laws of any State and escaping + therefrom; and the Senate and House of Representatives earnestly request + that all enactments having such tendency be forthwith repealed, as + required by a just sense of Constitutional obligations, and by a due + regard for the Peace of the Republic; and the President of the United + States is requested to communicate these resolutions to the Governors of + the several States, with a request that they will lay the same before the + Legislatures thereof respectively. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That we recognize Slavery as now existing in fifteen of the + United States by the usages and laws of those States; and we recognize no + authority, legally or otherwise, outside of a State where it so exists, to + interfere with Slaves or Slavery in such States, in disregard of the + Rights of their owners or the Peace of society. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That we recognize the justice and propriety of a faithful + execution of the Constitution, and laws made in pursuance thereof, on the + subject of Fugitive Slaves, or Fugitives from Service or Labor, and + discountenance all mobs or hindrances to the execution of such laws, and + that citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and + immunities of citizens in the several States. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That we recognize no such conflicting elements in its + composition, or sufficient cause from any source, for a dissolution of + this Government; that we were not sent here to destroy, but to sustain and + harmonize the Institutions of the Country, and to see that equal justice + is done to all parts of the same; and finally, to perpetuate its existence + on terms of equality and justice to all the States. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That a faithful observance, on the part of all the States, of + all their Constitutional obligations to each other and to the Federal + Government, is essential to the Peace of the Country. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That it is the duty of the Federal Government to enforce the + Federal Laws, protect the Federal property, and preserve the Union of + these States. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That each State be requested to revise its Statutes, and, if + necessary, so to amend the same as to secure, without Legislation by + Congress, to citizens of other States traveling therein, the same + protection as citizens of such States enjoy; and also to protect the + citizens of other States traveling or sojourning therein against popular + violence or illegal summary punishment, without trial in due form of law, + for imputed crimes. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That each State be also respectfully requested to enact such + laws as will prevent and punish any attempt whatever in such State to + recognize or set on foot the lawless invasion of any other State or + Territory. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the President be requested to transmit copies of the + foregoing resolutions to the Governors of the several States, with a + request that they be communicated to their respective Legislatures." + </p> + <p> + This Joint Resolution, with amendments proposed to the same, came up in + the House for action, on the 27th of February, 1861—the same day + upon which the Peace Congress or Conference concluded its labors at + Washington. + </p> + <p> + The Proposition of Mr. Burch, of California, was the first acted upon. It + was to amend the Select Committee's resolutions, as above given, by adding + to them another resolution at the end thereof, as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, etc., That it be, and is hereby, recommended to the several + States of the Union that they, through their respective Legislatures, + request the Congress of the United States to call a Convention of all the + States, in accordance with Article Fifth of the Constitution, for the + purpose of amending said Constitution in such manner and with regard to + such subjects as will more adequately respond to the wants, and afford + more sufficient Guarantees to the diversified and growing Interests of the + Government and of the People composing the same." + </p> + <p> + This (Burch) amendment, however, was defeated by 14 yeas to 109 nays. + </p> + <p> + A Proposition of Mr. Kellogg, of Illinois, came up next for action. It was + a motion to strike out all after the first word "That" in the Crittenden + Proposition—which had been offered by Mr. Clemens as a substitute + for the Committee Resolutions—and insert the following: + </p> + <p> + "The following articles be, and are hereby, proposed and submitted as + Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid, + to all intents and purposes as part of said Constitution, when ratified by + Conventions of three-fourths of the several States. + </p> + <p> + "Article XIII. That in all the territory now held by the United States + situate north of latitude 36 30' Involuntary Servitude, except in the + punishment for crime, is prohibited while such territory shall remain + under a Territorial government; that in all the territory now held south + of said line, neither Congress nor any Territorial Legislature shall + hinder or prevent the emigration to said territory of Persons; held to + Service from any State of this Union, when that relation exists by virtue + of any law or usage of such State, while it shall remain in a Territorial + condition; and when any Territory north or south of said line, within such + boundaries as Congress may prescribe, shall contain the population + requisite for a member of Congress, according to the then Federal ratio of + representation of the People of the United States, it may, if its form of + government be Republican, be admitted into the Union on an equal footing + with the original States, with or without the relation of Persons held to + Service and Labor, as the Constitution of such new State may provide. + </p> + <p> + "Article XIV. That nothing in the Constitution of the United States, or + any amendment thereto, shall be so construed as to authorize any + Department of the Government to in any manner interfere with the relation + of Persons held to Service in any State where that relation exists, nor in + any manner to establish or sustain that relation in any State where it is + prohibited by the Laws or Constitution of such State. And that this + Article shall not be altered or amended without the consent of every State + in the Union. + </p> + <p> + "Article XV. The third paragraph of the second section of the Fourth + Article of the Constitution shall be taken and construed to authorize and + empower Congress to pass laws necessary to secure the return of Persons + held to Service or Labor under the laws of any State, who may have escaped + therefrom, to the party to whom such Service or Labor may be due. + </p> + <p> + "Article XVI. The migration or importation of Persons held to Service or + Involuntary Servitude, into any State, Territory, or place within the + United States, from any place or country beyond the limits of the United + States or Territories thereof, is forever prohibited. + </p> + <p> + "Article XVII. No territory beyond the present limits of the United States + and the Territories thereof, shall be annexed to or be acquired by the + United States, unless by treaty, which treaty shall be ratified by a vote + of two-thirds of the Senate." + </p> + <p> + The Kellogg Proposition was defeated by 33 yeas to 158 nays. + </p> + <p> + The Clemens Substitute was next voted on. This embraced the whole of the + Crittenden Compromise Proposition, as amended in the Senate by inserting + the provision as to all territory "hereafter acquired," with the addition + of another proposed Article of Amendment to the Constitution, as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Article VII. Section I. The elective franchise and the Right to hold + office, whether Federal, State, Territorial, or Municipal, shall not be + exercised by Persons who are, in whole or in part, of the African Race. + </p> + <p> + "Section II. The United States shall have power to acquire from time to + time districts of country in Africa and South America, for the + colonization, at expense of the Federal Treasury, of such Free Negroes and + Mulattoes as the several States may wish to have removed from their + limits, and from the District of Columbia, and such other places as may be + under the jurisdiction of Congress." + </p> + <p> + The Clemens Substitute (or Crittenden Measure, with the addition of said + proposed Article VII.), was defeated by 80 yeas to 113 nays, and then the + Joint Resolution of the Select Committee as heretofore given—after a + vain attempt to table it—was passed by 136 yeas to 53 nays. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after this action, a Joint Resolution to amend the + Constitution of the United States, which had also been previously reported + by the Select Committee of Thirty-three, came before the House, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + "Be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled, (two-thirds of both Houses + concurring), That the following Article be proposed to the Legislatures of + the several States as an Amendment to the Constitution of the United + States, which, when ratified by three-fourths of said Legislatures, shall + be valid, to all intents and purposes, as a part of the said Constitution, + namely: + </p> + <p> + "Article XII. No amendment of this Constitution having for its object any + interference within the States with the relation between their citizens + and those described in Section II. of the First Article of the + Constitution as 'all other persons,' shall originate with any State that + does not recognize that relation within its own limits, or shall be valid + without the assent of every one of the States composing the Union." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Corwin submitted an Amendment striking out all the words after + "namely;" and inserting the following: + </p> + <p> + "Article XII. No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will + authorize or give to Congress the power to abolish or interfere, within + any State, with the Domestic Institutions thereof, including that of + Persons held to Labor or Service by the laws of said State." + </p> + <p> + Amid scenes of great disorder, the Corwin Amendment was adopted by 120 + yeas to 61 nays, and then the Joint Resolution as amended, was defeated + (two-thirds not voting in the affirmative) by 123 yeas to 71 nays. On the + following day (February 28th), amid still greater confusion and disorder, + which the Speaker, despite frequent efforts, was unable to quell, that + vote was reconsidered, and the Joint Resolution passed by 133 yeas to 65 + nays—a result which, when announced was received with "loud and + prolonged applause, both on the floor, and in the galleries." + </p> + <p> + On the 2d of March, the House Joint Resolution just given, proposing an + Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting Congress from touching Slavery + within any State where it exists, came up in the Senate for action. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pugh moved to substitute for it the Crittenden Proposition. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Doolittle moved to amend the proposed substitute (the Crittenden + Proposition), by the insertion of the following, as an additional Article: + </p> + <p> + "Under this Constitution, as originally adopted, and as it now exists, no + State has power to withdraw from the jurisdiction of the United States; + but this Constitution, and all laws passed in pursuance of its delegated + powers, are the Supreme Law of the Land, anything contained in any + Constitution, Ordinance, or Act of any State, to the contrary + notwithstanding." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Doolittle's amendment was lost by 18 yeas to 28 nays. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pugh's substitute (the Crittenden Proposition), was lost by 14 yeas to + 25 nays. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bingham moved to amend the House Joint Resolution, by striking out all + after the word "resolved," and inserting the words of the Clark + Proposition as heretofore given, but the amendment was rejected by 13 yeas + to 25 nays. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Grimes moved to strike out all after the word "whereas" in the + preamble of the House Joint Resolution, and insert the following: + </p> + <p> + "The Legislatures of the States of Kentucky, New Jersey, and Illinois have + applied to Congress to call a Convention for proposing Amendments to the + Constitution of the United States: Therefore, + </p> + <p> + "Be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled, That the Legislatures of the + other States be invited to take the subject of such a Convention into + consideration, and to express their will on that subject to Congress, in + pursuance of the Fifth Article of the Constitution." + </p> + <p> + This amendment was also rejected, by 14 yeas to 25 nays. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Johnson, of Arkansas, offered, as an amendment to the House Joint + Resolution, the propositions submitted by the Peace Congress or + Conference, but the amendment was disagreed to by 3 yeas to 34 nays. + </p> + <p> + The House Joint Resolution was then adopted by 24 yeas to 12 nays. + </p> + <p> + Subsequently the Crittenden Proposition came up again as a separate order, + with the Clark substitute to it (once carried, but reconsidered), pending. + The Clark substitute was then rejected by 14 yeas to 22 nays. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crittenden then offered the Propositions of the Peace Congress, as a + substitute for his own—and they were rejected by 7 yeas to 28 nays. + </p> + <p> + The Crittenden Proposition itself was then rejected, by 19 yeas to 20 + nays. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkdavis" id="linkdavis"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p138-davis.jpg (85K)" src="images/p138-davis.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch9" id="linkch9"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX.<br /> <br /> SLAVERY'S SETTING, AND FREEDOM'S DAWN. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + On that long last night of the 36th Congress—and of the Democratic + Administration—to the proceedings of which reference was made in the + preceding Chapter, several notable speeches were made, but there was + substantially nothing done, in the line of Compromise. The only thing that + had been accomplished was the passage, as we have seen, by two-thirds + majority in both Houses, of the Joint Resolution proposing a + Constitutional Amendment prohibiting Congress from meddling with Slavery + in Slave States. There was no Concession nor Compromise in this, because + Republicans, as well as Democrats, had always held that Congress had no + such power. It is true that the Pro-slavery men had charged the + Republicans with ultimate designs, through Congress, upon Slavery in the + Slave States; and Mr. Crittenden pleaded for its passage as exhibiting a + spirit, on their part, of reconciliation; that was all. + </p> + <p> + In his speech that night—that memorable and anxious night preceding + the Inauguration of President Lincoln—the venerable Mr. Crittenden, + speaking before the Resolution was agreed to, well sketched the situation + when he said in the Senate: "It is an admitted fact that our Union, to + some extent, has already been dismembered; and that further dismemberment + is impending and threatened. It is a fact that the Country is in danger. + This is admitted on all hands. It is our duty, if we can, to provide a + remedy for this. We are, under the Constitution and by the election of the + People, the great guardians, as well as the administrators of this + Government. To our wisdom they have trusted this great chart. Remedies + have been proposed; resolutions have been offered, proposing for adoption + measures which it was thought would satisfy the Country, and preserve as + much of the Union as remained to us at least, if they were not enough at + once to recall the Seceding States to the Union. We have passed none of + these measures. The differences of opinion among Senators have been such + that we have not been able to concur in any of the measures which have + been proposed, even by bare majorities, much less by that two-thirds + majority which is necessary to carry into effect some of the pacific + measures which have been proposed. We are about to adjourn. We have done + nothing. Even the Senate of the United States, beholding this great ruin + around them, beholding Dismemberment and Revolution going on, and Civil + War threatened as the result, have been able to do nothing; we have + absolutely done nothing. Sir, is not this a remarkable spectacle? * * * + How does it happen that not even a bare majority here, when the Country + trusted to our hands is going to ruin, have been competent to devise any + measure of public safety? How does it happen that we have not had + unanimity enough to agree on any measure of that kind? Can we account for + it to ourselves, gentlemen? We see the danger; we acknowledge our duty, + and yet, with all this before us, we are acknowledging before the world + that we can do nothing; acknowledging before the world, or appearing to + all the world, as men who do nothing! Sir, this will make a strange record + in the history of Governments and in the history of the world. Some are + for Coercion; yet no army has been raised, no navy has been equipped. Some + are for pacification; yet they have been able to do nothing; the dissent + of their colleagues prevents them; and here we are in the midst of a + falling Country, in the midst of a falling State, presenting to the eyes + of the World the saddest spectacle it has ever seen. Cato is represented + by Addison as a worthy spectacle, 'a great man falling with a falling + State,' but he fell struggling. We fall with the ignominy on our heads of + doing nothing, like the man who stands by and sees his house in flames, + and says to himself, 'perhaps the fire will stop before it consumes all.'" + </p> + <p> + One of the strong pleas made in the Senate that night, was by Mr. Douglas, + when he said: "The great issue with the South has been that they would not + submit to the Wilmot proviso. The Republican Party affirmed the doctrine + that Congress must and could prohibit Slavery in the Territories. The + issue for ten years was between Non-intervention on the part of Congress, + and prohibition by Congress. Up to two years ago, neither the Senator + (Mason) from Virginia, nor any other Southern Senator, desired affirmative + legislation to protect Slavery. Even up to this day, not one of them has + proposed affirmative legislation to protect it. Whenever the question has + come up, they have decided that affirmative legislation to protect it was + unnecessary; and hence, all that the South required on the Territorial + question was 'hands off; Slavery shall not be prohibited by Act of + Congress.' Now, what do we find? This very session, in view of the perils + which surround the Country, the Republican Party, in both Houses of + Congress, by a unanimous vote, have backed down from their platform and + abandoned the doctrine of Congressional prohibition. This very week three + Territorial Bills have been passed through both Houses of Congress without + the Wilmot proviso, and no man proposed to enact it; not even one man on + the other side of the Chamber would rise and propose the Wilmot proviso." + </p> + <p> + "In organizing three Territories," continued he, "two of them South of the + very line where they imposed the Wilmot proviso twelve years ago, no one + on the other side of the Chamber proposed it. They have abandoned the + doctrine of the President-elect upon that point. He said, and it is on + record, that he had voted for the Wilmot proviso forty-two times, and + would do it forty-two times more if he ever had a chance. Not one of his + followers this year voted for it once. The Senator from New York (Mr. + Seward) the embodiment of the Party, sat quietly and did not propose it. + What more? Last year we were told that the Slave Code of New Mexico was to + be repealed. I denounced the attempted interference. The House of + Representatives passed the Bill, but the Bill remains on your table; no + one Republican member has proposed to take it up and pass it. Practically, + therefore, the Chicago platform is abandoned; the Philadelphia platform is + abandoned; the whole doctrine for which the Republican Party contended, as + to the Territories, is abandoned, surrendered, given up. Non-intervention + is substituted in its place. Then, when we find that, on the Territorial + question, the Republican Party, by a unanimous vote, have surrendered to + the South all they ask, the Territorial question ought to be considered + pretty well settled. The only question left was that of the States; and + after having abandoned their aggressive policy as to the Territories, a + portion of them are willing to unite with us, and deprive themselves of + the power to do it in the States." + </p> + <p> + "I submit," said he, "that these two great facts—these startling, + tremendous facts—that they have abandoned their aggressive policy in + the Territories, and are willing to give guarantees in the States, ought + to be accepted as an evidence of a salutary change in Public Opinion at + the North. All I would ask now of the Republican Party is, that they would + insert in the Constitution the same principle that they have carried out + practically in the Territorial Bills for Colorado, Dakota, and Nevada, by + depriving Congress of the power hereafter to do what there cannot be a man + of them found willing to do this year; but we cannot ask them to back down + too much. I think they have done quite as much within one year, within + three months after they have elected a President, as could be expected." + </p> + <p> + That Douglas and his followers were also patriotically willing to + sacrifice a favorite theory in the face of a National peril, was brought + out, at the same time, by Mr. Baker, when he said to Mr. Douglas: "I + desire to suggest (and being a little of a Popular Sovereignty man, it + comes gracefully from me) that others of us have backed down too, from the + idea that Congress has not the power to prohibit Slavery in the + Territories; and we are proposing some of us in the Crittenden + proposition, and some in the Amendment now before the Senate—to + prohibit Slavery by the Constitution itself, in the Territories;"—and + by Mr. Douglas, when he replied: "I think as circumstances change, the + action of public men ought to change in a corresponding degree. * * * I am + willing to depart from my cherished theory, by an Amendment to the + Constitution by which we shall settle this question on the principles + prescribed in the Resolutions of the Senator from Kentucky." + </p> + <p> + In the House, Mr. Logan, had, on the 5th of February, 1861, said: + </p> + <p> + "Men, Sir, North and South, who love themselves far better than their + Country, have brought us to this unhappy condition. * * * Let me say to + gentlemen, that I will go as far as any man in the performance of a + Constitutional duty to put down Rebellion, to suppress Insurrection, and + to enforce the laws; but when we undertake the performance of these + duties, let us act in such a manner as will be best calculated to preserve + and not destroy the Government, and keep ourselves within the bounds of + the Constitution. * * * Sir, I have always denied, and do yet deny, the + Right of Secession. There is no warrant for it in the Constitution. It is + wrong, it is unlawful, unconstitutional, and should be called by the right + name, Revolution. No good, Sir, can result from it, but much mischief may. + It is no remedy for any grievance. + </p> + <p> + "I hold that all grievances can be much easier redressed inside the Union + than out of it. * * * If a collision must ensue between this Government + and any of our own people, let it come when every other means of + settlement has been tried and exhausted; and not then, except when the + Government shall be compelled to repel assaults for the protection of its + property, flag, and the honor of the Country. * * * + </p> + <p> + "I have been taught to believe that the preservation of this glorious + Union, with its broad flag waving over us, as the shield for our + protection on land and on sea, is paramount to all the Parties and + platforms that ever have existed, or ever can exist. I would, to-day, if I + had the power, sink my own Party, and every other one, with all their + platforms, into the vortex of ruin, without heaving a sigh or shedding a + tear, to save the Union, or even stop the Revolution where it is." + </p> + <p> + After enumerating the various propositions for adjustment, then pending in + the House, to wit: that of Senator Crittenden; that of Senator Douglas; + that of the Committee of Thirty-three; that of the Border States; and + those of Representatives McClernand, Kellogg, and Morris, of Illinois, Mr. + Logan took occasion to declare that "in a crisis like this" he was + "willing to give his support to any of them," but his preference was for + that of Mr. Morris. + </p> + <p> + Said he: "He (Morris) proposes that neither Congress nor a Territorial + Legislature shall interfere with Slavery in the Territories at all; but + leaves the people, when they come to form their State Constitution, to + determine the question for themselves. I think this is the best + proposition, because it is a fair concession on all sides. The Republicans + give up their Congressional intervention; those who are styled 'Squatter + Sovereigns' give up their Territorial legislative policy; and the Southern + (Slave) protectionists give up their protection-intervention policy; thus + every Party yields something. With this proposition as an Article in the + Constitution, it would satisfy every conservative man in this Union, both + North and South, I do seriously and honestly believe. + </p> + <p> + "Having indicated my preference of these propositions, and my reasons for + that preference, I have said all I desire to say on the point, except to + repeat again, that I will willingly vote for any of them, or make any + other sacrifice necessary to save the Union. It makes no kind of + difference to me what the sacrifice; if it will save my Country, I am + ready to make it." * * * + </p> + <p> + "There are some in this Hall," said he, "that are almost ready to strike + the Party fetters from their limbs, and assist in measures of Peace. Halt + not; take the step; be independent and free at once! Let us overcome Party + passion and error; allow virtue and good sense in this fateful hour to be + triumphant; let us invoke Deity to interpose and prepare the way for our + Country's escape from the perils by which we are now surrounded; and in + view of our present greatness and future prospects, our magnificent and + growing cities, our many institutions of learning, our once happy and + prosperous People, our fruitful fields and golden forests, our enjoyment + of all civil and religious blessings—let Parties die that these be + preserved. Such noble acts of patriotism and concession, on your part, + would cause posterity to render them illustrious, and pause to contemplate + the magnitude of the events with which they were connected. * * * In the + name of the patriotic sires who breasted the storms and vicissitudes of + the Revolution; by all the kindred ties of this Country; in the name of + the many battles fought for your Freedom; in behalf of the young and the + old; in behalf of the Arts and Sciences, Civilization, Peace, Order, + Christianity, and Humanity, I appeal to you to strike from your limbs the + chains that bind them! Come forth from that loathsome prison, Party + Caucus; and in this hour—the most gloomy and disheartening to the + lovers of Free Institutions that has ever existed during our Country's + history—arouse the drooping spirits of our countrymen, by putting + forth your good strong arms to assist in steadying the rocking pillars of + the mightiest Republic that has ever had an existence." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Speaker," continued he, "a word or two more, and I am done. + Revolution stalks over the Land. States have rebelled against the + constituted authorities of the Union, and now stand, sword in hand, + prepared to vindicate their new nationality. Others are preparing to take + a similar position. Rapidly transpiring events are crowding on us with + fearful velocity. Soon, circumstances may force us into an unnatural + strife, in which the hand of brother shall be uplifted against brother, + and father against son. My God, what a spectacle! If all the evils and + calamities that have ever happened since the World began, could be + gathered in one great Catastrophe, its horrors could not eclipse, in their + frightful proportions, the Drama that impends over us. Whether this black + cloud that drapes in mourning the whole political heavens, shall break + forth in all the frightful intensity of War, and make Christendom weep at + the terrible atrocities that will be enacted—or, whether it will + disappear, and the sky resume its wonted serenity, and the whole Earth be + irradiated by the genial sunshine of Peace once more—are the + alternatives which this Congress, in my judgment, has the power to select + between." + </p> + <p> + In this same broad spirit, Mr. Seward, in his great speech of January + 12th, had said: "Republicanism is subordinate to Union, as everything else + is and ought to be—Republicanism, Democracy, every other political + name and thing; all are subordinate—and they ought to disappear in + the presence of the great question of Union." In another part of it, he + had even more emphatically said: "I therefore * * * avow my adherence to + the Union in its integrity and with all its parts, with my friends, with + my Party, with my State, with my Country, or without either, as they may + determine, in every event, whether of Peace or War, with every consequence + of honor or dishonor, of life or death. Although I lament the occasion, I + hail with cheerfulness the duty of lifting up my voice among distracted + debates, for my whole Country and its inestimable Union." And as showing + still more clearly the kindly and conciliatory attitude of the great + Republican leader, when speaking of those others who seemed to be about to + invoke revolutionary action to oppose—and overthrow the Government—he + said: "In such a case I can afford to meet prejudice with Conciliation, + exaction with Concession which surrenders no principle, and violence with + the right hand of Peace." + </p> + <p> + In the House of Representatives, too, the voice of patriotism was often + heard through the loud clamor and disorder of that most disorderly and + Treason-uttering session—was heard from the lips of statesmen, who + rose high above Party, in their devotion to the Union. The calm, + dispassionate recital by Henry Winter Davis (of Maryland), of the + successive steps by which the Southern leaders had themselves created that + very "North" of whose antagonism they complained, was one of the best of + these, in some respects. He was one of the great Select Committee of + Thirty-three, and it was (February 5th) after the Resolutions, heretofore + quoted, had been reported by it, that he condensed the history of the + situation into a nutshell, as follows: + </p> + <p> + "We are at the end of the insane revel of partisan license which, for + thirty years, has, in the United States, worn the mask of Government. We + are about to close the masquerade by the dance of death. The Nations of + the World look anxiously to see if the People, ere they tread that + measure, will come to themselves. + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "Southern politicians have created a North. Let us trace the process and + draw the moral. + </p> + <p> + "The laws of 1850 calmed and closed the Slavery agitation; and President + Pierce, elected by the almost unanimous voice of the States, did not + mention Slavery in his first two Messages. In 1854, the repeal of the + Missouri Compromise, at the instance of the South, reopened the agitation. + </p> + <p> + "Northern men, deserted by Southern Whigs, were left to unite for + self-defense. + </p> + <p> + "The invasion of Kansas, in 1855 and 1856, from Missouri; the making a + Legislature and laws for that Territory, by the invaders; still further + united the Northern people. The election of 1856 measured its extent. + </p> + <p> + "The election of Mr. Buchanan and his opening policy in Kansas, soothed + the irritation, and was rapidly demoralizing the new Party, when the + Pro-Slavery Party in Kansas perpetrated, and the President and the South + accepted, the Lecompton fraud, and again united the North more resolutely + in resistance to that invasion of the rights of self-government. + </p> + <p> + "The South for the first time failed to dictate terms; and the People + vindicated by their votes the refusal of the Constitution. + </p> + <p> + "Ere this result was attained, the opinions of certain Judges of the + Supreme Court scattered doubts over the law of Slavery in the Territories; + the South, while repudiating other decisions, instantly made these + opinions the criterion of faithfulness to the Constitution; while the + North was agitated by this new sanction of the extremest pretensions of + their opponents. + </p> + <p> + "The South did not rest satisfied with their Judicial triumph. + </p> + <p> + "Immediately the claim was pressed for protection by Congress to Slavery, + declared by the Supreme Court, they said, to exist in all the Territories. + </p> + <p> + "This completed the union of the Free States in one great defensive + league; and the result was registered in November. That result is now + itself become the starting point of new agitation—the demand of new + rights and new guarantees. The claim to access to the Territories was + followed by the claim to Congressional protection, and that is now + followed by the hitherto unheard of claim to a Constitutional Amendment + establishing Slavery, not merely in territory now held, but in all + hereafter held from the line of 36 30' to Cape Horn, while the debate + foreshadows in the distance the claim of the right of transit and the + placing of property in Slaves in all respects on the footing of other + property—the topics of future agitation. How long the prohibition of + the importation of Slaves will be exempted from the doctrine of equality, + it needs no prophet to tell. + </p> + <p> + "In the face of this recital, let the imputation of autocratic and + tyrannical aspirations cease to be cast on the people of the Free States; + let the Southern people dismiss their fears, return to their friendly + confidence in their fellow-citizens of the North, and accept, as pledges + of returning Peace, the salutary amendments of the law and the + Constitution offered as the first fruits of Reconciliation." + </p> + <p> + But calmness, kindness, and courtesy were alike thrown away in both Houses + upon the implacable Southern leaders. As the last day of that memorable + session, which closed in the failure of all peaceful measures to restore + the Union, slowly dawned—with but a few hours lacking of the time + when Mr. Lincoln would be inaugurated President of the United States—Mr. + Wigfall thought proper, in the United States Senate, to sneer at him as + "an ex-rail-splitter, an ex-grocery keeper, an ex-flatboat captain, and an + ex-Abolition lecturer"—and proceeded to scold and rant at the North + with furious volubility. + </p> + <p> + "Then, briefly," said he, "a Party has come into power that represents the + antagonism to my own Section of the Country. It represents two million men + who hate us, and who, by their votes for such a man as they have elected, + have committed an overt act of hostility. That they have done." + </p> + <p> + "You have won the Presidency," said he, to the Republicans, "and you are + now in the situation of the man who had won the elephant at a raffle. You + do not know what to do with the beast now that you have it; and one-half + of you to-day would give your right arms if you had been defeated. But you + succeeded, and you have to deal with facts. Our objection to living in + this Union, and therefore the difficulty of reconstructing it, is not your + Personal Liberty bills, not the Territorial question, but that you utterly + and wholly misapprehend the Form of Government." + </p> + <p> + "You deny," continued he, "the Sovereignty of the States; you deny the + right of self-government in the People; you insist upon Negro Equality; + your people interfere impertinently with our Institutions and attempt to + subvert them; you publish newspapers; you deliver lectures; you print + pamphlets, and you send them among us, first, to excite our Slaves to + insurrection against their masters, and next, to array one class of + citizens against the other; and I say to you, that we cannot live in + peace, either in the Union or out of it, until you have abolished your + Abolition societies; not, as I have been misquoted, abolish or destroy + your school-houses; but until you have ceased in your schoolhouses + teaching your children to hate us; until you have ceased to convert your + pulpits into hustings; until you content yourselves with preaching Christ, + and Him crucified, and not delivering political harangues on the Sabbath; + until you have ceased inciting your own citizens to make raids and commit + robberies; until you have done these things we cannot live in the same + Union with you. Until you do these things, we cannot live out of the Union + at Peace." + </p> + <p> + Such were the words—the spiteful, bitter words—with which this + chosen spokesman of the South saluted the cold and cloudy dawn of that day + which was to see the sceptre depart from the hands of the Slave Power + forever. + </p> + <p> + A few hours later, under the shadow of the main Pastern Portico of the + Capitol at Washington—with the retiring President and Cabinet, the + Supreme Court Justices, the Foreign Diplomatic Corps, and hundreds of + Senators, Representatives and other distinguished persons filling the + great platform on either side and behind them—Abraham Lincoln stood + bareheaded before full thirty thousand people, upon whose uplifted faces + the unveiled glory of the mild Spring sun now shone—stood reverently + before that far greater and mightier Presence termed by himself, "My + rightful masters, the American People"—and pleaded in a manly, + earnest, and affectionate strain with "such as were dissatisfied," to + listen to the "better angels" of their nature. + </p> + <p> + Temperate, reasonable, kindly, persuasive—it seems strange that Mr. + Lincoln's Inaugural Address did not disarm at least the personal + resentment of the South toward him, and sufficiently strengthen the + Union-loving people there, against the red-hot Secessionists, to put the + "brakes" down on Rebellion. Said he: + </p> + <p> + "Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States, that + by the accession of a Republican Administration, their Property and their + Peace and personal security are to be endangered. There has never been any + reasonable cause for such apprehension. Indeed, the most ample evidence to + the contrary has all the while existed, and been open to their inspection. + It is found in nearly all the published speeches of him who now addresses + you. I do but quote from one of those speeches, when I declare that 'I + have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the Institution + of Slavery in the States where it exists.' I believe I have no lawful + right to do so; and I have no inclination to do so. Those who nominated + and elected me, did so with the full knowledge that I had made this, and + many similar declarations, and had never recanted them. * * * + </p> + <p> + "I now reiterate these sentiments; and in doing so, I only press upon the + public attention the most conclusive evidence of which the case is + susceptible, that the Property, Peace, and Security of no Section are to + be in any wise endangered by the now incoming Administration. I add, too, + that all the protection which, consistently with the Constitution and the + laws, can be given, will be cheerfully given to all the States, when + lawfully demanded, for whatever cause—as cheerfully to one Section + as to another. + </p> + <p> + "I take the official oath to-day with no mental reservations, and with no + purpose to construe the Constitution or laws by any hypercritical rules. * + * * + </p> + <p> + "A disruption of the Federal Union, heretofore only menaced, is now + formidably attempted. I hold that, in contemplation of Universal Law, and + of the Constitution, the Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is + implied, if not expressed, in the fundamental law of all National + Governments. It is safe to assert that no Government proper ever had a + provision in its organic law for its own termination. Continue to execute + all the express provisions of our National Constitution, and the Union + will endure forever—it being impossible to destroy it, except by + some action not provided for in the instrument itself. + </p> + <p> + "Again, if the United States be not a Government proper, but an + Association of States in the nature of a contract merely, can it, as a + contract, be peaceably unmade by less than all the parties who made it? + One party to a contract may violate it—break it, so to speak; but + does it not require all, to lawfully rescind it? + </p> + <p> + "Descending from these general principles, we find the proposition that, + in legal contemplation, the Union is perpetual, confirmed by the history + of the Union itself. The Union is much older than the Constitution. It was + formed, in fact, by the Articles of Association in 1774. It was matured + and continued in the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It was further + matured, and the faith of all the then thirteen States expressly plighted + and engaged that it should be perpetual, by the Articles of Confederation, + in 1778; and, finally, in 1787, one of the declared objects, for ordaining + and establishing the Constitution, was 'to form a more perfect Union.' + But, if destruction of the Union by one, or by a part only, of the States, + be lawfully possible, the Union is less perfect than before, the + Constitution having lost the vital element of perpetuity. + </p> + <p> + "It follows, from these views, that no State, upon its own mere motion, + can lawfully get out of the Union; that Resolves and Ordinances to that + effect, are legally void; and that acts of violence within any State or + States against the authority of the United States, are insurrectionary or + revolutionary, according to circumstances. + </p> + <p> + "I therefore consider that, in view of the Constitution and the laws, the + Union is unbroken, and, to the extent of my ability, I shall take care, as + the Constitution itself expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the + Union shall be faithfully executed in all the States. * * * + </p> + <p> + "I trust this will not be regarded as a menace, but only as the declared + purpose of the Union, that it will Constitutionally defend and maintain + itself. + </p> + <p> + "In doing this, there need be no bloodshed or violence, and there shall be + none, unless it is forced upon the National Authority. + </p> + <p> + "The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the + property and places belonging to the Government, and to collect the duties + and imposts; but, beyond what may be necessary for these objects, there + will be no invasion, no using of force against or among the People + anywhere. + </p> + <p> + "The mails, unless repelled, will continue to be furnished in all parts of + the Union. + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "Is there such perfect identity of interests among the States to compose a + new Union, as to produce harmony only, and prevent renewed Secession? + Plainly, the central idea of Secession is the essence of anarchy. A + majority, held in restraint by Constitutional checks and limitations and + always changing easily with deliberate changes of popular opinions and + sentiments, is the only true sovereign of a Free People. Whoever rejects + it, does, of necessity, fly to anarchy, or to despotism. Unanimity is + impossible; the rule of a minority, as a permanent arrangement, is wholly + inadmissible; so that, rejecting the majority principle, anarchy or + despotism in some form is all that is left. + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "Physically speaking, we cannot separate. We cannot remove our respective + Sections from each other, nor build an impassable wall between them. A + husband and wife may be divorced, and go out of the presence and beyond + the reach of each other; but the different parts of our Country cannot do + this. They cannot but remain face to face; and intercourse, either + amicable or hostile, must continue between them. Is it possible, then, to + make that intercourse more advantageous or more satisfactory after + separation than before? Can aliens make treaties, easier than friends can + make laws? Can treaties be more faithfully enforced between aliens, than + laws can among friends? Suppose you go to War, you cannot fight always; + and when, after much loss on both sides, and no gain on either you cease + fighting, the identical old questions, as to terms of intercourse, are + again upon you. + </p> + <p> + "This Country, with its Institutions, belongs to the People who inhabit + it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing Government, they can + exercise their Constitutional right of amending it, or their Revolutionary + right to dismember or overthrow it. I cannot be ignorant of the fact that + many worthy and patriotic citizens are desirous of having the National + Constitution amended. While I make no recommendations of Amendments, I + fully recognize the rightful authority of the People over the whole + subject, to be exercised in either of the modes prescribed in the + instrument itself; and I should, under existing circumstances, favor, + rather than oppose, a fair opportunity being afforded the People to act + upon it. * * * + </p> + <p> + "The Chief Magistrate derives all his authority from the People, and they + have conferred none upon him to fix terms for the separation of the + States. The People themselves can do this also, if they choose; but the + Executive, as such, has nothing to do with it. His duty is to administer + the present Government, as it came to his hands, and to transmit it, + unimpaired by him, to his successor. + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + " * * * While the People retain their virtue and vigilance, no + Administration, by any extreme of weakness or folly, can very seriously + injure the Government in the short space of four years. + </p> + <p> + "My countrymen, one and all, think calmly and well upon this whole + subject. Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time. If there be an + object to hurry any of you, in hot haste, to a step which you would never + take deliberately, that object will be frustrated by taking time; but no + good object can be frustrated by it. Such of you as are now dissatisfied, + still have the old Constitution unimpaired, and, on the sensitive point, + the laws of your own framing under it; while the new Administration will + have no immediate power, if it would, to change either. If it were + admitted that you who are dissatisfied, hold the right side in the + dispute, there still is no single good reason for precipitate action. + Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has + never yet forsaken this favored Land, are still competent to adjust, in + the best way, all our present difficulty. + </p> + <p> + "In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the + momentous issue of Civil War. The Government will not assault you. You can + have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath + registered in Heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the + most solemn one to 'preserve, protect, and defend it'. + </p> + <p> + "I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be + enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of + affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field + and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this + broad Land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as + surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." + </p> + <p> + Strange, indeed, must have been the thoughts that crowded through the + brain and oppressed the heart of Abraham Lincoln that night—his + first at the White House! + </p> + <p> + The city of Washington swarmed with Rebels and Rebel sympathizers, and all + the departments of Government were honey-combed with Treason and shadowed + with treachery and espionage. Every step proposed or contemplated by the + Government would be known to the so-called Government of the Confederate + States almost as soon as thought of. All means, to thwart and delay the + carrying out of the Government's purposes, that the excuses of routine and + red-tape admitted of, would be used by the Traitors within the camp, to + aid the Traitors without. + </p> + <p> + No one knew all this, better than Mr. Lincoln. With no Army, no Navy, not + even a Revenue cutter left—with forts and arsenals, ammunition and + arms in possession of the Rebels, with no money in the National Treasury, + and the National credit blasted—the position must, even to his + hopeful nature, have seemed at this time desperate. To be sure, despite + threats, neither few nor secret, which had been made, that he should not + live to be inaugurated, he had passed the first critical point—had + taken the inaugural oath—and was now duly installed in the White + House. That was something, of course, to be profoundly thankful for. But + the matter regarded by him of larger moment—the safety of the Union—how + about that? + </p> + <p> + How that great, and just, and kindly brain, in the dim shadows of that + awful first night at the White House, must have searched up and down and + along the labyrinths of history and "corridors of time," everywhere in the + Past, for any analogy or excuse for the madness of this Secession movement—and + searched in vain! + </p> + <p> + With his grand and abounding faith in God, how Abraham Lincoln must have + stormed the very gates of Heaven that night with prayer that he might be + the means of securing Peace and Union to his beloved but distracted + Country! How his great heart must have been racked with the alternations + of hope and foreboding—of trustfulness and doubt! Anxiously he must + have looked for the light of the morrow, that he might gather from the + Press, the manner in which his Inaugural had been received. Not that he + feared the North—but the South; how would the wayward, wilful, + passionate South, receive his proffered olivef-branch? + </p> + <p> + Surely, surely,—thus ran his thoughts—when the brave, and + gallant, and generous people of that Section came to read his message of + Peace and Good-will, they must see the suicidal folly of their course! + Surely their hearts must be touched and the mists of prejudice dissolved, + so that reason would resume her sway, and Reconciliation follow! A little + more time for reflection would yet make all things right. The young men of + the South, fired by the Southern leaders' false appeals, must soon return + to reason. The prairie fire is terrible while it sweeps along, but it soon + burns out. When the young men face the emblem of their Nation's glory—the + flag of the land of their birth—then will come the reaction and + their false leaders will be hurled from place and power, and all will + again be right. Yea, when it comes to firing on the old, old flag, they + will not, cannot, do it! Between the Compromise within their reach, and + such Sacrilege as this, they cannot waver long. + </p> + <p> + So, doubtless, all the long night, whether waking or sleeping, the mind of + this true-hearted son of the West, throbbed with the mighty weight of the + problem entrusted to him for solution, and the vast responsibilities which + he had just assumed toward his fellow-men, his Nation, and his God. + </p> + <p> + And when, at last, the long lean frame was thrown upon the couch, and + "tired Nature's sweet restorer" held him briefly in her arms, the smile of + hopefulness on the wan cheek told that, despite all the terrible + difficulties of the situation, the sleeper was sustained by a strong and + cheerful belief in the Providence of God, the Patriotism of the People, + and the efficacy of his Inaugural Peace-offering to the South. But alas, + and alas, for the fallibility of human judgment and human hopes! Instead + of a message of Peace, the South chose to regard it as a message of + Menace;* and it was not received in a much better spirit by some of the + Northern papers, which could see no good in it—"no Union spirit in + it"—but declared that it breathed the spirit of Sectionalism and + mischief, and "is the knell and requiem of the Union, and the death of + hope." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + ["Mr. Lincoln fondly regarded his Inaugural as a resistless proffering + of the olive branch to the South; the Conspirators everywhere + interpreted it as a challenge to War."—Greeley's Am. Conflict, + vol. i., p. 428.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Bitter indeed must have been President Lincoln's disappointment and sorrow + at the reception of his Inaugural. With the heartiest forgiveness, in the + noblest spirit of paternal kindness, he had generously held out his arms, + as far as they could reach, to clasp to his heart—to the great heart + of the Union—the rash children of the South, if they would but let + him. It was more with sorrow, than in anger, that he looked upon their + contemptuous repulsion of his advances; and his soul still reproachfully + yearned toward these his Southern brethren, as did that of a higher than + he toward His misguided brethren, when He cried: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, + thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, + how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen + gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" + </p> + <p> + On the day following his Inauguration, President Lincoln sent to the + United States Senate the names of those whom he had chosen to constitute + his Cabinet, as follows: William H. Seward, of New York, Secretary of + State; Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, Secretary of the Treasury; Simon Cameron, + of Pennsylvania, Secretary of War; Gideon Welles, of Connecticut, + Secretary of the Navy; Caleb B. Smith, of Indiana, Secretary of the + Interior; Edward Bates, of Missouri, Attorney General; and Montgomery + Blair, of Maryland, Postmaster General. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the President of the rebellious Confederacy, Jefferson + Davis, had partly constituted his Cabinet already, as follows: Robert + Toombs, of Georgia, Secretary of State; Charles G. Memminger, of South + Carolina, Secretary of the Treasury; Leroy Pope Walker, of Alabama, + Secretary of War; to whom he afterwards added: Stephen R. Mallory, of + Florida, Secretary of the Navy; and John H. Reagan, of Texas, + Postmaster-General. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch10" id="linkch10"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER X.<br /> <br /> THE WAR-DRUM "ON TO WASHINGTON". + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Scarcely one week had elapsed after the Administration of Mr. Lincoln + began, when (March 11th) certain "Commissioners of the Southern + Confederacy" (John Forsyth, of Alabama, and Martin J. Crawford, of + Georgia), appeared at Washington and served a written request upon the + State Department to appoint an early day when they might present to the + President of the United States their credentials "from the Government of + the Confederate States of America" to the Government of the United States, + and open "the objects of the mission with which they are charged." + </p> + <p> + Secretary Seward, with the President's sanction, declined official + intercourse with Messrs. Forsyth and Crawford, in a "Memorandum" (March + 15th) reciting their request, etc., in which, after referring to President + Lincoln's Inaugural Address—forwarded to them with the "Memorandum" + he says: "A simple reference will be sufficient to satisfy those gentlemen + that the Secretary of State, guided by the principles therein announced, + is prevented altogether from admitting or assuming that the States + referred to by them have, in law or in fact, withdrawn from the Federal + Union, or that they could do so in the manner described by Messrs. Forsyth + and Crawford, or in any other manner than with the consent and concert of + the People of the United States, to be given through a National + Convention, to be assembled in conformity with the provisions of the + Constitution of the United States. Of course, the Secretary of State + cannot act upon the assumption, or in any way admit, that the so-called + Confederate States constitute a Foreign Power, with whom diplomatic + relations ought to be established." + </p> + <p> + On the 9th of April, Messrs. Forsyth, Crawford and Roman—as + "Commissioners of the Southern Confederacy"—addressed to Secretary + Seward a reply to the "Memorandum" aforesaid, in which the following + passage occurs: + </p> + <p> + "The undersigned, like the Secretary of State, have no purpose to 'invite + or engage in discussion' of the subject on which their two Governments are + so irreconcilably at variance. It is this variance that has broken up the + old Union, the disintegration of which has only begun. + </p> + <p> + "It is proper, however, to advise you that it were well to dismiss the + hopes you seem to entertain that, by any of the modes indicated, the + people of the Confederate States will ever be brought to submit to the + authority of the Government of the United States. You are dealing with + delusions, too, when you seek to separate our people from our Government, + and to characterize the deliberate, Sovereign act of that people as a + 'perversion of a temporary and partisan excitement.' If you cherish these + dreams, you will be awakened from them, and find them as unreal and + unsubstantial as others in which you have recently indulged. + </p> + <p> + "The undersigned would omit the performance of an obvious duty were they + to fail to make known to the Government of the United States that the + people of the Confederate States have declared their independence with a + full knowledge of all the responsibilities of that act, and with as firm a + determination to maintain it by all the means with which nature has + endowed them as that which sustained their fathers when they threw off the + authority of the British Crown. + </p> + <p> + "The undersigned clearly understand that you have declined to appoint a + day to enable them to lay the objects of the mission with which they are + charged, before the President of the United States, because so to do would + be to recognize the independence and separate nationality of the + Confederate States. This is the vein of thought that pervades the + memorandum before us. + </p> + <p> + "The truth of history requires that it should distinctly appear upon the + record, that the undersigned did not ask the Government of the United + States to recognize the independence of the Confederate States. They only + asked audience to adjust, in a spirit of amity and peace, the new + relations springing from a manifest and accomplished revolution in the + Government of the late Federal Union. + </p> + <p> + "Your refusal to entertain these overtures for a peaceful solution, the + active naval and military preparation of this Government, and a formal + notice to the Commanding General of the Confederate forces in the harbor + of Charleston that the President intends to provision Fort Sumter by + forcible means, if necessary, are viewed by the undersigned, and can only + be received by the World, as a Declaration of War against the Confederate + States; for the President of the United States knows that Fort Sumter + cannot be provisioned without the effusion of blood. + </p> + <p> + "The undersigned, in behalf of their Government and people, accept the + gage of battle thus thrown down to them, and, appealing to God and the + judgment of mankind for the righteousness of their Cause, the people of + the Confederate States will defend their liberties to the last, against + this flagrant and open attempt at their subjugation to Sectional power." + </p> + <p> + Let us now, for a moment, glance at the condition of Fort Sumter, and of + the Government with regard to it: + </p> + <p> + On the 5th of March, the day after President Lincoln had taken his oath of + office, there was placed in his hands a letter of Major Anderson, + commanding at Fort Sumter, in which that officer, under date of the 28th + of February, expressed the opinion that "reinforcements could not be + thrown into that fort within the time for his relief rendered necessary by + the limited supply of provisions, and with a view of holding possession of + the same, with a force of less than twenty thousand good and + well-disciplined men." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [President Lincoln's first Message, July 4, 1861.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott concurred in that opinion, and as the + provisions in the Fort would be exhausted before any such force could be + raised and brought to the ground, evacuation and safe withdrawal of the + Federal garrison from the Fort became a Military necessity, and was so + regarded by the Administration. + </p> + <p> + "It was believed, however"—in the language of Mr. Lincoln himself, + in his first Message to Congress—"that to so abandon that position, + under the circumstances, would be utterly ruinous: that the necessity + under which it was to be done would not be fully understood; that by many + it would be construed as a part of a voluntary policy; that at home it + would discourage the friends of the Union, embolden its adversaries, and + go far to insure to the latter a recognition abroad; that in fact it would + be our National destruction consummated. This could not be allowed. + Starvation was not yet upon the garrison; and ere it would be reached, + Fort Pickens might be reinforced. This last would be a clear indication of + policy, and would better enable the country to accept the evacuation of + Fort Sumter as a Military necessity." + </p> + <p> + Owing to misconception or otherwise, an order to reinforce Fort Pickens + was not carried out, and an expedition to relieve Fort Sumter was then + ordered to be dispatched. On the 8th of April President Lincoln, by + messenger, notified Governor Pickens of South Carolina, "that he might + expect an attempt would be made to provision the fort; and that if the + attempt should not be resisted there would be no effort to throw in men, + arms, or ammunition, without further notice, or in case of an attack upon + the fort." + </p> + <p> + A crisis was evidently approaching, and public feeling all over the + Country was wrought up to the highest degree of tension and stood tip-toe + with intense expectancy. The test of the doctrine of Secession was about + to be made there, in the harbor of Charleston, upon which the eyes of + Patriot and Rebel were alike feverishly bent. + </p> + <p> + There, in Charleston harbor, grimly erect, stood the octagon-shaped Fort + Sumter, mid-way of the harbor entrance, the Stars and Stripes proudly + waving from its lofty central flagstaff, its guns bristling on every side + through the casemates and embrasures, as if with a knowledge of their + defensive power. + </p> + <p> + About equidistant from Fort Sumter on either side of the harbor-entrance, + were the Rebel works at Fort Moultrie and Battery Bee on Sullivan's + Island, on the one side, and Cummings Point Battery, on Morris Island, on + the other-besides a number of other batteries facing seaward along the + sea-coast line of Morris Island. Further in, on the same side of the + harbor, and but little further off from Fort Sumter, stood Fort Johnson on + James Island, while Castle Pinckney and a Floating Battery were between + the beleagured Fort and the city of Charleston. + </p> + <p> + Thus, the Federal Fort was threatened with the concentrated fire of these + well-manned Rebel fortifications on all sides, and in its then condition + was plainly doomed; for, while the swarming Rebels, unmolested by Fort + Sumter, had been permitted to surround that Fort with frowning batteries, + whose guns outnumbered those of the Fort, as ten to one, and whose caliber + was also superior, its own condition was anything but that of readiness + for the inevitable coming encounter. + </p> + <p> + That the officers' quarters, barracks, and other frame-work wooden + buildings should have been permitted to remain as a standing invitation to + conflagration from bombardment, can only be accounted for on the + supposition that the gallant officer in command, himself a Southerner, + would not believe it possible that the thousands of armed Americans by + whom he was threatened and encircled, could fire upon the flag of their + own native Country. He and his garrison of seventy men, were soon to learn + the bitter truth, amid a tempest of bursting shot and shell, the + furnace-heat of crackling walls, and suffocating volumes of dense smoke + produced by an uncontrollable conflagration. + </p> + <p> + The Rebel leaders at Washington had prevented an attack in January upon + the forts in the harbor of Charleston, and at Pensacola.—[McPherson's + History of the Rebellion, p. 112.]—In consequence of which failure + to proceed to the last extremity at once, the energies of the Rebellion + had perceptibly diminished. + </p> + <p> + Said the Mobile Mercury: "The country is sinking into a fatal apathy, and + the spirit and even the patriotism of the people is oozing out, under this + do-nothing policy. If something is not done pretty soon, decisive, either + evacuation or expulsion, the whole country will become so disgusted with + the sham of Southern independence that the first chance the people get at + a popular election they will turn the whole movement topsy-turvy so bad + that it never on Earth can be righted again." + </p> + <p> + After the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln, however, the Rebel authorities at + Montgomery lost no time, but strained every nerve to precipitate War. They + felt that there was danger to the cause of Secession in delay; that there + were wavering States outside the Confederacy, like Virginia, that might be + dragged into the Confederacy by prompt and bloody work; and wavering + States within, like Alabama, that must be kept in by similar means. Their + emissaries were busy everywhere in the South, early in April, preaching an + instant crusade against the old flag—inciting the people to demand + instant hostilities against Fort Sumter—and to cross a Rubicon of + blood, over which there could be no return. + </p> + <p> + Many of the Rebel leaders seemed to be haunted by the fear (no doubt well + founded) that unless blood was shed—unless an impassable barrier, + crimsoned with human gore, was raised between the new Confederacy and the + old Union—there would surely be an ever-present danger of that + Confederacy falling to pieces. Hence they were now active in working the + people up to the required point of frenzy. + </p> + <p> + As a specimen of their speeches, may be quoted that of Roger A. Pryor, of + Virginia, who, at Charleston, April 10, 1861, replying to a serenade, + said:—[Charleston Mercury's report.] + </p> + <p> + 'Gentlemen, I thank you, especially that you have at last annihilated this + accursed Union [Applause] reeking with corruption, and insolent with + excess of tyranny. Thank God, it is at last blasted and riven by the + lightning wrath of an outraged and indignant people. [Loud applause.] Not + only is it gone, but gone forever. [Cries of, 'You're right,' and + applause.] In the expressive language of Scripture, it is water spilt upon + the ground, which cannot be gathered up. [Applause.] Like Lucifer, son of + the morning, it has fallen, never to rise again. [Continued applause.] + </p> + <p> + "For my part, gentlemen," he continued, as soon as he could be heard, "if + Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin to-morrow were to abdicate their + offices and were to give me a blank sheet of paper to write the condition + of re-annexation to the defunct Union, I would scornfully spurn the + overture. * * * I invoke you, and I make it in some sort a personal appeal—personal + so far as it tends to our assistance in Virginia—I do invoke you, in + your demonstrations of popular opinion, in your exhibitions of official + intent, to give no countenance to this idea of reconstruction. [Many + voices, emphatically, 'never,' and applause.] + </p> + <p> + "In Virginia," resumed he, "they all say, if reduced to the dread dilemma + of this memorable alternative, they will espouse the cause of the South as + against the interest of the Northern Confederacy, but they whisper of + reconstruction, and they say Virginia must abide in the Union, with the + idea of reconstructing the Union which you have annihilated. I pray you, + gentlemen, rob them of that idea. Proclaim to the World that upon no + condition, and under no circumstances, will South Carolina ever again + enter into political association with the Abolitionists of New England. + [Cries of 'never,' and applause.] + </p> + <p> + "Do not distrust Virginia," he continued; "as sure as tomorrow's sun will + rise upon us, just so sure will Virginia be a member of this Southern + Confederation. [Applause.] And I will tell you, gentlemen, what will put + her in the Southern Confederacy in less than an hour by Shrewsbury clock—STRIKE + A BLOW! [Tremendous applause.] The very moment that blood is shed, old + Virginia will make common cause with her sisters of the South. [Applause.] + It is impossible she should do otherwise." + </p> + <p> + The question of the necessity of "Striking a Blow"—of the immediate + "shedding of blood"—was not only discussed before the Southern + people for the purpose of inflaming their rebellious zeal, but was also + the subject of excited agitation in the Confederate Cabinet at this time. + </p> + <p> + In a speech made by ex-United States Senator Clemens of Alabama, at + Huntsville, Alabama, at the close of the Rebellion, he told the Alabamians + how their State, which, as we have seen, was becoming decidedly shaky in + its allegiance to the "Sham of Southern Independence," was kept in the + Confederacy. + </p> + <p> + Said he: "In 1861, shortly after the Confederate Government was put in + operation, I was in the city of Montgomery. One day (April 11, 1861) I + stepped into the office of the Secretary of War, General Walker, and found + there, engaged in a very excited discussion, Mr. Jefferson Davis (the + President), Mr. Memminger (Secretary of the Treasury), Mr. Benjamin + (Attorney-General), Mr. Gilchrist, a member of our Legislature from + Loundes county, and a number of other prominent gentlemen. They were + discussing the propriety of immediately opening fire on Fort Sumter, to + which General Walker, the Secretary of War, appeared to be opposed. Mr. + Gilchrist said to him, 'Sir, unless you sprinkle blood in the face of the + people of Alabama, they will be back in the old Union in less than ten + days!' THE NEXT DAY GENERAL BEAUREGARD OPENED HIS BATTERIES ON SUMTER, AND + ALABAMA WAS SAVED TO THE CONFEDERACY." + </p> + <p> + On the 8th of April, G. T. Beauregard, "Brigadier General Commanding" the + "Provisional Army C. S. A." at Charleston, S. C., notified the Confederate + Secretary of War (Walker) at Montgomery, Ala., that "An authorized + messenger from President Lincoln has just informed Gov. Pickens and myself + that provisions will be sent to Fort Sumter peaceably, or otherwise by + force." + </p> + <p> + On the 10th, Confederate Secretary Walker telegraphed to Beauregard: "If + you have no doubt of the authorized character of the agent who + communicated to, you the intention of the Washington Government to supply + Fort Sumter by force, you will at once demand its evacuation, and, if this + is refused, proceed, in such manner as you may determine, to reduce it." + To this Beauregard at once replied: "The demand will be made to-morrow at + 12 o'clock." Thereupon the Confederate Secretary telegraphed again: + "Unless there are special reasons connected with your own condition, it is + considered proper that you should make the demand at an earlier hour." And + Beauregard answered: "The reasons are special for 12 o'clock." + </p> + <p> + On the 11th General Beauregard notified Secretary Walker: "The demand was + sent at 2 P. M., and until 6 was allowed for the answer." The Secretary + desiring to have the reply of Major Anderson, General Beauregard + telegraphed: "Major Anderson replies: 'I have the honor to acknowledge the + receipt of your communication demanding the evacuation of this Fort, and + to say in reply thereto that it is a demand with which I regret that my + sense of honor and of my obligation to my Government prevent my + compliance.' He adds, verbally, 'I will await the first shot, and, if you + do not batter us to pieces, we will be starved out in a few days.'" + </p> + <p> + To this, the Confederate Secretary at once responded with: "Do not desire + needlessly to bombard Fort Sumter. If Major Anderson will state the time + at which, as indicated by himself, he will evacuate, and agree that, in + the mean time, he will not use his guns against us unless ours should be + employed against Fort Sumter, you are authorized thus to avoid the + effusion of blood. If this or its equivalent be refused, reduce the Fort, + as your judgment decides to be the most practicable." + </p> + <p> + At 11 o'clock that night (April 11) General Beauregard sent to Major + Anderson, by the hands of his aides-de-camp, Messrs. Chesnut and Lee, a + further communication, in which, after alluding to the Major's verbal + observation, the General said: "If you will state the time at which you + will evacuate Fort Sumter, and agree that in the mean time you will not + use your guns against us unless ours shall be employed against Fort + Sumter, we shall abstain from opening fire upon you. Col. Chesnut and + Capt. Lee are authorized by me to enter into such an agreement with you. + You are therefore requested to communicate to them an open answer." + </p> + <p> + To this, Major Robert Anderson, at 2.30 A.M. of the 12th, replied "that, + cordially uniting with you in the desire to avoid the useless effusion of + blood, I will, if provided with the necessary means of transportation, + evacuate Fort Sumter by noon on the 15th inst., should I not receive prior + to that time, controlling instructions from my Government, or additional + supplies, and that I will not in the mean time open my fire upon your + forces unless compelled to do so by some hostile act against this Fort or + the flag of my Government, by the forces under your command, or by some + portion of them, or by the perpetration of some act showing a hostile + intention on your part against this Fort or the flag it bears." Thereupon + General Beauregard telegraphed Secretary Walker: "He would not consent. I + write to-day." + </p> + <p> + At 3.20 A.M., Major Anderson received from Messrs. Chesnut and Lee a + notification to this effect: "By authority of Brigadier General + Beauregard, commanding the Provisional Forces of the Confederate States, + we have the honor to notify you that he will open the fire of his + batteries on Fort Sumter in one hour from this time." And a later dispatch + from General Beauregard to Secretary Walker, April 12, laconically stated: + "WE OPENED FIRE AT 4.30." + </p> + <p> + At last the hour and the minute had come, for which the Slave Power of the + South had for thirty years so impatiently longed. At last the moment had + come, when all the long-treasured vengeance of the South—outgrown + from questions of Tariff, of Slavery, and of Secession—was to be + poured out in blood and battle; when the panoplied powers and forces of + rebellious confederated States, standing face to face with the resolute + patriotism of an outraged Union, would belch forth flame and fury and + hurtling missiles upon the Federal Fort and the old flag floating o'er it. + </p> + <p> + And whose the sacrilegious hand that dared be first raised against his + Country and his Country's flag? Stevens's mortar battery at Sullivan's + Island is ready to open, when a lean, long-haired old man, with eyes + blazing in their deep fanatical sockets, totters hastily forward and + ravenously seizing in his bony hands a lanyard, pulls the string, and, + with a flash and roar, away speeds the shrieking shell on its mission of + destruction; and, while shell after shell, and shot after shot, from + battery after battery, screams a savage accompaniment to the boom and + flash and bellow of the guns, that lean old man works his clutched fingers + in an ecstasy of fiendish pleasure, and chuckles: "Aye, I told them at + Columbia that night, that the defense of the South is only to be secured + through the lead of South Carolina; and, old as I am, I had come here to + join them in that lead—and I have done it." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Edmund Ruffin, see p. 100. This theory of the necessity of South + Carolina leading, had long been held, as in the following, first + published in the New York Tribune, July 3, 1862, which, among other + letters, was found in the house of William H. Trescot, on Barnwell's + Island, South Carolina, when re-occupied by United States troops: + </p> + <p> + "VIRGINIA CONVENTION, May 3, 1851 + </p> + <p> + "My DEAR, SIR:—You misunderstood my last letter, if you supposed + that I intended to visit South Carolina this Spring. I am exceedingly + obliged to you for your kind invitations, and it would afford me the + highest pleasure to interchange in person, sentiments with a friend + whose manner of thinking so closely agrees with my own. But my + engagements here closely confine me to this city, and deny me such a + gratification. + </p> + <p> + "I would be especially glad to be in Charleston next week, and witness + the proceedings of your Convention of Delegates from the Southern Rights + Associations. The condition of things in your State deeply interests me. + Her wise foresight and manly independence have placed her, as the head + of the South, to whom alone true-hearted men can look with any hope or + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + "Momentous are the consequences which depend upon your action. Which + party will prevail? The immediate Secessionists, or those who are + opposed to separate State action at this time? For my part I forbear to + form a wish. Were I a Carolinian, it would be very different; but when I + consider the serious effects the decision may have on your future weal + or woe, I feel that a citizen of a State which has acted as Virginia, + has no right to interfere, even by a wish. + </p> + <p> + "If the General Government allows you peaceably and freely to Secede, + neither Virginia, nor any other Southern State, would, in my opinion, + follow you at present. But what would be the effect upon South Carolina? + Some of our best friends have supposed that it would cut off Charleston + from the great Western trade, which she is now striking for, and would + retard very greatly the progress of your State. I confess that I think + differently. I believe thoroughly in our own theories, and that, even if + Charleston did not grow quite as fast in her trade with other States, + yet the relief from Federal taxation would vastly stimulate your + prosperity. If so, the prestige of the Union would be destroyed, and you + would be the nucleus for a Southern Confederation at no distant day. + </p> + <p> + "But I do not doubt, from all I have been able toe to learn that the + Federal Government would use force, beginning with the form most + embarrassing to you, and least calculated to excite sympathy. I mean a + naval blockade. In that event, could you stand the reaction feeling + which the suffering commerce of Charleston would probably manifest? + Would you not lose that in which your strength consists, the union of + your people? I do not mean to imply an opinion, I only ask the question. + </p> + <p> + "If you could force this blockade, and bring the Government to direct + force, the feeling in Virginia would be very great. I trust in God it + would bring her to your aid. But it would be wrong in me to deceive you + by speaking certainly. I cannot express the deep mortification I have + felt at her course this Winter. But I do not believe that the course of + the Legislature is a fair expression of popular feeling. In the East, at + least, the great majority believes in the right of Secession, and feels + the deepest sympathy with Carolina in her opposition to measures which + they regard as she does. But the West—Western Virginia—there + is the rub! Only 60,000 slaves to 494,000 whites! When I consider this + fact, and the kind of argument which has been heard in this body, I + cannot but regard with the greatest fear the question whether Virginia + would assist Carolina in such an issue. + </p> + <p> + "I must acknowledge, my dear sir, that I look to the future with almost + as much apprehension as hope. You well object to the term Democrat. + Democracy, in its original philosophical sense, is indeed incompatible + with Slavery and the whole system of Southern society. Yet, if you look + back, what change will you find made in any of your State Constitutions, + or in our legislation—that is, in its general course—for the + last fifty years, which was not in the direction of this Democracy? Do + not its principles and theories become daily more fixed in our practice? + (I had almost said in the opinions of our people, did I not remember + with pleasure the great improvement of opinion in regard to the abstract + question of Slavery). And if such is the case, what are we to hope in + the future? I do not hesitate to say that if the question is raised + between Carolina and the Federal Government, and the latter prevails, + the last hope of republican government, and, I fear, of Southern + civilization, is gone. Russia will then be a better government than + ours. + </p> + <p> + "I fear that the confusion and interruptions amid which I write have + made this rather a rambling letter. Do you visit the North in the + Summer? I would be very happy to welcome you to the Old Dominion. + </p> + <p> + "I am much obliged to you for the offer to send me Hammond's Eulogy on + Calhoun, but I am indebted to the author for a copy. + </p> + <p> + "With esteem and friendship, yours truly, + </p> + <p> + "M. R. H. GARNETT. + </p> + <p> + "WM. H. TRESCOT, ESQ."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Next morning's New York herald, in its Charleston dispatch of April 12, + announced to the World that "The first shot [fired at Fort Sumter] from + Stevens's battery was fired by the venerable Edmund Ruffin, of Virginia," + and added, "That ball will do more for the cause of Secession, in + Virginia, than volumes of stump speeches." + </p> + <p> + "Soon," says Greeley in his History, "the thunder of fifty heavy breaching + cannon, in one grand volley, followed by the crashing and crumbling of + brick, stone, and mortar around and above them, apprized the little + garrison that their stay must necessarily be short." + </p> + <p> + Says an eye-witness of the bombardment: "Shells burst with the greatest + rapidity in every portion of the work, hurling the loose brick and stone + in all directions, breaking the windows and setting fire to whatever + woodwork they burst against. * * * The firing from the batteries on + Cumming's Point was scattered over the whole of the gorge or rear of the + Fort, till it looked like a sieve. The explosion of shells, and the + quantity of deadly missiles that were hurled in every direction and at + every instant of time, made it almost certain death to go out of the lower + tier of casemates, and also made the working of the barbette or upper + (uncovered) guns, which contained all our heaviest metal, and by which + alone we could throw shells, quite impossible. + </p> + <p> + "During the first day there was hardly an instant of time that there was a + cessation of the whizzing of balls, which were sometimes coming half a + dozen at once. There was not a portion of the work which was not taken in + reverse from mortars. * * * During Friday, the officers' barracks were + three times set on fire by the shells and three times put out under the + most galling and destructive cannonade. + </p> + <p> + "For the fourth time, the barracks were set on fire early on Saturday + morning, and attempts were made to extinguish the flames; but it was soon + discovered that red-hot shot were being thrown into the Fort with fearful + rapidity, and it became evident that it would be impossible to put out the + conflagration. The whole garrison was then set to work, or as many as + could be spared, to remove the powder from the magazines, which was + desperate work, rolling barrels of powder through the fire. * * * After + the barracks were well on fire, the batteries directed upon Fort Sumter + increased their cannonading to a rapidity greater than had been attained + before." + </p> + <p> + "About this time, the shells and ammunition in the upper service-magazines + exploded, scattering the tower and upper portions of the building in every + direction. The crash of the beams, the roar of the flames, and the shower + of fragments of the Fort, with the blackness of the smoke, made the scene + indescribably terrific and grand. This continued for several hours. * * * + " + </p> + <p> + "There was not a portion of the Fort where a breath of air could be got + for hours, except through a wet cloth. The fire spread to the men's + quarters on the right hand and on the left, and endangered the powder + which had been taken out of the magazines. The men went through the fire, + and covered the barrels with wet cloths, but the danger of the Fort's + blowing up became so imminent that they were obliged to heave the barrels + out of the embrasures." + </p> + <p> + Major Anderson's official report tells the whole story briefly and well, + in these words: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "STEAMSHIP BALTIC, OFF SANDY HOOK + </p> + <p> + "April 18, 1861, 10.30 A.M., VIA NEW YORK. + </p> + <p> + "Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters + were entirely burnt, the main gates destroyed by fire, the gorge walls + seriously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames, and its door + closed from the effects of heat; four barrels and three cartridges of + powder only being available, and no provisions remaining but pork, I + accepted terms of evacuation offered by General Beauregard—being + the same offered by him on the 11th inst., prior to the commencement of + hostilities—and marched out of the Fort on Sunday afternoon, the + 14th instant, with colors flying and drums beating, bringing away + company and private property, and saluting my flag with fifty guns. + </p> + <p> + "ROBERT ANDERSON, "Major 1st Artillery, Commanding. + </p> + <p> + "HON. SIMON CAMERON, "Secretary of War, Washington." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + During all this thirty-four hours of bombardment, the South rejoiced with + exceeding great joy that the time had come for the vindication of its + peculiar ideas of State and other rights, even though it be with flames + and the sword. At Charleston, the people were crazy with exultation and + wine-feasting and drinking being the order of the day and night. But for + the surrender, Fort Sumter would have been stormed that Sunday night. As + it was, Sunday was turned into a day of general jubilation, and while the + people cheered and filled the streets, all the Churches of Charleston + celebrated, with more or less devotional fervor and ceremony, the + bloodless victory. + </p> + <p> + At Montgomery, the Chiefs of the Confederate Government were serenaded. + "Salvos of artillery were fired, and the whole population seemed to be in + an ecstasy of triumph."—[McPherson's History of the Rebellion, p. + 114] + </p> + <p> + The Confederate Secretary of War, flushed with the success, predicted that + the Confederate flag "will, before the first of May, float over the dome + of the old Capitol at Washington" and "will eventually float over Faneuil + Hall, in Boston." + </p> + <p> + From Maryland to Mexico, the protests of Union men of the South were + unheard in the fierce clamor of "On to Washington!" + </p> + <p> + The Richmond Examiner said: "There never was half the unanimity among the + people before, nor a tithe of the zeal upon any subject, that is now + manifested to take Washington. From the mountain tops and valleys to the + shores of the sea, there is one wild shout of fierce resolve to capture + Washington City at all and every human hazard." + </p> + <p> + So also, the Mobile Advertiser enthusiastically exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "We are prepared to fight, and the enemy is not. Now is the time for + action, while he is yet unprepared. Let the fife sound 'Gray Jackets over + the Border,' and let a hundred thousand men, with such arms as they can + snatch, get over the border as quickly as they can. Let a division enter + every Northern border State, destroy railroad connection to prevent + concentration of the enemy, and the desperate strait of these States, the + body of Lincoln's country, will compel him to a peace—or compel his + successor, should Virginia not suffer him to escape from his doomed + capital." + </p> + <p> + It was on Friday morning, the 12th of April, as we have seen, that the + first Rebel shot was fired at Fort Sumter. It was on Saturday afternoon + and evening that the terms of surrender were agreed to, and on Sunday + afternoon that the Federal flag was saluted and hauled down, and the + surrender completed. On Monday morning, being the 15th of April, in all + the great Northern Journals of the day appeared the following: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "PROCLAMATION. + </p> + <p> + "WHEREAS, the laws of the United States have been for some time past, + and now are, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the + States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, + Louisiana, and Texas, by Combinations too powerful to be suppressed by + the ordinary course of Judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in + the Marshals by law; now, therefore I, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the + United States, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution + and the laws, have thought fit to call forth, and hereby do call forth, + the Militia of the several States of the Union to the aggregate number + of 75,000, in order to suppress said Combinations, and to cause the laws + to be duly executed. + </p> + <p> + "The details for this object will be immediately communicated to the + State authorities through the War Department. I appeal to all loyal + citizens to favor, facilitate, and aid this effort to maintain the + honor, the integrity, and existence of our National Union, and the + perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs already long + enough endured. I deem it proper to say that the first service assigned + to the forces hereby called forth, will probably be to repossess the + forts, places, and property which have been seized from the Union; and + in every event the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the + objects aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any destruction of, or + interference with, property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens of + any part of the Country; and I hereby command the persons composing the + Combinations aforesaid, to disperse and retire peaceably to their + respective abodes, within twenty days from this date. + </p> + <p> + "Deeming that the present condition of public affairs presents an + extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested + by the Constitution, convene both Houses of Congress. The Senators and + Representatives are, therefore, summoned to assemble at their respective + chambers at twelve o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the 4th day of July next, + then and there to consider and determine such measures as, in their + wisdom, the public safety and interest may seem to demand. + </p> + <p> + "In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. + </p> + <p> + "Done at the city of Washington, this fifteenth day of April, in the + year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the + independence of the United States the eighty-fifth. + </p> + <p> + "By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN. + </p> + <p> + "WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + While in the North the official responses to this Call for troops were + prompt and patriotic, in the Border and Slave States, not yet in + Rebellion, they were anything but encouraging. + </p> + <p> + The reply of Governor Burton, of Delaware, was by the issue of a + proclamation "recommending the formation of volunteer companies for the + protection of the lives and property of the people of Delaware against + violence of any sort to which they may be exposed; the companies not being + subject to be ordered by the Executive into the United States service—the + law not vesting him with such authority—but having the option of + offering their services to the General Government for the defense of its + capital and the support of the Constitution and laws of the Country." + </p> + <p> + Governor Hicks, of Maryland, in like manner, issued a proclamation for + Maryland's quota of the troops, but stated that her four regiments would + be detailed to serve within the limits of Maryland—or, for the + defense of the National Capital. + </p> + <p> + Governor Letcher, of Virginia, replied: "The militia of Virginia will not + be furnished to the powers at Washington for any such use or purpose as + they have in view. Your object is to subjugate the Southern States, and a + requisition made upon me for such an object—an object, in my + judgment, not within the purview of the Constitution or the Act of 1795 + —will not be complied with. You have chosen to inaugurate Civil War, + and having done so, we will meet it in a spirit as determined as the + Administration has exhibited toward the South." + </p> + <p> + Governor Ellis, of North Carolina, replied to Secretary Cameron: "Your + dispatch is received, and, if genuine—which its extraordinary + character leads me to doubt—I have to say in reply that I regard the + levy of troops made by the Administration, for the purpose of subjugating + the States of the South, as in violation of the Constitution and a + usurpation of power. I can be no party to this wicked violation of the + laws of the country, and to this War upon the liberties of a free people. + You can get no troops from North Carolina. I will reply more in detail + when your Call is received by mail." + </p> + <p> + Governor Magoffin, of Kentucky, replied: "Your dispatch is received. In + answer I say emphatically, Kentucky will furnish no troops for the wicked + purpose of subduing her sister Southern States." + </p> + <p> + Governor Harris, of Tennessee, replied: "Tennessee will not furnish a + single man for Coercion, but fifty thousand, if necessary, for the Defense + of our rights or those of our Southern brethren." + </p> + <p> + Governor Jackson, of Missouri, replied: "Your requisition is illegal, + unconstitutional, revolutionary, inhuman, diabolical and cannot be + complied with." + </p> + <p> + Governor Rector, of Arkansas, replied: "None will be furnished. The demand + is only adding insult to injury." + </p> + <p> + Discouraging and even insulting as were most of these replies, the + responses of the Governors of the Free States were, on the other hand, + full of the ring of true martial Patriotism evoked by the fall of Sumter + and the President's first call for troops. Twenty millions of Northern + hearts were stirred by that Call, as they had never before been stirred. + Party and faction became for the moment, a thing of the past. + </p> + <p> + The Governors of the Free States made instant proclamation for volunteers, + and the People responded not by thousands but by hundreds of thousands. + New York, the Empire State, by her Governor and her Legislature placed all + her tremendous resources at the service of the Union; and the great State + of Pennsylvania, through Governor Curtin, did the same. Nor were the other + States at all behind. + </p> + <p> + The Loyal North felt that Law, Order, Liberty, the existence of the Nation + itself was in peril, and must be both saved and vindicated. Over half a + million of men—from the prairies of the West and the hills and + cities of the East—from farms and counting houses, from factories + and mines and workshops—sprang to arms at the Call, and begged to be + enrolled. The merchants and capitalists throughout the North proffered to + the Government their wealth and influence and best services. The press and + the people responded as only the press and people of a Free land can + respond—with all their heart and soul. "Fort Sumter," said one of + the journals, "is lost, but Freedom is saved. Henceforth, the Loyal States + are a unit in uncompromising hostility to Treason, wherever plotted, + however justified. Fort Sumter is temporarily lost, but the Country is + saved. Live the Republic!" + </p> + <p> + This, in a nutshell, was the feeling everywhere expressed, whether by the + great crowds that marched through the streets of Northern cities with + drums beating and banners flying—cheering wildly for the Union, + singing Union songs, and compelling those of doubtful loyalty to throw out + to the breeze from their homes the glorified Stars and Stripes—by + the great majority of newspapers—by the pulpit, by the rostrum, by + the bench, by all of whatever profession or calling in Northern life. For + the moment, the voice of the Rebel-sympathizer was hushed in the land, or + so tremendously overborne that it seemed as if there was an absolute + unanimity of love for the Union. + </p> + <p> + Of course, in Border-States, bound to the South by ties of lineage and + intermarriage and politics and business association, the feeling could not + be the same as elsewhere. There, they were, so to speak, drawn both ways + at once, by the beckoning hands of kindred on the one side, and Country on + the other! Thus they long waited and hesitated, praying that something + might yet happen to save the Union of their fathers, and prevent the + shedding of brothers' blood, by brothers—hoping against hope-waited, + in the belief that a position of armed neutrality might be permitted to + them; and grieved, when they found this could not be. + </p> + <p> + Each side to the great Conflict-at-arms naturally enough believed itself + right, and that the other side was the first aggressor; but the judgment + of Mankind has placed the blame where it properly belonged—on the + shoulders of the Rebels. The calm, clear statement of President Lincoln, + in his July Message to Congress, touching the assault and its preceding + history—together with his conclusions—states the whole matter + in such authentic and convincing manner that it may be said to have + settled the point beyond further controversy. After stating that it "was + resolved to notify the Governor of South Carolina that he might expect an + attempt would be made to provision the Fort; and that if the attempt + should not be resisted there would be no effort to throw in men, arms, or + ammunition, without further notice, or in case of an attack on the Fort," + Mr. Lincoln continues: "This notice was accordingly given; whereupon the + Fort was attacked and bombarded to its fall, without even awaiting the + arrival of the provisioning expedition." + </p> + <p> + The President then proceeds: "It is thus seen that the assault upon and + reduction of Fort Sumter was, in no sense, a matter of self-defense on the + part of the assailants. They well knew that the garrison in the Fort + could, by no possibility, commit aggression upon them. They knew—they + were expressly notified—that the giving of bread to the few brave + and hungry men of the garrison was all which would on that occasion be + attempted, unless themselves, by resisting so much, should provoke more. + They knew that this Government desired to keep the garrison in the Fort + —not to assail them—but merely to maintain visible possession, + and thus to preserve the Union from actual and immediate dissolution—trusting, + as hereinbefore stated, to time, discussion, and the ballot-box for final + adjustment; and they assailed and reduced the Fort for precisely the + reverse object—to drive out the visible authority of the Federal + Union, and thus force it to immediate dissolution. + </p> + <p> + "That this was their object, the Executive well understood; and, having + said to them, in the Inaugural Address, 'you can have no conflict without + being yourselves the aggressors,' he took pains not only to keep this + declaration good, but also to keep the case so free from the power of + ingenious sophistry as that the World should not be able to misunderstand + it. + </p> + <p> + "By the affair at Fort Sumter, with its surrounding circumstances, that + point was reached. Then and thereby the assailants of the Government began + the Conflict of arms, without a gun in sight or in expectancy to return + their fire, save only the few in the Fort sent to that harbor years before + for their own protection, and still ready to give that protection in + whatever was lawful. In this act, discarding all else, they have forced + upon the Country, the distinct issue: 'Immediate dissolution or blood.' + </p> + <p> + "And this issue embraces more than the fate of these United States. It + presents to the whole family of Man the question whether a Constitutional + Republic or Democracy—a government of the People by the same People—can + or cannot maintain its territorial integrity against its own domestic + foes. It presents the question whether discontented individuals, too few + in numbers to control administration according to organic law in any case, + can always, upon the pretences made in this case, or on any other + pretences, or arbitrarily without any pretence, break up their Government, + and thus practically put an end to free government upon the earth. It + forces us to ask: 'Is there in all republics, this inherent and fatal + weakness?' 'Must a Government of necessity be too strong for the liberties + of its own people, or too weak to maintain its own existence?' + </p> + <p> + "So viewing the issue, no choice was left but to call out the War power of + the Government; and so to resist force, employed for its destruction, by + force, for its preservation." + </p> + <p> + The Call for Troops was made, as we have seen, on the 15th day of April. + On the evening of the following day several companies of a Pennsylvania + Regiment reported for duty in Washington. On the 18th, more Pennsylvania + Volunteers, including a company of Artillery, arrived there. + </p> + <p> + On the 19th of April, the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment—whose + progress through New York city had been triumphal—was suddenly and + unexpectedly assailed, in its passage through Baltimore, to the defense of + the National Capital, by a howling mob of Maryland Secessionists—worked + up to a pitch of States-rights frenzy by Confederate emissaries and + influential Baltimore Secession-sympathizers, by news of the sudden + evacuation of the Federal Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, and other exciting + tidings—and had to fight its way through, leaving three soldiers of + that regiment dead, and a number wounded, behind it. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [At a meeting of the "National Volunteer Association," at Monument + Square, Baltimore, the previous evening, says Greeley's History of the + American Conflict, page 462, "None of the speakers directly advocated + attacks on the Northern troops about to pass through the city; but each + was open in his hostility to 'Coercion,' and ardently exhorted his + hearers to organize, arm and drill, for the Conflict now inevitable. + Carr (Wilson C. N. Carr) said: 'I do not care how many Federal troops + are sent to Washington; they will soon find themselves surrounded by + such an army from Virginia and Maryland, that escape to their homes will + be impossible; and when the 75,000 who are intended to invade the South + shall have polluted that soil with their touch, the South will + extermininate and sweep them from the Earth.' (Frantic cheering and + yelling). The meeting broke up with stentorian cheers for 'the South' + and for 'President Davis."'] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Ten companies of Philadelphia troops, reaching Baltimore at the same time, + unarmed, were also violently assailed by the crazy mob, and, after a two + hours' fight, reached the cars and returned to Philadelphia. + </p> + <p> + Washington City—already, by the Secession of Virginia, cut off from + the South—was thus practically cut off from the North as well; and + to isolate it more completely, the telegraph wires were cut down and the + railroad bridges burned. A mere handful of regulars, the few volunteers + that had got through before the outbreak in Baltimore, and a small number + of Union residents and Government department clerks—these, under + General Winfield Scott, constituted the paltry force that, for ten days + after the Call for troops, held the National Capital. + </p> + <p> + Informed, as the Rebels must have been, by their swarming spies, of the + weakness of the Federal metropolis, it seems absolutely marvelous that + instant advantage was not taken of it. + </p> + <p> + The Richmond Examiner, of April 23d, said: "The capture of Washington City + is perfectly within the power of Virginia and Maryland, if Virginia will + only make the effort with her constituted authorities; nor is there a + single moment to lose. * * * The fanatical yell for the immediate + subjugation of the whole South is going up hourly from the united voices + of all the North; and, for the purpose of making their work sure, they + have determined to hold Washington City as the point whence to carry on + their brutal warfare. Our people can take it—they will take it—and + Scott, the arch-traitor, and Lincoln, the Beast, combined, cannot prevent + it. The just indignation of an outraged and deeply injured people will + teach the Illinois Ape to repeat his race and retrace his journey across + the borders of the Free Negro States still more rapidly than he came. * * + * Great cleansing and purification are needed and will be given to that + festering sink of iniquity, that wallow of Lincoln and Scott—the + desecrated city of Washington; and many indeed will be the carcasses of + dogs and caitiff that will blacken the air upon the gallows before the + great work is accomplished. So let it be!" + </p> + <p> + But despite all this fanfaronade of brutal bluster, and various movements + that looked somewhat threatening, and this complete isolation for more + than a week from the rest of the World, the city of Washington was not + seized by the Rebels, after all. + </p> + <p> + This nervous condition of affairs, however, existed until the 25th—and + to General Benjamin F. Butler is due the chief credit of putting an end to + it. It seems he had reached the Susquehanna river at Perryville, with his + Eighth Massachusetts Regiment on the 20th—the day after the Sixth + Massachusetts had been mobbed at Baltimore—and, finding his further + progress to Washington via Baltimore, barred by the destruction of the + bridge across the Susquehanna, etc., he at once seized a large ferry + steamer, embarked his men on her, steamed down the river and Chesapeake + Bay to Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, took possession of the frigate + Constitution, the Naval Academy, and the city itself, gathered supplies, + and being reinforced by the arrival by water of the famous New York + Seventh, and other regiments, repaired the branch railroad to Annapolis + Junction (on the main line of railroad between Baltimore and Washington), + and transferred his column from thence, by cars, on the 25th, to the + National Capital—soon thereafter also taking military possession of + Baltimore, which gave no further trouble to the Union Cause. In the + meantime, however, other untoward events to that Cause had happened. + </p> + <p> + Two days after the Call for troops, the Virginia Convention (April 17th) + secretly voted to Secede from the Union. An expedition of Virginia troops + was almost at once started to capture the Federal Arsenal at Harper's + Ferry, which, as has already been intimated, was evacuated hastily on the + night of the 18th, by the handful of Union regulars garrisoning it, after + a futile effort to destroy the public property and stores it held. Another + expedition was started to seize the Federal Navy Yard at Norfolk—a + rich prize, containing as it did, between 2,000 and 3,000 pieces of heavy + ordnance (300 of them Dahlgrens), three old line-of-battle ships and a + number of frigates, including the Cumberland and the fine forty-gun steam + frigate Merrimac, together with thousands of kegs of powder and immense + stores of other munitions of war, and supplies—that had cost in all + some $10,000,000. Without an enemy in sight, however, this fine Navy Yard + was shamefully evacuated, after partly scuttling and setting fire to the + vessels—the Cumberland alone being towed away—and spiking the + guns, and doing other not very material damage. + </p> + <p> + So also, in North Carolina, Rebel influence was equally active. On the + 20th of April Governor Ellis seized the Federal Branch Mint at, Charlotte, + and on the 22d the Federal Arsenal at Fayetteville. A few days thereafter + his Legislature authorized him to tender to Virginia—which had + already joined the Confederacy—or to the Government of the + Confederate States itself, the volunteer forces of North Carolina. And, + although at the end of January the people of that State had decided at the + polls that no Secession Convention be held, yet the subservient + Legislature did not hesitate, on demand, to call one together which met in + May and ordained such Secession. + </p> + <p> + Thus, by the end of May, 1861, the Confederacy had grown to comprise nine + instead of seven States, and the Confederate troops were concentrating on + Richmond—whither the Rebel Government was soon to remove, from + Montgomery. + </p> + <p> + By this time also not only had the ranks of the regular Union Army been + filled and largely added to, but 42,000 additional volunteers had been + called out by President Lincoln; and the blockade of the Southern ports + (including those of Virginia and North Carolina) that had been proclaimed + by him, was, despite all obstacles, now becoming effectual and respected. + </p> + <p> + Washington City and its suburbs, by the influx of Union volunteers, had + during this month become a vast armed camp; the Potomac river had been + crossed and the Virginia hills (including Arlington heights) which + overlooked the Federal Capital, had been occupied and fortified by Union + troops; the young and gallant Colonel Ellsworth had been killed by a + Virginia Rebel while pulling down a Rebel flag in Alexandria; and General + Benjamin F. Butler, in command at Fortress Monroe, had by an inspiration, + solved one of the knottiest points confronting our armies, by declaring of + three Negroes who had fled from their master so as to escape working on + Rebel fortifications, that they should not be returned to that master—under + the Fugitive Slave Law, as demanded by a Rebel officer with a flag of + truce—but were confiscated "property," and would be retained, as + "contraband of war." + </p> + <p> + It was about this time, too, that the New Orleans Picayune fell into line + with other unscrupulous Rebel sheets, by gravely declaring that: "All the + Massachusetts troops now in Washington are Negroes, with the exception of + two or three drummer boys. General Butler, in command, is a native of + Liberia. Our readers may recollect old Ben, the barber, who kept a shop in + Poydras street, and emigrated to Liberia with a small competence. General + Butler is his son." Little did the writer of that paragraph dream how soon + New Orleans would crouch at the very feet of that same General! + </p> + <p> + And now, while the armed hosts on either side are assembling in hostile + array, or resting on their arms, preliminary to the approaching fray of + battle, let us glance at the alleged causes underlying this great + Rebellion against the Union. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkcalhoun" id="linkcalhoun"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p219-calhoun.jpg (74K)" src="images/p219-calhoun.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch11" id="linkch11"></a><br /> + </p> + <h2> + <br /> CHAPTER XI.<br /> <br /> THE CAUSES OF SECESSION.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + In preceding Chapters of this work, it has been briefly shown, that from + the very hour in which the Republic of the United States was born, there + have not been wanting, among its own citizens, those who hated it, and + when they could not rule, were always ready to do what they could, by + Conspiracy, Sedition, Mutiny, Nullification, Secession, or otherwise, to + weaken and destroy it. This fact, and the processes by which the + Conspirators worked, is very well stated, in his documentary "History of + the Rebellion," by Edward McPherson, when he says: "In the Slaveholding + States, a considerable body of men have always been disaffected to the + Union. They resisted the adoption of the National Constitution, then + sought to refine away the rights and powers of the General Government, and + by artful expedients, in a series of years, using the excitements growing + out of passing questions, finally perverted the sentiments of large masses + of men, and prepared them for Revolution." + </p> + <p> + Before giving further incontestable proofs establishing this fact, and + before endeavoring to sift out the true cause or causes of Secession, let + us first examine such evidences as are submitted by him in support of his + proposition. + </p> + <p> + The first piece of testimony, is an extract from an unpublished journal of + U. S. Senator Maclay of Pennsylvania, from March 4, 1789, to March 3, 1791—the + period of the First Congress under the Federal Constitution. It runs thus: + </p> + <p> + "1789, June 9.—In relation to the Tariff Bill, the affair of + confining the East India Trade to the citizens of America had been + negatived, and a committee had been appointed to report on this business. + The report came in with very high duties, amounting to a prohibition. But + a new phenomenon had made its appearance in the House (meaning the Senate) + since Friday. + </p> + <p> + "Pierce Butler, from South Carolina, had taken his seat, and flamed like a + meteor. He arraigned the whole Impost law, and then charged (indirectly) + the whole Congress with a design of oppressing South Carolina. He cried + out for encouraging the Danes and Swedes, and foreigners of every kind, to + come and take away our produce. In fact he was for a Navigation Act + reversed. + </p> + <p> + "June 11.—Attended at the hall as usual. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Ralph Izard and Mr. Butler opposed the whole of the drawbacks in + every shape whatever. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. (William) Grayson, of Virginia, warm on this subject, said we were + not ripe for such a thing. We were a new Nation, and had no business for + any such regulations—a Nation /sui generis/. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. (Richard Henry) Lee (of Virginia) said drawbacks were right, but + would be so much abused, he could not think of admitting them. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. (Oliver) Ellsworth (of Connecticut) said New England rum would be + exported, instead of West India, to obtain the drawback. + </p> + <p> + "I thought it best to say a few words in reply to each. We were a new + Nation, it was true, but we were not a new People. We were composed of + individuals of like manners, habits, and customs with the European + Nations. What, therefore, had been found useful among them, came well + recommended by experience to us. Drawbacks stand as an example in this + point of view to us. If the thing was right in itself, there could be no + just argument drawn against the use of a thing from the abuse of it. It + would be the duty of Government to guard against abuses, by prudent + appointments and watchful attention to officers. That as to changing the + kind of rum, I thought the collection Bill would provide for this, by + limiting the exportation to the original casks and packages. I said a + great deal more, but really did not feel much interest either way. But the + debates were very lengthy. + </p> + <p> + "Butler flamed away, and THREATENED A DISSOLUTION OF THE UNION, with + regard to his State, as sure as God was in the firmament. He scattered his + remarks over the whole Impost bill, calling it partial, oppressive, etc., + and solely calculated to oppress South Carolina, and yet ever and anon + declaring how clear of local views and how candid and dispassionate he + was. He degenerates into mere declamation. His State would live free, or + die glorious." + </p> + <p> + The next piece of evidence is General Jackson's letter to Rev. A. J. + Crawford, as follows: + </p> + <p> + ["Private."] + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, May 1, 1833. + </p> + <p> + "MY DEAR SIR: * * * I have had a laborious task here, but Nullification is + dead; and its actors and courtiers will only be remembered by the People + to be execrated for their wicked designs to sever and destroy the only + good Government on the globe, and that prosperity and happiness we enjoy + over every other portion of the World. Haman's gallows ought to be the + fate of all such ambitious men who would involve their Country in Civil + War, and all the evils in its train, that they might reign and ride on its + whirlwinds and direct the storm. The Free People of these United States + have spoken, and consigned these wicked demagogues to their proper doom. + Take care of your Nullifiers; you have them among you; let them meet with + the indignant frowns of every man who loves his Country. The Tariff, it is + now known, was a mere pretext—its burden was on your coarse woolens. + By the law of July, 1832, coarse woolen was reduced to five per cent., for + the benefit of the South. Mr. Clay's Bill takes it up and classes it with + woolens at fifty per cent., reduces it gradually down to twenty per cent., + and there it is to remain, and Mr. Calhoun and all the Nullifiers agree to + the principle. The cash duties and home valuation will be equal to fifteen + per cent. more, and after the year 1842, you pay on coarse woolens + thirty-five per cent. If this is not Protection, I cannot understand; + therefore the Tariff was only the pretext, and Disunion and a Southern + Confederacy the real object. The next pretext will be the Negro or Slavery + question. + </p> + <p> + "My health is not good, but is improving a little. Present me kindly to + your lady and family, and believe me to be your friend. I will always be + happy to hear from you. "ANDREW JACKSON." + </p> + <p> + Another evidence is given in the following extract from Benton's "Thirty + Years in the Senate," vol. ii., as follows: + </p> + <p> + "The regular inauguration of this Slavery agitation dates from the year + 1835; but it had commenced two years before, and in this way: + Nullification and Disunion had commenced in 1830, upon complaint against + Protective Tariff. That, being put down in 1833 under President Jackson's + proclamation and energetic measures, was immediately substituted by the + Slavery agitation. Mr. Calhoun, when he went home from Congress in the + spring of that year, told his friends that 'the South could never be + united against the North on the Tariff question—that the sugar + interest of Louisiana would keep her out—and that the basis of + Southern Union must be shifted to the Slave question.' Then all the papers + in his interest, and especially the one at Washington, published by Mr. + Duff Green, dropped Tariff agitation, and commenced upon Slavery, and in + two years had the agitation ripe for inauguration, on the Slavery + question. And in tracing this agitation to its present stage, and to + comprehend its rationale, it is not to be forgotten that it is a mere + continuation of old Tariff Disunion, and preferred because more + available." + </p> + <p> + Again, from p. 490 of his private correspondence, Mr. Clay's words to an + Alabamian, in 1844, are thus given: + </p> + <p> + "From the developments now being made in South Carolina, it is perfectly + manifest that a Party exists in that State seeking a Dissolution of the + Union, and for that purpose employ the pretext of the rejection of Mr. + Tyler's abominable treaty. South Carolina, being surrounded by Slave + States, would, in the event of a Dissolution of the Union, suffer only + comparative evils; but it is otherwise with Kentucky. She has the boundary + of the Ohio extending four hundred miles on three Free States. What would + our condition be in the event of the greatest calamity that could befall + this Nation?" + </p> + <p> + Allusion is also made to a letter written by Representative Nathan + Appleton, of Boston, December 15, 1860, in which that gentleman said that + when he was in Congress—in 1832-33—he had "made up his mind + that Messrs. Calhoun, Hayne, McDuffie, etc., were desirous of a separation + of the Slave States into a separate Confederacy, as more favorable to the + security of Slave Property." + </p> + <p> + After mentioning that "About 1835, some South Carolinians attempted a + Disunion demonstration," our authority says: It is thus described by + ex-Governor Francis Thomas of Maryland, in his speech in Baltimore, + October 29, 1861: + </p> + <p> + "Full twenty years ago, when occupying my seat in the House of + Representatives, I was surprised one morning, after the assembling of the + House, to observe that all the members from the Slaveholding States were + absent. Whilst reflecting on this strange occurrence, I was asked why I + was not in attendance on the Southern Caucus assembled in the room of the + Committee on Claims. I replied that I had received no invitation. + </p> + <p> + "I then proposed to go to the Committee-room to see what was being done. + When I entered, I found that little cock-sparrow, Governor Pickens, of + South Carolina, addressing the meeting, and strutting about like a rooster + around a barn-yard coop, discussing the following resolution: + </p> + <p> + "' Resolved, That no member of Congress, representing a Southern + constituency, shall again take his seat until a resolution is passed + satisfactory to the South on the subject of Slavery.' + </p> + <p> + "I listened to his language, and when he had finished, I obtained the + floor, asking to be permitted to take part in the discussion. I determined + at once to kill the Treasonable plot hatched by John C. Calhoun, the + Catiline of America, by asking questions. I said to Mr. Pickens, 'What + next do you propose we shall do? are we to tell the People that + Republicanism is a failure? If you are for that, I am not. I came here to + sustain and uphold American institutions; to defend the rights of the + North as well as the South; to secure harmony and good fellowship between + all Sections of our common Country.' They dared not answer these + questions. The Southern temper had not then been gotten up. As my + questions were not answered, I moved an adjournment of the Caucus /sine + die/. Mr. Craig, of Virginia, seconded the motion, and the company was + broken up. We returned to the House, and Mr. Ingersoll, of Pennsylvania, a + glorious patriot then as now, introduced a resolution which temporarily + calmed the excitement." + </p> + <p> + The remarks upon this statement, made November 4, 1861, by the National + Intelligencer, were as follows: + </p> + <p> + "However busy Mr. Pickens may have been in the Caucus after it met, the + most active man in getting it up and pressing the Southern members to go + into it, was Mr. R. B. Rhett, also a member from South Carolina. The + occasion, or alleged cause of this withdrawal from the House into secret + deliberation was an anti-Slavery speech of Mr. Slade, of Vermont, which + Mr. Rhett violently denounced, and proposed to the Southern members to + leave the House and go into Conclave in one of the Committee-rooms, which + they generally did, if not all of them. We are able to state, however, + what may not have been known to Governor Thomas, that at least three + besides himself, of those who did attend it, went there with a purpose + very different from an intention to consent to any Treasonable measure. + These three men were Henry A. Wise, Balie Peyton, and William Cost + Johnson. Neither of them opened his lips in the Caucus; they went to + observe; and we can assure Governor Thomas, that if Mr. Pickens or Mr. + Calhoun, (whom he names) or any one else had presented a distinct + proposition looking to Disunion, or Revolt, or Secession, he would have + witnessed a scene not soon to be forgotten. The three whom we have + mentioned were as brave as they were determined. Fortunately, perhaps, the + man whom they went particularly to watch, remained silent and passive." + </p> + <p> + Let us, however, pursue the inquiry a little further. On the 14th of + November, 1860, Alexander H. Stephens addressed the Legislature of + Georgia, and in a portion of that address—replying to a speech made + before the same Body the previous evening by Mr. Toombs, in which the + latter had "recounted the evils of this Government"—said: + </p> + <p> + "The first [of these evils] was the Fishing Bounties, paid mostly to the + sailors of New England. Our friend stated that forty-eight years of our + Government was under the administration of Southern Presidents. Well, + these Fishing Bounties began under the rule of a Southern President, I + believe. No one of them, during the whole forty-eight years, ever set his + Administration against the principle or policy of them. * * * + </p> + <p> + "The next evil which my friend complained of, was the Tariff. Well, let us + look at that for a moment. About the time I commenced noticing public + matters, this question was agitating the Country almost as fearfully as + the Slave question now is. In 1832, when I was in college, South Carolina + was ready to Nullify or Secede from the Union on this account. And what + have we seen? The Tariff no longer distracts the public counsels. Reason + has triumphed! The present Tariff was voted for by Massachusetts and South + Carolina. The lion and the lamb lay down together—every man in the + Senate and House from Massachusetts and South Carolina, I think, voted for + it, as did my honorable friend himself. And if it be true, to use the + figure of speech of my honorable friend, that every man in the North that + works in iron, and brass and wood, has his muscle strengthened by the + protection of the Government, that stimulant was given by his vote and I + believe (that of) every other Southern man. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. TOOMBS—The Tariff lessened the duties. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. STEPHENS—Yes, and Massachusetts with unanimity voted with the + South to lessen them, and they were made just as low as Southern men asked + them to be, and that is the rate they are now at. If reason and argument, + with experience, produced such changes in the sentiments of Massachusetts + from 1832 to 1857, on the subject of the Tariff, may not like changes be + effected there by the same means—reason and argument, and appeals to + patriotism on the present vexed question? And who can say that by 1875 or + 1890, Massachusetts may not vote with South Carolina and Georgia upon all + those questions that now distract the Country and threaten its peace and + existence. + </p> + <p> + "Another matter of grievance alluded to by my honorable friend was the + Navigation Laws. This policy was also commenced under the Administration + of one of these Southern Presidents who ruled so well, and has been + continued through all of them since. * * * One of the objects (of these) + was to build up a commercial American marine by giving American bottoms + the exclusive Carrying Trade between our own ports. This is a great arm of + national power. This object was accomplished. We have now an amount of + shipping, not only coastwise, but to foreign countries, which puts us in + the front rank of the Nations of the World. England can no longer be + styled the Mistress of the Seas. What American is not proud of the result? + Whether those laws should be continued is another question. But one thing + is certain; no President, Northern or Southern, has ever yet recommended + their repeal. * * * + </p> + <p> + "These then were the true main grievances or grounds of complaint against + the general system of our Government and its workings—I mean the + administration of the Federal Government. As to the acts of the federal + States I shall speak presently: but these three were the main ones used + against the common head. Now, suppose it be admitted that all of these are + evils in the system; do they overbalance and outweigh the advantages and + great good which this same Government affords in a thousand innumerable + ways that cannot be estimated? Have we not at the South, as well as the + North, grown great, prosperous, and happy under its operations? Has any + part of the World ever shown such rapid progress in the development of + wealth, and all the material resources of national power and greatness, as + the Southern States have under the General Government, notwithstanding all + its defects? + </p> + <p> + "Mr. TOOMBS—In spite of it. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. STEPHENS—My honorable friend says we have, in spite of the + General Government; that without it, I suppose he thinks, we might have + done as well, or perhaps better, than we have done in spite of it. * * * + Whether we of the South would have been better off without the Government, + is, to say the least, problematical. On the one side we can only put the + fact, against speculation and conjecture on the other. * * * The influence + of the Government on us is like that of the atmosphere around us. Its + benefits are so silent and unseen that they are seldom thought of or + appreciated. + </p> + <p> + "We seldom think of the single element of oxygen in the air we breathe, + and yet let this simple, unseen and unfelt agent be withdrawn, this + life-giving element be taken away from this all-pervading fluid around us, + and what instant and appalling changes would take place in all organic + creation. + </p> + <p> + "It may be that we are all that we are 'in spite of the General + Government,' but it may be that without it we should have been far + different from what we are now. It is true that there is no equal part of + the Earth with natural resources superior perhaps to ours. That portion of + this Country known as the Southern States, stretching from the Chesapeake + to the Rio Grande, is fully equal to the picture drawn by the honorable + and eloquent Senator last night, in all natural capacities. But how many + ages and centuries passed before these capacities were developed to reach + this advanced age of civilization. There these same hills, rich in ore, + same rivers, same valleys and plains, are as they have been since they + came from the hand of the Creator; uneducated and uncivilized man roamed + over them for how long no history informs us. + </p> + <p> + "It was only under our institutions that they could be developed. Their + development is the result of the enterprise of our people, under + operations of the Government and institutions under which we have lived. + Even our people, without these, never would have done it. The organization + of society has much to do with the development of the natural resources of + any Country or any Land. The institutions of a People, political and + moral, are the matrix in which the germ of their organic structure + quickens into life—takes root, and develops in form, nature, and + character. Our institutions constitute the basis, the matrix, from which + spring all our characteristics of development and greatness. Look at + Greece. There is the same fertile soil, the same blue sky, the same inlets + and harbors, the same AEgean, the same Olympus; there is the same land + where Homer sung, where Pericles spoke; it is in nature the same old + Greece—but it is living Greece no more. + </p> + <p> + "Descendants of the same people inhabit the country; yet what is the + reason of this vast difference? In the midst of present degradation we see + the glorious fragments of ancient works of art-temples, with ornaments and + inscriptions that excite wonder and admiration—the remains of a once + high order of civilization, which have outlived the language they spoke—upon + them all, Ichabod is written—their glory has departed. Why is this + so? I answer, their institutions have been destroyed. These were but the + fruits of their forms of government, the matrix from which their great + development sprang; and when once the institutions of a People have been + destroyed, there is no earthly power that can bring back the Promethean + spark to kindle them here again, any more than in that ancient land of + eloquence, poetry and song. + </p> + <p> + "The same may be said of Italy. Where is Rome, once the mistress of the + World? There are the same seven hills now, the same soil, the same natural + resources; the nature is the same, but what a ruin of human greatness + meets the eye of the traveler throughout the length and breadth of that + most down-trodden land! why have not the People of that Heaven-favored + clime, the spirit that animated their fathers? Why this sad difference? + </p> + <p> + "It is the destruction of their institutions that has caused it; and, my + countrymen, if we shall in an evil hour rashly pull down and destroy those + institutions which the patriotic hand of our fathers labored so long and + so hard to build up, and which have done so much for us and the World, who + can venture the prediction that similar results will not ensue? Let us + avoid it if we can. I trust the spirit is among us that will enable us to + do it. Let us not rashly try the experiment, for, if it fails, as it did + in Greece and Italy, and in the South American Republics, and in every + other place wherever liberty is once destroyed, it may never be restored + to us again. + </p> + <p> + "There are defects in our government, errors in administration, and + short-comings of many kinds; but in spite of these defects and errors, + Georgia has grown to be a great State. Let us pause here a moment. + </p> + <p> + "When I look around and see our prosperity in everything, agriculture, + commerce, art, science, and every department of education, physical and + mental, as well as moral advancement—and our colleges—I think, + in the face of such an exhibition, if we can, without the loss of power, + or any essential right or interest, remain in the Union, it is our duty to + ourselves and to posterity—let us not too readily yield to this + temptation—to do so. Our first parents, the great progenitors of the + human race, were not without a like temptation, when in the Garden of + Eden. They were led to believe that their condition would be bettered—that + their eyes would be opened—and that they would become as gods. They + in an evil hour yielded—instead of becoming gods they only saw their + own nakedness. + </p> + <p> + "I look upon this Country, with our institutions, as the Eden of the + World, the Paradise of the Universe. It may be that out of it we may + become greater and more prosperous, but I am candid and sincere in telling + you that I fear if we rashly evince passion, and without sufficient cause + shall take that step, that instead of becoming greater or more peaceful, + prosperous, and happy—instead of becoming gods, we will become + demons, and at no distant day commence cutting one another's throats. This + is my apprehension. + </p> + <p> + "Let us, therefore, whatever we do, meet those difficulties, great as they + are, like wise and sensible men, and consider them in the light of all the + consequences which may attend our action. Let us see first clearly where + the path of duty leads, and then we may not fear to tread therein." + </p> + <p> + Said Senator Wigfall, of Texas, March 4, 1861, in the United States + Senate, only a few hours before Mr. Lincoln's Inauguration: + </p> + <p> + "I desire to pour oil on the waters, to produce harmony, peace and quiet + here. It is early in the morning, and I hope I shall not say anything that + may be construed as offensive. I rise merely that we may have an + understanding of this question. + </p> + <p> + "It is not Slavery in the Territories, it is not expansion, which is the + difficulty. If the resolution which the Senator from Wisconsin introduced + here, denying the right of Secession, had been adopted by two-thirds of + each branch of this department of the Government, and had been ratified by + three-fourths of the States, I have no hesitation in saying that, so far + as the State in which I live and to which I owe my allegiance is + concerned, if she had no other cause for a disruption of the Union taking + place, she would undoubtedly have gone out. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [To insert as an additional article of amendment to the Constitution, + the following: "Under this Constitution, as originally adopted, and as + it now exists, no State has power to withdraw from the jurisdiction of + the United States: but this Constitution, and all laws passed in + pursuance of its delegated powers, are the Supreme Law of the Land, + anything contained in any constitution, ordinance, or act of any State, + to the contrary notwithstanding."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "The moment you deny the right of self-government to the free White men of + the South, they will leave the Government. They believe in the Declaration + of Independence. They believe that: + </p> + <p> + "'Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from + the consent of the governed; that, whenever any form of government becomes + destructive of these ends, it is the right of the People to alter or to + abolish it, and to institute a new Government, laying its foundation on + such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall + seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.' + </p> + <p> + "That principle of the Declaration of Independence is the one upon which + the free White men of the South predicated their devotion to the present + Constitution of the United States; and it was the denial of that, as much + as anything else, that has created the dissatisfaction in that Section of + the Country. + </p> + <p> + "There is no instrument of writing that has ever been written that has + been more misapprehended and misunderstood and misrepresented than this + same unfortunate Declaration of Independence, and no set of gentlemen have + ever been so slandered as the fathers who drew and signed that + Declaration. + </p> + <p> + "If there was a thing on earth that they did not intend to assert, it was + that a Negro was a White man. As I said here, a short time ago, one of the + greatest charges they made against the British Government was, that old + King George was attempting to establish the fact practically that all men + were created Free and Equal. They charged him in the Declaration of + Independence with inciting their Slaves to insurrection. That is one of + the grounds upon which they threw off their allegiance to the British + Parliament. + </p> + <p> + "Another great misapprehension is, that the men who drafted that + Declaration of Independence had any peculiar fancy for one form of + government rather than another. They were not fighting to establish a + Democracy in this country; they were not fighting to establish a + Republican form of government in this Country. Nothing was further from + their intention. + </p> + <p> + "Alexander Hamilton, after he had fought for seven years, declared that + the British form of government was the best that the ingenuity of man had + ever devised; and when John Adams said to him, 'without its corruptions;' + 'Why,' said he, 'its corruptions are its greatest excellence; without the + corruptions, it would be nothing.' + </p> + <p> + "In the Declaration of Independence, they speak of George III., after this + fashion. They say: + </p> + <p> + "'A prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a + tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People.' + </p> + <p> + "Now, I ask any plain common-sense man what was the meaning of that? Was + it that they were opposed to a Monarchical form of government? Was it that + they believed a Monarchical form of government was incompatible with civil + liberty? No, sir; they entertained no such absurd idea. None of them + entertained it; but they say that George III, was a prince whose character + was 'marked by every act which may define a tyrant' and that therefore he + was 'unfit to be the ruler of a free People.' Had his character not been + so marked by every quality which would define a tyrant, he might have been + the fit ruler of a free People; ergo, a monarchical form of Government was + not incompatible with civil liberty. + </p> + <p> + "That was clearly the opinion of those men. I do not advocate it now; for + I have said frequently that we are wiser than our fathers, and our + children will be wiser than we are. One hundred years hence, men will + understand their own affairs much better than we do. We understand our + affairs better than those who preceded us one hundred years. But what I + assert is, that the men of the Revolution did not believe that a + Monarchical form of Government was incompatible with civil liberty. + </p> + <p> + "What I assert is, that when they spoke of 'all men being created equal,' + they were speaking of the White men who then had unsheathed their swords—for + what purpose? To establish the right of self-government in themselves; and + when they had achieved that, they established, not Democracies, but + Republican forms of Government in the thirteen sovereign, separate and + independent Colonies. Yet the Declaration of Independence is constantly + quoted to prove Negro equality. It proves no such thing; it was intended + to prove no such thing. + </p> + <p> + "The 'glittering generalities' which a distinguished former Senator from + Massachusetts (Mr. Choate) spoke of, as contained in the Declaration of + Independence, one of them at least, about all men being created equal—was + not original with Mr. Jefferson. I recollect seeing a pamphlet called the + Principles of the Whigs and Jacobites, published about the year 1745, when + the last of the Stuarts, called 'the Pretender,' was striking a blow that + was fatal to himself, but a blow for his crown, in which pamphlet the very + phraseology is used, word for word and letter for letter. I have not got + it here to-night. I sent the other day to the Library to try and find it, + but could not find it; it was burnt, I believe, with the pamphlets that + were burnt some time ago. + </p> + <p> + "That Mr. Jefferson copied it or plagiarized it, is not true, I suppose, + any more than the charge that the distinguished Senator from New York + plagiarized from the Federalist in preparing his celebrated compromising + speech which was made here a short time ago. It was the cant phrase of the + day in 1745, which was only about thirty years previous to the Declaration + of Independence. This particular pamphlet, which I have read, was + published; others were published at the same time. That sort of + phraseology was used. + </p> + <p> + "There was a war of classes in England; there were men who were contending + for legitimacy; who were contending for the right of the Crown being + inherent and depending on the will of God, 'the divine right of Kings,' + for maintaining an hereditary landed-aristocracy; there was another Party + who were contending against this doctrine of legitimacy, and the right of + primogeniture. These were called the Whigs; they established this general + phraseology in denouncing the divine right and the doctrine of legitimacy, + and it became the common phraseology of the Country; so that in the + obscure county of Mecklenburg, in North Carolina, a declaration containing + the same assertions was found as in this celebrated Declaration of + Independence, written by the immortal Jefferson. + </p> + <p> + "Which of us, I ask, is there upon this floor who has not read and re-read + whatever was written within the last twenty-five or thirty years by the + distinguished men of this country? But enough of that. + </p> + <p> + "As I said before, there ought not have been, and there did not + necessarily result from our form of Government, any irrepressible conflict + between the Slaveholding and the non-Slaveholding States. Nothing of the + sort was necessary. + </p> + <p> + "Strike out a single clause in the Constitution of the United States, that + which secures to each State a Republican form of Government, and there is + no reason why, under precisely such a Constitution as we have, States that + are Monarchical and States that are Republican, could not live in peace + and quiet. They confederate together for common defense and general + welfare, each State regulating its domestic concerns in its own way; those + which preferred a Republican form of Government maintaining it, and those + which preferred a Monarchical form of Government maintaining it. + </p> + <p> + "But how long could small States, with different forms of Government, live + together, confederated for common defense and general welfare, if the + people of one Section were to come to the conclusion that their + institutions were better than those of the other, and thereupon + straightway set about subverting the institutions of the other?" + </p> + <p> + In the reply of the Rebel "Commissioners of the Southern Confederacy" to + Mr. Seward, April 9, 1861, they speak of our Government as being + "persistently wedded to those fatal theories of construction of the + Federal Constitution always rejected by the statesmen of the South, and + adhered to by those of the Administration school, until they have produced + their natural and often-predicted result of the destruction of the Union, + under which we might have continued to live happily and gloriously + together, had the spirit of the ancestry who framed the common + Constitution animated the hearts of all their sons." + </p> + <p> + In the "Address of the people of South Carolina, assembled in Convention, + to the people of the Slaveholding States of the United States," by which + the attempt was made to justify the passage of the South Carolina + Secession Ordinance of 1860, it is declared that: + </p> + <p> + "Discontent and contention have moved in the bosom of the Confederacy, for + the last thirty-five years. During this time South Carolina has twice + called her people together in solemn Convention, to take into + consideration, the aggressions and unconstitutional wrongs, perpetrated by + the people of the North on the people of the South. These wrongs were + submitted to by the people of the South, under the hope and expectation + that they would be final. But such hope and expectation have proved to be + vain. Instead of producing forbearance, our acquiescence has only + instigated to new forms of aggressions and outrage; and South Carolina, + having again assembled her people in Convention, has this day dissolved + her connection with the States constituting the United States. + </p> + <p> + "The one great evil from which all other evils have flowed, is the + overthrow of the Constitution of the United States. The Government of the + United States, is no longer the Government of Confederated Republics, but + of a consolidated Democracy. It is no longer a free Government, but a + Despotism. It is, in fact, such a Government as Great Britain attempted to + set over our Fathers; and which was resisted and defeated by a seven years + struggle for Independence. + </p> + <p> + "The Revolution of 1776, turned upon one great principle, self-government,—and + self-taxation, the criterion of self-government. + </p> + <p> + "The Southern States now stand exactly in the same position towards the + Northern States, that the Colonies did towards Great Britain. The Northern + States, having the majority in Congress, claim the same power of + omnipotence in legislation as the British Parliament. 'The General + Welfare' is the only limit to the legislation of either; and the majority + in Congress, as in the British Parliament, are the sole judges of the + expediency of the legislation this 'General Welfare' requires. Thus the + Government of the United States has become a consolidated Government; and + the people of the Southern States are compelled to meet the very despotism + their fathers threw off in the Revolution of 1776. + </p> + <p> + "The consolidation of the Government of Great Britain over the Colonies, + was attempted to be carried out by the taxes. The British Parliament + undertook to tax the Colonies to promote British interests. Our fathers + resisted this pretension. They claimed the right of self-taxation through + their Colonial Legislatures. They were not represented in the British + Parliament, and, therefore, could not rightly be taxed by its legislation. + The British Government, however, offered them a representation in + Parliament; but it was not sufficient to enable them to protect themselves + from the majority, and they refused the offer. Between taxation without + any representation, and taxation without a representation adequate to + protection, there was no difference. In neither case would the Colonies + tax themselves. Hence, they refused to pay the taxes laid by the British + Parliament. + </p> + <p> + "And so with the Southern States, towards the Northern States, in the + vital matter of taxation. They are in a minority in Congress. Their + representation in Congress is useless to protect them against unjust + taxation; and they are taxed by the people of the North for their benefit, + exactly as the people of Great Britain taxed our ancestors in the British + Parliament for their benefit. For the last forty years, the taxes laid by + the Congress of the United States have been laid with a view of subserving + the interests of the North. The people of the South have been taxed by + duties on imports, not for revenue, but for an object inconsistent with + revenue—to promote, by prohibitions, Northern interests in the + productions of their mines and manufactures. + </p> + <p> + "There is another evil, in the condition of the Southern towards the + Northern States, which our ancestors refused to bear towards Great + Britain. Our ancestors not only taxed themselves, but all the taxes + collected from them were expended amongst them. Had they submitted to the + pretensions of the British Government, the taxes collected from them, + would have been expended in other parts of the British Empire. They were + fully aware of the effect of such a policy in impoverishing the people + from whom taxes are collected, and in enriching those who receive the + benefit of their expenditure. + </p> + <p> + "To prevent the evils of such a policy, was one of the motives which drove + them on to Revolution, yet this British policy has been fully realized + towards the Southern States, by the Northern States. The people of the + Southern States are not only taxed for the benefit of the Northern States, + but after the taxes are collected, three fourths of them are expended at + the North. This cause, with others, connected with the operation of the + General Government, has made the cities of the South provincial. Their + growth is paralyzed; they are mere suburbs of Northern cities. The + agricultural productions of the South are the basis of the foreign + commerce of the United States; yet Southern cities do not carry it on. Our + foreign trade is almost annihilated. * * * + </p> + <p> + "No man can for a moment believe, that our ancestors intended to establish + over their posterity, exactly the same sort of Government they had + overthrown. * * * Yet by gradual and steady encroachments on the part of + the people of the North, and acquiescence on the part of the South, the + limitations in the Constitution have been swept away; and the Government + of the United States has become consolidated, with a claim of limitless + powers in its operations. * * * + </p> + <p> + "A majority in Congress, according to their interested and perverted + views, is omnipotent. * * * Numbers with them, is the great element of + free Government. A majority is infallible and omnipotent. 'The right + divine to rule in Kings,' is only transferred to their majority. The very + object of all Constitutions, in free popular Government, is to restrain + the majority. Constitutions, therefore, according to their theory, must be + most unrighteous inventions, restricting liberty. None ought to exist; but + the body politic ought simply to have a political organization, to bring + out and enforce the will of the majority. This theory is a remorseless + despotism. In resisting it, as applicable to ourselves, we are vindicating + the great cause of free Government, more important, perhaps, to the World, + than the existence of all the United States." + </p> + <p> + In his Special Message to the Confederate Congress at Montgomery, April + 29, 1861, Mr. Jefferson Davis said: + </p> + <p> + "From a period as early as 1798, there had existed in all the States a + Party, almost uninterruptedly in the majority, based upon the creed that + each State was, in the last resort, the sole judge, as well of its wrongs + as of the mode and measure of redress. * * * The Democratic Party of the + United States repeated, in its successful canvas of 1836, the declaration, + made in numerous previous political contests, that it would faithfully + abide by and uphold the principles laid down in the Kentucky and Virginia + Legislatures of [1798 and] 1799, and that it adopts those principles as + constituting one of the main foundations of its political creed." + </p> + <p> + In a letter addressed by the Rebel Commissioners in London (Yancey, Rost + and Mann), August 14, 1861, to Lord John Russell, Secretary of Foreign + Affairs, it appears that they said: "It was from no fear that the Slaves + would be liberated, that Secession took place. The very Party in power has + proposed to guarantee Slavery forever in the States, if the South would + but remain in the Union." On the 4th of May preceding, Lord John had + received these Commissioners at his house; and in a letter of May 11, + 1861, wrote, from the Foreign Office, to Lord Lyons, the British Minister + at Washington, a letter, in which, alluding to his informal communication + with them, he said: "One of these gentlemen, speaking for the others, + dilated on the causes which had induced the Southern States to Secede from + the Northern. The principal of these causes, he said, was not Slavery, but + the very high price which, for the sake of Protecting the Northern + manufacturers, the South were obliged to pay for the manufactured goods + which they required. One of the first acts of the Southern Congress was to + reduce these duties, and to prove their sincerity he gave as an instance + that Louisiana had given up altogether that Protection on her sugar which + she enjoyed by the legislation of the United States. As a proof of the + riches of the South. He stated that of $350,000,000 of exports of produce + to foreign countries $270,000,000 were furnished by the Southern States." + * * * They pointed to the new Tariff of the United States as a proof that + British manufactures would be nearly excluded from the North, and freely + admitted in the South. + </p> + <p> + This may be as good a place as any other to say a few words touching + another alleged "cause" of Secession. During the exciting period just + prior to the breaking out of the great War of the Rebellion, the + Slave-holding and Secession-nursing States of the South, made a terrible + hubbub over the Personal Liberty Bills of the Northern States. And when + Secession came, many people of the North supposed these Bills to be the + prime, if not the only real cause of it. Not so. They constituted, as we + now know, only a part of the mere pretext. But, none the less, they + constituted a portion of the history of that eventful time, and cannot be + altogether ignored. + </p> + <p> + In order then, that the reader may quickly grasp, not only the general + nature, but also the most important details of the Personal Liberty Bills + (in force, in 1860, in many of the Free States) so frequently alluded to + in the Debates of Congress, in speeches on the stump, and in the + fulminations of Seceding States and their authorized agents, + commissioners, and representatives, it may be well now, briefly to refer + to them, and to state that no such laws existed in California, Illinois, + Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Oregon. + </p> + <p> + Those of Maine provided that no officer of the State should in any way + assist in the arrest or detention of a Fugitive Slave, and made it the + duty of county attorneys to defend the Fugitive Slave against the claim of + his master. A Bill to repeal these laws passed the Maine Senate, but + failed in the House. + </p> + <p> + That of Massachusetts provided for commissioners in each county to defend + alleged Fugitives from Service or Labor; for payment by the Commonwealth + of all expenses of defense; prohibited the issue or service of process by + State officers for arrest of alleged Fugitives, or the use of any prisons + in the State for their detention, or that of any person aiding their + escape; prohibited the kidnapping or removal of alleged Fugitive Slaves by + any person; prohibited all officers within the State, down to Town + officers, from arresting, imprisoning, detaining or returning to Service + "any Person for the reason that he is claimed or adjudged to be a Fugitive + from Service or Labor"—all such prohibitions being enforced by heavy + fines and imprisonment. The Act of March 25, 1861, materially modified and + softened the above provisions. + </p> + <p> + New Hampshire's law, provided that all Slaves entering the State with + consent of the master shall be Free, and made the attempt to hold any + person as a Slave within the State a felony. + </p> + <p> + Vermont's, prescribed that no process under the Fugitive Slave Law should + be recognized by any of her Courts, officers, or citizens; nor any aid + given in arresting or removing from the State any Person claimed as a Fugitive + Slave; provided counsel for alleged Fugitives; for the issue of habeas + corpus and trial by jury of issues of fact between the parties; ordained + Freedom to all within the State who may have been held as Slaves before + coming into it, and prescribed heavy penalties for any attempt to return + any such to Slavery. A bill to repeal these laws, proposed November, 1860, + in the Vermont House of Representatives, was beaten by two to one. + </p> + <p> + Connecticut's, provided that there must be two witnesses to prove that a + Person is a Slave; that depositions are not evidence; that false + testifying in Fugitive Slave cases shall be punishable by fine of $5,000 + and five years in State prison. + </p> + <p> + In New Jersey, the only laws touching the subject, permitted persons + temporarily sojourning in the State to bring and hold their Slaves, and + made it the duty of all State officers to aid in the recovery of Fugitives + from Service. + </p> + <p> + In Pennsylvania, barring an old dead-letter Statute, they simply + prohibited any interference by any of the Courts, Aldermen, or Justices of + the Peace, of the Commonwealth, with the functions of the Commissioner + appointed under the United States Statute in Fugitive Slave cases. + </p> + <p> + In Michigan, the law required States' attorneys to defend Fugitive Slaves; + prescribed the privileges of habeas corpus and jury trial for all such + arrested; prohibited the use of prisons of the State for their detention; + required evidence of two credible witnesses as to identity; and provided + heavy penalties of fine and imprisonment for the seizure of any Free + Person, with intent to have such Person held in Slavery. A Bill to repeal + the Michigan law was defeated in the House by about two to one. + </p> + <p> + Wisconsin's Personal Liberty law was similar to that of Michigan, but with + this addition, that no judgment recovered against any person in that State + for violating the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 should be enforced by sale or + execution of any real or personal property in that State. + </p> + <p> + That of Rhode Island, forbade the carrying away of any Person by force out + of the State; forbade the official aiding in the arrest or detention of a + Fugitive Slave; and denied her jails to the United States for any such + detention. + </p> + <p> + Apropos of this subject, and before leaving it, it may be well to quote + remarks of Mr. Simons of Rhode Island, in the United States Senate. Said + he: "Complaint has been made of Personal Liberty Bills. Now, the + Massachusetts Personal Liberty Bill was passed by a Democratic House, a + Democratic Senate, and signed by a Democratic Governor, a man who was + afterwards nominated by Mr. Polk for the very best office in New England, + and was unanimously confirmed by a Democratic United States Senate. + Further than this, the very first time the attention of the Massachusetts + Legislature was called to the propriety of a repeal of this law was by a + Republican Governor. Now, on the other hand, South Carolina had repealed a + law imprisoning British colored sailors, but retained the one imprisoning + those coming from States inhabited by her own brethren!" + </p> + <p> + These Personal Liberty Bills were undoubtedly largely responsible for some + of the irritation on the Slavery question preceding open hostilities + between the Sections. But President Lincoln sounded the real depths of the + Rebellion when he declared it to be a War upon the rights of the People. + In his First Annual Message, December 3, 1861, he said: + </p> + <p> + "It continues to develop that the insurrection is largely, if not + exclusively, a War upon the first principle of popular government—the + rights of the People. Conclusive evidence of this is found in the most + grave and maturely considered public documents, as well as in the general + tone of the insurgents. In those documents we find the abridgment of the + existing right of suffrage, and the denial to the People of all right to + participate in the selection of public officers, except the legislative, + boldly advocated, with labored arguments to prove that large control of + the People in government is the source of all political evil. Monarchy + itself is sometimes hinted at as a possible refuge from the power of the + People. + </p> + <p> + "In my present position, I could scarcely be justified were I to omit + raising a warning voice against this approach of returning despotism. + </p> + <p> + "It is not needed, nor fitting here, that a general argument should be + made in favor of popular institutions; but there is one point, with its + connections, not so hackneyed as most others, to which I ask brief + attention. It is the effort to place Capital on an equal footing with, if + not above Labor, in the structure of the Government. + </p> + <p> + "It is assumed that Labor is available only in connection with Capital; + that nobody labors unless somebody else, owning Capital, somehow by the + use of it induces him to labor. This assumed, it is next considered + whether it is best that Capital shall hire laborers, and thus induce them + to work by their own consent, or buy them, and drive them to it without + their consent. Having proceeded so far, it is naturally concluded that all + laborers are either hired laborers, or what we call Slaves. And further, + it is assumed that whoever is once a hired laborer is fixed in that + condition for life. + </p> + <p> + "Now, there is no such relation between Capital and Labor as assumed; nor + is there any such thing as a free man being fixed for life, in the + condition of a hired laborer. Both these assumptions are false, and all + inferences from them are groundless. + </p> + <p> + "Labor is prior to, and independent of Capital. Capital is only the fruit + of Labor, and could never have existed if Labor had not first existed. + Labor is the superior of Capital, and deserves much the higher + consideration. Capital has its rights, which are as worthy of protection + as any other rights. Nor is it denied that there is, and probably always + will be, a relation between Labor and Capital, producing mutual benefits. + The error is in assuming that the whole Labor of the community exists + within that relation. + </p> + <p> + "A few men own Capital, and that few, avoid labor themselves, and with + their Capital hire or buy another few to labor for them. A large majority + belong to neither class—neither work for others, nor have others + working for them. + </p> + <p> + "In most of the Southern States, a majority of the whole people of all + colors are neither Slaves nor masters; while in the Northern, a large + majority are neither hirers nor hired. Men with their families—wives, + sons, and daughters—work for themselves, on their farms, in their + houses, and in their shops, taking the whole product to themselves, and + asking no favors of Capital on the one hand, nor of hired laborers or + Slaves on the other. + </p> + <p> + "It is not forgotten that a considerable number of persons mingle their + own Labor with Capital—that is they labor with their own hands, and + also buy or hire others to labor for them; but this is only a mixed, and + not a distinct class. No principle stated is disturbed by the existence of + this mixed class. + </p> + <p> + "Again, as has already been said, there is not, of necessity, any such + thing as the free hired-laborer being fixed to that condition for life. + Many independent men everywhere in these States, a few years back in their + lives, were hired laborers. + </p> + <p> + "The prudent, penniless beginner in the World, labors for wages awhile, + saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land for himself, then labors + on his own account another while, and at length hires another new beginner + to help him. This is the just and generous and prosperous system, which + opens the way to all, gives hope to all, and consequent energy and + progress, and improvement of condition to all. + </p> + <p> + "No men living are more worthy to be trusted than those who toil up from + poverty—none less inclined to take or touch aught which they have + not honestly earned. Let them beware of surrendering a political power + which they already possess, and which, if surrendered, will surely be used + to close the door of advancement against such as they, and to fix new + disabilities and burdens upon them, till all of Liberty shall be lost. * * + * The struggle of to-day is not altogether for to-day-it is a vast future + also. * * * " + </p> + <p> + So too, Andrew Johnson, in his speech before the Senate, January 31, 1862, + spake well and truly when he said that "there has been a deliberate design + for years to change the nature and character and genius of this + Government." And he added: "Do we not know that these schemers have been + deliberately at work, and that there is a Party in the South, with some + associates in the North, and even in the West, that have become tired of + Free Government, in which they have lost confidence." + </p> + <p> + Said he: "They raise an outcry against 'Coercion,' that they may paralyze + the Government, cripple the exercise of the great powers with which it was + invested, finally to change its form and subject us to a Southern + despotism. Do we not know it to be so? Why disguise this great truth? Do + we not know that they have been anxious for a change of Government for + years? Since this Rebellion commenced it has manifested itself in many + quarters. + </p> + <p> + "How long is it since the organ of the Government at Richmond, the + Richmond Whig, declared that rather than live under the Government of the + United States, they preferred to take the Constitutional Queen of Great + Britain as their protector; that they would make an alliance with Great + Britain for the purpose of preventing the enforcement of the Laws of the + United States. Do we not know this?" + </p> + <p> + Stephen A. Douglas also, in his great Union speech at Chicago, May 1, 1861—only + a few days before his lamented death—said: + </p> + <p> + "The election of Mr. Lincoln is a mere pretext. The present Secession + movement is the result of an enormous Conspiracy formed more than a year + since formed by leaders in the Southern Confederacy more than twelve + months ago. They use the Slavery question as a means to aid the + accomplishment of their ends. They desired the election of a Northern + candidate by a Sectional vote, in order to show that the two Sections + cannot live together. + </p> + <p> + "When the history of the two years from the Lecompton question down to the + Presidential election shall be written, it will be shown that the scheme + was deliberately made to break up this Union. + </p> + <p> + "They desired a Northern Republican to be elected by a purely Northern + vote, and then assign this fact as a reason why the Sections cannot live + together. If the Disunion candidate—(Breckinridge) in the late + Presidential contest had carried the united South, their scheme was, the + Northern candidate successful, to seize the Capital last Spring, and by a + united South and divided North, hold it. + </p> + <p> + "Their scheme was defeated, in the defeat of the Disunion candidates in + several of the Southern States. + </p> + <p> + "But this is no time for a detail of causes. The Conspiracy is now known; + Armies have been raised. War is levied to accomplish it. There are only + two sides to the question. + </p> + <p> + "Every man must be for the United States, or against it. There can be no + Neutrals in this War; only Patriots or Traitors! [Cheer after Cheer]." + </p> + <p> + In a speech made in the United States Senate, January 31, 1862, Senator + McDougall of California—conceded to be intellectually the peer of + any man in that Body—said: + </p> + <p> + "We are at War. How long have we been at War? We have been engaged in a + war of opinion, according to my historical recollection, since 1838. There + has been a Systematic organized war against the Institutions established + by our fathers, since 1832. This is known of all men who have read + carefully the history of our Country. If I had the leisure, or had + consulted the authorities, I would give it year by year, and date by date, + from that time until the present, how men adversary to our Republican + Institutions have been organizing War against us, because they did not + approve of our Republican Institutions. + </p> + <p> + "Before the Mexican War, it is well known that General Quitman, then + Governor of Mississippi, was organizing to produce the same condition of + things (and he hoped a better condition of things, for he hoped a + successful Secession), to produce this same revolution that is now + disturbing our whole Land. The War with Mexico, fighting for a Southern + proposition, for which I fought myself, made the Nation a unit until 1849; + and then again they undertook an Organization to produce Revolution. These + things are history. This statement is true, and cannot be denied among + intelligent men anywhere, and cannot be denied in this Senate. + </p> + <p> + "The great men who sat in Council in this Hall, the great men of the + Nation, men whose equals are not, and I fear will not be for many years, + uniting their judgments, settled the controversy in 1850. They did not + settle it for the Conspirators of the South, for they were not parties to + the compact. Clay and Webster, and the great men who united with them, had + no relation with the extremes of either extreme faction. The Compromise + was made, and immediately after it had been effected, again commenced the + work of organization. I had the honor to come from my State on the Pacific + into the other branch of the Federal Congress, and there I learned as + early as 1853, that the work of Treason was as industriously pursued as it + is being pursued to-day. I saw it; I felt it; I knew it. I went home to + the shores of the Pacific instructed somewhat on this subject. + </p> + <p> + "Years passed by. I engaged in my duties as a simple professional man, not + connected with public affairs. The question of the last Presidential + election arose before the Country—one of those great questions that + are not appreciated, I regret from my heart, by the American Nation, when + we elect a President, a man who has more power for his time than any + enthroned Monarch in Europe. We organize a Government and place him in + front as the head and the Chief of the Government. That question came + before the American People. + </p> + <p> + "At that time I was advised of this state of feeling—and I will + state it in as exact form of words as I can state it, that it may be + understood by Senators: Mr. Douglas is a man acceptable to the South. Mr. + Douglas is a man to whom no one has just cause of exception throughout the + South. Mr. Douglas is more acceptable to Mississippi and Louisiana than + Mr. Breckinridge. Mr. Breckinridge is not acceptable to the South; or at + least, if he is so, he is not in the same degree with Mr. Douglas. Mr. + Douglas is the accepted man of a great National Party, and if he is + brought into the field he will be triumphantly elected. THAT MUST NOT BE + DONE, because THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECESSION IS MATURED. EVERYTHING IS + PREPARED, and the election of Mr. Douglas would only postpone it for four + years; and Now when we are PREPARED to carry out these things WE MUST + INDULGE IN STRATAGEM, and the nomination of Mr. Breckinridge is a mere + strategic movement to divide the great conservative Party of the Nation + into two, so as to elect a Republican candidate AND CONSOLIDATE THE SOUTH + BY THE CRY OF 'ABOLITIONIST!' + </p> + <p> + "That is a mere simple statement of the truth, and it cannot be + contradicted. Now, in that scheme all the men of counsel of that Party + were engaged. * * * I, on the far shores of the Pacific understood those + things as long ago as a year last September (1860). I was advised about + this policy and well informed of it. * * * + </p> + <p> + "I was at war, in California, in January (1861) last; in the maintenance + of the opinions that I am now maintaining, I had to go armed to protect + myself from violence. The country, whenever there was controversy, was + agitated to its deepest foundations. That is known, perhaps, not to + gentlemen who live up in Maine or Massachusetts, or where you are foreign + to all this agitation; but known to all people where disturbance might + have been effective in consequences. I felt it, and had to carry my life + in my hand by the month, as did my friends surrounding me. + </p> + <p> + "I say that all through last winter (that of 1860-61) War had been + inaugurated in all those parts of the Country where disturbed elements + could have efficient result. In January (1861), a year ago, I stood in the + hall of the House of Representatives of my State, and there was War then, + and angry faces and hostile men were gathered; and we knew then well that + the Southern States had determined to withdraw themselves from the Federal + Union. + </p> + <p> + "I happened to be one of those men who said, 'they shall not do it;' and + it appears to me that the whole argument is between that class of men and + the class of men who said they would let them do it. * * * When this + doctrine was started here of disintegrating the Cotton States from the + rest of the Confederacy, I opposed it at once. I saw immediately that War + was to be invoked. * * * + </p> + <p> + "I will not say these things were understood by gentlemen of the + Republican Party * * * but I, having been accepted and received as a + Democrat of the old school from the olden time, and HAVING FAST SOUTHERN + SYMPATHIES, I DID KNOW ALL ABOUT THEM. * * * I KNOW THAT SECESSION WAS A + THING DETERMINED UPON. * * * I was advised of and understood the whole + programme, KNEW HOW IT WAS TO BE DONE IN ITS DETAILS; and I being advised, + made war against it. * * * + </p> + <p> + "War had been, in fact, inaugurated. What is War? Was it the firing on our + flag at Sumter? Was that the first adversary passage? To say so, is + trifling with men's judgments and information. No, sir; when they + organized a Government, and set us at defiance, they commenced War; and + the various steps they took afterwards, by organizing their troops, and + forming their armies, and advancing upon Sumter; all these were merely + acts of War; but War was inaugurated whenever they undertook to say they + would maintain themselves as a separate and independent government; and, + after that time, every man who gave his assistance to them was a Traitor, + according to the highest Law." + </p> + <p> + The following letter, written by one of the most active of the Southern + conspirators in 1858, during the great Douglas and Lincoln Debate of that + year, to which extended reference has already been made, is of interest in + this connection, not only as corroborative evidence of the fact that the + Rebellion of the Cotton States had been determined on long before Mr. + Lincoln was elected President, but as showing also that the machinery for + "firing the Southern heart" and for making a "solid South" was being + perfected even then. The subsequent split in the Democratic Party, and + nomination of Breckinridge by the Southern wing of it, was managed by this + same Yancey, simply as parts of the deliberate programme of Secession and + Rebellion long before determined on by the Cotton Lords of the Cotton + States. + </p> + <p> + "MONTGOMERY, June 15, 1858. + </p> + <p> + "DEAR SIR:—Your kind favor of the 13th is received. + </p> + <p> + "I hardly agree with you that a general movement can be made that will + clean out the Augean Stable. If the Democracy were overthrown it would + result in giving place to a greedier and hungrier swarm of flies. + </p> + <p> + "The remedy of the South is not in such a process. It is in a diligent + organization of her true men for prompt resistance to the next aggression. + It must come in the nature of things. No National Party can save us. No + Sectional Party can ever do it. But if we could do as our fathers did—organize + 'Committees of Safety' all over the Cotton States (and it is only in them + that we can hope for any effective movement), we shall fire the Southern + heart, instruct the Southern mind, give courage to each other, and at the + proper moment, by one organized, concerted action, we can precipitate the + Cotton States into a revolution. + </p> + <p> + "The idea has been shadowed forth in the South by Mr. Ruffin; has been + taken up and recommended in the Advertiser under the name of 'League of + United Southerners,' who, keeping up their old relations on all other + questions, will hold the Southern issues paramount, and influence parties, + legislatures and statesmen. I have no time to enlarge, but to suggest + merely. + </p> + <p> + "In haste, yours, etc. "W. L. YANCEY. + </p> + <p> + "To JAMES S. SLAUGHTER." + </p> + <p> + At Jackson, Mississippi, in the fall of the same year (1858) just after + the great Debate between Douglas and Lincoln had closed, Jefferson Davis + had already raised the standard of Revolution, Secession and Disunion, + during the course of a speech, in which he said: "If an Abolitionist be + chosen President of the United States, you will have presented to you the + question of whether you will permit the Government to pass into the hands + of your avowed and implacable enemies? Without pausing for an answer, I + will state my own position to be, that such a result would be a species of + revolution by which the purposes of the Government would be destroyed, and + the observance of its mere forms entitled to no respect. In that event, in + such a manner as should be most expedient, I should deem it your duty to + provide for your safety, outside of the Union with those who have already + shown the will, and would have acquired the power to deprive you of your + birthright, and to reduce you to worse than the Colonial dependence of + your fathers." + </p> + <p> + The "birthright" thus referred to was of course, the alleged right to have + Slaves; but what was this "worse than Colonial dependence" to which, in + addition to the peril supposed to threaten the Southern "birthright," the + Cotton States of Mississippi were reduced? "Dependence" upon whom, and + with regard to what? Plainly upon the North; and with regard, not to + Slavery alone—for Jefferson Davis held, down to the very close of + the War, that the South fought "not for Slavery"—but as to Tariff + Legislation also. There was the rub! These Cotton Lords believed, or + pretended to believe, that the High Tariff Legislation, advocated and + insisted upon both by the Whigs and Republicans for the Protection of the + American Manufacturer and working man, built up and made prosperous the + North, and elevated Northern laborers; at the expense of the South, and + especially themselves, the Cotton Lords aforesaid. + </p> + <p> + We have already seen from the utterances of leading men in the South + Carolina, Secession Convention, "that"—as Governor Hicks, himself a + Southern man, said in his address to the people of Maryland, after the War + broke out "neither the election of Mr. Lincoln, nor the non-execution of + the Fugitive Slave Law, nor both combined, constitute their grievances. + They declare that THE REAL CAUSE of their discontent DATES AS FAR BACK AS + 1833." + </p> + <p> + And what was the chief cause or pretext for discontent at that time? + Nothing less than the Tariff. They wanted Free Trade, as well as Slavery. + The balance of the Union wanted Protection, as well as Freedom. + </p> + <p> + The subsequent War, then, was not a War waged for Slavery alone, but for + Independence with a view to Free Trade, as set forth in the "Confederate + Constitution," as soon as that Independence could be achieved. And the War + on our part, while for the integrity of the Union in all its parts—for + the life of the Nation itself, and for the freedom of man, should also + have brought the triumph of the American idea of a Protective Tariff, + whose chief object is the building up of American manufactures and the + Protection of the Free working-man, in the essential matters of education, + food, clothing, rents, wages, and work. + </p> + <p> + It is mentioned in McPherson's History of the Rebellion, p. 392, that in a + letter making public his reasons for going to Washington and taking his + seat in Congress, Mr. James L. Pugh, a Representative from Alabama, + November 24, 1860, said: "The sole object of my visit is to promote the + cause of Secession." + </p> + <p> + From the manner in which they acted after reaching Washington, it is not + unreasonable to suppose that most of those persons representing, in both + branches of Congress, the Southern States which afterwards seceded, came + to the National Capital with a similar object in view—taking their + salaries and mileages for services supposed to be performed for the + benefit of the very Government they were conspiring to injure, and + swearing anew the sacred oath to support and defend the very Constitution + which they were moving heaven and earth to undermine and destroy! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [As a part of the history of those times, the following letter is not + without interest: + </p> + <p> + "OXFORD, December 24, 1860. + </p> + <p> + "MY DEAR SIR:—I regretted having to leave Washington without + having with you a full conference as to the great events whose shadows + are upon us. The result of the election here is what the most sanguine + among us expected; that is, its general result is so. It is as yet + somewhat difficult to determine the distinctive complexion of the + convention to meet on the 7th of January. The friends of Southern + Independence, of firm and bona fide resistance, won an overwhelming + victory; but I doubt whether there is any precise plan. + </p> + <p> + "No doubt a large majority of the Convention will be for separate + Secession. But unless intervening events work important changes of + sentiment, not all of those elected as resistance men will be for + immediate and separate Secession. Our friends in Pontotoc, Tippah, De + Soto and Pauola took grounds which fell far short of that idea, though + their resolutions were very firm in regard to Disunion and an ultimate + result. + </p> + <p> + "In the meantime the Disunion sentiment among the people is growing + every day more intense. + </p> + <p> + "Upon the whole, you have great cause for gratification in the action of + your State. + </p> + <p> + "The submissionists are routed, horse, foot, and dragoons, and any + concession by the North will fail to restore that sacred attachment to + the Union which was once so deeply radicated in the hearts of our + people. What they want now, is wise and sober leading. I think that + there might be more of dignity and prudent foresight in the action of + our State than have marked the proceedings of South Carolina. I have + often rejoiced that we have you to rest upon and confide in. I do not + know what we could do without you. That God may preserve you to us, and + that your mind may retain all its vigor to carry us through these + perilous times, is my most fervent aspiration. + </p> + <p> + "I am as ever, and forever, your supporter, ally and friend. + </p> + <p> + "L. Q. C. LAMAR. + </p> + <p> + "COL. JEFF. DAVIS, Washington, D. C."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + This was but a part of the deliberate, cold-blooded plan mapped out in + detail, early in the session succeeding the election of Mr. Lincoln, in a + secret Caucus of the Chief Plotters of the Treason. It was a secret + conference, but the programme resolved on, soon leaked out. + </p> + <p> + The following, which appeared in the Washington National Intelligencer on + Friday, January 11, 1861, tells the story of this stage of the Great + Conspiracy pretty clearly: + </p> + <p> + "The subjoined communication, disclosing the designs of those who have + undertaken to lead the movement now threatening a permanent dissolution of + the Union, comes to us from a distinguished citizen of the South + [understood to be Honorable Lemuel D. Evans, Representative from Texas in + the 34th Congress, from March 4, 1855, to March 3, 1857] who formerly + represented his State with great distinction in the popular branch of + Congress. + </p> + <p> + "Temporarily sojourning in this city he has become authentically informed + of the facts recited in the subjoined letter, which he communicates to us + under a sense of duty, and for the accuracy of which he makes himself + responsible. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing but assurances coming from such an intelligent, reliable source + could induce us to accept the authenticity of these startling statements, + which so deeply concern not only the welfare but the honor of the Southern + people. + </p> + <p> + "To them we submit, without present comment, the programme to which they + are expected to yield their implicit adhesion, without any scruples of + conscience as without any regard for their own safety. + </p> + <p> + "'WASHINGTON, January 9, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "'I charge that on last Saturday night (January 5th), a Caucus was held in + this city by the Southern Secession Senators from Florida, Georgia, + Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. It was then and there + resolved in effect to assume to themselves the political power of the + South, and, to control all political and military operations for the + present, they telegraphed to complete the plan of seizing forts, arsenals, + and custom-houses, and advised the Conventions now in session, and soon to + assemble, to pass Ordinances for immediate Secession; but, in order to + thwart any operations of the Government here, the Conventions of the + Seceding States are to retain their representations in the Senate and the + House. + </p> + <p> + "'They also advised, ordered, or directed the assembling of a Convention + of delegates from the Seceding States at Montgomery on the 13th of + February. This can of course only be done by the revolutionary Conventions + usurping the powers of the people, and sending delegates over whom they + will lose all control in the establishment of a Provisional Government, + which is the plan of the dictators. + </p> + <p> + "'This Caucus also resolved to take the most effectual means to dragoon + the Legislatures of Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, and + Virginia into following the Seceding States. Maryland is also to be + influenced by such appeals to popular passion as have led to the + revolutionary steps which promise a conflict with the State and Federal + Governments in Texas. + </p> + <p> + "'They have possessed themselves of all the avenues of information in the + South—the telegraph, the press, and the general control of the + postmasters. They also confidently rely upon defections in the army and + navy. + </p> + <p> + "'The spectacle here presented is startling to contemplate. Senators + entrusted with the representative sovereignty of the States, and sworn to + support the Constitution of the United States, while yet acting as the + privy councillors of the President, and anxiously looked to by their + constituents to effect some practical plan of adjustment, deliberately + conceive a Conspiracy for the overthrow of the Government through the + military organizations, the dangerous secret order, the 'Knights of the + Golden Circle,' 'Committees of Safety,' Southern leagues, and other + agencies at their command; they have instituted as thorough a military and + civil despotism as ever cursed a maddened Country. + </p> + <p> + "'It is not difficult to foresee the form of government which a Convention + thus hurriedly thrown together at Montgomery will irrevocably fasten upon + a deluded and unsuspecting people. It must essentially be 'a Monarchy + founded upon military principles,' or it cannot endure. Those who usurp + power never fail to forge strong chains. + </p> + <p> + "'It may be too late to sound the alarm. Nothing may be able to arrest the + action of revolutionary tribunals whose decrees are principally in 'secret + sessions.' But I call upon the people to pause and reflect before they are + forced to surrender every principle of liberty, or to fight those who are + becoming their masters rather than their servants. "'EATON" + </p> + <p> + "As confirming the intelligence furnished by our informant we may cite the + following extract from the Washington correspondence of yesterday's + Baltimore Sun: + </p> + <p> + "'The leaders of the Southern movement are consulting as to the best mode + of consolidating their interests into a Confederacy under a Provisional + Government. The plan is to make Senator Hunter, of Virginia, Provisional + President, and Jefferson Davis Commander-in-Chief of the army of defense. + Mr. Hunter possesses in a more eminent degree the philosophical + characteristics of Jefferson than any other statesman now living. Colonel + Davis is a graduate of West Point, was distinguished for gallantry at + Buena Vista, and served as Secretary of War under President Pierce, and is + not second to General Scott in military science or courage.' + </p> + <p> + "As further confirmatory of the above, the following telegraphic dispatch + in the Charleston Mercury of January 7, 1861, is given: + </p> + <p> + "'[From our Own Correspondent.] + </p> + <p> + "'WASHINGTON, January 6.—The Senators from those of the Southern + States which have called Conventions of their people, met in caucus last + night, and adopted the following resolutions: + </p> + <p> + "'Resolved, That we recommend to our respective States immediate + Secession. + </p> + <p> + "'Resolved, That we recommend the holding of a General Convention of the + said States, to be holden in the city of Montgomery, Alabama, at some + period not later than the 15th day of February, 1861.' + </p> + <p> + "These resolutions were telegraphed this evening to the Conventions of + Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. A third resolution is also known to + have been adopted, but it is of a confidential character, not to be + divulged at present. There was a good deal of discussion in the caucus on + the question of whether the Seceding States ought to continue their + delegations in Congress till the 4th of March, to prevent unfriendly + legislation, or whether the Representatives of the Seceding States should + all resign together, and leave a clear field for the opposition to pass + such bills, looking to Coercion, as they may see fit. It is believed that + the opinion that they should remain prevailed." + </p> + <p> + Furthermore, upon the capture of Fernandina, Florida, in 1862, the + following letter was found and published. Senator Yulee, the writer, was + present and participated as one of the Florida Senators, in the traitorous + "Consultation" therein referred to—and hence its especial value: + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, January 7, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "My DEAR SIR:—On the other side is a copy of resolutions adopted at + a consultation of the Senators from the Seceding States—in which + Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida + were present. + </p> + <p> + "The idea of the meeting was that the States should go out at once, and + provide for the early organization of a Confederate Government, not later + than 15th February. This time is allowed to enable Louisiana and Texas to + participate. It seemed to be the opinion that if we left here, force, + loan, and volunteer Bills might be passed, which would put Mr. Lincoln in + immediate condition for hostilities; whereas, by remaining in our places + until the 4th of March, it is thought we can keep the hands of Mr. + Buchanan tied, and disable the Republicans from effecting any legislation + which will strengthen the hands of the incoming Administration. + </p> + <p> + "The resolutions will be sent by the delegation to the President of the + Convention. I have not been able to find Mr. Mallory (his Senatorial + colleague) this morning. Hawkins (Representative from Florida) is in + Connecticut. I have therefore thought it best to send you this copy of the + resolutions. + </p> + <p> + "In haste, yours truly "D. L. YULEE. + </p> + <p> + "JOSEPH FINEGAN, Esq., "'Sovereignty Convention,' Tallahassee, Fla." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + The resolutions "on the other side" of this letter, to which he refers, + are as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, 1—That in our opinion each of the Southern States should, + as soon as may be, Secede from the Union. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, 2—That provision should be made for a Convention to + organize a Confederacy of the Seceding States, the Convention to meet not + later than the 15th of February, at the city of Montgomery, in the State + of Alabama. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That in view of the hostile legislation that is threatened + against the Seceding States, and which may be consummated before the 4th + of March, we ask instructions whether the delegations are to remain in + Congress until that date for the purpose of defeating such legislation. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That a committee be and are hereby appointed, consisting of + Messrs. Davis, Slidell, and Mallory, to carry out the objects of this + meeting." + </p> + <p> + In giving this letter to the World—from its correspondent + accompanying the expedition—the New York Times of March 15, 1862, + made these forcible and clear-headed comments: + </p> + <p> + "The telegraphic columns of the Times of January 7, 1861, contained the + following Washington dispatch: 'The Southern Senators last night (January + 5th) held a conference, and telegraphed to the Conventions of their + respective States to advise immediate Secession.' Now, the present letter + is a report by Mr. Yulee, who was present at this 'consultation' as he + calls it, of the resolutions adopted on this occasion, transmitted to the + said Finegan, who by the way, was a member of the 'Sovereign Convention' + of Florida, then sitting in the town of Tallahassee. + </p> + <p> + "It will thus be seen that this remarkable letter, which breathes + throughout the spirit of the Conspirator, in reality lets us into one of + the most important of the numerous Secret Conclaves which the Plotters of + Treason then held in the Capital. It was then, as it appears, that they + determined to strike the blow and precipitate their States into Secession. + But at the same time they resolved that it would be imprudent for them + openly to withdraw, as in that case Congress might pass 'force, loan, and + volunteer bills,' which would put Mr. Lincoln in immediate condition for + hostilities. No, no! that would not do. (So much patriotic virtue they + half suspected, half feared, was left in the Country.) On the contrary, + 'by remaining in our places until the 4th of March it is thought we can + keep the hands of Mr. Buchanan tied, and disable the Republicans from + effecting any legislation which will strengthen the hands of the incoming + Administration.' Ah what a tragic back-ground, full of things unutterable, + is there! + </p> + <p> + "It appears, however, that events were faster than they, and instead of + being able to retain their seats up to the 4th of March, they were able to + remain but a very few weeks. Mr. Davis withdrew on the 21st of January, + just a fortnight after this 'consultation.' But for the rest, mark how + faithfully the programme here drawn up by this knot of Traitors in secret + session was realized. Each of the named States represented by this Cabal + did, 'as soon as may be, Secede from the Union'—the Mississippi + Convention passing its Ordinance on the heels of the receipt of these + resolutions, on the 9th of January; Florida and Alabama on the 11th; + Louisiana on the 26th, and Texas on the 1st of February; while the + 'organization of the Confederate Government' took place at the very time + appointed, Davis being inaugurated on the 18th of February. + </p> + <p> + "And here is another Plot of the Traitors brought to light. These very + men, on withdrawing from the Senate, urged that they were doing so in + obedience to the command of their respective States. As Mr. Davis put it, + in his parting speech, 'the Ordinance of Secession having passed the + Convention of his State, he felt obliged to obey the summons, and retire + from all official connection with the Federal Government.' This letter of + Mr. Yulee's clearly reveals that they had themselves pushed their State + Conventions to the adoption of the very measure which they had the + hardihood to put forward as an imperious 'summons' which they could not + disobey. It is thus that Treason did its Work." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch12" id="linkch12"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII.<br /> <br /> COPPERHEADISM VS. UNION DEMOCRACY.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + When we remember that it was on the night of the 5th of January, 1861, + that the Rebel Conspirators in the United States Senate met and plotted + their confederated Treason, as shown in the Yulee letter, given in the + preceding Chapter of this work, and that on the very next day, January 6, + 1861, Fernando Wood, then Mayor of the great city of New York, sent in to + the Common Council of that metropolis, his recommendation that New York + city should Secede from its own State, as well as the United States, and + become "a Free City," which, said he, "may shed the only light and hope of + a future reconstruction of our once blessed Confederacy," it is impossible + to resist the conviction that this extraordinary movement of his, was + inspired and prompted, if not absolutely directed, by the secret Rebel + Conclave at Washington. It bears within itself internal evidences of such + prompting. + </p> + <p> + Thus, when Mayor Wood states the case in the following words, he seems to + be almost quoting word for word an instruction received by him from these + Rebel leaders—in connection with their plausible argument, upholding + it. Says he: + </p> + <p> + "Much, no doubt, can be said in favor of the justice and policy of a + separation. It may be said that Secession or revolution in any of the + United States would be subversive of all Federal authority, and, so far as + the central Government is concerned, the resolving of the community into + its original elements—that, if part of the States form new + combinations and, Governments, other States may do the same. Then it may + be said, why should not New York city, instead of supporting by her + contributions in revenue two-thirds of the expenses of the United States, + become also equally independent? As a Free City, with but nominal duty on + imports, her local Government could be supported without taxation upon her + people. Thus we could live free from taxes, and have cheap goods nearly + duty free. In this she would have the whole and united support of the + Southern States, as well as all the other States to whose interests and + rights under the Constitution she has always been true." + </p> + <p> + That is the persuasive casuistry peculiar to the minds of the Southern + Secession leaders. It is naturally followed by a touch of that + self-confident bluster, also at that time peculiar to Southern lips—as + follows: + </p> + <p> + "It is well for individuals or communities to look every danger square in + the face, and to meet it calmly and bravely. As dreadful as the severing + of the bonds that have hitherto united the States has been in + contemplation, it is now apparently a stern and inevitable fact. We have + now to meet it, with all the consequences, whatever they may be. If the + Confederacy is broken up the Government is dissolved, and it behooves + every distinct community, as well as every individual, to take care of + themselves. + </p> + <p> + "When Disunion has become a fixed and certain fact, why may not New York + disrupt the bands which bind her to a venal and corrupt master—to a + people and a Party that have plundered her revenues, attempted to ruin her + commerce, taken away the power of self-government, and destroyed the + Confederacy of which she was the proud Empire City? * * *" + </p> + <p> + After thus restating, as it were, the views and "arguments" of the Rebel + Junta, as we may presume them to have been pressed on him, he becomes + suddenly startled at the Conclave's idea of meeting "all the consequences, + whatever they may be," and, turning completely around, with blanching pen, + concludes: + </p> + <p> + "But I am not prepared to recommend the violence implied in these views. + In stating this argument in favor of freedom, 'peaceably if we can, + forcibly if we must,' let me not be misunderstood. The redress can be + found only in appeals to the magnanimity of the people of the whole + State." * * * + </p> + <p> + If "these views" were his own, and not those of the Rebel Conclave, he + would either have been "prepared to recommend the violence implied in + them," or else he would have suppressed them altogether. But his utterance + is that of one who has certain views for the first time placed before him, + and shrinks from the consequences of their advocacy—shrinks from + "the violence implied" in them—although for some reason he dares not + refuse to place those views before the people. + </p> + <p> + And, in carrying out his promise to do so—"In stating this + argument," presumably of the Rebel Conclave, "in favor of freedom, + 'peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must'"—the language used is an + admission that the argument is not his own. Were it his own, would he not + have said in "making" it, instead of in "stating" it? Furthermore, had he + been "making" it of his own accord, he would hardly have involved himself + in such singular contradictions and explanations as are here apparent. He + was plainly "stating" the Rebel Conclave's argument, not making one + himself. He was obeying orders, under the protest of his fears. And those + fears forced his trembling pen to write the saving-clause which + "qualifies" the Conclave's second-hand bluster preceding it. + </p> + <p> + That the Rebels hoped for Northern assistance in case of Secession, is + very clear from many speeches made prior to and soon after the election of + Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency—and from other sources of information. + Thus we find in a speech made by Representative L. M. Keitt, of South + Carolina, in Charleston, November, 1860, the following language, reported + by the Mercury: + </p> + <p> + "But we have been threatened. Mr. Amos Kendall wrote a letter, in which he + said to Colonel Orr, that if the State went out, three hundred thousand + volunteers were ready to march against her. I know little about Kendall—and + the less the better. He was under General Jackson; but for him the Federal + treasury seemed to have a magnetic attraction. + </p> + <p> + "Jackson was a pure man, but he had too many around him who made fortunes + far transcending their salaries. [Applause.] And this Amos Kendall had the + same good fortune under Van Buren. He (Kendall) threatened us on the one + side, and John Hickman on the other. John Hickman said, defiantly, that if + we went out of the Union, eighteen millions of Northern men would bring us + back. + </p> + <p> + "Let me tell you, there are a million of Democrats in the North who, when + the Black Republicans attempt to march upon the South, will be found a + wall of fire in the front. [Cries of 'that's so,' and applause.]" + </p> + <p> + Harper's Weekly of May 28, 1864, commenting on certain letters of M. F. + Maury and others, then just come to light, said: + </p> + <p> + "How far Maury and his fellow-conspirators were justified in their hopes + of seducing New Jersey into the Rebellion, may be gathered from the + correspondence that took place, in the spring of 1861, between Ex-Governor + Price, of New Jersey, who was one of the representatives from that State + in the Peace Congress, and L. W. Burnet, Esq., of Newark. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Price, in answering the question what ought New Jersey to do, says: + 'I believe the Southern confederation permanent. The proceeding has been + taken with forethought and deliberation—it is no hurried impulse, + but an irrevocable act, based upon the sacred, as was supposed, equality + of the States; and in my opinion every Slave State will in a short period + of time be found united in one Confederacy. * * * Before that event + happens, we cannot act, however much we may suffer in our material + interests. It is in that contingency, then, that I answer the second part + of your question:—What position for New Jersey will best accord with + her interests, honor, and the patriotic instincts of her people? I say + emphatically she would go with the South from every wise, prudential, and + patriotic reason.' + </p> + <p> + "Ex-Governor Price proceeds to say that he is confident the States of + Pennsylvania and New York will 'choose also to cast their lot with the + South, and after them, the Western and Northwestern States.'" + </p> + <p> + The following resolution,* was adopted with others, by a meeting of + Democrats held January 16, 1861, at National Hall, Philadelphia, and has + been supposed to disclose "a plan, of which ex-Governor Price was likely + aware:" + </p> + <p> + "Twelfth—That in the deliberate judgment of the Democracy of + Philadelphia, and, so far as we know it, of Pennsylvania, the dissolution + of the Union by the separation of the whole South, a result we shall most + sincerely lament, may release this Commonwealth to a large extent from the + bonds which now connect her with the Confederacy, except so far as for + temporary convenience she chooses to submit to them, and would authorize + and require her citizens, through a Convention, to be assembled for that + purpose, to determine with whom her lot should be cast, whether with the + North and the East, whose fanaticism has precipitated this misery upon us, + or with our brethren of the South, whose wrongs we feel as our own; or + whether Pennsylvania should stand by herself, as a distinct community, + ready when occasion offers, to bind together the broken Union, and resume + her place of loyalty and devotion." + </p> + <p> + Senator Lane of Oregon, replying to Senator Johnson of Tennessee, December + 19, 1860, in the United States Senate, and speaking of and for the + Northern Democracy, said: + </p> + <p> + "They will not march with him under his bloody banner, or Mr. Lincoln's, + to invade the soil of the gallant State of South Carolina, when she may + withdraw from a Confederacy that has refused her that equality to which + she is entitled, as a member of the Union, under the Constitution. On the + contrary, when he or any other gentleman raises that banner and attempts + to subjugate that gallant people, instead of marching with him, we will + meet him there, ready to repel him and his forces. He shall not bring with + him the Northern Democracy to strike down a people contending for rights + that have been refused them in a Union that ought to recognize the + equality of every member of the Confederacy. * * * I now serve notice + that, when War is made upon that gallant South for withdrawing from a + Union which refuses them their rights, the Northern Democracy will not + join in the crusade. THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WILL HAVE WAR ENOUGH AT HOME. + THE DEMOCRACY OF THE NORTH NEED NOT CROSS THE BORDER TO FIND AN ENEMY." + </p> + <p> + The following letter from Ex-President Pierce is in the same misleading + strain: + </p> + <p> + "CLARENDON HOTEL, January 6, 1860.—[This letter was captured, at + Jeff. Davis's house in Mississippi, by the Union troops.] + </p> + <p> + "MY DEAR FRIEND:—I wrote you an unsatisfactory note a day or two + since. I have just had a pleasant interview with Mr. Shepley, whose + courage and fidelity are equal to his learning and talents. He says he + would rather fight the battle with you as the standard-bearer in 1860, + than under the auspices of any other leader. The feeling and judgment of + Mr. S. in this relation is, I am confident, rapidly gaining ground in New + England. Our people are looking for 'the coming man,' one who is raised by + all the elements of his character above the atmosphere ordinarily breathed + by politicians, a man really fitted for this exigency by his ability, + courage, broad statesmanship, and patriotism. Colonel Seymour (Thomas H.) + arrived here this morning, and expressed his views in this relation in + almost the identical language used by Mr. Shepley. + </p> + <p> + "It is true that, in the present state of things at Washington and + throughout the country, no man can predict what changes two or three + months may bring forth. Let me suggest that, in the running debates in + Congress, full justice seems to me not to have been done to the Democracy + of the North. I do not believe that our friends at the South have any just + idea of the state of feeling, hurrying at this moment to the pitch of + intense exasperation, between those who respect their political + obligations and those who have apparently no impelling power but that + which fanatical passion on the subject of Domestic Slavery imparts. + </p> + <p> + "Without discussing the question of right, of abstract power to Secede, I + have never believed that actual disruption of the Union can occur without + blood; and if, through the madness of Northern Abolitionism, that dire + calamity must come, THE FIGHTING WILL NOT BE ALONG MASON'S AND DIXON'S + LINE MERELY. IT [WILL] BE WITHIN OUR OWN BORDERS, IN OUR OWN STREETS, + BETWEEN THE TWO CLASSES OF CITIZENS TO WHOM I HAVE REFERRED. Those who + defy law and scout Constitutional obligations will, if we ever reach the + arbitrament of arms, FIND OCCUPATION ENOUGH AT HOME. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing but the state of Mrs. Pierce's health would induce me to leave + the Country now, although it is quite likely that my presence at home + would be of little service. + </p> + <p> + "I have tried to impress upon our people, especially in New Hampshire and + Connecticut, where the only elections are to take place during the coming + spring, that while our Union meetings are all in the right direction, and + well enough for the present, they will not be worth the paper upon which + their resolutions are written unless we can overthrow political + Abolitionism at the polls and repeal the Unconstitutional and obnoxious + laws which, in the cause of 'personal liberty,' have been placed upon our + statute-books. I shall look with deep interest, and not without hope, for + a decided change in this relation. + </p> + <p> + "Ever and truly your friend, "FRANKLIN PIERCE. + </p> + <p> + "Hon. JEFF. DAVIS, "Washington, D. C." + </p> + <p> + But let us turn from contemplating the encouragements to Southern Treason + and Rebellion, held out by Northern Democratic Copperheads, to the more + pleasing spectacle of Loyalty and Patriotism exhibited by the Douglas wing + of Democracy. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after Sumter, and while the President was formulating his + Message, calling for 75,000 volunteers, Douglas called upon him at the + White House, regretted that Mr. Lincoln did not propose to call for thrice + as many; and on the 18th of April, having again visited the White House, + wrote, and gave the following dispatch to the Associated Press, for + circulation throughout the Country: + </p> + <p> + "April 18, 1861, Senator Douglas called on the President, and had an + interesting conversation on the present condition of the Country. The + substance of it was, on the part of Mr. Douglas, that while he was + unalterably opposed to the administration in all its political issues, he + was prepared to fully sustain the President in the exercise of all his + Constitutional functions, to preserve the Union, maintain the Government, + and defend the Federal Capital. A firm policy and prompt action was + necessary. The Capital was in danger and must be defended at all hazards, + and at any expense of men and money. He spoke of the present and future + without any reference to the past." + </p> + <p> + It is stated of this meeting and its immediate results: "The President was + deeply gratified by the interview. To the West, Douglas telegraphed, 'I am + for my Country and against all its assailants.' The fire of his patriotism + spread to the masses of the North, and Democrat and Republican rallied to + the support of the flag. In Illinois the Democratic and Republican presses + vied with each other in the utterance of patriotic sentiments. * * * Large + and numerously attended Mass meetings met, as it were with one accord, + irrespective of parties, and the people of all shades of political + opinions buried their party hatchets. Glowing and eloquent orators + exhorted the people to ignore political differences in the present crisis, + join in the common cause, and rally to the flag of the Union and the + Constitution. It was a noble truce. From the many resolutions of that + great outpouring of patriotic sentiment, which ignored all previous party + ties, we subjoin the following: + </p> + <p> + "'Resolved, that it is the duty of all patriotic citizens of Illinois, + without distinction of party or sect, to sustain the Government through + the peril which now threatens the existence of the Union; and of our + Legislature to grant such aid of men and money as the exigency of the hour + and the patriotism of our people shall demand.' + </p> + <p> + "Governor Yates promptly issued his proclamation, dated the 15th of April, + convening the Legislature for the 23rd inst. in Extraordinary Session. + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "On the evening of the 25th of April, Mr. Douglas, who had arrived at the + Capital the day before, addressed the General Assembly and a densely + packed audience, in the Hall of Representatives, in that masterly effort, + which must live and be enshrined in the hearts of his countrymen so long + as our Government shall endure. Douglas had ever delighted in the mental + conflicts of Party strife; but now, when his Country was assailed by the + red hand of Treason, he was instantly divested of his Party armor and + stood forth panoplied only in the pure garb of a true Patriot. + </p> + <p> + "He taught his auditory—he taught his Country, for his speeches were + telegraphed all over it—the duty of patriotism at that perilous hour + of the Nation's Life. He implored both Democrats and Republicans to lay + aside their Party creeds and Platforms; to dispense with Party + Organizations and Party Appeals; to forget that they were ever divided + until they had first rescued the Government from its assailants. His + arguments were clear, convincing, and unanswerable; his appeals for the + Salvation of his Country, irresistible. It was the last speech, but one, + he ever made." + </p> + <p> + Among other pithy and patriotic points made by him in that great speech + —[July 9, 1861.]—were these: "So long as there was a hope of a + peaceful solution, I prayed and implored for Compromise. I have spared no + effort for a peaceful solution of these troubles; I have failed, and there + is but one thing to do—to rally under the flag." "The South has no + cause of complaint." "Shall we obey the laws or adopt the Mexican system + of War, on every election." "Forget Party—all remember only your + Country." "The shortest road to Peace is the most tremendous preparation + for War." "It is with a sad heart and with a grief I have never before + experienced, that I have to contemplate this fearful Struggle. * * * But + it is our duty to protect the Government and the flag from every + assailant, be he who he may." + </p> + <p> + In Chicago, Douglas repeated his patriotic appeal for the preservation of + the Union, and tersely declared that "There can be no Neutrals in this War—only + Patriots and Traitors." In that city he was taken with a mortal illness, + and expired at the Tremont House, June 3, 1861—just one month prior + to the meeting of the called Session of Congress. + </p> + <p> + The wonderful influence wielded by Douglas throughout the North, was well + described afterward by his colleague, Judge Trumbull, in the Senate, when + he said: "His course had much to do in producing that unanimity in support + of the Government which is now seen throughout the Loyal States. The + sublime spectacle of twenty million people rising as one man in + vindication of Constitutional Liberty and Free Government, when assailed + by misguided Rebels and plotting Traitors, is, to a considerable extent + due to his efforts. His magnanimous and patriotic course in this trying + hour of his Country's destiny was the crowning act of his life." + </p> + <p> + And Senator McDougall of California—his life-long friend—in + describing the shock of the first intelligence that reached him, of his + friend's sudden death, with words of even greater power, continued: "But, + as, powerless for the moment to resist the tide of emotions, I bowed my + head in silent grief, it came to me that the Senator had lived to witness + the opening of the present unholy War upon our Government; that, + witnessing it, from the Capital of his State, as his highest and best + position, he had sent forth a War-cry worthy of that Douglass, who, as + ancient legends tell, with the welcome of the knightly Andalusian King, + was told, + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + '"Take thou the leading of the van, And charge the Moors amain; There is + not such a lance as thine In all the hosts of Spain.' + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "Those trumpet notes, with a continuous swell, are sounding still + throughout all the borders of our Land. I heard them upon the mountains + and in the valleys of the far State whence I come. They have communicated + faith and strength to millions. * * * I ceased to grieve for Douglas. The + last voice of the dead Douglas I felt to be stronger than the voice of + multitudes of living men." + </p> + <p> + And here it may not be considered out of place for a brief reference to + the writer's own position at this time; especially as it has been much + misapprehended and misstated. One of the fairest of these statements* runs + thus: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Lusk's History of the Politics of Illinois from 1856 to 1884, p. 175.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "It is said that Logan did not approve the great speech made by Senator + Douglas, at Springfield, in April, 1861, wherein he took the bold ground + that in the contest which was then clearly imminent to him, between the + North and the South, that there could be but two parties, Patriots and + Traitors. But granting that there was a difference between Douglas and + Logan at that time, it did not relate to their adhesion to the Cause of + their Country Logan had fought for the Union upon the plains of Mexico, + and again stood ready to give his life, if need be, for his Country, even + amid the cowardly slanders that were then following his pathway. + </p> + <p> + "The difference between Douglas and Logan was this: Mr. Douglas was fresh + from an extended campaign in the dissatisfied Sections of the Southern + States, and he was fully apprised of their intention to attempt the + overthrow of the Union, and was therefore in favor of the most stupendous + preparations for War. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Logan, on the other hand, believed in exhausting all peaceable means + before a resort to Arms, and in this he was like President Lincoln; but + when he saw there was no alternative but to fight, he was ready and + willing for armed resistance, and, resigning his seat in Congress, entered + the Army, as Colonel of the Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, and remained + in the field in active service until Peace was declared." + </p> + <p> + This statement is, in the main, both fair and correct. + </p> + <p> + It is no more correct, however, in intimating that "Logan did not approve + the great speech made by Senator Douglas, at Springfield, in April, 1861, + wherein he took the bold ground that in the contest which was then clearly + imminent to him, between the North and the South, that there could be but + two parties, Patriots and Traitors," than others have been in intimating + that he was disloyal to the Union, prior to the breaking out of + hostilities—a charge which was laid out flat in the Senate Chamber, + April 19, 1881. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In Dawson's Life of Logan, pp. 348-353, this matter is thus alluded to: + </p> + <p> + "In an early part of this work the base charge that Logan was not loyal + before the War has been briefly touched on. It may be well here to touch + on it more fully. As was then remarked, the only man that ever dared + insinuate to Logan's face that he was a Secession sympathizer before the + War, was Senator Ben Hill of Georgia, in the United States Senate + Chamber, March 30, 1881; and Logan instantly retorted: 'Any man who + insinuates that I sympathized with it at that time insinuates what is + false,' and Senator Hill at once retracted the insinuation." + </p> + <p> + "Subsequently, April 19, 1881, Senator Logan, in a speech, fortified + with indisputable record and documentary evidence, forever set at rest + the atrocious calumny. From that record it appears that on the 17th + December, 1860, while still a Douglas Democrat, immediately after + Lincoln's election, and long before his inauguration, and before even + the first gun of the war was fired, Mr. Logan, then a Representative in + the House, voted affirmatively on a resolution, offered by Morris of + Illinois, which declared an 'immovable attachment' to 'our National + Union,' and 'that it is our patriotic duty to stand by it as our hope in + peace and our defense in war;' that on the 7th January, 1861, Mr. Adrian + having offered the following 'Resolved, That we fully approve of the + bold and patriotic act of Major Anderson in withdrawing from Fort + Moultrie to Fort Sumter, and of the determination of the President to + maintain that fearless officer in his present position; and that we will + support the President in all constitutional measures to enforce the laws + and preserve the Union'—Mr. Logan, in casting his vote, said: 'As + the resolution receives my unqualified approval, I vote Aye;' and that + further on the 5th of February, 1861, before the inauguration of + President Lincoln, in a speech made by Logan in the House in favor of + the Crittenden Compromise measures, he used the following language + touching Secession: + </p> + <p> + "'Sir, I have always denied, and do yet deny, the right of Secession. + There is no warrant for it in the Constitution. It is wrong, it is + unlawful, unconstitutional, and should be called by the right name—revolution. + No good, sir, can result from it, but much mischief may. It is no remedy + for any grievances. I hold that all grievances can be much easier + redressed inside the Union than out of it.' + </p> + <p> + "In that same speech he also * * * said: + </p> + <p> + "'I have been taught that the preservation of this glorious Union, with + its broad flag waving over us as the shield for our protection on land + and on sea, is paramount to all the parties and platforms that ever have + existed or ever can exist. I would, to day, if I had the power, sink my + own party and every other one, with all their platforms, into the vortex + of ruin, without heaving a sigh or shedding a tear, to save the Union, + or even stop the revolution where it is.' + </p> + <p> + "In this most complete speech of vindication—which Senator Logan + said he put upon record, 'First, that my children, after me, may not + have these slanders thrown in their faces without the power of + dispelling or refuting them; and second, that they may endure in this + Senate Chamber, so that it may be a notice to Senators of all parties + and all creeds that hereafter, while I am here in the Senate, no + insinuation of that kind will be submitted to by me'—the proofs of + the falsity of the charge were piled mountain-high, and among them the + following voluntary statements from two Democratic Senators, who were + with him before the War, in the House of Representatives: + </p> + <p> + "'United States Senate Chamber, WASHINGTON, April 14, 1881. + </p> + <p> + "'DEAR SIR: In a discussion in the Senate a few weeks since you referred + to the fact that a Southern Senator, who had served with you in Congress + before the War, could testify that during your term of service there you + gave no encouragement to the Secession of the Southern States, adding, + however, that you did not ask such testimony. I was not sure at the time + that your reference was to me, as Senator Pugh of Alabama, was also a + member of that Congress. + </p> + <p> + "'Since then, having learned that your reference was to me, I propose on + the floor of the Senate, should suitable occasion offer, to state what I + know of your position and views at the time referred to. But, as I may + be absent from the Senate for some time, I deem it best to give you this + written statement, with full authority to use it in any way that seems + proper to you. + </p> + <p> + "'When you first came to Congress in——, you were a very + ardent and impetuous Democrat. In the division which took place between + Mr. Douglas and his friends, on the one hand, and the Southern + Democrats, on the other, you were a warm and uncompromising supporter of + Mr. Douglas; and in the course of that convention you became somewhat + estranged from your party associates in the South. In our frequent + discussions upon the subjects of difference, I never heard a word of + sympathy from your lips with Secession in either theory or practice. On + the contrary, you were vehement in your opposition to it.' + </p> + <p> + "'I remember well a conversation I had with you just before leaving + Washington to become a candidate for the Secession convention. You + expressed the deep regret you felt at my proposed action, and deplored + the contemplated movement in terms as strong as any I heard from any + Republican.' Yours truly, "'L. Q. C. LAMAR + </p> + <p> + "'Hon. JOHN A. LOGAN. "United States Senate, Washington, D. C.' + </p> + <p> + "Senate Chamber, April 14, 1881. + </p> + <p> + "'Having read the above statement of Senator Lamar, I fully concur with + him in my recollection of your expressions and action in opposition to + Secession. Truly yours, J. L. PUGH.' + </p> + <p> + "At the conclusion of Senator Logan's speech of refutation, Senator + Brown of Georgia (Democrat) said: + </p> + <p> + "'Our newspapers may have misrepresented his position. I am now + satisfied they did. I have heard the Senator's statement with great + interest, and I take pleasure in saying—for I had some idea before + that there was some shadow of truth in this report—that I think + his vindication' is full, complete, and conclusive.' + </p> + <p> + "'I recollect very well during the war, when I was Governor of my State + and the Federal army was invading it, to have had a large force of + militia aiding the Confederate army, and that Gen. Logan was considered + by us as one of the ablest, most gallant, and skillful leaders of the + Federal army. We had occasion to feel his power, and we learned to + respect him.' + </p> + <p> + "Senator Beck, of Kentucky (Democrat), referring to the fact that he was + kept out of the House at one time, and a great many suggestions had been + made to him as to General Logan, continued: + </p> + <p> + "'As I said the other day, I never proposed to go into such things, and + never have done so; but at that time General Frank Blair was here, and I + submitted many of the papers I received to him,—I never thought of + using any of them,—and I remember the remark that he made to me: + Beck, John Logan was one of the hardest fighters of the war; and when + many men who were seeking to whistle him down the wind because of his + politics when the war began, were snugly fixed in safe places, he was + taking his life in his hand wherever the danger was greatest—and I + tore up every paper I got, and burnt it in the fire before his eyes.' + </p> + <p> + "Senator Dawes of Massachusetts (Republican), also took occasion to say: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. President, I do not know that anything which can be said on this + side would be of any consequence to the Senator from Illinois in this + matter. But I came into the House of Representatives at the same session + that the Senator did. + </p> + <p> + "'He was at that time one of the most intense of Democrats, and I was + there with him when the Rebellion first took root and manifested itself + in open and flagrant war; and I wish to say as a Republican of that day, + when the Senator from Illinois was a Democrat, that at the earliest + possible moment when the Republican Party was in anxiety as to the + position of the Northern Democracy on the question of forcible assault + on the Union, nothing did they hail with more delight than the early + stand which the Senator from Illinois, from the Democratic side of the + House, took upon the question of resistance to the Government of the + United States. + </p> + <p> + "I feel that it is right that I should state that he was among the + first, if not the very first, of the Northern Democrats who came out + openly and declared, whatever may have been their opinion about the + doctrines of the Republican Party, that when it came to a question of + forcible resistance, they should be counted on the side of the + Government, and in co-operation with the Republican Party in the attempt + to maintain its authority.' + </p> + <p> + "'I am very glad, whether it be of any service or not, to bear this + testimony to the early stand the Senator from Illinois took while he was + still a Democrat, and the large influence he exerted upon the Northern + Democracy, which kept it from being involved in the condition and in the + work of the Southern Democracy at that time.'"] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + So far from this being the case, the fact is—and it is here + mentioned in part to bring out the interesting point that, had he lived, + Douglas would have been no idle spectator of the great War that was about + to be waged—that when Douglas visited Springfield, Illinois, to make + that great speech in the latter part of April, 1861, the writer went there + also, to see and talk over with him the grave situation of affairs, not + only in the Nation generally, but particularly in Illinois. And on that + occasion Mr. Douglas said to him, substantially: "The time has now arrived + when a man must be either for or against his Country. Indeed so strongly + do I feel this, and that further dalliance with this question is useless, + that I shall myself take steps to join the Array, and fight for the + maintenance of the Union." + </p> + <p> + To this the writer replied that he was "equally well convinced that each + and every man must take his stand," and that he also "purposed at an early + day to raise a Regiment and draw the sword in that Union's defense." + </p> + <p> + This was after Sumter, and only seventy days before Congress was to meet + in Called Session. When that session met, Douglas had, weeks before, gone + down to the grave amid the tears of a distracted Nation, with the solemn + injunction upon his dying lips: "Obey the Laws and Defend the + Constitution"—and the writer had returned to Washington, to take his + seat in Congress, with that determination still alive in his heart. + </p> + <p> + In fact there had been all along, substantial accord between Mr. Douglas + and the writer. There really was no "difference between Douglas and Logan" + as to "preparations for War," or in "exhausting all Peaceable means before + a resort to Arms," and both were in full accord with President Lincoln on + these points. + </p> + <p> + Let us see if this is not of record: Take the writer's speech in the House + of Representatives, February 5, 1861, and it will be seen that he said: "I + will go as far as any man in the performance of a Constitutional duty to + put down Rebellion, to suppress Insurrection, and to enforce the Laws." + Again, he said, "If all the evils and calamities that have ever happened + since the World began, could be gathered in one Great Catastrophe, its + horrors could not eclipse, in their frightful proportions, the Drama that + impends over us." + </p> + <p> + From these extracts it is plain enough that even at this very early day + the writer fully understood the "frightful proportions" of the impending + struggle, and would "go as far as"—not only Mr. Douglas, but—"any + man, to put down Rebellion"—which necessarily involved War, and + "preparations for War." But none the less, but rather the more, because of + the horrors which he foresaw must be inseparable from so terrible a War, + was he anxious by timely mutual Concessions—"by any sacrifice," as + he termed it—if possible, to avert it. + </p> + <p> + He was ready to sink Party, self, and to accept any of the Propositions to + that end—Mr. Douglas's among them. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [See his speech of February 5, 1861, Congressional Globe] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In this attitude also he was in accord with Mr. Douglas, who, as well as + the writer, was ready to make any sacrifice, of Party or self; to "exhaust + every effort at peaceful adjustment," before resorting to War. The fact is + they were much of the time in consultation, and always in substantial + accord. + </p> + <p> + In a speech made in the Senate, March 15, 1861, Mr. Douglas had reduced + the situation to the following three alternative points: + </p> + <p> + "1. THE RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION OF THE UNION by such Amendments to + the Constitution as will insure the domestic tranquillity, safety, and + equality of all the States, and thus restore peace, unity, and fraternity, + to the whole Country. + </p> + <p> + "2. A PEACEFUL DISSOLUTION OF THE UNION by recognizing the Independence of + such States as refuse to remain in the Union without such Constitutional + Amendments, and the establishment of a liberal system of commercial and + social intercourse with them by treaties of commerce and amity. + </p> + <p> + "3. WAR, with a view to the subjugation and military occupation of those + States which have Seceded or may Secede from the Union." + </p> + <p> + As a thorough Union man, he could never have agreed to a "Peaceful + Dissolution of the Union." On the other hand he was equally averse to War, + because he held that "War is Disunion. War is final, eternal Separation." + Hence, all his energies and talents were given to carrying out his + first-stated line of policy, and to persuading the Seceders to accept what + in that line was offered to them by the dominant party. + </p> + <p> + His speech in the Senate, March 25, 1861, was a remarkable effort in that + respect. Mr. Breckinridge had previously spoken, and had declared that: + "Whatever settlement may be made of other questions, this must be settled + upon terms that will give them [the Southern States] either a right, in + common with others, to emigrate into all the territory, or will secure to + them their rights on a principle of equitable division." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Douglas replied: "Now, under the laws as they stand, in every + Territory of the United States, without any exception, a Southern man can + go with his Slave-property on equal terms with all other property. * * * + Every man, either from the North or South, may go into the Territories + with his property on terms of exact equality, subject to the local law; + and Slave-property stands on an equal footing with all other kinds of + property in the Territories of the United States. It now stands on an + equal footing in all the Territories for the first time. + </p> + <p> + "I have shown you that, up to 1859, little more than a year ago, it was + prohibited in part of the Territories. It is not prohibited anywhere now. + For the first time, under Republican rule, the Southern States have + secured that equality of rights in the Territories for their + Slave-property which they have been demanding so long." + </p> + <p> + He held that the doctrine of Congressional prohibition in all the + Territories, as incorporated in the Wilmot proviso, had now been + repudiated by the Republicans of both Houses of Congress, who had "all + come over to Non-intervention and Popular Sovereignty;" that the "Wilmot + proviso is given up; that Congressional prohibition is given up; that the + aggressive policy is repudiated; and hereafter the Southern man and the + Northern man may move into the Territories with their Property on terms of + entire equality, without excepting Slaves or any other kind of property." + </p> + <p> + Continuing, he said: "What more do the Southern States want? What more can + any man demand? Non-intervention is all you asked. Will it be said the + South required in addition to this, laws of Congress to protect Slavery in + the Territories? That cannot be said; for only last May, the Senate, by a + nearly unanimous vote—a unanimous vote of the Southern men, with one + or two exceptions—declared that affirmative legislation was not + needed at this time. * * * What cause is there for further alarm in the + Southern States, so far as the Territories are concerned? * * * + </p> + <p> + "I repeat, the South has got all they ever claimed in all the Territories. + * * * Then, sir, according to law, the Slaveholding States have got + equality in the Territories. How is it in fact. * * * Now, I propose to + show that they have got the actual equitable partition, giving them more + than they were disposed to demand. + </p> + <p> + "The Senator from Kentucky, * * * Mr. Crittenden, introduced a proposition + for an equitable partition. That proposition was, that north of 36 30' + Slavery should be prohibited, and South of it should be protected, by + Territorial law. * * * What is now the case? It is true the Crittenden + proposition has not yet become part of the Constitution; but it is also + true that an equitable partition has been made by the vote of the people + themselves, establishing, maintaining, and protecting Slavery in every + inch of territory South of the thirty-seventh parallel, giving the South + half a degree more than the Crittenden Proposition. + </p> + <p> + "There stands your Slave-code in New Mexico protecting Slavery up to the + thirty-seventh degree as effectually as laws can be made to protect it. + There it stands the Law of the Land. Therefore the South has all below the + thirty-seventh parallel, while Congress has not prohibited Slavery even + North of it. + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "What more, then, is demanded? Simply that a Constitutional Amendment + shall be adopted, affirming—what? Precisely what every Republican in + both Houses of Congress has voted for within a month. Just do, by + Constitutional Amendment, what you have voted in the Senate and House of + Representatives, that is all. You are not even required to do that, but + merely to vote for a proposition submitting the question to the People of + the States whether they will make a Constitutional Amendment affirming the + equitable partition of the Territories which the People have already made. + * * * + </p> + <p> + "You may ask, why does the South want us to do it by Constitutional + Amendment, when we have just done it voluntarily by Law? The President of + the United States, in his Inaugural, has told you the reason. He has + informed you that all of these troubles grow out of the absence of a + Constitutional provision defining the power of Congress over the subject + of Slavery. * * * He thinks that the trouble has arisen from the absence + of such a Constitutional Provision, and suggests a National Convention to + enable the People to supply the defect, leaving the People to say what it + is, instead of dictating to them what it shall be." + </p> + <p> + It may here be remarked that while Mr. Douglas held that "So far as the + doctrine of Popular Sovereignty and Nonintervention is concerned, the + Colorado Bill, the Nevada Bill, and the Dakota Bill, are identically the + same with the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, and in its precise language"—these + former Bills having been passed at the last Session of the 36th Congress—the + Republicans, on the contrary, held that neither in these nor other + measures had they abandoned any distinctive Republican principle; while + Breckinridge declared that they had passed those Territorial Bills, + without the Wilmot proviso, because they felt perfectly secure in those + Territories, with all the Federal patronage in Republican hands. + </p> + <p> + However that may be, we have here, brought out in strong contrast, the + conciliatory feeling which inspired such Union men as Douglas, and the + strong and persistent efforts they made in behalf of Concession and Peace + up to a period only a few weeks before the bombardment of Sumter; and the + almost total revulsion in their sentiments after that event, as to the + only proper means to preserve the Union. For it was only then that the + truth, as it fell from Douglas's lips at Springfield, was fully + recognized, to wit: that there was no half-way ground betwixt Patriotism + and Treason; that War was an existing fact; and that Patriots must arm to + defend and preserve the Union against the armed Traitors assailing it. + </p> + <p> + At last, July 4, 1861, the Congress met, and proceeded at once with + commendable alacrity and patriotism, to the consideration and enactment of + measures sufficient to meet the extraordinary exigency, whether as regards + the raising and equipment of the vast bodies of Union volunteers needed to + put down Rebellion, or in the raising of those enormous amounts of money + which the Government was now, or might thereafter be, called upon to spend + like water in preserving the Union. + </p> + <p> + It was at this memorable Session, of little over one month, that the chief + of the great "War Measures" as they were termed, were enacted. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkvirginia" id="linkvirginia"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p274-map.jpg (153K)" src="images/p274-map.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch13" id="linkch13"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII.<br /> <br /> THE STORM OF BATTLE.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + We have seen how Fort Sumter fell; how the patriotic North responded to + President Lincoln's Call, for 75,000 three-months volunteers, with such + enthusiasm that, had there been a sufficiency of arms and accoutrements, + he might have had, within three months of that Call, an Army of 500,000 + men in the field; how he had called for 42,000 three-years volunteers + early in May, besides swelling what little there was of a regular Army by + ten full regiments; and how a strict blockade of the entire Southern + Coast-line had not only been declared, but was now enforced and respected. + </p> + <p> + General Butler, promoted Major-General for his Military successes at + Annapolis and Baltimore, was now in command of Fortress Monroe and + vicinity, with some 12,000 volunteers under him, confronted, on the + Peninsula, by a nearly equal number of Rebel troops, under Generals Huger + and Magruder—General Banks, with less than 10,000 Union troops, + occupying Baltimore, and its vicinage. + </p> + <p> + General Patterson, with some 20,000 Union troops—mostly Pennsylvania + militia—was at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with about an equal + number of the Enemy, under General Joseph E. Johnston, at Harper's Ferry, + on the Potomac, watching him. + </p> + <p> + Some 50,000 Union troops were in camp, in and about Washington, on the + Virginia side, under the immediate command of Generals McDowell and + Mansfield—Lieutenant General Scott, at Washington, being in + Chief-command of the Union Armies—and, confronting these Union + forces, in Virginia, near the National Capital, were some 30,000 Rebel + troops under the command of General Beauregard, whose success in securing + the evacuation of Fort Sumter by its little garrison of half-starved Union + soldiers, had magnified him, in the eyes of the rebellious South, into the + proportions of a Military genius of the first order. + </p> + <p> + There had been no fighting, nor movements, worthy of special note, until + June 7th, when General Patterson advanced from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, + to Hagerstown, Maryland. General Johnston at once evacuated Harper's + Ferry, and retreated upon Winchester, Virginia. + </p> + <p> + General McClellan, in command of the Department of the Ohio, had, however, + crossed the Ohio river, and by the 4th of July, being at Grafton, West + Virginia, with his small Army of Union troops, to which a greatly inferior + Rebel force was opposed, commenced that successful advance against it, + which led, after Bull Run, to his being placed at the head of all the + Armies of the United States. + </p> + <p> + Subsequently Patterson crossed the Potomac, and after trifling away over + one month's time, at last, on the 15th of July, got within nine miles of + Winchester and Johnston's Army. Barring a spiritless reconnaissance, + Patterson—who was a fervent Breckinridge-Democrat in politics, and + whose Military judgment, as we shall see, was greatly influenced, if not + entirely controlled, by his Chief of staff, Fitz John Porter—never + got any nearer to the Enemy! + </p> + <p> + Instead of attacking the Rebel force, under Johnston, or at least keeping + it "employed," as he was ordered to do by General Scott; instead of + getting nearer, and attempting to get between Winchester and the + Shenandoah River, as was suggested to him by his second in command, + General Sanford; and instead of permitting Sanford to go ahead, as that + General desired to, with his own 8,000 men, and do it himself; General + Patterson ordered him off to Charlestown—twelve miles to the Union + left and rear,—and then took the balance of his Army, with himself, + to the same place! + </p> + <p> + In other words, while he had the most positive and definite orders, from + General Scott, if not to attack and whip Johnston, to at least keep him + busy and prevent that Rebel General from forming a junction, via the + Manassas Gap railroad or otherwise, with Beauregard, Patterson + deliberately moved his Army further away from Winchester and gave to the + Enemy the very chance of escaping and forming that junction which was + essential to Rebel success in the vicinity of Manassas. + </p> + <p> + But for this disobedience of orders, Bull Run would doubtless have been a + great victory to the Union Arms, instead of a reverse, and the War, which + afterward lasted four years, might have been over in as many months. + </p> + <p> + It is foreign to the design of this work, to present in it detailed + descriptions of the battles waged during the great War of the Rebellion + —it being the present intention of the writer, at some later day, to + prepare and publish another work devoted to such stirring Military scenes. + Yet, as it might seem strange and unaccountable for him to pass by, at + this time, without any description or comment, the first pitched battle of + the Rebellion, he is constrained to pause and view that memorable contest. + And first, it may be well to say a word of the general topography of the + country about the battle-field. + </p> + <p> + The Alleghany Mountains, or that part of them with which we have now to + do, stretch in three almost equidistant parallel ridges, from North-East + to South-West, through the heart of Old Virginia. An occasional pass, or + "Gap," through these ridges, affords communication, by good roads, between + the enclosed parallel valleys and the Eastern part of that State. + </p> + <p> + The Western of these Alleghany ridges bears the name of "Alleghany + Mountains" proper; the Eastern is called the "Blue Ridge;" while the + Middle Ridge, at its Northern end—which rests upon the Potomac, + where that river sweeps through three parallel ridges almost at right + angles to their own line of direction—is called the "Great North + Mountain." + </p> + <p> + The valley, between the Middle Ridge and the Blue Ridge, is known as the + Shenandoah Valley, taking its name from the Shenandoah River, which, for + more than one hundred miles, flows along the Western foot of the Blue + Ridge, toward the North-East, until it empties into the Potomac, at + Harper's Ferry. + </p> + <p> + The Orange and Alexandria railroad runs from Alexandria,—on the + opposite bank of the Potomac from Washington, and a few miles below the + Capital,—in a general Southeasterly direction, to Culpepper + Court-House; thence Southerly to Gordonsville, where it joins the Virginia + Central—the Western branch of which runs thence through + Charlotteville, Staunton, and Covington, across the ridges and valleys of + the Alleghanies, while its Eastern branch, taking a general South-easterly + direction, crosses the Richmond and Fredricksburg railroad at Hanover + Junction, some twenty miles North of Richmond, and thence sweeps Southerly + to the Rebel capital. + </p> + <p> + It is along this Easterly branch of the Virginia Central that Rebel + re-enforcements will be hurried to Beauregard, from Richmond to + Gordonsville, and thence, by the Orange and Alexandria railroad, to + Manassas Junction. + </p> + <p> + Some twenty-five miles from Alexandria, a short railroad-feeder—which + runs from Strasburg, in the Shenandoah Valley, through the Blue Ridge, at + Manassas Gap, in an East-South-easterly direction—strikes the + Alexandria and Orange railroad. The point of contact is Manassas Junction; + and it is along this Manassas-Gap feeder that Johnston, with his Army at + Winchester—some twenty miles North-North-East of Strasburg—expects, + in case of attack by Patterson, to be re-enforced by Beauregard; or, in + case the latter is assailed, to go to his assistance, after shaking off + Patterson. + </p> + <p> + This little link of railroad, known as the Manassas Gap railroad, is + therefore an important factor in the game of War, now commencing in + earnest; and it had, as we shall see, very much to do, not only with the + advance of McDowell's Union Army upon Bull Run, but also with the result + of the first pitched battle thereabout fought. + </p> + <p> + From Alexandria, some twelve miles to the Westward, runs a fine turnpike + road to Fairfax Court-House; thence, continuing Westward, but gradually + and slightly dipping award the South, it passes through Germantown, + Centreville, and Groveton, to Warrenton. + </p> + <p> + This "Warrenton Pike"—as it is termed—also plays a somewhat + conspicuous part, before, during, and after the Battle of Bull Run. For + most of its length, from Fairfax Court-House to Warrenton, the Warrenton + Pike pursues a course almost parallel with the Orange and Alexandria + railroad aforesaid, while the stream of Bull Run, pursuing a + South-easterly course, has a general direction almost parallel with that + of the Manassas Gap railroad. + </p> + <p> + We shall find that it is the diamond-shaped parallelogram, formed by the + obtuse angle junction of the two railroads on the South, and the similarly + obtuse-angled crossing of the stream of Bull Run by the Warrenton Pike on + the North, that is destined to become the historic battle-field of the + first "Bull Run," or "Manassas;" and it is in the Northern obtuse-angle of + this parallelogram that the main fighting is done, upon a spot not much + more than one mile square, three sides of the same being bounded + respectively by the Bull Run stream, the Warrenton Pike, which crosses it + on a stone bridge, and the Sudley Springs road, which crosses the Pike, at + right-angles to it, near a stone house. + </p> + <p> + On the 3rd of June, 1861, General McDowell, in command of the Department + of North-Eastern Virginia, with head-quarters at Arlington, near + Washington, receives from Colonel Townsend, Assistant Adjutant-General + with Lieutenant-General Scott—who is in Chief command of all the + Union Forces, with Headquarters at Washington—a brief but pregnant + communication, the body of which runs thus: "General Scott desires you to + submit an estimate of the number and composition of a column to be pushed + toward Manassas Junction, and perhaps the Gap, say in four or five days, + to favor Patterson's attack on Harper's Ferry. The rumor is that Arlington + Heights will be attacked to-night." + </p> + <p> + In response to this request, General McDowell submits, on the day + following, an estimate that "the actual entire force at the head of the + column should, for the purpose of carrying the position at Manassas and of + occupying both the road to Culpepper, and the one to the Gap, be as much + as 12,000 Infantry, two batteries of regular Artillery, and from six to + eight companies of Cavalry, with an available reserve, ready to move + forward from Alexandria by rail, of 5,000 Infantry and one heavy field + battery, rifled if possible; these numbers to be increased or diminished + as events may indicate." This force of raw troops he proposes to organize + into field brigades under the command of "active and experienced colonels" + of the regular Army. And while giving this estimate as to the number of + troops necessary, he suggestively adds that "in proportion to the numbers + used will be the lives saved; and as we have such numbers pressing to be + allowed to serve, might it not be well to overwhelm and conquer as much by + the show of force as by the use of it?" + </p> + <p> + Subsequently McDowell presents to General Scott, and Mr. Lincoln's + Cabinet, a project of advance and attack, which is duly approved and + ordered to be put in execution. In that project or plan of operations, + submitted by verbal request of General Scott, near the end of June,—the + success of which is made contingent upon Patterson's holding Johnston + engaged at Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley, and also upon Butler's + holding the Rebel force near Fortress Monroe from coming to Beauregard's + aid at Manassas Junction,—McDowell estimates Beauregard's strength + at 25,000, with a possible increase, bringing it up to 35,000 men. The + objective point in McDowell's plan, is Manassas Junction, and he proposes + "to move against Manassas with a force of 30,000 of all arms, organized + into three columns, with a reserve of 10,000." + </p> + <p> + McDowell is fully aware that the Enemy has "batteries in position at + several places in his front, and defensive works on Bull Run, and Manassas + Junction." These batteries he proposes to turn. He believes Bull Run to be + "fordable at almost anyplace,"—an error which ultimately renders his + plan abortive,—and his proposition is, after uniting his columns on + the Eastern side of Bull Run, "to attack the main position by turning it, + if possible, so as to cut off communications by rail with the South, or + threaten to do so sufficiently to force the Enemy to leave his + intrenchments to guard them." + </p> + <p> + In other words, assuming the Enemy driven back, by minor flanking + movements, or otherwise, upon his intrenched position at Bull Run, or + Manassas, the plan is to turn his right, destroy the Orange and Alexandria + railroad leading South, and the bridge at Bristol, so as to cut off his + supplies. This done, the Enemy—if nothing worse ensues for him—will + be in a "bad box." + </p> + <p> + McDowell, however, has no idea that the Enemy will stand still to let this + thing be done. On the contrary, he is well satisfied that Beauregard will + accept battle on some chosen ground between Manassas Junction and + Washington. + </p> + <p> + On the afternoon of Tuesday, the 16th of July, the advance of McDowell's + Army commences. That Army is organized into five divisions—four of + which accompany McDowell, while a fifth is left to protect the defensive + works of Washington, on the South bank of the Potomac. This latter, the + Fourth Division, commanded by Brigadier-General Theodore Runyon, comprises + eight unbrigaded New Jersey regiments of (three months, and three years) + volunteers—none of which take part in the ensuing conflicts-at-arms. + </p> + <p> + The moving column consists of the First Division, commanded by + Brigadier-General Daniel Tyler, comprising four brigades, respectively + under Brigadier-General R. C. Schenck, and Colonels E. D. Keyes, W. T. + Sherman, and I. B. Richardson; the Second Division, commanded by Colonel + David Hunter, comprising two brigades, under Colonels Andrew Porter and A. + E. Burnside respectively; the Third Division, commanded by Colonel S. P. + Heintzelman, comprising three brigades, under Colonels W. B. Franklin, O. + B. Wilcox, and O. O. Howard, respectively; and the Fifth Division, + commanded by Colonel Dixon S. Miles, comprising two brigades, under + Colonels Lewis Blenker, and Thomas A. Davies, respectively. + </p> + <p> + Tyler's Division leads the advance, moving along the Leesburg road to + Vienna, on our right, with orders to cross sharply to its left, upon + Fairfax Court House, the following (Wednesday) morning. Miles's Division + follows the turnpike road to Annandale, and then moves, by the Braddock + road,—along which Braddock, a century before, had marched his doomed + army to disaster,—upon Fairfax Court House, then known to be held by + Bonham's Rebel Brigade of South Carolinians. Hunter follows Miles, to + Annandale, and thence advances direct upon Fairfax, by the turnpike road—McDowell's + idea being to bag Bonham's Brigade, if possible, by a simultaneous attack + on the front and both flanks. But the advance is too slow, and the Enemy's + outposts, both there and elsewhere, have ample opportunity of falling + safely back upon their main position, behind the stream of Bull Run. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [McDowell in his testimony before the "Committee on the Conduct of the + War," said: "At Fairfax Court House was the South Carolina Brigade. And + I do not suppose anything would have had a greater cheering effect upon + the troops, and perhaps upon the Country, than the capture of that + brigade. And if General Tyler could have got down there any time in the + forenoon instead of in the afternoon, the capture of that brigade was + beyond question. It was about 5,000 or 6,000 men, and Tyler had 12,000, + at the same time that we were pressing on in front. He did not get down + there until in the afternoon; none of us got forward in time."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + This slowness is due to various causes. There is a pretty general dread, + for example, among our troops, of threatened ambuscades, and hence the + advance is more cautious than it otherwise would be. It is thought the + part of wisdom, as it were, to "feel the way." The marching, moreover, is + new to our troops. General Scott had checked McDowell when the latter + undertook to handle eight regiments together, near Washington, by + intimating that he was "trying to make a show." Thus the very essential + knowledge of how to manoeuvre troops in large bodies, has been withheld + from our Union generals, while the volunteer regiments have either rusted + in camp from inaction, or have been denied the opportunity of acquiring + that endurance and hardiness and discipline which frequent movement of + troops confers. Hence, all unused to the discipline of the march, every + moment some one falls out of line to "pick blackberries, or to get water." + Says McDowell, in afterward reporting this march: "They would not keep in + the ranks, order as much as you pleased. When they came where water was + fresh, they would pour the old water out of their canteens and fill them + with fresh water; they were not used to denying themselves much." + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Heintzelman's Division is also advancing, by cross-roads, more + to the left and South of the railroad line,—in accordance with + McDowell's plan, which comprehends not only the bagging of Bonham, but an + immediate subsequent demonstration, by Tyler, upon Centreville and beyond, + while Heintzelman, supported by Hunter and Miles, shall swoop across Bull + Run, at Wolf Run Shoals, some distance below Union Mills, turn the Enemy's + right, and cut off his Southern line of railroad communications. Thus, by + the evening of Wednesday, the 17th, Heintzelman is at Sangster's Station, + while Tyler, Miles, and Hunter, are at Fairfax. + </p> + <p> + It is a rather rough experience that now befalls the Grand Army of the + Union. All unused, as we have seen, to the fatigues and other hardships of + the march, the raw levies, of which it almost wholly consists, which + started bright and fresh, strong and hopeful, full of the buoyant ardor of + enthusiastic patriotism, on that hot July afternoon, only some thirty + hours back, are now dust-begrimed, footsore, broken down, exhausted by the + scorching sun, hungry, and without food,—for they have wasted the + rations with which they started, and the supply-trains have not yet + arrived. Thus, hungry and physically prostrated, "utterly played out," as + many of them confess, and demoralized also by straggling and loss of + organization, they bivouac that night in the woods, and dream uneasy + dreams beneath the comfortless stars. + </p> + <p> + A mile beyond Fairfax Court House, on the Warrenton Turnpike, is + Germantown. It is here that Tyler's Division has rested, on the night of + the 17th. At 7 o'clock on the morning of Thursday, the 18th, in obedience + to written orders from McDowell, it presses forward, on that "Pike," to + Centreville, five miles nearer to the Enemy's position behind Bull Run—Richardson's + Brigade in advance—and, at 9 o'clock, occupies it. Here McDowell has + intended Tyler to remain, in accordance with the plan, which he has + imparted to him in conversation, and in obedience to the written + instructions to: "Observe well the roads to Bull Run and to Warrenton. Do + not bring on an engagement, but keep up the impression that we are moving + on Manassas,"—this advance, by way of Centreville, being intended + solely as a "demonstration" to mask the real movement, which, as we have + seen, is to be made by the other divisions across Wolf Run Shoals, a point + on Bull Run, some five or six miles below Union Mills, and some seven + miles below Blackburn's Ford. + </p> + <p> + Upon the arrival of Richardson's Brigade, Thursday morning, at + Centreville, it is found that, under cover of the darkness of the previous + night, the Enemy has retreated, in two bodies, upon Bull Run, the one + along the Warrenton Pike, the other (the largest) down the ridge-road from + Centreville to Blackburn's Ford. Richardson's Brigade at once turns down + the latter road and halts about a mile beyond Centreville, at a point + convenient to some springs of water. Tyler soon afterward rides up, and, + taking from that brigade two companies of light Infantry and a squadron of + Cavalry, proceeds, with Colonel Richardson, to reconnoitre the Enemy, + finding him in a strong position on the opposite bank of Bull Run, at + Blackburn's Ford. + </p> + <p> + While this is going on, McDowell has ridden in a Southerly direction down + to Heintzelman's Division, at Sangster's Station, "to make arrangements to + turn the Enemy's right, and intercept his communications with the South," + but has found, owing to the narrowness and crookedness of the roads, and + the great distance that must be traversed in making the necessary detour, + that his contemplated movement is too risky to be ventured. Hence he at + once abandons his original plan of turning the Enemy's right, and + determines on "going around his left, where the country is more open, and + the roads broad and good." + </p> + <p> + McDowell now orders a concentration, for that night, of the four + divisions, with two days cooked rations in their haversacks, upon and + about Centreville,—the movement to commence as soon as they shall + receive expected commissariat supplies. But, later on the 18th,—learning + that his advance, under Tyler, has, against orders, become engaged with + the Enemy—he directs the concentration to be made at once. + </p> + <p> + Let us examine, for a moment, how this premature engagement comes about. + We left Tyler, accompanied by Richardson, with a squadron of Cavalry and a + battalion of light Infantry making a reconnaissance, on Thursday morning + the 18th, toward Blackburn's Ford. They approach within a mile of the + ford, when they discover a Rebel battery on the farther bank of Bull Run—so + placed as to enfilade the road descending from their own position of + observation down to the ford,—strong Rebel infantry pickets and + skirmishing parties being in front. + </p> + <p> + Tyler at once orders up his two rifled guns, Ayres' Battery, and + Richardson's entire Brigade—and later, Sherman's Brigade as a + reserve. As soon as they come up,—about noon—he orders the + rifled guns into battery on the crest of the hill, about one mile from, + and looking down upon, the Rebel battery aforesaid, and opens upon the + Enemy; giving him a dozen shells,—one of them making it lively for a + body of Rebel Cavalry which appears between the ford and Manassas. + </p> + <p> + The Rebel battery responds with half a dozen shots, and then ceases. Tyler + now orders Richardson to advance his brigade and throw out skirmishers to + scour the thick woods which cover the Bull Run bottom-land. Richardson at + once rapidly deploys the battalion of light Infantry as skirmishers in + advance of his brigade, pushes them forward to the edge of the woods, + drives in the skirmishers of the Enemy in fine style, and supports their + further advance into the woods, with the 1st Massachusetts Regiment. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Tyler, discovering a favorable opening in the woods, "low down + on the bottom of the stream," for a couple of howitzers in battery, sends + Captain Ayres of the 5th U. S. Artillery, and a detached section (two + 12-pound howitzers) of his battery, with orders to post it himself on that + spot, and sends Brackett's squadron of the 2d Cavalry to his support. + </p> + <p> + No sooner does Ayres open fire on the Enemy, than he awakens a Rebel + hornet's-nest. Volley after volley of musketry shows that the Bull Run + bottom fairly swarms with Rebel troops, while another Rebel battery, more + to the Rebel right, opens, with that already mentioned, a concentrated + cross-fire upon him. + </p> + <p> + And now Richardson orders up the 12th New York, Colonel Walrath, to the + left of our battery. Forming it into line-of-battle, Richardson orders it + to charge through the woods upon the Enemy. Gallantly the regiment moves + forward, after the skirmishers, into the woods, but, being met by a very + heavy fire of musketry and artillery along the whole line of the Enemy's + position, is, for the most part, thrown back in confusion—a mere + fragment* remaining in line, and retreating,—while the howitzers, + and Cavalry also, are withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, however, Richardson has ordered up, and placed in + line-of-battle, on the right of our battery, the 1st Massachusetts, the 2d + Michigan (his own), and the 3d Michigan. The skirmishers in the woods + still bravely hold their ground, undercover, and these three regiments are + plucky, and anxious to assault the Enemy. Richardson proposes to lead them + in a charge upon the Enemy's position, and drive him out of it; but Tyler + declines to give permission, on the ground that this being "merely a + reconnaissance," the object of which—ascertaining the strength and + position of the Enemy—having been attained, a further attack is + unnecessary. He therefore orders Richardson to "fall back in good order to + our batteries on the hill,"—which he does. + </p> + <p> + Upon reaching these batteries, Richardson forms his 2d Michigan, in "close + column by division," on their right, and the 1st Massachusetts and 3d + Michigan, in "line of battle," on their left—the 12th New York + re-forming, under cover of the woods at the rear, later on. Then, with our + skirmishers thrown into the woods in front, their scattering fire, and the + musketry responses of the Rebels, are drowned in the volume of sound + produced by the deafening contest which ensues between our Artillery, and + that of the Enemy from his batteries behind Bull Run. + </p> + <p> + This artillery-duel continues about one hour; and then seems to cease by + mutual consent, about dusk—after 415 shots have been fired on the + Union side, and have been responded to by an equal number from the Rebel + batteries, "gun for gun"—the total loss in the engagement, on the + Union side, being 83, to a total loss among the Enemy, of Thursday night, + Richardson retires his brigade upon Centreville, in order to secure + rations and water for his hungry and thirsty troops,—as no water has + yet been found in the vicinity of the Union batteries aforesaid. On the + morrow, however, when his brigade re-occupies that position, water is + found in abundance, by digging for it. + </p> + <p> + This premature attack, at Blackburn's Ford, by Tyler, against orders, + having failed, throws a wet blanket upon the martial spirit of McDowell's + Army. In like degree is the morale of the Rebel Army increased. + </p> + <p> + It is true that Longstreet, in command of the Rebel troops at Blackburn's + Ford, has not had things all his own way; that some of his artillery had + to be "withdrawn;" that, as he acknowledges in his report, his brigade of + three Virginia regiments (the 1st, 11th, and 17th) had "with some + difficulty repelled" the Union assault upon his position; that he had to + call upon General Early for re-enforcements; that Early re-enforced him + with two Infantry regiments (the 7th Louisiana and 7th Virginia) at first; + that one of these (the 7th Virginia) was "thrown into confusion;" that + Early then brought up his own regiment (the 24th Virginia) under + Lieutenant Colonel Hairston, and the entire seven guns of the "Washington + Artillery;" and that but for the active "personal exertions" of + Longstreet, in "encouraging the men under his command," and the great + numerical superiority of the Rebels, there might have been no Union + "repulse" at all. Yet still the attack has failed, and that failure, while + it dispirits the Patriot Army, inspires the Rebel Army with renewed + courage. + </p> + <p> + Under these circumstances, Friday, the 19th of July, is devoted to + reconnaissances by the Engineer officers of the Union Army; to the cooking + of the supplies, which have at last arrived; and to resting the weary and + road-worn soldiers of the Union. + </p> + <p> + Let us take advantage of this halt in the advance of McDowell's "Grand + Army of the United States"—as it was termed—to view the Rebel + position at, and about Manassas, and to note certain other matters having + an important and even determining bearing upon the issue of the impending + shock-at-arms. + </p> + <p> + Beauregard has received early information of McDowell's advance from + Arlington, and of his plans. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [This he admits, in his report, when he says; "Opportunely informed of + the determination of the Enemy to advance on Manassas, my advanced + brigades, on the night of the 16th of July, were made aware, from these + headquarters, of the impending movement,"] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On Tuesday the 16th, he notifies his advanced brigades. On Wednesday, he + sends a dispatch from Manassas, to Jefferson Davis, at Richmond, + announcing that the Union troops have assailed his outposts in heavy + force; that he has fallen back before them, on the line of Bull Run; and + that he intends to make a stand at Mitchell's Ford (close to Blackburn's + Ford) on that stream,—adding: if his (McDowell's) force is + overwhelming, "I shall retire to the Rappahannock railroad bridge, saving + my command for defense there, and future operations. Please inform + Johnston of this, via Staunton, and also Holmes. Send forward any + re-enforcements at the earliest possible instant, and by every possible + means." + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, however, Beauregard loses no time in advantageously + posting his troops. On the morning of the 18th of July, when the Union + advance enters Centreville, he has withdrawn all his advanced brigades + within the Rebel lines of Bull Run, resting them on the South side of that + stream, from Union Mills Ford, near the Orange and Alexandria railroad + bridge, up to the stone bridge over which the Warrenton Pike crosses the + Run,—a distance of some six to eight miles. + </p> + <p> + Between the Rebel left, at Stone Bridge, and the Rebel right, at Union + Mills Ford, are several fords across Bull Run—the general course of + the stream being from the North-West to South-East, to its confluence with + the Occoquan River, some twelve miles from the Potomac River. + </p> + <p> + Mitchell's Ford, the Rebel center, is about three miles to the South-West + of, and about the same distance North-East from, Manassas Junction. But it + may be well, right here, to locate all these fordable crossings of the + rocky, precipitous, and well-wooded Bull Run stream, between the Stone + Bridge and Union Mills Ford. Thus, half a mile below the Stone Bridge is + Lewis's Ford; half a mile below that, Ball's Ford; half a mile below that, + Island Ford; one and one-half miles below that, Mitchell's Ford—one + mile below that. + </p> + <p> + Blackburn's Ford; three-quarters of a mile farther down, McLean's Ford; + and nearly two miles lower down the stream, Union Mills Ford. + </p> + <p> + By Thursday morning, the 18th of July, Beauregard has advantageously + posted the seven brigades into which he has organized his forces, at these + various positions along his extended front, as follows: + </p> + <p> + At the Stone Bridge, Brigadier-General N. G. Evans's Seventh Brigade, of + one regiment and one battalion of Infantry, two companies of Cavalry, and + a battery of four six-pounders. + </p> + <p> + At Lewis's, Balls, and Island Fords—Colonel P. St. George Cocke's + Fifth Brigade, of three regiments of Infantry, one battery of Artillery, + and one company of Cavalry. + </p> + <p> + At Mitchell's Ford, Brigadier-General M. L. Bonham's First Brigade, of + four Infantry regiments, two batteries, and six companies of Cavalry. + </p> + <p> + At Blackburn's Ford, Brigadier-General J. Longstreet's Fourth Brigade, of + four Infantry regiments, with two 6-pounders. + </p> + <p> + At McLean's Ford, Brigadier-General D. R. Jones's Third Brigade of three + Infantry regiments, one Cavalry company, and two 6-pounders. + </p> + <p> + At Union Mills Ford, Brigadier-General R. S. Ewell's Second Brigade, of + three Infantry regiments, three Cavalry companies, and four 12-powder + howitzers—Colonel Jubal A. Early's Sixth Brigade, of three Infantry + regiments and three rifled pieces of Walton's Battery, being posted in the + rear of, and as a support to, Ewell's Brigade. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Johnston also found, on the 20th, the Reserve Brigade of Brig. Gen. T. + H. Holmes—comprising two regiments of Infantry, Walker's Battery + of Artillery, and Scott's Cavalry-with Early's Brigade, "in reserve, in + rear of the right."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The disposition and strength of Beauregard's forces at these various + points along his line of defense on Bull Run stream, plainly shows his + expectation of an attack on his right; but he is evidently suspicious that + it may come upon his centre; for, as far back as July 8th, he had issued + special orders to the effect that: + </p> + <p> + "Should the Enemy march to the attack of Mitchell's Ford, via Centreville, + the following movements will be made with celerity: + </p> + <p> + "I. The Fourth Brigade will march from Blackburn's Ford to attack him on + the flank and centre. + </p> + <p> + "II. The Third Brigade will be thrown to the attack of his centre and rear + toward Centreville. + </p> + <p> + "III. The Second and Sixth Brigades united will also push forward and + attack him in the rear by way of Centreville, protecting their own right + flanks and rear from the direction of Fairfax Station and Court House. + </p> + <p> + "IV. In the event of the defeat of the Enemy, the troops at Mitchell's + Ford and Stone Bridge, especially the Cavalry and Artillery, will join in + the pursuit, which will be conducted with vigor but unceasing prudence, + and continued until he shall have been driven beyond the Potomac." + </p> + <p> + And it is not without interest to note Beauregard's subsequent indorsement + on the back of these Special Orders, that: "The plan of attack prescribed + within would have been executed, with modifications affecting First and + Fifth Brigades, to meet the attack upon Blackburn's Ford, but for the + expected coming of General Johnston's command, which was known to be en + route to join me on [Thursday] the 18th of July." + </p> + <p> + The knowledge thus possessed on Thursday, the 18th, by Beauregard, that + Johnston's Army is on its way to join him, is of infinite advantage to the + former. On the other hand, the complete ignorance, at this time, of + McDowell on this point,—and the further fact that he has been lulled + into a feeling of security on the subject, by General Scott's emphatic + assurance to him that "if Johnston joins Beauregard, he shall have + Patterson on his heels"—is a great disadvantage to the Union + general. + </p> + <p> + Were McDowell now aware of the real Military situation, he would + unquestionably make an immediate attack, with the object of crushing + Beauregard before Johnston can effect a junction with him. It would then + be a mere matter of detail for the armies of McDowell, McClellan, and + Patterson, to bag Johnston, and bring the armed Rebellion to an inglorious + and speedy end. But Providence—through the plottings of individuals + within our own lines—wills it otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Long before this, Patterson has been informed by General Winfield Scott of + the proposed movement by McDowell upon Manassas,—and of its date. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday, July 13th, General Scott telegraphed to Patterson: "I + telegraphed to you yesterday, if not strong enough to beat the Enemy early + next week, make demonstrations so as to detain him in the Valley of + Winchester; but if he retreats in force toward Manassas, and it be too + hazardous to follow him, then consider the route via Keys Ferry, Leesburg, + etc." + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday, the 17th, Scott telegraphs to Patterson: "I have nothing + official from you since Sunday (14th), but am glad to learn, through + Philadelphia papers, that you have advanced. Do not let the Enemy amuse + and delay you with a small force in front whilst he re-enforces the + Junction with his main body. McDowell's first day's work has driven the + Enemy beyond Fairfax Court House. The Junction will probably be carried by + to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 18th, Patterson replies that to attack "the greatly + superior force at Winchester when the three months volunteers' time was + about up, and they were threatening to leave him—would be most + hazardous" and then he asks: "Shall I attack?" + </p> + <p> + Scott answers the same day: "I have certainly been expecting you to beat + the Enemy. If not, to hear that you had felt him strongly, or, at least, + had occupied him by threats and demonstrations. You have been at least his + equal, and, I suppose, superior in numbers. Has he not stolen a march and + sent re-enforcements toward Manassas Junction? A week is enough to win + victories," etc. + </p> + <p> + Patterson retorts, on the same day: "The Enemy has stolen no march upon + me. I have kept him actively employed, and by threats, and reconnaissances + in force, caused him to be re-enforced. I have accomplished in this + respect more than the General-in-Chief asked, or could well be expected, + in face of an Enemy far superior in numbers, with no line of communication + to protect." + </p> + <p> + In another dispatch, to Assistant Adjutant-General Townsend (with General + Scott), he says, that same afternoon of Thursday, the 18th: "I have + succeeded, in accordance with the wishes of the General-in-Chief, in + keeping General Johnston's Force at Winchester. A reconnaissance in force, + on Tuesday, caused him to be largely re-enforced from Strasburg." + </p> + <p> + Again, on Friday, the 19th, he informs Colonel Townsend that: "The Enemy, + from last information, are still at Winchester, and being re-enforced + every night." + </p> + <p> + It is not until Saturday, the 20th of July, that he telegraphs to + Townsend: "With a portion of his force, Johnston left Winchester, by the + road to Millwood, on the afternoon of the 18th." And he adds the + ridiculous statement: "His whole force was about 35,200." + </p> + <p> + Thus, despite all the anxious care of General Scott, to have Johnston's + Army detained in the Shenandoah Valley, it has escaped Patterson so + successfully, and entirely, that the latter does not even suspect its + disappearance until the day before the pitched Battle of Bull Run is + fought! Its main body has actually reached Manassas twenty-four hours + before Patterson is aware that it has left Winchester! + </p> + <p> + And how is it, that Johnston gets away from Patterson so neatly? And when + does he do it? + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The extraordinary conduct of General Patterson at this critical period, + when everything seemed to depend upon his exertions, was afterward the + subject of inquiry by the Joint-Committee on the Conduct of the War. The + testimony taken by that Committee makes it clear, to any unprejudiced + mind, that while Patterson himself may have been loyal to the Union, he + was weak enough to be swayed from the path of duty by some of the + faithless and unpatriotic officers with whom he had partly surrounded + himself—and especially by Fitz John Porter, his Chief-of-staff. + Let us examine the sworn testimony of two or three witnesses on this + point. + </p> + <p> + General CHARLES W. SANFORD, who was second in command under Patterson, + and in command of Patterson's Left Wing, testified [see pages 54-66, + Report on Conduct of the War, Vol. 3, Part 2,] that he was at a Council + of War held at the White House, June 29th, when the propriety of an + attack on the Rebel lines at Manassas was discussed; that he objected to + any such movement until Patterson was in such a position as to prevent + the junction between General Johnston's Army and the troops at Manassas; + that on the 6th of July, he was sent by General Scott, with four picked + New York regiments, to Patterson, and (waiving his own seniority rank) + reported to that General, at Williamsport; that Patterson gave him + command of a division of 8,000 men (and two batteries) out of a total in + his Army of 22,000; that he "delivered orders from General Scott to + General Patterson, and urged a forward movement as soon as possible;" + that there was "Some delay at Martinsburg, notwithstanding the urgency + of our matter," but they "left there on [Monday] the 15th of July, and + went in the direction of Winchester,"—down to Bunker Hill,—Patterson + with two divisions going down the turnpike, and Sanford taking his + division a little in advance and more easterly on the side roads so as + to be in a position to flank Johnston's right; that on that afternoon + (Monday, July 15) General Patterson rode up to where Sanford was + locating his camp. + </p> + <p> + Continuing his testimony, General Sanford said: "I was then within about + nine miles of Johnston's fortified camp at Winchester. Patterson was + complimenting me upon the manner in which my regiments were located, and + inquiring about my pickets, which I had informed him I had sent down + about three miles to a stream below. I had driven out the Enemy's + skirmishers ahead of us. They had some cavalry there. In answer to his + compliments about the comfortable location I had made, I said: 'Very + comfortable, General, when shall we move on?' * * * He hesitated a + moment or two, and then said: 'I don't know yet when we shall move. And + if I did I would not tell my own father.' I thought that was rather a + queer speech to make to me under the circumstances. But I smiled and + said: 'General, I am only anxious that we shall get forward, that the + Enemy shall not escape us.' He replied: 'There is no danger of that. I + will have a reconnaissance to-morrow, and we will arrange about moving + at a very early period.' He then took his leave. + </p> + <p> + "The next day [Tuesday, July 16th], there was a reconnaissance on the + Winchester turnpike, about four or five miles below the General's camp. + He sent forward a section of artillery and some cavalry, and they found + a post-and-log fence across the Winchester turnpike, and some of the + Enemy's cavalry on the other side of it. They gave them a round of + grape. The cavalry scattered off, and the reconnaissance returned. That + was the only reconnaissance I heard of while we were there. My own + pickets went further than that. But it was understood, the next + afternoon, that we were to march forward at daylight. I sent down Col. + Morell, with 40 men, to open a road down to Opequan Creek, within five + miles of the camp at Winchester, on the side-roads I was upon, which + would enable me, in the course of three hours, to get between Johnston + and the Shenandoah River, and effectually bar his way to Manassas. I had + my ammunition all distributed, and ordered my men to have 24 hours' + rations in their haversacks, independent of their breakfast. We were to + march at 4 o'clock the next morning. I had this road to the Opequan + completed that night. I had then with me, in addition to my eight + regiments amounting to about 8,000 men and a few cavalry, Doubleday's + heavy United States battery of 20 and 30 pounders, and a very good Rhode + Island battery. And I was willing to take the risk, whether Gen. + Patterson followed me up or not, of placing myself between Johnston and + the Shenandoah River, rather than let Johnston escape. And, at 4 o'clock + [July 17th] I should have moved over that road for that purpose, if I + had had no further orders. But, a little after 12 o'clock at night [July + 16th-17th,] I received a long order of three pages from Gen. Patterson, + instructing me to move on to Charlestown, which is nearly at right + angles to the road I was going to move on, and twenty-two miles from + Winchester. This was after I had given my orders for the other + movement." + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + 'Question [by the Chairman].—And that left Johnston free? "Answer—Yes, + Sir; left him free to make his escape, which he did. * * *" + </p> + <p> + 'Question.—In what direction would Johnston have had to move to + get by you? "Answer—Right out to the Shenandoah River, which he + forded. He found out from his cavalry, who were watching us, that we + were actually leaving, and he started at 1 o'clock that same day, with + 8,000 men, forded the Shenandoah where it was so deep that he ordered + his men to put their cartridge-boxes on their bayonets, got out on the + Leesburg road, and went down to Manassas." + </p> + <p> + "Question [by the Chairman].—Did he [Patterson] assign any reason + for that movement? "Answer.—I was, of course, very indignant about + it, and so were all my officers and men; so much so that when, + subsequently, at Harper's Ferry, Patterson came by my camp, there was a + universal groan—against all discipline, of course, and we + suppressed it as soon as possible. The excuse given by Gen. Patterson + was this: that he had received intelligence that he could rely upon, + that Gen. Johnston had been re-enforced by 20,000 men from Manassas, and + was going to make an attack upon him; and in the order which I received + that night—a long order of three pages—I was ordered to + occupy all the communicating roads, turning off a regiment here, and two + or three regiments there, and a battery at another place, to occupy all + the roads from Winchester to the neighborhood of Charlestown, and all + the cross-roads, and hold them all that day, until Gen. Patterson's + whole army went by me to Charlestown; and I sat seven hours in the + saddle near a place called Smithfield, while Patterson, with his whole + army, went by me on their way to Charlestown, he being apprehensive, as + he said, of an attack from Johnston's forces." + </p> + <p> + "Question [by Mr. Odell].—You covered his movement? "Answer—Yes, + Sir. Now the statement that he made, which came to me through Colonel + Abercrombie, who was Patterson's brother-in-law, and commanded one + division in that army, was, that Johnston had been re-enforced; and Gen. + Fitz-John Porter reported the same thing to my officers. Gen. Porter was + then the chief of Patterson's staff, and was a very excellent officer, + and an accomplished soldier. They all had got this story, which was + without the slightest shadow of foundation; for there had not a single + man arrived at the camp since we had got full information that their + force consisted of 20,000 men, of whom 1,800 were sick with the measles. + The story was, however, that they had ascertained, by reliable + information, of this re-enforcement. Where they got their information, I + do not know. None such reached me; and I picked up deserters and other + persons to get all the information I could; and we since have learned, + as a matter of certainty, that Johnston's forces never did exceed 20,000 + men there. But the excuse Patterson gave was, that Johnson had been + re-enforced by 20,000 men from Manassas, and was going to attack him. + That was the reason he gave then for this movement. But in this paper he + has lately published, he hints at another reason—another excuse—which + was that it was by order of Gen. Scott. Now, I know that the peremptory + order of Gen. Scott to Gen. Patterson, repeated over and over again, was + this—I was present on several occasions when telegraphic + communications went from Gen. Scott to Gen. Patterson: Gen. Scott's + orders to Gen. Patterson were that, if he were strong enough, he was to + attack and beat Johnston. But if not, then he was to place himself in + such a position as to keep Johnston employed, and prevent him from + making a junction with Beauregard at Manassas. That was the repeated + direction of Gen. Scott to Gen. Patterson; and it was because of + Patterson's hesitancy, and his hanging back, and keeping so far beyond + the reach of Johnston's camp, that I was ordered to go up there and + re-enforce him, and assist him in any operations necessary to effect + that object. The excuse of Gen. Patterson now is, that he had orders + from Gen. Scott to move to Charlestown. Now, that is not so. But this + state of things existed: Before the movement was made from Martinsburg, + General Patterson suggested to General Scott that Charlestown would be a + better base of operations than Martinsburg and suggested that he had + better move on Charlestown, and thence make his approaches to + Winchester; that it would be better to do that than to move directly to + Winchester from Martinsburg; and General Scott wrote back to say that, + if he found that movement a better one, he was at liberty to make it. + But Gen. Patterson had already commenced his movement on Winchester + direct from Martinsburg, and had got as far as Bunker Hill; so that the + movement which he had formerly suggested, to Charlestown, was suppressed + by his own act. But that is the pretence now given in his published + speech for making the movement from Bunker Hill to Charlestown, which + was a retreat, instead of the advance which the movement to Charlestown + he first proposed to Gen. Scott was intended to be." + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "Question [by the Chairman].—Was not that change of direction and + movement to Charlestown a total abandonment of the object which you were + pursuing? "Answer.—Entirely an abandonment of the main principles + of the orders he was acting under." + </p> + <p> + "Question.—And of course an abandonment of the purpose for which + you were there? "Answer.—Yes, Sir. + </p> + <p> + "Question [by Mr. Odell].—Was it not your understanding in leaving + here, and was it not the understanding also of Gen. Scott, that your + purpose in going there was to check Johnston with direct reference to + the movement here? "Answer—Undoubtedly. It was in consequence of + the suggestion made by me at the Council at the President's house. * * * + And upon the suggestion of General Scott they wanted me to go up there + and assist Patterson in this movement against Johnston, so as to carry + out the point I had suggested of first checkmating Johnston before the + movement against Manassas was made here." + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + Question [by the Chairman].—Would there have been any difficulty + in preventing Johnston from going to Manassas? "Answer.—None + whatever." + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "Question [by the Chairman.]—I have heard it suggested that he + (Patterson) undertook to excuse this movement on the ground that the + time of many of his troops had expired, and they refused to accompany + him. "Answer.—That to my knowledge, is untrue. The time of none of + them had expired when this movement was made. All the troops that were + there were in the highest condition for the service. These three-months' + men, it may be well to state to you who are not Military men, were + superior to any other volunteer troops that we had, in point of + discipline. They were the disciplined troops of the Country. The + three-months' men were generally the organized troops of the different + States—New York, Pennsylvania, etc. We had, for instance, from + Patterson's own city, Philadelphia, one of the finest regiments in the + service, which was turned over to me, at their own request; and the most + of my regiments were disciplined and organized troops. They were all in + fine condition, anxious, zealous, and earnest for a fight. They thought + they were going to attack Johnston's camp at Winchester. Although I had + suggested to Gen. Patterson that there was no necessity for that, the + camp being admirably fortified with many of their heavy guns from + Norfolk, I proposed to him to place ourselves between Johnston and the + Shenandoah, which would have compelled him to fight us there, or to + remain in his camp, either of which would have effected General Scott's + object. If I had got into a fight, it was very easy, over this road I + had just been opening, for Patterson to have re-enforced me and to have + come up to the fight in time. The proposition was to place ourselves + between Johnston's fortified camp and the Shenandoah, where his + fortified camp would have been of no use to him." + </p> + <p> + "Question.—Even if you had received a check there, it would have + prevented his junction with the forces at Manassas? "Answer.—Yes, + Sir; I would have risked a battle with my own division rather than + Johnston should have escaped. If he had attacked me, I could have taken + a position where I could have held it, while Patterson could have fallen + upon him and repulsed him." + </p> + <p> + "Question [by Mr. Odell].—Had you any such understanding with + Patterson? "Answer.—I told him I would move down on this side-road + in advance, leaving Gen. Patterson to sustain me if I got into a fight. + So, on the other hand, if he should attack Patterson, I was near enough + to fall upon Johnston's flank and to support Patterson. By using this + communication of mine to pass Opequan Creek—where, I had informed + Patterson, I had already pushed forward my pickets, [200 men in the day + and 400 more at night,] to prevent the Enemy from burning the bridge—it + would have enabled me to get between Johnston and the Shenandoah River. + On the morning [Wednesday, July 17th] of our march to Charlestown, + Stuart's cavalry, which figured so vigorously at Bull Run, was upon my + flank all day. They were apparently about 800 strong. I saw them + constantly on my flank for a number of miles. I could distinguish them, + with my glass, with great ease. Finally, they came within about a mile + of the line of march I was pursuing and I sent a battery around to head + them off, and the 12th Regiment across the fields in double-quick time + to take them in the rear. I thought I had got them hemmed in. But they + broke down the fences, and went across the country to Winchester, and I + saw nothing more of them. They were then about eight miles from + Winchester, and must have got there in the course of a couple of hours. + That day [Wednesday, the 17th] at 10 o'clock—as was ascertained + from those who saw him crossing the Shenandoah—Johnston started + from Winchester with 8,000 men, forded the Shenandoah, and got to + Manassas on Friday night; and his second in command started the next day + with all the rest of the available troops—something like 9,000 + men; leaving only the sick, and a few to guard them, in the camp at + Winchester—and they arrived at the battle-field in the midst of + the fight, got out of the cars, rushed on the battle-field, and turned + the scale. I have no doubt that, if we had intercepted Johnston, as we + ought to have done, the battle of Bull Run would have been a victory for + us instead of a defeat. Johnston was undoubtedly the ablest general they + had in their army." + </p> + <p> + Colonel CRAIG BIDDLE, testified that he was General Patterson's + aide-de-camp at the time. In answer to a question by the Chairman, he + continued: + </p> + <p> + "Answer.—I was present, of course, at all the discussions. The + discussion at Martinsburg was as to whether or not General Patterson + should go on to Winchester. General Patterson was very full of that + himself. He was determined to go to Winchester; but the opinions of all + the regular officers who were with him, were against it. The opinions of + all the men in whose judgment I had any confidence, were against it. + They seemed to have the notion that General Patterson had got his Irish + blood up by the fight we had had at Falling Waters, and was bound to go + ahead. He decided upon going ahead, against the remonstrances of General + [Fitz John] Porter, who advised against it. He told me he considered he + had done his duty, and said no more. The movement was delayed in + consequence of General Stone's command not being able to move right + away. It was then evident that there was so much opposition to it that + the General was induced to call a council of the general officers in his + command, at which I was present. They were unanimously opposed to the + advance. That was at Martinsburg." + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "Question.—While at Bunker Hill, the night before you left there, + were any orders issued to march in the evening? "Answer.—I think + there were such orders." + </p> + <p> + "Question.—Did not General Patterson issue orders at Bunker Hill, + the night before you marched to Charlestown, for an attack on the Enemy? + "Answer.—I think such orders were written. I do not think they + were issued. I think General Patterson was again persuaded not to make + an advance." + </p> + <p> + Colonel R. BUTLER PRICE, Senior aide to Patterson, testified as follows: + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "Question [by Mr. Gooch].—Was it not the intention to move from + Bunker Hill to Winchester? "Answer.—Yes, Sir. At one time General + Patterson had given an order to move from Bunker Hill to Winchester. He + was very unwilling to leave Johnston even at Winchester without + attacking him; and on the afternoon before we left Bunker Hill he + decided to attack him, notwithstanding his strong force." + </p> + <p> + "Question.—Behind his intrenchments? "Answer.—Yes, Sir; it + went so far that his order was written by his adjutant, General [Fitz + John] Porter. It was very much against the wishes of General [Fitz John] + Porter; and he asked General Patterson if he would send for Colonel + Abercrombie and Colonel Thomas and consult them on the movement. General + Patterson replied: No, Sir; for I know they will attempt to dissuade me + from it, and I have made up my mind to fight Johnston under all + circumstances. That was the day before we left Bunker Hill. Then Colonel + [Fitz John] Porter asked to have Colonel Abercrombie and Colonel Thomas + sent for and consulted as to the best manner to carry out his wishes. He + consented, and they came, and after half an hour they dissuaded him from + it." + </p> + <p> + "Question.—At that time General Patterson felt it was so important + to attack Johnston that he had determined to do it? "Answer.—Yes, + Sir; the order was not published, but it was written." + </p> + <p> + "Question.—You understood General Patterson to be influenced to + make that attempt because he felt there was a necessity for detaining + Johnston? "Answer.—Yes, Sir; to detain him as long as he possibly + could." + </p> + <p> + "Question.—That order was not countermanded until late on Tuesday, + the 16th, was it? "Answer.—That order never was published. It was + written; but, at the earnest solicitation of Colonel [Fitz John] Porter, + it was withheld until he could have a consultation with Colonel + Abercrombie and Colonel Thomas."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkbull1" id="linkbull1"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p288-map.jpg (98K)" src="images/p288-map.jpg" style="width:100%;" /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + It is about 1 o'clock on the morning of Thursday, July 18th,—that + same day which witnesses the preliminary Battle of Blackburn's Ford—that + Johnston, being at Winchester, and knowing of Patterson's peculiarly + inoffensive and timid movement to his own left and rear, on Charlestown, + receives from the Rebel Government at Richmond, a telegraphic dispatch, of + July 17th, in these words: "General Beauregard is attacked. To strike the + Enemy a decisive blow, a junction of all your effective force will be + needed. If practicable, make the movement. * * * In all the arrangements + exercise your discretion." + </p> + <p> + Johnston loses no time in deciding that it is his duty to prevent, if + possible, disaster to Beauregard's Army; that to do this he must effect a + junction with him; and that this necessitates either an immediate fight + with, and defeat of, Patterson,—which may occasion a fatal delay—or + else, that Union general must be eluded. Johnston determines on the latter + course. + </p> + <p> + Leaving his sick, with some militia to make a pretense of defending the + town in case of attack, Johnston secretly and rapidly marches his Army, of + 9,000 effective men, Southeasterly from Winchester, at noon of Thursday, + the 18th; across by a short cut, wading the Shenandoah River, and then on + through Asby's Gap, in the Blue Ridge, that same night; still on, in the + same direction, to a station on the Manassas Gap railroad, known as + Piedmont, which is reached by the next (Friday) morning,—the erratic + movements of Stuart's Cavalry entirely concealing the manoeuvre from the + knowledge of Patterson. + </p> + <p> + From Piedmont, the Artillery and Cavalry proceed to march the remaining + twenty-five miles, or so, to Manassas Junction, by the roads. The 7th and + 8th Georgia Regiments of Bartow's Brigade, with Jackson's Brigade,—comprising + the 2d, 4th, 5th, 27th and 33d Virginia Regiments—are embarked on + the cars, and hurriedly sent in advance, by rail, to Manassas, reaching + there on that same (Friday) afternoon and evening. These are followed by + General Johnston, with Bee's Brigade—comprising the 4th Alabama, 2d + Mississippi, and a battalion of the 11th Mississippi—which arrive at + Manassas about noon of Saturday, the 20th of July, the balance of + Johnston's Infantry being billed for arrival that same day, or night. + </p> + <p> + Upon Johnston's own arrival at Manassas, Saturday noon,—the very day + that Patterson ascertains that "the bird has flown,"—after assuming + command, by virtue of seniority, he proceeds to examine Beauregard's + position. This he finds "too extensive, and the ground too densely wooded + and intricate," to be learned quickly, and hence he is impelled to rely + largely upon Beauregard for information touching the strength and + positions of both the Rebel and Union Armies. + </p> + <p> + Beauregard has now 21,833 men, and 29 pieces of artillery of his own "Army + of the Potomac." Johnston's and Holmes's junction with him has raised the + Rebel total to 32,000 effectives, and 55 guns. McDowell, on the other + hand, who started with 30,000 effectives, finds himself on the 19th—owing + to the departure of one of his regiments and a battery of Artillery, + because of the expiration of their term of enlistment,—with but + "28,000 men at the utmost."—[Comte de Paris.] + </p> + <p> + On the evening of Saturday, the 20th of July, Johnston and Beauregard hold + an important consultation. The former feels certain that Patterson, with + his more than 20,000 effectives, will now lose no time in essaying a + junction with McDowell's Army, and that such junction will probably be + effected by July 22nd. Hence he perceives the necessity of attacking + McDowell, and if possible, with the combined Rebel Forces, whipping him + before Patterson can come up to his assistance. + </p> + <p> + At this consultation it is agreed by the two Rebel generals to assume the + offensive, at once. Beauregard proposes a plan of battle—which is an + immediate general advance of the Rebel centre and left, concentrating, + from all the fords of Bull Run, upon Centreville, while the Rebel right + advances toward Sangster's cross-roads, ready to fall either on + Centreville, or upon Fairfax Court House, in its rear, according to + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + The plan proposed, is accepted at once by Johnston. The necessary order is + drawn up by Beauregard that night; and at half past four o'clock on Sunday + morning, July 21st, Johnston signs the written order. Nothing now remains, + apparently, but the delivery of the order to the Rebel brigade commanders, + a hurried preparation for the forward movement, and then the grand attack + upon McDowell, at Centreville. + </p> + <p> + Already, no doubt, the fevered brain of Beauregard pictures, in his vivid + imagination, the invincible thunders of his Artillery, the impetuous + advance of his Infantry, the glorious onset of his Cavalry, the flight and + rout of the Union forces, his triumphal entry into Washington—Lincoln + and Scott and the Congress crouching at his feet—and the victorious + South and conquered North acclaiming him Dictator! The plan is + Beauregard's own, and Beauregard is to have command. Hence all the glory + of capturing the National Capital, must be Beauregard's. Why not? But "man + proposes, and God disposes." The advance and attack, are, in that shape, + never to be made. + </p> + <p> + McDowell, in the meantime, all unconscious of what has transpired in the + Shenandoah Valley, and between there and Manassas; never dreaming for an + instant that Patterson has failed to keep Johnson there—even if he + has not attacked and defeated him; utterly unsuspicious that his own + lessened Union Army has now to deal with the Forces of Johnston and + Beauregard combined—with a superior instead of an inferior force; is + executing a plan of battle which he has decided upon, and announced to his + general officers, on that same Saturday evening, at his Headquarters in + Centreville. + </p> + <p> + Instead of attempting to turn the Enemy's right, and cut off his + communications with Richmond and the South, McDowell has now determined to + attack the Enemy's left, cut his communication, via the Manassas Gap + railroad, with Johnston's Army,—still supposed by him to be in the + Valley of the Shenandoah—and, taking him in the left flank and rear, + roll him upon Manassas, in disorder and defeat—with whatever might + follow. + </p> + <p> + That is the plan—in its general features. In executing it, Blenker's + Brigade of Miles's Division is to remain at Centreville as a reserve, + throwing up intrenchments about its Heights, upon which to fall back, in + case of necessity; Davies's Brigade of the same Division, with + Richardson's Brigade of Tyler's Division—as the Left Wing—are + to demonstrate at Blackburn's Ford, toward the Enemy's right; Tyler's + other three brigades, under Keyes, Schenck, and Sherman, are to feign an + attack on the Enemy's left, posted behind the strongly-defended Stone + Bridge over which the Warrenton turnpike, running Westward, on its way + from Centreville to Warrenton, crosses Bull Run stream; while the strong + divisions under Hunter and Heintzelman—forming McDowell's Right Wing—are + to follow Tyler's Division Westward down the turnpike to a point within + one mile and a half of the Stone Bridge, thence, by cross-road, diverge + several miles to the North, then sweep around gradually to the West, and + then Southwardly over Bull Run at Sudley Springs Ford, swooping down the + Sudley road upon the Enemy's left flank and rear, near Stone Bridge, + rolling it back toward his center, while Tyler's remaining three brigades + cross the bridge and join in the assault. That is the whole plan in a + nutshell. + </p> + <p> + It has been McDowell's intention to push forward, from Centreville along + the Warrenton Pike a few miles, on the evening of this Military + conference; but he makes his first mistake, in allowing himself to be + dissuaded from that, by those, who, in his own words, "have the greatest + distance to go," and who prefer "starting early in the morning and making + but one move." + </p> + <p> + The attacking divisions now have orders to march at 2:30 A. M., in order + "to avoid the heat," which is excessive. Tyler's three immediate brigades—or + some of them—are slow in starting Westward, along the Warrenton + Pike, to the Stone Bridge; and this leads to a two or three hours delay of + the divisions of Hunter and Heintzelman, before they can follow that Pike + beyond Centreville, and commence the secret detour to their right, along + the cross-road leading to Sudley Springs. + </p> + <p> + At 6:30 A.M., Tyler's Artillery gets into position, to cannonade the + Enemy's batteries, on the West Bank of Bull Run, commanding the Stone + Bridge, and opens fire. Half an hour before this, (at 6 A.M.), the Rebel + artillerists, posted on a hill South of the Pike, and 600 yards West of + the bridge, have caught sight of Tyler's Union blue-jackets. Those of the + Rebel gunners whose eyes are directed to the North-East, soon see, nearly + a mile away, up the gradual slope, a puff of blue smoke. Immediately the + bang of a solitary rifle cannon is heard, and the scream of a rifled shot + as it passes over their heads. At intervals, until past 9 A.M., that piece + and others in the same position, keep hammering away at the Rebel left, + under Evans, at Stone Bridge. + </p> + <p> + The Rebel response to this cannonade, is very feeble. McDowell observes + this. He suspects there has been a weakening of the Enemy's force at the + bridge, in order to strengthen his right for some purpose. And what can + that purpose be, but to throw his augmented right upon our left, at + Blackburn's Ford, and so, along the ridge-road, upon Centreville? Thus + McDowell guesses, and guesses well. To be in readiness to protect his own + left and rear, by reenforcing Miles's Division, at Centreville and along + the ridge to Blackburn's Ford, he temporarily holds back Howard's Brigade + of Heintzelman's Division at the point where the cross-road to Sudley + Springs Ford—along which Hunter's Division, followed by the Brigades + of Franklin and Wilcox, of Heintzelman's Division, have already gone—intersects + the Warrenton Pike. + </p> + <p> + It is 9 o'clock. Beauregard, as yet unaware of McDowell's new plan, sends + an order to Ewell, on his right, to hold himself ready "to take the + offensive, at a moment's notice,"—and directing that Ewell be + supported in his advance, toward Sangster's cross-roads and the rear of + Centreville, by Holmes's Brigade. In accordance with that order, Ewell, + who is "at Union Mills and its neighborhood," gets his brigade ready, and + Holmes moves up to his support. After waiting two hours, Ewell receives + another order, for both Ewell and Holmes "to resume their places." + Something must have occurred since 9 o'clock, to defeat Beauregard's plan + of attack on Centreville—with all its glorious consequences! What + can it be? We shall see. + </p> + <p> + While Tyler's Artillery has been cannonading the Rebel left, under Evans, + at Stone Bridge,—fully impressed with the prevailing Union belief + that the bridge is not only protected by strong masked batteries, heavy + supports of Infantry, and by abatis as well as other defenses, but is also + mined and ready to be blown up at the approach of our troops, when in + reality the bridge is not mined, and the Rebel force in men and guns at + that point has been greatly weakened in anticipation of Beauregard's + projected advance upon Centreville,—the Union column, under Hunter + and Heintzelman, is advancing from Centreville, in the scorching heat and + suffocating dust of this tropical July morning, slowly, but surely, along + the Warrenton Pike and the cross-road to Sudley Springs Ford—a + distance of some eight miles of weary and toilsome marching for raw troops + in such a temperature—in this order: Burnside's Brigade, followed by + Andrew Porter's Brigade,—both of Hunter's Division; then Franklin's + Brigade, followed by Willcox's Brigade,—both of Heintzelman's + Division. + </p> + <p> + It is half past 9 o'clock; before Burnside's Brigade has crossed the Bull + Run stream, at Sudley's Ford, and the head of Andrew Porter's Brigade + commences to ford it. The troops are somewhat slow in crossing. They are + warm, tired, thirsty, and as to dust,—their hair and eyes and + nostrils and mouths are full of it, while most of the uniforms, once blue, + have become a dirty gray. The sky is clear. The sun already is fiercely + hot. The men stop to drink and fill their canteens. It is well they do. + </p> + <p> + McDowell, who has been waiting two or three hours at the turn, impatient + at the delay, has ridden over to the front of the Flanking column, and now + reaches Sudley's Ford. He feels that much valuable time is already lost. + His plan has, in a measure, been frustrated by delay. He had calculated on + crossing Bull Run, at Sudley's Ford, and getting to the rear of the + Enemy's position, at Stone Bridge, before a sufficient Rebel force could + be assembled to contest the Union advance. He sends back an aide with + orders to the regimental commanders in the rear, to "break from column, + and hurry forward separately, as fast as possible." Another aide he sends, + with orders to Howard to bring his brigade across-fields. To Tyler he also + sends orders to "press forward his attack, as large bodies of the Enemy + are passing in front of him to attack the division (Hunter's) which has + passed over." + </p> + <p> + It may here be explained, that the Sudley road, running about six miles + South-Southeasterly from Sudley Springs Ford to Manassas Junction, is + crossed at right angles, about two miles South of the Springs, by the + Warrenton Pike, at a point about one mile and a half West of the Stone + Bridge. For nearly a mile South of Sudley Ford, the Sudley road passes + through thick woods on the left, and alternate patches of wooded and + cleared lands on the right. The country farther South, opens into rolling + fields, occasionally cut by transverse gullies, and patched with woods. + This is what Burnside's Brigade beholds, as it marches Southward, along + the Sudley road, this eventful morning. + </p> + <p> + Thus far, the cannonade of Tyler's batteries, and the weak return-fire of + the Rebel Artillery, at Stone Bridge, over two miles South-East of Sudley + Ford, is about the only music by which the Union march has kept time. + </p> + <p> + But now, as Burnside's foremost regiment emerges from the woods, at half + past 10 o'clock, the Artillery of the Enemy opens upon it. + </p> + <p> + Let us see how this happens. Evans's Brigade, defending the Stone Bridge, + and constituting the Enemy's extreme left, comprises, as has already been + mentioned, Sloan's 4th South Carolina Regiment, Wheat's Louisiana + battalion, Terry's squadron of Virginia Cavalry, and Davidson's section of + Latham's Battery of six-pounders. + </p> + <p> + Earlier in the morning Evans has supposed, from the cannonade of Tyler's + batteries among the pines on the hills obliquely opposite the Enemy's + left, as well as from the sound of the cannonade of the Union batteries + away down the stream on the Enemy's right, near Blackburn's Ford, that + McDowell is about to make an attack upon the whole front of the Rebel line + of defense along Bull Run—by way of the Stone Bridge, and the + various fords below it, which cross that stream. But by 10 o'clock, that + Rebel general begins to feel doubtful, suspicious, and uneasy. Despite the + booming of Tyler's guns, he has caught in the distance the rumbling sounds + of Hunter's Artillery wheels. + </p> + <p> + Evans finds himself pondering the meaning of those long lines of dust, + away to his left; and then, like a flash, it bursts upon him, that all + this Military hubbub in his front, and far away to his right, is but a + feint; that the real danger is somehow connected with that mysterious + far-away rumble, and those lines of yellow dust; that the main attack is + to be on the unprepared left and rear of the Rebel position! + </p> + <p> + No sooner has the Rebel brigade-commander thus divined the Union plan of + attack, than he prepares, with the limited force at his command, to thwart + it. Burnside and he are about equidistant, by this time, from the + intersection of the Sudley road, running South, with the Warrenton Pike, + running West. Much depends upon which of them shall be the first to reach + it,—and the instinctive, intuitive knowledge of this, spurs Evans to + his utmost energy. He leaves four of his fifteen companies, and Rogers's + section of the Loudoun Artillery,—which has come up from Cocke's + Brigade, at the ford below—to defend the approaches to the Stone + Bridge, from the East side of Bull Run,—and, with the other eleven + companies, and Latham's half-battery, he hurries Westward, along the + Warrenton Pike, toward the Sudley road-crossing, to resist the impending + Union attack. + </p> + <p> + It is now 10:30 o'clock, and, as he hurries along, with anxious eyes, + scanning the woods at the North, he suddenly catches the glitter of + Burnside's bayonets coming down through them, East of the Sudley road, in + "column of regiments" toward Young's Branch—a small stream turning, + in a Northern and Southern loop, respectively above and below the + Warrenton Pike, much as the S of a prostrate dollar-mark twines above and + below its horizontal line, the vicinity of which is destined to be + hotly-contested ground ere night-fall. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Says Captain D. P. Woodbury, U. S. corps of engineers, and who, with + Captain Wright, guided the divisions of Hunter and Heintzelman in making + the detour to the upper part of Bull Run: "At Sudley's Mills we lingered + about an hour to give the men and horses water and a little rest before + going into action, our advance guard in the mean time going ahead about + three quarters of a mile. Resuming our march, we emerged from the woods + about one mile South of the ford, and came upon a beautiful open valley + about one and a quarter miles square, bounded on the right or West by a + wooded ridge, on the Fast by the rough spurs or bluffs of Bull Run, on + the North by an open plain and ridge, on which our troops began to form, + and on the South by another ridge, on which the Enemy was strongly + posted, with woods behind their backs. The Enemy was also in possession + of the bluffs of Bull Run on our left."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Sending word to Headquarters, Evans pushes forward and gaining Buck Ridge, + to the North of the Northern loop of Young's Branch, forms his + line-of-battle upon that elevation—which somewhat compensates him + for the inferiority of his numbers—nearly at right angles to the + Bull Run line; rapidly puts his Artillery in position; the Rebel guns open + on Burnside's advance—their hoarse roar soon supplemented by the + rattle of Rebel musketry, and the answering roar and rattle of the Union + onset; and the Battle of Bull Run has commenced! + </p> + <p> + It is after 10:30 A.M., and Beauregard and Johnston are upon an eminence + in the rear of the centre of the Enemy's Bull Run line. They have been + there since 8 o'clock. An hour ago, or more, their Signal Officer has + reported a large body of Union troops crossing the Bull Run Valley, some + two or three miles above the Stone Bridge; upon the strength of which, + Johnston has ordered Bee's Brigade from near Cocke's position, with + Hampton's Legion and Stonewall Jackson's Brigade from near Bonham's left, + to move to the Rebel left, at Stone Bridge; and these troops are now + hastening thither, guided by the sound of the guns. + </p> + <p> + The artillery-firing is also heard by Johnston and Beauregard, but + intervening wooded slopes prevent them from determining precisely whence + it comes. Beauregard, with a badly-organized staff, is chaffing over the + delay that has occurred in carrying out his own plan of battle. He is + waiting to hear of the progress of the attack which he has ordered upon + the Union Army,—supposed by him to be at Centreville,—and + especially as to the advance of his right toward Sangster's Station. In + the meantime also,—from early morning,—the Rebel commanders + have heard heavy firing in the direction of Blackburn's Ford, toward their + right, where the Artillery attached to the brigades of Davies and + Richardson, constituting McDowell's Left Wing, is demonstrating in a + lively manner, in accordance with McDowell's plan. + </p> + <p> + It is 11 o'clock. Beauregard has become satisfied that his orders for the + Rebel advance and attack on Centreville, have failed or miscarried. His + plan is abandoned, and the orders countermanded. At the same time the + growing volume of artillery-detonations upon the left of the Bull Run line + of defense—together with the clouds of dust which indicate the route + of march of Hunter's and Heintzelman's Divisions from near Centreville to + the point of conflict, satisfies both Johnston and Beauregard, that a + serious attack is imperilling the Rebel left. + </p> + <p> + Beauregard at once proposes to Johnston "a modification of the abandoned + plan," viz.: "to attack with the" Rebel "right, while the left stands on + the defensive." But rapidly transpiring events conspire to make even the + modified plan impracticable. + </p> + <p> + Johnston, convinced by the still growing volume of battle-sounds on the + Rebel left, that the main attack of McDowell is being made there, urges + Beauregard to strengthen the left, as much as possible; and, after that + general has sent orders to this end,—to Holmes and Early to come up + with their Brigades from Union Mills Ford, moving "with all speed to the + sound of the firing," and to Bonham to promptly send up, from Mitchell's + Ford, a battery and two of his regiments—both he and Beauregard put + spurs to their horses, and gallop at full speed toward the firing, four + miles away on their left,—stopping on the way only long enough for + Johnston to order his Chief-of-artillery, Colonel Pendleton, to "follow, + with his own, and Alburtis's Batteries." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile let us return and witness the progress of the battle, on the + Rebel left,—where we were looking on, at 10:30 o'clock. Evans had + then just posted his eleven companies of Infantry on Buck Ridge, with one + of his two guns on his left, near the Sudley road, and the other not far + from the Robinson House, upon the Northern spur of the elevated plateau + just South of Young's Branch, and nearly midway between the Sudley road + and Stone Bridge. + </p> + <p> + The battle, as we have seen, has opened. As Burnside's Brigade appears on + the slope, to the North of Buck Ridge (or Hill), it is received by a + rapid, well-sustained, and uncomfortable, but not very destructive fire, + from Evans's Artillery, and, as the Union regiments press forward, in + column, full of impulsive ardor, the Enemy welcomes the head of the column + with a hot musketry-fire also, delivered from the crest of the elevation + behind which the Rebel Infantry lie flat upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + This defense by Evan's demi-Brigade still continues, although half an + hour, or more, has elapsed. Burnside has not yet been able to dislodge the + Enemy from the position. Emboldened to temerity by this fact, Major + Wheat's Louisiana battalion advances through the woods in front, upon + Burnside, but is hurled back by a galling fire, which throws it into + disorder and flight. + </p> + <p> + At this moment, however, the brigades of Bee and Bartow—comprising + the 7th and 8th Georgia, 2nd Mississippi, 4th Alabama, 6th North Carolina, + and two companies of the 11th Mississippi, with Imboden's Battery of four + pieces—recently arrived with Johnston from Winchester, come up, form + on the right of Sloan's 4th South Carolina Regiment, while Wheat rallies + his remnant on Sloan's left, now resting on the Sudley road, and the whole + new Rebel line opens a hot fire upon Burnside's Brigade. + </p> + <p> + Hunter, for the purpose of better directing the Union attack, is at this + moment rapidly riding to the left of the Union line,—which is + advancing Southwardly, at right angles to Bull Run stream and the old line + of Rebel defense thereon. He is struck by the fragment of a shell, and + carried to the rear. + </p> + <p> + Colonel John S. Slocum's, 2nd Rhode Island, Regiment, with Reynold's Rhode + Island Battery (six 13-pounders), having been sent to the front of + Burnside's left, and being closely pressed by the Enemy, Burnside's own + regiment the 1st Rhode Island, is gallantly led by Major Balch to the + support of the 2nd, and together they handsomely repulse the Rebel onset. + Burnside now sends forward Martin's 71st New York, with its two howitzers, + and Marston's 2nd New Hampshire,—his whole Brigade, of four + regiments and a light artillery battery, being engaged with the heavy + masked battery (Imboden's and two other pieces), and nearly seven full + regiments of the Enemy. + </p> + <p> + The regiments of Burnside's Brigade are getting considerably cut up. + Colonels Slocum and Marston, and Major Balch, are wounded. There is some + confusion in the ranks, and the Rhode Island Battery is in danger of + capture, when General Andrew Porter—whose own brigade has just + reached the field and is deploying to the right of Burnside's—succeeds + Hunter in command of the division, and rides over to his left. Burnside + asks him for Sykes's battalion of regulars, which is accordingly detached + from the extreme right of Andrew Porter's Division, rapidly forms on the + left, in support of the Rhode Island Battery, and opens a hot and + effective fire which, in connection with the renewed fire of Burnside's + rallied regiments, and the opening artillery practice of Griffin's Battery—that + has just come up at a gallop and gone into a good position upon an + eminence to the right of Porter's Division, and to the right of the Sudley + road looking South—fairly staggers the Enemy. + </p> + <p> + And now the brigades of Sherman and Keyes, having been ordered across Bull + Run by General Tyler, are seen advancing from Poplar Ford, at the rear of + our left,—Sherman's Brigade, headed by Corcoran's 69th New York + Regiment, coming up on Burnside's left, while Keves's Brigade is + following, to the left again of, Sherman. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Sherman, in his Official Report, after mentioning the receipt by him of + Tyler's order to "cross over with the whole brigade to the assistance of + Colonel Hunter"—which he did, so far as the Infantry was + concerned, but left his battery under Ayres behind, on account of the + impassability of the bluff on the Western bank of Bull Run—says: + "Early in the day, when reconnoitering the ground, I had seen a horseman + descend from a bluff in our front, cross the stream, and show himself in + the open field, and, inferring we could cross over at the same point, I + sent forward a company as skirmishers, and followed with the whole + brigade, the New York Sixty-ninth leading." + </p> + <p> + This is evidently the ford at the elbow of Bull Run, to the right of + Sherman's front, which is laid down on the Army-maps as "Poplar Ford," + and which McDowell's engineers had previously discovered and mapped; and + to which Major Barnard of the U. S. Engineer Corps alludes when, in his + Official Report, he says: "Midway between the Stone Bridge and Sudley + Spring our maps indicated another ford, which was said to be good." + </p> + <p> + The Comte de Paris, at page 241, vol. I. of his admirable "History of + the Civil War in America," and perhaps other Military historians, having + assumed and stated—upon the strength of this passage in Sherman's + Report—that "the Military instinct" of that successful soldier had + "discovered" this ford; and the impression being thus conveyed, however + undesignedly, to their readers, that McDowell's Engineer corps, after + spending two or three days in reconnaissances, had failed to find the + ford which Sherman had in a few minutes "discovered" by "Military + instinct;" it is surely due to the truth of Military history, that the + Engineers be fairly credited with the discovery and mapping of that + ford, the existence of which should also have been known to McDowell's + brigade commanders. + </p> + <p> + If, on the other hand, the Report of the Rebel Captain Arthur L. Rogers, + of the Loudoun Artillery, to General Philip St. George Cocke, be + correct, it would seem that Sherman attempted to cross Bull Run lower + down than Poplar Ford, which is "about one mile above the Stone Bridge," + but was driven back by the fire of Rogers's guns to cross at that + particular ford; for Rogers, in that Report, says that about 11 o'clock + A. M., the first section of the Loudoun Artillery, under his command, + "proceeded to the crest of the hill on the West Side of Bull Run, + commanding Stone Bridge. * * * Here." continues he, "I posted my section + of Artillery, and opened a brisk fire upon a column of the Enemy's + Infantry, supposed to be two regiments, advancing towards me, and + supported by his battery of rifled cannon on the hills opposite. These + poured into my section a steady fire of shot and shell. After giving + them some fifty rounds, I succeeded in heading his column, and turned it + up Bull Run to a ford about one mile above Stone Bridge, where, with the + regiments which followed, they crossed, and proceeded to join the rest + of the Enemy's forces in front of the main body of our Army."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Before this developing, expanding, and advancing attack of the Union + forces, the Rebel General Bee, who—since his coming up to support + Evans, with his own and Bartow's Brigades, to which had since been added + Hampton's Legion,—has been in command of this new Rebel line of + defense upon the left of the Bull Run line, concludes that that attack is + getting too strong for him, and orders his forces to retreat to the + Southward, and re-form on a second line, parallel to their present line, + and behind the rising ground at their rear. They do so, somewhat faster + than he desires. The whole line of the Rebel centre gives way, followed by + the wings, as far as the victorious Union troops can see. + </p> + <p> + We must be blind if we cannot perceive that thus far, the outlook, from + the Union point of view,—despite numberless mistakes of detail, and + some, perhaps, more general in their character—is very good. The + "Boys in Blue" are irresistibly advancing, driving the "Rebel Gray" back + and back, without let or hindrance, over the Buck Hill ridge, over Young's + Branch, back to, and even over, the Warrenton Pike. Time, to be sure, is + flying—valuable time; but the Enemy also is retiring.—There is + some slight confusion in parts of our own ranks; but there is much more in + his. At present, we have decidedly the best of it. McDowell's plan has + been, thus far, successful. Will that success continue? We shall see. + </p> + <p> + Heintzelman's Division is coming, up from the rear, to the Union right—Franklin's + Brigade, made up of the 5th and 11th Massachusetts, and 1st Minnesota, + with Ricketts's splendid battery of six 10-pounder Parrotts, forming on + the right of Andrew Porter's Brigade and Division; while Willcox's + demi-Brigade, with its 11th ("Fire Zouaves") and 38th New York—having + left Arnold's Battery of four pieces, with the 1st Michigan as its + support, posted on a hill commanding Sudley's Ford—comes in, on the + right of Franklin, thus forming the extreme right of the advancing Union + line of attack. + </p> + <p> + As our re-enforcing brigades come up, on our right, and on our left, the + Enemy falls back, more and more discouraged and dismayed. It seems to him, + as it does to us, "as though nothing can stop us." Jackson, however, is + now hurrying up to the relief of the flying and disordered remnants of + Bee's, Bartow's, and Evans's Brigades; and these subsequently rally, with + Hampton's Legion, upon Jackson's strong brigade of fresh troops, so that, + on a third new line, to which they have been driven back, they soon have—6,500 + Infantry, 13 pieces of Artillery, and Stuart's cavalry—posted in a + belt of pines which fringes the Southern skirt of the Henry House plateau—in + a line-of-battle which, with its left resting upon the Sudley road, + three-quarters of a mile South of its intersection with the Warrenton + Pike, is the irregular hypothenuse of a right-angled triangle, formed by + itself and those two intersecting roads, to the South-East of such + intersection. It is within this right-angled triangular space that the + battle, now proceeding, bids fair to rage most fiercely. + </p> + <p> + Johnston and Beauregard, riding up from their rear, reach this new (third) + line to which the Rebel troops have been driven, about noon. They find the + brigades of Bee, Bartow, and Evans, falling back in great disorder, and + taking shelter in a wooded ravine, South of the Robinson House and of the + Warrenton Pike. Hampton's Legion, which has just been driven backward over + the Pike, with great loss, still holds the Robinson House. Jackson, + however, has reached the front of this line of defense, with his brigade + of the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th, and 33rd Virginia Infantry, and Pendleton's + Battery—all of which have been well rested, since their arrival, + with other brigades of Johnston's Army of the Shenandoah, from Winchester, + a day or two back. + </p> + <p> + As Jackson comes up, on the left of "the ravine and woods occupied by the + mingled remnants of Bee's, Bartow's and Evans's commands," he posts + Imboden's, Stanard's, and Pendleton's Batteries in line, "below the brim + of the Henry House plateau," perhaps one-eighth of a mile to the + East-Southeastward of the Henry House, at his centre; Preston's 4th + Virginia, and Echol's 27th Virginia, at the rear of the battery-line; + Harper's 5th Virginia, with Radford's Cavalry, at its right; and, on its + left, Allen's 2nd Virginia; with Cumming's 33rd Virginia to the left of + that again, and Stuart's Cavalry covering the Rebel left flank. + </p> + <p> + It is about this time that the chief Rebel generals find their position so + desperate, as to necessitate extraordinary measures, and personal + exposure, on their part. Now it is, that Jackson earns the famous + sobriquet which sticks to him until he dies. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Bee approaches Jackson—so goes the story, according to Swinton; + he points to the disordered remnants of his own brigade mingled with + those of the brigades of Bartow and Evans huddled together in the woods, + and exclaims: "General, they are beating us back!" "Sir," responds + Jackson, drawing himself up, severely, "We'll give them the bayonet!" + And Bee, rushing back among his confused troops, rallies them with the + cry: "There is Jackson, standing like a Stone wall! Let us determine to + die here, and we will conquer."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Now it is, that Johnston and Beauregard, accompanied by their staffs, ride + backward and forward among the Rebel ranks, rallying and encouraging them. + Now it is, that, Bee and Bartow and Hampton being wounded, and the + Lieutenant-Colonel of the Hampton Legion killed, Beauregard leads a + gallant charge of that legion in person. And now it is, that Johnston + himself, finding all the field-officers of the 4th Alabama disabled, + "impressively and gallantly charges to the front" with the colors of that + regiment at his side! + </p> + <p> + These conspicuous examples of bravery, inspire the Rebel troops with fresh + courage, at this admittedly "critical" moment. + </p> + <p> + Johnston now assigns to Beauregard the chief "command of the left" of the + Bull Run line,—that is to say, the chief command of the Enemy's new + line of defense, which, as we have seen, is on the left of, and at right + angles to, the old Bull Run line—while he himself, riding back to + the Lewis House, resumes "the command of the whole field." + </p> + <p> + On his way to his rear, Johnston orders Cocke to send reenforcements to + Beauregard. He also dispatches orders to hurry up to that Rebel general's + support, the brigades of Holmes and Early from near the Union Mills Ford, + and that of Bonham from Mitchell's Ford,—Ewell with his brigade, + being also directed to "follow with all speed" from Union Mills + Ford-making a total of over 10,000 fresh troops. + </p> + <p> + From the "commanding elevation" of the Lewis House, Johnston can observe + the position of the Union forces beyond Bull Run, at Blackburn's Ford and + Stone Bridge; the coming of his own re-enforcing brigades from far down + the valley, toward Manassas; and the manoeuvres of our advancing columns + under McDowell. + </p> + <p> + As the battle proceeds, the Enemy's strength on the third new line of + defense increases, until he has 22 guns, 260 Cavalry, and 12 regiments of + Infantry, now engaged. It is interesting to observe also, that, of these, + 16 of the guns, 9 of the regiments, and all of the Cavalry (Stuart's), + belong to Johnston's Army of the Shenandoah, while only 6 guns and 3 + Infantry regiments thus engaged, belong to Beauregard's Army of the + Potomac. Thus the burden of the battle has been, and is being, borne by + Johnston's, and not Beauregard's troops—in the proportion of about + three of the former, to one of the latter,—which, for over two + hours, maintain their position despite many successive assaults we make + upon them. + </p> + <p> + It is after 2 o'clock P.M., when Howard's Brigade, of Heintzelman's + Division, reaches the battle-field, almost broken down with exhaustion. By + order of Heintzelman it has moved at double-quick for a mile of the way, + until, under the broiling heat, it can do so no longer. The last two miles + of the weary tramp, while the head of the brigade has moved at quick time, + the rear, having lost distances, moves, much of the time, at a + double-quick. As a consequence, many of Howard's men drop out, and + absolutely faint from exhaustion. + </p> + <p> + As Howard's Brigade approaches the field, besides the ambulances and + litters, conveying to the rear the wounded and dying, crowds of retreating + stragglers meet and tell it to hurry along; that the Enemy has been driven + back a mile; but, as it marches along, its regiments do not feel + particularly encouraged by the disorganization so prevalent; and the fact + that as they come into action, the thunders of the Rebel Artillery do not + seem to meet an adequately voluminous response—from the Union side, + seems to them, a portent of evil. Weary and fagged out, they are permitted + to rest, for a while, under cover. + </p> + <p> + Up to this time, our line, increased, as it has been, by the brigades of + Sherman and Keyes, on the left of Burnside, and of Franklin and Wilcox, on + the right of Porter, has continued to advance victoriously. Our troops + are, to be sure, considerably scattered, having been "moved from point to + point" a good deal. On our left, the Enemy has been driven back nearly a + mile, and Keyes's Brigade is pushing down Bull Run, under shelter of the + bluffs, trying to turn the right of the Enemy's new line, and give + Schenck's Brigade a better chance for crossing the Stone Bridge, still + commanded by some of the Rebel guns. + </p> + <p> + Having "nothing to do" there, "several of the Union regiments" are coming + over, from our left toward our right, with a view of overlapping, and + turning, the Enemy's left. + </p> + <p> + It is about half past 2 o'clock. The batteries of Griffin and Ricketts + have already been advanced as far as the eminence, upon our right, upon + which stands the Dogan House. Supported by Lyons's gallant 14th New York + Chasseurs, Griffin's and Ricketts's Batteries are still pouring a terribly + destructive fire into the batteries and columns of the Enemy, now behind + the brow of the Henry House hill, wherever exposed, while Palmer's seven + companies of Union Cavalry are feeling the Enemy's left flank, which + McDowell proposes to turn. The flags of eight Union regiments, though + "borne somewhat wearily" now point toward the hilly Henry House plateau, + beyond which "disordered masses of Rebels" have been seen "hastily + retiring." + </p> + <p> + There is a lull in the battle. The terrible heat is exhausting to the + combatants on both sides. Griffin and Ricketts have wrought such havoc + with their guns, that "nothing remains to be fired at." Victory seems most + surely to be ours. + </p> + <p> + Away down at his headquarters at the Lewis House, the Rebel General + Johnston stands watching the progress of the battle, as it goes against + him. Nervously he glances, every now and then, over his left shoulder, as + if expecting something. An officer is galloping toward him, from Manassas. + He comes from the office of Beauregard's Adjutant-General, at that point. + He rides up and salutes. "General," says he, breathlessly, "a United + States Army has reached the line of the Manassas Gap railroad, and is now + but three or four miles from our left flank!" + </p> + <p> + Johnston clenches his teeth nervously. Thick beads of perspiration start + from his forehead. He believes it is Patterson's Army that has followed + "upon his heels" from before Winchester, faster than has been anticipated; + and, as he thinks of Kirby Smith, who should long since have arrived with + Elzey's Brigade—all, of his own "Army of the Shenandoah," that has + not yet followed him to Manassas,—the exclamation involuntarily + bursts from his lips: "Oh, for four regiments!" + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Says a correspondent and eye-witness of the battle, writing to the + Richmond Dispatch, from the battle-field, July 23d: "Between two and + three o'clock large numbers of men were leaving the field, some of them + wounded, others exhausted by the long struggle, who gave us gloomy + reports; but, as the firing on both sides continued steadily, we felt + sure that our brave Southerners had not been conquered by the + overwhelming hordes of the North. It is, however, due to truth to say + that the result at this hour hung trembling in the balance. We had lost + numbers of our most distinguished officers. Gens. Barlow and Bee had + been stricken down; Lieut; Col. Johnson of the Hampton Legion had been + killed; Col. Hampton had been wounded. But there was at hand a fearless + general whose reputation was staked on this battle: Gen. Beauregard + promptly offered to lead the Hampton Legion into action, which he + executed in a style unsurpassed and unsurpassable. Gen. Beauregard rode + up and down our lines, between the Enemy and his own men, regardless of + the heavy fire, cheering and encouraging our troops. About this time, a + shell struck his horse, taking its head off, and killing the horses of + his aides, Messrs. Ferguson and Hayward. * * * Gen. Johnston also threw + himself into the thickest of the fight, seizing the colors of a Georgia + (Alabama) regiment, and rallying then to the charge. * * * Your + correspondent heard Gen. Johnston exclaim to Gen. Cocke, just at the + critical moment, 'Oh, for four regiments!' His wish was answered; for in + the distance our re-enforcements appeared. The tide of battle was turned + in our favor by the arrival of Gen. Kirby Smith, from Winchester, with + 4,000 men of Gen. Johnston's Division. Gen. Smith heard, while on the + Manassas Railroad cars, the roar of battle. He stopped the train, and + hurried his troops across the fields to the point just where he was most + needed. They were at first supposed to be the Enemy, their arrival at + that point of the field being entirely unexpected. The Enemy fell back, + and a panic seized them. Cheer after cheer from our men went up, and we + knew the battle had been won." + </p> + <p> + Another Rebel correspondent who, as an officer of the Kentucky battalion + of General Johnston's Division of the Rebel Army, participated in the + battle, wrote to the Louisville Courier from Manassas, July 22, an + account of it, in which, after mentioning that the Rebel Army had been + forced back for two miles, he continues; "The fortunes of the day were + evidently against us. Some of our best officers had been slain, and the + flower of our Army lay strewn upon the field, ghastly in death or gaping + with wounds. At noon, the cannonading is described as terrific. It was + an incessant roar for more than two hours, the havoc and devastation at + this time being fear ful. McDowell * * * had nearly outflanked us, and + they were just in the act of possessing themselves of the Railway to + Richmond. Then all would have been lost. But most opportunely—I + may say Providentially—at this juncture, Gen. Johnston, [Kirby + Smith it should be] with the remnant of Johnston's Division—our + Army, as we fondly call it, for we have been friends and brothers in + camp and field for three months—reappeared, and made one other + desperate struggle to obtain the vantage-ground. Elzey's Brigade of + Marylanders and Virginians led the charge; and right manfully did they + execute the work,"] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "The prayer of the wicked availeth not," 'tis said; yet never was the + prayer of the righteous more quickly answered than is that of the Rebel + General-in-chief! Johnston himself, alluding to this exigent moment, + afterward remarks, in his report: "The expected reenforcements appeared + soon after." Instead of Patterson's Union Army, it is Kirby Smith, coming + up, with Elzey's Brigade, from Winchester! + </p> + <p> + Satisfied of the safe arrival of Kirby Smith, and ordering him up, with + Elzey's Brigade, Johnston directs Kershaw's 2nd and Cash's 8th South + Carolina Regiments, which have just come up, with Kemper's Battery, from + Bonham's Brigade, to strengthen the Rebel left, against the attempt which + we are still making to reach around it, about the Sudley road, to take it + in reverse. Fisher's 6th North Carolina Regiment arriving about the same + time, is also hurried along to help Beauregard. + </p> + <p> + But during the victorious lull, heretofore alluded to, something is + happening on our side, that is of very serious moment. Let us see what it + is: + </p> + <p> + The batteries of Griffin and Ricketts, at the Dogan House, having nothing + to fire at, as we have seen, are resting, pleased with the consciousness + of their brilliant and victorious service against the Rebel batteries and + Infantry columns, when they are ordered by McDowell —who, with his + staff, is upon elevated ground to the rear of our right,—to advance + 1,000 yards further to the front, "upon a hill near the Henry House." + </p> + <p> + Ricketts considers this a perilous job—but proceeds to execute the + order as to his own battery. A small ravine is in his front. With Ricketts + gallantly leading, the battery dashes across the ravine at full gallop, + breaking one wheel as it goes, which is at once replaced. A fence lies + across the way. The cannoniers demolish it. The battery ascends the hill + near the Henry House, which is full of the Enemy's sharpshooters. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [For this, and what immediately follows, see the testimony of Ricketts + and others, before the Committee on the Conduct of the War.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Soon as Ricketts gets his guns in battery, his men and horses begin to + fall, under the fire of these sharpshooters. He turns his guns upon the + Henry House,—and "literally riddles it." Amid the moans of the + wounded, the death scream of a woman is heard! The Enemy had permitted her + to remain in her doomed house! + </p> + <p> + But the execution is not all on one side, by any means. Ricketts is in a + very hot place—the hottest, he afterward declares, that he has ever + seen in his life—and he has seen fighting before this. + </p> + <p> + The Enemy is behind the woods, at the front and right of Ricketts's + Battery. This, with the added advantage of the natural slope of the + ground, enables him to deliver upon the brave Union artillerists a + concentrated fire, which is terribly destructive, and disables so many of + Rickett's horses that he cannot move, if he would. Rickett's own guns, + however, are so admirably served, that a smooth-bore battery of the Enemy, + which has been stubbornly opposing him, is driven back, despite its heavy + supports. + </p> + <p> + And Griffin's Battery now comes rapidly up into position on the left of, + and in line with, Ricketts. For Griffin also has been ordered from the + Dogan House hill, to this new, and dangerously exposed, position. + </p> + <p> + But when Major Barry, General McDowell's Chief of Artillery, brings him + the order, Griffin hesitates—for he has no Infantry support. + </p> + <p> + "The Fire Zouaves—[The 11th New York]—will support you," says + Barry, "They are just ready to follow you at the double-quick!" + </p> + <p> + "Then why not let them go and get in position on the hill," says Griffin; + "then, let Ricketts's and my batteries come into battery behind; and then, + let them (the Zouaves) fall back?" + </p> + <p> + Griffin advises, also, as a better position for his own battery, a hill + 500 yards in the rear of the Henry House hill. But advice is thrown away. + His artillery-chief is inflexible. + </p> + <p> + "I tell you," says Griffin again, "the Fire Zouaves won't support us." + </p> + <p> + "They will," replies Barry. "At any rate it is General McDowell's order to + go there!" + </p> + <p> + That settles the business. "I will go," responds Griffin; "but mark my + words, they will not support us!" + </p> + <p> + Griffin's Battery, indeed, starts first, but, owing to the mistake of one + of his officers, it has to be countermarched, so that Ricketts's is thrown + to the front, and, as we have seen, first reaches the crest of the Henry + House hill. + </p> + <p> + Griffin, as he comes up with his guns, goes into battery on the left of + Ricketts, and at once opens briskly on the Enemy. One of Griffin's guns + has a ball lodged in the bore, which cannot be got in or out. His other + five guns, with the six guns of Ricketts, make eleven pieces, which are + now side by side-all of them driving away at the Enemy's (Stonewall + Jackson's) strong batteries, not more than 300 yards away. + </p> + <p> + They have been at it half an hour perhaps, when Griffin moves two of his + pieces to the right of Ricketts, and commences firing with them. He has + hardly been there five minutes, when a Rebel regiment coming out of the + woods at Griffin's right front, gets over a rail fence, its Colonel steps + out between his regiment (now standing up to the knees in rank grass) and + the battery, and commences a speech to his men! + </p> + <p> + Griffin orders one of his officers to load with canister, and let drive at + them. The guns are loaded, and ready to fire, when up gallops Barry, + exclaiming: "Captain, don't fire there; those are your battery-supports!" + </p> + <p> + At this supreme moment, Reynolds's gorgeous looking Marines are sitting + down in close column, on the ground, to the left of the Union batteries. + The showy 11th New York "Fire Zouaves" are a little to the rear of the + right of the guns. The gallant 14th New York Chasseurs, in their + dust-covered red uniforms, who had followed Griffin's Battery, at some + distance, have, only a little while since, pushed finely up, from the + ravine at the rear of our batteries, into the woods, to the right of + Griffin and Ricketts, at a double-quick. To the left of the batteries, + close to the battalion of Marines, Heintzelman bestrides his horse, near + some of his own Division. + </p> + <p> + To Major Barry's startling declaration, Captain Griffin excitedly shouts: + "They are Confederates! Sure as the world, they are Confederates!" + </p> + <p> + But Barry thinks he knows better, and hastily responds: "I know they are + your battery-support." + </p> + <p> + Griffin spurs toward his pieces, countermands his previous order, and + firing is resumed in the old direction. + </p> + <p> + Andrew Porter, has just ridden up to Heintzelman's side, and now catches + sight of the Rebel regiment. "What troops are those?" he asks of General + Hientzelman, pointing in their direction. + </p> + <p> + While Heintzelman is replying, and just as Averell drops his reins and + levels his field-glass at them, "down come their pieces-rifles and + muskets,—and probably," as Averell afterward said, "there never was + such a destructive fire for a few minutes. It seemed as though every man + and horse of that battery just laid right down, and died right off!" + </p> + <p> + It is a dreadful mistake that has been made. And there seems to have been + no excuse for it either. The deliberateness of the Rebel colonel has given + Barry abundant time to have discovered his error. For Griffin subsequently + declared, under oath, that, "After the officer who had been talking to the + regiment had got through, he faced them to the left, marched them about + fifty yards to the woods, then faced them to the right again, marched them + about forty yards toward us, then opened fire upon us—and that was + the last of us!" + </p> + <p> + It is a terrible blunder. For, up to this moment, the battle is undeniably + ours. And, while the Rebel colonel has been haranguing his brave men, + there has been plenty of time to have "passed the word" along the line of + our batteries, and poured canister into the Rebel regiment from the whole + line of eleven guns, at point-blank range, which must inevitably have cut + it all to pieces. The fate of the day hung balanced right there and then—with + all the chances in favor of McDowell. But those chances are now reversed. + Such are the fickle changes in the fortunes of battle! + </p> + <p> + Instead of our batteries cutting to pieces the Rebel Infantry regiment, + the Rebel Infantry regiment has mowed down the gallant artillerists of our + batteries. Hardly a man of them escapes. Death and destruction reap a + wondrous and instant harvest. Wounded, dying, or dead, lie the brave + cannoniers at their guns, officers and men alike hors du combat, while + wounded horses gallop wildly back, with bounding caissons, down the gentle + declivity, carrying disorder, and further danger, in their mad flight. + </p> + <p> + The supporting Fire Zouaves and Marines, on the right and left of our line + of guns, stand, with staring eyes and dumb open-mouths, at the sudden turn + of affairs. They are absolutely paralyzed with astonishment. They do not + run at first. They stand, quaking and panic-stricken. They are urged to + advance upon the Rebel regiment—"to give them a volley, and then try + the bayonet." In vain! They fire perhaps 100 scattering shots; and receive + in return, as they break and run down the hill to the rear, volley after + volley, of deadly lead, from the Rebel muskets. + </p> + <p> + But, as this Rebel regiment (Cummings's 33rd Virginia) advances to seize + the crippled and defenceless guns, it is checked, and driven back, by the + 1st Michigan Regiment of Willcox's Brigade, which has pushed forward in + the woods at our extreme right. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, having been ordered by McDowell to support Ricketts's Battery, + Howard has formed his four tired regiments into two lines—Berry's + 4th Maine, and Whitney's 2nd Vermont, on the right and left of the first; + and Dunnell's 5th, and his own 3rd Maine, under Staples, in the second + line. Howard himself leads his first line up the elevated plateau of the + Henry House. Reaching the crest, the line delivers its fire, volley after + volley, despite the concentrated hail of the Enemy's Artillery and + muskets. As the second line advances, a Rebel cannon-ball, and an + unfortunate charge of our own Cavalry, scatters most of the 5th Maine. The + 2nd Vermont, which has advanced 200 yards beyond the crest, rapidly + firing, while the Enemy retires, is now, in turn, forced back by the + Enemy's hot fire, and is replaced by the 3rd Maine, while the remnant of + the 5th moves up to the extreme right of Howard's now single line. But the + Rebel fire grows hotter and hotter, and owing to this, and a misunderstood + order, Howard's line begins to dissolve, and then retires in confusion,—Howard + and others vainly striving to rally his own utterly exhausted men. + </p> + <p> + Sherman's Brigade, too, has come over from our left, and now advances upon + the deadly plateau, where lie the disabled Union batteries—the + prizes, in full sight of both Armies, for which each seems now to be so + desperately striving. + </p> + <p> + Quinby's 13th New York Rifles, in column of companies, leads the brigade, + followed by Lieutenant-Colonel Peck's 2d Wisconsin, Cameron's 79th New + York (Highlanders), and Corcoran's 69th New York (Irish), "in line of + battle." Down the slope, across the ravine, and up, on the other side, + steadily presses Quinby, till he reaches the crest. He opens fire. An + advancing Rebel regiment retires, as he pushes up to where the Union + batteries and cannoniers lie wounded and dying—the other three + regiments following in line-of-battle until near the crest, when the fire + of the Enemy's rifles and musketry, added to his heavy cannonading, grows + so severe that the brigade is forced back to shelter in a roadway leading + up the plateau. + </p> + <p> + Peck's 2nd Wisconsin, now emerges from this sheltered roadway, and + steadily mounts the elevation, in the face of the Enemy's severe + fire-returning it, with spirit, as it advances. But the Rebel fire becomes + too galling. The gray-clad Wisconsin boys return to the sheltered road + again, while the cry goes up from Sherman's ranks: "Our own men are firing + at them!" Rallying at the road, the 2nd Wisconsin again returns, with + desperate courage, to the crest of the hill, delivers its fire, and then, + unable to withstand the dreadful carnage, falls back once more, in + disorder. + </p> + <p> + At this, the 79th (Highland) Regiment springs forward, to mount the brow + of the fatal hill, swept as it is, with this storm of shot and shell and + musket-balls. Up, through the lowering smoke, lit with the Enemy's + incessant discharges in the woods beyond, the brave Highlanders jauntily + march, and, with Cameron and their colors at their head, charge + impetuously across the bloody hill-crest, and still farther, to the front. + But it is not in human nature to continue that advance in the teeth of the + withering fire from Jackson's batteries, strengthened, as they are, by + Pelham's and Kemper's. The gallant fellows fall back, rally again, advance + once more, retire again, and at last,—the heroic Cameron being + mortally wounded,—fall back, in confusion, under the cover of the + hill. + </p> + <p> + And now, while Quinby's Regiment, on another ridge, more to the left, is + also again engaging the Enemy, the 69th New York, led by the fearless + Corcoran, dashes forward, up the Henry House hill, over the forbidding + brow, and beyond. As the brave Irishmen reach the abandoned batteries, the + hoarse roar of cannon, the sharp rattle of musketry-volleys, the scream of + shot and shell, and the whistling of bullets, is at once deafening and + appalling, while the air seems filled with the iron and leaden sleet which + sweeps across the scorched and blasted plateau of the Henry House. Nobly + the Irish Regiment holds its ground for a time; but, at last, it too falls + back, before the hurtling tempest. + </p> + <p> + The fortunes of the day are plainly turning against us. Time is also + against us—as it has been all along—while it is with the + Enemy. It is past 3 o'clock. + </p> + <p> + Since we last looked at Beauregard's third new defensive line, there have + been material accessions to it. The remains of the brigades of Bee, Evans, + and Bartow, have been reformed on the right of Jackson's Brigade—Bee + on his immediate right, Evans to the right of Bee, and Bartow to the right + of Evans, with a battery which has been engaging Schenck's Brigade on the + other side of Bull Run near the Stone Bridge; while Cocke's Brigade + watches Bull Run to the rear of Bartow. On the left of Jackson's. Brigade, + is now to be seen a part of Bonham's Brigade (Kershaw's 2nd South + Carolina, and Cash's 8th South Carolina) with Kemper's Battery on its + left. Kirby Smith has reached the front, from Manassas, and—in + advancing from his position on the left of Bonham's demi-Brigade, just + West of the Sudley road, with Elzey's Brigade, in a counter-attack upon + our right-is wounded, and carried to the rear, leaving his command to + Elzey. Stuart's Cavalry are in the woods, still farther to the Enemy's + left, supporting Beckham's Battery. Early's Brigade is also coming up, + from Union Mills Ford, not far to the rear of the Enemy's left, with the + design of coming into line between Elzey's Brigade and Beckham's Battery, + and out-flanking and attacking our right. But let us bring our eyes back + to the bloody contest, still going on, for the possession of the batteries + of Griffin and Ricketts. + </p> + <p> + Arnold's Battery has raced up on our right, and is delivering shot, shell, + spherical case, and canister, with effect, although exposed to a severe + and accurate fire from the Enemy. Wilcox, with what is left of the 1st + Michigan, after once retaking the batteries on the plateau, from the 7th + Georgia, has got around the Enemy's left flank and is actually engaged + with the Enemy's rear, while that Enemy's front is engaged with Franklin + and Sherman! But Hobart Ward's 38th New York, which Wilcox has ordered up + to support the 1st Michigan, on our extreme right, in this flanking + movement, has been misdirected, and is now attacking the Enemy's centre, + instead of his left; and Preston's 28th Virginia—which, with + Withers's 18th Virginia, has come up to the Rebel left, from Cocke's + Brigade, on the Enemy's right—finding the 1st Michigan broken, in + the woods, attacks it, and wounds and captures Wilcox. Withers's Regiment + has, with a yell—the old "Rebel yell," now rising everywhere from + Rebel throats, and so often heard afterward,—charged the 14th New + York Chasseurs, in the woods; and the Chasseurs, though retiring, have + fired upon it with such precision as to throw some of their assailants + into disorder. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Says General Keyes, who had kept on down the Run, "on the extreme left + of our advance—having separated from Sherman on his right:—I + thought the day was won about 2 o'clock; but about half past 3 o'clock a + sudden change in the firing took place, which, to my ear, was very + ominous. I knew that the moment the shout went up from the other side, + there appeared to be an instantaneous change in the whole sound of the + battle. * * * That, as far as I can learn, was the shout that went up + from the Enemy's line when they found out for certain that it was + Johnston [Kirby Smith] and not Patterson, that had come."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Meanwhile McDowell is making one more effort to retrieve the misfortunes + of the day. Lawrence's 5th, and Clark's 11th Massachusetts, with Gorman's + 1st Minnesota,—all belonging to Franklin's Brigade—together + with Corcoran's 69th New York, of Sherman's Brigade, have been brought + into line-of-battle, by the united efforts of Franklin, Averell, and other + officers, at our centre, and with the remnants of two or three other + regiments, are moving against the Enemy's centre, to support the attack of + the Chasseurs—rallied and led forward again by Heintzelman upon the + Rebel left, and that of the 38th New York upon the Rebel left centre,—in + another effort to recapture the abandoned batteries. + </p> + <p> + Charge after charge, is made by our gallant regiments, and counter-charge + after counter-charge, is made by the fresh troops of the Enemy. For almost + half an hour, has the contest over the batteries rolled backward and + forward. Three several times have the batteries been taken, and re-taken,—much + of the determined and desperate struggle going on, over the prostrate and + bleeding bodies of the brave Union artillerists,—but without avail. + Regiment after regiment, has been thrown back, by the deadly fusillade of + the Enemy's musketry from the skirt of woods at his front and left, and + the canister, case, and bursting shells, of his rapidly-served Artillery. + </p> + <p> + It is now near upon 4 o'clock. Our last effort to recapture the batteries + has failed. The Union line of advance has been seriously checked. Some of + our own guns in those batteries are turned on us. The Enemy's Infantry + make a rush over the blood-soaked brow of the fatal plateau, pouring into + our men a deadly fire, as they advance,—while over to our right and + rear, at the same moment, are seen the fresh regiments of Early's Brigade + coming out of the woods—deploying rapidly in several lines—with + Stuart's handful of Rebel Cavalry, while Beckham's guns, in the same + quarter, open an oblique enfilading reverse fire upon us, in a lively + manner. + </p> + <p> + At once the minds of the fagged-out Union troops become filled with the + dispiriting idea that the exhausting fight which they have made all day + long, has been simply with Beauregard's Army of the Potomac, and that + these fresh Rebel troops, on the Union right and rear, are the vanguard of + Johnston's Army of the Shenandoah! After all the hard marching and + fighting they have done during the last thirteen hours,—with empty + stomachs, and parched lips, under a scorching sun that still, as it + descends in the West, glowers down upon them, through the murky air, like + a great, red, glaring eye,—the very thought is terrible! + </p> + <p> + Without fear, yet equally without hope, the Union troops crumble to + groups, and then to individuals. The attempt of McDowell to turn the left + of the Enemy's Bull Run line, has failed. + </p> + <p> + McDowell and his officers heroically but vainly strive, at great personal + risk to themselves, to stem the tide of confusion, and disorder. Sykes's + battalion of regulars, which has been at our left, now steadily moves + obliquely across the field of battle toward our right, to a hill in the + midground, which it occupies, and, with the aid of Arnold's Battery and + Palmer's Cavalry, holds, while the exhausted and disorganized troops of + the Union Army doggedly and slowly retire toward Sudley Ford, their rear + covered by an irregular square of Infantry, which, mainly by the exertions + of Colonel Corcoran, has been formed to resist a threatened charge of + Stuart's Cavalry. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [At the rate of "not more than two, or two and a half, miles an hour," + and not "helter-skelter," as some narrators state.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It is not fear, that has got the better of our Union troops. It is + physical exhaustion for one thing; it is thirst for another. Men must + drink,—even if they have foolishly thrown away their canteens,—and + many have retired to get water. It is the moral effect also—the + terrible disappointment—of seeing what they suppose are Johnston's + fresh troops from the Shenandoah Valley, without Patterson "on their + heels," suddenly appear on their flank and rear. It is not fear; though + some of them are panic-stricken, and, as they catch sight of Stuart's + mounted men,—no black horse or uniform among them,—raise the + cry of "The Black Horse Cavalry!—The Black Horse Cavalry!" + </p> + <p> + The Union attack has been repulsed, it is true; but the Union soldiers, + though disorganized, discouraged, and disappointed, are not dismayed. + Their officers not yet having learned how to fight, and themselves lacking + the cohesion of discipline, the men have lost their regimental + organizations, and owing to the causes mentioned, slowly retire across + Sudley Ford of Bull Run, in a condition of disintegration, their retreat + being bravely covered by the 27th and 69th New York, (which have rallied + and formed there), Sykes's Infantry battalion, Arnold's Battery, and + Palmer's Cavalry. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In his report to Major Barnard, Capt. D. P. Woodbury, of the corps of + Engineers, says: "It is not for me to give a history of the battle. The + Enemy was driven on our left, from cover to cover, a mile and a half. + Our position for renewing the action the next morning was excellent; + whence, then, our failure? It will not be out of place, I hope, for me + to give my own opinion of the cause of this failure. An old soldier + feels safe in the ranks, unsafe out of the ranks, and the greater the + danger the more pertinaciously he clings to his place. The volunteer of + three months never attains this instinct of discipline. Under danger, + and even under mere excitement, he flies away from his ranks, and looks + for safety in dispersion. At four o'clock in the afternoon of the 21st, + there were more than twelve thousand volunteers on the battle-field of + Bull Run, who had entirely lost their regimental organizations. They + could no longer be handled as troops, for the officers and men were not + together. Men and officers mingled together promiscuously; and it is + worthy of remark that this disorganization did not result from defeat or + fear, for up to four o'clock we had been uniformly successful. The + instinct of discipline, which keeps every man in his place, had not been + acquired. We cannot suppose that the troops of the Enemy had attained a + higher degree of discipline than our own, but they acted on the + defensive, and were not equally exposed to disorganization."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + While the divisions of Hunter and Heintzelman, which came down in the + morning across Sudley Ford, are now, with one brigade (Sherman's) of + Tyler's Division, retiring again, in this disordered condition, by that + ford; two other brigades of Tyler's Division, viz., that of Schenck—which, + at 4 o'clock, was just in the act of advancing upon, and across, the Stone + Bridge, to join in the Union attack, and of Keyes, which was, at the same + time, just succeeding in its effort to turn the right flank of the Enemy's + third new line,—are withdrawing from the field, across Bull Run + stream, by the Warrenton Pike, and other roads leading them directly + toward Centreville. The brigades of both Keyes and Schenck are retiring in + good order; that of Keyes, at "an ordinary pace," following close after + McDowell, who, with his staff, has ridden across the battlefield and Bull + Run; while part of that of Schenck, united with the 2nd Maine (of Keyes' + Brigade) and Ayres's Battery, "promptly and effectively" repulses a charge + of the Enemy's Cavalry, and covers the rear of Tyler's Division. Both of + these brigades reach Centreville, hungry and weary, but otherwise, for the + most part, in good shape. + </p> + <p> + But during this grand all-day attack, by two of McDowell's divisions, + directly aided by part of a third, upon the left of the Enemy's original + Bull Run line of defense—which attack, while it has failed in its + purpose, has also utterly upset and defeated the Enemy's purpose to carry + out Beauregard's plan of attacking Centreville that same morning—what + has the Left Wing of McDowell's Army been doing? Let us go back to Sunday + morning, and ascertain: + </p> + <p> + All the Army of McDowell, save his Left Wing—which, comprising the + two brigades (Blenker's and Davies's) of Miles's Division, and + Richardson's Brigade of Tyler's Division that fought the preliminary + battle of Blackburn's Ford, is now under the command of Miles,—moved + away from Centreville, down the Warrenton Pike, as we have seen, very + early in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Blenker remains with his brigade as a reserve, on the heights a little + East of Centreville, to throw up intrenchments; which, however, he does + not do, for lack of trenching implements. Richardson and Davies are to + make a feint, at Blackburn's Ford, so as to draw the Enemy's troops there, + while the heavy blow of McDowell's Right Wing and Centre falls upon the + left flank and rear of the Enemy's Bull Run line. + </p> + <p> + Richardson's Brigade is already down the ridge, in his old position at + Blackburn's Ford, when Davies with his brigade reaches it, from + Centreville, and, by virtue of seniority, takes command of the two + brigades. Leaving Richardson's Brigade and Greene's Battery exactly on the + battle-ground of the 18th July, Davies posts two regiments (the 18th and + 32nd New York) of his own brigade, with Hunt's Battery, on the brow of a + hill, in an open wheat field, some eighty yards to the South-Eastward of + Richardson, distant some 1,500 yards from Longstreet's batteries on the + Western side of Bull Run,—and commences a rapid fire, upon the + Enemy's position at Blackburn's Ford, from both of the Union batteries. + </p> + <p> + At 10 o'clock, there is a lull in this Union fire. The Artillery + ammunition is running short. The demonstration, however, seems, thus far, + to be successful—judging by the movement of Rebel troops toward + Blackburn's Ford. The lull continues until 11 o'clock. At that time Miles + arrives at his front, in a towering rage. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkbull2" id="linkbull2"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p304-map.jpg (427K)" src="images/p304-map.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a href="images/p304-map.jpg" style="width:100%;" >ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE</a><br /> <br /> <br /> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + On his way down the ridge, that morning, early, Davies had made a + discovery. While passing a roadway, his guide had casually remarked: + "There is a road that leads around to the Enemy's camp, direct." "Ah!" + —said Davies—"and can they get through that road?" "Oh, yes," + replied the guide. Davies had at once halted, and, after posting his 16th + and 31st New York Regiments, with two guns of Hunt's Battery, near this + road, at its junction with the ridge road running up to Centreville and + Black burn's Ford, had proceeded, with the rest of his regiments and guns, + to the position where Miles finds him. + </p> + <p> + But Miles has discovered what Davies has done, in this matter of the + flanking roadway; and—without knowing, or apparently caring to know, + the reason underlying the posting of the two regiments and two guns in its + vicinity,—flies into "a terrible passion" because of it; in "no very + measured language," gives Davies "a severe dressing down;" and orders him + to bring both regiments and guns down to the front. Davies complies, and + says nothing. Miles also orders him to continue the firing from his + batteries, without regard to the quantity of ammunition. This order, also, + Davies obeys—and the firing proceeds, for two solid hours, until + another order comes, about 1 o'clock P.M., to stop firing. + </p> + <p> + The fact is, that Miles is not at all himself—but is suffering under + such a strain of mental excitement, he afterward claims, that he is not + responsible. + </p> + <p> + Miles, however, returns to Centreville about noon; and no sooner is he + gone, than Davies at once sends back pioneers to obstruct that road which + would bring the Enemy around his left flank and rear, to Centreville. + These, work so industriously, that they cut down a quarter of a mile of + trees, and block the road up completely. Davies also posts a few pickets + there, in case of accidents. It is well he does so. It is not long before + the Enemy makes an attempt to get around to his rear, by that road; but, + finding it both obstructed and picketed, retires again. Davies does not + see the Rebels making that attempt, but catches sight of them on their + return, and gives them a severe shelling for their pains. + </p> + <p> + Davies keeps up his firing, more or less—according to the condition + of the Enemy and of his own ammunition—until 4 o'clock, when the + firing occasioned by the Union flanking movement, six miles to his right, + ceases. Then there reaches him a note from Richardson, so badly penciled + that he can only make out the one word "beaten,"—but cannot, for the + life of him, make out, whether the beaten one is our Right Wing, or the + Enemy! + </p> + <p> + Of what followed, he tells the story himself,—under oath, before the + Committee on the Conduct of the War—so graphically, that the + temptation to give it, in his own words, is irresistible. "I saw + unmistakable evidence," said he, "that we were going to be attacked on our + Left Wing. I got all ready for the attack, but did not change my front. + </p> + <p> + "About 5 o'clock, I think, the Rebels made their appearance back upon this + very road up which they had gone before; but instead of keeping up the + road, they turned past a farm-house, went through the farm-yard, and came + down and formed right in front of me, in a hollow, out of my sight. Well, + I let them all come down there, keeping a watch upon their movements. I + told the Artillery not to fire any shot at them until they saw the rear + column go down, so as to get them all down in the little hollow or basin, + there. There was a little basin there, probably a quarter of a mile every + way. I should think that, maybe, 3,000 men filed down, before I changed + front. + </p> + <p> + "We lay there, with two regiments back, and the Artillery in front, facing + Bull Run. As soon as about 3,000 of the Enemy got down in this basin, I + changed the front of the Artillery around to the left, in face of the + Enemy, and put a company of Infantry between each of the pieces of + Artillery, and then deployed the balance of the regiments right and left, + and made my line-of-battle. + </p> + <p> + "I gave directions to the Infantry not to fire a shot, under any + circumstances, until they got the word of command from me. I furthermore + said I would shoot the first man that fired a shot before I gave the + command to do so. + </p> + <p> + "I gave them orders all to lie down on their faces. They, (the Rebels) + were just over the brow of the hill, so that, if they came up in front of + us, they could not hit a man. + </p> + <p> + "As soon as I saw the rear column, I told * * * Lieutenant Benjamin to + fire. * * * He fired the first shot when the rear column presented itself. + It just went over their heads, and hit a horse and rider in their rear. As + soon as the first shot was fired, I gave the order for the whole six + pieces of Artillery to open with grape and canister. The effect was + terrible. They were all there, right before us, about 450 yards off, and + had not suspected that we were going to fire at all, though they did not + know what the reason was. Hunt's Battery (belonging to Richardson—who + had by mistake got Greene's) performed so well, that, in thirty minutes, + we dispersed every one of them! + </p> + <p> + "I do not know how many were killed, but we so crippled their entire force + that they never came after us an inch. A man, who saw the effect of the + firing, in the valley, said it was just like firing into a wheat field; + the column gave way at once, before the grape and canister; they were just + within available distance. I knew very well that if they but got into that + basin, the first fire would cut them all to pieces; and it did. We + continued to fire for thirty minutes, when there was nothing more to fire + at, and no more shots were returned." + </p> + <p> + At a later hour—while remaining victorious at their well defended + position, with the Enemy at their front, dispersed and silenced,—these + two brigades of the Left Wing, receive orders to fall back on Centreville, + and encamp. With the brigade of Richardson, and Greene's Battery in + advance, Davies's own brigade and Hunt's Battery following, they fall back + on the heights of Centreville "without the least confusion and in perfect + order"—reaching them at 7 P.M. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Miles has been relieved from command, and McDowell has ordered + Blenker's Brigade to take position a mile or more in advance of + Centreville, toward Bull Run, on both sides of the Warrenton Pike, to + protect the retreat, now being made, in "a few collected bodies," but + mainly in great disorder—owing partly to the baggage-wagons choking + the road, along which both venturesome civilians and fagged-out troops are + retreating upon Centreville. This confused retreat passes through + Blenker's lines until 9 o'clock P.M.—and then, all is secure. + </p> + <p> + At midnight, McDowell has decided to make no stand at Centreville, but to + retire upon the defensive works at Washington. The order to retreat, is + given, and, with the rear well guarded by Richardson's and Blenker's + Brigades, is carried out, the van of the retreat, with no Enemy pursuing, + degenerating finally into a "mob," which carries more or less panic into + Washington itself, as well as terrible disappointment and chagrin to all + the Loyal States of the Union. + </p> + <p> + Knowing what we now do, concerning the Battle of Bull Run, it is somewhat + surprising, at this day, to read the dispatches sent by McDowell to + General Scott's headquarters at Washington, immediately after it. They are + in these words: + </p> + <p> + "CENTREVILLE, July 21, 1861—5:45 P.M. + </p> + <p> + "We passed Bull Run, engaged the Enemy, who, it seems, had just been + re-enforced by General Johnston. We drove them for several hours, and + finally routed them." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + ["No one who did not share in the sad experience will be able to realize + the consternation which the news of this discomfiture—grossly + exaggerated—diffused over the loyal portion of our Country. Only + the tidings which had reached Washington up to four o'clock—all + presaging certain and decisive victory—were permitted to go North + by telegraph that day and evening; so that, on Monday morning, when the + crowd of fugitives from our grand Army was pouring into Washington, a + heedless, harmless, worthless mob, the Loyal States were exulting over + accounts of a decisive triumph. But a few hours brought different + advices; and these were as much worse than the truth as the former had + been better: our Army had been utterly destroyed-cut to pieces, with a + loss of twenty-five to thirty thousand men, besides all its artillery + and munitions, and Washington lay at the mercy of the Enemy, who were + soon to advance to the capture and sack of our great commercial cities. + Never before had so black a day as that black Monday lowered upon the + loyal hearts of the North; and the leaden, weeping skies reflected and + heightened, while they seemed to sympathize with, the general gloom. It + would have been easy, with ordinary effort and care, to have gathered + and remanded to their camps or forts around Alexandria or Arlington, all + the wretched stragglers to whom fear had lent wings, and who, throwing + away their arms and equipments, and abandoning all semblance of Military + order or discipline, had rushed to the Capital to hide therein their + shame, behind a cloud of exaggerations and falsehoods. The still + effective batteries, the solid battalions, that were then wending their + way slowly back to their old encampments along the South bank of the + Potomac, depressed but unshaken, dauntless and utterly unassailed, were + unseen and unheard from; while the panic-stricken racers filled and + distended the general ear with their tales of impregnable intrenchments + and masked batteries, of regiments slaughtered, brigades utterly cut to + pieces, etc., making out their miserable selves to be about all that was + left of the Army. That these men were allowed thus to straggle into + Washington, instead of being peremptorily stopped at the bridges and + sent back to the encampments of their several regiments, is only to be + accounted for on the hypothesis that the reason of our Military magnates + had been temporarily dethroned, so as to divest them of all moral + responsibility," Greeley's Am. Conflict, pp. 552-53., vol. I.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "They rallied and repulsed us, but only to give us again the victory, + which seemed complete. But our men, exhausted with fatigue and thirst, and + confused by firing into each other, were attacked by the Enemy's reserves, + and driven from the position we had gained, overlooking Manassas. After + this, the men could not be rallied, but slowly left the field. In the + meantime the Enemy outflanked Richardson at Blackburn's Ford, and we have + now to hold Centreville till our men can get behind it. Miles's Division + is holding the town. It is reported that Colonel Cameron is killed, Hunter + and Heintzelman wounded, neither dangerously.<br /> "IRWIN MCDOWELL,<br /> + "Brigadier-General, Commanding. + </p> + <p> + "Lieutenant-Colonel TOWNSEND." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + "FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, July 21, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "The men having thrown away their haversacks in the battle, and left them + behind, they are without food; have eaten nothing since breakfast. We are + without artillery ammunition. The larger part of the men are a confused + mob, entirely demoralized. It was the opinion of all the commanders that + no stand could be made this side of the Potomac. We will, however, make + the attempt at Fairfax Court House. From a prisoner we learn that 20,000 + from Johnston joined last night, and they march on us to-night.<br /> + "IRWIN MCDOWELL. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel TOWNSEND" + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + "FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, [July] 22, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "Many of the volunteers did not wait for authority to proceed to the + Potomac, but left on their own decision. They are now pouring through this + place in a state of utter disorganization. They could not be prepared for + action by to-morrow morning even were they willing. I learn from prisoners + that we are to be pressed here to-night and tomorrow morning, as the + Enemy's force is very large, and they are elated. I think we heard cannon + on our rear-guard. I think now, as all of my commanders thought at + Centreville, there is no alternative but to fall back to the Potomac, and + I shall proceed to do so with as much regularity as possible.<br /> "IRWIN + MCDOWELL. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel TOWNSEND." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + "ARLINGTON, July 22, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "I avail myself of the re-establishing of telegraph to report my arrival. + When I left the forks of the Little River turnpike and Columbia turnpike, + where I had been for a couple of hours turning stragglers and parties of + regiments upon this place and Alexandria, I received intelligence that the + rear-guard, under Colonel Richardson, had left Fairfax Court House, and + was getting along well. Had not been attacked. I am now trying to get + matters a little organized over here.<br /> "IRWIN MCDOWELL.<br /> + "Brigadier-General.<br /> <br /> "E. D. TOWNSEND." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + McDowell had unquestionably been repulsed, in his main attack, with his + Right Wing, and much of his Army was badly demoralized; but, on the other + hand, it may be well to repeat that the Enemy's plan of attack that same + morning had been frustrated, and most of his forces so badly shattered and + demoralized that he dared not follow up the advantage which, more by our + own blunders than by his prowess, he had gained. + </p> + <p> + If the Union forces—or at least the Right Wing of them—were + whipped, the Enemy also was whipped. Jackson himself confesses that while + he had, at the last moment, broken our centre, our forces had turned both + of his flanks. The Enemy was, in fact, so badly used up, that he not only + dared not pursue us to Washington—as he would have down had he been + able—but he was absolutely afraid McDowell would resume the attack, + on the right of the original Bull Run line, that very night! For, in a + letter to General Beauregard; dated Richmond, Virginia, August 4, 1861, + Jefferson Davis,—who was on the ground at Bull Run, July 21st,—alluding + to the Battle of Bull Run, and Beauregard's excuses for not pursuing the + Union troops, says: + </p> + <p> + "I think you are unjust to yourself in putting your failure to pursue the + Enemy to Washington, to the account of short supplies of subsistence and + transportation. Under the circumstances of our Army, and in the absence of + the knowledge since acquired—if, indeed, the statements be true—it + would have been extremely hazardous to have done more than was performed. + You will not fail to remember that, so far from knowing that the Enemy was + routed, a large part of our forces was moved by you, in the night of the + 21st, to repel a supposed attack upon our right, and the next day's + operations did not fully reveal what has since been reported of the + Enemy's panic." + </p> + <p> + And Jefferson Davis's statement is corroborated by the Report of Colonel + Withers, of the 18th Virginia, who, after starting with other regiments, + in an attempt to cut off the Union retreat, was recalled to the Stone + Bridge,—and who says: "Before reaching the point we designed to + occupy (near the Stone Bridge) we were met by another order to march + immediately to Manassas Junction, as an attack was apprehended that night. + Although it was now after sunset, and my men had had no food all day, when + the command to march to Manassas was given, they cheerfully took the route + to that place." + </p> + <p> + Colonel Davies, who, as we have seen, commanded McDowell's stubborn Left + Wing, was after all, not far wrong, when, in his testimony before the + Committee on the Conduct of the War, he declared, touching the story of + the Bull Run Battle: "It ought to have read that we were victorious with + the 13,000 troops of the Left Wing, and defeated in the 18,000 of the + Right Wing. That is all that Bull Run amounts to." + </p> + <p> + In point of fact, the Battle of Bull Run—the first pitched battle of + the War—was a drawn battle. + </p> + <p> + War was now fully inaugurated—Civil War—a stupendous War + between two great Sections of one common Country; those of our People, on + the one side, fighting for the dissolution of the Union—and + incidentally for Free Trade, and for Slavery; those on the other side, + fighting for the preservation of the Union—and incidentally for + Protection to our Free Industries, and for the Freedom of the Slave. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Republican Party controlled both Houses of Congress it + provided Protection to our Free Industries, and to the Free Labor engaged + in them, by the Morill Tariff Act of 1860—the foundation Act of all + subsequent enactments on the subject. In subsequent pages of this work we + shall see how the Freedom of the Slave was also accomplished by the same + great Party. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkcrittenden" + id="linkcrittenden"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p154-crittenden.jpg (69K)" src="images/p154-crittenden.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="linkch14" id="linkch14"></a><br /> <br /> CHAPTER XIV.<br /> <br /> THE + COLORED CONTRABAND.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + When the first gun was fired at Fort Sumter, its sullen echoes sounded the + funeral knell of Slavery. Years before, it had been foretold, and now it + was to happen. Years before, it had been declared, by competent authority, + that among the implications of the Constitution was that of the power of + the General Government to Emancipate the Slaves, as a War measure. Hence, + in thus commencing the War of the Rebellion, the South marched with open + eyes upon this, as among other of the legitimate and logical results of + such a War. + </p> + <p> + Patrick Henry, in opposing the ratification by Virginia of the Federal + Constitution, had declared to the Slaveholders of that State that "Among + ten thousand implied powers" which Congress may assume, "they may, if we + be engaged in War, liberate every one of your Slaves, if they please, * * + * Have they not power to provide for the General Defense and Welfare? May + they not think that these call for the abolition of Slavery? May they not + pronounce all Slaves Free? and will they not be warranted by that power? * + * * They have the power, in clear, unequivocal terms, and will clearly and + certainly exercise it." + </p> + <p> + So, too, in his great speech of May 25, 1836, in the House of + Representatives, John Quincy Adams had declared that in "the last great + conflict which must be fought between Slavery and Emancipation," Congress + "must and will interfere" with Slavery, "and they will not only possess + the Constitutional power so to interfere, but they will be bound in duty + to do it, by the express provisions of the Constitution itself." And he + followed this declaration with the equally emphatic words: "From the + instant that your Slave-holding States become the theatre of War—civil, + servile, or foreign—from that instant, the War powers of Congress + extend to interference with the Institution of Slavery in every Way by + which it can be interfered with." + </p> + <p> + The position thus announced by these expounders of the Constitution—the + one from Virginia, the other from Massachusetts—was not to be shaken + even by the unanimous adoption, February 11, 1861, by the House of + Representatives on roll call, of the resolution of Mr. Sherman, of Ohio, + in these words: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That neither the Congress of the United States nor the people + or governments of the non-Slaveholding States have the Constitutional + right to legislate upon or interfere with Slavery in any of the + Slaveholding States in the Union." + </p> + <p> + Ex-President J. Q. Adams's cogent exposition of the Constitution, + twenty-five years before, in that same House, demonstrating not only that + Congress had the right but the Constitutional power to so interfere—and + his further demonstration April 15, 1842, of his statement that under the + laws of War, "when a Country is invaded, and two hostile armies are set in + martial array, the Commanders of both Armies have power to Emancipate all + the Slaves in the invaded territory"—as not to be overcome by a mere + vote of one House, however unanimous. For the time being, however, it + contributed, with other circumstances, to confuse the public mind and + conscience. Indeed as early as May of 1861, the attitude of our Government + and its troops toward Negro Slaves owned or used by Rebels in rebellious + States, began to perturb the public, bother the Administration, and worry + the Military officers. + </p> + <p> + For instance, in Major-General McClellan's proclamation to the Union men + of West Virginia, issued May 26, 1861, he said: + </p> + <p> + "The General Government cannot close its ears to the demand you have made + for assistance. I have ordered troops to cross the river. They come as + your friends and brothers—as enemies only to armed Rebels, who are + preying upon you; your homes, your families, and your property are safe + under our protection. All your rights shall be religiously respected, + notwithstanding all that has been said by the Traitors to induce you to + believe our advent among you will be signalized by an interference with + your Slaves. Understand one thing clearly: not only will we abstain from + all such interference, but we will, on the contrary, with an iron hand + crush any attempt at insurrection on their part." + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the very next day, May 27, 1861, Major-General Butler, + in command of the "Department of A Virginia," wrote to Lieutenant-General + Scott as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Since I wrote my last dispatch the question in regard to Slave property + is becoming one of very serious magnitude. The inhabitants of Virginia are + using their Negroes in the batteries, and are preparing to send the women + and children South. The escapes from them are very numerous, and a squad + has come in this morning to my pickets bringing their women and children. + Of course these cannot be dealt with upon the theory on which I designed + to treat the services of able-bodied men and women who might come within + my lines, and of which I gave you a detailed account in my last dispatch. + I am in the utmost doubt what to do with this species of Property. + </p> + <p> + "Up to this time I have had come within my lines men and women with their + children, entire families, each family belonging to the same owner. I + have, therefore, determined to employ, as I can do very profitably, the + able-bodied persons in the party, issuing proper food for the support of + all, and charging against their services the expense of care and + sustenance of the non-laborers, keeping a strict and accurate account as + well of the services as of the expenditure, having the worth of the + services, and the cost of the expenditure, determined by a Board of + Survey, to be hereafter detailed. I know of no other manner in which to + dispose of this subject and the questions connected therewith. + </p> + <p> + "As a matter of Property to the Insurgents, it will be of very great + moment, the number that I now have amounting, as I am informed, to what, + in good times, would be of the value of sixty thousand dollars. Twelve of + these Negroes, I am informed, have escaped from the batteries on Sewall's + Point, which, this morning, fired upon my expedition as it passed by out + of range. As a means of offense, therefore, in the Enemy's hands, these + Negroes, when able-bodied, are of the last importance. Without them the + batteries could not have been erected, at least for many weeks. + </p> + <p> + "As a Military question it would seem to be a measure of necessity to + deprive their masters of their services. How can this be done? As a + political question and a question of humanity, can I receive the services + of a father and mother, and not take the children? Of the humanitarian + aspect I have no doubt. Of the political one I have no right to judge. I + therefore submit all this to your better judgment, and as the questions + have a political aspect, I have ventured, and I trust I am not wrong in so + doing, to duplicate the parts of my dispatch relating to this subject, and + forward them to the Secretary of War." + </p> + <p> + In reply to the duplicate copy of this letter received by him, Secretary + Cameron thus answered: + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, May 30, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "SIR: Your action in respect to the Negroes who came within your lines + from the service of the Rebels is approved. The Department is sensible of + the embarrassments which must surround officers conducting Military + operations in a State by the laws of which Slavery is sanctioned. + </p> + <p> + "The Government cannot recognize the rejection by any State of the Federal + obligations, nor can it refuse the performance of the Federal obligations + resting upon itself. Among these Federal obligations, however, none can be + more important than that of suppressing and dispersing armed combinations + formed for the purpose of overthrowing its whole Constitutional authority. + </p> + <p> + "While, therefore, you will permit no interference by the persons under + your command, with the relations of Persons held to Service under the laws + of any State, you will, on the other hand, so long as any State, within + which your Military operations are conducted, is under the control of such + armed combinations, refrain from surrendering to alleged masters any + Person who may come within your lines. + </p> + <p> + "You will employ such Persons in the services to which they may be best + adapted, keeping an account of the labor by them performed, of the value + of it, and the expenses of their maintenance. The question of their final + disposition will be reserved for future determination. + </p> + <p> + "SIMON CAMERON,<br /> "Secretary of War. + </p> + <p> + "To Major General BUTLER." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Great tenderness, however, was exhibited by many of the Union Generals for + the doomed Institution. On June 3, 1861, from Chambersburg, Pa., a + proclamation signed "By order of Major General Patterson, F. J. Porter, + Asst. Adj. General," was issued from "Headquarters Department of + Pennsylvania," "To the United States troops of this Department," in which + they are admonished "that, in the coming campaign in Virginia, while it is + your duty to punish Sedition, you must protect the Loyal, and, should the + occasion offer, at once suppress Servile Insurrection." + </p> + <p> + "General Orders No. 33," issued from "Headquarters Department of + Washington," July 17, 1861, "By command of Brigadier General Mansfield, + Theo. Talbot, Assistant Adjutant General," were to this effect: "Fugitive + Slaves will under no pretext whatever, be permitted to reside, or be in + any way harbored, in the quarters or camps of the troops serving in this + Department. Neither will such Slaves be allowed to accompany troops on the + march. Commanders of troops will be held responsible for a strict + observance of this order." And early in August a Military order was issued + at Washington "that no Negroes, without sufficient evidence of their being + Free or of their right to travel, are permitted to leave the city upon the + cars." + </p> + <p> + But Bull Run did much to settle the Military as well as public mind in + proper grooves on this subject. + </p> + <p> + Besides employing Negro Slaves to aid Rebellion, by the digging of + ditches, the throwing up of intrenchments, and the erection of batteries, + their Rebel masters placed in their hands arms with which to shoot down + Union soldiers at the Battle of Bull Run, which, as we have seen, occurred + on Sunday, July 21, 1861—and resulted in a check to the Union Cause. + </p> + <p> + The terror and confusion and excitement already referred to, that + prevailed in Washington all that night and the next day, as the + panic-stricken crowd of soldiers and civilians poured over the Long + Bridge, footsore with running, faint with weariness, weak with hunger, and + parched with thirst and the dust of the rout, can hardly be described. + </p> + <p> + But, however panicky the general condition of the inhabitants of the + National Capital, the Congress bravely maintained its equanimity. + </p> + <p> + In the Senate, on the day following the disaster, a bill touching the + Confiscation of Property used for insurrectionary purposes being up for + consideration, the following amendment was offered to it: + </p> + <p> + "And be it further enacted, That whenever any person claiming to be + entitled to the Service or Labor of any other Person under the laws of any + State, shall employ such Person in aiding or promoting any Insurrection, + or in resisting the Laws of the United States, or shall permit him to be + so employed, he shall forfeit all right to such Service or Labor, and the + Person whose Labor or Service is thus claimed shall be thenceforth + discharged therefrom, any law to the contrary notwithstanding." + </p> + <p> + This amendment, emancipating Slaves employed by their masters to aid + Rebellion, was adopted by 33 yeas to 6 nays. + </p> + <p> + As showing the feeling expressed right upon the very heels of what seemed + to be a great disaster, and when rumor, at any rate, placed the victorious + Enemy at the very gates of the Capital City, a few lines from the debate + may be interesting. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Trumbull said: "I am glad the yeas and nays have been called to let us + see who is willing to vote that the Traitorous owner of a Negro shall + employ him to shoot down the Union men of the Country, and yet insist upon + restoring him to the Traitor that owns him. I understand that Negroes were + in the fight which has recently occurred. I take it that Negroes who are + used to destroy the Union, and to shoot down the Union men by the consent + of Traitorous masters, ought not to be restored to them. If the Senator + from Kentucky is in favor of restoring them, let him vote against the + amendment." + </p> + <p> + Senator Wilson, of Massachusetts, said: "I shall vote with more heart than + I vote for ordinary measures, for this proposition. I hope the Senate and + the House of Representatives will sustain it, and that this Government + will carry it out with an inflexibility that knows no change. The idea + that men who are in arms destroying their Country shall be permitted to + use others for that purpose, and that we shall stand by and issue orders + to our Commanders, that we should disgrace our Cause and our Country, by + returning such men to their Traitorous masters, ought not longer to be + entertained. The time has come for that to cease; and, by the blessing of + God, so far as I am concerned, I mean it shall cease. + </p> + <p> + "If there is anybody in this Chamber that chooses to take the other path, + let him do it; let him know what our purpose is. Our purpose is to save + this Government and save this Country, and to put down Treason; and if + Traitors use bondsmen to destroy this Country, my doctrine is that the + Government shall at once convert these bondsmen into men that cannot be + used to destroy our Country. I have no apologies to make for this + position, I take it proudly. + </p> + <p> + "I think the time has come when this Government, and the men who are in + arms under the Government, should cease to return to Traitors their + Fugitive Slaves, whom they are using to erect batteries to murder brave + men who are fighting under the flag of their Country. The time has come + when we should deal with the men who are organizing Negro companies, and + teaching them to shoot down loyal men for the only offence of upholding + the flag of their Country. + </p> + <p> + "I hope further, Sir, that there is a public sentiment in this Country + that will blast men who will rise, in the Senate or out it, to make + apologies for Treason, or to defend or to maintain the doctrine that this + Government is bound to protect Traitors in converting their Slaves into + tools for the destruction of the Republic." + </p> + <p> + Senator McDougall, of California, said: "I regard this as a Confiscation + for Treason, and I am for the proposition." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ten Eyck, said: "No longer ago than Saturday last I voted in the + Judiciary Committee against this amendment, for two reasons: First, I did + not believe that persons in Rebellion against this Government would make + use of such means as the employment of Persons held to Labor or Service, + in their Armies; secondly, because I did not know what was to become of + these poor wretches if they were discharged. God knows we do not want them + in our Section of the Union. But, Sir, having learned and believing that + these persons have been employed with arms in their hands to shed the + blood of the Union-loving men of this Country, I shall now vote in favor + of that amendment with less regard to what may become of these people than + I had on Saturday. I will merely instance that there is a precedent for + this. If I recollect history aright, General Jackson, in the Seminole War, + declared that every Slave who was taken in arms against the United States + should be set Free," + </p> + <p> + So, too, in the House of Representatives, the retrograde of a badly + demoralized Army, its routed fragments still coming in with alarming + stories of a pursuing Enemy almost at the gates of the city, had no + terrors for our legislators; and there was something of Roman dignity, + patriotism, and courage, in the adoption, on that painfully memorable Blue + Monday, (the first—[Offered by Mr. Crittenden, of Kentucky]—with + only two dissenting votes, on a yea and nay vote; and, the second—[Offered + by Mr. Vandever, of Iowa.]—with entire unanimity) of the following + Resolutions: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United + States, That the present deplorable Civil War has been forced upon the + Country by the Disunionists of the Southern States, now in arms against + the Constitutional Government, and in arms around the Capital; that in + this National emergency, Congress, banishing all feelings of mere passion + or resentment, will recollect only its duty to the whole Country; that + this War is not waged on their part in any spirit of oppression, or for + any purpose of conquest or subjugation, or purpose of overthrowing or + interfering with the rights or established Institutions of those States, + but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution, and to + preserve the Union with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the + several States unimpaired; and that as soon as these objects are + accomplished, the War ought to cease." + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the maintenance of the Constitution, the preservation of + the Union, and the enforcement of the Laws, are sacred trusts which must + be executed; that no disaster shall discourage us from the most ample + performance of this high duty; and that we pledge to the Country and the + World, the employment of every resource, National and individual, for the + suppression, overthrow, and punishment of Rebels in arms." + </p> + <p> + The first of these Resolutions was intended to calm the fears of the + Border States—excited by Rebel emissaries; the second, to restore + confidence and courage to the patriot hearts of Union-men, everywhere. + Both were effectual. + </p> + <p> + And here it will hardly be amiss to glance, for an instant, toward the + Senate Chamber; and especially at one characteristic incident. It was the + afternoon of August the 1st, 1861,—scarce ten days since the check + to the Union arms at Bull Run; and Breckinridge, of Kentucky, not yet + expelled from the United States Senate, was making in that Body his great + speech against the "Insurrection and Sedition Bill," and upon "the + sanctity of the Constitution." + </p> + <p> + Baker, of Oregon,—who, as Sumner afterward said: "with a zeal that + never tired, after recruiting men drawn by the attraction of his name, in + New York and Philadelphia and elsewhere, held his Brigade in camp, near + the Capitol, so that he passed easily from one to the other, and thus + alternated the duties of a Senator and a General," having reached the + Capitol, direct from his Brigade-camp, entered the Senate Chamber, in his + uniform, while Breckinridge was speaking. + </p> + <p> + When the Kentucky Senator "with Treason in his heart, if not on his lips," + resumed his seat, the gray-haired soldier-Senator at once rose to reply. + "He began,"—said Charles Sumner, in alluding to the incident—"simply + and calmly; but as he proceeded, his fervid soul broke forth in words of + surpassing power. As on a former occasion he had presented the + well-ripened fruits of study, so now he spoke with the spontaneous + utterance of his own mature and exuberant eloquence—meeting the + polished Traitor at every point with weapons keener and brighter than his + own." + </p> + <p> + After demolishing Breckinridge's position touching the alleged + Unconstitutionality of the measure, and characterizing his other + utterances as "reproof, malediction, and prediction combined," the Patriot + from the Far-West turned with rising voice and flashing eye upon the + gloomy Kentuckian: + </p> + <p> + "I would ask him," said he, "what would you have us do now—a + Confederate Army within twenty miles of us, advancing, or threatening to + advance, to overwhelm your Government; to shake the pillars of the Union, + to bring it around your head, if you stay here, in ruins? Are we to stop + and talk about an uprising sentiment in the North against the War? Are we + to predict evil, and retire from what we predict? Is it not the manly part + to go on as we have begun, to raise money, and levy Armies, to organize + them, to prepare to advance; when we do advance, to regulate that advance + by all the laws and regulations that civilization and humanity will allow + in time of battle? Can we do anything more? To talk to us about stopping, + is idle; we will never stop. Will the Senator yield to Rebellion? Will he + shrink from armed Insurrection? Will his State justify it? Will its better + public opinion allow it? Shall we send a flag of Truce? What would he + have? Or would he conduct this War so feebly, that the whole World would + smile at us in derision?" + </p> + <p> + And then cried the orator-his voice rising to a higher key, penetrating, + yet musical as the blast from a silver trumpet: "What would he have? These + speeches of his, sown broadcast over the Land, what clear distinct meaning + have they? Are they not intended for disorganization in our very midst? + Are they not intended to dull our weapons? Are they not intended to + destroy our zeal? Are they not intended to animate our enemies? Sir, are + they not words of brilliant, polished Treason, even in the very Capitol of + the Nation? + </p> + <p> + "What would have been thought, if, in another Capitol, in another + Republic, in a yet more martial age, a Senator as grave, not more eloquent + or dignified than the Senator from Kentucky, yet with the Roman purple + flowing over his shoulder, had risen in his place, surrounded by all the + illustrations of Roman glory, and declared that the cause of advancing + Hannibal was just, and that Carthage ought to be dealt with in terms of + peace? What would have been thought if, after the battle of Cannae, a + Senator there had risen in his place and denounced every levy of the Roman + People, every expenditure of its treasure, and every appeal to the old + recollections and the old glories?" + </p> + <p> + The speaker paused. The sudden and intent silence was broken by another + voice: "He would have been hurled from the Tarpeian rock." + </p> + <p> + "Sir," continued the soldier-orator, "a Senator, himself learned far more + than myself in such lore, [Mr. Fessenden,] tells me, in a voice that I am + glad is audible, that he would have been hurled from the Tarpeian Rock! It + is a grand commentary upon the American Constitution that we permit these + words [Senator Breckinridge's] to be uttered. + </p> + <p> + "I ask the Senator to recollect, too, what, save to send aid and comfort + to the Enemy, do these predictions of his amount to? Every word thus + uttered falls as a note of inspiration upon every Confederate ear. Every + sound thus uttered is a word, (and, falling from his lips, a mighty word) + of kindling and triumph to a Foe that determines to advance. + </p> + <p> + "For me, I have no such word as a Senator, to utter. For me"—and + here his eyes flashed again while his martial voice rang like a + clarion-call to battle—"amid temporary defeat, disaster, disgrace, + it seems that my duty calls me to utter another word, and that word is, + bold, sudden, forward, determined, WAR, according to the laws of War, by + Armies, by Military Commanders clothed with full power, advancing with all + the past glories of the Republic urging them on to conquest! + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "I tell the Senator," continued the inspired Patriot, "that his + predictions, sometimes for the South, sometimes for the Middle States, + sometimes for the North-East, and then wandering away in airy visions out + to the Far Pacific, about the dread of our people, as for loss of blood + and treasure, provoking them to Disloyalty, are false in sentiment, false + in fact, and false in Loyalty. The Senator from Kentucky is mistaken in + them all. + </p> + <p> + "Five hundred million dollars! What then? Great Britain gave more than two + thousand million in the great Battle for Constitutional Liberty which she + led at one time almost single-handed against the World. Five hundred + thousand men! What then? We have them; they are ours; they are the + children of the Country; they belong to the whole Country; they are our + sons; our kinsmen; and there are many of us who will give them all up + before we will abate one word of our just demand, or will retreat one inch + from the line which divides right from wrong. + </p> + <p> + "Sir, it is not a question of men or of money in that sense. All the + money, all the men, are, in our judgment, well bestowed in such a cause. + When we give them, we know their value. Knowing their value well, we give + them with the more pride and the, more joy. Sir, how can we retreat? Sir, + how can we make Peace? Who shall treat? What Commissioners? Who would go? + Upon what terms? Where is to be your boundary line? Where the end of the + principles we shall have to give up? What will become of Constitutional + Government? What will become of public Liberty? What of past glories? What + of future hopes? + </p> + <p> + "Shall we sink into the insignificance of the grave—a degraded, + defeated, emasculated People, frightened by the results of one battle, and + scared at the visions raised by the imagination of the Senator from + Kentucky on this floor? No, Sir! a thousand times, no, Sir! We will rally—if, + indeed, our words be necessary—we will rally the People, the Loyal + People, of the whole Country. They will pour forth their treasure, their + money, their men, without stint, without measure. The most peaceable man + in this body may stamp his foot upon this Senate Chamber floor, as of old + a warrior and a Senator did, and from that single tramp there will spring + forth armed Legions. + </p> + <p> + "Shall one battle determine the fate of empire, or a dozen?—the loss + of one thousand men, or twenty thousand? or one hundred million or five + hundred million dollars? In a year's Peace—in ten years, at most, of + peaceful progress—we can restore them all. There will be some graves + reeking with blood, watered by the tears of affection. There will be some + privation; there will be some loss of luxury; there will be somewhat more + need for labor to procure the necessaries of life. When that is said, all + is said. If we have the Country, the whole Country, the Union, the + Constitution, Free Government—with these there will return all the + blessings of well-ordered civilization; the path of the Country will be a + career of greatness and of glory such as, in the olden time, our Fathers + saw in the dim visions of years yet to come, and such as would have been + ours now, to-day, if it had not been for the Treason for which the Senator + too often seeks to apologize." + </p> + <p> + This remarkable speech was the last utterance of that glorious and + courageous soul, in the National Senate. Within three months, his lifeless + body, riddled by Rebel rifle balls, was borne away from the fatal field of + Ball's Bluff—away, amid the lamentations of a Nation—away, + across land and ocean—to lie beside his brave friend Broderick, on + that Lone Mountain whose solemn front looks out upon the calm Pacific. + </p> + <p> + He had not lived in vain. In his great speech at the American Theatre in + San Francisco, after his election by Oregon (1860) to represent her in the + United States Senate, he had aroused the people to a sense of shame, that, + as he said: "Here, in a land of written Constitutional Liberty it is + reserved for us to teach the World that, under the American Stars and + Stripes, Slavery marches in solemn procession; that, under the American + flag, Slavery is protected to the utmost verge of acquired territory; that + under the American banner, the name of Freedom is to be faintly heard, the + songs of Freedom faintly sung; that, while Garibaldi, Victor Emanuel, + every great and good man in the World, strives, struggles, fights, prays, + suffers and dies, sometimes on the scaffold, sometimes in the dungeon, + often on the field of battle, rendered immortal by his blood and his + valor; that, while this triumphal procession marches on through the arches + of Freedom—we, in this land, of all the World, shrink back trembling + when Freedom is but mentioned!" + </p> + <p> + And never was a shamed people more suddenly lifted up from that shame into + a grand frenzy of patriotic devotion than were his auditors, when, with + the inspiration of his matchless genius, he continued: + </p> + <p> + "As for me, I dare not, will not, be false to Freedom. Where the feet of + my youth were planted, there, by Freedom, my feet shall ever stand. I will + walk beneath her banner. I will glory in her strength. I have watched her + in history struck down on an hundred chosen fields of battle. I have seen + her friends fly from her; her foes gather around her. I have seen her + bound to the stake; I have seen them give her ashes to the winds. But when + they turned to exult, I have seen her again meet them face to face, + resplendent in complete steel, brandishing in her strong right hand a + flaming sword, red with Insufferable light! I take courage. The People + gather around her. The genius of America will, at last, lead her sons to + Freedom." + </p> + <p> + Never were grander utterances delivered by man in all the ages; never was + there exhibited a more sublime faith; never a truer spirit of prophecy; + never a more heroic spirit. + </p> + <p> + He was then on his way to Washington; on his way to perform the last acts + in the drama of his own career—on his way to death. He knew the time + had come, of which, ten years before, he had prophetically spoken in the + House of Representatives, when he said: "I have only to say that, if the + time should come when Disunion rules the hour, and discord is to reign + supreme, I shall again be ready to give the best blood in my veins to my + Country's Cause. I shall be prepared to meet all antagonists with lance in + rest, to do battle in every land, in defense of the Constitution of the + Country which I have sworn to support, to the last extremity, against + Disunionists, and all its Enemies, whether of the South or North; to meet + them everywhere, at all times, with speech or hand, with word or blow, + until thought and being shall be no longer mine." And right nobly did he + fulfil in all respects his promise; so that at the end—as was + afterward well said of him by Mr. Colfax—he had mounted so high, + that, "doubly crowned, as statesman, and as warrior— + </p> + <p> + 'From the top of Fame's ladder he stepped to the Sky!'" + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [This orator and hero was a naturalized Englishman, and commanded an + American regiment in the Mexican War.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkwigfall" id="linkwigfall"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p180-wigfall.jpg (70K)" src="images/p180-wigfall.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch15" id="linkch15"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV.<br /> <br /> FREEDOM'S EARLY DAWN.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + On the day following Baker's great reply to Breckinridge, another notable + speech was made, in the House of Representatives—notable, + especially, in that it foreshadowed Emancipation, and, coming so soon + after Bull Run, seemed to accentuate a new departure in political thought + as an outgrowth of that Military reverse. It was upon the Confiscation + Act, and it was Thaddeus Stevens who made it. Said he: + </p> + <p> + "If we are justified in taking property from the Enemy in War, when you + have rescued an oppressed People from the oppression of that Enemy, by + what principle of the Law of Nations, by what principle of philanthropy, + can you return them to the bondage from which you have delivered them, and + again rivet the chains you have once broken? It is a disgrace to the Party + which advocates it. It is against the principle of the Law of Nations. It + is against every principle of philanthropy. I for one, shall never shrink + from saying when these Slaves are once conquered by us, 'Go and be Free.' + God forbid that I should ever agree that they should be returned again to + their masters! I do not say that this War is made for that purpose. Ask + those who made the War, what is its object. Do not ask us. * * * Our + object is to subdue the Rebels. + </p> + <p> + "But," continued he, "it is said that if we hold out this thing, they will + never submit—that we cannot conquer them—that they will suffer + themselves to be slaughtered, and their whole country to be laid waste. + Sir, War is a grievous thing at best, and Civil War more than any other; + but if they hold this language, and the means which they have suggested + must be resorted to; if their whole country must be laid waste, and made a + desert, in order to save this Union from destruction, so let it be. I + would rather, Sir, reduce them to a condition where their whole country is + to be re-peopled by a band of freemen than to see them perpetrate the + destruction of this People through our agency. I do not say that it is + time to resort to such means, and I do not know when the time will come; + but I never fear to express my sentiments. It is not a question with me of + policy, but a question of principle. + </p> + <p> + "If this War is continued long, and is bloody, I do not believe that the + free people of the North will stand by and see their sons and brothers and + neighbors slaughtered by thousands and tens of thousands by Rebels, with + arms in their hands, and forbear to call upon their enemies to be our + friends, and to help us in subduing them; I for one, if it continues long, + and has the consequences mentioned, shall be ready to go for it, let it + horrify the gentleman from New York (Mr. Diven) or anybody else. That is + my doctrine, and that will be the doctrine of the whole free people of the + North before two years roll round, if this War continues. + </p> + <p> + "As to the end of the War, until the Rebels are subdued, no man in the + North thinks of it. If the Government are equal to the People, and I + believe they are, there will be no bargaining, there will be no + negotiation, there will be no truces with the Rebels, except to bury the + dead, until every man shall have laid down his arms, disbanded his + organization, submitted himself to the Government, and sued for mercy. + And, Sir, if those who have the control of the Government are not fit for + this task and have not the nerve and mind for it, the People will take + care that there are others who are—although, Sir, I have not a bit + of fear of the present Administration, or of the present Executive. + </p> + <p> + "I have spoken more freely, perhaps, than gentlemen within my hearing + might think politic, but I have spoken just what I felt. I have spoken + what I believe will be the result; and I warn Southern gentlemen, that if + this War is to continue, there will be a time when my friend from New York + (Mr. Diven) will see it declared by this free Nation, that every bondman + in the South—belonging to a Rebel, recollect; I confine it to them—shall + be called upon to aid us in War against their masters, and to restore this + Union." + </p> + <p> + The following letter of instruction from Secretary Cameron, touching the + Fugitive Slave question, dated seven days after Thaddeus Stevens' speech, + had also an interesting bearing on the subject: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, August 8, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "GENERAL: The important question of the proper disposition to be made of + Fugitives from Service in States in Insurrection against the Federal + Government, to which you have again directed my attention in your letter + of July 30, has received my most attentive consideration. + </p> + <p> + "It is the desire of the President that all existing rights, in all the + States, be fully respected and maintained. The War now prosecuted on the + part of the Federal Government is a War for the Union, and for the + preservation of all Constitutional rights of States, and the citizens of + the States, in the Union. Hence, no question can arise as to Fugitives + from Service within the States and Territories in which the authority of + the Union is fully acknowledged. The ordinary forms of Judicial + proceeding, which must be respected by Military and Civil authorities + alike, will suffice for the enforcement of all legal claims. + </p> + <p> + "But in States wholly or partially under Insurrectionary control, where + the Laws of the United States are so far opposed and resisted that they + cannot be effectually enforced, it is obvious that rights dependent on the + execution of those laws must, temporarily, fail; and it is equally obvious + that rights dependent on the laws of the States within which Military + operations are conducted must be necessarily subordinated to the Military + exigences created by the Insurrection, if not wholly forfeited by the + Treasonable conduct of parties claiming them. To this general rule, rights + to Services can form no exception. + </p> + <p> + "The Act of Congress, approved August 6, 1861, declares that if Persons + held to Service shall be employed in hostility to the United States, the + right to their services shall be forfeited, and such Persons shall be + discharged therefrom. It follows, of necessity, that no claim can be + recognized by the Military authorities of the Union to the services of + such Persons when fugitives. + </p> + <p> + "A more difficult question is presented in respect to Persons escaping + from the Service of Loyal masters. It is quite apparent that the laws of + the State, under which only the services of such fugitives can be claimed, + must needs be wholly, or almost wholly, suspended, as to remedies, by the + Insurrection and the Military measures necessitated by it. And it is + equally apparent that the substitution of Military for Judicial measures + for the enforcement of such claims must be attended by great + inconveniences, embarrassments, and injuries. + </p> + <p> + "Under these circumstances it seems quite clear that the substantial + rights of Loyal masters will be best protected by receiving such + fugitives, as well as fugitives from Disloyal masters, into the service of + the United States, and employing them under such organizations and in such + occupations as circumstances may suggest or require. + </p> + <p> + "Of course a record should be kept showing the name and description of the + fugitives, the name and the character, as Loyal or Disloyal, of the + master, and such facts as may be necessary to a correct understanding of + the circumstances of each case after tranquillity shall have been + restored. Upon the return of Peace, Congress will, doubtless, properly + provide for all the persons thus received into the service of the Union, + and for just compensation to Loyal masters. In this way only, it would + seem, can the duty and safety of the Government and the just rights of all + be fully reconciled and harmonized. + </p> + <p> + "You will therefore consider yourself as instructed to govern your future + action, in respect to Fugitives from Service, by the principles here + stated, and will report from time to time, and at least twice in each + month, your action in the premises to this Department. + </p> + <p> + "You will, however, neither authorize, nor permit any interference, by the + troops under your command, with the servants of peaceful citizens in house + or field; nor will you, in any way, encourage such servants to leave the + lawful Service of their masters; nor will you, except in cases where the + Public Safety may seem to require, prevent the voluntary return of any + Fugitive, to the Service from which he may have escaped." + </p> + <p> + "I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "SIMON CAMERON,<br /> "Secretary of War. + </p> + <p> + "Major-General B. F. BUTLER,<br /> "Commanding Department of Virginia,<br /> + "Fortress Monroe." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Whether or not inspired by the prophetic speech of Thaddeus Stevens, + aforesaid, the month of August was hardly out before its prophecy seemed + in a fair way of immediate fulfilment. Major-General John Charles Fremont + at that time commanded the Eastern Department—comprising the States + of Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and Kentucky—and he startled the + Country by issuing the following Emancipation proclamation: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS OF THE WESTERN DEPARTMENT. + </p> + <p> + "St. Louis, August 30, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "Circumstances, in my judgment, of sufficient urgency, render it necessary + that the commanding general of this Department should assume the + administrative powers of the State. Its disorganized condition, the + helplessness of the civil authority, the total insecurity of life, and the + devastation of property by bands of murderers and marauders, who infest + nearly every county of the State, and avail themselves of the public + misfortunes and the vicinity of a hostile force to gratify private and + neighborhood vengeance, and who find an enemy wherever they find plunder, + finally demand the severest measures to repress the daily increasing + crimes and outrages which are driving off the inhabitants and ruining the + State. + </p> + <p> + "In this condition, the public safety and the success of our arms require + unity of purpose, without let or hinderance, to the prompt administration + of affairs. + </p> + <p> + "In order, therefore, to suppress disorder, to maintain as far as now + practicable the public peace, and to give security and protection to the + persons and property of loyal citizens, I do hereby extend and declare + established Martial Law throughout the State of Missouri. + </p> + <p> + "The lines of the Army of Occupation in this State are for the present + declared to extend from Leavenworth by way of the posts of Jefferson City, + Rolla, and Ironton, to Cape Girardeau, on the Mississippi river. + </p> + <p> + "All persons who shall betaken with arms in their hands within these lines + shall be tried by Court-Martial, and if found guilty will be shot. + </p> + <p> + "The property, real and personal, of all persons, in the State of + Missouri, who shall take up arms against the United States, or who shall + be directly proven to have taken an active part with their Enemies in the + field, is declared to be confiscated to the public use, and their Slaves, + if any they have, are hereby declared Free men. + </p> + <p> + "All persons who shall be proven to have destroyed, after the publication + of this order, railroad tracks, bridges, or telegraphs, shall suffer the + extreme penalty of the law. + </p> + <p> + "All persons engaged in Treasonable correspondence, in giving or procuring + aid to the Enemies of the United States, in fomenting tumults, in + disturbing the public tranquillity by creating and circulating false + reports or incendiary documents, are in their own interests warned that + they are exposing themselves to sudden and severe punishment. + </p> + <p> + "All persons who have been led away from their allegiance, are required to + return to their homes forthwith; any such absence, without sufficient + cause, will be held to be presumptive evidence against them. + </p> + <p> + "The object of this declaration is to place in the hands of the Military + authorities the power to give instantaneous effect to existing laws, and + to supply such deficiencies as the conditions of War demand. But this is + not intended to suspend the ordinary Tribunals of the Country, where the + Law will be administered by the Civil officers in the usual manner, and + with their customary authority, while the same can be peaceably exercised. + </p> + <p> + "The commanding general will labor vigilantly for the public Welfare, and + in his efforts for their safety hopes to obtain not only the acquiescence, + but the active support of the Loyal People of the Country. + </p> + <p> + "J. C. FREMONT,<br /> "Major-General Commanding." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Fremont's Proclamation of Confiscation and Emancipation, was hailed with + joy by some Patriots in the North, but was by others looked upon as rash + and premature and inexpedient; while it bitterly stirred the anger of the + Rebels everywhere. + </p> + <p> + The Rebel Jeff. Thompson, then in command of the Rebel forces about St. + Louis, at once issued the following savage proclamation of retaliation: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, M. S. G. + </p> + <p> + 'St. Louis, August 31, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "To all whom it may concern: + </p> + <p> + "Whereas Major-General John C. Fremont, commanding the minions of Abraham + Lincoln in the State of Missouri, has seen fit to declare Martial Law + throughout the whole State, and has threatened to shoot any + citizen-soldier found in arms within certain limits; also, to Confiscate + the property and Free the Negroes belonging to the members of the Missouri + State Guard: + </p> + <p> + "Therefore, know ye, that I, M. Jeff. Thompson, Brigadier-General of the + First Military District of Missouri, having not only the Military + authority of Brigadier-General, but certain police powers granted by + Acting-Governor Thomas C. Reynolds, and confirmed afterward by Governor + Jackson, do most solemnly promise that for every member of the Missouri + State Guard, or soldier of our allies, the Armies of the Confederate + States, who shall be put to death in pursuance of the said order of + General Fremont, I will hang, draw, and quarter a minion of said Abraham + Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + "While I am anxious that this unfortunate War shall be conducted, if + possible, upon the most liberal principles of civilized warfare—and + every order that I have issued has been with that object—yet, if + this rule is to be adopted (and it must first be done by our Enemies) I + intend to exceed General Fremont in his excesses, and will make all tories + that come within my reach rue the day that a different policy was adopted + by their leaders. + </p> + <p> + "Already mills, barns, warehouses, and other private property have been + wastefully and wantonly destroyed by the Enemy in this district, while we + have taken nothing except articles strictly contraband or absolutely + necessary. Should these things be repeated, I will retaliate ten-fold, so + help me God!" + </p> + <p> + "M. JEFF. THOMPSON,<br /> "Brigadier-General Commanding." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + "President Lincoln, greatly embarrassed by the precipitate action of his + subordinate, lost no time in suggesting to General Fremont certain + modifications of his Emancipation proclamation—as follows: + </p> + <p> + "[PRIVATE.] "WASHINGTON, D. C., September 2, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "MY DEAR SIR: Two points in your proclamation of August 30th give me some + anxiety: + </p> + <p> + "First. Should you shoot a man according to the proclamation, the + Confederates would very certainly shoot our best man in their hands, in + retaliation; and so, man for man, indefinitely. It is, therefore, my order + that you allow no man to be shot under the proclamation without first + having my approbation or consent. + </p> + <p> + "Second. I think there is great danger that the closing paragraph, in + relation to the Confiscation of Property, and the liberating Slaves of + Traitorous owners, will alarm our Southern Union friends, and turn them + against us; perhaps ruin our rather fair prospect for Kentucky. + </p> + <p> + "Allow me, therefore, to ask that you will, as of your own motion, modify + that paragraph so as to conform to the first and fourth sections of the + Act of Congress entitled, 'An Act to Confiscate Property used for + Insurrectionary purposes,' approved August 6, 1861, a copy of which Act I + herewith send you. + </p> + <p> + "This letter is written in a spirit of caution, and not of censure. + </p> + <p> + "I send it by a special messenger, in that it may certainly and speedily + reach you.<br /> "Yours very truly,<br /> "A. LINCOLN. + </p> + <p> + "Major-General FREMONT." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + General Fremont replied to President Lincoln's suggestions, as follows: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT,<br /> "St. Louis, September 8, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "MY DEAR SIR: Your letter of the second, by special messenger, I know to + have been written before you had received my letter, and before my + telegraphic dispatches and the rapid developments of critical conditions + here had informed you of affairs in this quarter. I had not written to you + fully and frequently, first, because in the incessant change of affairs I + would be exposed to give you contradictory accounts; and secondly, because + the amount of the subjects to be laid before you would demand too much of + your time. + </p> + <p> + "Trusting to have your confidence, I have been leaving it to events + themselves to show you whether or not I was shaping affairs here according + to your ideas. The shortest communication between Washington and St. Louis + generally involves two days, and the employment of two days, in time of + War, goes largely toward success or disaster. I therefore went along + according to my own judgment, leaving the result of my movement to justify + me with you. + </p> + <p> + "And so in regard to my proclamation of the thirtieth. Between the Rebel + Armies, the Provisional Government, and the home Traitors, I felt the + position bad, and saw danger. In the night I decided upon the proclamation + and the form of it—I wrote it the next morning and printed it the + same day. I did it without consultation or advice with any one, acting + solely with my best judgment to serve the Country and yourself, and + perfectly willing to receive the amount of censure which should be thought + due, if I had made a false movement. + </p> + <p> + "This is as much a movement in the War, as a battle, and, in going into + these, I shall have to act according to my judgment of the ground before + me, as I did on this occasion. If upon reflection, your better judgment + still decides that I am wrong in the article respecting the Liberation of + Slaves, I have to ask that you will openly direct me to make the + correction. The implied censure will be received as a soldier always + should the reprimand of his chief. + </p> + <p> + "If I were to retract of my own accord, it would imply that I myself + thought it wrong, and that I had acted without the reflection which the + gravity of the point demanded. But I did not. I acted with full + deliberation, and upon the certain conviction that it was a measure right + and necessary, and I think so still. + </p> + <p> + "In regard to the other point of the proclamation to which you refer, I + desire to say that I do not think the Enemy can either misconstrue or urge + anything against it, or undertake to make unusual retaliation. The + shooting of men who shall rise in arms against an Army in the Military + occupation of a Country, is merely a necessary measure of defense, and + entirely according to the usages of civilized warfare. The article does + not at all refer to prisoners of war, and certainly our Enemies have no + grounds for requiring that we should waive in their benefit any of the + ordinary advantages which the usages of War allow to us. + </p> + <p> + "As promptitude is itself an advantage in War, I have also to ask that you + will permit me to carry out upon the spot the provisions of the + proclamation in this respect. + </p> + <p> + "Looking at affairs from this point of view, I am satisfied that strong + and vigorous measures have now become necessary to the success of our + Arms; and hoping that my views may have the honor to meet your approval, + </p> + <p> + "I am, with respect and regard, very truly yours,<br /> "J. C. FREMONT. + </p> + <p> + "THE PRESIDENT." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln subsequently rejoined, ordering a modification of the + proclamation. His letter ran thus: + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, September 11, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "SIR: Yours of the 8th, in answer to mine of the 2d instant, is just + received. Assuming that you, upon the ground, could better judge of the + necessities of your position than I could at this distance, on seeing your + Proclamation of August 30th, I perceived no general objection to it. + </p> + <p> + "The particular clause, however, in relation to the Confiscation of + Property and the Liberation of Slaves, appeared to me to be objectionable + in its non-conformity to the Act of Congress, passed the 6th of last + August, upon the same subjects; and hence I wrote you expressing my wish + that that clause should be modified accordingly. + </p> + <p> + "Your answer, just received, expresses the preference, on your part, that + I should make an open order for the modification, which I very cheerfully + do. + </p> + <p> + "It is therefore Ordered, that the said clause of said proclamation be so + modified, held, and construed as to conform to, and not to transcend, the + provisions on the same subject contained in the Act of Congress entitled, + 'An Act to Confiscate Property used for Insurrectionary Purposes,' + approved August 6, 1861, and that said Act be published at length with + this Order. + </p> + <p> + "Your obedient servant,<br /> "A. LINCOLN. + </p> + <p> + "Major-General JOHN C. FREMONT." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + In consequence, however, of the agitation on the subject, the extreme + delicacy with which it was thought advisable in the earliest stages of the + Rebellion to treat it, and the confusion of ideas among Military men with + regard to it, the War Department issued the following General Instructions + on the occasion of the departure of the Port Royal Expedition, commanded + by General T. W. Sherman: + </p> + <p> + "WAR DEPARTMENT, October 14, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "SIR: In conducting Military Operations within States declared by the + Proclamation of the President to be in a State of Insurrection, you will + govern yourself, so far as Persons held to Service under the laws of such + States are concerned, by the principles of the letters addressed by me to + Major-General Butler on the 30th of May and the 8th of August, copies of + which are herewith furnished to you. + </p> + <p> + "As special directions, adapted to special circumstances, cannot be given, + much must be referred to your own discretion as Commanding General of the + Expedition. You will, however, in general avail yourself of the services + of any Persons, whether Fugitives from Labor or not, who may offer them to + the National Government; you will employ such Persons in such services as + they may be fitted for, either as ordinary employees, or, if special + circumstances seem to require it, in any other capacity with such + organization, in squads, companies, or otherwise, as you deem most + beneficial to the service. This, however, not to mean a general arming of + them for Military service. + </p> + <p> + "You will assure all Loyal masters that Congress will provide just + compensation to them for the loss of the services of the Persons so + employed. + </p> + <p> + "It is believed that the course thus indicated will best secure the + substantial rights of Loyal masters, and the benefits to the United States + of the services of all disposed to support the Government, while it avoids + all interference with the social systems or local Institutions of every + State, beyond that which Insurrection makes unavoidable and which a + restoration of peaceful relations to the Union, under the Constitution, + will immediately remove. "Respectfully,<br /> "SIMON CAMERON,<br /> + "Secretary of War. + </p> + <p> + "Brigadier-General T. W. SHERMAN,<br /> "Commanding Expedition to the + Southern Coast." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Brigadier-General Thomas W. Sherman, acting upon his own interpretation of + these instructions, issued a proclamation to the people of South Carolina, + upon occupying the Forts at Port Royal, in which he said: + </p> + <p> + "In obedience to the orders of the President of these United States of + America, I have landed on your shores with a small force of National + troops. The dictates of a duty which, under these circumstances, I owe to + a great sovereign State, and to a proud and hospitable people, among whom + I have passed some of the pleasantest days of my life, prompt me to + proclaim that we have come amongst you with no feelings of personal + animosity, no desire to harm your citizens, destroy your property, or + interfere with any of your lawful rights or your social or local + Institutions, beyond what the causes herein alluded to may render + unavoidable." + </p> + <p> + Major-General Wool, at Fortress Monroe, where he had succeeded General + Butler, likewise issued a Special Order on the subject of Contrabands, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA,<br /> "FORT MONROE, October 14, 1861.<br /> + "[Special Orders No. 72.] + </p> + <p> + "All Colored Persons called Contrabands, employed as servants by officers + and others residing within Fort Monroe, or outside of the Fort at Camp + Hamilton and Camp Butler, will be furnished with their subsistence and at + least eight dollars per month for males, and four dollars per month for + females, by the officers or others thus employing them. + </p> + <p> + "So much of the above-named sums, as may be necessary to furnish clothing, + to be decided by the Chief Quartermaster of the Department, will be + applied to that purpose, and the remainder will be paid into his hands to + create a fund for the support of those Contrabands who are unable to work + for their own support. + </p> + <p> + "All able-bodied Colored Persons who are under the protection of the + troops of this Department, and who are not employed as servants, will be + immediately put to work in either the Engineer's or Quartermaster's + Department. + </p> + <p> + "By command of Major-General Wool: + </p> + <p> + "[Signed] WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE,<br /> "Assistant Adjutant General." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + He subsequently also issued the following General Order: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA,<br /> "FORT MONROE, November 1, 1861.<br /> + "[General Orders No. 34.] + </p> + <p> + "The following pay and allowances will constitute the valuation of the + Labor of the Contrabands at work in the Engineer, Ordnance, Quartermaster, + Commissary, and Medical Departments at this Post, to be paid as + hereinafter mentioned; + </p> + <p> + "Class 1st.—Negro man over eighteen years of age, and able-bodied, + ten dollars per month, one ration and the necessary amount of clothing. + </p> + <p> + "Class 2d.—Negro boys from 12 to 18 years of age, and sickly and + infirm Negro men, five dollars per month, one ration, and the necessary + amount of clothing. + </p> + <p> + "The Quartermaster will furnish all the clothing. The Department employing + these men will furnish the subsistence specified above, and as an + incentive to good behavior (to be withheld at the direction of the chiefs + of the departments respectively), each individual of the first class will + receive $2 per month, and each individual of the second class $1 per + month, for their own use. The remainder of the money valuation of their + Labor, will be turned over to the Quartermaster, who will deduct from it + the cost of the clothing issued to them; the balance will constitute a + fund to be expended by the Quartermaster under the direction of the + Commanding officer of the Department of Virginia for the support of the + women and children and those that are unable to work. + </p> + <p> + "For any unusual amount of Labor performed, they may receive extra pay, + varying in amount from fifty cents to one dollar, this to be paid by the + departments employing them, to the men themselves, and to be for their own + use. + </p> + <p> + "Should any man be prevented from working, on account of sickness, for six + consecutive days, or ten days in any one month, one-half of the money + value will be paid. For being prevented from laboring for a longer period + than ten days in any one month all pay and allowances cease. + </p> + <p> + "By command of Major-General Wool: + </p> + <p> + "[Signed] "WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE,<br /> "Assistant Adjutant General." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + On November 13, 1861, Major-General Dix, in a proclamation addressed to + the people of Accomac and Northampton Counties, Va., ordered the repulsion + of Fugitive Slaves seeking to enter the Union lines, in these words: + </p> + <p> + "The Military Forces of the United States are about to enter your Counties + as a part of the Union. They will go among you as friends, and with the + earnest hope that they may not, by your own acts, be forced to become your + enemies. They will invade no rights of person or property. On the + contrary, your Laws, your Institutions, your Usages, will be scrupulously + respected. There need be no fear that the quietude of any fireside will be + disturbed, unless the disturbance is caused by yourselves. + </p> + <p> + "Special directions have been given not to interfere with the condition of + any Person held to domestic service; and, in order that there may be no + ground for mistake or pretext for misrepresent action, Commanders of + Regiments and Corps have been instructed not to permit any such Persons to + come within their lines." + </p> + <p> + On the 20th of November, 1861, Major General Halleck issued the following + Genera., Order—which went even further, in that it expelled, as well + as repelled Fugitive Slaves from our lines: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF MISSOURI,<br /> "St. Louis, November 20, 1861.<br /> + "[General Orders No. 3.] + </p> + <p> + "I. It has been represented that important information respecting the + number and condition of our Forces, is conveyed to the Enemy by means of + Fugitive Slaves who are admitted within our lines. In order to remedy this + evil, it is directed that no such Persons be hereafter permitted to enter + the lines of any camp, or of any forces on the march; and that any now + within such lines be immediately excluded therefrom." + </p> + <p> + This Order was subsequently explained in a letter, of December 8, 1861, + from General Halleck to Hon. F. P. Blair, in which he said: + </p> + <p> + " * * * Order No. 3 was in my mind, clearly a Military necessity. + Unauthorized persons, black or white, Free or Slaves, must be kept out of + our camps, unless we are willing to publish to the Enemy everything we do + or intend to do. It was a Military and not a political order. I am ready + to carry out any lawful instructions in regard to Fugitive Slaves which my + superiors may give me, and to enforce any law which Congress may pass. But + I cannot make law, and will not violate it. You know my private opinion on + the policy of Confiscating the Slave Property of Rebels in Arms. If + Congress shall pass it, you may be certain that I shall enforce it. + Perhaps my policy as to the treatment of Rebels and their property is as + well set out in Order No. 13, issued the day (December 4, 1861), your + letter was written, as I could now describe it." + </p> + <p> + It may be well also to add here, as belonging to this period of + doubtfulness touching the status of escaped Slaves, the following + communication sent by Secretary Seward to General McClellan, touching + "Contrabands" in the District of Columbia: + </p> + <p> + "DEPARTMENT OF STATE,<br /> "WASHINGTON, December 4, 1861. + </p> + <p> + "To Major-General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Washington: + </p> + <p> + "GENERAL: I am directed by the President to call your attention to the + following subject: + </p> + <p> + "Persons claimed to be held to Service or Labor under the laws of the + State of Virginia, and actually employed in hostile service against the + Government of the United States, frequently escape from the lines of the + Enemy's Forces and are received within the lines of the Army of the + Potomac. + </p> + <p> + "This Department understands that such Persons afterward coming into the + city of Washington are liable to be arrested by the city police, upon the + presumption, arising from color, that they are Fugitives from Service or + Labor. + </p> + <p> + "By the 4th section of the Act of Congress approved August 6, 1861, + entitled, 'An Act to Confiscate Property used for Insurrectionary + purposes,' such hostile employment is made a full and sufficient answer to + any further claim to Service or Labor. Persons thus employed and escaping + are received into the Military protection of the United States, and their + arrest as Fugitives from Service or Labor should be immediately followed + by the Military arrest of the parties making the seizure. + </p> + <p> + "Copies of this communication will be sent to the Mayor of the city of + Washington and to the Marshal of the District of Columbia, that any + collision between the Civil and Military authorities may be avoided. + </p> + <p> + "I am, General, your very obedient, + </p> + <p> + "WILLIAM H. SEWARD." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkhunter" id="linkhunter"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p312-hunter.jpg (63K)" src="images/p312-hunter.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch16" id="linkch16"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI.<br /> <br /> "COMPENSATED GRADUAL EMANCIPATION.".<br /> + </h2> + <p> + Thus far the reader's eye has been able to review in their successive + order some of the many difficulties and perplexities which beset the + pathway of President Lincoln as he felt his way in the dark, as it were, + toward Emancipation. It must seem pretty evident now, however, that his + chief concern was for the preservation of the Union, even though all other + things—Emancipation with them—had to be temporarily + sacrificed. + </p> + <p> + Something definite, however, had been already gained. Congress had + asserted its right under the War powers of the Constitution, to release + from all claim to Service or Labor those Slaves whose Service or Labor had + been used in hostility to the Union. And while some of the Union Generals + obstructed the execution of the Act enforcing that right, by repelling and + even as we have seen, expelling, from the Union lines all Fugitive Slaves—whether + such as had or had not been used in hostility to us—yet still the + cause of Freedom to all, was slowly and silently perhaps, yet surely and + irresistibly, marching on until the time when, becoming a chief factor in + the determination of the question of "whether we should have a Country at + all," it should triumph coincidently with the preservation of the + Republic. + </p> + <p> + But now a new phase of the Slave question arose—a question not + involving what to do with Fugitive Slaves of any sort, whether engaged or + not engaged in performing services hostile to the Union cause, but what to + do with Slaves whom their panic-stricken owners had, for the time being, + abandoned in the presence of our Armies. + </p> + <p> + This question was well discussed in the original draft of the report of + the Secretary of War, December 1, 1861 in which Secretary Cameron said: + </p> + <p> + "It has become a grave question for determination what shall be done with + the Slaves abandoned by their owners on the advance of our troops into + Southern territory, as in the Beaufort district of South Carolina. The + whole White population therein is six thousand, while the number of + Negroes exceeds thirty-two thousand. The panic which drove their masters + in wild confusion from their homes, leaves them in undisputed possession + of the soil. Shall they, armed by their masters, be placed in the field to + fight against us, or shall their labor be continually employed in + reproducing the means for supporting the Armies of Rebellion? + </p> + <p> + "The War into which this Government has been forced by rebellious Traitors + is carried on for the purpose of repossessing the property violently and + treacherously seized upon by the Enemies of the Government, and to + re-establish the authority and Laws of the United States in the places + where it is opposed or overthrown by armed Insurrection and Rebellion. Its + purpose is to recover and defend what is justly its own. + </p> + <p> + "War, even between Independent Nations, is made to subdue the Enemy, and + all that belongs to that Enemy, by occupying the hostile country, and + exercising dominion over all the men and things within its territory. This + being true in respect to Independent Nations at war with each other, it + follows that Rebels who are laboring by force of arms to overthrow a + Government, justly bring upon themselves all the consequences of War, and + provoke the destruction merited by the worst of crimes. That Government + would be false to National trust, and would justly excite the ridicule of + the civilized World, that would abstain from the use of any efficient + means to preserve its own existence, or to overcome a rebellious and + traitorous Enemy, by sparing or protecting the property of those who are + waging War against it. + </p> + <p> + "The principal wealth and power of the Rebel States is a peculiar species + of Property, consisting of the service or labor of African Slaves, or the + descendants of Africans. This Property has been variously estimated at the + value of from seven hundred million to one thousand million dollars. + </p> + <p> + "Why should this Property be exempt from the hazards and consequences of a + rebellious War? + </p> + <p> + "It was the boast of the leader of the Rebellion, while he yet had a seat + in the Senate of the United States, that the Southern States would be + comparatively safe and free from the burdens of War, if it should be + brought on by the contemplated Rebellion, and that boast was accompanied + by the savage threat that 'Northern towns and cities would become the + victims of rapine and Military spoil,' and that 'Northern men should smell + Southern gunpowder and feel Southern steel.' + </p> + <p> + "No one doubts the disposition of the Rebels to carry that threat into + execution. The wealth of Northern towns and cities, the produce of + Northern farms, Northern workshops and manufactories would certainly be + seized, destroyed, or appropriated as Military spoil. No property in the + North would be spared from the hands of the Rebels, and their rapine would + be defended under the laws of War. While the Loyal States thus have all + their property and possessions at stake, are the insurgent Rebels to carry + on warfare against the Government in peace and security to their own + property? + </p> + <p> + "Reason and justice and self-preservation forbid that such should be; the + policy of this Government, but demand, on the contrary, that, being forced + by Traitors and Rebels to the extremity of war, all the rights and powers + of war should be exercised to bring it to a speedy end. + </p> + <p> + "Those who war against the Government justly forfeit all rights of + property, privilege, or security, derived from the Constitution and Laws, + against which they are in armed Rebellion; and as the labor and service of + their Slaves constitute the chief Property of the Rebels, such Property + should share the common fate of War to which they have devoted the + property of Loyal citizens. + </p> + <p> + "While it is plain that the Slave Property of the South is justly + subjected to all the consequences of this Rebellious War, and that the + Government would be untrue to its trust in not employing all the rights + and powers of War to bring it to a speedy close, the details of the plan + for doing so, like all other Military measures, must, in a great degree, + be left to be determined by particular exigencies. The disposition of + other property belonging to the Rebels that becomes subject to our arms is + governed by the circumstances of the case. + </p> + <p> + "The Government has no power to hold Slaves, none to restrain a Slave of + his Liberty, or to exact his service. It has a right, however, to use the + voluntary service of Slaves liberated by War from their Rebel masters, + like any other property of the Rebels, in whatever mode may be most + efficient for the defense of the Government, the prosecution of the War, + and the suppression of Rebellion. It is clearly a right of the Government + to arm Slaves when it may become necessary, as it is to take gunpowder + from the Enemy; whether it is expedient to do so, is purely a Military + question. The right is unquestionable by the laws of War. The expediency + must be determined by circumstances, keeping in view the great object of + overcoming the Rebels, reestablishing the Laws, and restoring Peace to the + Nation. + </p> + <p> + "It is vain and idle for the Government to carry on this War, or hope to + maintain its existence against rebellious force, without employing all the + rights and powers of War. As has been said, the right to deprive the + Rebels of their Property in Slaves and Slave Labor is as clear and + absolute as the right to take forage from the field, or cotton from the + warehouse, or powder and arms from the magazine. To leave the Enemy in the + possession of such property as forage and cotton and military stores, and + the means of constantly reproducing them, would be madness. It is, + therefore, equal madness to leave them in peaceful and secure possession + of Slave Property, more valuable and efficient to them for war than + forage, cotton, military stores. Such policy would be National suicide. + </p> + <p> + "What to do with that species of Property is a question that time and + circumstances will solve, and need not be anticipated further than to + repeat that they cannot be held by the Government as Slaves. It would be + useless to keep them as prisoners of War; and self-preservation, the + highest duty of a Government, or of individuals, demands that they should + be disposed of or employed in the most effective manner that will tend + most speedily to suppress the Insurrection and restore the authority of + the Government. If it shall be found that the men who have been held by + the Rebels as Slaves, are capable of bearing arms and performing efficient + Military service, it is the right, and may become the duty, of this + Government to arm and equip them, and employ their services against the + Rebels, under proper Military regulations, discipline, and command. + </p> + <p> + "But in whatever manner they may be used by the Government, it is plain + that, once liberated by the rebellious act of their masters they should + never again be restored to bondage. By the master's Treason and Rebellion + he forfeits all right to the labor and service of his Slave; and the Slave + of the rebellious master, by his service to the Government, becomes justly + entitled to Freedom and protection. + </p> + <p> + "The disposition to be made of the Slaves of Rebels, after the close of + the War, can be safely left to the wisdom and patriotism of Congress. The + Representatives of the People will unquestionably secure to the Loyal + Slaveholders every right to which they are entitled under the Constitution + of the Country." + </p> + <p> + This original draft of the report was modified, at the instance of + President Lincoln, to the following—and thus appeared in Secretary + Cameron's report of that date, as printed: + </p> + <p> + "It is already a grave question what shall be done with those Slaves who + were abandoned by their owners on the advance of our troops into Southern + territory, as at Beaufort district, in South Carolina. The number left + within our control at that point is very considerable, and similar cases + will probably occur. What should be done with them? Can we afford to send + them forward to their masters, to be by them armed against us, or used in + producing supplies to sustain the Rebellion? + </p> + <p> + "Their labor may be useful to us; withheld from the Enemy it lessens his + Military resources, and withholding them has no tendency to induce the + horrors of Insurrection, even in the Rebel communities. They constitute a + Military resource, and, being such, that they should not be turned over to + the Enemy is too plain to discuss. Why deprive him of supplies by a + blockade, and voluntarily give him men to produce them? + </p> + <p> + "The disposition to be made of the Slaves of Rebels, after the close of + the War, can be safely left to the wisdom and patriotism of Congress. The + Representatives of the People will unquestionably secure to the Loyal + Slaveholders every right to which they are entitled under the Constitution + of the Country. + </p> + <p> + SIMON CAMERON.<br /> "Secretary of War." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The language of this modification is given to show that the President, at + the close of the year 1861, had already reached a further step forward + toward Emancipation—and the sound reasoning upon which he made that + advance. He was satisfying his own mind and conscience as he proceeded, + and thus, while justifying himself to himself, was also simultaneously + carrying conviction to the minds and consciences of the People, whose + servant and agent he was. + </p> + <p> + That these abandoned Slaves would "constitute a Military resource" and + "should not be turned over to the Enemy" and that "their labor may be + useful to us" were propositions which could not be gainsaid. But to quiet + uncalled-for apprehensions, and to encourage Southern loyalty, he added, + in substance, that at the close of this War—waged solely for the + preservation of the Union—Congress would decide the doubtful status + of the Slaves of Rebels, while the rights of Union Slave-holders would be + secured. + </p> + <p> + The Contraband-Slave question, however, continued to agitate the public + mind for many months—owing to the various ways in which it was + treated by the various Military commanders, to whose discretion its + treatment, in their several commands, was left—a discretion which + almost invariably leaned toward the political bias of the commander. Thus, + in a proclamation, dated St. Louis, February 23, 1862, Halleck, commanding + the Department of Missouri, said: + </p> + <p> + "Soldiers! let no excess on your part tarnish the glory of our arms! + </p> + <p> + "The order heretofore issued in this department, in regard to pillaging + and marauding, the destruction of private property, and the stealing or + concealment of Slaves, must be strictly enforced. It does not belong to + the Military to decide upon the relation of Master and Slave. Such + questions must be settled by the civil Courts. No Fugitive Slaves will + therefore be admitted within our lines or camps, except when especially + ordered by the General Commanding. * * * " + </p> + <p> + And Buell, commanding the Department of the Ohio, in response to a + communication on the subject from the Chairman of the Military Committee + of the Kentucky Legislature, wrote, March 6, 1862: + </p> + <p> + "It has come to my knowledge that Slaves sometimes make their way + improperly into our lines, and in some instances they may be enticed + there, but I think the number has been magnified by report. Several + applications have been made to me by persons whose servants have been + found in our camps, and in every instance that I know of the master has + recovered his servant and taken him away." + </p> + <p> + Thus, while some of our Commanders, like Dix and Halleck, repelled or even + expelled the Fugitive Slave from their lines; and others, like Buell and + Hooker, facilitated the search for, and restoration to his master, of the + black Fugitive found within our lines; on the other hand, Fremont, as we + have seen, and Doubleday and Hunter, as we shall yet see, took totally + different ground on this question. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln, however, harassed as he was by the extremists on both + sides of the Slavery question, still maintained that calm statesman-like + middle-course from which the best results were likely to flow. But he now + thought the time had come to broach the question of a compensated, gradual + Emancipation. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, on March 6, 1862, he sent to Congress the following message: + </p> + <p> + "Fellow citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + </p> + <p> + "I recommend the adoption of a joint Resolution by your honorable bodies, + which shall be substantially as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the United States ought to co-operate with any State which + may adopt gradual abolishment of Slavery, giving to such State pecuniary + aid, to be used by such State in its discretion, to compensate for the + inconveniences, public and private, produced by such change of system. + </p> + <p> + "If the proposition contained in the Resolution does not meet the approval + of Congress and the Country, there is the end; but if it does command such + approval, I deem it of importance that the States and people immediately + interested should be at once distinctly notified of the fact, so that they + may begin to consider whether to accept or reject it, The Federal + Government would find its highest interest in such a measure, as one of + the most efficient means of self preservation. + </p> + <p> + "The leaders of the existing Insurrection entertain the hope that this + Government will ultimately be forced to acknowledge the Independence of + some part of the disaffected region, and that all the Slave States North + of such part will then say, 'the Union for which we have struggled being + already gone, we now choose to go with the Southern Section.' + </p> + <p> + "To deprive them of this hope, substantially ends the Rebellion; and the + initiation of Emancipation completely deprives them of it, as to all the + States initiating it. The point is not that all the States tolerating + Slavery would very soon, if at all, initiate Emancipation; but that, while + the offer is equally made to all, the more Northern shall, by such + initiation, make it certain to the more Southern that in no event will the + former ever join the latter in their proposed Confederacy. I say, + 'initiation,' because in my judgment, gradual, and not sudden + Emancipation, is better for all. + </p> + <p> + "In the mere financial or pecuniary view, any member of Congress, with the + census tables and Treasury reports before him, can readily see for himself + how very soon the current expenditures of this War would purchase, at fair + valuation, all the Slaves in any named State. + </p> + <p> + "Such a proposition on the part of the General Government sets up no claim + of a right by Federal authority to interfere with Slavery within State + limits, referring, as it does, the absolute control of the subject in each + case to the State and its people immediately interested. It is proposed as + a matter of perfectly free choice with them. + </p> + <p> + "In the Annual Message last December, I thought fit to say, 'the Union + must be preserved; and hence all indispensable means must be employed.' I + said this, not hastily, but deliberately. War has been made, and continues + to be an indispensable means to this end. A practical reacknowledgment of + the National authority would render the War unnecessary, and it would at + once cease. If, however, resistance continues, the War must also continue; + and it is impossible to foresee all the incidents which may attend, and + all the ruin which may follow it. Such as may seem indispensable, or may + obviously promise great efficiency toward ending the struggle, must and + will come. + </p> + <p> + "The proposition now made, though an offer only, I hope it may be esteemed + no offense to ask whether the pecuniary consideration tendered would not + be of more value to the States and private persons concerned, than are the + Institution, and Property in it, in the present aspect of affairs? + </p> + <p> + "While it is true that the adoption of the proposed resolution would be + merely initiatory, and not within itself a practical measure, it is + recommended in the hope that it would soon lead to important practical + results. In full view of my great responsibility to my God and to my + Country, I earnestly beg the attention of Congress and the People to the + subject. + </p> + <p> + "March 6, 1862." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + In compliance with the above suggestion from the President, a Joint + Resolution, in the precise words suggested, was introduced into the House, + March 10, by Roscoe Conkling, and on the following day was adopted in the + House by 97 yeas to 36 nays. + </p> + <p> + Of the 36 members of the House who voted against this Resolution, were 34 + Democrats, and among them were Messrs. Crisfield of Maryland, and Messrs. + Crittenden, Mallory, and Menzies of Kentucky. These gentleman afterward + made public a report, drawn by themselves, of an interesting interview + they had held with President Lincoln on this important subject, in the + words following: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "MEMORANDUM OF AN INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT AND SOME BORDER + SLAVE-STATE REPRESENTATIVES MARCH 10, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "'DEAR SIR:—I called, at the request of the President, to ask you to + come to the White House to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock, and bring such + of your colleagues as are in town.'" + </p> + <p> + "'WASHINGTON, March 10, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "Yesterday on my return from church I found Mr. Postmaster General Blair + in my room, writing the above note, which he immediately suspended, and + verbally communicated the President's invitation; and stated that the + President's purpose was to have some conversation with the delegations of + Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, in explanation of + his Message of the 6th inst. + </p> + <p> + "This morning these delegations, or such of them as were in town, + assembled at the White House at the appointed time, and after some little + delay were admitted to an audience. + </p> + <p> + "After the usual salutations and we were seated, the President said, in + substance, that he had invited us to meet him to have some conversation + with us in explanation of his Message of the 6th; that since he had sent + it in, several of the gentlemen then present had visited him, but had + avoided any allusion to the Message, and he therefore inferred that the + import of the Message had been misunderstood, and was regarded as inimical + to the interests we represented; and he had resolved he would talk with + us, and disabuse our minds of that erroneous opinion. + </p> + <p> + "The President then disclaimed any intent to injure the interests or wound + the sensibilities of the Slave States. On the contrary, his purpose was to + protect the one and respect the other; that we were engaged in a terrible, + wasting, and tedious War; immense Armies were in the field, and must + continue in the field as long as the War lasts; that these Armies must, of + necessity, be brought into contact with Slaves in the States we + represented and in other States as they advanced; that Slaves would come + to the camps, and continual irritation was kept up; that he was constantly + annoyed by conflicting and antagonistic complaints; on the one side, a + certain class complained if the Slave was not protected by the Army; + persons were frequently found who, participating in these views, acted in + a way unfriendly to the Slaveholder; on the other hand, Slaveholders + complained that their rights were interfered with, their Slaves induced to + abscond, and protected within the lines, these complaints were numerous, + loud, and deep; were a serious annoyance to him and embarrassing to the + progress of the War; that it kept alive a spirit hostile to the Government + in the States we represented; strengthened the hopes of the Confederates + that at some day the Border States would unite with them, and thus tend to + prolong the War; and he was of opinion, if this Resolution should be + adopted by Congress and accepted by our States, these causes of irritation + and these hopes would be removed, and more would be accomplished towards + shortening the War than could be hoped from the greatest victory achieved + by Union Armies; that he made this proposition in good faith, and desired + it to be accepted, if at all, voluntarily, and in the same patriotic + spirit in which it was made; that Emancipation was a subject exclusively + under the control of the States, and must be adopted or rejected by each + for itself; that he did not claim nor had this Government any right to + coerce them for that purpose; that such was no part of his purpose in + making this proposition, and he wished it to be clearly understood; that + he did not expect us there to be prepared to give him an answer, but he + hoped we would take the subject into serious consideration; confer with + one another, and then take such course as we felt our duty and the + interests of our constituents required of us. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Noell, of Missouri, said that in his State, Slavery was not + considered a permanent Institution; that natural causes were there in + operation which would, at no distant day, extinguish it, and he did not + think that this proposition was necessary for that; and, besides that, he + and his friends felt solicitous as to the Message on account of the + different constructions which the Resolution and Message had received. The + New York Tribune was for it, and understood it to mean that we must accept + gradual Emancipation according to the plan suggested, or get something + worse. + </p> + <p> + "The President replied, he must not be expected to quarrel with the New + York Tribune before the right time; he hoped never to have to do it; he + would not anticipate events. In respect to Emancipation in Missouri, he + said that what had been observed by Mr. Noell was probably true, but the + operation of these natural causes had not prevented the irritating conduct + to which he had referred, or destroyed the hopes of the Confederates that + Missouri would at some time range herself alongside of them, which, in his + judgment, the passage of this Resolution by Congress, and its acceptance + by Missouri, would accomplish. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Crisfield, of Maryland, asked what would be the effect of the refusal + of the State to accept this proposal, and desired to know if the President + looked to any policy beyond the acceptance or rejection of this scheme. + </p> + <p> + "The President replied that he had no designs beyond the action of the + States on this particular subject. He should lament their refusal to + accept it, but he had no designs beyond their refusal of it. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Menzies, of Kentucky, inquired if the President thought there was any + power, except in the States themselves, to carry out his scheme of + Emancipation? + </p> + <p> + "The President replied, he thought there could not be. He then went off + into a course of remark not qualifying the foregoing declaration, nor + material to be repeated to a just understanding of his meaning. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Crisfield said he did not think the people of Maryland looked upon + Slavery as a permanent Institution; and he did not know that they would be + very reluctant to give it up if provision was made to meet the loss, and + they could be rid of the race; but they did not like to be coerced into + Emancipation, either by the direct action of the Government or by + indirection, as through the Emancipation of Slaves in this District, or + the Confiscation of Southern Property as now threatened; and he thought + before they would consent to consider this proposition they would require + to be informed on these points. + </p> + <p> + "The President replied that 'unless he was expelled by the act of God or + the Confederate Armies, he should occupy that house for three years, and + as long as he remained there, Maryland had nothing to fear, either for her + Institutions or her interests, on the points referred to.' + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Crisfield immediately added: 'Mr. President, what you now say could + be heard by the people of Maryland, they would consider your proposition + with a much better feeling than I fear without it they will be inclined to + do.' + </p> + <p> + "The President: 'That (meaning a publication of what he said), will not + do; it would force me into a quarrel before the proper time;' and again + intimating, as he had before done, that a quarrel with the 'Greeley + faction' was impending, he said, 'he did not wish to encounter it before + the proper time, nor at all if it could be avoided.' + </p> + <p> + "Governor Wickliffe, of Kentucky, then asked him respecting the + Constitutionality of his scheme. + </p> + <p> + "The President replied: 'As you may suppose, I have considered that; and + the proposition now submitted does not encounter any Constitutional + difficulty. It proposes simply to co-operate with any State by giving such + State pecuniary aid;' and he thought that the Resolution, as proposed by + him, would be considered rather as the expression of a sentiment than as + involving any Constitutional question. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Hall, of Missouri, thought that if this proposition was adopted at + all, it should be by the votes of the Free States, and come as a + proposition from them to the Slave States, affording them an inducement to + put aside this subject of discord; that it ought not to be expected that + members representing Slaveholding Constituencies should declare at once, + and in advance of any proposition to them, for the Emancipation of Slaves. + </p> + <p> + "The President said he saw and felt the force of the objection; it was a + fearful responsibility, and every gentleman must do as he thought best; + that he did not know how this scheme was received by the Members from the + Free States; some of them had spoken to him and received it kindly; but + for the most part they were as reserved and chary as we had been, and he + could not tell how they would vote. + </p> + <p> + "And, in reply to some expression of Mr. Hall as to his own opinion + regarding Slavery, he said he did not pretend to disguise his Anti-Slavery + feeling; that he thought it was wrong and should continue to think so; but + that was not the question we had to deal with now. Slavery existed, and + that, too, as well by the act of the North, as of the South; and in any + scheme to get rid of it, the North, as well as the South, was morally + bound to do its full and equal share. He thought the Institution, wrong, + and ought never to have existed; but yet he recognized the rights of + Property which had grown out of it, and would respect those rights as + fully as similar rights in any other property; that Property can exist, + and does legally exist. He thought such a law, wrong, but the rights of + Property resulting must be respected; he would get rid of the odious law, + not by violating the right, but by encouraging the proposition, and + offering inducements to give it up." + </p> + <p> + "Here the interview, so far as this subject is concerned, terminated by + Mr. Crittenden's assuring the President that whatever might be our final + action, we all thought him solely moved by a high patriotism and sincere + devotion to the happiness and glory of his Country; and with that + conviction we should consider respectfully the important suggestions he + had made. + </p> + <p> + "After some conversation on the current war news we retired, and I + immediately proceeded to my room and wrote out this paper.<br /> <br /> "J. + W. CRISFIELD." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "We were present at the interview described in the foregoing paper of Mr. + Crisfield, and we certify that the substance of what passed on the + occasion is in this paper, faithfully and fully given. + </p> + <p> + "J. W. MENZIES,<br /> "J. J. CRITTENDEN,<br /> "R. MALLORY.<br /> "March 10, + 1862." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Upon the passage of the Joint-Resolution in the House only four Democrats + (Messrs. Cobb, Haight, Lehman, and Sheffield) voted in the affirmative, + and but two Republicans (Francis Thomas, and Leary) in the negative. On + the 2nd of April, it passed the Senate by a vote of 32 yeas—all + Republicans save Messrs. Davis and Thomson—to 10 nays, all + Democrats. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the question of the treatment of the "Contraband" in our Military + camps, continued to grow in importance. + </p> + <p> + On March 26, 1862, General Hooker issued the following order touching + certain Fugitive Slaves and their alleged owners: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS, HOOKER'S DIVISION, CAMP BAKER,<br /> "LOWER POTOMAC, March + 26, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "To BRIGADE AND REGIMENTAL COMMANDERS OF THIS DIVISION: + </p> + <p> + "Messrs. Nally, Gray, Dummington, Dent, Adams, Speake, Price, Posey, and + Cobey, citizens of Maryland, have Negroes supposed to be with some of the + regiments of this Division; the Brigadier General commanding directs that + they be permitted to visit all the camps of his command, in search of + their Property, and if found, that they be allowed to take possession of + the same, without any interference whatever. Should any obstacle be thrown + in their way by any officer or soldier in the Division, they will be at + once reported by the regimental commanders to these headquarters. + </p> + <p> + "By command of Brigadier General Hooker; + </p> + <p> + "JOSEPH DICKINSON,<br /> "Assistant Adjutant General." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + On the following day, by direction of General Sickles, the following + significant report was made touching the above order: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS, SECOND REGIMENT, EXCELSIOR BRIGADE.<br /> "CAMP HALL, March + 27, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "LIEUTENANT:—In compliance with verbal directions from Brigadier + General D. E. Sickles, to report as to the occurrence at this camp on the + afternoon of the 26th instant, I beg leave to submit the following: + </p> + <p> + "At about 3:30 o'clock P. M., March 26, 1862, admission within our lines + was demanded by a party of horsemen (civilians), numbering, perhaps, + fifteen. They presented the lieutenant commanding the guard, with an order + of entrance from Brigadier General Joseph Hooker, Commanding Division + (copy appended), the order stating that nine men should be admitted. + </p> + <p> + "I ordered that the balance of the party should remain without the lines; + which was done. Upon the appearance of the others, there was visible + dissatisfaction and considerable murmuring among the soldiers, to so great + an extent that I almost feared for the safety of the Slaveholders. At this + time General Sickles opportunely arrived, and instructed me to order them + outside the camp, which I did, amidst the loud cheers of our soldiers. + </p> + <p> + "It is proper to add, that before entering our lines, and within about + seventy-five or one hundred yards of our camp, one of their number + discharged two pistol shots at a Negro, who was running past them, with an + evident intention of taking his life. This justly enraged our men. + </p> + <p> + "All of which is respectfully submitted. + </p> + <p> + "Your obedient servant,<br /> "JOHN TOLEN.<br /> "Major Commanding Second + Regiment, E. B. + </p> + <p> + "To Lieutenant J. L. PALMER, Jr.,<br /> "A. D. C. and A. A. A. General." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + On April 6, the following important dispatch, in the nature of an order, + was issued by General Doubleday to one of his subordinate officers: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DEFENSES,<br /> "NORTH OF THE POTOMAC,<br /> + "WASHINGTON, April 6, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "SIR:—I am directed by General Doubleday to say, in answer to your + letter of the 2d instant, that all Negroes coming into the lines of any of + the camps or forts under his command, are to be treated as persons, and + not as chattels. + </p> + <p> + "Under no circumstances has the Commander of a fort or camp the power of + surrendering persons claimed as Fugitive Slaves, as it cannot be done + without determining their character. + </p> + <p> + "The Additional Article of War recently passed by Congress positively + prohibits this. + </p> + <p> + "The question has been asked, whether it would not be better to exclude + Negroes altogether from the lines. The General is of the opinion that they + bring much valuable information, which cannot be obtained from any other + source. They are acquainted with all the roads, paths, fords, and other + natural features of the country, and they make excellent guides. They also + know and frequently have exposed the haunts of Secession spies and + Traitors and the existence of Rebel organizations. They will not, + therefore, be excluded. + </p> + <p> + "The General also directs me to say that civil process cannot be served + directly in the camps or forts of his command, without full authority be + obtained from the Commanding Officer for that purpose. + </p> + <p> + "I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "E. P. HALSTED,<br /> "Assistant Adjutant General. + </p> + <p> + "Lieut. Col. JOHN D. SHANE,<br /> "Commanding 76th Reg. N. Y. Vols." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkhenry" id="linkhenry"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p344-henry.jpg (75K)" src="images/p344-henry.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch17" id="linkch17"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII.<br /> <br /> BORDER-STATE OPPOSITION.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + On April 3, 1862, the United States Senate passed a Bill to liberate all + Persons of African descent held to Service or Labor within the District of + Columbia, and prohibiting Slavery or involuntary servitude in the District + except as a punishment for crime—an appropriation being made to pay + to loyal owners an appraised value of the liberated Slaves not to exceed + $300 for each Slave. The vote on its passage in the Senate was 29 yeas to + 14 nays—all the yeas being Republican, and all but two of the nays + Democratic. + </p> + <p> + April 11th, the Bill passed the House by 92 yeas to 39 nays—all the + yeas save 5 being Republican, and all the nays, save three, being + Democratic. + </p> + <p> + April 7, 1862, the House adopted a resolution, by 67 yeas to 52 nays—all + the yeas, save one, Republican, and all the nays, save 12, Democratic—for + the appointment of a Select Committee of nine, to consider and report + whether any plan could be proposed and recommended for the gradual + Emancipation of all the African Slaves, and the extinction of Slavery in + Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri, by the + people or local authorities thereof, and how far and in what way the + Government of the United States could and ought equitably to aid in + facilitating either of those objects. + </p> + <p> + On the 16th President Lincoln sent the following Message to Congress: + </p> + <p> + "Fellow citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + </p> + <p> + "The Act entitled 'An Act for the release of certain Persons held to + Service or Labor in the District of Columbia,' has this day been approved + and signed. + </p> + <p> + "I have never doubted the Constitutional authority of Congress to abolish + Slavery in this District; and I have ever desired to see the National + Capital freed from the Institution in some satisfactory way. Hence there + has never been in my mind any question upon the subject except the one of + expediency, arising in view of all the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + "If there be matters within and about this Act which might have taken a + course or shape more satisfactory to my judgment, I do not attempt to + specify them. I am gratified that the two principles of compensation and + colonization are both recognized and practically applied in the Act. + </p> + <p> + "In the matter of compensation, it is provided that claims may be + presented within ninety days from the passage of the Act, 'but not + thereafter;' and there is no saving for minors, femmes covert, insane, or + absent persons. I presume this is an omission by mere oversight, and I + recommend that it be supplied by an amendatory or Supplemental Act. + </p> + <p> + "ABRAHAM LINCOLN.<br /> "April 16, 1862." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Subsequently, in order to meet the President's views, such an amendatory + or Supplemental Act was passed and approved. + </p> + <p> + But now, Major General Hunter having taken upon himself to issue an + Emancipation proclamation, May 9, 1862, the President, May 19, 1862, + issued a proclamation rescinding it as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Whereas there appears in the public prints what purports to be a + proclamation of Major General Hunter, in the words and figures following, + to wit: + </p> + <p> + "'HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,<br /> 'HILTON HEAD, S. C., May 9, + 1862.<br /> '[General Orders No. 11.] + </p> + <p> + 'The three States of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, comprising the + Military Department of the South, having deliberately declared themselves + no longer under the protection of the United States of America, and having + taken up arms against the said United States, it becomes a Military + necessity to declare them under Martial Law. This was accordingly done on + the 25th day of April, 1862. Slavery and Martial Law, in a Free Country, + are altogether incompatible; the Persons in these three States—Georgia, + Florida, and South Carolina—heretofore held as Slaves, are therefore + declared forever Free. + </p> + <p> + 'DAVID HUNTER,<br /> 'Major-General Commanding. + </p> + <p> + 'Official:<br /> ED. W. SMITH,<br /> 'Acting Assistant Adjutant General.' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "And whereas the same is producing some excitement and misunderstanding, + </p> + <p> + "Therefore, I, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States, proclaim + and declare, that the Government of the United States had no knowledge, + information, or belief, of an intention on the part of General Hunter to + issue such a proclamation; nor has it yet any authentic information that + the document is genuine. And further, that neither General Hunter, nor any + other Commander, or person, has been authorized by the Government of the + United States to make proclamations declaring the Slaves of any State + Free; and that the supposed proclamation, now in question, whether genuine + or false, is altogether void, so far as respects such declaration. + </p> + <p> + "I further make known that whether it be competent for me, as + Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, to declare the Slaves of any + State or States free, and whether, at any time, in any case, it shall have + become a necessity indispensable to the maintenance of the Government, to + exercise such supposed power, are questions which, under my + responsibility, I reserve to myself, and which I cannot feel justified in + leaving to the decision of Commanders in the field. These are totally + different questions from those of police regulations in armies and camps. + </p> + <p> + "On the sixth day of March last, by a Special Message, I recommended to + Congress the adoption of a Joint Resolution to be substantially as + follows: + </p> + <p> + "' Resolved, That the United States ought to co-operate with any State + which may adopt a gradual abolishment of Slavery, giving to such State + pecuniary aid, to be used by such State, in its discretion, to compensate + for the inconveniences, public and private, produced by such change of + system.' + </p> + <p> + "The Resolution, in the language above quoted, was adopted by large + majorities in both branches of Congress, and now stands an authentic, + definite, and solemn proposal of the Nation to the States and people most + immediately interested in the subject-matter. To the people of those + States I now earnestly appeal—I do not argue—I beseech you to + make the argument for yourselves—you cannot, if you would, be blind + to the signs of the times—I beg of you a calm and enlarged + consideration of them, ranging, if it may be, far above personal and + partisan politics. This proposal makes common cause for a common object, + casting no reproaches upon any. It acts not the Pharisee. The changes it + contemplates would come gently as the dews of Heaven, not rending or + wrecking anything. Will you not embrace it? So much good has not been + done, by one effort, in all past time, as, in the providence of God, it is + now your high privilege to do. May the vast future not have to lament that + you have neglected it. + </p> + <p> + "In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. + </p> + <p> + "Done at the city of Washington this nineteenth day of May, in the year of + our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the Independence + of the United States the eighty-sixth. + </p> + <p> + "By the President. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. + </p> + <p> + "WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + On June 5th, 1862, General T. Williams issued the following Order: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE,<br /> "BATON ROUGE, June 5, 1862.<br /> + "[General Orders No. 46.] + </p> + <p> + "In consequence of the demoralizing and disorganizing tendencies to the + troops, of harboring runaway Negroes, it is hereby ordered that the + respective Commanders of the camps and garrisons of the several regiments, + Second Brigade, turn all such Fugitives in their camps or garrisons out + beyond the limits of their respective guards and sentinels. + </p> + <p> + "By order of Brigadier-General T. Williams: + </p> + <p> + "WICKHAM HOFFMAN,<br /> "Assistant-Adjutant General." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant-Colonel D. R. Anthony, of the Seventh Kansas Volunteers, + commanding a Brigade, issued the following order, at a date subsequent to + the Battle of Pittsburg Landing and the evacuation of Corinth: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS MITCHELL'S BRIGADE,<br /> "ADVANCE COLUMN, FIRST BRIGADE, + FIRST DIVISION,<br /> "GENERAL ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,<br /> "CAMP + ETHERIDGE, TENNESSEE, June 18, 1862.<br /> "[General Orders No. 26.] + </p> + <p> + "1. The impudence—and impertinence of the open and armed Rebels, + Traitors, Secessionists, and Southern-Rightsmen of this section of the + State of Tennessee, in arrogantly demanding the right to search our camp + for Fugitive Slaves, has become a nuisance, and will no longer be + tolerated. "Officers will see that this class of men, who visit our camp + for this purpose, are excluded from our lines. + </p> + <p> + "2. Should any such persons be found within our lines, they will be + arrested and sent to headquarters. + </p> + <p> + "3. Any officer or soldier of this command who shall arrest and deliver to + his master a Fugitive Slave, shall be summarily and severely punished, + according to the laws relative to such crimes. + </p> + <p> + "4. The strong Union sentiment in this Section is most gratifying, and all + officers and soldiers, in their intercourse with the loyal, and those + favorably disposed, are requested to act in their usual kind and courteous + manner and protect them to the fullest extent. + </p> + <p> + "By order of D. R. Anthony,<br /> Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh Kansas + Volunteers, commanding: + </p> + <p> + "W. W. H. LAWRENCE,<br /> "Captain and Assistant-Adjutant General." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant-Colonel Anthony was subsequently placed under arrest for + issuing the above order. + </p> + <p> + It was about this time, also, that General McClellan addressed to + President Lincoln a letter on "forcible Abolition of Slavery," and "a + Civil and Military policy"—in these terms: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,<br /> "CAMP NEAR HARRISON'S LANDING, + VA., July 7, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "MR. PRESIDENT:—You have been fully informed that the Rebel Army is + in the front, with the purpose of overwhelming us by attacking our + positions or reducing us by blocking our river communications. I cannot + but regard our condition as critical, and I earnestly desire, in view of + possible contingencies, to lay before your Excellency, for your private + consideration, my general views concerning the existing state of the + Rebellion, although they do not strictly relate to the situation of this + Army, or strictly come within the scope of my official duties. These views + amount to convictions, and are deeply impressed upon my mind and heart. + </p> + <p> + "Our cause must never be abandoned; it is the cause of Free institutions + and Self-government. The Constitution and the Union must be preserved, + whatever may be the cost in time, treasure, and blood. + </p> + <p> + "If Secession is successful, other dissolutions are clearly to be seen in + the future. Let neither Military disaster, political faction, nor Foreign + War shake your settled purpose to enforce the equal operation of the Laws + of the United States upon the people of every State. + </p> + <p> + "The time has come when the Government must determine upon a Civil and + Military policy, covering the whole ground of our National trouble. + </p> + <p> + "The responsibility of determining, declaring, and supporting such Civil + and Military policy, and of directing the whole course of National affairs + in regard to the Rebellion, must now be assumed and exercised by you, or + our Cause will be lost. The Constitution gives you power, even for the + present terrible exigency. + </p> + <p> + "This Rebellion has assumed the character of a War; as such it should be + regarded, and it should be conducted upon the highest principles known to + Christian civilization. It should not be a War looking to the subjugation + of the people of any State, in any event. It should not be at all a war + upon population, but against armed forces and political organizations. + Neither Confiscation of property, political executions of persons, + territorial organizations of States, or forcible Abolition of Slavery, + should be contemplated for a moment. + </p> + <p> + "In prosecuting the War, all private property and unarmed persons should + be strictly protected, subject only to the necessity of Military + operations; all private property taken for Military use should be paid or + receipted for; pillage and waste should be treated as high crimes; all + unnecessary trespass sternly prohibited and offensive demeanor by the + military towards citizens promptly rebuked. + </p> + <p> + "Military arrests should not be tolerated, except in places where active + hostilities exist; and oaths, not required by enactments, Constitutionally + made, should be neither demanded nor received. + </p> + <p> + "Military Government should be confined to the preservation of public + order and the protection of political right. Military power should not be + allowed to interfere with the relations of Servitude, either by supporting + or impairing the authority of the master, except for repressing disorder, + as in other cases. Slaves, contraband under the Act of Congress, seeking + Military protection, should receive it. + </p> + <p> + "The right of the Government to appropriate permanently to its own service + claims to Slave-labor should be asserted, and the right of the owner to + compensation therefor should be recognized. + </p> + <p> + "This principle might be extended, upon grounds of Military necessity and + security, to all the Slaves of a particular State, thus working + manumission in such State; and in Missouri, perhaps in Western Virginia + also, and possibly even in Maryland, the expediency of such a measure is + only a question of time. + </p> + <p> + "A system of policy thus Constitutional, and pervaded by the influences of + Christianity and Freedom, would receive the support of almost all truly + Loyal men, would deeply impress the Rebel masses and all foreign nations, + and it might be humbly hoped that it would commend itself to the favor of + the Almighty. + </p> + <p> + "Unless the principles governing the future conduct of our Struggle shall + be made known and approved, the effort to obtain requisite forces will be + almost hopeless. A declaration of radical views, especially upon Slavery, + will rapidly disintegrate our present Armies. + </p> + <p> + "The policy of the Government must be supported by concentrations of + Military power. The National Forces should not be dispersed in + expeditions, posts of occupation, and numerous armies, but should be + mainly collected into masses, and brought to bear upon the Armies of the + Confederate States. Those Armies thoroughly defeated, the political + structure which they support would soon cease to exist, + </p> + <p> + "In carrying out any system of policy which you may form, you will require + a Commander-in-chief of the Army, one who possesses your confidence, + understands your views, and who is competent to execute your orders, by + directing the Military Forces of the Nation to the accomplishment of the + objects by you proposed. I do not ask that place for myself, I am willing + to serve you in such position as you may assign me, and I will do so as + faithfully as ever subordinate served superior. + </p> + <p> + "I may be on the brink of Eternity; and as I hope forgiveness from my + Maker, I have written this letter with sincerity towards you and from love + for my Country. + </p> + <p> + "Very respectfully, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN,<br /> "Major-General Commanding. + </p> + <p> + "His Excellency A. LINCOLN, President." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + July 12, 1862, Senators and Representatives of the Border Slave-holding + States, having been specially invited to the White House for the purpose, + were addressed by President Lincoln, as follows: + </p> + <p> + "GENTLEMEN:—After the adjournment of Congress, now near, I shall + have no opportunity of seeing you for several months. Believing that you + of the Border States hold more power for good than any other equal number + of members, I feel it a duty which I cannot justifiably waive, to make + this appeal to you. + </p> + <p> + "I intend no reproach or complaint when I assure you that, in my opinion, + if you all had voted for the Resolution in the Gradual Emancipation + Message of last March, the War would now be substantially ended. And the + plan therein proposed is yet one of the most potent and swift means of + ending it. Let the States which are in Rebellion see definitely and + certainly that in no event will the States you represent ever join their + proposed Confederacy, and they cannot much longer maintain the contest. + </p> + <p> + "But you cannot divest them of their hope to ultimately have you with them + so long as you show a determination to perpetuate the Institution within + your own States. Beat them at elections, as you have overwhelmingly done, + and nothing daunted, they still claim you as their own. You and I know + what the lever of their power is. Break that lever before their faces, and + they can shake you no more forever. + </p> + <p> + "Most of you have treated me with kindness and consideration, and I trust + you will not now think I improperly touch what is exclusively your own, + when, for the sake of the whole Country, I ask, 'Can you, for your States, + do better than to take the course I urge?' Discarding punctilio and maxims + adapted to more manageable times, and looking only to the unprecedentedly + stern facts of our case, can you do better in any possible event? + </p> + <p> + "You prefer that the Constitutional relations of the States to the Nation + shall be practically restored without disturbance of the Institution; and, + if this were done, my whole duty, in this respect, under the Constitution + and my oath of office, would be performed. But it is not done, and we are + trying to accomplish it by War. + </p> + <p> + "The incidents of the War cannot be avoided. If the War continues long, as + it must, if the object be not sooner attained, the Institution in your + States will be extinguished by mere friction and abrasion—by the + mere incidents of the War. It will be gone, and you will have nothing + valuable in lieu of it. Much of its value is gone already. + </p> + <p> + "How much better for you and for your people to take the step which at + once shortens the War and secures substantial compensation for that which + is sure to be wholly lost in any other event! How much better to thus save + the money which else we sink forever in the War! How: much better to do it + while we can, lest the War ere long render us pecuniarily unable to do it! + How much better for you, as seller, and the Nation, as buyer, to sell out + and buy out that without which the War could never have been, than to sink + both the thing to be sold and the price of it in cutting one another's + throats! + </p> + <p> + "I do not speak of Emancipation at once, but of a decision at once to + Emancipate gradually. Room in South America for colonization can be + obtained cheaply and in abundance, and when numbers shall be large enough + to be company and encouragement for one another, the freed people will not + be so reluctant to go. + </p> + <p> + "I am pressed with a difficulty not yet mentioned; one which threatens + division among those who, united, are none too strong. An instance of it + is known to you. General Hunter is an honest man. He was, and I hope still + is, my friend. I value him none the less for his agreeing with me in the + general wish that all men everywhere could be freed. He proclaimed all men + Free within certain States, and I repudiated the proclamation. He expected + more good and less harm from the measure than I could believe would + follow. + </p> + <p> + "Yet, in repudiating it, I gave dissatisfaction, if not offense, to many + whose support the Country cannot afford to lose. And this is not the end + of it. The pressure in this direction is still upon me, and is increasing. + By conceding what I now ask, you can relieve me, and, much more, can + relieve the Country in this important point. + </p> + <p> + "Upon these considerations I have again begged your attention to the + Message of March last. Before leaving the Capitol, consider and discuss it + among yourselves. You are Patriots and Statesmen, and as such I pray you + consider this proposition; and, at the least, commend it to the + consideration of your States and people. As you would perpetuate popular + Government for the best people in the World, I beseech you that you do in + nowise omit this. + </p> + <p> + "Our common Country is in great peril, demanding the loftiest views and + boldest action to bring a speedy relief. Once relieved, its form of + Government is saved to the World, its beloved history and cherished + memories are vindicated, and its happy future fully assured and rendered + inconceivable grand. To you, more than to any others, the privilege is + given to assure that happiness and swell that grandeur, and to link your + own names therewith forever." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen representing in Congress the Border-States, to whom this + address was made, subsequently met and discussed its subject matter, and + made written reply in the shape of majority and minority replies, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + THE MAJORITY REPLY: + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, July 14, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "TO THE PRESIDENT: + </p> + <p> + "The undersigned, Representatives of Kentucky, Virginia, Missouri, and + Maryland, in the two Houses of Congress, have listened to your address + with the profound sensibility naturally inspired by the high source from + which it emanates, the earnestness which marked its delivery, and the + overwhelming importance of the subject of which it treats. We have given + it a most respectful consideration, and now lay before you our response. + We regret that want of time has not permitted us to make it more perfect. + </p> + <p> + "We have not been wanting, Mr. President, in respect to you, and in + devotion to the Constitution and the Union. We have not been indifferent + to the great difficulties surrounding you, compared with which all former + National troubles have been but as the summer cloud; and we have freely + given you our sympathy and support. Repudiating the dangerous heresies of + the Secessionists, we believed, with you, that the War on their part is + aggressive and wicked, and the objects for which it was to be prosecuted + on ours, defined by your Message at the opening of the present Congress, + to be such as all good men should approve. + </p> + <p> + "We have not hesitated to vote all supplies necessary to carry it on + vigorously. We have voted all the men and money you have asked for, and + even more; we have imposed onerous taxes on our people, and they are + paying them with cheerfulness and alacrity; we have encouraged + enlistments, and sent to the field many of our best men; and some of our + number have offered their persons to the enemy as pledges of their + sincerity and devotion to the Country. + </p> + <p> + "We have done all this under the most discouraging circumstances, and in + the face of measures most distasteful to us and injurious to the interests + we represent, and in the hearing of doctrines avowed by those who claim to + be your friends, must be abhorrent to us and our constituents. + </p> + <p> + "But, for all this, we have never faltered, nor shall we as long as we + have a Constitution to defend and a Government which protects us. And we + are ready for renewed efforts, and even greater sacrifices, yea, any + sacrifice, when we are satisfied it is required to preserve our admirable + form of Government and the priceless blessings of Constitutional Liberty. + </p> + <p> + "A few of our number voted for the Resolution recommended by your Message + of the 6th of March last, the greater portion of us did not, and we will + briefly state the prominent reasons which influenced our action. + </p> + <p> + "In the first place, it proposed a radical change of our social system, + and was hurried through both Houses with undue haste, without reasonable + time for consideration and debate, and with no time at all for + consultation with our constituents, whose interests it deeply involved. It + seemed like an interference by this Government with a question which + peculiarly and exclusively belonged to our respective States, on which + they had not sought advice or solicited aid. + </p> + <p> + "Many of us doubted the Constitutional power of this Government to make + appropriations of money for the object designated, and all of us thought + our finances were in no condition to bear the immense outlay which its + adoption and faithful execution would impose upon the National Treasury. + If we pause but a moment to think of the debt its acceptance would have + entailed, we are appalled by its magnitude. The proposition was addressed + to all the States, and embraced the whole number of Slaves. + </p> + <p> + "According to the census of 1860 there were then nearly four million + Slaves in the Country; from natural increase they exceed that number now. + At even the low average of $300, the price fixed by the Emancipation Act + for the Slaves of this District, and greatly below their real worth, their + value runs up to the enormous sum of $1,200,000,000; and if to that we add + the cost of deportation and colonization, at $100 each, which is but a + fraction more than is actually paid—by the Maryland Colonization + Society, we have $400,000,000 more. + </p> + <p> + "We were not willing to impose a tax on our people sufficient to pay the + interest on that sum, in addition to the vast and daily increasing debt + already fixed upon them by exigencies of the War, and if we had been + willing, the Country could not bear it. Stated in this form the + proposition is nothing less than the deportation from the Country of + $1,600,000,000 worth of producing labor, and the substitution, in its + place, of an interest-bearing debt of the same amount. + </p> + <p> + "But, if we are told that it was expected that only the States we + represent would accept the proposition, we respectfully submit that even + then it involves a sum too great for the financial ability of this + Government at this time. According to the census of 1860: + </p> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + + </td> + <td> + Slaves + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + Kentucky had + </td> + <td> + 225,490 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + Maryland + </td> + <td> + 87,188 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + Virginia + </td> + <td> + 490,887 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + Delaware + </td> + <td> + 1,798 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + Missouri + </td> + <td> + 114,965 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + Tennessee + </td> + <td> + 275,784 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + Making in the whole + </td> + <td> + 1,196,112 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + At the same rate of valuation these would + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + amount to + </td> + <td> + $358,933,500 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + Add for deportation and colonization $100 each + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + <td> + + </td> + <td> + $118,244,533 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + And we have the + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td> + enormous sum of + </td> + <td> + $478,038,133 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + "We did not feel that we should be justified in voting for a measure + which, if carried out, would add this vast amount to our public debt at a + moment when the Treasury was reeling under the enormous expenditure of the + War. + </p> + <p> + "Again, it seemed to us that this Resolution was but the annunciation of a + sentiment which could not or was not likely to be reduced to an actual + tangible proposition. No movement was then made to provide and appropriate + the funds required to carry it into effect; and we were not encouraged to + believe that funds would be provided. And our belief has been fully + justified by subsequent events. + </p> + <p> + "Not to mention other circumstances, it is quite sufficient for our + purpose to bring to your notice the fact that, while this resolution was + under consideration in the Senate, our colleague, the Senator from + Kentucky, moved an amendment appropriating $500,000 to the object therein + designated, and it was voted down with great unanimity. + </p> + <p> + "What confidence, then, could we reasonably feel that if we committed + ourselves to the policy it proposed, our constituents would reap the + fruits of the promise held out; and on what ground could we, as fair men, + approach them and challenge their support? + </p> + <p> + "The right to hold Slaves, is a right appertaining to all the States of + this Union. They have the right to cherish or abolish the Institution, as + their tastes or their interests may prompt, and no one is authorized to + question the right or limit the enjoyment. And no one has more clearly + affirmed that right than you have. Your Inaugural Address does you great + honor in this respect, and inspired the Country with confidence in your + fairness and respect for the Law. Our States are in the enjoyment of that + right. + </p> + <p> + "We do not feel called on to defend the Institution or to affirm it is one + which ought to be cherished; perhaps, if we were to make the attempt, we + might find that we differ even among ourselves. It is enough for our + purpose to know that it is a right; and, so knowing, we did not see why we + should now be expected to yield it. + </p> + <p> + "We had contributed our full share to relieve the Country at this terrible + crisis; we had done as much as had been required of others in like + circumstances; and we did not see why sacrifices should be expected of us + from which others, no more loyal, were exempt. Nor could we see what good + the Nation would derive from it. + </p> + <p> + "Such a sacrifice submitted to by us would not have strengthened the arm + of this Government or weakened that of the Enemy. It was not necessary as + a pledge of our Loyalty, for that had been manifested beyond a reasonable + doubt, in every form, and at every place possible. There was not the + remotest probability that the States we represent would join in the + Rebellion, nor is there now, or of their electing to go with the Southern + Section in the event of a recognition of the Independence of any part of + the disaffected region. + </p> + <p> + "Our States are fixed unalterably in their resolution to adhere to and + support the Union. They see no safety for themselves, and no hope for + Constitutional Liberty, but by its preservation. They will, under no + circumstances, consent to its dissolution; and we do them no more than + justice when we assure you that, while the War is conducted to prevent + that deplorable catastrophe, they will sustain it as long as they can + muster a man, or command a dollar. + </p> + <p> + "Nor will they ever consent, in any event, to unite with the Southern + Confederacy. The bitter fruits of the peculiar doctrines of that region + will forever prevent them from placing their security and happiness in the + custody of an association which has incorporated in its Organic Law the + seeds of its own destruction. + </p> + <p> + "We cannot admit, Mr. President, that if we had voted for the Resolution + in the Emancipation Message of March last, the War would now be + substantially ended. We are unable to see how our action in this + particular has given, or could give, encouragement to the Rebellion. The + Resolution has passed; and if there be virtue in it, it will be quite as + efficacious as if we had voted for it. + </p> + <p> + "We have no power to bind our States in this respect by our votes here; + and, whether we had voted the one way or the other, they are in the same + condition of freedom to accept or reject its provisions. + </p> + <p> + "No, Sir, the War has not been prolonged or hindered by our action on this + or any other measure. We must look for other causes for that lamented + fact. We think there is not much difficulty, not much uncertainty, in + pointing out others far more probable and potent in their agencies to that + end. + </p> + <p> + "The Rebellion derives its strength from the Union of all classes in the + Insurgent States; and while that Union lasts the War will never end until + they are utterly exhausted. We know that, at the inception of these + troubles, Southern society was divided, and that a large portion, perhaps + a majority, were opposed to Secession. Now the great mass of Southern + people are united. + </p> + <p> + "To discover why they are so, we must glance at Southern society, and + notice the classes into which it has been divided, and which still + distinguish it. They are in arms, but not for the same objects; they are + moved to a common end, but by different and even inconsistent reasons. + </p> + <p> + "The leaders, which comprehend what was previously known as the State + Rights Party, and is much the lesser class, seek to break down National + Independence and set up State domination. With them it is a War against + Nationality. + </p> + <p> + "The other class is fighting, as it supposes, to maintain and preserve its + rights of Property and domestic safety, which it has been made to believe + are assailed by this Government. This latter class are not Disunionists + per se; they are so only because they have been made to believe that this + Administration is inimical to their rights, and is making War on their + domestic Institutions. As long as these two classes act together they will + never assent to a Peace. + </p> + <p> + "The policy, then, to be pursued, is obvious. The former class will never + be reconciled, but the latter may be. Remove their apprehensions; satisfy + them that no harm is intended to them and their Institutions; that this + Government is not making War on their rights of Property, but is simply + defending its legitimate authority, and they will gladly return to their + allegiance as soon as the pressure of Military dominion imposed by the + Confederate authority is removed from them. + </p> + <p> + "Twelve months ago, both Houses of Congress, adopting the spirit of your + Message, then but recently sent in, declared with singular unanimity the + objects of the War, and the Country instantly bounded to your side to + assist you in carrying it on. If the spirit of that Resolution had been + adhered to, we are confident that we should before now have seen the end + of this deplorable conflict. But what have we seen? + </p> + <p> + "In both Houses of Congress we have heard doctrines subversive of the + principles of the Constitution, and seen measure after measure, founded in + substance on those doctrines, proposed and carried through, which can have + no other effect than to distract and divide loyal men, and exasperate and + drive still further from us and their duty the people of the rebellious + States. + </p> + <p> + "Military officers, following these bad examples, have stepped beyond the + just limits of their authority in the same direction, until in several + instances you have felt the necessity of interfering to arrest them. And + even the passage of the Resolution to which you refer has been + ostentatiously proclaimed as the triumph of a principle which the people + of the Southern States regard as ruinous to them. The effect of these + measures was foretold, and may now be seen in the indurated state of + Southern feeling. + </p> + <p> + "To these causes, Mr. President, and not to our omission to vote for the + Resolution recommended by you, we solemnly believe we are to attribute the + terrible earnestness of those in arms against the Government, and the + continuance of the War. Nor do we (permit us to say, Mr. President, with + all respect to you) agree that the Institution of Slavery is 'the lever of + their power,' but we are of the opinion that 'the lever of their power' is + the apprehension that the powers of a common Government, created for + common and equal protection to the interests of all, will be wielded + against the Institutions of the Southern States. + </p> + <p> + "There is one other idea in your address we feel called on to notice. + After stating the fact of your repudiation of General Hunter's + Proclamation, you add: + </p> + <p> + "'Yet, in repudiating it, I gave dissatisfaction, if not offense, to many + whose support the Country cannot afford to lose. And this is not the end + of it. The pressure in this direction is still upon me and is increasing. + By conceding what I now ask, you can relieve me, and, much more, can + relieve the Country, in this important point,' + </p> + <p> + "We have anxiously looked into this passage to discover its true import, + but we are yet in painful uncertainty. How can we, by conceding what you + now ask, relieve you and the Country from the increasing pressure to which + you refer? We will not allow ourselves to think that the proposition is, + that we consent to give up Slavery, to the end that the Hunter + proclamation may be let loose on the Southern people, for it is too well + known that we would not be parties to any such measure, and we have too + much respect for you to imagine you would propose it. + </p> + <p> + "Can it mean that by sacrificing our interest in Slavery we appease the + spirit that controls that pressure, cause it to be withdrawn, and rid the + Country of the pestilent agitation of the Slavery question? We are + forbidden so to think, for that spirit would not be satisfied with the + liberation of 100,000 Slaves, and cease its agitation while 3,000,000 + remain in bondage. Can it mean that by abandoning Slavery in our States we + are removing the pressure from you and the Country, by preparing for a + separation on the line of the Cotton States? + </p> + <p> + "We are forbidden so to think, because it is known that we are, and we + believe that you are, unalterably opposed to any division at all. We would + prefer to think that you desire this concession as a pledge of our + support, and thus enable you to withstand a pressure which weighs heavily + on you and the Country. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. President, no such sacrifice is necessary to secure our support. + Confine yourself to your Constitutional authority; confine your + subordinates within the same limits; conduct this War solely for the + purpose of restoring the Constitution to its legitimate authority; concede + to each State and its loyal citizens their just rights, and we are wedded + to you by indissoluble ties. Do this, Mr. President, and you touch the + American heart, and invigorate it with new hope. You will, as we solemnly + believe, in due time restore Peace to your Country, lift it from + despondency to a future of glory, and preserve to your countrymen, their + posterity, and man, the inestimable treasure of a Constitutional + Government. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. President, we have stated with frankness and candor the reasons on + which we forbore to vote for the Resolution you have mentioned; but you + have again presented this proposition, and appealed to us with an + earnestness and eloquence which have not failed to impress us, to + 'consider it, and at the least to commend it to the consideration of our + States and people.' + </p> + <p> + "Thus appealed to by the Chief Magistrate of our beloved Country, in the + hour of its greatest peril, we cannot wholly decline. We are willing to + trust every question relating to their interest and happiness to the + consideration and ultimate judgment of our own people. + </p> + <p> + "While differing from you as to the necessity of Emancipating the Slaves + of our States as a means of putting down the Rebellion, and while + protesting against the propriety of any extra-territorial interference to + induce the people of our States to adopt any particular line of policy on + a subject which peculiarly and exclusively belongs to them, yet, when you + and our brethren of the Loyal States sincerely believe that the retention + of Slavery by us is an obstacle to Peace and National harmony, and are + willing to contribute pecuniary aid to compensate our States and people + for the inconveniences produced by such a change of system, we are not + unwilling that our people shall consider the propriety of putting it + aside. + </p> + <p> + "But we have already said that we regard this Resolution as the utterance + of a sentiment, and we had no confidence that it would assume the shape of + a tangible practical proposition, which would yield the fruits of the + sacrifice it required. Our people are influenced by the same want of + confidence, and will not consider the proposition in its present + impalpable form. The interest they are asked to give up is, to them, of + immense importance, and they ought not to be expected even to entertain + the proposal until they are assured that when they accept it their just + expectations will not be frustrated. + </p> + <p> + "We regard your plan as a proposition from the Nation to the States to + exercise an admitted Constitutional right in a particular manner, and + yield up a valuable interest. Before they ought to consider the + proposition, it should be presented in such a tangible, practical, + efficient shape, as to command their confidence that its fruits are + contingent only upon their acceptance. We cannot trust anything to the + contingencies of future legislation. + </p> + <p> + "If Congress, by proper and necessary legislation, shall provide + sufficient funds and place them at your disposal to be applied by you to + the payment of any of our States, or the citizens thereof, who shall adopt + the Abolishment of Slavery, either gradual or immediate, as they may + determine, and the expense of deportation and colonization of the + liberated Slaves, then will our States and people take this proposition + into careful consideration, for such decision as in their judgment is + demanded by their interest, their honor, and their duty to the whole + Country. We have the honor to be, with great respect, + </p> + <p> + "C. A. WICKLIFFE, Ch'man,<br /> CHAS. B. CALVERT,<br /> GARRETT DAVIS,<br /> + C. L. L. LEARY,<br /> R. WILSON,<br /> EDWIN H. WEBSTER,<br /> J. J. + CRITTENDEN,<br /> R. MALLORY,<br /> JOHN S. CARLILE,<br /> AARON HARDING,<br /> + J. W. CRISFIELD,<br /> JAMES S. ROLLINS,<br /> J. S. JACKSON,<br /> J. W. + MENZIES,<br /> H. GRIDER,<br /> THOMAS L. PRICE,<br /> JOHN S. PHELPS,<br /> + G. W. DUNLAP,<br /> FRANCIS THOMAS, WILLIAM A. HALL." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + THE MINORITY REPLY. + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, July 15, 1863. + </p> + <p> + "MR. PRESIDENT:—The undersigned, members of Congress from the Border + States, in response to your address of Saturday last, beg leave to say + that they attended a meeting, on the same day the address was delivered, + for the purpose of considering the same. The meeting appointed a Committee + to report a response to your address. That report was made on yesterday, + and the action of the majority indicated clearly that the response, or one + in substance the same, would be adopted and presented to you. + </p> + <p> + "Inasmuch as we cannot, consistently with our own sense of duty to the + Country, under the existing perils which surround us, concur in that + response, we feel it to be due to you and to ourselves to make to you a + brief and candid answer over our own signatures. + </p> + <p> + "We believe that the whole power of the Government, upheld and sustained + by all the influences and means of all loyal men in all Sections, and of + all Parties, is essentially necessary to put down the Rebellion and + preserve the Union and the Constitution. We understand your appeal to us + to have been made for the purpose of securing this result. + </p> + <p> + "A very large portion of the People in the Northern States believe that + Slavery is the 'lever-power of the Rebellion.' It matters not whether this + belief be well-founded or not. The belief does exist, and we have to deal + with things as they are, and not as we would have them be. + </p> + <p> + "In consequence of the existence of this belief, we understand that an + immense pressure is brought to bear for the purpose of striking down this + Institution through the exercise of Military authority. The Government + cannot maintain this great struggle if the support and influence of the + men who entertain these opinions be withdrawn. Neither can the Government + hope for early success if the support of that element called + "Conservative" be withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + "Such being the condition of things, the President appeals to the + Border-State men to step forward and prove their patriotism by making the + first sacrifice. No doubt, like appeals have been made to extreme men in + the North to meet us half-way, in order that the whole moral, political, + pecuniary, and physical force of the Nation may be firmly and earnestly + united in one grand effort to save the Union and the Constitution. + </p> + <p> + "Believing that such were the motives that prompted your Address, and such + the results to which it looked, we cannot reconcile it to our sense of + duty, in this trying hour, to respond in a spirit of fault-finding or + querulousness over the things that are past. + </p> + <p> + "We are not disposed to seek for the cause of present misfortunes in the + errors and wrongs of others who now propose to unite with us in a common + purpose. + </p> + <p> + "But, on the other hand, we meet your address in the spirit in which it + was made, and, as loyal Americans, declare to you and to the World that + there is no sacrifice that we are not ready to make to save the Government + and institutions of our fathers. That we, few of us though there may be, + will permit no man, from the North or from the South, to go further than + we in the accomplishment of the great work before us. That, in order to + carry out these views, we will, so far as may be in our power, ask the + people of the Border States calmly, deliberately, and fairly to consider + your recommendations. + </p> + <p> + "We are the more emboldened to assume this position from the fact, now + become history, that the leaders of the Southern Rebellion have offered to + abolish Slavery among them as a condition to foreign intervention in favor + of their Independence as a Nation. + </p> + <p> + "If they can give up Slavery to destroy the Union, we can surely ask our + people to consider the question of Emancipation to save the Union. + </p> + <p> + "With great respect, your obedient servants, + </p> + <p> + "JOHN W. NOELL,<br /> "SAMUEL L. CASEY,<br /> "GEORGE P. FISHER,<br /> "A. J. + CLEMENTS,<br /> "WILLIAM G. BROWN,<br /> "JACOB B. BLAIR, "W. T. WILLEY." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The following separate replies, subsequently made, by Representative + Maynard of Tennessee, and Senator Henderson of Missouri, are necessarily + given to complete this part of the Border State record.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + MR. MAYNARD'S REPLY. + </p> + <p> + "HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, July 16, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "SIR:—The magnitude and gravity of the proposition submitted by you + to Representatives from the Slave States would naturally occasion + diversity, if not contrariety, of opinion. You will not, therefore, be + surprised that I have not been able to concur in view with the majority of + them. + </p> + <p> + "This is attributable, possibly, to the fact that my State is not a Border + State, properly so called, and that my immediate constituents are not yet + disenthralled from the hostile arms of the Rebellion. This fact is a + physical obstacle in the way of my now submitting to their consideration + this, or any other proposition looking to political action, especially + such as, in this case, would require a change in the Organic Law of the + State. + </p> + <p> + "But do not infer that I am insensible to your appeal. I am not; you are + surrounded with difficulties far greater than have embarrassed any of your + predecessors. You need the support of every American citizen, and you + ought to have it—active, zealous and honest. The union of all Union + men to aid you in preserving the Union, is the duty of the time. + Differences as to policy and methods must be subordinated to the common + purpose. + </p> + <p> + "In looking for the cause of this Rebellion, it is natural that each + Section and each Party should ascribe as little blame as possible to + itself, and as much as possible to its opponent Section and Party. + Possibly you and I might not agree on a comparison of our views. That + there should be differences of opinion as to the best mode of conducting + our Military operations, and the best men to lead our Armies, is equally + natural. Contests on such questions weaken ourselves and strengthen our + enemies. They are unprofitable, and possibly unpatriotic. Somebody must + yield, or we waste our strength in a contemptible struggle among + ourselves. + </p> + <p> + "You appeal to the loyal men of the Slave States to sacrifice something of + feeling and a great deal of interest. The sacrifices they have already + made and the sufferings they have endured give the best assurance that the + appeal will not have been made in vain. He who is not ready to yield all + his material interests, and to forego his most cherished sentiments and + opinions for the preservation of his Country, although he may have periled + his life on the battle-field in her defense, is but half a Patriot. Among + the loyal people that I represent, there are no half-patriots. + </p> + <p> + "Already the Rebellion has cost us much, even to our undoing; we are + content, if need be, to give up the rest, to suppress it. We have stood by + you from the beginning of this struggle, and we mean to stand by you, God + willing, till the end of it. + </p> + <p> + "I did not vote for the Resolution to which you allude, solely for the + reason that I was absent at the Capital of my own State. It is right. + </p> + <p> + "Should any of the Slave States think proper to terminate that + Institution, as several of them, I understand, or at least some of their + citizens propose, justice and a generous comity require that the Country + should interpose to aid in lessening the burden, public and private, + occasioned by so radical a change in its social and industrial relations. + </p> + <p> + "I will not now speculate upon the effect, at home or abroad, of the + adoption of your policy, nor inquire what action of the Rebel leaders has + rendered something of the kind important. Your whole administration gives + the highest assurance that you are moved, not so much from a desire to see + all men everywhere made free, as from a higher desire to preserve free + institutions for the benefit of men already free; not to make Slaves, + Freemen, but to prevent Freemen from being made Slaves; not to destroy an + Institution, which a portion of us only consider bad, but to save + institutions which we all alike consider good. I am satisfied you would + not ask from any of your fellow-citizens a sacrifice not, in your + judgment, imperatively required by the safety of the Country. + </p> + <p> + "This is the spirit of your appeal, and I respond to it in the same + spirit. + </p> + <p> + "I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "HORACE MAYNARD. + </p> + <p> + "To the PRESIDENT." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + SENATOR HENDERSON'S REPLY. + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON CITY, July 21, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "MR. PRESIDENT:—The pressure of business in the Senate during the + last few days of the session prevented my attendance at the meeting of the + Border-State members, called to consider your proposition in reference to + gradual emancipation in our States. + </p> + <p> + "It is for this reason only, and not because I fail to appreciate their + importance or properly respect your suggestions, that my name does not + appear to any of the several papers submitted in response. I may also add + that it was my intention, when the subject came up practically for + consideration in the Senate, to express fully my views in regard to it. + This of course would have rendered any other response unnecessary. But the + want of time to consider the matter deprived me of that opportunity, and, + lest now my silence be misconstrued, I deem it proper to say to you that I + am by no means indifferent to the great questions so earnestly, and as I + believe so honestly, urged by you upon our consideration. + </p> + <p> + "The Border States, so far, are the chief sufferers by this War, and the + true Union men of those States have made the greatest sacrifices for the + preservation of the Government. This fact does not proceed from + mismanagement on the part of the Union authorities, or a want of regard + for our people, but it is the necessary result of the War that is upon us. + </p> + <p> + "Our States are the battle-fields. Our people, divided among themselves, + maddened by the struggle, and blinded by the smoke of battle, invited upon + our soil contending armies—the one to destroy the Government, the + other to maintain it. The consequence to us is plain. The shock of the + contest upturns Society and desolates the Land. We have made sacrifices, + but at last they were only the sacrifices demanded by duty, and unless we + are willing to make others, indeed any that the good of the Country, + involved in the overthrow of Treason, may expect at our hands, our title + to patriotism is not complete. + </p> + <p> + "When you submitted your proposition to Congress, in March last, 'that the + United States ought to co-operate with any State which may adopt a gradual + abolishment of Slavery, giving to such State pecuniary aid, to be used by + such State in its discretion, to compensate for the inconveniences, public + and private, produced by such change of system,' I gave it a most cheerful + support, and I am satisfied it would have received the approbation of a + large majority of the Border States delegations in both Branches of + Congress, if, in the first place, they had believed the War, with its + continued evils—the most prominent of which, in a material point of + view, is its injurious effect on the Institution of Slavery in our States—could + possibly have been protracted for another twelve months; and if, in the + second place, they had felt assured that the party having the majority in + Congress would, like yourself, be equally prompt in practical action as in + the expression of a sentiment. + </p> + <p> + "While scarcely any one doubted your own sincerity in the premises, and + your earnest wish speedily to terminate the War, you can readily conceive + the grounds for difference of opinion where conclusions could only be + based on conjecture. + </p> + <p> + "Believing, as I did, that the War was not so near its termination as some + supposed, and feeling disposed to accord to others the same sincerity of + purpose that I should claim for myself under similar circumstances, I + voted for the proposition. I will suppose that others were actuated by no + sinister motives. + </p> + <p> + "In doing so, Mr. President, I desire to be distinctly understood by you + and by my constituents. I did not suppose at the time that I was + personally making any sacrifice by supporting the Resolution, nor that the + people of my State were called upon to make any sacrifices, either in + considering or accepting the proposition, if they saw fit. + </p> + <p> + "I agreed with you in the remarks contained in the Message accompanying + the Resolution, that 'the Union must be preserved, and hence all + indispensable means must be employed. * * * War has been and continues to + be an indispensable means to this end. A practical reacknowledgment of the + National authority would render the War unnecessary, and it would at once + cease. If, however, resistance continues, the War must also continue; and + it is impossible to foresee all the incidents which may attend and all the + ruin which may follow it.' + </p> + <p> + "It is truly 'impossible' to foresee all the evils resulting from a War so + stupendous as the present. I shall be much rejoiced if something more + dreadful than the sale of Freedom to a few Slaves in the Border States + shall not result from it. + </p> + <p> + "If it closes with the Government of our Fathers secure, and + Constitutional Liberty in all its purity guaranteed to the White man, the + result will be better than that having a place in the fears of many good + men at present, and much better than the past history of such revolutions + can justify us in expecting. + </p> + <p> + "In this period of the Nation's distress, I know of no human institution + too sacred for discussion; no material interest belonging to the citizen + that he should not willingly place upon the altar of his Country, if + demanded by the public good. + </p> + <p> + "The man who cannot now sacrifice Party and put aside selfish + considerations is more than half disloyal. Such a man does not deserve the + blessings of good government. Pride of opinion, based upon Sectional + jealousies, should not be permitted to control the decision of any + political question. These remarks are general, but apply with peculiar + force to the People of the Border States at present. + </p> + <p> + "Let us look at our condition. A desolating War is upon us. We cannot + escape it if we would. If the Union Armies were to-day withdrawn from the + Border States without first crushing the Rebellion in the South, no + rational man can doubt for a moment that the adherents of the Union Cause + in those States would soon be driven in exile from their homes by the + exultant Rebels, who have so long hoped to return and take vengeance upon + us. + </p> + <p> + "The People of the Border States understand very well the unfriendly and + selfish spirit exercised toward them by the leaders of this Cotton-State + Rebellion, beginning some time previous to its outbreak. They will not + fail to remember their insolent refusal to counsel with us, and their + haughty assumption of responsibility upon themselves for their misguided + action. + </p> + <p> + "Our people will not soon forget that, while declaiming against Coercion, + they closed their doors against the exportation of Slaves from the Border + States into the South, with the avowed purpose of forcing us into + Rebellion through fears of losing that species of Property. They knew very + well the effect to be produced on Slavery by a Civil War, especially in + those States into which hostile Armies might penetrate, and upon the soil + of which the great contests for the success of Republican Government were + to be decided. + </p> + <p> + "They wanted some intermediate ground for the conflict of arms-territory + where the population would be divided. They knew, also, that by keeping + Slavery in the Border States the mere 'friction and abrasion' to which you + so appropriately allude, would keep up a constant irritation, resulting + necessarily from the frequent losses to which the owners would be + subjected. + </p> + <p> + "They also calculated largely, and not without reason, upon the repugnance + of Non-Slaveholders in those States to a Free Negro population. In the + meantime they intended persistently to charge the overthrow of Slavery to + be the object of the Government, and hostility to this Institution the + origin of the War. By this means the unavoidable incidents of the strife + might easily he charged as the settled purposes of the Government. + </p> + <p> + "Again, it was well understood, by these men, that exemplary conduct on + the part of every officer and soldier employed by the Government could not + in the nature of things be expected, and the hope was entertained, upon + the most reasonable grounds, that every commission of wrong and every + omission of duty would produce a new cause for excitement and a new + incentive to Rebellion. + </p> + <p> + "By these means the War was to be kept in the Border States, regardless of + our interests, until an exhausted Treasury should render it necessary to + send the tax-gatherer among our people, to take the little that might be + left them from the devastations of War. + </p> + <p> + "They then expected a clamor for Peace by us, resulting in the + interference of France and England, whose operatives in the meantime would + be driven to want, and whose aristocracy have ever been ready to welcome a + dissolution of the American Union. + </p> + <p> + "This cunningly-devised plan for securing a Gulf-Confederacy, commanding + the mouths of the great Western rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and the + Southern Atlantic ocean, with their own territory unscathed by the horrors + of war, and surrounded by the Border States, half of whose population + would be left in sympathy with them, for many years to come, owing to the + irritations to which I have alluded, has, so far, succeeded too well. + </p> + <p> + "In Missouri they have already caused us to lose a third or more of the + Slaves owned at the time of the last census. In addition to this, I can + make no estimate of the vast amount of property of every character that + has been destroyed by Military operations in the State. The loss from + general depreciation of values, and the utter prostration of every + business-interest of our people, is wholly beyond calculation. + </p> + <p> + "The experience of Missouri is but the experience of other Sections of the + Country similarly situated. The question is therefore forced upon us, 'How + long is this War to continue; and, if continued, as it has been, on our + soil, aided by the Treason and folly of our own citizens, acting in + concert with the Confederates, how long can Slavery, or, if you please, + any other property-interest, survive in our States?' + </p> + <p> + "As things now are, the people of the Border-States yet divided, we cannot + expect an immediate termination of the struggle, except upon condition of + Southern Independence, losing thereby control of the lower Mississippi. + For this, we in Missouri are not prepared, nor are we prepared to become + one of the Confederate States, should the terrible calamity of Dissolution + occur. + </p> + <p> + "This, I presume, the Union men of Missouri would resist to the death. And + whether they should do so or not, I will not suppose for an instant, that + the Government of the United States would, upon any condition, submit to + the loss of territory so essential to its future commercial greatness as + is the State of Missouri. + </p> + <p> + "But should all other reasons fail to prevent such a misfortune to our + people of Missouri, there is one that cannot fail. The Confederates never + wanted us, and would not have us. I assume, therefore, that the War will + not cease, but will be continued until the Rebellion shall be overcome. It + cannot and will not cease, so far as the people of Missouri are concerned, + except upon condition of our remaining in the Union, and the whole West + will demand the entire control of the Mississippi river to the Gulf. + </p> + <p> + "Our interest is therefore bound up with the interests of those States + maintaining the Union, and especially with the great States of the West + that must be consulted in regard to the terms of any Peace that may be + suggested, even by the Nations of Europe, should they at any time + unfortunately depart from their former pacific policy and determine to + intervene in our affairs. + </p> + <p> + "The War, then, will have to be continued until the Union shall be + practically restored. In this alone consists the future safety of the + Border-States themselves. A separation of the Union is ruinous to them. + The preservation of the Union can only be secured by a continuation of the + War. The consequences of that continuation may be judged of by the + experience of the last twelve months. The people of my State are as + competent to pass judgment in the premises as I am. I have every + confidence in their intelligence, their honesty, and their patriotism. + </p> + <p> + "In your own language, the proposition you make 'sets up no claim of a + right by Federal authority to interfere with Slavery within State limits,' + referring, as it does, the absolute control of the subject in each case to + the State and its people immediately interested. It is proposed as a + matter of perfectly free choice with them. + </p> + <p> + "In this view of the subject I can frankly say to you that, personally, I + never could appreciate the objections so frequently urged against the + proposition. If I understood you properly, it was your opinion, not that + Slavery should be removed in order to secure our loyalty to the + Government, for every personal act of your administration precludes such + an inference, but you believe that the peculiar species of Property was in + imminent danger from the War in which we were engaged, and that common + justice demanded remuneration for the loss of it. + </p> + <p> + "You then believe, and again express the opinion, that the peculiar nature + of the contest is such that its loss is almost inevitable, and lest any + pretext for a charge of injustice against the Government be given to its + enemies, you propose to extend to the people of those States standing by + the Union, the choice of payment for their Slaves or the responsibility of + loss, should it occur, without complaint against the Government. + </p> + <p> + "Placing the matter in this light, (a mere remuneration for losses + rendered inevitable by the casualties of War), the objection of a + Constitutional character may be rendered much less formidable in the minds + of Northern Representatives whose constituents will have to share in the + payment of the money; and, so far as the Border States are concerned, this + objection should be most sparingly urged, for it being a matter entirely + of their 'own free choice,' in case of a desire to accept, no serious + argument will likely be urged against the receipt of the money, or a fund + for Colonization. + </p> + <p> + "But, aside from the power derived from the operations of war, there may + be found numerous precedents in the legislation of the past, such as + grants of land and money to the several States for specified objects + deemed worthy by the Federal Congress. And in addition to this may be + cited a deliberate opinion of Mr. Webster upon this very subject, in one + of the ablest arguments of his life. + </p> + <p> + "I allude to this question of power merely in vindication of the position + assumed by me in my vote for the Resolution of March last. + </p> + <p> + "In your last communication to us, you beg of us 'to commend this subject + to the consideration of our States and people.' While I entirely differ + with you in the opinion expressed, that had the members from the Border + States approved of your Resolution of March last 'the War would now be + substantially ended,' and while I do not regard the suggestion 'as one of + the most potent and swift means of ending' the War, I am yet free to say + that I have the most unbounded confidence in your sincerity of purpose in + calling our attention to the dangers surrounding us. + </p> + <p> + "I am satisfied that you appreciate the troubles of the Border States, and + that your suggestions are intended for our good. I feel the force of your + urgent appeal, and the logic of surrounding circumstances brings + conviction even to an unwilling believer. + </p> + <p> + "Having said that, in my judgment, you attached too much importance to + this measure as a means for suppressing the Rebellion, it is due to you + that I shall explain. + </p> + <p> + "Whatever may be the status of the Border States in this respect, the War + cannot be ended until the power of the Government is made manifest in the + seceded States. They appealed to the sword; give them the sword. They + asked for War; let them see its evils on their own soil. + </p> + <p> + "They have erected a Government, and they force obedience to its behests. + This structure must be destroyed; this image, before which an unwilling + People have been compelled to bow, must be broken. The authority of the + Federal Government must be felt in the heart of the rebellious district. + To do this, let armies be marched upon them at once, and let them feel + what they have inflicted on us in the Border. Do not fear our States; we + will stand by the Government in this work. + </p> + <p> + "I ought not to disguise from you or the people of my State, that + personally I have fixed and unalterable opinions on the subject of your + communication. Those opinions I shall communicate to the people in that + spirit of frankness that should characterize the intercourse of the + Representative with his constituents. + </p> + <p> + "If I were to-day the owner of the lands and Slaves of Missouri, your + proposition, so far as that State is concerned, would be immediately + accepted. Not a day would be lost. Aside from public considerations, which + you suppose to be involved in the proposition, and which no Patriot, I + agree, should disregard at present, my own personal interest would prompt + favorable and immediate action. + </p> + <p> + "But having said this, it is proper that I say something more. The + Representative is the servant and not the master of the People. He has no + authority to bind them to any course of action, or even to indicate what + they will, or will not, do when the subject is exclusively theirs and not + his. + </p> + <p> + "I shall take occasion, I hope honestly, to give my views of existing + troubles and impending dangers, and shall leave the rest to them, + disposed, as I am, rather to trust their judgment upon the case stated + than my own, and at the same time most cheerfully to acquiesce in their + decision. + </p> + <p> + "For you, personally, Mr. President, I think I can pledge the kindest + considerations of the people of Missouri, and I shall not hesitate to + express the belief that your recommendation will be considered by them in + the same spirit of kindness manifested by you in its presentation to us, + and that their decision will be such as is demanded 'by their interests, + their honor, and their duty to the whole Country.' + </p> + <p> + "I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, + </p> + <p> + "J. B. HENDERSON. + </p> + <p> + "To his Excellency,<br /> "A. LINCOLN, PRESIDENT." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkbaker" id="linkbaker"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p354-baker.jpg (76K)" src="images/p354-baker.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch18" id="linkch18"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + <br /> <br /> CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> <br /> FREEDOM PROCLAIMED TO ALL. + </h2> + <p> + While mentally revolving the question of Emancipation—now, evidently + "coming to a head,"—no inconsiderable portion of Mr. Lincoln's + thoughts centered upon, and his perplexities grew out of, his assumption + that the "physical difference" between the Black and White—the + African and Caucasian races, precluded the idea of their living together + in the one land as Free men and equals. + </p> + <p> + In his speeches during the great Lincoln-Douglas debate we have seen this + idea frequently advanced, and so, in his later public utterances as + President. + </p> + <p> + As in his appeal to the Congressional delegations from the Border-States + on the 12th of July, 1862, he had held out to them the hope that "the + Freed people will not be so reluctant to go" to his projected colony in + South America, when their "numbers shall be large enough to be company and + encouragement for one another," so, at a later date—on the 14th of + August following—he appealed to the Colored Free men themselves to + help him found a proposed Negro colony in New Granada, and thus aid in the + solution of this part of the knotty problem, by the disenthrallment of the + new race from its unhappy environments here. + </p> + <p> + The substance of the President's interesting address, at the White House, + to the delegation of Colored men, for whom he had sent, was thus reported + at the time: + </p> + <p> + "Having all been seated, the President, after a few preliminary + observations, informed them that a sum of money had been appropriated by + Congress, and placed at his disposition, for the purpose of aiding the + colonization in some country of the people, or a portion of them, of + African descent, thereby making it his duty, as it had for a long time + been his inclination, to favor that cause; and why, he asked, should the + people of your race be colonized, and where? + </p> + <p> + "Why should they leave this Country? This is perhaps the first question + for proper consideration. You and we are different races. We have between + us a broader difference than exists between almost any other two races. + Whether it is right or wrong I need not discuss; but this physical + difference is a great disadvantage to us both, as I think. Your race + suffers very greatly, many of them by living among us, while ours suffers + from your presence. In a word we suffer on each side. If this is admitted, + it affords a reason, at least, why we should be separated. You here are + Freemen, I suppose? + </p> + <p> + "A VOICE—Yes, Sir. + </p> + <p> + "THE PRESIDENT—Perhaps you have long been free, or all your lives. + Your race are suffering, in my judgment, the greatest wrong inflicted on + any people. But even when you cease to be Slaves, you are yet far removed + from being placed on an equality with the White race. You are cut off from + many of the advantages which the other race enjoys. The aspiration of men + is to enjoy equality with the best when free; but on this broad continent + not a single man of your race is made the equal of a single man of ours. + Go where you are treated the best, and the ban is still upon you. I do not + propose to discuss this, but to present it as a fact, with which we have + to deal. I cannot alter it if I would. It is a fact about which we all + think and feel alike, I and you. We look to our condition. + </p> + <p> + "Owing to the existence of the two races on this continent, I need not + recount to you the effects upon White men, growing out of the institution + of Slavery. I believe in its general evil effects on the White race. See + our present condition—the Country engaged in War! our white men + cutting one another's throats—none knowing how far it will extend—and + then consider what we know to be the truth. But for your race among us + there could not be War, although many men engaged on either side do not + care for you one way or the other. Nevertheless, I repeat, without the + institution of Slavery, and the Colored race as a basis, the War could not + have an existence. It is better for us both, therefore, to be separated. + </p> + <p> + "I know that there are Free men among you who, even if they could better + their condition, are not as much inclined to go out of the Country as + those who, being Slaves, could obtain their Freedom on this condition. I + suppose one of the principal difficulties in the way of colonization is + that the free colored man cannot see that his comfort would be advanced by + it. You may believe that you can live in Washington, or elsewhere in the + United States, the remainder of your life; perhaps more so than you can in + any foreign country, and hence you may come to the conclusion that you + have nothing to do with the idea of going to a foreign country. + </p> + <p> + "This is, (I speak in no unkind sense) an extremely selfish view of the + case. But you ought to do something to help those who are not so fortunate + as yourselves. There is an unwillingness on the part of our People, harsh + as it may be, for you free Colored people to remain with us. Now if you + could give a start to the White people you would open a wide door for many + to be made free. If we deal with those who are not free at the beginning, + and whose intellects are clouded by Slavery, we have very poor material to + start with. + </p> + <p> + "If intelligent Colored men, such as are before me, could move in this + matter, much might be accomplished. It is exceedingly important that we + have men at the beginning capable of thinking as White men, and not those + who have been systematically oppressed. There is much to encourage you. + </p> + <p> + "For the sake of your race you should sacrifice something of your present + comfort for the purpose of being as grand in that respect as the White + people. It is a cheering thought throughout life, that something can be + done to ameliorate the condition of those who have been subject to the + hard usages of the World. It is difficult to make a man miserable while he + feels he is worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made + him. + </p> + <p> + "In the American Revolutionary War, sacrifices were made by men engaged in + it, but they were cheered by the future. General Washington himself + endured greater physical hardships than if he had remained a British + subject, yet he was a happy man, because he was engaged in benefiting his + race, in doing something for the children of his neighbors, having none of + his own. + </p> + <p> + "The Colony of Liberia has been in existence a long time. In a certain + sense it is a success. The old President of Liberia, Roberts, has just + been with me the first time I ever saw him. He says they have, within the + bounds of that Colony, between three and four hundred thousand people, or + more than in some of our old States, such as Rhode Island, or Delaware, or + in some of our newer States, and less than in some of our larger ones. + They are not all American colonists or their descendants. Something less + than 12,000 have been sent thither from this Country. Many of the original + settlers have died, yet, like people elsewhere, their offspring outnumber + those deceased. + </p> + <p> + "The question is, if the Colored people are persuaded to go anywhere, why + not there? One reason for unwillingness to do so is that some of you would + rather remain within reach of the country of your nativity. I do not know + how much attachment you may have toward our race. It does not strike me + that you have the greatest reason to love them. But still you are attached + to them at all events. + </p> + <p> + "The place I am thinking about having for a colony, is in Central America. + It is nearer to us than Liberia—not much more than one-fourth as far + as Liberia, and within seven days' run by steamers. Unlike Liberia, it is + a great line of travel—it is a highway. The country is a very + excellent one for any people, and with great natural resources and + advantages, and especially because of the similarity of climate with your + native soil, thus being suited to your physical condition. + </p> + <p> + "The particular place I have in view, is to be a great highway from the + Atlantic or Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, and this particular place + has all the advantages for a colony. On both sides there are harbors among + the finest in the World. Again, there is evidence of very rich coal mines. + A certain amount of coal is valuable in any country. Why I attach so much + importance to coal is, it will afford an opportunity to the inhabitants + for immediate employment till they get ready to settle permanently in + their homes. + </p> + <p> + "If you take colonists where there is no good landing, there is a bad + show; and so, where there is nothing to cultivate, and of which to make a + farm. But if something is started so that you can get your daily bread as + soon as you reach there, it is a great advantage. Coal land is the best + thing I know of, with which to commence an enterprise. + </p> + <p> + "To return—you have been talked to upon this subject, and told that + a speculation is intended by gentlemen who have an interest in the + country, including the coal mines. We have been mistaken all our lives if + we do not know Whites, as well as Blacks, look to their self-interest. + Unless among those deficient of intellect, everybody you trade with makes + something. You meet with these things here and everywhere. If such persons + have what will be an advantage to them, the question is, whether it cannot + be made of advantage to you? + </p> + <p> + "You are intelligent, and know that success does not as much depend on + external help, as on self-reliance. Much, therefore, depends upon + yourselves. As to the coal mines, I think I see the means available for + your self-reliance. I shall, if I get a sufficient number of you engaged, + have provision made that you shall not be wronged. If you will engage in + the enterprise, I will spend some of the money intrusted to me. I am not + sure you will succeed. The Government may lose the money, but we cannot + succeed unless we try; but we think, with care, we can succeed. + </p> + <p> + "The political affairs in Central America are not in quite as satisfactory + condition as I wish. There are contending factions in that quarter; but it + is true, all the factions are agreed alike on the subject of colonization, + and want it; and are more generous than we are here. To your Colored race + they have no objection. Besides, I would endeavor to have you made equals, + and have the best assurance that you should be the equals of the best. + </p> + <p> + "The practical thing I want to ascertain is, whether I can get a number of + able-bodied men, with their wives and children, who are willing to go, + when I present evidence of encouragement and protection. Could I get a + hundred tolerably intelligent men, with their wives and children, and able + to 'cut their own fodder' so to speak? Can I have fifty? If I could find + twenty-five able-bodied men, with a mixture of women and children—good + things in the family relation, I think I could make a successful + commencement. + </p> + <p> + "I want you to let me know whether this can be done or not. This is the + practical part of my wish to see you. These are subjects of very great + importance—worthy of a month's study, of a speech delivered in an + hour. I ask you, then, to consider seriously, not as pertaining to + yourselves merely, nor for your race, and ours, for the present time, but + as one of the things, if successfully managed, for the good of mankind—not + confined to the present generation, but as: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + 'From age to age descends the lay<br /> To millions yet to be,<br /> Till + far its echoes roll away<br /> Into eternity.'"<br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + President Lincoln's well-meant colored colonization project, however, fell + through, owing partly to opposition to it in Central America, and partly + to the very natural and deeply-rooted disinclination of the Colored free + men to leave the land of their birth. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, limited Military Emancipation of Slaves was announced and + regulated, on the 22d July, 1862, by the following Executive Instructions, + which were issued from the War Department by order of the President—the + issue of which was assigned by Jefferson Davis as one reason for his Order + of August 1, 1862, directing "that the commissioned officers of Pope's and + Steinwehr's commands be not entitled, when captured, to be treated as + soldiers and entitled to the benefit of the cartel of exchange:" + </p> + <p> + "WAR DEPARTMENT,<br /> "WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "First. Ordered that Military Commanders within the States of Virginia, + North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, + and Arkansas, in an orderly manner seize and use any property, real or + personal, which may be necessary or convenient for their several commands, + for supplies, or for other Military purposes; and that while property may + be destroyed for proper Military objects, none shall be destroyed in + wantonness or malice. + </p> + <p> + "Second. That Military and Naval Commanders shall employ as laborers, + within and from said States, so many Persons of African descent as can be + advantageously used for Military or Naval purposes, giving them reasonable + wages for their labor. + </p> + <p> + "Third. That, as to both property, and Persons of African descent, + accounts shall be kept sufficiently accurate and in detail to show + quantities and amounts, and from whom both property and such Persons shall + have come, as a basis upon which compensation can be made in proper cases; + and the several departments of this Government shall attend to and perform + their appropriate parts towards the execution of these orders. + </p> + <p> + "By Order of the President: + </p> + <p> + "EDWIN M. STANTON,<br /> "Secretary of War." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + On the 9th of August, 1862, Major General McClellan promulgated the + Executive Order of July 22, 1862, from his Headquarters at Harrison's + Landing, Va., with certain directions of his own, among which were the + following: + </p> + <p> + "Inhabitants, especially women and children, remaining peaceably at their + homes, must not be molested; and wherever commanding officers find + families peculiarly exposed in their persons or property to marauding from + this Army, they will, as heretofore, so far as they can do with safety and + without detriment to the service, post guards for their protection. + </p> + <p> + "In protecting private property, no reference is intended to Persons held + to service or labor by reason of African Descent. Such Persons will be + regarded by this Army, as they heretofore have been, as occupying simply a + peculiar legal status under State laws, which condition the Military + authorities of the United States are not required to regard at all in + districts where Military operations are made necessary by the rebellious + action of the State governments. + </p> + <p> + "Persons subject to suspicion of hostile purposes, residing or being near + our Forces, will be, as heretofore, subject to arrest and detention, until + the cause or necessity is removed. All such arrested parties will be sent, + as usual, to the Provost-Marshal General, with a statement of the facts in + each case. + </p> + <p> + "The General Commanding takes this occasion to remind the officers and + soldiers of this Army that we are engaged in supporting the Constitution + and the Laws of the United States and suppressing Rebellion against their + authority; that we are not engaged in a War of rapine, revenge, or + subjugation; that this is not a contest against populations, but against + armed forces and political organizations; that it is a struggle carried on + with the United States, and should be conducted by us upon the highest + principles known to Christian civilization. + </p> + <p> + "Since this Army commenced active operations, Persons of African descent, + including those held to service or labor under State laws, have always + been received, protected, and employed as laborers at wages. Hereafter it + shall be the duty of the Provost-Marshal General to cause lists to be made + of all persons of African descent employed in this Army as laborers for + Military purposes—such lists being made sufficiently accurate and in + detail to show from whom such persons shall have come. + </p> + <p> + "Persons so subject and so employed have always understood that after + being received into the Military service of the United States, in any + capacity, they could never be reclaimed by their former holders. Except + upon such understanding on their part, the order of the President, as to + this class of Persons, would be inoperative. The General Commanding + therefore feels authorized to declare to all such employees, that they + will receive permanent Military protection against any compulsory return + to a condition of servitude." + </p> + <p> + Public opinion was now rapidly advancing, under the pressure of Military + necessity, and the energetic efforts of the immediate Emancipationists, to + a belief that Emancipation by Presidential Proclamation would be wise and + efficacious as an instrumentality toward subduing the Rebellion; that it + must come, sooner or later—and the sooner, the better. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, great fault was found, by some of these, with what they + characterized as President Lincoln's "obstinate slowness" to come up to + their advanced ideas on the subject. He was even accused of failing to + execute existing laws touching confiscation of Slaves of Rebels coming + within the lines of the Union Armies. On the 19th of August, 1862, a + letter was addressed to him by Horace Greeley which concluded thus: + </p> + <p> + "On the face of this wide Earth, Mr. President, there is not one + disinterested, determined, intelligent champion of the Union Cause who + does not feel that all attempts to put down the Rebellion, and at the same + time uphold its inciting cause, are preposterous and futile—that the + Rebellion, if crushed out to-morrow, would be renewed within a year if + Slavery were left in full vigor—that Army officers, who remain to + this day devoted to Slavery, can at best be but half-way loyal to the + Union—and that every hour of deference to Slavery is an hour of + added and deepened peril to the Union. + </p> + <p> + "I appeal to the testimony of your embassadors in Europe. It is freely at + your service, not mine. Ask them to tell you candidly whether the seeming + subserviency of your policy to the Slaveholding, Slavery-upholding + interest, is not the perplexity, the despair, of Statesmen of all parties; + and be admonished by the general answer. + </p> + <p> + "I close, as I began, with the statement that what an immense majority of + the loyal millions of your countrymen require of you, is a frank, + declared, unqualified, ungrudging execution of the Laws of the Land, more + especially of the Confiscation Act. That Act gives Freedom to the Slaves + of Rebels coming within our lines, or whom those lines may at any time + inclose. We ask you to render it due obedience by publicly requiring all + your subordinates to recognize and obey it. + </p> + <p> + "The Rebels are everywhere using the late Anti-Negro riots in the North + —as they have long used your officers' treatment of Negroes in the + South—to convince the Slaves that they have nothing to hope from a + Union success—that we mean in that case to sell them into a bitter + Bondage to defray the cost of the War. + </p> + <p> + "Let them impress this as a truth on the great mass of their ignorant and + credulous Bondmen, and the Union will never be restored—never. We + can not conquer ten millions of people united in solid phalanx against us, + powerfully aided by Northern sympathizers and European allies. + </p> + <p> + "We must have scouts, guides, spies, cooks, teamsters, diggers, and + choppers, from the Blacks of the South—whether we allow them to + fight for us or not—or we shall be baffled and repelled. + </p> + <p> + "As one of the Millions who would gladly have avoided this struggle, at + any sacrifice but that of principle and honor, but who now feel that the + triumph of the Union is indispensable not only to the existence of our + Country, but to the well-being of mankind, I entreat you to render a + hearty and unequivocal obedience to the Law of the Land.<br /> "Yours,<br /> + "HORACE GREELEY." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + To this letter, President Lincoln at once made the following memorable + reply: + </p> + <p> + "EXECUTIVE MANSION,<br /> "WASHINGTON, Friday, August 22, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "HON. HORACE GREELEY + </p> + <p> + "DEAR SIR:—I have just read yours of the 19th inst. addressed to + myself through the New York Tribune. + </p> + <p> + "If there be in it any statements or assumptions of fact which I may know + to be erroneous, I do not now and here controvert them. + </p> + <p> + "If there be any inferences which I may believe to be falsely drawn, I do + not now and here argue against them. + </p> + <p> + "If there be perceptible in it an impatient and dictatorial tone, I waive + it in deference to an old friend whose heart I have always supposed to be + right. + </p> + <p> + "As to the policy I 'seem to be pursuing,' as you say, I have not meant to + leave any one in doubt. I would save the Union. I would save it in the + shortest way under the Constitution. + </p> + <p> + "The sooner the National authority can be restored, the nearer the Union + will be—the Union as it was. + </p> + <p> + "If there be those who would not save the Union unless they could at the + same time save Slavery, I do not agree with them. + </p> + <p> + "If there be those who would not save the Union unless they could at the + same time destroy Slavery, I do not agree, with them. + </p> + <p> + "My paramount object is to save the Union and not either to save or + destroy Slavery. + </p> + <p> + "If I could save the Union without freeing any Slave, I would do it—and + if I could save it by freeing all the Slaves, I would do it—and if I + could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do + that. + </p> + <p> + "What I do about Slavery and the Colored race, I do because I believe it + helps to save the Union, and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not + believe it would help to save the Union. + </p> + <p> + "I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause, + and shall do more whenever I believe doing more will help the cause. + </p> + <p> + "I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors, and I shall adopt + new views so fast as they shall appear to be true views. + </p> + <p> + "I have here stated my purpose according to my view of official duty, and + I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men + everywhere could be free.<br /> "Yours,<br /> "A. LINCOLN." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + On the 13th of September, 1862, a deputation from all the religious + denominations of Chicago presented to President Lincoln a memorial for the + immediate issue of a Proclamation of Emancipation, to which, and the + Chairman's remarks, he thus replied: + </p> + <p> + "The subject presented in the Memorial is one upon which I have thought + much for weeks past, and I may even say, for months. I am approached with + the most opposite opinions, and advice, and that by religious men, who are + equally certain that they represent the Divine will. I am sure that either + the one or the other class is mistaken in that belief, and perhaps, in + some respects, both. I hope it will not be irreverent for me to say that + if it is probable that God would reveal His will to others, on a point so + connected with my duty, it might be supposed He would reveal it directly + to me; for, unless I am more deceived in myself than I often am, it is my + earnest desire to know the will of Providence in this matter. And if I can + learn what it is, I will do it! + </p> + <p> + "These are not, however, the days of miracles, and I suppose it will be + granted that I am not to expect a direct Revelation; I must study the + plain physical aspects of the case, ascertain what is possible, and learn + what appears to be wise and right! + </p> + <p> + "The subject is difficult, and good men do not agree. For instance, the + other day, four gentlemen, of standing and intelligence, from New York, + called, as a delegation, on business connected with the War; but, before + leaving, two of them earnestly besought me to proclaim general + Emancipation, upon which the other two at once attacked them. + </p> + <p> + "You know also that the last Session of Congress had a decided majority of + Anti-Slavery men, yet they could not unite on this policy. And the same is + true of the religious people; why the Rebel soldiers are praying with a + great deal more earnestness, I fear, than our own troops, and expecting + God to favor their side; for one of our soldiers, who had been taken + prisoner, told Senator Wilson, a few days since, that he met nothing so + discouraging as the evident sincerity of those he was among in their + prayers. But we will talk over the merits of the case. + </p> + <p> + "What good would a Proclamation of Emancipation from me do, especially as + we are now situated? I do not want to issue a document that the whole + World will see must necessarily be inoperative, like the Pope's Bull + against the Comet! Would my word free the Slaves, when I cannot even + enforce the Constitution in the Rebel States? Is there a single Court or + Magistrate, or individual that would be influenced by it there? And what + reason is there to think it would have any greater effect upon the Slaves + than the late law of Congress, which I approved and which offers + protection and Freedom to the Slaves of Rebel masters who came within our + lines? Yet I cannot learn that that law has caused a single Slave to come + over to us. + </p> + <p> + "And suppose they could be induced by a Proclamation of Freedom from me to + throw themselves upon us, what should we do with them? How can we feed and + care for such a multitude? General Butler wrote me a few days since that + he was issuing more rations to the Slaves who have rushed to him, than to + all the White troops under his command. They eat, and that is all; though + it is true General Butler is feeding the Whites also, by the thousand; for + it nearly amounts to a famine there. + </p> + <p> + "If, now, the pressure of the War should call off our forces from New + Orleans to defend some other point, what is to prevent the masters from + reducing the Blacks to Slavery again; for I am told that whenever the + Rebels take any Black prisoners, Free or Slave, they immediately auction + them off! They did so with those they took from a boat that was aground in + the Tennessee river a few days ago. + </p> + <p> + "And then I am very ungenerously attacked for it! For instance, when, + after the late battles at and near Bull Run, an expedition went out from + Washington, under a flag of truce, to bury the dead and bring in the + wounded, and the Rebels seized the Blacks who went along to help, and sent + them into Slavery, Horace Greeley said in his paper that the Government + would probably do nothing about it. What could I do? + </p> + <p> + "Now, then, tell me, if you please, what possible result of good would + follow the issuing of such a Proclamation as you desire? Understand, I + raise no objections against it on legal or Constitutional grounds, for, as + Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, in time of War, I suppose I have + a right to take any measure which may best subdue the Enemy, nor do I urge + objections of a moral nature, in view of possible consequences of + insurrection and massacre at the South. I view this matter as a practical + War measure, to be decided on according to the advantages or disadvantages + it may offer to the suppression of the Rebellion. + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "I admit that Slavery is at the root of the Rebellion, or, at least, its + sine qua non. The ambition of politicians may have instigated them to act, + but they would have been impotent without Slavery as their instrument. I + will also concede that Emancipation would help us in Europe, and convince + them that we are incited by something more than ambition. I grant, + further, that it would help somewhat at the North, though not so much, I + fear, as you and those you represent imagine. + </p> + <p> + "Still, some additional strength would be added in that way to the War, + and then, unquestionably, it would weaken the Rebels by drawing off their + laborers, which is of great importance; but I am not so sure we could do + much with the Blacks. If we were to arm them, I fear that in a few weeks + the arms would be in the hands of the Rebels; and, indeed, thus far, we + have not had arms enough to equip our White troops. + </p> + <p> + "I will mention another thing, though it meet only your scorn and + contempt. There are 50,000 bayonets in the Union Army from the Border + Slave States. It would be a serious matter if, in consequence of a + Proclamation such as you desire, they should go over to the Rebels. I do + not think they all would—not so many, indeed, as a year ago, or as + six months ago—not so many to-day, as yesterday. Every day increases + their Union feeling. They are also getting their pride enlisted, and want + to beat the Rebels. + </p> + <p> + "Let me say one thing more: I think you should admit that we already have + an important principle to rally and unite the People, in the fact that + Constitutional Government is at stake. This is a fundamental idea going + down about as deep as anything! + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "Do not misunderstand me because I have mentioned these objections. They + indicate the difficulties that have thus far prevented my action in some + such way as you desire. + </p> + <p> + "I have not decided against a Proclamation of Liberty to the Slaves, but + hold the matter under advisement. And I can assure you that the subject is + on my mind, by day and night, more than any other. Whatever shall appear + to be God's will I will do. + </p> + <p> + "I trust that in the freedom with which I have canvassed your views I have + not in any respect injured your feelings." + </p> + <p> + On the 22d day of September, 1862, not only the Nation, but the whole + World, was electrified by the publication—close upon the heels of + the Union victory of Antietam—of the Proclamation of Emancipation—weighted + with consequences so wide and far-reaching that even at this late day they + cannot all be discerned. It was in these words: + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + "I, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States of America, and + Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy thereof, do hereby proclaim and + declare that hereafter, as heretofore, the War will be prosecuted for the + object of practically restoring the Constitutional relation between the + United States and each of the States and the people thereof, in which + States that relation is or may be suspended or disturbed. + </p> + <p> + "That it is my purpose, upon the next meeting of Congress, to again + recommend the adoption of a practical measure tendering pecuniary aid to + the free acceptance or rejection of all Slave States, so called, the + people whereof may not then be in Rebellion against the United States, and + which States may then have voluntarily adopted, or thereafter may + voluntarily adopt, immediate or gradual abolishment of Slavery within + their respective limits; and that the effort to colonize Persons of + African descent with their consent upon this continent or elsewhere, with + the previously obtained consent of the Governments existing there, will be + continued. + </p> + <p> + "That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand + eight hundred and sixty-three, all Persons held as Slaves within any State + or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in + Rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and + forever Free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including + the Military and Naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the + Freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such + persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual + Freedom. + </p> + <p> + "That the Executive will, on the first day of January aforesaid, by + Proclamation, designate the States and parts of States, if any, in which + the people thereof respectively, shall then be in Rebellion against the + United States; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall + on that day be, in good faith, represented in the Congress of the United + States by members chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the + qualified voters of such States shall have participated, shall, in the + absence of strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence + that such State, and the people thereof, are not in Rebellion against the + United States. + </p> + <p> + "That attention is hereby called to an Act of Congress entitled 'An Act to + make an additional Article of War,' approved March 31, 1862, and which Act + is in the words and figures following: + </p> + <p> + "'Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United + States of America in Congress assembled, That hereafter the following + shall be promulgated as an additional Article of War, for the government + of the Army of the United States, and shall be obeyed and observed as + such. + </p> + <p> + "ARTICLE—All officers or persons in the Military or Naval service of + the United States are prohibited from employing any of the forces under + their respective commands for the purpose of returning Fugitives from + service or labor who may have escaped from any persons to whom such + service or labor is claimed to be due, and any officer who shall be found + guilty by a court-martial of violating this article shall be dismissed + from the service. + </p> + <p> + "'SECTION 2.—And be it further enacted, That this Act shall take + effect from and after its passage.' + </p> + <p> + "Also to the ninth and tenth sections of an Act entitled 'An Act to + suppress Insurrection, to punish Treason and Rebellion, to seize and + confiscate property of Rebels, and for other purposes,' approved July 17, + 1862, and which sections are in the words and figures following: + </p> + <p> + "'SEC. 9.—And be it further enacted, That all Slaves of persons who + shall hereafter be engaged in Rebellion against the Government of the + United States or who shall in any way give aid or comfort thereto, + escaping from such persons and taking refuge within the lines of the Army; + and all Slaves captured from such persons or deserted by them, and coming + under the control of the Government of the United States; and all Slaves + of such persons found on [or] being within any place occupied by Rebel + forces and afterward occupied by the forces of the United States, shall be + deemed captives of war, and shall be forever Free of their servitude, and + not again held as Slaves. + </p> + <p> + "'SEC. 10.—And be it further enacted, That no Slave escaping into + any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, from any other State, + shall be delivered up, or in any way impeded or hindered of his liberty, + except for crime, or some offense against the laws, unless the person + claiming said Fugitive shall first make oath that the person to whom the + labor or service of such Fugitive is alleged to be due is his lawful + owner, and has not borne arms against the United States in the present + Rebellion, nor in any way given aid and comfort thereto; and no person + engaged in the Military or Naval service of the United States shall, under + any pretense whatever, assume to decide on the validity of the claim of + any person to the service or labor of any other person, or surrender up + any such Person to the claimant, on pain of being dismissed from the + service." + </p> + <p> + "And I do hereby enjoin upon and order all persons engaged in the Military + and Naval service of the United States to observe, obey, and enforce, + within their respective spheres of service, the Act and sections above + recited. + </p> + <p> + "And the Executive will in due time recommend that all citizens of the + United States who shall have remained loyal thereto throughout the + Rebellion shall (upon the restoration of the Constitutional relation + between the United States and their respective States and people, if that + relation shall have been suspended or disturbed) be compensated for all + losses by acts of the United States, including the loss of Slaves. + </p> + <p> + "In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. + </p> + <p> + "Done at the city of Washington this twenty-second day of September, in + the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the + Independence of the United States the eighty-seventh. + </p> + <p> + "By the President:<br /> "ABRAHAM LINCOLN. + </p> + <p> + "WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + This Proclamation, promising Freedom to an Enslaved race, was hailed with + acclamations everywhere save in the rebellious Southern-Slave States, and + in the Border-Slave States. + </p> + <p> + At a meeting of Governors of Loyal States, held at Altoona, Pennsylvania, + to take measures for the more active support of the Government, an Address + was adopted, on the very day that the Proclamation was promulgated, which + well expressed the general feeling prevailing throughout the Northern + States, at this time. It was in these patriotic words: + </p> + <p> + "After nearly one year and a half spent in contest with an armed and + gigantic Rebellion against the National Government of the United States, + the duty and purpose of the Loyal States and people continue, and must + always remain as they were at its origin—namely to restore and + perpetuate the authority of this Government and the life of the Nation. No + matter what consequences are involved in our fidelity, this work of + restoring the Republic, preserving the institutions of democratic Liberty, + and justifying the hopes and toils of our Fathers, shall not fail to be + performed. + </p> + <p> + "And we pledge, without hesitation, to the President of the United States, + the most loyal and cordial support, hereto as heretofore, in the exercise + of the functions of his great office. We recognize in him the chief + Executive magistrate of the Nation, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and + Navy of the United States, their responsible and constitutional head, + whose rightful authority and power, as well as the Constitutional powers + of Congress, must be rigorously and religiously guarded and preserved, as + the condition on which alone our form of Government and the constitutional + rights and liberties of the People themselves can be saved from the wreck + of anarchy or from the gulf 'despotism. + </p> + <p> + "In submission to the laws which may have been or which may be duly + enacted, and to the lawful orders of the President, cooperating always in + our own spheres with the National Government, we mean to continue in the + most rigorous exercise of all our lawful and proper powers, contending + against Treason, Rebellion, and the public Enemies, and, whether in public + life or in private station, supporting the arms of the Union, until its + Cause shall conquer, until final victory shall perch upon its standard, or + the Rebel foe will yield a dutiful, rightful, and unconditional + submission. And, impressed with the conviction that an Army of reserve + ought, until the War shall end, to be constantly kept on foot, to be + raised, armed, equipped, and trained at home, and ready for emergencies, + we respectfully ask the President to call such a force of volunteers for + one year's service, of not less than one hundred thousand in the + aggregate, the quota of each State to be raised after it shall have led + its quota of the requisitions already made, both for volunteers and + militia. We believe that this would be a Leasure of Military prudence, + while it would greatly promote the Military education of the People. + </p> + <p> + "We hail with heartfelt gratitude and encouraged hope the Proclamation of + the President, issued on the 22nd instant, declaring Emancipated from + their bondage all Persons held to Service or Labor as Slaves in the Rebel + States, whose Rebellion shall last until the first day of January next + ensuing. + </p> + <p> + "The right of any person to retain authority to compel any portion of the + subjects of the National Government to rebel against it, or to maintain + its Enemies, implies in those who are allowed possession of such authority + the right to rebel themselves; and therefore, the right to establish + Martial Law or Military Government in a State or Territory in Rebellion + implies the right and the duty of the Government to liberate the minds of + all men living therein by appropriate Proclamations and assurances of + protection, in order that all who are capable, intellectually and morally, + of loyalty and obedience, may not be forced into Treason as the unwilling + tools of rebellious Traitors. + </p> + <p> + "To have continued indefinitely the most efficient cause, support, and + stay of the Rebellion, would have been, in our judgment, unjust to the + Loyal people whose treasure and lives are made a willing sacrifice on the + altar of patriotism—would have discriminated against the wife who is + compelled to surrender her husband, against the parent who is to surrender + his child, to the hardships of the camp and the perils of battle, in favor + of Rebel masters permitted to retain their Slaves. It would have been a + final decision alike against humanity, justice, the rights and dignity of + the Government, and against sound and wise National policy. + </p> + <p> + "The decision of the President to strike at the root of the Rebellion will + lend new vigor to efforts, and new life and hope to the hearts of the + People. Cordially tendering to the President our respectful assurances of + personal and official confidence, we trust and believe that the policy now + inaugurated will be crowned with success, will give speedy and triumphant + victories over our enemies, and secure to this Nation and this People the + blessing and favor of Almighty God. + </p> + <p> + "We believe that the blood of the heroes who have already fallen, and + those who may yet give their lives to their Country, will not have been + shed in vain. + </p> + <p> + "The splendid valor of our soldiers, their patient endurance, their manly + patriotism, and their devotion to duty, demand from us and from all their + countrymen the homage of the sincerest gratitude and the pledge of our + constant reinforcement and support. A just regard for these brave men, + whom we have contributed to place in the field, and for the importance of + the duties which may lawfully pertain to us hereafter, has called us into + friendly conference. + </p> + <p> + "And now, presenting to our National Chief Magistrate this conclusion of + our deliberations, we devote ourselves to our Country's service, and we + will surround the President with our constant support, trusting that the + fidelity and zeal of the Loyal States and People will always assure him + that he will be constantly maintained in pursuing, with the utmost vigor, + this War for the preservation of the National life and hope of humanity. + </p> + <p> + "A. G. CURTIN,<br /> "JOHN A. ANDREW,<br /> "RICHARD YATES,<br /> "ISRAEL + WASHBURNE, Jr.,<br /> "EDWARD SOLOMON,<br /> "SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD,<br /> "O. + P. MORTON,—By D. G. ROSE, his Representative,<br /> "WM. SPRAGUE,<br /> + "F. H. PEIRPOINT,<br /> "DAVID TOD,<br /> "N. S. BERRY, "AUSTIN BLAIR." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Some two months after the issue of his great Proclamation of Liberty, + President Lincoln (in his Second Annual Message to Congress, December 1, + 1862), took occasion again to refer to compensated Emancipation, and, + indeed, to the entire matter of Slavery and Freedom, in most instructive + and convincing manner, as follows: + </p> + <p> + "On the 22d day of September last, a Proclamation was issued by the + Executive, a copy of which is herewith submitted. + </p> + <p> + "In accordance with the purpose in the second paragraph of that paper, I + now respectfully recall your attention to what may be called 'compensated + Emancipation.' + </p> + <p> + "A Nation may be said to consist of its territory, its people, and its + laws. The territory is the only part which is of certain durability. 'One + generation passeth away, and another generation cometh, but the Earth + abideth forever.' It is of the first importance to duly consider and + estimate this ever-enduring part. + </p> + <p> + "That portion of the Earth's surface which is owned and inhabited by the + People of the United States, is well adapted to be the home of one + National family; and it is not well adapted for two, or more. Its vast + extent, and its variety of climate and productions, are of advantage, in + this age, for one People, whatever they might have been in former ages. + Steam, telegraphs, and intelligence, have brought these to be an + advantageous combination for one united People. + </p> + <p> + "In the Inaugural Address I briefly pointed out the total inadequacy of + Disunion, as a remedy for the differences between the people of the two + Sections. I did so in language which I cannot improve, and which, + therefore, I beg to repeat: + </p> + <p> + "'One Section of our Country believes Slavery is right, and ought to be + extended, while the other believes it is wrong, and ought not to be + extended. This is the only substantial dispute. The Fugitive Slave clause + of the Constitution, and the law for the suppression of the foreign Slave + Trade, are each as well enforced, perhaps, as any law can ever be in a + community where the moral sense of the People imperfectly supports the law + itself. + </p> + <p> + "The great body of the People abide by the dry legal obligation in both + cases, and a few break over in each. This, I think, cannot be perfectly + cured; and it would be worse in both cases after the separation of the + Sections, than before. The foreign Slave Trade, now imperfectly + suppressed, would be ultimately revived without restriction in one + Section; while Fugitive Slaves, now only partially surrendered, would not + be surrendered at all by the other. + </p> + <p> + "Physically speaking, we cannot separate. We cannot remove our respective + Sections from each other, nor build an impassable wall between them. A + husband and wife may be divorced, and each go out of the presence and + beyond the reach of the other; but the different parts of our Country + cannot do this. They cannot but remain face to face; and intercourse, + either amicable or hostile, must continue between them. + </p> + <p> + "'Is it possible, then, to make that intercourse more advantageous or more + satisfactory after separation than before? Can aliens make treaties easier + than friends can make laws? Can treaties be more faithfully enforced + between aliens than laws can among friends? suppose you go to War, you + cannot fight always; and when, after much loss on both sides, and no gain + on either, you cease fighting, the identical old questions as to terms of + intercourse are again upon you.' + </p> + <p> + "There is no line, straight or crooked, suitable for a National boundary + upon which to divide. Trace through, from East to West, upon the line + between the Free and Slave Country, and we shall find a little more than + one third of its length are rivers, easy to be crossed, and populated, or + soon to be populated, thickly upon both sides; while nearly all its + remaining length are merely surveyors' lines, over which people may walk + back and forth without any consciousness of their presence. + </p> + <p> + "No part of this line can be made any more difficult to pass, by writing + it down on paper or parchment as a National boundary. The fact of + separation, if it comes, gives up, on the part of the seceding Section, + the Fugitive Slave clause, along with all other Constitutional obligations + upon the Section seceded from, while I should expect no treaty + stipulations would ever be made to take its place. + </p> + <p> + "But there is another difficulty. The great interior region, bounded East + by the Alleghanies, North by the British dominions, West by the Rocky + Mountains, and South by the line along which the culture of corn and + cotton meets, and which includes part of Virginia, part of Tennessee, all + of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, + Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and the Territories of Dakota, Nebraska, and part + of Colorado, already has above ten million people, and will have fifty + millions within fifty years, if not prevented by any political folly or + mistake. + </p> + <p> + "It contains more than one-third of the country owned by the United + States-certainly more than one million square miles. Once half as populous + as Massachusetts already is, it would have more than seventy-five million + people. A glance at the map shows that, territorially speaking, it is the + great body of the Republic. The other parts are but marginal borders to + it, the magnificent region sloping West, from the Rocky Mountains to the + Pacific, being the deepest and also the richest in undeveloped resources. + In the production of provisions, grains, grasses, and all which proceed + from them, this great interior region is naturally one of the most + important in the World. + </p> + <p> + "Ascertain from the statistics the small proportion of the region which + has, as yet, been brought into cultivation, and also the large and rapidly + increasing amount of its products, and we shall be overwhelmed with the + magnitude of the prospect presented. And yet this region has no sea coast, + touches no ocean anywhere. As part of one Nation, its people now find, and + may forever find, their way to Europe by New York, to South America and + Africa by New Orleans, and to Asia by San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + "But separate our common Country into two nations, as designed by the + present Rebellion, and every man of this great interior region is thereby + cut off from some one or more of these outlets, not, perhaps, by a + physical barrier, but by embarrassing and onerous trade regulations. + </p> + <p> + "And this is true, wherever a dividing or boundary line may be fixed. + Place it between the now Free and Slave country, or place it South of + Kentucky, or North of Ohio, and still the truth remains, that none South + of it can trade to any port or place North of it, and none North of it can + trade to any port or place South of it except upon terms dictated by a + Government foreign to them. + </p> + <p> + "These outlets, East, West, and South, are indispensable to the well-being + of the people inhabiting, and to inhabit, this vast interior region. Which + of the three may be the best, is no proper question. All, are better than + either; and all, of right belong to that People, and to their successors + forever. True to themselves, they will not ask where a line of separation + shall be, but will vow rather that there shall be no such line. + </p> + <p> + "Nor are the marginal regions less interested in these communications to + and through them, to the great outside World. They too, and each of them, + must have access to this Egypt of the West without paying toll at the + crossing of any National boundary. + </p> + <p> + "Our National strife springs not from our permanent part; not from the + Land we inhabit; not from our National homestead. There is no possible + severing of this, but would multiply, and not mitigate, evils among us. In + all its adaptations and aptitudes it demands Union, and abhors separation. + In fact it would, ere long, force reunion, however much of blood and + treasure the separation might have cost. + </p> + <p> + "Our strife pertains to ourselves—to the passing generations of men; + and it can, without convulsion, be hushed forever—with the passing + of one generation. + </p> + <p> + "In this view I recommend the adoption of the following Resolution and + Articles Amendatory of the Constitution of the United States. + </p> + <p> + "'Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States + of America, in Congress assembled, (two-thirds of both Houses concurring). + That the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures (or + Conventions) of the several States, as Amendments to the Constitution of + the United States, all or any of which Articles when ratified by + three-fourths of the said Legislatures (or Conventions) to be valid as + part or parts of the said Constitution, namely: + </p> + <p> + "'ARTICLE—Every State wherein Slavery now exists, which shall + abolish the same therein, at any time, or times, before the first day of + January, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred, shall receive + compensation from the United States, as follows, to wit; + </p> + <p> + "'The President of the United States shall deliver to every such State, + bonds of the United States, bearing interest at the rate of per cent. per + annum, to an amount equal to the aggregate sum of for each Slave shown to + have been therein by the eighth census of the United States, said bonds to + be delivered to such States by installments, or in one parcel, at the + completion of the abolishment, accordingly as the same shall have been + gradual, or at one time, within such State; and interest shall begin to + run upon any such bond only from the proper time of its delivery as + aforesaid. Any State having received bonds as aforesaid, and afterward + reintroducing or tolerating Slavery therein, shall refund to the United + States the bonds so received, or the value thereof, and all interest paid + thereon. + </p> + <p> + "'ARTICLE—All Slaves who shall have enjoyed actual freedom by the + chances of the War at any time before the end of the Rebellion, shall be + forever Free; but all owners of such, who shall not have been disloyal, + shall be compensated for them, at the same rates as is provided for States + adopting abolishment of Slavery, but in such way that no Slave shall be + twice accounted for. + </p> + <p> + "'ARTICLE—Congress may appropriate money, and otherwise provide for + colonizing Free Colored Persons, with their own consent, at any place or + places within the United States.' + </p> + <p> + "I beg indulgence to discuss these proposed Articles at some length. + Without Slavery the Rebellion could never have existed; without Slavery it + could not continue. + </p> + <p> + "Among the friends of the Union there is great diversity of sentiment and + of policy in regard to Slavery, and the African race among us. Some would + perpetuate Slavery; some would abolish it suddenly, without compensation; + some would abolish it gradually, and with compensation; some would remove + the Freed people from us; and some would retain them with us; and there + are yet other minor diversities. Because of these diversities, we waste + much strength in struggles among ourselves. + </p> + <p> + "By mutual Concession we should harmonize and act together. This would be + Compromise; but it would be Compromise among the friends, and not with the + enemies of the Union. These Articles are intended to embody a plan of such + mutual concessions. If the plan shall be adopted, it is assumed that + Emancipation will follow, at least, in several of the States. + </p> + <p> + "As to the first Article, the main points are: first, the Emancipation; + secondly, the length of time for consummating it—thirty-seven years; + and, thirdly, the compensation. + </p> + <p> + "The Emancipation will be unsatisfactory to the advocates of perpetual + Slavery; but the length of time should greatly mitigate their + dissatisfaction. The time spares both races from the evils of sudden + derangement—in fact from the necessity of any derangement—while + most of those whose habitual course of thought will be disturbed by the + measure will have passed away before its consummation. They will never see + it. + </p> + <p> + "Another class will hail the prospect of Emancipation, but will deprecate + the length of time. They will feel that it gives too little to the now + living Slaves. But it really gives them much. It saves them from the + vagrant destitution which must largely attend immediate Emancipation in + localities where their numbers are very great; and it gives the inspiring + assurance that their posterity shall be Free forever. + </p> + <p> + "The plan leaves to each State, choosing to act under it, to abolish + Slavery now, or at the end of the century, or at any intermediate time, or + by degrees, extending over the whole or any part of the period; and it + obliges no two States to proceed alike. It also provides for compensation,—and + generally, the mode of making it. This, it would seem, must further + mitigate the dissatisfaction of those who favor perpetual Slavery, and + especially of those who are to receive the compensation. Doubtless some of + those who are to pay, and not to receive, will object. Yet the measure is + both just and economical. + </p> + <p> + "In a certain sense, the liberation of Slaves is the destruction of + Property—Property acquired by descent, or by purchase, the same as + any other property. It is no less true for having been often said, that + the people of the South are not more responsible for the original + introduction of this Property than are the people of the North; and when + it is remembered how unhesitatingly we all use cotton and sugar, and share + the profits of dealing in them, it may not be quite safe to say that the + South has been more responsible than the North for its continuance. + </p> + <p> + "If, then, for a common object, this Property is to be sacrificed, is it + not just that it be done at a common charge? + </p> + <p> + "And if, with less money, or money more easily paid, we can preserve the + benefits of the Union by this means than we can by the War alone, is it + not also economical to do it? Let us consider it then. Let us ascertain + the sum we have expended in the War since compensated Emancipation was + proposed last March, and consider whether, if that measure had been + promptly accepted, by even some of the Slave States, the same sum would + not have done more to close the War than has been otherwise done. If so, + the measure would save money, and, in that view, would be a prudent and + economical measure. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly it is not so easy to pay something as it is to pay nothing; but + it is easier to pay a large sum than it is to pay a larger one. And it is + easier to pay any sum when we are able, than it is to pay it before we are + able. The War requires large sums, and requires them at once. + </p> + <p> + "The aggregate sum necessary for compensated Emancipation of course would + be large. But it would require no ready cash, nor the bonds, even, any + faster than the Emancipation progresses. This might not, and probably + would not, close before the end of the thirty-seven years. At that time we + shall probably have a hundred million people to share the burden, instead + of thirty-one millions, as now. And not only so, but the increase of our + population may be expected to continue, for a long time after that period, + as rapidly as before; because our territory will not have become full. + </p> + <p> + "I do not state this inconsiderately. At the same ratio of increase which + we have maintained, on an average, from our first National census in 1790, + until that of 1860, we should, in 1900, have a population of 103,208,415. + And why may we not continue that ratio far beyond that period? + </p> + <p> + "Our abundant room—our broad National homestead—is our ample + resource. Were our territory as limited as are the British Isles, very + certainly our population could not expand as stated. Instead of receiving + the foreign born, as now, we should be compelled to send part of the + Native-born away. + </p> + <p> + "But such is not our condition. We have two million nine hundred and + sixty-three thousand square miles. Europe has three million and eight + hundred thousand, with a population averaging seventy-three and one-third + persons to the square mile. Why may not our Country at some time, average + as many? Is it less fertile? Has it more waste surface by mountains, + rivers, lakes, deserts, or other causes? Is it inferior to Europe in any + natural advantage? + </p> + <p> + "If, then, we are at some time to be as populous as Europe, how soon? As + to when this may be, we can judge by the past and the present; as to when + it will be, if ever, depends much on whether we maintain the Union. + </p> + <p> + "Several of our States are already above the average of Europe—seventy-three + and a third to the square mile. Massachusetts has 157; Rhode Island, 133; + Connecticut, 99; New York and New Jersey, each, 80. Also two other great + States, Pennsylvania and Ohio, are not far below, the former having 63, + and the latter 59. The States already above the European average, except + New York, have increased in as rapid a ratio, since passing that point, as + ever before; while no one of them is equal to some other parts of our + Country in natural capacity for sustaining a dense population. + </p> + <p> + "Taking the Nation in the aggregate, and we find its population and ratio + of increase, for the several decennial periods, to be as follows: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + YEAR. POPULATION. RATIO OF INCREASE + </p> + <p> + 1790— 3,929,827 + </p> + <p> + 1800— 5,305,937 —35.02 Per Cent. + </p> + <p> + 1810— 7,239,814 —36.45 + </p> + <p> + 1820— 9,638,131 —33.13 + </p> + <p> + 1830— 12,866,020 —33.49 + </p> + <p> + 1840— 17,069,453 —32.67 + </p> + <p> + 1850— 23,191,876 —35.87 + </p> + <p> + 1860— 31,443,790 —35.58 + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "This shows an average Decennial Increase of 34.69 per cent. in population + through the seventy years from our first to our last census yet taken. It + is seen that the ratio of increase, at no one of these seven periods, is + either two per cent. below or two per cent. above the average; thus + showing how inflexible, and, consequently, how reliable, the law of + Increase, in our case, is. + </p> + <p> + "Assuming that it will continue, gives the following results: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + YEAR. POPULATION. + </p> + <p> + 1870— 42,323,041 + </p> + <p> + 1880— 56,967,216 + </p> + <p> + 1890— 76,677,872 + </p> + <p> + 1900— 103,208,415 + </p> + <p> + 1910— 138,918,526 + </p> + <p> + 1920— 186,984,335 + </p> + <p> + 1930— 251,680,914 + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "These figures show that our Country may be as populous as Europe now is + at some point between 1920 and 1930—say about 1925—our + territory, at seventy-three and a third persons to the square mile, being + of capacity to contain 217,186,000. + </p> + <p> + "And we will reach this, too, if we do not ourselves relinquish the chance + by the folly and evils of Disunion or by long and exhausting War springing + from the only great element of National discord among us. While it cannot + be foreseen exactly how much one huge example of Secession, breeding + lesser ones indefinitely, would retard population, civilization and + prosperity, no one can doubt that the extent of it would be very great and + injurious. + </p> + <p> + "The proposed Emancipation would shorten the War, perpetuate Peace, insure + this increase of population, and proportionately the wealth of the + Country. With these, we should pay all the Emancipation would cost, + together with our other debt, easier than we should pay our other debt + without it. + </p> + <p> + "If we had allowed our old National debt to run at six per cent. per + annum, simple interest, from the end of our Revolutionary Struggle until + to-day, without paying anything on either principal or interest, each man + of us would owe less upon that debt now than each man owed upon it then; + and this because our increase of men through the whole period has been + greater than six per cent.; has run faster than the interest upon the + debt. Thus, time alone, relieves a debtor Nation, so long as its + population increases faster than unpaid interest accumulates on its debt. + </p> + <p> + "This fact would be no excuse for delaying payment of what is justly due, + but it shows the great importance of time in this connection—the + great advantage of a policy by which we shall not have to pay until we + number a hundred millions, what, by a different policy, we would have to + pay now, when we number but thirty-one millions. In a word, it shows that + a dollar will be much harder to pay for the War, than will be a dollar for + Emancipation on the proposed plan. And then the latter will cost no blood, + no precious life. It will be a saving of both. + </p> + <p> + "As to the Second Article, I think it would be impracticable to return to + Bondage the class of Persons therein contemplated. Some of them, + doubtless, in the property sense, belong to loyal owners and hence + provision is made in this Article for compensating such. + </p> + <p> + "The Third Article relates to the future of the Freed people. It does not + oblige, but merely authorizes, Congress to aid in colonizing such as may + consent. This ought not to be regarded as objectionable on the one hand or + on the other, insomuch as it comes to nothing, unless by the mutual + consent of the people to be deported, and the American voters, through + their Representatives in Congress. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot make it better known than it already is, that I strongly favor + colonization. And yet I wish to say there is an objection urged against + free Colored persons remaining in the Country which is largely imaginary, + if not sometimes malicious. + </p> + <p> + "It is insisted that their presence would injure and displace White labor + and White laborers. If there ever could be a proper time for mere catch + arguments, that time surely is not now. In times like the present men + should utter nothing for which they would not willingly be responsible + through Time and in Eternity. + </p> + <p> + "Is it true, then, that Colored people can displace any more White labor + by being Free, than by remaining Slaves? If they stay in their old places, + they jostle no White laborers; if they leave their old places, they leave + them open to White laborers. Logically, there is neither more nor less of + it. + </p> + <p> + "Emancipation, even without deportation, would probably enhance the wages + of White labor, and, very surely would not reduce them. Thus, the + customary amount of labor would still have to be performed; the freed + people would surely not do more than their old proportion of it and, very + probably, for a time would do less, leaving an increased part to White + laborers, bringing their labor into greater demand, and consequently + enhancing the wages of it. + </p> + <p> + "With deportation, even to a limited extent, enhanced wages to White labor + is mathematically certain. Labor is like any other commodity in the + market-increase the demand for it and you increase the price of it. Reduce + the supply of Black labor by colonizing the Black laborer out of the + Country, and by precisely so much you increase the demand for and wages of + White labor. + </p> + <p> + "But it is dreaded that the freed people will swarm forth and cover the + whole Land! Are they not already in the Land? Will liberation make them + any more numerous? Equally distributed among the Whites of the whole + Country, there would be but one Colored, in seven Whites. Could the one, + in any way, greatly disturb the seven? + </p> + <p> + "There are many communities now, having more than one free Colored person + to seven Whites; and this, without any apparent consciousness of evil from + it. The District of Columbia, and the States of Maryland and Delaware, are + all in this condition. The District has more than one free Colored to six + Whites; and yet, in its frequent petitions to Congress I believe it has + never presented the presence of free Colored persons as one of its + grievances. + </p> + <p> + "But why should Emancipation South, send the freed people North? people of + any color, seldom run, unless there be something to run from. Heretofore, + Colored people, to some extent, have fled North from bondage, and now, + perhaps, from both bondage and destitution. But if gradual Emancipation + and deportation be adopted, they will have neither to flee from. + </p> + <p> + "Their old masters will give them wages at least until new laborers can be + procured; and the freed men, in turn, will gladly give their labor for the + wages, till new homes can be found for them, in congenial climes, and with + people of their own blood and race. + </p> + <p> + "This proposition can be trusted on the mutual interests involved. And, in + any event, cannot the North decide for itself, whether to receive them? + </p> + <p> + "Again, as practice proves more than theory, in any case, has there been + any irruption of Colored people Northward because of the abolishment of + Slavery in this District last Spring? What I have said of the proportion + of free Colored persons to the Whites in the District is from the census + of 1860, having no reference to persons called Contrabands, nor to those + made free by the Act of Congress abolishing Slavery here. + </p> + <p> + "The plan consisting of these Articles is recommended, not but that a + restoration of the National authority would be accepted without its + adoption. + </p> + <p> + "Nor will the War, nor proceedings under the Proclamation of September 22, + 1862, be stayed because of the recommendation of this plan. Its timely + adoption, I doubt not, would bring restoration, and thereby stay both. + </p> + <p> + "And, notwithstanding this plan, the recommendation that Congress provides + by law for compensating any State which may adopt Emancipation before this + plan shall have been acted upon, is hereby earnestly renewed. Such would + be only an advance part of the plan, and the same arguments apply to both. + </p> + <p> + "This plan is recommended as a means, not in exclusion of, but additional + to, all others, for restoring and preserving the National authority + throughout the Union. The subject is presented exclusively in its + economical aspect. + </p> + <p> + "The plan would, I am confident, secure Peace more speedily, and maintain + it more permanently, than can be done by force alone; while all it would + cost, considering amounts, and manner of payment, and times of payment, + would be easier paid than will be the additional cost of the War, if we + rely solely upon force. It is much, very much, that it would cost no blood + at all. + </p> + <p> + "The plan is proposed as permanent Constitutional Law. It cannot become + such without the concurrence of, first, two-thirds of Congress, and + afterward, three-fourths of the Slave States. The requisite three-fourths + of the States will necessarily include seven of the Slave States. Their + concurrence, if obtained, will give assurance of their severally adopting + Emancipation at no very distant day upon the new Constitutional terms. + This assurance would end the struggle now and save the Union forever. + </p> + <p> + "I do not forget the gravity which should characterize a paper addressed + to the Congress of the Nation by the Chief Magistrate of the Nation. Nor + do I forget that some of you are my seniors, nor that many of you have + more experience than I in the conduct of public affairs. Yet I trust that + in view of the great responsibility resting upon me, you will perceive no + want of respect to yourselves in any undue earnestness I may seem to + display. + </p> + <p> + "Is it doubted, then, that the plan I propose, if adopted, would shorten + the War, and thus lessen its expenditure of money and of blood? Is it + doubted that it would restore the National authority and National + prosperity, and perpetuate both indefinitely? Is it doubted that we here—Congress + and Executive—can secure its adoption; will not the good people + respond to a united and earnest appeal from us? Can we, can they, by any + other means so certainly or so speedily assure these vital objects; we can + succeed only by concert. + </p> + <p> + "It is not, 'Can any of us imagine better?' but,'Can we all do better?' + Object whatsoever is possible, still the question recurs, 'Can we do + better? The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. + The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the + occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must + disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our Country. + </p> + <p> + "Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We, of this Congress and this + Administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal + significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery + trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor, to + the latest generation. + </p> + <p> + "We say we are for the Union. The World will not forget that we say this. + We know how to save the Union. + </p> + <p> + "The World knows we do know how to save it. We even we here—hold the + power, and bear the responsibility. + </p> + <p> + "In giving Freedom to the Slave, we assure Freedom to the Free-Honorable + alike in what we give and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly + lose, the last, best hope of Earth. Other means may succeed; this could + not fail. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just—a way which, if + followed, the World would forever applaud, and God must forever bless. + </p> + <p> + "ABRAHAM LINCOLN." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + The popular Branch of Congress responded with heartiness to what Mr. + Lincoln had done. On December 11, 1862, resolutions were offered by Mr. + Yeaman in the House of Representatives, as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate Concurring), That + the Proclamation of the President of the United States, of date the 22d of + September, 1862, is not warranted by the Constitution. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the policy of Emancipation as indicated in that + Proclamation, is not calculated to hasten the restoration of Peace, was + not well chosen as a War measure, and is an assumption of power dangerous + to the rights of citizens and to the perpetuity of a Free People." + </p> + <p> + These resolutions were laid on the table by 95 yeas to 47 nays—the + yeas all Republicans, save three, and the nays all Democrats save five. + </p> + <p> + On December 15, 1862, Mr. S. C. Fessenden, of Maine, offered resolutions + to the House, in these words: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the Proclamation of the President of the United States, of + the date of 22d September, 1862, is warranted by the Constitution. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the policy of Emancipation, as indicated in that + Proclamation, is well adapted to hasten the restoration of Peace, was well + chosen as a War measure, and is an exercise of power with proper regard + for the rights of the States, and the perpetuity of Free Government." + </p> + <p> + These resolutions were adopted by 78 yeas to 52 nays—the yeas all + Republicans, save two, and the nays all Democrats, save seven. + </p> + <p> + The Proclamation of September 22d, 1862, was very generally endorsed and + upheld by the People at large; and, in accordance with its promise, it was + followed at the appointed time, January 1st, 1863, by the supplemental + Proclamation specifically Emancipating the Slaves in the rebellious parts + of the United States—in the following terms: + </p> + <p> + "WHEREAS, On the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord + one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a Proclamation was issued by the + President of the United States, containing, among other things, the + following, to wit: + </p> + <p> + "'That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand + eight hundred and sixty-three, all Persons held as Slaves within any + State, or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in + Rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and + forever Free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including + the Military and Naval Authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the + Freedom of such Persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such + Persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual + Freedom. + </p> + <p> + "'That the Executive will, on the First day of January aforesaid, by + Proclamation, designate the States and parts of States, if any, in which + the people thereof, respectively, shall then be in Rebellion against the + United States; and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall + on that day be in good faith represented in the Congress of the United + States, by members chosen thereto at elections wherein a majority of the + qualified voters of such States shall have participated, shall, in the + absence of strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence + that such State, and the people thereof, are not then in Rebellion against + the United States.' + </p> + <p> + "Now, therefore, I ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States, by + virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief of the Army and + Navy of the United States, in time of actual armed Rebellion against the + authority and Government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary + War measure for suppressing said Rebellion, do, on this First day of + January, in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and + sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do, publicly + proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days from the day first + above mentioned, Order and designate as the States and parts of States + wherein the people thereof, respectively, are this day in Rebellion + against the United States, the following, to wit: + </p> + <p> + "Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana (except the parishes of St. Bernard, + Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James, Ascension, + Assumption, Terre Bonne, Lafouche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, + including the City of New Orleans,) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, + Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the + forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of + Berkeley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann, and + Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth), and which + excepted parts are for the present left precisely as if this Proclamation + were not issued. + </p> + <p> + "And by virtue of the power and for the purpose aforesaid, I do Order and + declare that all Persons held as Slaves within said designated States and + parts of States are, and henceforward shall be, Free; and that the + Executive Government of the United States, including the Military and + Naval authorities thereof; will recognize and maintain the Freedom of said + Persons. + </p> + <p> + "And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be Free, to abstain + from all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend to + them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable + wages. + </p> + <p> + "And I further declare and make known that such Persons, of suitable + condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to + garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels + of all sorts in said service. + </p> + <p> + "And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted + by the Constitution upon Military necessity, I invoke the considerate + judgment of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God. + </p> + <p> + "In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of + the United States to be affixed. + </p> + <p> + "Done at the City of Washington, this First day of January, in the year of + Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the + Independence of the United States of America the eighty-seventh. + </p> + <p> + "By the President:<br /> "ABRAHAM LINCOLN. + </p> + <p> + "WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkfremont" id="linkfremont"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p368-fremont.jpg (70K)" src="images/p368-fremont.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch19" id="linkch19"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX.<br /> <br /> HISTORICAL REVIEW. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Let us now refresh recollection by glancing backward over the history of + our Country, and we shall see, as recorded in these pages, that, from the + first, there existed in this Nation a class of individuals greedily + ambitious of power and determined to secure and maintain control of this + Government; that they left unturned no stone which would contribute to the + fostering and to the extension of African Slavery; that, hand in hand with + African Slavery—and as a natural corollary to it—they + advocated Free Trade as a means of degrading Free White labor to the level + of Black Slave labor, and thus increasing their own power; that from the + first, ever taking advantage of the general necessities of the Union, they + arrogantly demanded and received from a brow-beaten People, concession + after concession, and compromise after compromise; that every possible + pretext and occasion was seized by them to increase, consolidate, and + secure their power, and to extend the territorial limits over which their + peculiar Pro-Slavery and Pro-Free-Trade doctrines prevailed; and that + their nature was so exacting, and their greed so rapacious, that it was + impossible ever to satisfy them. + </p> + <p> + Nor were they burdened with over-much of that high sense of honor—a + quality of which they often vaunted themselves—which impelled others + to stand by their agreements. It seemed as though they considered the most + sacred promises and covenants of no account, and made only to be trampled + upon, when in the way of their Moloch. + </p> + <p> + We remember the bitter Slavery agitation in Congress over the admission of + the State of Missouri, and how it eventuated in the Missouri Compromise. + That compromise, we have seen, they afterward trod upon, and broke, with + as little compunction as they would have stepped upon and crushed a toad. + </p> + <p> + They felt their own growing power, and gloried in their strength and + arrogance; and Northern timidity became a scoff and by-word in their + mouths. + </p> + <p> + The fact is, that from its very conception, as well as birth, they hated + and opposed the Union, because they disliked a Republican and preferred a + Monarchical form of Government. Their very inability to prevent the + consummation of that Union, imbittered them. Hence their determination to + seize every possible occasion and pretext afterward to destroy it, + believing, as they doubtless did, that upon the crumbled and mouldering + ruins of a dissevered Union and ruptured Republic, Monarchical ideas might + the more easily take root and grow. But experience had already taught them + that it would be long before their real object could even be covertly + hinted at, and that in the meantime it must be kept out of sight by the + agitation of other political issues. The formulation and promulgation + therefore, by Jefferson, in the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798, and by + Madison, in the Virginia Resolutions of 1799, of the doctrine of States + Rights already referred to, was a perfect "God-send" to these men. For it + not only enabled them to keep from public view and knowledge their + ultimate aim and purpose, but constituted the whip which they thenceforth + everlastingly flourished and cracked over the shrinking heads of other and + more patriotic people—the whip with which, through the litter of + their broken promises, they ruthlessly rode into, and, for so long a + period of years held on to, supreme power and place in the Land. + </p> + <p> + Including within the scope of States Rights, the threats of Nullification, + Disunion and Secession—ideas abhorrent to the Patriot's mind—small + wonder is it that, in those days, every fresh demand made by these + political autocrats was tremblingly acceded to, until patience and + concession almost utterly exhausted themselves. + </p> + <p> + Originally disturbing only South Carolina and Georgia to any extent, these + ambitious men, who believed in anything rather than a Republic, and who + were determined to destroy the Union, gradually spread the spirit of + jealousy and discontent into other States of the South; their immediate + object being to bring the Southern States into the closest possible + relations the one with the other; to inspire them all with common + sympathies and purposes; to compact and solidify them, so that in all + coming movements against the other States of the Union, they might move + with proportionately increased power, and force, and effect, because of + such unity of aim and strength. + </p> + <p> + This spirit of Southern discontent, and jealousy of the Northern States, + was, as we have seen, artfully fanned by the Conspirators, in heated + discussions over the Tariff Acts of 1824, and 1828, and 1832, until, by + the latter date, the people of the Cotton-States were almost frantic, and + ready to fight over their imaginary grievances. Then it was that the + Conspirators thought the time had come, for which they had so long and so + earnestly prayed and worked, when the cotton Sampson should wind his + strong arms around the pillars of the Constitution and pull down the great + Temple of our Union—that they might rear upon its site another and a + stronger edifice, dedicated not to Freedom, but to Free-Trade and to other + false gods. + </p> + <p> + South Carolina was to lead off, and the other Cotton States would follow. + South Carolina did lead off—but the other Cotton-States did not + follow. + </p> + <p> + It has been shown in these pages how South Carolina declared the Tariff + Acts aforesaid, null and void, armed herself to resist force, and declared + that any attempt of the general Government to enforce those Acts would + cause her to withdraw from the Union. But Jackson as we know throttled the + treason with so firm a grip that Nullification and Secession and Disunion + were at once paralyzed. + </p> + <p> + The concessions to the domineering South, in Clay's Compromise Tariff of + 1833, let the Conspirators down easily, so to speak; and they pretended to + be satisfied. But they were satisfied only as are the thirsty sands of + Africa with the passing shower. + </p> + <p> + The Conspirators had, however, after all, made substantial gains. They had + established a precedent for an attempt to secede. That was something. They + had demonstrated that a single Southern State could stand up, armed and + threatening, strutting, blustering, and bullying, and at least make faces + at the general Government without suffering any very dreadful + consequences. That was still more. + </p> + <p> + They had also ascertained that, by adopting such a course, a single + Southern State could force concessions from the fears of the rest of the + United States. That was worth knowing, because the time might come, when + it might be desirable not only for one but for all the Southern States to + secede upon some other pretext, and when it would be awkward, and would + interfere with the Disunion programme, to have the other States either + offer or make concessions. + </p> + <p> + They had also learned the valuable lesson that the single issue of + Free-Trade was not sufficiently strong of itself to unite all the Southern + States in a determination to secede, and thus dissolve the Union. They saw + they must agitate some other issue to unify the South more thoroughly and + justify Disunion. On looking over the whole field they concluded that the + Slavery question would best answer their purpose, and they adopted it. + </p> + <p> + It was doubtless a full knowledge of the fact that they had adopted it, + that led Jackson to make the declaration, heretofore in these pages given, + which has been termed "prophetic." At any rate, thenceforth the programme + of the Conspirators was to agitate the Slavery question in all ways + possible, so as to increase, extend and solidify the influence and + strength of the Slave power; strain the bonds uniting them with the Free + States; and weaken the Free States by dividing them upon the question. At + the same time the Free-Trade question was to be pressed forward to a + triumphal issue, so that the South might be enriched and strengthened, and + the North impoverished and weakened, by the result. + </p> + <p> + That was their programme, in the rough, and it was relentlessly adhered + to. Free-Trade and Slavery by turns, if not together, from that time + onward, were ever at the front, agitating our People both North and South, + and not only consolidating the Southern States on those lines, as the + Conspirators designed, but also serving ultimately to consolidate, to some + extent—in a manner quite unlooked for by the Conspirators—Northern + sentiment, on the opposite lines of Protection and Freedom. + </p> + <p> + The Compromise Tariff Act of 1833—which Clay was weak enough to + concede, and even stout old Jackson to permit to become law without his + signature—gave to the Conspirators great joy for years afterward, as + they witnessed the distress and disaster brought by it to Northern homes + and incomes—not distress and disaster alone, but absolute and + apparently irreparable ruin. + </p> + <p> + The reaction occasioned by this widespread ruin having brought the Whigs + into power, led to the enactment of the Protective-Tariff of 1842 and—to + the chagrin of the Conspirators—industrial prosperity and plenty to + the Free North again ensued. + </p> + <p> + Even as Cain hated his brother Abel because his sacrifices were acceptable + in the sight of God, while his own were not, so the Southern Conspirators, + and other Slave-owners also, had, by this time, come to hate the Northern + free-thinking, free-acting, freedom-loving mechanic and laboring man, + because the very fact and existence of his Godgiven Freedom and + higher-resulting civilization was a powerful and perpetual protest against + the—abounding iniquities and degradations of Slavery as practiced by + themselves. + </p> + <p> + Hence, by trickery, by cajoling the People With his, and their own, + assurances that he was in favor of Protection—they secured the + election in 1844 of a Free-Trade President, the consequent repeal of the + Protective-Tariff of 1842—which had repaired the dreadful mischief + wrought by the Compromise Act of 1833—and the enactment of the + infamous Free-Trade Tariff of 1846, which blasted the manufacturing and + farming and trade industries of the Country again, as with fire. + </p> + <p> + The discovery of the great gold fields of California, and the enormous + amount of the precious metal poured by her for many succeeding years into + the lap of the Nation, alone averted what otherwise would inevitably have + been total ruin. As it was, in 1860, the National credit had sunk to a + lower point than ever before in all its history. It was confessedly + bankrupt, and ruin stalked abroad throughout the United States. + </p> + <p> + But while, with rapid pen, the carrying out of that part of the Southern + Conspirators' Disunion programme which related to Free-Trade, is thus + brought again to mind, the other part of that programme, which related to + Slavery, must not be neglected or overlooked. On this question they had + determined, as we have seen, to agitate without ceasing—having in + view, primarily, as already hinted, the extension of Slave territory and + the resulting increase of Slave power in the Land; and, ulteriorly, the + solidifying of that power, and Disunion of the Republic, with a view to + its conversion into an Oligarchy, if not a Monarchy. + </p> + <p> + The bitterness of the struggle over the admission of Missouri as a Slave + State in 1820, under the Missouri Compromise, was to be revived by the + Conspirators, at the earliest possible moment. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly in 1836—only three years after the failure of + Nullification in South Carolina, the Territory, of Arkansas was forced in + as a Slave State, and simultaneously the Slave-owning henchmen of the + Conspirators, previously settled there for the purpose, proclaimed the + secession from Mexico, and independence, of Texas. This was quickly + followed, in 1844, by Calhoun's hastily negotiated treaty of annexation + with Texas; its miscarriage in the Senate; and the Act of March 2, 1845—with + its sham compromise—consenting to the admission of Texas to the + Union of States. + </p> + <p> + Then came the War with Mexico; the attempt by means of the Wilmot proviso + to check the growing territorial-greed and rapacity of the Slave-power; + and the acquisition by the United States, of California and New Mexico, + under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which brought Peace. + </p> + <p> + Then occurred the agitation over the organization of Territorial + governments for Oregon, California, and New Mexico, and the strong effort + to extend to the Pacific Ocean the Missouri-Compromise line of 36 30', and + to extend to all future Territorial organizations the principles of that + compromise. + </p> + <p> + Then came the struggle in 1850, over the admission of California as a + State, and New Mexico and Utah to Territorial organization—ending in + the passage of Clay's Compromise measures of 1850. + </p> + <p> + Yet still the Southern Conspirators—whose forces, both in Congress + and out, were now well-disciplined, compacted, solidified, experienced, + and bigotedly enthusiastic and overbearing—were not satisfied. It + was not their intention to be satisfied with anything less than the + destruction of the Union and of our Republican form of Government. The + trouble was only beginning, and, so far, almost everything had progressed + to their liking. The work must proceed. + </p> + <p> + In 1852-3 they commenced the Kansas-Nebraska agitation; and, what with + their incessant political and colonizing movements in those Territories; + the frequent and dreadful atrocities committed by their tools, the + Border-ruffians; the incessant turmoil created by cruelties to their + Fugitive-slaves; their persistent efforts to change the Supreme Court to + their notions; these—with the decision and opinion of the Supreme + Court in the Dred Scott case—together worked the Slavery question up + to a dangerous degree of heat, by the year 1858. + </p> + <p> + And, by 1860—when the people of the Free States, grown sick unto + death of the rule of the Slave-power in the General Government, arose in + their political might, and shook off this "Old Man of the Sea," electing, + beyond cavil and by the Constitutional mode, to the Presidential office, a + man who thoroughly represented in himself their conscience, on the one + hand, which instinctively revolted against human Slavery as a wrong + committed against the laws of God, and their sense of justice and equity + on the other, which would not lightly overlook, or interfere with vested + rights under the Constitution and the laws of man—the Conspirators + had reached the point at which they had been aiming ever since that + failure in 1832 of their first attempt at Disunion, in South Carolina. + </p> + <p> + They had now succeeded in irritating both the Free and the Slave-holding + Sections of our Country against each other, to an almost unbearable point; + had solidified the Southern States on the Slavery and Free-Trade + questions; and at last—the machinations of these same Conspirators + having resulted in a split in the Democratic Party, and the election of + the Republican candidate to the Presidency, as the embodiment of the + preponderating National belief in Freedom and equality to all before the + Law, with Protection to both Labor and Capital—they also had the + pretext for which they had both been praying and scheming and preparing + all those long, long years—they, and some of their fathers before + them. + </p> + <p> + It cannot be too often repeated that to secure a Monarchy, or at least an + Oligarchy, over which the leading Conspirators should rule for life—whether + that Monarchy or that Oligarchy should comprise the States of the South by + themselves, or all the States on a new basis of Union—was the great + ultimate aim of the Conspirators; and this could be secured only by first + disrupting the then existing Republican Union of Republican States. + </p> + <p> + The doctrine of the right of Secession had now long been taught, and had + become a part of the Southern Slave-holders' Democratic creed, as fully as + had the desirability of Slavery and Free-Trade—and even many of the + Northern Democrats, and some Republicans as well, were not much inclined + to dispute, although they cared not to canvass, the point. + </p> + <p> + The programme of action was therefore much the same as had been laid down + in the first attempt in 1832:—first South Carolina would secede and + declare her independence; then the other Slave States in quick succession + would do likewise; then a new Constitution for a solid Southern Union; + then, if necessary, a brief War to cement it—which would end, of + course, in the independence of the South at least, but more probably in + the utter subjugation and humiliation of the Free States. + </p> + <p> + When the time should come, during or after this War—as come, in + their belief, it would—for a change in the form of Government, then + they could seize the first favorable occasion and change it. At present, + however, the cry must be for "independence." That accomplished, the rest + would be easy. And until that independence was accomplished, no terms of + any sort, no settlement of any kind, were either to be proposed or + accepted by them. + </p> + <p> + These were their dreams, their ambitions, their plans; and the tenacious + courage with which they stuck to them "through thick and thin," through + victory and disaster, were worthy of a better cause. + </p> + <p> + While, therefore, the pretexts for Secession were "Slavery" and + "Free-Trade"—both of which were alleged to be jeopardized in the + election and inauguration of Abraham Lincoln—yet, no sooner had + hostilities commenced between the seceding States and the Union, than they + declared to the World that their fight was not for Slavery, but for + Independence. + </p> + <p> + They dared not acknowledge to the World that they fought for Slavery, lest + the sympathies of the World should be against them. But it was well + understood by the Southern masses, as well as the other people of the + Union, that both Slavery and Free-Trade were involved in the fight—as + much as independence, and the consequent downfall of the Union. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln, however, had made up his mind to do all he properly + could to placate the South. None knew better than he, the history of this + Secession movement, as herein described. None knew better than he, the + fell purpose and spirit of the Conspirators. Yet still, his kindly heart + refused to believe that the madness of the Southern leaders was so + frenzied, and their hatred of Free men, Free labor, and Free institutions, + so implacable, that they would wilfully refuse to listen to reason and + ever insist on absolutely inadmissible terms of reconciliation. + </p> + <p> + From the very beginning of his Administration, he did all that was + possible to mollify their resentment and calm their real or pretended + fears. Nor was this from any dread or doubt as to what the outcome of an + armed Conflict would be; for, in his speech at Cincinnati, in the Autumn + of 1859, he had said, while addressing himself to Kentuckians and other + Southern men: "Why, gentlemen, I think you are as gallant and as brave men + as live; that you can fight as bravely in a good cause, man for man, as + any other people living; that you have shown yourselves capable of this + upon various occasions; but man for man, you are not better than we are, + and there are not so many of you as there are of us. You will never make + much of a hand at whipping us. If we were fewer in numbers than you, I + think that you could whip us; if we were equal it would likely be a drawn + battle; but being inferior in numbers, you will make nothing by attempting + to master us." + </p> + <p> + And early in 1860, in his famous New York Cooper Institute speech he had + said "Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, + to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." He plainly believed + to the end, that "right makes might;" and he believed in the power of + numbers—as also did Napoleon, if we may judge from his famous + declaration that "The God of battles is always on the side of the heaviest + battalions." Yet, so believing, President Lincoln exerted himself in all + possible ways to mollify the South. His assurances, however, were far from + satisfying the Conspirators. They never had been satisfied with anything + in the shape of concession. They never would be. They had been + dissatisfied with and had broken all the compacts and compromises, and had + spit upon all the concessions, of the past; and nothing would now satisfy + them, short of the impossible. + </p> + <p> + They were not satisfied now with Lincoln's promise that the Government + would not assail them—organized as, by this time, they were into a + so-called Southern "Confederacy" of States—and they proceeded + accordingly to assail that Government which would not assail them. They + opened fire on Fort Sumter. + </p> + <p> + This was done, as has duly appeared, in the hope that the shedding of + blood would not only draw the States of the Southern Confederacy more + closely together in their common cause, and prevent the return of any of + them to their old allegiance, but also to so influence the wavering + allegiance to the Union, of the Border States, as to strengthen that + Confederacy and equivalently weaken that Union, by their Secession. + </p> + <p> + Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas, of the Border States + that were wavering, were thus gathered into the Confederate fold, by this + policy of blood-spilling—carried bodily thither, by a desperate and + frenzied minority, against the wishes of a patriotic majority. + </p> + <p> + Virginia, especially, was a great accession to the Rebel cause. She + brought to it the prestige of her great name. To secure the active + cooperation of "staid old Virginia," "the Mother of Statesmen," in the + struggle, was, in the estimation of the Rebels, an assurance of victory to + their cause. And the Secession of Virginia for a time had a depressing + influence upon the friends of the Union everywhere. + </p> + <p> + The refusal of West Virginia to go with the rest of the State into + Rebellion, was, to be sure, some consolation; and the checkmating of the + Conspirators' designs to secure to the Confederacy the States of Maryland, + Kentucky and Missouri, helped the confidence of Union men. In fact, as + long as the National Capital was secure, it was felt that the Union was + still safe. + </p> + <p> + But while the Confederacy, by the firing upon Fort Sumter, and thus + assailing that Government which Lincoln had promised would not assail the + Rebels, had gained much in securing the aid of the States mentioned, yet + the Union Cause, by that very act, had gained more. For the echoes of the + Rebel guns of Fort Moultrie were the signal for such an uprising of the + Patriots of the North and West and Middle States, as, for the moment, + struck awe to the hearts of Traitors and inspired with courage and + hopefulness the hearts of Union men throughout the Land. + </p> + <p> + Moreover it put the Rebels in their proper attitude, in the eyes of the + World—as the first aggressors—and thus deprived them, to a + certain extent, of that moral support from the outside which flows from + sympathy. + </p> + <p> + Those echoes were the signal, not only of that call to arms which led to + such an uprising, but for the simultaneous calling together of the + Thirty-seventh Congress of the United States in Extra Session—the + Congress whose measures ultimately enabled President Lincoln and the Union + Armies to subdue the Rebellion and save the Union—the Congress whose + wise and patriotic deliberations resulted in the raising of those gigantic + Armies and Navies, and in supplying the unlimited means, through the + Tariff and National Bank Systems and otherwise, by which those tremendous + Forces could be both created and effectively operated—the Congress + which cooperated with President Lincoln and those Forces in preparing the + way for the destruction of the very corner-stone of the Confederacy, + Slavery itself. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkcameron" id="linkcameron"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p384-cameron.jpg (77K)" src="images/p384-cameron.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch20" id="linkch20"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX.<br /> <br /> LINCOLN'S TROUBLES AND TEMPTATIONS. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The Rebels themselves, as has already been noted, by the employment of + their Slaves in the construction of earthworks and other fortifications, + and even in battle, at Bull Run and elsewhere, against the Union Forces, + brought the Thirty-seventh Congress, as well as the Military Commanders, + and the President, to an early consideration of the Slavery question. But + it was none the less a question to be treated with the utmost delicacy. + </p> + <p> + The Union men, as well as the Secession-sympathizers, of Kentucky and + Tennessee and Missouri and Maryland, largely believed in Slavery, or at + least were averse to any interference with it. These, would not see that + the right to destroy that unholy Institution could pertain to any + authority, or be justified by any exigency; much less that, as held by + some authorities, its existence ceased at the moment when its hands, or + those of the State in which it had existed, were used to assail the + General Government. + </p> + <p> + They looked with especial suspicion and distrust upon the guarded + utterances of the President upon all questions touching the future of the + Colored Race. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [At Faneuil Hall, Edward Everett is reported to have said, in October of + 1864: + </p> + <p> + "It is very doubtful whether any act of the Government of the United + States was necessary to liberate the Slaves in a State which is in + Rebellion. There is much reason for the opinion that, by the simple act + of levying War against the United States, the relation of Slavery was + terminated; certainly, so far as concerns the duty of the United States + to recognize it, or to refrain from interfering with it. + </p> + <p> + "Not being founded on the Law of Nature, and resting solely on positive + Local Law—and that, not of the United States—as soon as it + becomes either the motive or pretext of an unjust War against the Union—an + efficient instrument in the hands of the Rebels for carrying on the War—source + of Military strength to the Rebellion, and of danger to the Government + at home and abroad, with the additional certainty that, in any event but + its abandonment, it will continue, in all future time to work these + mischiefs, who can suppose it is the duty of the United States to + continue to recognize it. + </p> + <p> + "To maintain this would be a contradiction in terms. It would be two + recognize a right in a Rebel master to employ his Slave in acts of + Rebellion and Treason, and the duty of the Slave to aid and abet his + master in the commission of the greatest crime known to the Law. No such + absurdity can be admitted; and any citizen of the United States, from + thee President down, who should, by any overt act, recognize the duty of + a Slave to obey a Rebel master in a hostile operation, would himself be + giving aid and comfort to the Enemy."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + They believed that when Fremont issued the General Order—heretofore + given in full—in which that General declared that "The property, + real and personal, of all persons, in the State of Missouri, who shall + take up arms against the United States, or who shall be directly proven to + have taken an active part with their enemies in the field, is declared to + be confiscated to the public use, and their Slaves, if any they have, are + hereby declared Free men," it must have been with the concurrence, if not + at the suggestion, of the President; and, when the President subsequently, + September 11,1861, made an open Order directing that this clause of + Fremont's General Order, or proclamation, should be "so modified, held, + and construed, as to conform to, and not to transcend, the provisions on + the same subject contained in the Act of Congress entitled 'An Act to + Confiscate Property used for Insurrectionary Purposes,' approved August 6, + 1861," they still were not satisfied. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The sections of the above Act, bearing upon the matter, are the first + and fourth, which are in these words: + </p> + <p> + "That if, during the present or any future insurrection against the + Government of the United States, after the President of the United + States shall have declared, by proclamation, that the laws of the United + States are opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, by + combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of + judicial proceedings, or by the power vested in the marshals by law, any + person or persons, his, her, or their agent, attorney, or employee, + shall purchase or acquire, sell or give, any property of whatsoever kind + or description, with intent to use or employ the same, or suffer the + same to be used or employed, in aiding, abetting, or promoting such + insurrection or resistance to the laws, or any persons engaged therein; + or if any person or persons, being the owner or owners of any such + property, shall knowingly use or employ, or consent to the use or + employment of the same as aforesaid, all such property is hereby + declared to be lawful subject of prize and capture wherever found; and + it shall be the duty of the President of the United States to cause the + same to be seized, confiscated and condemned." + </p> + <p> + * * * * * * * * + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 4. That whenever hereafter, during the present insurrection + against the Government of the United States, any person claimed to be + held to Labor or Service under the law of any State shall be required or + permitted by the person to whom such Labor or Service is claimed to be + due, or by the lawful agent of such person, to take up arms against the + United States; or shall be required or permitted by the person to whom + such Labor or Service is claimed to be due, or his lawful agent, to work + or to be employed in or upon any fort, navy-yard, dock, armory, ship, + entrenchment, or in any Military or Naval service whatsoever, against + the Government and lawful authority of the United States, then, and in + every such case, the person to whom such Labor or Service is claimed to + be due, shall forfeit his claim to such Labor, any law of the State or + of the United States to the contrary notwithstanding. And whenever + thereafter the person claiming such Labor or Service shall seek to + enforce his claim, it shall be a full and sufficient answer to such + claim that the person whose Service or Labor is claimed had been + employed in hostile service against the Government of the United States, + contrary to the provisions of this act." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It seemed as impossible to satisfy these Border-State men as it had been + to satisfy the Rebels themselves. + </p> + <p> + The Act of Congress, to which President Lincoln referred in his Order + modifying Fremont's proclamation, had itself been opposed by them, under + the lead of their most influential Representative and spokesman, Mr. + Crittenden, of Kentucky, in its passage through that Body. It did not + satisfy them. + </p> + <p> + Neither had they been satisfied, when, within one year and four days after + "Slavery opened its batteries of Treason, upon Fort Sumter," that National + curse and shame was banished from the Nation's Capital by Congressional + enactment. + </p> + <p> + They were not satisfied even with Mr. Lincoln's conservative suggestions + embodied in the Supplemental Act. + </p> + <p> + Nor were they satisfied with the General Instructions, of October 14, + 1861, from the War Department to its Generals, touching the employment of + Fugitive Slaves within the Union Lines, and the assurance of just + compensation to loyal masters, therein contained, although all avoidable + interference with the Institution was therein reprobated. + </p> + <p> + Nothing satisfied them. It was indeed one of the most curious of the many + phenomena of the War of the Rebellion, that when—as at the end of + 1861—it had become evident, as Secretary Cameron held, that it + "would be National suicide" to leave the Rebels in "peaceful and secure + possession of Slave Property, more valuable and efficient to them for War, + than forage, cotton, and Military stores," and that the Slaves coming + within our lines could not "be held by the Government as Slaves," and + should not be held as prisoners of War—still the loyal people of + these Border-States, could not bring themselves to save that Union, which + they professed to love, by legislation on this tender subject. + </p> + <p> + On the contrary, they opposed all legislation looking to any interference + with such Slave property. Nothing that was proposed by Mr. Lincoln, or any + other, on this subject, could satisfy them. + </p> + <p> + Congress enacted a law, approved March 13, 1862, embracing an additional + Article of War, which prohibited all officers "from employing any of the + forces under their respective Commands for the purpose of returning + Fugitives from Service or Labor who may have escaped from any persons to + whom such Service or Labor is claimed to be due," and prescribed that "Any + officer who shall be found guilty by Court-Martial of violating this + Article shall be dismissed from the Service." In both Houses, the loyal + Border-State Representatives spoke and voted against its passage. + </p> + <p> + One week previously (March 6, 1862), President Lincoln, in an admirable + Message, hitherto herein given at length, found himself driven to broach + to Congress the subject of Emancipation. He had, in his First Annual + Message (December, 1861), declared that "the Union must be preserved; and + hence all indispensable means must be employed;" but now, as a part of the + War Policy, he proposed to Congress the adoption of a Joint Resolution + declaring "That the United States ought to cooperate with any State which + may adopt gradual abolishment of Slavery, giving to such State, pecuniary + aid, to be used by such State in its discretion, to compensate for the + inconveniences, public and private, produced by such change of System." + </p> + <p> + It was high time, he thought, that the idea of a gradual, compensated + Emancipation, should begin to occupy the minds of those interested, "so + that," to use his own words, "they may begin to consider whether to accept + or reject it," should Congress approve the suggestion. + </p> + <p> + Congress did approve, and adopt, the Joint-Resolution, as we know—despite + the opposition from the loyal element of the Border States—an + opposition made in the teeth of their concession that Mr. Lincoln, in + recommending its adoption, was "solely moved by a high patriotism and + sincere devotion to the glory of his Country." + </p> + <p> + But, consistently with their usual course, they went to the House of + Representatives, fresh from the Presidential presence, and, with their + ears still ringing with the common-sense utterances of the President, half + of them voted against the Resolution, while the other half refrained from + voting at all. And their opposition to this wise and moderate proposition + was mainly based upon the idea that it carried with it a threat—a + covert threat. + </p> + <p> + It certainly was a warning, taking it in connection with the balance of + the Message, but a very wise and timely one. + </p> + <p> + These loyal Border-State men, however, could not see its wisdom, and at a + full meeting held upon the subject decided to oppose it, as they afterward + did. Its conciliatory spirit they could not comprehend; the kindly, + temperate warning, they would not heed. The most moderate of them all,—[Mr. + Crittenden of Kentucky.]—in the most moderate of his utterances, + could not bring himself to the belief that this Resolution was "a measure + exactly suited to the times." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [And such was the fatuity existing among the Slave-holders of the Border + States, that not one of those Slave States had wisdom enough to take the + liberal offer thus made by the General Government, of compensation. They + afterward found their Slaves freed without compensation.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + So, also, one month later, (April 11, 1862), when the Senate Bill + proposing Emancipation in the District of Columbia, was before the House, + the same spokesman and leader of the loyal Border-State men opposed it + strenuously as not being suited to the times. For, he persuasively + protested: "I do not say that you have not the power; but would not that + power be, at such a time as this, most unwisely and indiscreetly + exercised. That is the point. Of all the times when an attempt was ever + made to carry this measure, is not this the most inauspicious? Is it not a + time when the measure is most likely to produce danger and mischief to the + Country at large? So it seems to me." + </p> + <p> + It was not now, nor would it ever be, the time, to pass this, or any other + measure, touching the Institution of Slavery, likely to benefit that Union + to which these men professed such love and loyalty. + </p> + <p> + Their opposition, however, to the march of events, was of little avail—even + when backed, as was almost invariably the case, by the other Democratic + votes from the Free States. The opposition was obstructive, but not + effectual. For this reason it was perhaps the more irritating to the + Republicans, who were anxious to put Slavery where their great leader, Mr. + Lincoln, had long before said it should be placed—"in course of + ultimate extinction." + </p> + <p> + This very irritation, however, only served to press such Anti-Slavery + Measures more rapidly forward. By the 19th of June, 1862, a Bill "to + secure Freedom to all persons within the Territories of the United States"—after + a more strenuous fight against it than ever, on the part of Loyal and + Copperhead Democrats, both from the Border and Free States,—had + passed Congress, and been approved by President Lincoln. It provided, in + just so many words, "That, from and after the passage of this Act, there + shall be neither Slavery nor involuntary servitude in any of the + Territories of the United States now existing, or which may at any time + hereafter be formed or acquired by the United States, otherwise than in + punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted." + </p> + <p> + Here, then, at last, was the great end and aim, with which Mr. Lincoln and + the Republican Party started out, accomplished. To repeat his phrase, + Slavery was certainly now in course of ultimate extinction. + </p> + <p> + But since that doctrine had been first enunciated by Mr. Lincoln, events + had changed the aspect of things. War had broken out, and the Slaves of + those engaged in armed Rebellion against the authority of the United + States Government, had been actually employed, as we have seen, on Rebel + works and fortifications whose guns were trailed upon the Armies of the + Union. + </p> + <p> + And now, the question of Slavery had ceased to be simply whether it should + be put in course of ultimate extinction, but whether, as a War Measure—as + a means of weakening the Enemy and strengthening the Union—the time + had not already come to extinguish it, so far, at least, as the Slaves of + those participating in the Rebellion, were concerned. + </p> + <p> + Congress, as has been heretofore noted, had already long and heatedly + debated various propositions referring to Slavery and African + Colonization, and had enacted such of them as, in its wisdom, were + considered necessary; and was now entering a further stormy period of + contention upon various other projects touching the Abolition of the + Fugitive Slave Laws, the Confiscation of Rebel Property, and the + Emancipation of Slaves—all of which, of course, had been, and would + be, vehemently assailed by the loyal Border-States men and their + Free-State Democratic allies. + </p> + <p> + This contention proceeded largely upon the lines of construction of that + clause in the Constitution of the United States and its Amendments, which + provides that no person shall be deprived of Life, Liberty, or Property, + without due process of Law, etc. The one side holding that, since the + beginning of our Government, Slaves had been, under this clause, + Unconstitutionally deprived of their Liberty; the other side holding that + Slaves being "property," it would be Unconstitutional under the same + clause, to deprive the Slave-owner of his Slave property. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crittenden, the leader of the loyal Border-States men in Congress, was + at this time especially eloquent on this latter view of the Constitution. + In his speech of April 23, 1862, in the House of Representatives, he even + undertook to defend American Slavery under the shield of English Liberty! + </p> + <p> + Said he: "It is necessary for the prosperity of any Government, for peace + and harmony, that every man who acquires property shall feel that he shall + be protected in the enjoyment of it, and in his right to hold it. It + elevates the man; it gives him a feeling of dignity. It is the great old + English doctrine of Liberty. Said Lord Mansfield, the rain may beat + against the cabin of an Englishman, the snow may penetrate it, but the + King dare not enter it without the consent of its owner. That is the true + English spirit. It is the source of England's power." + </p> + <p> + And again: "The idea of property is deeply seated in our minds. By the + English Law and by the American Law you have the right to take the life of + any man who attempts, by violence, to take your property from you. So far + does the Spirit of these Laws go. Let us not break down this idea of + property. It is the animating spirit of the Country. Indeed it is the + Spirit of Liberty and Freedom." + </p> + <p> + There was at this time, a growing belief in the minds of these loyal + Border-States men, that this question of Slavery-abolition was reaching a + crisis. They saw "the handwriting on the wall," but left no stone unturned + to prevent, or at least to avert for a time, the coming catastrophe. They + egged Congress, in the language of the distinguished Kentuckian, to "Let + these unnecessary measures alone, for the present;" and, as to the + President, they now, not only volunteered in his defense, against the + attacks of others, but strove also to capture him by their arch + flatteries. + </p> + <p> + "Sir,"—said Mr. Crittenden, in one of his most eloquent bursts, in + the House of Representatives,—"it is not my duty, perhaps, to defend + the President of the United States. * * * I voted against Mr. Lincoln, and + opposed him honestly and sincerely; but Mr. Lincoln has won me to his + side. There is a niche in the Temple of Fame, a niche near to Washington, + which should be occupied by the statue of him who shall, save this + Country. Mr. Lincoln has a mighty destiny. It is for him, if he will, to + step into that niche. It is for him to be but President of the People of + the United States, and there will his statue be. But, if he choose to be, + in these times, a mere sectarian and a party man, that niche will be + reserved for some future and better Patriot. It is in his power to occupy + a place next Washington,—the Founder, and the Preserver, side by + side. Sir, Mr. Lincoln is no coward. His not doing what the Constitution + forbade him to do, is no proof of his cowardice." + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, Owen Lovejoy, the fiery Abolitionist, the very next day + after the above remarks of Mr. Crittenden were delivered in the House, + made a great speech in reply, taking the position that "either Slavery, or + the Republic, must perish; and the question for us to decide is, which + shall it be?" + </p> + <p> + He declared to the House: "You cannot put down the rebellion and restore + the Union, without destroying Slavery." He quoted the sublime language of + Curran touching the Spirit of the British Law, which consecrates the soil + of Britain to the genius of Universal Emancipation, + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In these words: + </p> + <p> + "I speak in the Spirit of the British law, which makes Liberty + commensurate with, and inseparable from, the British soil; which + proclaims even to the stranger and the sojourner the moment he sets his + foot upon British earth, that the ground on which he treads is holy, and + consecrated by the genius Of UNIVERSAL EMANCIPATION. + </p> + <p> + "No matter in what language his doom may have been pronounced; no matter + what complexion incompatible with Freedom, an Indian or an African sun + may have burnt upon him; no matter in what disastrous battle his Liberty + may have been cloven down; no matter with what solemnities he may have + been devoted upon the altar of Slavery; the first moment he touches the + sacred soil of Britain, the altar and the god sink together in the dust; + his Soul walks abroad in her own majesty; his Body swells beyond the + measure of his chains, that burst from around him, and he stands + redeemed, regenerated, and disenthralled by the irresistible genius of + UNIVERSAL EMANCIPATION."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + And Cowper's verse, wherein the poet says: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs Receive our air, that + moment they are Free," + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + —and, after expressing his solicitude to have this true of America, + as it already was true of the District of Columbia, he proceeded to say: + </p> + <p> + "The gentleman from Kentucky says he has a niche for Abraham Lincoln. + Where is it? He pointed upward! But, Sir, should the President follow the + counsels of that gentleman, and become the defender and perpetuator of + human Slavery, he should point downward to some dungeon in the Temple of + Moloch, who feeds on human blood and is surrounded with fires, where are + forged manacles and chains for human limbs—in the crypts and + recesses of whose Temple, woman is scourged, and man tortured, and outside + whose walls are lying dogs, gorged with human flesh, as Byron describes + them stretched around Stamboul. That is a suitable place for the statue of + one who would defend and perpetuate human Slavery." + </p> + <p> + And then—after saying that "the friends of American Slavery need not + beslime the President with their praise. He is an Anti-Slavery man. He + hates human Bondage "—the orator added these glowing words: + </p> + <p> + "I, too, have a niche for Abraham Lincoln; but it is in Freedom's Holy + Fane, and not in the blood-besmeared Temple of human Bondage; not + surrounded by Slaves, fetters and chains, but with the symbols of Freedom; + not dark with Bondage, but radiant with the light of Liberty. In that + niche he shall stand proudly, nobly, gloriously, with shattered fetters + and broken chains and slave-whips beneath his feet. If Abraham Lincoln + pursues the path, evidently pointed out for him in the providence of God, + as I believe he will, then he will occupy the proud position I have + indicated. That is a fame worth living for; ay, more, that is a fame worth + dying for, though that death led through the blood of Gethsemane and the + agony of the Accursed Tree. That is a fame which has glory and honor and + immortality and Eternal Life. Let Abraham Lincoln make himself, as I trust + he will, the Emancipator, the Liberator, as he has the opportunity of + doing, and his name shall not only be enrolled in this Earthly Temple, but + it will be traced on the living stones of that Temple which rears itself + amid the Thrones and Hierarchies of Heaven, whose top-stone is to be + brought in with shouting of 'Grace, grace unto it!'" + </p> + <p> + We have seen how the loyal Border-State men, through their chosen + Representative—finding that their steady and unfaltering opposition + to all Mr. Lincoln's propositions, while quite ineffectual, did not serve + by any means to increase his respect for their peculiar kind of loyalty + —offered him posthumous honors and worship if he would but do as + they desired. Had they possessed the power, no doubt they would have taken + him up into an exceeding high mountain and have offered to him all the + Kingdoms of the Earth to do their bidding. But their temptations were of + no avail. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln's duty, and inclination alike—no less than the + earnest importunities of the Abolitionists—carried him in the + opposite direction; but carried him no farther than he thought it safe, + and wise, to go. For, in whatever he might do on this burning question of + Emancipation, he was determined to secure that adequate support from the + People without which even Presidential Proclamations are waste paper. + </p> + <p> + But now, May 9, 1862, was suddenly issued by General Hunter, commanding + the "Department of the South," comprising Georgia, Florida and South + Carolina, his celebrated Order announcing Martial Law, in those States, as + a Military Necessity, and—as "Slavery and Martial Law in a Free + Country are altogether incompatible"—declaring all Slaves therein, + "forever Free." + </p> + <p> + This second edition, as it were, of Fremont's performance, at once threw + the loyal Border-State men into a terrible ferment. Again, they, and their + Copperhead and other Democratic friends of the North, meanly professed + belief that this was but a part of Mr. Lincoln's programme, and that his + apparent backwardness was the cloak to hide his Anti-Slavery + aggressiveness and insincerity. + </p> + <p> + How hurtful the insinuations, and even direct charges, of the day, made by + these men against President Lincoln, must have been to his honest, + sincere, and sensitive nature, can scarcely be conceived by those who did + not know him; while, on the other hand, the reckless impatience of some of + his friends for "immediate and universal Emancipation," and their + complaints at his slow progress toward that goal of their hopes, must have + been equally trying. + </p> + <p> + True to himself, however, and to the wise conservative course which he had + marked out, and, thus far, followed, President Lincoln hastened to disavow + Hunter's action in the premises, by a Proclamation, heretofore given, + declaring that no person had been authorized by the United States + Government to declare the Slaves of any State, Free; that Hunter's action + in this respect was void; that, as Commander-in-chief he reserved solely + to himself, the questions, first, as to whether he had the power to + declare the Slaves of any State or States, Free, and, second, whether the + time and necessity for the exercise of such supposed power had arrived. + And then, as we may remember, he proceeded to cite the adoption, by + overwhelming majorities in Congress, of the Joint Resolution offering + pecuniary aid from the National Government to "any State which may adopt a + gradual abolishment of Slavery;" and to make a most earnest appeal, for + support, to the Border-States and to their people, as being "the most + interested in the subject matter." + </p> + <p> + In his Special Message to Congress,—[Of March 6, 1862.]—recommending + the passage of that Joint Resolution, he had plainly and emphatically + declared himself against sudden Emancipation of Slaves. He had therein + distinctly said: "In my judgment, gradual, and not immediate, + Emancipation, is better for all." And now, in this second appeal of his to + the Border-States men, to patriotically close with the proposal embraced + in that. Resolution, he said: "The changes it contemplates would come + gently as the dews of Heaven, not rending or wrecking anything. Will you + not embrace it? So much good has not been done, by one effort, in all past + time, as, in the providence of God, it is now your high privilege to do! + May the vast future not have to lament that you have neglected it!" + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The following letter, from Sumner, shows the impatience of some of the + President's friends, the confidence he inspired in others nearer in his + counsels, and how entirely, at this time, his mind was absorbed in his + project for gradual and compensated Emancipation.] + </p> + <p> + "SENATE CHAMBER, June 5, 1862. + </p> + <p> + "MY DEAR SIR.—Your criticism of the President is hasty. I am + confident that, if you knew him as I do, you would not make it. Of + course the President cannot be held responsible for the misfeasances of + subordinates, unless adopted or at least tolerated by him. And I am sure + that nothing unjust or ungenerous will be tolerated, much less adopted, + by him. + </p> + <p> + "I am happy to let you know that he has no sympathy with Stanly in his + absurd wickedness, closing the schools, nor again in his other act of + turning our camp into a hunting ground for Slaves. He repudiates both—positively. + The latter point has occupied much of his thought; and the newspapers + have not gone too far in recording his repeated declarations, which I + have often heard from his own lips, that Slaves finding their way into + the National lines are never to be Re-enslaved—This is his + conviction, expressed without reserve. + </p> + <p> + "Could you have seen the President—as it was my privilege often—while + he was considering the great questions on which he has already acted—the + invitation to Emancipation in the States, Emancipation in the District + of Columbia, and the acknowledgment of the Independence of Hayti and + Liberia—even your zeal would have been satisfied, for you would + have felt the sincerity of his purpose to do what he could to carry + forward the principles of the Declaration of Independence. + </p> + <p> + "His whole soul was occupied, especially by the first proposition, which + was peculiarly his own. In familiar intercourse with him, I remember + nothing more touching than the earnestness and completeness with which + he embraced this idea. To his mind, it was just and beneficent, while it + promised the sure end of Slavery. Of course, to me, who had already + proposed a bridge of gold for the retreating fiend, it was most welcome. + Proceeding from the President, it must take its place among the great + events of history. + </p> + <p> + "If you are disposed to be impatient at any seeming shortcomings, think, + I pray you, of what has been done in a brief period, and from the past + discern the sure promise of the future. Knowing something of my + convictions and of the ardor with which I maintain them, you may, + perhaps, derive some assurance from my confidence; I may say to you, + therefore, stand by the Administration. If need be, help it by word and + act, but stand by it and have faith in it. + </p> + <p> + "I wish that you really knew the President, and had heard the artless + expression of his convictions on those questions which concern you so + deeply. You might, perhaps, wish that he were less cautious, but you + would be grateful that he is so true to all that you have at heart. + Believe me, therefore, you are wrong, and I regret it the more because + of my desire to see all our friends stand firmly together. + </p> + <p> + "If I write strongly it is because I feel strongly; for my constant and + intimate intercourse with the President, beginning with the 4th of + March, not only binds me peculiarly to his Administration, but gives me + a personal as well as a political interest in seeing that justice is + done him. + </p> + <p> + "Believe me, my dear Sir, with much regard, ever faithfully yours,<br /> + "CHARLES SUMNER." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + But stones are not more deaf to entreaty than were the ears of the loyal + Border-State men and their allies to President Lincoln's renewed appeal. + "Ephraim" was "wedded to his idols." + </p> + <p> + McClellan too—immediately after his retreat from the Chickahominy to + the James River—seized the opportunity afforded by the disasters to + our arms, for which he was responsible, to write to President Lincoln a + letter (dated July 7, 1862) in which he admonished him that owing to the + "critical" condition of the Army of the Potomac, and the danger of its + being "overwhelmed" by the Enemy in front, the President must now + substantially assume and exercise the powers of a Dictator, or all would + be lost; that "neither Confiscation of property * * * nor forcible + Abolition of Slavery, should be contemplated for a moment;" and that "A + declaration of Radical views, especially upon Slavery, will rapidly + disintegrate our present Armies." + </p> + <p> + Harried, and worried, on all sides,—threatened even by the Commander + of the Army of the Potomac,—it is not surprising, in view of the + apparently irreconcilable attitude of the loyal Border-State men to + gradual and compensated Emancipation, that the tension of President + Lincoln's mind began to feel a measure of relief in contemplating Military + Emancipation in the teeth of all such threats. + </p> + <p> + He had long since made up his mind that the existence of Slavery was not + compatible with the preservation of the Union. The only question now was, + how to get rid of it? If the worst should come to the worst—despite + McClellan's threat—he would have to risk everything on the turn of + the die—would have to "play his last card;" and that "last card" was + Military Emancipation. Yet still he disliked to play it. The time and + necessity for it had not yet arrived—although he thought he saw them + coming. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In the course of an article in the New York Tribune, August, 1885, Hon. + George S. Boutwell tells of an interview in "July or early in August" of + 1862, with President Lincoln, at which the latter read two letters: one + from a Louisiana man "who claimed to be a Union man," but sought to + impress the President with "the dangers and evils of Emancipation;" the + other, Mr. Lincoln's reply to him, in which, says Mr. B., "he used this + expression: 'you must not expect me to give up this Government without + playing my last card.' Emancipation was his last card."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Things were certainly, at this time, sufficiently unpromising to chill the + sturdiest Patriot's heart. It is true, we had scored some important + victories in the West; but in the East, our arms seemed fated to disaster + after disaster. Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Pittsburg Landing, + were names whose mention made the blood of Patriots to surge in their + veins; and Corinth, too, had fallen. But in the East, McClellan's + profitless campaign against Richmond, and especially his disastrous + "change of base" by a "masterly" seven days' retreat, involving as many + bloody battles, had greatly dispirited all Union men, and encouraged the + Rebels and Rebel-sympathizers to renewed hopes and efforts. + </p> + <p> + And, as reverses came to the Union Arms, so seemed to grow proportionately + the efforts, on all sides, to force forward, or to stave off, as the case + might be, the great question of the liberation and arming of the Slaves, + as a War Measure, under the War powers of the Constitution. It was about + this time (July 12, 1862) that President Lincoln determined to make a + third, and last, attempt to avert the necessity for thus emancipating and + arming the Slaves. He invited all the Senators and Representatives in + Congress from the Border-States, to an interview at the White House, and + made to them the appeal, heretofore in these pages given at length. + </p> + <p> + It was an earnest, eloquent, wise, kindly, patriotic, fatherly appeal in + behalf of his old proposition, for a gradual, compensated Emancipation, by + the Slave States, aided by the resources of the National Government. + </p> + <p> + At the very time of making it, he probably had, in his drawer, the rough + draft of the Proclamation which was soon to give Liberty to all the + Colored millions of the Land. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [McPherson gives a letter, written from Washington, by Owen Lovejoy + (Feb. 22, 1864), to Wm. Lloyd Garrison, in which the following passage + occurs: + </p> + <p> + "Recurring to the President, there are a great many reports concerning + him which seem to be reliable and authentic, which, after all, are not + so. It was currently reported among the Anti-Slavery men of Illinois + that the Emancipation Proclamation was extorted from him by the outward + pressure, and particularly by the Delegation from the Christian + Convention that met at Chicago. + </p> + <p> + "Now, the fact is this, as I had it from his own lips: He had written + the Proclamation in the Summer, as early as June, I think—but will + not be certain as to the precise time—and called his Cabinet + together, and informed them he had written it and meant to make it, but + wanted to read it to them for any criticism or remarks as to its + features or details. + </p> + <p> + "After having done so, Mr. Seward suggested whether it would not be well + for him to withhold its publication until after we had gained some + substantial advantage in the Field, as at that time we had met with many + reverses, and it might be considered a cry of despair. He told me he + thought the suggestion a wise one, and so held on to the Proclamation + until after the Battle of Antietam."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Be that as it may, however, sufficient evidences exist, to prove that he + must have been fully aware, at the time of making that appeal to the + supposed patriotism of these Border-State men, how much, how very much, + depended on the manner of their reception of it. + </p> + <p> + To him, that meeting was a very solemn and portentous one. He had studied + the question long and deeply—not from the standpoint of his own mere + individual feelings and judgment, but from that of fair Constitutional + construction, as interpreted by the light of Natural or General Law and + right reason. What he sought to impress upon them was, that an immediate + decision by the Border-States to adopt, and in due time carry out, with + the financial help of the General Government, a policy of gradual + Emancipation, would simultaneously solve the two intimately-blended + problems of Slavery-destruction and Union-preservation, in the best + possible manner for the pockets and feelings of the Border-State + Slave-holder, and for the other interests of both Border-State + Slave-holder and Slave. + </p> + <p> + His great anxiety was to "perpetuate," as well as to save, to the People + of the World, the imperiled form of Popular Government, and assure to it a + happy and a grand future. + </p> + <p> + He begged these Congressmen from the Border-States, to help him carry out + this, his beneficent plan, in the way that was best for all, and thus at + the same time utterly deprive the Rebel Confederacy of that hope, which + still possessed them, of ultimately gathering these States into their + rebellious fold. And he very plainly, at the same time, confessed that he + desired this relief from the Abolition pressure upon him, which had been + growing more intense ever since he had repudiated the Hunter proclamation. + </p> + <p> + But the President's earnest appeal to these loyal Representatives in + Congress from the Border-States, was, as we have seen, in vain. It might + as well have been made to actual Rebels, for all the good it did. For, a + few days afterward, they sent to him a reply signed by more than + two-thirds of those present, hitherto given at length in these pages, in + which-after loftily sneering at the proposition as "an interference by + this Government with a question which peculiarly and exclusively belonged + to" their "respective States, on which they had not sought advice or + solicited aid," throwing doubts upon the Constitutional power of the + General Government to give the financial aid, and undertaking by + statistics to prove that it would absolutely bankrupt the Government to + give such aid,—they insultingly declared, in substance, that they + could not "trust anything to the contingencies of future legislation," and + that Congress must "provide sufficient funds" and place those funds in the + President's hands for the purpose, before the Border-States and their + people would condescend even to "take this proposition into careful + consideration, for such decision as in their judgment is demanded by their + interest, their honor, and their duty to the whole Country." + </p> + <p> + Very different in tone, to be sure, was the minority reply, which, after + stating that "the leaders of the Southern Rebellion have offered to + abolish Slavery among them as a condition to Foreign Intervention in favor + of their Independence as a Nation," concluded with the terse and loyal + deduction: "If they can give up Slavery to destroy the Union, we can + surely ask our people to consider the question of Emancipation to save the + Union." + </p> + <p> + But those who signed this latter reply were few, among the many. + Practically, the Border-State men were a unit against Mr. Lincoln's + proposition, and against its fair consideration by their people. He asked + for meat, and they gave him a stone. + </p> + <p> + Only a few days before this interview, President Lincoln—alarmed by + the report of McClellan, that the magnificent Army of the Potomac under + his command, which, only three months before, had boasted 161,000 men, had + dwindled down to not more than "50,000 men left with their colors"—had + been to the front, at Harrison's Landing, on the James river, and, + although he had not found things quite so disheartening as he had been led + to believe, yet they were bad enough, for only 86,000 men were found by + him on duty, while 75,000 were unaccounted for—of which number + 34,4172 were afterward reported as "absent by authority." + </p> + <p> + This condition of affairs, in connection with the fact that McClellan was + always calling for more troops, undoubtedly had its influence in bringing + Mr. Lincoln's mind to the conviction, hitherto mentioned, of the + fast-approaching Military necessity for Freeing and Arming the Slaves. + </p> + <p> + It was to ward this off, if possible, that he had met and appealed to the + Border-State Representatives. They had answered him with sneers and + insults; and nothing was left him but the extreme course of almost + immediate Emancipation. + </p> + <p> + Long and anxiously he had thought over the matter, but the time for action + was at hand. + </p> + <p> + And now, it cannot be better told, than in President Lincoln's own words, + as given to the portrait-painter Carpenter, and recorded in the latter's, + "Six months in the White House," what followed: + </p> + <p> + "It had got to be," said he, "midsummer, 1862. Things had gone on from bad + to worse, until I felt that we had reached the end of our rope on the plan + of operations we had been pursuing; that we had about played our last + card, and must change our tactics, or lose the game! + </p> + <p> + "I now determined upon the adoption of the Emancipation Policy; and, + without consultation with, or the knowledge of, the Cabinet, I prepared + the original draft of the Proclamation, and, after much anxious thought, + called a Cabinet meeting upon the subject. This was the last of July, or + the first part of the month of August, 1862." (The exact date he did not + remember.) + </p> + <p> + "This Cabinet meeting took place, I think, upon a Saturday. All were + present, excepting Mr. Blair, the Postmaster-General, who was absent at + the opening of the discussion, but came in subsequently. I said to the + Cabinet, that I had resolved upon this step, and had not called them + together to ask their advice, but to lay the subject-matter of a + Proclamation before them; suggestions as to which would be in order, after + they had heard it read. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Lovejoy was in error" when he stated "that it excited no comment, + excepting on the part of Secretary Seward. Various suggestions were + offered. Secretary Chase wished the language stronger, in reference to the + arming of the Blacks. Mr. Blair, after he came in, deprecated the policy, + on the ground that it would cost the Administration the fall elections. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing, however, was offered, that I had not already fully anticipated + and settled in my own mind, until Secretary Seward spoke. He said in + substance: 'Mr. President, I approve of the Proclamation, but I question + the expediency of its issue at this juncture. The depression of the public + mind, consequent upon our repeated reverses, is so great that I fear the + effect of so important a step. It may be viewed as the last Measure of an + exhausted Government, a cry for help, the Government stretching forth its + hands to Ethiopia, instead of Ethiopia stretching forth her hands to the + Government.' + </p> + <p> + "His idea," said the President "was that it would be considered our last + shriek, on the retreat." (This was his precise expression.) "' Now,' + continued Mr. Seward, 'while I approve the Measure, I suggest, Sir, that + you postpone its issue, until you can give it to the Country supported by + Military success, instead of issuing it, as would be the case now, upon + the greatest disasters of the War!'" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln continued: "The wisdom of the view of the Secretary of State, + struck me with very great force. It was an aspect of the case that, in all + my thought upon the subject, I had entirely overlooked. The result was + that I put the draft of the Proclamation aside, as you do your sketch for + a picture, waiting for a victory." + </p> + <p> + It may not be amiss to interrupt the President's narration to Mr. + Carpenter, at this point, with a few words touching "the Military + Situation." + </p> + <p> + After McClellan's inexplicable retreat from before the Rebel Capital—when, + having gained a great victory at Malvern Hills, Richmond would undoubtedly + have been ours, had he but followed it up, instead of ordering his + victorious troops to retreat like "a whipped Army"—[See General + Hooker's testimony before the Committee on the Conduct of the War.]—his + recommendation, in the extraordinary letter (of July 7th) to the + President, for the creation of the office of General-in-Chief, was + adopted, and Halleck, then at Corinth, was ordered East, to fill it. + </p> + <p> + Pope had previously been called from the West, to take command of the + troops covering Washington, comprising some 40,000 men, known as the Army + of Virginia; and, finding cordial cooperation with McClellan impossible, + had made a similar suggestion. + </p> + <p> + Soon after Halleck's arrival, that General ordered the transfer of the + Army of the Potomac, from Harrison's Landing to Acquia creek—on the + Potomac—with a view to a new advance upon Richmond, from the + Rappahannock river. + </p> + <p> + While this was being slowly accomplished, Lee, relieved from fears for + Richmond, decided to advance upon Washington, and speedily commenced the + movement. + </p> + <p> + On the 8th of August, 1862, Stonewall Jackson, leading the Rebel advance, + had crossed the Rapidan; on the 9th the bloody Battle of Cedar Mountain + had been fought with part of Pope's Army; and on the 11th, Jackson had + retreated across the Rapidan again. + </p> + <p> + Subsequently, Pope having retired across the Rappahannock, Lee's Forces, + by flanking Pope's Army, again resumed their Northern advance. August 28th + and 29th witnessed the bloody Battles of Groveton and Gainesville, + Virginia; the 30th saw the defeat of Pope, by Lee, at the second great + Battle of Bull Run, and the falling back of Pope's Army toward Washington; + and the succeeding Battle of Chantilly took place September 1, 1862. + </p> + <p> + It is not necessary at this time to even touch upon the causes and + agencies which brought such misfortune to the Union Arms, under Pope. It + is sufficient to say here, that the disaster of the second Bull Run was a + dreadful blow to the Union Cause, and correspondingly elated the Rebels. + </p> + <p> + Jefferson Davis, in transmitting to the Rebel Congress at Richmond, Lee's + victorious announcements, said, in his message: "From these dispatches it + will be seen that God has again extended His shield over our patriotic + Army, and has blessed the cause of the Confederacy with a second signal + victory, on the field already memorable by the gallant achievement of our + troops." + </p> + <p> + Flushed with victory, but wisely avoiding the fortifications of the + National Capital, Lee's Forces now swept past Washington; crossed the + Potomac, near Point of Rocks, at its rear; and menaced both the National + Capital and Baltimore. + </p> + <p> + Yielding to the apparent necessity of the moment, the President again + placed. McClellan in command of the Armies about Washington, to wit: the + Army of the Potomac; Burnside's troops that had come up from North + Carolina; what remained of Pope's Army of Virginia; and the large + reinforcements from fresh levies, constantly and rapidly pouring in. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [This was probably about the time of the occurrence of an amusing + incident, touching Lincoln, McClellan, and the fortifications around + Washington, afterward told by General J. G. Barnard, then Chief of + Engineers on the staff of General George B. McClellan.—See New + York Tribune, October 21, 1885. It seems that the fortifications having + been completed, McClellan invited Mr. Lincoln and his Cabinet to inspect + them. "On the day appointed," said Barnard, "the Inspection commenced at + Arlington, to the Southwest of Washington, and in front of the Enemy. We + followed the line of the works southerly, and recrossed the Potomac to + the easterly side of the river, and continued along the line easterly of + Washington and into the heaviest of all the fortifications on the + northerly side of Washington. When we reached this point the President + asked General McClellan to explain the necessity of so strong a + fortification between Washington and the North. + </p> + <p> + "General McClellan replied: 'Why, Mr. President, according to Military + Science it is our duty to guard against every possible or supposable + contingency that may arise. For example, if under any circumstances, + however fortuitous, the Enemy, by any chance or freak, should, in a last + resort, get in behind Washington, in his efforts to capture the city, + why, there the fort is to defend it.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yes, that's so General,' said the President; 'the precaution is + doubtless a wise one, and I'm glad to get so clear an explanation, for + it reminds me of an interesting question once discussed for several + weeks in our Lyceum, or Moot Court, at Springfield, Ill., soon after I + began reading law.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ah!' says General McClellan. 'What question was that, Mr. President?' + </p> + <p> + "'The question,' Mr. Lincoln replied, 'was, "Why does man have + breasts?"' and he added that after many evenings' debate, the question + was submitted to the presiding Judge, who wisely decided 'That if under + any circumstances, however fortuitous, or by any chance or freak, no + matter of what nature or by what cause, a man should have a baby, there + would be the breasts to nurse it.'"] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Yet, it was not until the 17th of September that the Battle of Antietam + was fought, and Lee defeated—and then only to be allowed to slip + back, across the Potomac, on the 18th—McClellan leisurely following + him, across that river, on the 2nd of November! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Arnold, in his "Life of Abraham Lincoln," says that President Lincoln + said of him: "With all his failings as a soldier, McClellan is a + pleasant and scholarly gentleman. He is an admirable Engineer, but" he + added, "he seems to have a special talent for a stationary Engine."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On the 5th, McClellan was relieved,—Burnside taking the command,—and + Union men breathed more freely again. + </p> + <p> + But to return to the subject of Emancipation. President Lincoln's own + words have already been given—in conversation with Carpenter—down + to the reading of the Proclamation to his Cabinet, and Seward's suggestion + to "wait for a victory" before issuing it, and how, adopting that advice, + he laid the Proclamation aside, waiting for a victory. + </p> + <p> + "From time to time," said Mr. Lincoln, continuing his narration, "I added + or changed a line, touching it up here and there, anxiously waiting the + progress of events. Well, the next news we had was of Pope's disaster at + Bull Run. Things looked darker than ever. Finally, came the week of the + Battle of Antietam. I determined to wait no longer. + </p> + <p> + "The news came, I think, on Wednesday, that the advantage was on our side. + I was then staying at the Soldiers' Home (three miles out of Washington.) + Here I finished writing the second draft of the preliminary Proclamation; + came up on Saturday; called the Cabinet together to hear it; and it was + published the following Monday." + </p> + <p> + It is not uninteresting to note, in this connection, upon the same + authority, that at the final meeting of the Cabinet prior to this issue of + the Proclamation, when the third paragraph was read, and the words of the + draft "will recognize the Freedom of such Persons," were reached, Mr. + Seward suggested the insertion of the words "and maintain" after the word + "recognize;" and upon his insistence, the President said, "the words + finally went in." + </p> + <p> + At last, then, had gone forth the Fiat—telegraphed and read + throughout the Land, on that memorable 22d of September, 1862—which, + with the supplemental Proclamation of January 1, 1863, was to bring joy + and Freedom to the millions of Black Bondsmen of the South. + </p> + <p> + Just one month before its issue, in answer to Horace Greeley's Open letter + berating him for "the seeming subserviency" of his "policy to the + Slave-holding, Slave up-holding interest," etc., President Lincoln had + written his famous "Union letter" in which he had conservatively said: "My + paramount object is to save the Union, and not either to save or destroy + Slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any Slave, I would do + it—and if I could save it by freeing all the Slaves, I would do it—and + if I could save it by freeing some, and leaving others alone, I would also + do that." + </p> + <p> + No one outside of his Cabinet dreamed, at the time he made that answer, + that the Proclamation of Emancipation was already written, and simply + awaited a turn in the tide of battle for its issue! + </p> + <p> + Still less could it have been supposed, when, on the 13th of September—only + two days before Stonewall Jackson had invested, attacked, and captured + Harper's Ferry with nearly 12,000 prisoners, 73 cannon, and 13,000 small + arms, besides other spoils of War—Mr. Lincoln received the + deputation from the religious bodies of Chicago, bearing a Memorial for + the immediate issue of such a Proclamation. + </p> + <p> + The very language of his reply,—where he said to them: "It is my + earnest desire to know the will of Providence in this matter. And if I can + learn what it is, I will do it! These are not, however, the days of + miracles, and I suppose it will be granted that I am not to expect a + direct revelation. I must study the plain physical aspects of the case, + ascertain what is possible, and learn what appears to be wise and right"—when + taken in connection with the very strong argument with which he followed + it up, against the policy of Emancipation advocated in the Memorial, and + his intimation that a Proclamation of Emancipation issued by him "must + necessarily be inoperative, like the Pope's Bull against the Comet!"—would + almost seem to have been adopted with the very object of veiling his real + purpose from the public eye, and leaving the public mind in doubt. At all + events, it had that effect. + </p> + <p> + Arnold, in his "Life of Lincoln," says of this time, when General Lee was + marching Northward toward Pennsylvania, that "now, the President, with + that tinge of superstition which ran through his character, 'made,' as he + said, 'a solemn vow to God, that, if Lee was driven back, he would issue + the Proclamation;'" and, in the light of that statement, the concluding + words of Mr. Lincoln's reply to the deputation aforesaid:—"I can + assure you that the subject is on my mind, by day and night, more than any + other. Whatever shall appear to be God's will, I will do,"—have a + new meaning. + </p> + <p> + The Emancipation Proclamation, when issued, was a great surprise, but was + none the less generally well-received by the Union Armies, and throughout + the Loyal States of the Union, while, in some of them, its reception was + most enthusiastic. + </p> + <p> + It happened, too, as we have seen, that the Convention of the Governors of + the Loyal States met at Altoona, Penn., on the very day of its + promulgation, and in an address to the President adopted by these loyal + Governors, they publicly hailed it "with heartfelt gratitude and + encouraged hope," and declared that "the decision of the President to + strike at the root of the Rebellion will lend new vigor to efforts, and + new life and hope to the hearts, of the People." + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the loyal Border-States men were dreadfully exercised + on the subject; and those of them in the House of Representatives + emphasized their disapproval by their votes, when, on the 11th and 15th of + the following December, Resolutions, respectively denouncing, and + endorsing, "the policy of Emancipation, as indicated in that + Proclamation," of September 22, 1862, were offered and voted on. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the loyal Border-States men's bitter opposition, however, the + Resolution endorsing that policy as a War Measure, and declaring the + Proclamation to be "an exercise of power with proper regard for the rights + of the States and the perpetuity of Free Government," as we have seen, + passed the House. + </p> + <p> + Of course the Rebels themselves, against whom it was aimed, gnashed their + teeth in impotent rage over the Proclamation. But they lost no time in + declaring that it was only a proof of what they had always announced: that + the War was not for the preservation of the American Union, but for the + destruction of African Slavery, and the spoilation of the Southern States. + </p> + <p> + Through their friends and emissaries, in the Border and other Loyal States + of the Union,—the "Knights of the Golden Circle,"— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The "Knights of the Golden Circle" was the most extensive of these + Rebel organizations. It was "an auxiliary force to the Rebel Army." Its + members took an obligation of the most binding character, the violation + of which was punishable by death, which obligation, in the language of + another, "pledged them to use every possible means in their power to aid + the Rebels to gain their Independence; to aid and assist Rebel prisoners + to escape; to vote for no one for Office who was not opposed to the + further prosecution of the War; to encourage desertions from the Union + Army; to protect the Rebels in all things necessary to carry out their + designs, even to the burning and destroying of towns and cities, if + necessary to produce the desired result; to give such information as + they had, at all times, of the movements of our Armies, and of the + return of soldiers to their homes; and to try and prevent their going + back to their regiments at the front." + </p> + <p> + In other words the duty of the Organization and of its members, was to + hamper, oppose, and prevent all things possible that were being done at + any time for the Union Cause, and to encourage, forward, and help all + things possible in behalf of the Rebel Cause. + </p> + <p> + It was to be a flanking force of the Enemy—a reverse fire—a + fire in the rear of the Union Army, by Northern men; a powerful + cooperating force—all the more powerful because secret—operating + safely because secretly and in silence—and breeding discontent, + envy, hatred, and other ill feelings wherever possible, in and out of + Army circles, from the highest to the lowest, at all possible times, and + on all possible occasions.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + —the "Order of American Knights" or "Sons of Liberty," and other + Copperhead organizations, tainted with more or less of Treason—they + stirred up all the old dregs of Pro-Slavery feeling that could possibly he + reached; but while the venomous acts and utterances of such organizations, + and the increased and vindictive energy of the armed Rebels themselves, + had a tendency to disquiet the public mind with apprehensions as to the + result of the Proclamation, and whether, indeed, Mr. Lincoln himself would + be able to resist the pressure, and stand up to his promise of that + Supplemental Proclamation which would give definiteness and practical + effect to the preliminary one, the masses of the people of the Loyal + States had faith in him. + </p> + <p> + There was also another element, in chains, at the South, which at this + time must have been trembling with that mysterious hope of coming + Emancipation for their Race, conveyed so well in Whittier's lines, + commencing: "We pray de Lord; he gib us signs, dat some day we be Free" + —a hope which had long animated them, as of something almost too + good for them to live to enjoy, but which, as the War progressed, appeared + to grow nearer and nearer, until now they seemed to see the promised Land, + flowing with milk and honey, its beautiful hills and vales smiling under + the quickening beams of Freedom's glorious sun. But ah! should they enter + there?—or must they turn away again into the old wilderness of their + Slavery, and this blessed Liberty, almost within their grasp, mockingly + elude them? + </p> + <p> + They had not long to wait for an answer. The 1st of January, 1863, + arrived, and with it—as a precious New Year's Gift—came the + Supplemental Proclamation, bearing the sacred boon of Liberty to the + Emancipated millions. + </p> + <p> + At last, at last, no American need blush to stand up and proclaim his land + indeed, and in truth, "the Land of Freedom." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkhalleck" id="linkhalleck"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p492-halleck.jpg (83K)" src="images/p492-halleck.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch21" id="linkch21"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI.<br /> <br /> THE ARMED NEGRO. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Little over five months had passed, since the occurrence of the great + event in the history of the American Nation mentioned in the preceding + Chapter, before the Freed Negro, now bearing arms in defense of the Union + and of his own Freedom, demonstrated at the first attack on Port Hudson + the wisdom of emancipating and arming the Slave, as a War measure. He + seemed thoroughly to appreciate and enter into the spirit of the words; + "who would be Free, himself must strike the blow." + </p> + <p> + At the attack (of May 27th, 1863), on Port Hudson, where it held the + right, the "Black Brigade" covered itself with glory. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + At Baton Rouge, before starting for Port Hudson, the color-guard of the + First Louisiana Regiment—of the Black Brigade—received the + Regimental flags from their white colonel, (Col. Stafford,) then under + arrest, in a speech which ended with the injunction: "Color-guard, + protect, defend, die for, but do not surrender these flags;" to which + Sergeant Planciancois replied: "Colonel, I will bring these colors to + you in honor, or report to God the reason why!" He fell, mortally + wounded, in one of the many desperate charges at Port Hudson, with his + face to the Enemy, and the colors in his hand. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Banks, in his Report, speaking of the Colored regiments, said: "Their + conduct was heroic. No troops could be more determined or more daring. + They made, during the day, three charges upon the batteries of the Enemy, + suffering very heavy losses, and holding their positions at nightfall with + the other troops on the right of our line. The highest commendation is + bestowed upon them by all the officers in command on the right." + </p> + <p> + The New York Times' correspondent said:—"The deeds of heroism + performed by these Colored men were such as the proudest White men might + emulate. Their colors are torn to pieces by shot, and literally + bespattered by blood and brains. The color-sergeant of the 1st Louisiana, + on being mortally wounded (the top of his head taken off by a sixpounder), + hugged the colors to his breast, when a struggle ensued between the two + color-corporals on each side of him, as to who should have the honor of + bearing the sacred standard, and during this generous contention one was + seriously wounded." + </p> + <p> + So again, on Sunday the 6th of June following, at Milliken's Bend, where + an African brigade, with 160 men of the 23rd Iowa, although surprised in + camp by a largely superior force of the Enemy, repulsed him gallantly—of + which action General Grant, in his official Report, said: "In this battle, + most of the troops engaged were Africans, who had but little experience in + the use of fire-arms. Their conduct is said, however, to have been most + gallant." + </p> + <p> + So, also, in the bloody assault of July 18th, on Fort Wagner, which was + led by the 54th Massachusetts (Colored) Regiment with intrepidity, and + where they planted, and for some time maintained, their Country's flag on + the parapet, until they "melted away before the Enemy's fire, their bodies + falling down the slope and into the ditch." + </p> + <p> + And from that time on, through the War—at Wilson's Wharf, in the + many bloody charges at Petersburg, at Deep Bottom, at Chapin's Farm, Fair + Oaks, and numerous other battle-fields, in Virginia and elsewhere, right + down to Appomattox—the African soldier fought courageously, fully + vindicating the War-wisdom of Abraham Lincoln in emancipating and arming + the Race. + </p> + <p> + The promulgation of this New Year's Proclamation of Freedom unquestionably + had a wonderful effect in various ways, upon the outcome of the War. + </p> + <p> + It cleared away the cobwebs which the arguments of the loyal Border-State + men, and of the Northern Copperheads and other Disunion and Pro-Slavery + allies of the Rebels were forever weaving for the discouragement, + perplexity and ensnarement, of the thoroughly loyal out-and-out Union men + of the Land. It largely increased our strength in fighting material. It + brought to us the moral support of the World, with the active sympathy of + philanthropy's various forces. And besides, it correspondingly weakened + the Rebels. Every man thus freed from his Bondage, and mustered into the + Union Armies, was not only a gain of one man on the Union side, but a loss + of one man to the Enemy. It is not, therefore, surprising that the + Disunion Conspirators—whether at the South or at the North—were + furious. + </p> + <p> + The Chief Conspirator, Jefferson Davis, had already, (December 23, 1862,) + issued a proclamation of outlawry against General B. F. Butler, for arming + certain Slaves that had become Free upon entering his lines—the two + last clauses of which provided: "That all Negro Slaves captured in arms, + be at once delivered over to the Executive authorities of the respective + States to which they belong, to be dealt with according to the laws of + said States," and "That the like orders be executed in all cases with + respect to all commissioned Officers of the United States, when found + serving in company with said Slaves in insurrection against the + authorities of the different States of this Confederacy." + </p> + <p> + He now called the attention of the Rebel Congress to President Lincoln's + two Proclamations of Emancipation, early in January of 1863; and that Body + responded by adopting, on the 1st of May of that year, a Resolution, the + character of which was so cold-bloodedly atrocious, that modern + Civilization might well wonder and Christianity shudder at its purport. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [It was in these words: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, In + response to the Message of the President, transmitted to Congress at the + commencement of the present session, That, in the opinion of Congress, + the commissioned officers of the Enemy ought not to be delivered to the + authorities of the respective States, as suggested in the said Message, + but all captives taken by the Confederate forces ought to be dealt with + and disposed of by the Confederate Government. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 2.—That, in the judgment of Congress, the proclamations of + the President of the United States, dated respectively September 22, + 1862, and January 1, 1863, and the other measures of the Government of + the United States and of its authorities, commanders, and forces, + designed or tending to emancipate slaves in the Confederate States, or + to abduct such slaves, or to incite them to insurrection, or to employ + negroes in war against the Confederate States, or to overthrow the + institution of African Slavery, and bring on a servile war in these + States, would, if successful, produce atrocious consequences, and they + are inconsistent with the spirit of those usages which, in modern + warfare, prevail among civilized nations; they may, therefore, be + properly and lawfully repressed by retaliation. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 3.—That in every case wherein, during the present war, any + violation of the laws or usages of war among civilized nations shall be, + or has been, done and perpetrated by those acting under authority of the + Government of the United States, on persons or property of citizens of + the Confederate States, or of those under the protection or in the land + or naval service of the Confederate States, or of any State of the + Confederacy, the President of the Confederate States is hereby + authorized to cause full and ample retaliation to be made for every such + violation, in such manner and to such extent as he may think proper. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 4.—That every white person, being a commissioned officer, or + acting as such, who, during the present war, shall command negroes or + mulattoes in arms against the Confederate States, or who shall arm, + train, organize, or prepare negroes or mulattoes for military service + against the Confederate States, or who shall voluntarily aid negroes or + mulattoes in any military enterprise, attack, or conflict in such + service, shall be deemed as inciting servile insurrection, and shall, if + captured, be put to death, or be otherwise punished at the discretion of + the Court. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 5.—Every person, being a commissioned officer, or acting as + such in the service of the Enemy, who shall, during the present war, + excite, attempt to excite, or cause to be excited, a servile + insurrection, or who shall incite, or cause to be incited, a slave to + rebel, shall, if captured, be put to death, or be otherwise punished at + the discretion of the court. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 6.—Every person charged with an offense punishable under the + preceding resolutions shall, during the present war, be tried before the + military court attached to the army or corps by the troops of which he + shall have been captured, or by such other military court as the + President may direct, and in such manner and under such regulations as + the President shall prescribe; and, after conviction, the President may + commute the punishment in such manner and on such terms as he may deem + proper. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 7.—All negroes and mulattoes who shall be engaged in war, or + be taken in arms against the Confederate States, or shall give aid or + comfort to the enemies of the Confederate States, shall, when captured + in the Confederate States, be delivered to the authorities of the State + or States in which they shall be captured, to be dealt with according to + the present or future laws of such State or States."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + But atrocious as were the provisions of the Resolution, or Act aforesaid, + in that they threatened death or Slavery to every Black man taken with + Union arms in his hand, and death to every White commissioned officer + commanding Black soldiers, yet the manner in which they were executed was + still more barbarous. + </p> + <p> + At last it became necessary to adopt some measure by which captured + Colored Union soldiers might be protected equally with captured White + Union soldiers from the frequent Rebel violations of the Laws of War in + the cases of the former. + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln, therefore, issued an Executive Order prescribing + retaliatory measures. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In the following words: + </p> + <p> + "EXECUTIVE MANSION, + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, July 30, 1863. + </p> + <p> + "It is the duty of every Government to give protection to its citizens, + of whatever class, color, or condition, and especially to those who are + duly organized as soldiers in the public service. The Law of Nations, + and the usages and customs of War, as carried on by civilized Powers, + permit no distinction as to color in the treatment of prisoners of War, + as public enemies. + </p> + <p> + "To sell or Enslave any captured person, on account of his Color, and + for no offense against the Laws of War, is a relapse into barbarism, and + a crime against the civilization of the age. + </p> + <p> + "The Government of the United States will give the same protection to + all its soldiers, and if the Enemy shall sell or Enslave any one because + of his color, the offense shall be punished by Retaliation upon the + Enemy's prisoners in our possession. + </p> + <p> + "It is therefore Ordered, that, for every soldier of the United States + killed in violation of the Laws of War, a Rebel soldier shall be + executed; and for every one Enslaved by the Enemy or sold into Slavery, + a Rebel soldier shall be placed at hard work on the public works, and + continued at such labor until the other shall be released and receive + the treatment due to a prisoner of War. + </p> + <p> + "By order of the Secretary of War.<br /> ABRAHAM LINCOLN. E. D.<br /> + TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + It was hoped that the mere announcement of the decision of our Government + to retaliate, would put an instant stop to the barbarous conduct of the + Rebels toward the captured Colored Union troops, but the hope was vain. + The atrocities continued, and their climax was capped by the cold-blooded + massacres perpetrated by Forrest's 5,000 Cavalry, after capturing Fort + Pillow, a short distance above Memphis, on the Mississippi river. + </p> + <p> + The garrison of that Fort comprised less than 600 Union soldiers, about + one-half of whom were White, and the balance Black. These brave fellows + gallantly defended the Fort against eight times their number, from before + sunrise until the afternoon, when—having failed to win by fair + means, under the Laws of War,—the Enemy treacherously crept up the + ravines on either side of the Fort, under cover of flags of truce, and + then, with a sudden rush, carried it, butchering both Blacks and Whites + —who had thrown away their arms, and were striving to escape—until + night temporarily put an end to the sanguinary tragedy. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning the massacre was completed by the butchery and + torture of wounded remnants of these brave Union defenders—some + being buried alive, and others nailed to boards, and burned to death. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [For full account of these hideous atrocities, see testimony of + survivors before the Committee on Conduct and Expenditures of the War. + (H. R. Report, No. 65, 1st S. 38th Cong.)] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + And all this murderous malignity, for what?—Simply, and only, + because one-half of the Patriot victims had Black skins, while the other + half had dared to fight by the side of the Blacks! + </p> + <p> + In the after-days of the War, the cry with which our Union Black regiments + went into battle:—"Remember Fort Pillow!"—inspired them to + deeds of valor, and struck with terror the hearts of the Enemy. On many a + bloody field, Fort Pillow was avenged. + </p> + <p> + It is a common error to suppose that the first arming of the Black man was + on the Union side. The first Black volunteer company was a Rebel one, + raised early in May, 1861, in the city of Memphis, Tenn.; and at + Charleston, S. C., Lynchburg, Va., and Norfolk, Va., large bodies of Free + Negroes volunteered, and were engaged, earlier than that, to do work on + the Rebel batteries. + </p> + <p> + On June 28th of the same year, the Rebel Legislature of Tennessee passed + an Act not only authorizing the Governor "to receive into the Military + service of the State all male Free persons of Color between the ages of + fifteen and fifty, or such number as may be necessary, who may be sound in + mind and body, and capable of actual service," but also prescribing "That + in the event a sufficient number of Free persons of Color to meet the + wants of the State shall not tender their services, the Governor is + empowered, through the Sheriffs of the different counties, to press such + persons until the requisite number is obtained." + </p> + <p> + At a review of Rebel troops, at New Orleans, November 23, 1861, "One + regiment comprised 1,400 Free Colored men." Vast numbers of both Free + Negroes and Slaves were employed to construct Rebel fortifications + throughout the War, in all the Rebel States. And on the 17th of February, + 1864, the Rebel Congress passed an Act which provides in its first section + "That all male Free Negroes * * * resident in the Confederate States, + between the ages of eighteen and fifty years, shall be held liable to + perform such duties with the Army, or in connection with the Military + defenses of the Country, in the way of work upon the fortifications, or in + Government works for the production or preparation of materials of War, or + in Military hospitals, as the Secretary of War or the Commanding General + of the Trans-Mississippi Department may, from time to time, prescribe:" + while the third section provides that when the Secretary of War shall "be + unable to procure the service of Slaves in any Military Department, then + he is authorized to impress the services of as many male Slaves, not to + exceed twenty thousand, as may be required, from time to time, to + discharge the duties indicated in the first section of the Act." + </p> + <p> + And this Act of, the Rebel Congress was passed only forty days before the + fiendish massacre of the Union Whites and Blacks who together, at Fort + Pillow, were performing for the Union, "such duties with the Army," and + "in connection with the Military defenses of the Country," as had been + prescribed for them by their Commanding General! + </p> + <p> + Under any circumstances—and especially under this state of facts—nothing + could excuse or palliate that shocking and disgraceful and barbarous crime + against humanity; and the human mind is incapable of understanding how + such savagery can be accounted for, except upon the theory that "He that + nameth Rebellion nameth not a singular, or one only sin, as is theft, + robbery, murder, and such like; but he nameth the whole puddle and sink of + all sins against God and man; against his country, his countrymen, his + children, his kinsfolk, his friends, and against all men universally; all + sins against God and all men heaped together, nameth he that nameth + Rebellion." + </p> + <p> + The inconsistency of the Rebels, in getting insanely and murderously + furious over the arming of Negroes for the defense of the imperiled Union + and the newly gained liberties of the Black Race, when they had themselves + already armed some of them and made them fight to uphold the + Slave-holders' Rebellion and the continued Enslavement of their race, is + already plain enough. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The writer is indebted to the courtesy of a prominent South Carolinian, + for calling his attention to the "Singular coincidence, that a South + Carolinian should have proposed in 1778, what was executed in 1863-64—the + arming of Negroes for achieving their Freedom"—as shown in the + following very curious and interesting letters written by the brave and + gifted Colonel John Laurens, of Washington's staff, to his distinguished + father: + </p> + <p> + HEAD QUARTERS, 14th Jan., 1778. + </p> + <p> + I barely hinted to you, my dearest father, my desire to augment the + Continental forces from an untried source. I wish I had any foundation + to ask for an extraordinary addition to those favours which I have + already received from you. I would solicit you to cede me a number of + your able bodied men slaves, instead of leaving me a fortune. + </p> + <p> + I would bring about a two-fold good; first I would advance those who are + unjustly deprived of the rights of mankind to a state which would be a + proper gradation between abject slavery and perfect liberty, and besides + I would reinforce the defenders of liberty with a number of gallant + soldiers. Men, who have the habit of subordination almost indelibly + impressed on them, would have one very essential qualification of + soldiers. I am persuaded that if I could obtain authority for the + purpose, I would have a corps of such men trained, uniformly clad, + equip'd and ready in every respect to act at the opening of the next + campaign. The ridicule that may be thrown on the color, I despise, + because I am sure of rendering essential service to my country. + </p> + <p> + I am tired of the languor with which so sacred a war as this is carried + on. My circumstances prevent me from writing so long a letter as I + expected and wish'd to have done on a subject which I have much at + heart. I entreat you to give a favorable answer to<br /> Your most + affectionate<br /> JOHN LAURENS. + </p> + <p> + The Honble Henry Laurens Esq.<br /> President of Congress. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + HEAD QUARTERS, 2nd Feb., 1778. + </p> + <p> + My Dear Father: + </p> + <p> + The more I reflect upon the difficulties and delays which are likely to + attend the completing our Continental regiments, the more anxiously is + my mind bent upon the scheme, which I lately communicated to you. The + obstacles to the execution of it had presented themselves to me, but by + no means appeared insurmountable. I was aware of having that monstrous + popular prejudice, open-mouthed against me, of undertaking to transform + beings almost irrational, into well disciplined soldiers, of being + obliged to combat the arguments, and perhaps the intrigues, of + interested persons. But zeal for the public service, and an ardent + desire to assert the rights of humanity, determined me to engage in this + arduous business, with the sanction of your consent. My own + perseverance, aided by the countenance of a few virtuous men, will, I + hope, enable me to accomplish it. + </p> + <p> + You seem to think, my dear father, that men reconciled by long habit to + the miseries of their condition, would prefer their ignominious bonds to + the untasted sweets of liberty, especially when offer'd upon the terms + which I propose. + </p> + <p> + I confess, indeed, that the minds of this unhappy species must be + debased by a servitude, from which they can hope for no relief but + death, and that every motive to action but fear, must be nearly + extinguished in them. But do you think they are so perfectly moulded to + their state as to be insensible that a better exists? Will the galling + comparison between themselves and their masters leave them unenlightened + in this respect? Can their self love be so totally annihilated as not + frequently to induce ardent wishes for a change? + </p> + <p> + You will accuse me, perhaps, my dearest friend, of consulting my own + feelings too much; but I am tempted to believe that this trampled people + have so much human left in them, as to be capable of aspiring to the + rights of men by noble exertions, if some friend to mankind would point + the road, and give them a prospect of success. If I am mistaken in this, + I would avail myself, even of their weakness, and, conquering one fear + by another, produce equal good to the public. You will ask in this view, + how do you consult the benefit of the slaves? I answer, that like other + men, they are creatures of habit. Their cowardly ideas will be gradually + effaced, and they will be modified anew. Their being rescued from a + state of perpetual humiliation, and being advanced as it were, in the + scale of being, will compensate the dangers incident to their new state. + </p> + <p> + The hope that will spring in each man's mind, respecting his own escape, + will prevent his being miserable. Those who fall in battle will not lose + much; those who survive will obtain their reward. Habits of + subordination, patience under fatigues, sufferings and privations of + every kind, are soldierly qualifications, which these men possess in an + eminent degree. + </p> + <p> + Upon the whole, my dearest friend and father, I hope that my plan for + serving my country and the oppressed negro race will not appear to you + the chimera of a young mind, deceived by a false appearance of moral + beauty, but a laudable sacrifice of private interest, to justice and the + public good. + </p> + <p> + You say, that my resources would be small, on account of the proportion + of women and children. I do not know whether I am right, for I speak + from impulse, and have not reasoned upon the matter. I say, altho' my + plan is at once to give freedom to the negroes, and gain soldiers to the + states; in case of concurrence, I should sacrifice the former interest, + and therefore we change the women and children for able-bodied men. The + more of these I could obtain, the better; but forty might be a good + foundation to begin upon. + </p> + <p> + It is a pity that some such plan as I propose could not be more + extensively executed by public authority. A well-chosen body of 5,000 + black men, properly officer'd, to act as light troops, in addition to + our present establishment, might give us decisive success in the next + campaign. + </p> + <p> + I have long deplored the wretched state of these men, and considered in + their history, the bloody wars excited in Africa, to furnish America + with slaves—the groans of despairing multitudes, toiling for the + luxuries of merciless tyrants. + </p> + <p> + I have had the pleasure of conversing with you, sometimes, upon the + means of restoring them to their rights. When can it be better done, + than when their enfranchisement may be made conducive to the public + good, and be modified, as not to overpower their weak minds? + </p> + <p> + You ask, what is the general's opinion, upon this subject? He is + convinced, that the numerous tribes of blacks in the southern parts of + the continent, offer a resource to us that should not be neglected. With + respect to my particular plan, he only objects to it, with the arguments + of pity for a man who would be less rich than he might be. + </p> + <p> + I am obliged, my dearest friend and father, to take my leave for the + present; you will excuse whatever exceptionable may have escaped in the + course of my letter, and accept the assurance of filial love, and + respect of<br /> Your<br /> JOHN LAURENS] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + If, however, it be objected that the arming of Negroes by the Rebels was + exceptional and local, and, that otherwise, the Rebels always used their + volunteer or impressed Negro forces in work upon fortifications and other + unarmed Military Works, and never proposed using them in the clash of + arms, as armed soldiers against armed White men, the contrary is easily + proven. + </p> + <p> + In a message to the Rebel Congress, November 7, 1864, Jefferson Davis + himself, while dissenting at that time from the policy, advanced by many, + of "a general levy and arming of the Slaves, for the duty of soldiers," + none the less declared that "should the alternative ever be presented of + subjugation, or of the employment of the Slave as a soldier, there seems + no reason to doubt what should then be our decision." + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, however, he recommended the employment of forty thousand + Slaves as pioneer and engineer laborers, on the ground that "even this + limited number, by their preparatory training in intermediate duties Would + form a more valuable reserve force in case of urgency, than threefold + their number suddenly called from field labor; while a fresh levy could, + to a certain extent, supply their places in the special service" of + pioneer and engineer work; and he undertook to justify the inconsistency + between his present recommendation, and his past attitude, by declaring + that "A broad, moral distinction exists between the use of Slaves as + soldiers in defense of their homes, and the incitement of the same persons + to insurrection against their masters, for," said he, "the one is + justifiable, if necessary; the other is iniquitous and unworthy of a + civilized people." + </p> + <p> + So also, while a Bill for the arming of Slaves was pending before the + Rebel Congress early in 1865, General Robert E. Lee wrote, February 18th, + from the Headquarters of the Rebel Armies, to Hon. E. Barksdale, of the + Rebel House of Representatives, a communication, in which, after + acknowledging the receipt of a letter from him of February 12th, "with + reference to the employment of Negroes as soldiers," he said: "I think the + Measure not only expedient but necessary * * * in my opinion, the Negroes, + under proper circumstances, will make efficient soldiers. * * * I think + those who are employed, should be freed. It would be neither just nor + wise, in my opinion, to require them to remain as Slaves"—thus, not + only approving the employment of Black Slaves as soldiers, to fight White + Union men, but justifying their Emancipation as a reward for Military + service. And, a few days afterward, that Rebel Congress passed a Bill + authorizing Jefferson Davis to take into the Rebel Army as many Negro + Slaves "as he may deem expedient, for and during the War, to perform + Military service in whatever capacity he may direct," and at the same time + authorizing General Lee to organize them as other "troops" are organized. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [This Negro soldier Bill, according to McPherson's Appendix, p. 611-612, + passed both Houses, and was in these words: + </p> + <p> + A Bill to increase the Military Forces of the Confederate States. + </p> + <p> + "The Congress of the Confederate States of America do Enact, That in + order to provide additional forces to repel invasion, maintain the + rightful possession of the Confederate States, secure their Independence + and preserve their Institutions, the President be and he is hereby + authorized to ask for and accept from the owners of Slaves the services + of such number of able-bodied Negro men as he may deem expedient for and + during the War, to perform Military service in whatever capacity he may + direct. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 2.—That the General-in-Chief be authorized to organize the + said Slaves into companies, battalions, regiments, and brigades, under + such rules and regulations as the Secretary of War may prescribe, and to + be commanded by such officers as the President may appoint. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 3.—That, while employed in the Service, the said troops + shall receive the same rations, clothing, and compensation as are + allowed to other troops in the same branch of the Service. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 4.—That if, under the previous sections of this Act, the + President shall not be able to raise a sufficient number of troops to + prosecute the War successfully and maintain the Sovereignty of the + States, and the Independence of the Confederate States, then he is + hereby authorized to call on each State, whenever he thinks it + expedient, for her quota of 300,000 troops, in addition to those subject + to Military service, under existing laws, or so many thereof as the + President may deem necessary, to be raised from such classes of the + population, irrespective of color, in each State, as the proper + authorities thereof may determine: Provided, that not more than 25 per + cent. of the male Slaves, between the ages of 18 and 45, in any State, + shall be called for under the provisions of this Act. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 5.—That nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize + a change in the relation of said Slaves."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkbutler" id="linkbutler"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p502-butler.jpg (85K)" src="images/p502-butler.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch22" id="linkch22"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII.<br /> <br /> FREEDOM'S SUN STILL RISING.<br /> + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + After President Lincoln had issued his Proclamation of Emancipation, the + friends of Freedom clearly perceived—and none of them more clearly + than himself that until the incorporation of that great Act into the + Constitution of the United States itself, there could be no real assurance + of safety to the liberties of the emancipated; that unless this were done + there would be left, even after the suppression of the Rebellion, a living + spark of dissension which might at any time again be fanned into the + flames of Civil War. + </p> + <p> + Hence, at all proper times, Mr. Lincoln favored and even urged + Congressional action upon the subject. It was not, however, until the + following year that definite action may be said to have commenced in + Congress toward that end; and, as Congress was slow, he found it necessary + to say in his third Annual Message: "while I remain in my present position + I shall not attempt to retract or modify the Emancipation Proclamation; + nor shall I return to Slavery any person who is Free by the terms of that + Proclamation, or by any of the Acts of Congress." + </p> + <p> + Meantime, however, occurred the series of glorious Union victories in the + West, ending with the surrender to Grant's triumphant Forces on the 4th of + July, 1863, of Vicksburg—"the Gibraltar of the West"—with its + Garrison, Army, and enormous quantities of arms and munitions of war; thus + closing a brilliant and successful Campaign with a blow which literally + "broke the back" of the Rebellion; while, almost simultaneously, July 1-3, + the Union Forces of the East, under Meade, gained the great victory of + Gettysburg, and, driving the hosts of Lee from Pennsylvania, put a second + and final end to Rebel invasion of Northern soil; gaining it, on ground + dedicated by President Lincoln, before that year had closed—as a + place of sepulture for the Patriot-soldiers who there had fallen in a + brief, touching and immortal Address, which every American child should + learn by heart, and every American adult ponder deeply, as embodying the + very essence of true Republicanism. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [President Lincoln's Address, when the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, + Pa., was dedicated Nov. 19, 1863, was in these memorable words: + </p> + <p> + "Fourscore and seven years ago, our Fathers brought forth upon this + continent a new Nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the + proposition that all men are created equal. + </p> + <p> + "Now we are engaged in a great Civil War, testing whether that Nation, + or any Nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. + </p> + <p> + "We are met on a great battlefield of that War. We have come here to + dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who + here gave their lives that that Nation might live. + </p> + <p> + "It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. + </p> + <p> + "But in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we + can not hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who + struggled here, have consecrated it far above our power to add or + detract. + </p> + <p> + "The World will little note, nor long remember, what we say here; but it + can never forget what they did here. + </p> + <p> + "It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished + work which they who fought here have, thus far, so nobly advanced. + </p> + <p> + "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining + before us; that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to + that Cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that + we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that + this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of Freedom; and that + Government of the People, by the People, and for the People, shall not + perish front the Earth."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + That season of victory for the Union arms, coming, as it did, upon a + season of depression and doubtfulness, was doubly grateful to the loyal + heart of the Nation. Daylight seemed to be breaking at last. Gettysburg + had hurled back the Southern invader from our soil; and Vicksburg, with + the immediately resulting surrender of Port Hudson, had opened the + Mississippi river from Cairo to the Gulf, and split the Confederacy in + twain. + </p> + <p> + But it happened just about this time that, the enrollment of the whole + Militia of the United States (under the Act of March, 1863), having been + completed, and a Draft for 300,000 men ordered to be made and executed, if + by a subsequent time the quotas of the various States should not be filled + by volunteering, certain malcontents and Copperheads, inspired by agents + and other friends of the Southern Conspirators, started and fomented, in + the city of New York, a spirit of unreasoning opposition both to voluntary + enlistment, and conscription under the Draft, that finally culminated, + July 13th, in a terrible Riot, lasting several days, during which that + great metropolis was in the hands, and completely at the mercy, of a + brutal mob of Secession sympathizers, who made day and night hideous with + their drunken bellowings, terrorized everybody even suspected of love for + the Union, plundered and burned dwellings, including a Colored Orphan + Asylum, and added to the crime of arson, that of murdering the mob-chased, + terror-stricken Negroes, by hanging them to the lamp-posts. + </p> + <p> + These Riots constituted a part of that "Fire in the Rear" with which the + Rebels and their Northern Democratic sympathizers had so frequently + menaced the Armies of the Union. + </p> + <p> + Alluding to them, the N. Y. Tribune on July 15th, while its office was + invested and threatened with attack and demolition, bravely said: "They + are, in purpose and in essence, a Diversion in favor of Jefferson Davis + and Lee. Listen to the yells of the mob and the harangues of its favorite + orators, and you will find them surcharged with 'Nigger,' 'Abolition,' + 'Black Republican,' denunciation of prominent Republicans, The Tribune, + etc. etc.—all very wide of the Draft and the exemption. Had the + Abolitionists, instead of the Slaveholders, revolted, and undertaken to + upset the Government and dissolve the Union, nine-tenths of these rioters + would have eagerly volunteered to put them down. It is the fear, + stimulated by the recent and glorious triumphs of the Union Arms, that + Slavery and the Rebellion must suffer, which is at the bottom of all this + arson, devastation, robbery, and murder." + </p> + <p> + The Democratic Governor, Seymour, by promising to "have this Draft + suspended and stopped," did something toward quieting the Riots, but it + was not until the Army of the Potomac, now following Lee's retreat, was + weakened by the sending of several regiments to New York that the + Draft-rioting spirit, in that city, and to a less extent in other cities, + was thoroughly cowed. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In reply to Gov. Seymour's appeal for delay in the execution of the + Draft Law, in order to test its Constitutionality, Mr. Lincoln, on the + 7th of August, said he could not consent to lose the time that would be + involved in obtaining a decision from the U. S. Supreme Court on that + point, and proceeded: "We are contending with an Enemy who, as I + understand, drives every able-bodied man he can reach into his ranks, + very much as a butcher drives bullocks into a slaughter-pen. No time is + wasted, no argument is used. + </p> + <p> + "This system produces an Army which will soon turn upon our now + victorious soldiers already in the field, if they shall not be sustained + by recruits as they should be. + </p> + <p> + It produces an Army with a rapidity not to be matched on our side, if we + first waste time to re-experiment with the Volunteer system, already + deemed by Congress, and palpably, in fact, so far exhausted as to be + inadequate; and then more time to obtain a Court decision as to whether + a law is Constitutional which requires a part of those not now in the + Service to go to those who are already in it, and still more time to + determine with absolute certainty that we get those who are to go, in + the precisely legal proportion to those who are not to go. + </p> + <p> + "My purpose is to be in my action Just and Constitutional, and yet + Practical, in performing the important duty with which I am charged, of + maintaining the Unity and the Free principles of our common Country."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Worried and weakened by this Democratic opposition to the Draft, and the + threatened consequent delays and dangers to the success of the Union + Cause, and depressed moreover by the defeat of the National forces under + Rosecrans at Chickamauga; yet, the favorable determination of the Fall + elections on the side of Union and Freedom, and the immense majorities + upholding those issues, together with Grant's great victory (November, + 1863) of Chattanooga—where the three days of fighting in the + Chattanooga Valley and up among the clouds of Lookout Mountain and Mission + Ridge, not only effaced the memory of Rosecrans's previous disaster, but + brought fresh and imperishable laurels to the Union Arms—stiffened + the President's backbone, and that of Union men everywhere. + </p> + <p> + Not that Mr. Lincoln had shown any signs of weakness or wavering, or any + loss of hope in the ultimate result of this War for the preservation of + the Union—which now also involved Freedom to all beneath its banner. + On the contrary, a letter of his written late in August shows conclusively + enough that he even then began to see clearly the coming final triumph—not + perhaps as "speedy," as he would like, in its coming, but none the less + sure to come in God's "own good time," and furthermore not appearing "to + be so distant as it did" before Gettysburg, and especially Vicksburg, was + won; for, said he: "The signs look better. The Father of Waters again goes + unvexed to the Sea". + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [This admirable letter, reviewing "the situation" and his policy, was in + these words + </p> + <p> + EXECUTIVE MANSION,<br /> WASHINGTON, August 26. 1863. + </p> + <p> + HON. JAMES C. CONKLING + </p> + <p> + MY DEAR SIR; Your letter inviting me to attend a Mass Meeting of + unconditional Union men to be held at the Capital of Illinois, on the + 3rd day of September, has been received. It would be very agreeable for + me thus to meet my old friends at my own home; but I cannot just now be + absent from here so long a time as a visit there would require. + </p> + <p> + The meeting is to be of all those who maintain unconditional devotion to + the Union; and I am sure that my old political friends will thank me for + tendering, as I do, the Nation's gratitude to those other noble men whom + no partisan malice or partisan hope can make false to the Nation's life. + </p> + <p> + There are those who are dissatisfied with me. To such I would say: you + desire Peace, and you blame me that we do not have it. But how can we + attain it? There are but three conceivable ways: First, to suppress the + Rebellion by force of Arms. This I am trying to do. Are you for it? If + you are, so far we are agreed. If you are not for it, a second way is to + give up the Union. I am against this. Are you for it? If you are, you + should say so plainly. If you are not for Force, nor yet for + Dissolution, there only remains some imaginable Compromise. + </p> + <p> + I do not believe that any Compromise embracing the maintenance of the + Union is now possible. All that I learn leads to a directly opposite + belief. The strength of the Rebellion is its Military, its Army. That + Army dominates all the Country, and all the people, within its range. + Any offer of terms made by any man or men within that range, in + opposition to that Army, is simply nothing for the present: because such + man or men have no power whatever to enforce their side of a Compromise, + if one were made with them. + </p> + <p> + To illustrate: Suppose refugees from the South, and Peace men of the + North, get together in Convention, and frame and proclaim a Compromise + embracing a restoration of the Union. In what way can that Compromise be + used to keep Lee's Army out of Pennsylvania? Meade's Army can keep Lee's + Army out of Pennsylvania, and, I think, can ultimately drive it out of + existence. But no paper Compromise to which the controllers of Lee's + Army are not agreed, can at all affect that Army. In an effort at such + Compromise we would waste time, which the Enemy would improve to our + disadvantage; and that would be all. + </p> + <p> + A Compromise, to be effective, must be made either with those who + control the Rebel Army, or with the people, first liberated from the + domination of that Army, by the success of our own Army. Now, allow me + to assure you that no word or intimation from that Rebel Army, or from + any of the men controlling it, in relation to any Peace Compromise, has + ever come to my knowledge or belief. All charges and insinuations to the + contrary are deceptive and groundless. And I promise you that if any + such proposition shall hereafter come, it shall not be rejected and kept + a secret from you. I freely acknowledge myself to be the servant of the + People, according to the bond of service, the United States + Constitution; and that, as such, I am responsible to them. + </p> + <p> + But, to be plain. You are dissatisfied with me about the Negro. Quite + likely there is a difference of opinion between you and myself upon that + subject. I certainly wish that all men could be Free, while you, I + suppose, do not. Yet I have neither adopted nor proposed any measure + which is not consistent with even your view, provided that you are for + the Union. I suggested compensated Emancipation; to which you replied + you wished not to be taxed to buy Negroes. But I had not asked you to be + taxed to buy Negroes, except in such a way as to save you from greater + taxation to save the Union, exclusively by other means. + </p> + <p> + You dislike the Emancipation Proclamation, and perhaps would have it + retracted. You say it is Unconstitutional. I think differently. I think + the Constitution invests the Commander-in-Chief with the Law of War in + Time of War. The most that can be said, if so much, is, that Slaves are + property. Is there, has there ever been, any question that, by the Law + of War, property, both of enemies and friends, may be taken when needed? + And is it not needed whenever it helps us and hurts the Enemy? Armies, + the World over, destroy enemies' property when they cannot use it; and + even destroy their own to keep it from the Enemy. Civilized belligerents + do all in their power to help themselves or hurt the Enemy, except a few + things regarded as barbarous or cruel. Among the exceptions are the + massacre of vanquished foes and non-combatants, male and female. + </p> + <p> + But the Proclamation, as law, either is valid or is not valid. If it is + not valid, it needs no retraction. If it is valid it cannot be + retracted, any more than the dead can be brought to life. Some of you + profess to think its retraction would operate favorably for the Union. + Why better after the retraction than before the issue? There was more + than a year and a half of trial to suppress the Rebellion before the + Proclamation was issued, the last one hundred days of which passed under + an explicit notice that it was coming, unless averted by those in revolt + returning to their allegiance. The War has certainly progressed as + favorably for us since the issue of the Proclamation as before. + </p> + <p> + I know as fully as one can know the opinions of others that some of the + Commanders of our Armies in the field, who have given us our most + important victories, believe the Emancipation policy and the use of + Colored troops constitute the heaviest blows yet dealt to the Rebellion, + and that at least one of those important successes could not have been + achieved when it was, but for the aid of Black soldiers. + </p> + <p> + Among the Commanders who hold these views are some who have never had an + affinity with what is called "Abolitionism," or with "Republican party + politics," but who hold them purely as Military opinions. I submit their + opinions as entitled to some weight against the objections often urged + that Emancipation and arming the Blacks are unwise as Military measures, + and were not adopted as such, in good faith. + </p> + <p> + You say that you will not fight to Free Negroes. Some of them seem + willing to fight for you; but no matter. Fight you, then, exclusively to + save the Union. I issued the Proclamation on purpose to aid you in + saving the Union. Whenever you shall have conquered all resistance to + the Union, if I shall urge you to continue fighting, it will be an apt + time then for you to declare you will not fight to Free Negroes. I + thought that in your struggle for the Union, to whatever extent the + Negroes should cease helping the Enemy, to that extent it weakened the + Enemy in his resistance to you. Do you think differently? I thought + whatever Negroes can be got to do as soldiers, leaves just so much less + for White soldiers to do in saving the Union. Does it appear otherwise + to you? But Negroes, like other people, act upon motives. Why should + they do anything for us if we will do nothing for them? If they stake + their lives for us they must be prompted by the strongest motives, even + the promise of Freedom. And the promise, being made, must be kept. + </p> + <p> + The signs look better. The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the + Sea. Thanks to the great Northwest for it; nor yet wholly to them. Three + hundred miles up, they met New England, Empire, Keystone, and Jersey, + hewing their way right and left. The Sunny South, too, in more colors + than one, also lent a helping hand. On the spot, their part of the + history was jotted down in Black and White. The job was a great National + one, and let none be slighted who bore an honorable part in it. And + while those who have cleared the Great River may well be proud, even + that is not all. It is hard to say that anything has been more bravely + and well done than at Antietam, Murfreesboro, Gettysburg, and on many + fields of less note. Nor must Uncle Sam's web-feet be forgotten. At all + the watery margins they have been present, not only on the deep Sea, the + broad Bay, and the rapid River, but also up the narrow, muddy Bayou, and + wherever the ground was a little damp they had been, and made their + tracks. Thanks to all. For the Great Republic—for the principle it + lives by, and keeps alive—for Man's vast future—thanks to + all. + </p> + <p> + Peace does not appear so distant as it did. I hope it will come soon, + and come to stay; and so come as to be worth the keeping in all future + time. It will then have been proved that among Freemen there can be no + successful appeal from the ballot to the bullet, and that they who take + such appeal are sure to lose their case and pay the cost. And there will + be some Black men who can remember that, with silent tongue, and + clinched teeth, and steady eye, and well poised bayonet, they have + helped mankind on to this great consummation, while I fear there will be + some White ones unable to forget that with malignant heart and deceitful + speech they have striven to hinder it. + </p> + <p> + Still, let us not be over sanguine of a speedy, final triumph. Let us be + quite sober. Let us diligently apply the means, never doubting that a + just God, in his own good time, will give us the rightful result. + </p> + <p> + Yours very truly,<br /> A. LINCOLN.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + But Chattanooga, and the grand majorities in all the Fall State-elections, + save that of New Jersey,—and especially the manner in which loyal + Ohio sat down upon the chief Copperhead-Democrat and Treason-breeder of + the North, Vallandigham—came most auspiciously to strengthen the + President's hands. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The head of the Knights of the Golden Circle, and the Democratic + candidate for Governor of Ohio] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + And now he saw, more clearly still, the approach of that time when the + solemn promise and declaration of Emancipation might be recorded upon the + sacred roll of the Constitution, and thus be made safe for all time. + </p> + <p> + In his Annual Message of December, 1863, therefore, President Lincoln, + after adverting to the fact that "a year ago the War had already lasted + nearly twenty months," without much ground for hopefulness, proceeded to + say: + </p> + <p> + "The preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, issued in September, was + running its assigned period to the beginning of the New Year. A month + later the final Proclamation came, including the announcement that Colored + men of suitable condition would be received into the War service. The + policy of Emancipation, and of employing Black soldiers, gave to the + future a new aspect, about which hope, and fear, and doubt, contended in + uncertain conflict. + </p> + <p> + "According to our political system, as a matter of Civil Administration, + the General Government had no lawful power to effect Emancipation in any + State, and for a long time it had been hoped that the Rebellion could be + suppressed without resorting to it as a Military measure. It was all the + while deemed possible that the necessity for it might come, and that if it + should, the crisis of the contest would then be presented. It came, and, + as was anticipated, it was followed by dark and doubtful days. + </p> + <p> + "Eleven months having now passed, we are permitted to take another view * + * * Of those who were Slaves at the beginning of the Rebellion, full one + hundred thousand are now in the United States Military service, about one + half of which number actually bear arms in the ranks; thus giving the + double advantage of taking so much labor from the Insurgent cause, and + supplying the places which otherwise must be filled with so many White + men. So far as tested, it is difficult to say they are not as good + soldiers as any. + </p> + <p> + "No servile insurrection, or tendency to violence or cruelty, has marked + the measures of Emancipation and arming the Blacks. These measures have + been much discussed in Foreign Countries, and contemporary with such + discussion the tone of public sentiment there is much improved. At home, + the same measures have been fully discussed, supported, criticised, and + denounced, and the annual elections following are highly encouraging to + those whose official duty it is to bear the Country through this great + trial. Thus we have the new reckoning. The crisis which threatened to + divide the friends of the Union is past." + </p> + <p> + After alluding to his Proclamation of Amnesty, issued simultaneously with + this Message, to all repentant Rebels who would take an oath therein + prescribed, and contending that such an oath should be (as he had drawn + it) to uphold not alone the Constitution and the Union, but the Laws and + Proclamations touching Slavery as well, President Lincoln continued: + </p> + <p> + "In my judgment they have aided and will further aid, the Cause for which + they were intended. To now abandon them, would be not only to relinquish a + lever of power, but would also be a cruel and an astounding breach of + faith." And, toward the close of the Message, he added: + </p> + <p> + "The movements by State action, for Emancipation, in several of the States + not included in the Emancipation Proclamation, are matters of profound + gratulation. And while I do not repeat in detail what I have heretofore so + earnestly urged upon the subject, my general views remain unchanged; and I + trust that Congress will omit no fair opportunity of AIDING THESE + IMPORTANT STEPS TO A GREAT CONSUMMATION." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln's patient but persistent solicitude, his earnest and + unintermitted efforts—exercised publicly through his Messages and + speeches, and privately upon Members of Congress who called upon, or whose + presence was requested by him at the White House—in behalf of + incorporating Emancipation in the Constitution, were now to give promise, + at least, of bearing good fruit. + </p> + <p> + Measures looking to this end were submitted in both Houses of Congress + soon after its meeting, and were referred to the respective Judiciary + Committees of the same, and on the 10th of February, 1864, Mr. Trumbull + reported to the Senate, from the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which he + was Chairman, a substitute Joint Resolution providing for the submission + to the States of an Amendment to the United States Constitution in the + following words: + </p> + <p> + "ART. XIII., SEC. I. Neither Slavery nor Involuntary Servitude, except as + a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, + shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their + jurisdiction. + </p> + <p> + "SEC. II. Congress shall have power to enforce this Article by appropriate + legislation." + </p> + <p> + This proposed Amendment came up for consideration in the Senate, on the + 28th of March, and a notable debate ensued. + </p> + <p> + On the same day, in the House of Representatives, Thaddeus Stevens—with + the object perhaps of ascertaining the strength, in that Body, of the + friends of out-and-out Emancipation—offered a Resolution proposing + to the States the following Amendments to the United States Constitution: + </p> + <p> + "ART. I. Slavery and Involuntary Servitude, except for the punishment of + crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, is forever + prohibited in the United States and all its Territories. + </p> + <p> + "ART. II. So much of Article four, Section two, as refers to the delivery + up of Persons held to Service or Labor, escaping into another State, is + annulled." + </p> + <p> + The test was made upon a motion to table the Resolution, which motion was + defeated by 38 yeas to 69 nays, and showed the necessity for converting + three members from the Opposition. Subsequently, at the instance of Mr. + Stevens himself, the second Article of the Resolution was struck out by 72 + yeas to 26 nays. + </p> + <p> + The proceedings in both Houses of Congress upon these propositions to + engraft upon the National Constitution a provision guaranteeing Freedom to + all men upon our soil, were now interrupted by the death of one who would + almost have been willing to die twice over, if, by doing so, he could have + hastened their adoption. + </p> + <p> + Owen Lovejoy, the life-long apostle of Abolitionism, the fervid gospeller + of Emancipation, was dead; and it seemed almost the irony of Fate that, at + such a time, when Emancipation most needed all its friends to make it + secure, its doughtiest champion should fall. + </p> + <p> + But perhaps the eloquent tributes paid to his memory, in the Halls of + Congress, helped the Cause no less. They at least brought back to the + public mind the old and abhorrent tyrannies of the Southern Slave power; + how it had sought not not only to destroy freedom of Action, but freedom + of Speech, and hesitated not to destroy human Life with these; reminded + the Loyal People of the Union of much that was hateful, from which they + had escaped; and strengthened the purpose of Patriots to fix in the chief + corner-stone of the Constitution, imperishable muniments of human Liberty. + </p> + <p> + Lovejoy's brother had been murdered at Alton, Illinois, while vindicating + freedom of Speech and of the Press; and the blood of that martyr truly + became "the seed of the Church." Arnold—recalling a speech of Owen + Lovejoy's at Chicago, and a passage in it, descriptive of the martyrdom,—said + to the House, on this sad occasion: "I remember that, after describing the + scene of that death, in words—which stirred every heart, he said he + went a pilgrim to his brother's grave, and, kneeling upon the sod beneath + which sleeps that brother, he swore, by the everlasting God, eternal + hostility to African Slavery." And, continued Arnold, "Well and nobly has + he kept that oath." + </p> + <p> + Washburne, too, reminded the House of the memorable episode in that very + Hall when, (April 5, 1860), the adherents of Slavery crowding around + Lovejoy with fierce imprecations and threats, seeking then and there to + prevent Free Speech, "he displayed that undaunted courage and matchless + bearing which extorted the admiration of even his most deadly foes." "His"—continued + the same speaker—"was the eloquence of Mirabeau, which in the Tiers + Etat and in the National Assembly made to totter the throne of France; it + was the eloquence of Danton, who made all France to tremble from his + tempestuous utterances in the National Convention. Like those apostles of + the French Revolution, his eloquence could stir from the lowest depths all + the passions of Man; but unlike them, he was as good and as pure as he was + eloquent and brave, a noble minded Christian man, a lover of the whole + human Race, and of universal Liberty regulated by Law." + </p> + <p> + Grinnell, in his turn, told also with real pathos, of his having recently + seen Lovejoy in the chamber of sickness. "When," said Grinnell, "I + expressed fears for his recovery, I saw the tears course down his manly + cheek, as he said 'Ah! God's will be done, but I have been laboring, + voting, and praying for twenty years that I might see the great day of + Freedom which is so near and which I hope God will let me live to rejoice + in. I want a vote on my Bill for the destruction of Slavery, root and + branch.'" + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Sumner, afterward speaking of Lovejoy and this Measure, said: "On the + 14th of December, 1863, he introduced a Bill, whose title discloses its + character: 'A Bill to give effect to the Declaration of Independence, + and also to certain Provisions of the Constitution of the United + States.' It proceeds to recite that All Men were Created Equal, and were + Endowed by the Creator with the Inalienable Right to Life, Liberty and + the Fruits of honest Toil; that the Government of the United States was + Instituted to Secure those Rights; that the Constitution declares that + No Person shall be Deprived of Liberty without due Process of Law, and + also provides—article five, clause two—that this + Constitution, and the Laws of the United States made in pursuance + thereof, shall be the Supreme Law of the Land, and the Judges in each + State shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution and Laws of + any State to the contrary notwithstanding; that it is now demonstrated + by the Rebellion that Slavery is absolutely incompatible with the Union, + Peace, and General Welfare for which Congress is to Provide; and it + therefore Enacts that All Persons heretofore held in Slavery in any of + the States or Territories of the United States are declared Freedmen, + and are Forever Released from Slavery or Involuntary Servitude except as + Punishment for Crime on due conviction. On the same day he introduced + another Bill to Protect Freedmen and to Punish any one for Enslaving + them. These were among his last Public acts,"—Cong. Globe, 1st S., + 38th C., Pt. 2, p. 1334] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + And staunch old Thaddeus Stevens said: "The change to him, is great gain. + The only regret we can feel is that he did not live to see the salvation + of his Country; to see Peace and Union restored, and universal + Emancipation given to his native land. But such are the ways of + Providence. Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land with those + he had led out of Bondage; he beheld it from afar off, and slept with his + fathers." "The deceased," he impressively added, "needs no perishable + monuments of brass or marble to perpetuate his name. So long as the + English language shall be spoken or deciphered, so long as Liberty shall + have a worshipper, his name will be known!" + </p> + <p> + What influence the death of Owen Lovejoy may have had on the subsequent + proceedings touching Emancipation interrupted as we have seen by his + demise—cannot be known; but among all the eloquent tributes to his + memory called forth by the mournful incident, perhaps none, could he have + heard it, would have better pleased him than those two opening sentences + of Charles Summer's oration in the Senate—where he said of Owen + Lovejoy: "Could his wishes prevail, he would prefer much that Senators + should continue in their seats and help to enact into Law some one of the + several Measures now pending to secure the obliteration of Slavery. Such + an Act would be more acceptable to him than any personal tribute,—" + unless it might be these other words, which followed from the same lips: + "How his enfranchised Soul would be elevated even in those Abodes to which + he has been removed, to know that his voice was still heard on Earth + encouraging, exhorting, insisting that there should be no hesitation + anywhere in striking at Slavery; that this unpardonable wrong, from which + alone the Rebellion draws its wicked life, must be blasted by Presidential + proclamation, blasted by Act of Congress, blasted by Constitutional + prohibition, blasted in every possible way, by every available agency, and + at every occurring opportunity, so that no trace of the outrage may + continue in the institutions of the Land, and especially that its accursed + foot-prints may no longer defile the National Statute-book. Sir, it will + be in vain that you pass Resolutions in tribute to him, if you neglect + that Cause for which he lived, and do not hearken to his voice!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linktrumbell" id="linktrumbell"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p528-trumbell.jpg (65K)" src="images/p528-trumbell.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch23" id="linkch23"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> <br /> "THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT" IN THE SENATE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + During the great debate, which now opened in the Senate, upon the + Judiciary Committee's substitute resolution for the Amendment of the + Constitution, so as forever to prohibit Slavery within the United States, + and to empower Congress to pass such laws as would make that prohibition + effective—participated in by Messrs. Trumbull, Wilson, Saulsbury, + Davis, Harlan, Powell, Sherman, Clark, Hale, Hendricks, Henderson, Sumner, + McDougall and others—the whole history of Slavery was enquired into + and laid bare. + </p> + <p> + Trumbull insisted that Slavery was at the bottom of all the internal + troubles with which the Nation had from its birth been afflicted, down to + this wicked Rebellion, with all the resulting "distress, desolation, and + death;" and that by 1860, it had grown to such power and arrogance that + "its advocates demanded the control of the Nation in its interests, + failing in which, they attempted its overthrow." He reviewed, at some + length, what had been done by our Government with regard to Slavery, since + the breaking out of hostilities against us in that mad attempt against the + National life; how, "in the earlier stages of the War, there was an + indisposition on the part of the Executive Authority to interfere with + Slavery at all;" how, for a long time, Slaves, escaping to our lines, were + driven back to their Rebel masters; how the Act of Congress of July, 1861, + which gave Freedom to all Slaves allowed by their Rebel masters to assist + in the erection of Rebel works and fortifications, had "not been + executed," and, said Mr. Trumbull, "so far as I am advised, not a single + Slave has been set at liberty under it;" how, "it was more than a year + after its enactment before any considerable number of Persons of African + descent were organized and armed" under the subsequent law of December, + 1861, which not only gave Freedom to all Slaves entering our Military + lines, or who, belonging to Rebel masters, were deserted by them, or were + found in regions once occupied by Rebel forces and later by those of the + Union, but also empowered the President to organize and arm them to aid in + the suppression of the Rebellion; how, it was not until this law had been + enacted that Union officers ceased to expel Slaves coming within our lines—and + then only when dismissal from the public service was made the penalty for + such expulsion; how, by his Proclamations of Emancipation, of September, + 1862, and January, 1863, the President undertook to supplement + Congressional action—which had, theretofore, been confined to + freeing the Slaves of Rebels, and of such of these only as had come within + the lines of our Military power-by also declaring, Free, the Slaves "who + were in regions of country from which the authority of the United States + was expelled;" and how, the "force and effect" of these Proclamations were + variously understood by the enemies and friends of those measures—it + being insisted on the one side that Emancipation as a War-stroke was + within the Constitutional War-power of the President as + Commander-in-Chief, and that, by virtue of those Proclamations, "all + Slaves within the localities designated become ipso facto Free," and on + the other, that the Proclamations were "issued without competent + authority," and had not effected and could not effect, "the Emancipation + of a single Slave," nor indeed could at any time, without additional + legislation, go farther than to liberate Slaves coming within the Union + Army lines. + </p> + <p> + After demonstrating that "any and all these laws and Proclamations, giving + to each the largest effect claimed by its friends, are ineffectual to the + destruction of Slavery," and protesting that some more effectual method of + getting rid of that Institution must be adopted, he declared, as his + judgment, that "the only effectual way of ridding the Country of Slavery, + so that it cannot be resuscitated, is by an Amendment of the Constitution + forever prohibiting it within the jurisdiction of the United States." + </p> + <p> + He then canvassed the chances of adoption of such an Amendment by an + affirmative vote of two thirds in each House of Congress, and of its + subsequent ratification by three-fourths of the States of the Union, and + declared that "it is reasonable to suppose that if this proposed Amendment + passes Congress, it will, within a year, receive the ratification of the + requisite number of States to make it a part of the Constitution." His + prediction proved correct—but only after a protracted struggle. + </p> + <p> + Henry Wilson also made a strong speech, but on different grounds. He held + that the Emancipation Proclamations formed, together, a "complete, + absolute, and final decree of Emancipation in Rebel States," and, being + "born of Military necessity" and "proclaimed by the Commander-in-Chief of + the Army and Navy, is the settled and irrepealable Law of the Republic, to + be observed, obeyed, and enforced, by Army and Navy, and is the + irreversible voice of the Nation." + </p> + <p> + He also reviewed what had been done since the outbreak of the Rebellion, + by Congress and the President, by Laws and Proclamations; and, while + standing by the Emancipation Proclamations, declared that "the crowning + Act, in this series of Acts, for the restriction and extinction of Slavery + in America, is this proposed Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting the + existence of Slavery in the Republic of the United States." + </p> + <p> + The Emancipation Proclamation, according to his view, only needed + enforcement, to give "Peace and Order, Freedom and Unity, to a now + distracted Country;" but the "crowning act" of incorporating this + Amendment into the Constitution would do even more than all this, in that + it would "obliterate the last lingering vestiges of the Slave System; its + chattelizing, degrading, and bloody codes; its malignant, barbarizing + spirit; all it was, and is; everything connected with it or pertaining to + it, from the face of the Nation it has scarred with moral desolation, from + the bosom of the Country it has reddened with the blood and strewn with + the graves of patriotism." + </p> + <p> + While the debate proceeded, President Lincoln watched it with careful + interest. Other matters, however, had, since the Battle of Chattanooga, + largely engrossed his attention. + </p> + <p> + The right man had at last been found—it was believed—to + control as well as to lead our Armies. That man was Ulysses S. Grant. The + grade of Lieutenant General of the Army of the United States—in + desuetude since the days of Washington, except by brevet, in the case of + Winfield Scott,—having been especially revived by Congress for and + filled by the appointment and confirmation of Grant, March 2, 1864, that + great soldier immediately came on to Washington, received his commission + at the hands of President Lincoln, in the cabinet chamber of the White + House, on the 9th, paid a flying visit to the Army of the Potomac, on the + 10th, and at once returned to Nashville to plan future movements. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th, a General Order of the War Department (No. 98) was issued, + relieving Major-General Halleck, "at his own request," from duty as + "General-in-Chief" of the Army, and assigning Lieutenant-General U. S. + Grant to "the command of the Armies of the United States," "the + Headquarters of the Army" to be in Washington, and also with + Lieutenant-General Grant in the Field, Halleck being assigned to "duty, in + Washington, as Chief-of-staff of the Army, under the direction of the + Secretary of War and the Lieutenant-General commanding." + </p> + <p> + By the same order, Sherman was assigned to the command of the "Military + Division of the Mississippi," composed of the Departments of the Ohio, the + Cumberland, the Tennessee, and the Arkansas; and McPherson to that of the + Department and Army of the Tennessee. + </p> + <p> + On the 23rd of March, Grant was back again at Washington, and at once + proceeded to Culpepper Court-house, Virginia, where his Headquarters in + the field were, for a time, to be. + </p> + <p> + Here he completed his plans, and reorganized his Forces, for the coming + conflicts, in the South-west and South-east, which were to result in a + full triumph to the Union Arms, and Peace to a preserved Union. + </p> + <p> + It is evident, from the utterances of Mr. Lincoln when Vicksburg fell, + that he had then become pretty well satisfied that Grant was "the coming + man," to whom it would be safe to confide the management and chief + leadership of our Armies. Chattanooga merely confirmed that belief—as + indeed it did that of Union men generally. But the concurrent judgment of + Congress and the President had now, as we have seen, placed Grant in that + chief command; and the consequent relief to Mr. Lincoln, in thus having + the heavy responsibility of Army-control, long unwillingly exercised by + him, taken from his own shoulders and placed upon those of the one great + soldier in whom he had learned to have implicit faith,—a faith + earned by steady and unvaryingly successful achievements in the Field—must + have been most grateful. + </p> + <p> + Other responsibilities would still press heavily enough upon the + President's time and attention. Questions touching the Military and Civil + government of regions of the Enemy's country, conquered by the Union arms; + of the rehabilitation or reconstruction of the Rebel States; of a thousand + and one other matters, of greater or lesser perplexity, growing out of + these and other questions; besides the ever pressing and gigantic problems + involved in the raising of enormous levies of troops, and prodigious sums + of money, needed in securing, moving, and supplying them, and defraying + the extraordinary expenses growing out of the necessary blockade of + thousands of miles of Southern Coast, and other Naval movements; not to + speak of those expenditures belonging to the more ordinary business + transactions of the Government. + </p> + <p> + But chief of all things claiming his especial solicitude, as we have seen, + was this question of Emancipation by Constitutional enactment, the debate + upon which was now proceeding in the Senate. That solicitude was + necessarily increased by the bitter opposition to it of Northern + Copperheads, and by the attitude of the Border-State men, upon whose final + action, the triumph or defeat of this great measure must ultimately + depend. + </p> + <p> + Many of the latter, were, as has already been shown in these pages, loyal + men; but the loyalty of some of these to their Country, was still so + questionably and so thoroughly tainted with their worshipful devotion to + Slavery—although they must have been blind indeed not to have + discovered, long ere this, that it was a "slowly-dying cause"—that + they were ever on the alert to delay, hamper, and defeat, any action, + whether Executive or Legislative, and however necessary for the + preservation of the Union and the overthrow of its mortal enemies, which, + never so lightly, impinged upon their "sacred Institution." + </p> + <p> + This fact was well set forth, in this very debate, by a Senator from New + England—[Wilson of Massachusetts]—when, after adjuring the + anti-Slavery men of the age, not to forget the long list of Slavery's + crimes, he eloquently proceeded: + </p> + <p> + "Let them remember, too, that hundreds of thousands of our countrymen in + Loyal States—since Slavery raised the banners of Insurrection, and + sent death, wounds, sickness, and sorrow, into the homes of the People—have + resisted, and still continue to resist, any measure for the defense of the + Nation, if that measure tended to impair the vital and animating powers of + Slavery. They resisted the Act making Free the Slaves used by Rebels for + Military purposes; the Confiscation of Rebel property and the Freedom of + the Slaves of Rebel masters; the Abolition of Slavery in the Capital of + the Nation, and the consecration of the Territories to Free Labor and Free + laboring men; the Proclamation of Emancipation; the enlistment of Colored + men to fight the battles of the Country; the Freedom of the Black soldier, + who is fighting, bleeding, dying for the Country; and the Freedom of his + wife and children. And now, when War has for nearly three years menaced + the life of the Nation, bathed the Land in blood, and filled two hundred + thousand graves with our slain sons, these men of the Loyal States still + cling to the falling fortunes of the relentless and unappeasable Enemy of + their Country and its democratic institutions; they mourn, and will not be + comforted, over the expiring System, in the Border Slave-States; and, in + tones of indignation or of anguish, they utter lamentations over the + Proclamation of Emancipation, and the policy that is bringing Rebel States + back again radiant with Freedom." + </p> + <p> + Among these "loyal" Democratic opponents of Emancipation, in any shape, or + any where, were not wanting men—whether from Loyal Northern or + Border States—who still openly avowed that Slavery was right; that + Rebellion, to preserve its continuance, was justifiable; and that there + was no Constitutional method of uprooting it. + </p> + <p> + Saulsbury of Delaware, was representative and spokesman of this class, and + he took occasion during this very debate—[In the Senate, March 31, + 1864.]—to defend Slavery as a Divine Institution, which had the + sanction both of the Mosaic and Christian Dispensations! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Said he: "Slavery had existed under some form or other from the first + period of recorded history. It dates back even beyond the period of + Abraham, the Father of the Faithful, in whose seed all the Nations of + the Earth were to be blessed. We find that, immediately after the Flood, + the Almighty, for purposes inscrutable to us, condemned a whole race to + Servitude: 'Vayomer Orur Knoan Efet Afoatim Yeahio Le-echot:' 'And he + said, Cursed be Canaan; Slave of Slaves he shall be to his brethren.' It + continued among all people until the advent of the Christian era. It was + recognized in that New Dispensation, which was to supersede the Old. It + has the sanction of God's own Apostle; for when Paul sent back Onesimus + to Philemon, whom did he send? A Freeman? No, Sir. He sent his (doulos,) + a Slave, born as such, not even his andrapodon, who was such by + captivity in War. Among all people, and in all ages, has this + Institution, if such it is to be called, existed, and had the + countenance of wise and good men, and even of the Christian Church + itself, until these modern times, up at least to the Nineteenth Century. + It exists in this Country, and has existed from the beginning." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Harlan's reply to the position of Mr. Saulsbury that Slavery is + right, is a Divine Institution, etc., was very able and interesting. He + piled up authority after authority, English as well as American, to show + that there is no support of Slavery—and especially of the title to + services of the adult offspring of a Slave—at Common Law; and, + after also proving, by the mouth of a favorite son of Virginia, that it + has no legal existence by virtue of any Municipal or Statutory Law, he + declared that the only remaining Law that can be cited for its support + is the Levitical Code"—as follows: + </p> + <p> + "'Both thy Bondmen, and thy Bondmaids, which thou shalt have, shall be + of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy Bondmen + and Bondmaids. + </p> + <p> + "'Moreover, of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, + of them shall ye buy, and of their families that are with you, which + they begat in your land; and they shall be your possession. + </p> + <p> + "'And ye shall take them as an Inheritance for your children after you, + to inherit them for a possession; they shall be your Bondmen forever."' + </p> + <p> + "I remark," said he, "in this connection, that the Levitical Code, or + the Hebrew Law, contains a provision for the Naturalization of + Foreigners, whether captives of War, or voluntary emigrants. By + compliance with the requirements of this law they became citizens, + entitled to all the rights and privileges and immunities of native + Hebrews. The Hebrew Slave Code, applicable to Enslaved Hebrews, is in + these words: + </p> + <p> + "'And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto + thee, and serve thee six years, then in the seventh year thou shalt let + him go Free from thee.' + </p> + <p> + "Here I request the attention of those who claim compensation for + Emancipated Slaves to the text: + </p> + <p> + "'And when thou sendest him out Free from thee, thou shalt not let him + go away empty: + </p> + <p> + "'Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy floor'— + </p> + <p> + "Which means granaries— + </p> + <p> + "'and out of thy wine-press: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath + blessed thee, thou shalt give unto him.' + </p> + <p> + "'It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away Free from + thee, for he hath been worth a double-hired servant to thee, in serving + thee six years.' + </p> + <p> + "These Hebrew Statutes provide that the heathen might be purchased and + held as Slaves, and their posterity after them; that under their + Naturalization Laws all strangers and sojourners, Bond and Free, have + the privilege of acquiring the rights of citizenship; that all Hebrews, + natives or naturalized, might assert and maintain their right to + Freedom. + </p> + <p> + "At the end of six years a Hebrew Slave thus demanding his Liberty, was + not to be sent away empty; the owner, so far from claiming compensation + from his neighbors or from the Public Treasury for setting him Free, was + bound to divide with the Freedman, of his own possessions: to give him + of his flocks, of his herds, of his granary, and of his winepress, of + everything with which the Lord Almighty had blessed the master during + the years of his Servitude; and then the owner was admonished that he + was not to regard it as a hardship to be required to Liberate the Slave, + and to divide with him of his substance. + </p> + <p> + "The Almighty places the Liberated Slave's claim to a division of his + former master's property on the eternal principles of Justice, the duty + to render an equivalent for an equivalent. The Slave having served six + years must be paid for his Service, must be paid liberally because he + had been worth even more than a hired servant during the period of his + enslavement. + </p> + <p> + "If, then," continued Mr. Harlan, "the justice of this claim cannot be + found either in Reason, Natural Justice, or the principles of the Common + Law, or in any positive Municipal or Statute regulation of any State, or + in the Hebrew Code written by the Finger of God protruded from the flame + of fire on the summit of Sinai, I ask whence the origin of the title to + the services of the adult offspring of the Slave mother? or is it not + manifest that there is no just title? Is it not a mere usurpation + without any known mode of justification, under any existing Code of + Laws, human or Divine?"] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He also undertook to justify Secession on the singular ground that "we are + sprung from a Race of Secessionists," the proof of which he held to be in + the fact that, while the preamble to, as well as the body of the + Convention of Ratification of, the old Articles of Confederation between + the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and + Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, + Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, + declared that Confederation to be a "Perpetual Union," yet, within nine + years thereafter, all the other States Seceded from New York, Virginia, + North Carolina, and Rhode Island by ratifying the new Constitution for "a + more perfect Union." + </p> + <p> + He also endeavored to maintain the extraordinary proposition that "if the + Senate of the United States were to adopt this Joint-resolution, and were + to submit it to all the States of this Union, and if three-fourths of the + States should ratify the Amendment, it would not be binding on any State + whose interest was affected by it, if that State protested against it!" + And beyond all this, he re-echoed the old, old cry of the Border-state + men, that "the time is unpropitious for such a measure as this." + </p> + <p> + Reverdy Johnson, of Maryland, however, by his great speech, of April 5th, + in the Senate, did much to clear the tangle in the minds of some faltering + Union statesmen on this important subject. + </p> + <p> + He reviewed the question of human Slavery from the time when the + Constitutional Convention was held; showed that at that period, as well as + at the time of the Declaration of our Independence "there was but one + sentiment upon the subject among enlightened Southern statesmen"—and + that was, that Slavery "is a great affliction to any Country where it + prevails;" and declared that "a prosperous and permanent Peace can never + be secured if the Institution is permitted to survive." + </p> + <p> + He then traversed the various methods by which statesmen were seeking to + prevent that survival of Slavery, addressing himself by turns to the + arguments of those who, with John Sherman, "seemed," said he, "to consider + it as within the power of Congress by virtue of its Legislative + authority;" to those of the "many well-judging men, with the President at + their head, who," to again use his own words, "seem to suppose that it is + within the reach of the Executive;" and lastly, to those "who express the + opinion that it is not within the scope of either Executive or Legislative + authority, or of Constitutional Amendment;" and after demolishing the + arguments of those who held the two former of these positions, he + proceeded to rebut the assumption that Slavery could not be abolished at + all because it was not originally abolished by the Constitution. + </p> + <p> + Continuing, he said: "Remember, now, the question is, can that + Institution, which deals with Humanity as Property, which claims to + shackle the mind, the soul, and the body, which brings to the level of the + brute a portion of the race of Man, cease to be within the reach of the + political power of the People of the United States, not because it was not + at one time within their power, but because at that time they did not + exert the power? + </p> + <p> + "What says the Preamble to the Constitution? How pregnant with a + conclusive answer is the Preamble, to the proposition that Slavery cannot + be abolished! What does that Preamble state to have been the chief objects + that the great and wise and good men had at heart, in recommending the + Constitution, with that Preamble, to the adoption of the American People? + That Justice might be established; that Tranquillity might be preserved; + that the common Defense and general Welfare might be maintained; and, last + and chief of all, that Liberty might be secured. + </p> + <p> + "Is there no Justice in putting an end to human Slavery? Is there no + danger to the Tranquillity of the Country in its existence? May it not + interfere with the common Defense and general Welfare? And, above all, is + it consistent with any notion, which the mind of man can conceive, of + human Liberty?" + </p> + <p> + He held that the very Amendatory clause of the Constitution under which it + was proposed to make this Amendment, was probably inserted there from a + conviction of that coming time "when Justice would call so loudly for the + extinction of the Institution that her call could not be disobeyed," and, + when "the Peace and Tranquillity of the Land would demand, in thunder + tones," its destruction, "as inconsistent with such Peace and + Tranquillity." + </p> + <p> + To the atrocious pretence that "there was a right to make a Slave of any + human being"—which he said would have shocked every one of the + framers of the Constitution had they heard it; and, what he termed, the + nauseous declaration that "Slavery of the Black race is of Divine origin," + and was intended to be perpetual; he said: + </p> + <p> + "The Saviour of Mankind did not put an end to it by physical power, or by + the declaration of any existing illegality, in word. His mission upon + Earth was not to propagate His doctrines by force. He came to save, not to + conquer. His purpose was not to march armed legions throughout the + habitable Globe, securing the allegiance of those for whose safety He was + striving. He warred by other influences. He aimed at the heart, + principally. He inculcated his doctrines, more ennobling than any that the + World, enlightened as it was before His advent upon Earth, had been able + to discover. He taught to Man the obligation of brotherhood. He announced + that the true duty of Man was to do to others as he would have others do + to him—to all men, the World over; and unless some convert to the + modern doctrine that Slavery itself finds not only a guarantee for its + existence, but for its legal existence, in the Scripture, excepts from the + operation of the influences which His morality brought to bear on the mind + of the Christian world, the Black man, and shows that it was not intended + to apply to Black men, then it is not true, it cannot be true, that He + designed His doctrine not to be equally applicable to the Black and to the + White, to the Race of Man as he then existed, or as he might exist in all + after-time." + </p> + <p> + To the assumption that the African Slaves were too utterly deficient and + degraded, mentally and morally, to appreciate the blessings of Freedom, he + opposed the eloquent fact that "wherever the flag of the United States, + the symbol of human Liberty, now goes; under it, from their hereditary + bondage, are to be found men and women and children assembling and craving + its protection 'fleeing from' the iron of oppression that had pierced + their souls, to the protection of that flag where they are 'gladdened by + the light of Liberty.'" + </p> + <p> + "It is idle to deny," said he—"we feel it in our own persons—how, + with reference to that sentiment, all men are brethren. Look to the + illustrations which the times now afford, how, in the illustration of that + sentiment, do we differ from the Black man? He is willing to incur every + personal danger which promises to result in throwing down his shackles, + and making him tread the Earth, which God has created for all, as a man, + and not as a Slave." + </p> + <p> + Said he: "It is an instinct of the Soul. Tyranny may oppress it for ages + and centuries; the pall of despotism may hang over it; but the sentiment + is ever there; it kindles into a flame in the very furnace of affliction, + and it avails itself of the first opportunity that offers, promising the + least chance of escape, and wades through blood and slaughter to achieve + it, and, whether it succeeds or fails, demonstrates, vindicates in the + very effort, the inextinguishable right to Liberty." + </p> + <p> + He thought that mischiefs might result from this measure, owing to the + uneducated condition of the Slave, but they would be but temporary. At all + events to "suffer those Africans," said he, "whom we are calling around + our standard, and asking to aid us in restoring the Constitution and the + power of the Government to its rightful authority, to be reduced to + bondage again," would be "a disgrace to the Nation." The "Institution" + must be terminated. + </p> + <p> + "Terminate it," continued he, "and the wit of man will, as I think, be + unable to devise any other topic upon which we can be involved in a + fratricidal strife. God and nature, judging by the history of the past, + intend us to be one. Our unity is written in the mountains and the rivers, + in which we all have an interest. The very differences of climate render + each important to the other, and alike important. + </p> + <p> + "That mighty horde which, from time to time, have gone from the Atlantic, + imbued with all the principles of human Freedom which animated their + fathers in running the perils of the mighty Deep and seeking Liberty here, + are now there; and as they have said, they will continue to say, until + time shall be no more: 'We mean that the Government in future shall be, as + it has been in the past—Once an exemplar of human Freedom, for the + light and example of the World; illustrating in the blessings and the + happiness it confers, the truth of the principles incorporated into the + Declaration of Independence, that Life and Liberty are Man's inalienable + right." + </p> + <p> + Fortunately the Democratic opposition, in the Senate, to this measure, was + too small in numbers to beat the proposed Amendment, but by offering + amendments to it, its enemies succeeded in delaying its adoption. + </p> + <p> + However, on the 5th of April, an amendment, offered by Garrett Davis, was + acted upon. It was to strike out all after the preamble of the XIIIth + Article of Amendment to the Constitution, proposed by the Judiciary + Committee, and insert the words: + </p> + <p> + "No Negro, or Person whose mother or grandmother is or was a Negro, shall + be a citizen of the United States and be eligible to any Civil or Military + office, or to any place of trust or profit under the United States." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Davis's amendment was rejected by a vote of 5 yeas to 32 nays; when he + immediately moved to amend, by adding precisely the same words at the end + of Section 1 of the proposed Article. It was again rejected. He then moved + to amend by adding to the said Section these words: + </p> + <p> + "But no Slave shall be entitled to his or her Freedom under this Amendment + if resident at the time it takes effect in any State, the laws of which + forbid Free Negroes to reside therein, until removed from such State by + the Government of the United States." + </p> + <p> + This also was rejected. Whereupon Mr. Powell moved to add, at the end of + the first Section, the words: + </p> + <p> + "No Slave shall be Emancipated by this Article unless the owner thereof + shall be first paid the value of the Slave or Slaves so Emancipated." + </p> + <p> + This likewise was rejected, on a yea and nay vote, by 2 yeas (Davis and + Powell) to 34 nays; when Mr. Davis moved another amendment, viz.: to add + at the end of Section 2 of the proposed Article, the following: + </p> + <p> + "And when this Amendment of the Constitution shall have taken effect by + Freeing the Slaves, Congress shall provide for the distribution and + settlement of all the population of African descent in the United States + among the several States and Territories thereof, in proportion to the + White population of each State and Territory to the aggregate population + of those of African descent." + </p> + <p> + This met a like fate; whereupon the Senate adjourned, but, on the + following day, the matter came up again for consideration: + </p> + <p> + Hale, of New Hampshire, jubilantly declared that "this is a day that I and + many others have long wished for, long hoped for, long striven for. * * * + A day when the Nation is to commence its real life; or, if it is not the + day, it is the dawning of the day; the day is near at hand * * * when the + American People are to wake up to the meaning of the sublime truths which + their fathers uttered years ago, and which have slumbered, dead-letters, + upon the pages of our Constitution, of our Declaration of Independence, + and of our history." + </p> + <p> + McDougall, of California, on the other hand,—utterly regardless of + the grandly patriotic resolutions of the Legislature of his State, which + had just been presented to the Senate by his colleague—lugubriously + declared: + </p> + <p> + "In my judgment, it may well be said of us: + </p> + <p> + 'Let the Heavens be hung in black<br /> And let the Earth put mourning on,' + </p> + <p> + for in the history of no Free People, since the time the Persians came + down upon Athens, have I known as melancholy a period as this day and year + of Our Lord in our history; and if we can, by the blessing of God and by + His favor, rise above it, it will be by His special providence, and by no + act of ours." + </p> + <p> + The obstructive tactics were now resumed, Mr. Powell leading off by a + motion to amend, by adding to the Judiciary Committee's proposed + Thirteenth Article of the Constitution, the following: + </p> + <p> + "ART. 14.—The President and Vice-President shall hold their Offices + for the term of four—[Which he subsequently modified to: 'six years']—years. + The person who has filled the Office of President shall not be + reeligible." + </p> + <p> + This amendment was rejected by 12 yeas to 32 nays; whereupon Mr. Powell + moved to add to the Committee's Proposition another new Article, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + "ART. 14.—The principal Officer in each of the Executive + Departments, and all persons connected with the Diplomatic Service, may be + removed from office at the pleasure of the President. All other officers + of the Executive Departments may be removed at any time by the President + or other appointing power when their services are unnecessary, or for + dishonesty, incapacity, inefficiency, misconduct, or neglect of duty, and + when so removed, the removal shall be reported to the Senate, together + with the reasons therefor." + </p> + <p> + This amendment also being rejected, Mr. Powell offered another, which was + to add a separate Article as follows: + </p> + <p> + "ART. 14.—Every law, or Resolution having the force of law, shall + relate to but one subject, and that shall be expressed in its title." + </p> + <p> + This also being rejected—the negative vote being, as in other cases, + without reference to the merits of the proposition—and Mr. Powell + having now apparently exhausted his obstructive amendatory talents, Mr. + Davis came to the aid of his Kentucky colleague by moving an amendment, to + come in as an additional Article, being a new plan of Presidential + election designed to do away with the quadrennial Presidential campaign + before the People by giving to each State the right to nominate one + candidate, and leaving it to a Convention of both Houses of Congress—and, + in case of disagreement, to the Supreme Court of the United States —to + elect a President and a Vice-President. + </p> + <p> + The rejection of this proposition apparently exhausted the stock of + possible amendments possessed by the Democratic opposition, and the Joint + Resolution, precisely as it came from the Judiciary Committee, having been + agreed to by that body, "as in Committee of the Whole," was now, April + 6th, reported to the Senate for its concurrence. + </p> + <p> + On the following day, Mr. Hendricks uttered a lengthy jeremiad on the War, + and its lamentable results; intimated that along the Mississippi, the + Negroes, freed by the advance of our invading Armies and Navies, instead + of being happy and industrious, were without protection or provision and + almost without clothing, while at least 200,000 of them had prematurely + perished, and that such was the fate reserved for the 4,000,000 Negroes if + liberated; and declared he would not vote for the Resolution, "because," + said he, "the times are not auspicious." + </p> + <p> + Very different indeed was the attitude of Mr. Henderson, of Missouri, + Border-State man though he was. In the course of a speech, of much power, + which he opened with an allusion to the 115,000 Slaves owned in his State + in 1860—as showing how deeply interested Missouri "must be in the + pending proposition"—the Senator announced that: "Our great + interest, as lovers of the Union, is in the preservation and perpetuation + of the Union." He declared himself a Slaveholder, yet none the less + desired the adoption of this Thirteenth Article of Amendment, for, said + he: "We cannot save the Institution if we would. We ought not if we could. + * * * If it were a blessing, I, for one, would be defending it to the + last. It is a curse, and not a blessing. Therefore let it go. * * * Let + the iniquity be cast away!" + </p> + <p> + It was about this time that a remarkable letter written by Mr. Lincoln to + a Kentuckian, on the subject of Emancipation, appeared in print. It is + interesting as being not alone the President's own statement of his views, + from the beginning, as to Slavery, and how he came to be "driven" to issue + the Proclamation of Emancipation, and as showing how the Union Cause had + gained by its issue, but also in disclosing, indirectly, how incessantly + the subject was revolved in his own mind, and urged by him upon the minds + of others. The publication of the letter, moreover, was not without its + effect on the ultimate action of the Congress and the States in adopting + the Thirteenth Amendment. It ran thus: + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + "EXECUTIVE MANSION.<br /> "WASHINGTON, April 4, 1864. + </p> + <p> + "A. G. HODGES, Esq., Frankfort, Ky. + </p> + <p> + "MY DEAR SIR: You ask me to put in writing the substance of—what I + verbally said the other day, in your presence, to Governor Bramlette and + Senator Dixon. It was about as follows: + </p> + <p> + "I am naturally anti-Slavery. If Slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I + cannot remember when I did not so think and feel, and yet I have never + understood that the 'Presidency conferred upon me an unrestricted right to + act officially upon this judgment and feeling. + </p> + <p> + "It was in the oath I took, that I would to the best of my ability + preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. I + could not take the Office without taking the oath. Nor was it my view that + I might take an oath to get power, and break the oath in using the power. + </p> + <p> + "I understood, too, that in ordinary and Civil Administration this oath + even forbade me to practically indulge my primary abstract judgment on the + moral question of Slavery. I had publicly declared this many times, and in + many ways. + </p> + <p> + "And I aver that, to this day, I have done no Official act in mere + deference to my abstract judgment and feeling on Slavery. + </p> + <p> + "I did understand, however, that my oath to preserve the Constitution to + the best of my ability, imposed upon me the duty of preserving by every + indispensable means, that Government—that Nation, of which that + Constitution was the Organic Law. + </p> + <p> + "Was it possible to lose the Nation and yet preserve the Constitution? + </p> + <p> + "By General Law, life and limb must be protected; yet often a limb must be + amputated to save a life; but a life is never wisely given to save a limb. + I felt that measures, otherwise Unconstitutional, might become lawful, by + becoming Indispensable to the Constitution through the preservation of the + Nation. + </p> + <p> + "Right or wrong, I assumed this ground, and now avow it. I could not feel + that, to the best of my ability, I have even tried to preserve the + Constitution, if, to save Slavery, or any minor matter, I should permit + the wreck of Government, Country, and Constitution, altogether. + </p> + <p> + "When, early in the War, General Fremont attempted Military Emancipation, + I forbade it, because I did not then think it an Indispensable Necessity. + </p> + <p> + "When, a little later, General Cameron, then Secretary of War, suggested + the Arming of the Blacks, I objected, because I did not yet think it an + Indispensable Necessity. + </p> + <p> + "When, still later, General Hunter attempted Military Emancipation, I + again forbade it, because I did not yet think the Indispensable Necessity + had come. + </p> + <p> + "When in March, and May, and July, 1862, I made earnest and successive + appeals to the Border-States to favor compensated Emancipation, I believed + the Indispensable Necessity for Military Emancipation and arming the + Blacks would come, unless averted by that measure. + </p> + <p> + "They declined the proposition, and I was, in my best judgment, driven to + the alternative of either surrendering the Union, and with it, the + Constitution, or of laying strong hand upon the Colored element. I chose + the latter. In choosing it, I hoped for greater gain than loss, but of + this I was not entirely confident. + </p> + <p> + "More than a year of trial now shows no loss by it in our Foreign + Relations, none in our home popular sentiment, none in our white Military + force, no loss by it anyhow, or anywhere. On the contrary, it shows a gain + of quite a hundred and thirty thousand soldiers, seamen, and laborers. + </p> + <p> + "These are palpable facts, about which, as facts, there can be no + cavilling. We have the men; and we could not have had them without the + measure. + </p> + <p> + "And now let any Union man who complains of this measure, test himself by + writing down in one line, that he is for subduing the Rebellion by force + of arms; and in the next, that he is for taking one hundred and thirty + thousand men from the Union side, and placing them where they would be + best for the measure he condemns. If he cannot face his case so stated, it + is only because he cannot face the truth. + </p> + <p> + "I add a word which was not in the verbal conversation. In telling this + tale, I attempt no compliment to my own sagacity. I claim not to have + controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me. Now + at the end of three years' struggle, the Nation's condition is not what + either Party, or any man, devised or expected. God alone can claim it. + </p> + <p> + "Whither it is tending seems plain. If God now wills the removal of a + great wrong, and wills also that we of the North, as well as you of the + South, shall pay fairly for our complicity in that wrong, impartial + history will find therein new causes to attest and revere the Justice and + goodness of God.<br /> "Yours truly,<br /> "A. LINCOLN." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + The 8th of April (1864) turned out to be the decisive field-day in the + Senate. Sumner endeavored to close the debate on that day in a speech + remarkable no less for its power and eloquence of statement, its strength + of Constitutional exposition, and its abounding evidences of extensive + historical research and varied learning, than for its patriotic fervor and + devotion to human Freedom. + </p> + <p> + Toward the end of that great speech, however, he somewhat weakened its + force by suggesting a change in the phraseology of the proposed Thirteenth + Amendment, so that, instead of almost precisely following the language of + the Jeffersonian Ordinance of 1787, as recommended by the Judiciary + Committee of the Senate, it should read thus: + </p> + <p> + "All Persons are Equal before the Law, so that no person can hold another + as a Slave; and the Congress may make all laws necessary and proper to + carry this Article into effect everywhere within the United States and the + jurisdiction thereof." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Sumner's idea in antagonizing the Judiciary Committee's proposition + with this, was to introduce into our Organic Act, distinctive words + asserting the "Equality before the Law" of all persons, as expressed in + the Constitutional Charters of Belgium, Italy and Greece, as well as in + the various Constitutions of France—beginning with that of + September, 1791, which declared (Art. 1) that "Men are born and continue + Free and Equal in Rights;" continuing in that of June, 1793, which + declares that "All Men are Equal by Nature and before the Law:" in that of + June, 1814, which declares that "Frenchmen are Equal before the Law, + whatever may be otherwise their title and ranks;" and in the + Constitutional Charter of August, 1830 in similar terms to the last. + </p> + <p> + "But," said he, "while desirous of seeing the great rule of Freedom which + we are about to ordain, embodied in a text which shall be like the + precious casket to the more precious treasure, yet * * * I am consoled by + the thought that the most homely text containing such a rule will be more + beautiful far than any words of poetry or eloquence, and that it will + endure to be read with gratitude when the rising dome of this Capitol, + with the Statue of Liberty which surmounts it, has crumbled to dust." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Sumner's great speech, however, by no means ended the debate. It + brought Mr. Powell to his feet with a long and elaborate contention + against the general proposition, in the course of which he took occasion + to sneer at Sumner's "most remarkable effort," as one of his "long + illogical rhapsodies on Slavery, like: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + '—a Tale Told by an Idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying + nothing.'" + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He professed that he wanted "the Union to be restored with the + Constitution as it is;" that he verily believed the passage of this + Amendment would be "the most effective Disunion measure that could be + passed by Congress"—and, said he, "As a lover of the Union I oppose + it." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [This phrase slightly altered, in words, but not in meaning, to "The + Union as it was, and the Constitution as it is," afterward became the + Shibboleth under which the Democratic Party in the Presidential Campaign + of 1864, marched to defeat.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + He endeavored to impute the blame for the War, to the northern + Abolitionists, for, said he: "Had there been no Abolitionists, North, + there never would have been a Fire-eater, South,"—apparently + ignoring the palpable fact that had there been no Slavery in the South, + there could have been no "Abolitionists, North." + </p> + <p> + He heatedly denounced the "fanatical gentlemen" who desired the passage of + this measure; declared they intended by its passage "to destroy the + Institution of Slavery or to destroy the Union," and exclaimed: "Pass this + Amendment and you make an impassable chasm, as if you were to put a lake + of burning fire, between the adhering States and those who are out. You + will then have to make it a War of conquest and extermination before you + can ever bring them back under the flag of the Government. There is no + doubt about that proposition." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Sumner, at this point, withdrew his proposed amendment, at the + suggestion of Mr. Howard, who expressed a preference "to dismiss all + reference to French Constitutions and French Codes, and go back to the + good old Anglo-Saxon language employed by our Fathers, in the Ordinance of + 1787, (in) an expression adjudicated upon repeatedly, which is perfectly + well understood both by the public and by Judicial Tribunals—a + phrase, which is peculiarly near and dear to the people of the + Northwestern Territory, from whose soil Slavery was excluded by it." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The following is the language of "the Ordinance of 1787" thus referred + to: + </p> + <p> + "ART. 6.—There shall be neither Slavery nor Involuntary Servitude + in the said Territory, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes, + whereof the party shall have been duly convicted: * * *."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Mr. Davis thereupon made another opposition speech and, at its conclusion, + Mr. Saulsbury offered, as a substitute, an Article, comprising no less + than twenty sections—that, he said, "embodied in them some things" + which "did not meet his personal approbation," but he had consented to + offer them to the Senate as "a Compromise"—as "a Peace offering." + </p> + <p> + The Saulsbury substitute being voted down, the debate closed with a speech + by Mr. McDougall—an eloquent protest from his standpoint, in which, + after endorsing the wild statement of Mr. Hendricks that 250,000 of the + people of African descent had been prematurely destroyed on the + Mississippi, he continued. + </p> + <p> + "This policy will ingulf them. It is as simple a truth as has ever been + taught by any history. The Slaves of ancient time were not the Slaves of a + different Race. The Romans compelled the Gaul and the Celt, brought them + to their own Country, and some of them became great poets, and some + eloquent orators, and some accomplished wits, and they became citizens of + the Republic of Greece, and of the Republic of Rome, and of the Empire. + </p> + <p> + "This is not the condition of these persons with whom we are now + associated, and about whose affairs we undertake to establish + administration. They can never commingle with us. It may not be within the + reading of some learned Senators, and yet it belongs to demonstrated + Science, that the African race and the European are different; and I here + now say it as a fact established by science, that the eighth generation of + the Mixed race formed by the union of the African and European, cannot + continue their species. Quadroons have few children; with Octoroons + reproduction is impossible. + </p> + <p> + "It establishes as a law of nature that the African has no proper relation + to the European, Caucasian, blood. I would have them kindly treated. * * * + Against all such policy and all such conduct I shall protest as a man, in + the name of humanity, and of law, and of truth, and of religion." + </p> + <p> + The amendment made, as in Committee of the Whole, having been concurred + in, etc., the Joint Resolution, as originally reported by the Judiciary + Committee, was at last passed, (April 8th)—by a vote of 38 yeas to 6 + nays—Messrs. Hendricks and McDougall having the unenviable + distinction of being the only two Senators, (mis-)representing Free + States, who voted against this definitive Charter of American Liberty. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The full Senate vote, on passing the Thirteenth Amendment, was: + </p> + <p> + YEAS—Messrs. Anthony, Brown, Chandler, Clark, Collamer, Conness, + Cowan, Dixon, Doolittle, Fessenden, Foot, Foster, Grimes, Hale, Harding, + Harlan, Harris, Henderson, Howard, Howe, Johnson, Lane of Indiana, Lane + of Kansas, Morgan, Morrill, Nesmith, Pomeroy, Ramsey, Sherman, Sprague, + Sumner, Ten Eyck, Trumbull, Van Winkle, Wade, Wilkinson, Willey, and + Wilson—38. + </p> + <p> + NAYs—Messrs. Davis, Hendricks, McDougall, Powell, Riddle, and + Saulsbury.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkwade" id="linkwade"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p552-wade.jpg (82K)" src="images/p552-wade.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch24" id="linkch24"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> <br /> TREASON IN THE NORTHERN CAMPS. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The immortal Charter of Freedom had, as we have seen, with comparative + ease, after a ten days' debate, by the power of numbers, run the gauntlet + of the Senate; but now it was to be subjected to the much more trying and + doubtful ordeal of the House. What would be its fate there? This was a + question which gave to Mr. Lincoln, and the other friends of Liberty and + Union, great concern. + </p> + <p> + It is true that various votes had recently been taken in that body, upon + propositions which had an indirect bearing upon the subject of + Emancipation, as, for instance, that of the 1st of February, 1864, when, + by a vote of 80 yeas to 46 nays, it had adopted a Resolution declaring + "That a more vigorous policy to enlist, at an early day, and in larger + numbers, in our Army, persons of African descent, would meet the + approbation of the House;" and that vote, although indirect, being so very + nearly a two-thirds vote, was most encouraging. But, on the other hand, a + subsequent Resolution, squarely testing the sense of the House upon the + subject, had been carried by much less than a two-thirds vote. + </p> + <p> + This latter Resolution, offered by Mr. Arnold, after conference with Mr. + Lincoln, with the very purpose of making a test, was in these direct + terms: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the Constitution shall be so amended as to Abolish Slavery + in the United States wherever it now exists, and to prohibit its existence + in every part thereof forever." + </p> + <p> + The vote, adopting it, was but 78 yeas to 62 nays. * This vote, therefore, + upon the Arnold Resolution, being nowhere near the two-thirds affirmative + vote necessary to secure the passage through the House of the Senate Joint + Resolution on this subject amendatory of the Constitution, was most + discouraging. + </p> + <p> + It was definite enough, however, to show the necessity of a change from + the negative to the affirmative side of at least fifteen votes. While + therefore the outlook was discouraging it was far from hopeless. The + debate in the Senate had already had its effect upon the public mind. + That, and the utterances of Mr. Lincoln—and further discussion in + the House, it was thought, might produce such a pressure from the loyal + constituencies both in the Free and Border Slave-States as to compel + success. + </p> + <p> + But from the very beginning of the year 1864, as if instinctively aware + that their Rebel friends were approaching the crisis of their fate, and + needed now all the help that their allies of the North could give them, + the Anti-War Democrats, in Congress, and out, had been stirring themselves + with unusual activity. + </p> + <p> + In both Houses of Congress, upon all possible occasions, they had been + striving, as they still strove, with the venom of their widely-circulated + speeches, to poison the loyal Northern and Border-State mind, in the hope + that the renomination of Mr. Lincoln might be defeated, the chance for + Democratic success at the coming Presidential election be thereby + increased, and, if nothing else came of it, the Union Cause be weakened + and the Rebel Cause correspondingly strengthened. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, evidently under secret instructions from their friends, + the Conspirators in arms, they endeavored to create heart-burnings and + jealousies and ill-feeling between the Eastern (especially the New + England) States and the Western States, and unceasingly attacked the + Protective-Tariff, Internal Revenue, the Greenback, the Draft, and every + other measure or thing upon which the life of the Union depended. + </p> + <p> + Most of these Northern-Democratic agitators, "Stealing the livery of + Heaven to serve the Devil in," endeavored to conceal their treacherous + designs under a veneer of gushing lip-loyalty, but that disguise was "too + thin" to deceive either their contemporaries or those who come after them. + Some of their language too, as well as their blustering manner, strangely + brought back to recollection the old days of Slavery when the + plantation-whip was cracked in the House, and the air was blue with + execration of New England. + </p> + <p> + Said Voorhees, of Indiana, (January 11, 1864) when the House was + considering a Bill "to increase the Internal Revenue and for other + purposes:" + </p> + <p> + "I want to know whether the West has any friends upon the floor of this + House? We pay every dollar that is to be levied by this Tax Bill. * * * + The Manufacturing Interest pays not a dollar into the public Treasury that + stays there. And yet airs of patriotism are put on here by men + representing that interest. I visited New England last Summer, * * * when + I heard the swelling hum of her Manufactories, and saw those who only a + short time ago worked but a few hands, now working their thousands, and + rolling up their countless wealth, I felt that it was an unhealthy + prosperity. To my mind it presented a wealth wrung from the labor, the + sinews, the bone and muscle of the men who till the soil, taxed to an + illegitimate extent to foster and support that great System of local + wealth. * * * I do not intend to stand idly by and see one portion of the + Country robbed and oppressed for the benefit of another." + </p> + <p> + And the same day, replying to Mr. Morrill of Vermont, he exclaimed: "Let + him show me that the plethoric, bloated Manufacturers of New England are + paying anything to support the Government, and I will recognize it." + </p> + <p> + Washburne, of Illinois got back at this part of Mr. Voorhees's speech + rather neatly, by defending the North-west as being "not only willing to + stand taxation" which had been "already imposed, but * * * any additional + taxation which," said he, "may be necessary to crush out this Rebellion, + and to hang the Rebels in the South, and the Rebel sympathizers in the + North." And, he pointedly added: "Complaint has been made against New + England. I know that kind of talk. I have heard too often that kind of + slang about New England. I heard it here for ten years, when your + Barksdales, and your Keitts's, and your other Traitors, now in arms + against the Government, filled these Halls with their pestilential + assaults not only upon New England, but on the Free North generally." + </p> + <p> + Kelley of Pennsylvania, however, more fitly characterized the speech of + Voorhees, when he termed it "a pretty, indeed a somewhat striking, + paraphrase of the argument of Mr. Lamar, the Rebel Agent,—[in 1886, + Secretary of the Interior]—to his confreres in Treason, as we find + it in the recently published correspondence: 'Drive gold coin out of the + Country, and induce undue Importation of Foreign products so as to strike + down the Financial System. You can have no further hope for Foreign + recognition. It is evident the weight of arms is against us; and it is + clear that we can only succeed by striking down the Financial System of + the Country.' It was an admirable paraphrase of the Instructions of Mr. + Lamar to the Rebel Agents in the North." + </p> + <p> + The impression was at this time abroad, and there were not wanting + elements of proof, that certain members of Congress were trusted + Lieutenants of the Arch-copperhead and Outlaw, Vallandigham. Certain it + is, that many of these leaders, six months before, attended and addressed + the great gathering from various parts of the Country, of nearly one + hundred thousand Vallandigham-Anti-War Peace-Democrats, at Springfield, + Illinois—the very home of Abraham Lincoln—which adopted, + during a lull, when they were not yelling themselves hoarse for + Vallandigham, a resolution declaring against "the further offensive + prosecution of the War" as being subversive of the Constitution and + Government, and proposing a National Peace Convention, and, as a + consequence, Peace, "the Union as it was," and, substantially such + Constitutional guarantees as the Rebels might choose to demand! And this + too, at a time (June 13, 1863), when Grant, after many recent glorious + victories, had been laying siege to Vicksburg, and its Rebel Army of + 37,000 men, for nearly a month, with every reason to hope for its speedy + fall. + </p> + <p> + No wonder that under such circumstances, the news of such a gathering of + the Northern Democratic sympathizers with Treason, and of their adoption + of such treasonable Resolutions, should encourage the Rebels in the same + degree that Union men were disheartened! No wonder that Lee, elated by + this and other evidences of Northern sympathy with Rebellion, at once + determined to commence a second grand invasion of the North, and on the + very next day (June 14th,) moved Northward with all his Rebel hosts to be + welcomed, he fondly hoped, by his Northern friends of Maryland and + elsewhere! As we have seen, it took the bloody Battle of Gettysburg to + undeceive him as to the character of that welcome. + </p> + <p> + Further than this, Mr. Cox had stumped Ohio, in the succeeding election, + in a desperate effort to make the banished Traitor, Vallandigham—the + Chief Northern commander of the "Knights of the Golden Circle" (otherwise + known as the "Order of the Sons of Liberty," and "O. A. K." or "Order of + American Knights")—Governor of that great State. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The Rebel General Sterling Price being the chief Southern commander of + this many-named treasonable organization, which in the North alone + numbered over 500,000 men. + </p> + <p> + August, 1864.—See Report of Judge Advocate Holt on certain "Secret + Associations," in Appendix,] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + And it only lacked a few months of the time when quantities of copies of + the treasonable Ritual of the "Order of American Knights"—as well as + correspondence touching the purchase of thousands of Garibaldi rifles for + transportation to the West—were found in the offices of leading + Democrats then in Congress. + </p> + <p> + When, therefore, it is said, and repeated, that there were not wanting + elements of proof, outside of Congressional utterances and actions, that + leading Democrats in Congress were trusted Lieutenants of the Supreme + Commander of over half a million of Northern Rebel-sympathizers bound + together, and to secrecy, by oaths, which were declared to be paramount to + all other oaths, the violation of which subjected the offender to a + shameful death somewhat like that, of being "hung, drawn, and quartered," + which was inflicted in the middle ages for the crime of Treason to the + Crown—it will be seen that the statement is supported by + circumstantial, if not by positive and direct, evidence. + </p> + <p> + Whether the Coxes, the Garret Davises, the Saulsburys, the Fernando Woods, + the Alexander Longs, the Allens, the Holmans, and many other prominent + Congressmen of that sort,—were merely in close communion with these + banded "Knights," or were actual members of their secret organizations, + may be an open question. But it is very certain that if they all were not + oath-bound members, they generally pursued the precise methods of those + who were; and that, as a rule, while they often loudly proclaimed loyalty + and love for the Union, they were always ready to act as if their loyalty + and love were for the so-called Confederacy. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, it was one of these other "loyal" Democrats, who even preceded + Voorhees, in raising the Sectional cry of: The West, against New England. + It was on this same Internal Revenue Bill, that Holman of Indiana had, the + day before Voorhees's attack, said: + </p> + <p> + "If the Manufacture of the Northwest is to be taxed so heavily, a + corresponding rate of increase must be imposed on the Manufactures of New + England and Pennsylvania, or, will gentlemen tax us without limit for the + benefit of their own Section? * * * I protest against what I believe is + intended to be a discrimination against one Section of the Country, by + increasing the tax three-fold, without a corresponding increase upon the + burdens of other Sections." + </p> + <p> + But these dreadfully "loyal" Democrats—who did the bidding of + traitorous masters in their Treason to the Union, and thus, while + posturing as "Patriots," "fired upon the rear" of our hard-pressed Armies—were + super-sensitive on this point. And, when they could get hold of a quiet + sort of a man, inclined to peaceful methods of discussion, how they would, + terrier-like, pounce upon him, and extract from him, if they could, some + sort of negative satisfaction! + </p> + <p> + Thus, for instance, on the 22nd of January, when one of these quiet men + —Morris of New York—was in the midst of an inoffensive speech, + Mr. Cox "bristled up," and blusteringly asked whether he meant to say that + he (Cox) had "ever been the apologist or the defender of a Traitor?" + </p> + <p> + And Morris not having said so, mildly replied that he did "not so charge"—all + of which little bit of by-play hugely pleased the touchy Mr. Cox, and his + clansmen. + </p> + <p> + But on the day following, their smiles vanished under the words of + Spalding or Ohio, who, after referring to the crocodile-tears shed by + Democratic Congressmen over the Confiscation Resolution—on the + pretense that it would hunt down "innocent women and children" of the + Rebels, when they had never a word of sympathy for the widows and children + of the two hundred thousand dead soldiers of the Union—continued: + </p> + <p> + "They can see our poor soldiers return, minus an arm, minus a leg, as they + pass through these lobbies, but their only care is to protect the property + of Rebels. And we are asked by one of my colleagues, (Mr. Cox) does the + gentleman from New York intend to call us Traitors? My friend, Mr. Morris, + modestly answered no! If he had asked that question of me, he knows what + my answer would have been! I have seen Rebel officers at Johnson's Island, + and I have taken them by the hand because they have fought us fairly in + the field and did not seek to break down the Government while living under + its protection. Yes, Sir, that gentleman knows that I would have said to + him that I have more respect for an open and avowed Traitor in the field, + than for a sympathizer in this Hall. Four months have scarcely gone by + since that gentleman and his political friends were advocating the + election of a man for the Gubernatorial office in my State, who was an + open and avowed advocate of Secession—AN OUTLAW AT THAT!" + </p> + <p> + And old Thaddeus Stevens—the clear-sighted and courageous "Old + Commoner"—followed up Spalding, and struck very close to the root + and animus of the Democratic opposition, when he exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "All this struggle by calm and dignified and moderate 'Patriots;' all this + clamor against 'Radicals;' all this cry of 'the Union as it Was, and the + Constitution as it Is;' is but a persistent effort to reestablish Slavery, + and to rivet anew and forever the chains of Bondage on the limbs of + Immortal beings. May the God of Justice thwart their designs and paralyze + their wicked efforts!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkmcclellan" id="linkmcclellan"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p594-mcclellan.jpg (63K)" src="images/p594-mcclellan.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch25" id="linkch25"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV.<br /> <br /> "THE FIRE IN THE REAR." + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The treacherous purposes of professedly-loyal Copperheads being seen + through, and promptly and emphatically denounced to the Country by Union + statesmen, the Copperheads aforesaid concluded that the profuse + circulation of their own Treason-breeding speeches—through the + medium of the treasonable organizations before referred to, permeating the + Northern States,—would more than counteract all that Union men could + say or do. Besides, the fiat had gone forth, from their Rebel masters at + Richmond, to Agitate the North. + </p> + <p> + Hence, day after day, Democrat after Democrat, in the one House or the + other, continued to air his disloyal opinions, and to utter more or less + virulent denunciations of the Government which guarded and protected him. + </p> + <p> + Thus, Brooks, of New York, on the 25th of January (1864), sneeringly + exclaimed: "Why, what absurdity it is to talk at this Capitol of + prosecuting the War by the liberation of Slaves, when from the dome of + this building there can be heard at this hour the booming of cannon in the + distance!" + </p> + <p> + Thus, also, on the day following, Fernando Wood—the same man who, + while Mayor of New York at the outbreak of the Rebellion, had, under + Rebel-guidance, proposed the Secession from the Union, and the + Independence, of that great Metropolis,—declared to the House that: + "No Government has pursued a foe with such unrelenting, vindictive + malignity as we are now pursuing those who came into the Union with us, + whose blood has been freely shed on every battle-field of the Country + until now, with our own; who fought by our side in the American + Revolution, and in the War of 1812 with Great Britain; who bore our + banners bravest and highest in our victorious march from Vera Cruz to the + City of Mexico, and who but yesterday sat in these Halls contributing + toward the maintenance of our glorious institutions." + </p> + <p> + Then he went on, in the spirit of prophecy, to declare that: "No purely + agricultural people, fighting for the protection of their own Domestic + Institutions upon their own soil, have ever yet been conquered. I say + further, that no revolted people have ever been subdued after they have + been able to maintain an Independent government for three years." And + then, warming up to an imperative mood, he made this explicit + announcement: "We are at War. * * * Whether it be a Civil War, Rebellion, + Revolution, or Foreign War, it matters little. IT MUST CEASE; and I want + this Administration to tell the American People WHEN it will cease!" + Again, only two days afterward, he took occasion to characterize a Bill, + amendatory of the enrollment Act, as "this infamous, Unconstitutional + conscription Act!" + </p> + <p> + C. A. White, of Ohio, was another of the malcontents who undertook, with + others of the same Copperhead faith, to "maintain, that," as he expressed + it, "the War in which we are at present engaged is wrong in itself; that + the policy adopted by the Party in power for its prosecution is wrong; + that the Union cannot be restored, or, if restored, maintained, by the + exercise of the coercive power of the Government, by War; that the War is + opposed to the restoration of the Union, destructive of the rights of the + States and the liberties of the People. It ought, therefore, to be brought + to a speedy and immediate close." + </p> + <p> + It was about this time also that, emboldened by immunity from punishment + for these utterances in the interest of armed Rebels, Edgerton of Indiana, + was put forward to offer resolutions "for Peace, upon the basis of a + restoration of the Federal Union under the Constitution as it is," etc. + </p> + <p> + Thereafter, in both Senate and House, such speeches by Rebel-sympathizers, + the aiders and abettors of Treason, grew more frequent and more virulent + than ever. As was well said to the House, by one of the Union members from + Ohio (Mr. Eckley): + </p> + <p> + "A stranger, if he listened to the debates here, would think himself in + the Confederate Congress. I do not believe that if these Halls were + occupied to-day by Davis, Toombs, Wigfall, Rhett, and Pryor, they could + add anything to the violence of assault, the falsity of accusation, or the + malignity of attack, with which the Government has been assailed, and the + able, patriotic, and devoted men who are charged with its Administration + have been maligned, in both ends of the Capitol. The closing scenes of the + Thirty-Sixth Congress, the treasonable declarations there made, contain + nothing that we cannot hear, in the freedom of debate, without going to + Richmond or to the camps of Treason, where most of the actors in those + scenes are now in arms against us." + </p> + <p> + With such a condition of things in Congress, it is not surprising that the + Richmond Enquirer announced that the North was "distracted, exhausted, and + impoverished," and would, "through the agency of a strong conservative + element in the Free States," soon treat with the Rebels "on acceptable + terms." + </p> + <p> + Things indeed had reached such a pass, in the House of Representatives + especially, that it was felt they could not much longer go on in this + manner; that an example must be made of some one or other of these + Copperheads. But the very knowledge of the existence of such a feeling of + just and patriotic irritation against the continued free utterance of such + sentiments in the Halls of Congress, seemed only to make some of them + still more defiant. And, when the 8th of April dawned, it was known among + all the Democrats in Congress, that Alexander Long proposed that day to + make a speech which would "go a bow-shot beyond them all" in uttered + Treason. He would speak right out, what the other Conspirators thought and + meant, but dared not utter, before the World. + </p> + <p> + A crowded floor, and packed galleries, were on hand to listen to the + written, deliberate Treason, as it fell from his lips in the House. His + speech began with an arraignment of the Government for treachery, + incompetence, failure, tyranny, and all sorts of barbarous actions and + harsh intentions, toward the Rebels—which led him to the indignant + exclamation: + </p> + <p> + "Will they throw down their arms and submit to the terms? Who shall + believe that the free, proud American blood, which courses with as quick + pulsation through their veins as our own, will not be spilled to the last + drop in resistance?" + </p> + <p> + Warming up, he proceeded to say: "Can the Union be restored by War? I + answer most unhesitatingly and deliberately, No, never; 'War is final, + eternal separation.'" + </p> + <p> + He claimed that the War was "wrong;" that it was waged "in violation of + the Constitution," and would "if continued, result speedily in the + destruction of the Government and the loss of Civil Liberty, and ought + therefore, to immediately cease." + </p> + <p> + He held also "that the Confederate States are out of the Union, occupying + the position of an Independent Power de facto; have been acknowledged as a + belligerent both by Foreign Nations and our own Government; maintained + their Declaration of Independence, for three years, by force of arms; and + the War has cut asunder all the obligations that bound them under the + Constitution." + </p> + <p> + "Much better," said he, "would it have been for us in the beginning, much + better would it be for us now, to consent to a division of our magnificent + Empire, and cultivate amicable relations with our estranged brethren, than + to seek to hold them to us by the power of the sword. * * * I am + reluctantly and despondingly forced to the conclusion that the Union is + lost, never to be restored. * * * I see neither North nor South, any + sentiment on which it is possible to build a Union. * * * in attempting to + preserve our Jurisdiction over the Southern States we have lost our + Constitutional Form of Government over the Northern. * * * The very idea + upon which this War is founded, coercion of States, leads to despotism. * + * * I now believe that there are but two alternatives, and they are either + an acknowledgment of the Independence of the South as an independent + Nation, or their complete subjugation and extermination as a People; and + of these alternatives I prefer the former." + </p> + <p> + As Long took his seat, amid the congratulations of his Democratic friends, + Garfield arose, and, to compliments upon the former's peculiar candor and + honesty, added denunciation for his Treason. After drawing an effective + parallel between Lord Fairfax and Robert E. Lee, both of whom had cast + their lots unwillingly with the enemies of this Land, when the Wars of the + Revolution and of the Rebellion respectively opened, Garfield proceeded: + </p> + <p> + "But now, when hundreds of thousands of brave souls have gone up to God + under the shadow of the Flag, and when thousands more, maimed and + shattered in the Contest, are sadly awaiting the deliverance of death; + now, when three years of terrific warfare have raged over us, when our + Armies have pushed the Rebellion back over mountains and rivers and + crowded it back into narrow limits, until a wall of fire girds it; now, + when the uplifted hand of a majestic People is about to let fall the + lightning of its conquering power upon the Rebellion; now, in the quiet of + this Hall, hatched in the lowest depths of a similar dark Treason, there + rises a Benedict Arnold and proposes to surrender us all up, body and + spirit, the Nation and the Flag, its genius and its honor, now and + forever, to the accursed Traitors to our Country. And that proposition + comes—God forgive and pity my beloved State!—it comes from a + citizen of the honored and loyal Commonwealth of Ohio! I implore you, + brethren in this House, not to believe that many such births ever gave + pangs to my mother-State such as she suffered when that Traitor was born!" + </p> + <p> + As he uttered these sturdy words, the House and galleries were agitated + with that peculiar rustling movement and low murmuring sound known as a + "sensation," while the Republican side with difficulty restrained the + applause they felt like giving, until he sadly proceeded: + </p> + <p> + "I beg you not to believe that on the soil of that State another such + growth has ever deformed the face of Nature and darkened the light of + God's day." + </p> + <p> + The hush that followed was broken by the suggestive whisper: + "Vallandigham!" + </p> + <p> + "But, ah," continued the Speaker—as his voice grew sadder still—"I + am reminded that there are other such. My zeal and love for Ohio have + carried me too far. I retract. I remember that only a few days since, a + political Convention met at the Capital of my State, and almost decided, + to select from just such material, a representative for the Democratic + Party in the coming contest; and today, what claims to be a majority of + the Democracy of that State say that they have been cheated or they would + have made that choice!" + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [This refers to Horatio Seymour, the Democratic Governor of New York.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + After referring to the "insidious work" of the "Knights of the Golden + Circle" in seeking "to corrupt the Army and destroy its efficiency;" the + "riots and murders which," said he, "their agents are committing + throughout the Loyal North, under the lead and guidance of the Party whose + Representatives sit yonder across the aisle;" he continued: "and now, just + as the time is coming on when we are to select a President for the next + four years, one rises among them and fires the Beacon, throws up the + blue-light—which will be seen, and rejoiced over, at the Rebel + Capital in Richmond—as the signal that the Traitors in our camp are + organized and ready for their hellish work! I believe the utterance of + to-day is the uplifted banner of revolt. I ask you to mark the signal that + blazes here, and see if there will not soon appear the answering signals + of Traitors all over the Land. * * * If these men do mean to light the + torch of War in all our homes; if they have resolved to begin the fearful + work which will redden our streets, and this Capitol, with blood, the + American People should know it at once, and prepare to meet it." + </p> + <p> + At the close of Mr. Garfield's patriotic and eloquent remarks, Mr. Long + again got the floor, declared that what he had said, he believed to be + right, and he would "stand by it," though he had to "stand solitary and + alone," and "even if it were necessary to brave bayonets, and prisons, and + all the tyranny which may be imposed by the whole power and force of the + Administration." + </p> + <p> + Said he: "I have deliberately uttered my sentiments in that speech, and I + will not retract one syllable of it." And, to "rub it in" a little + stronger, he exclaimed, as he took his seat, just before adjournment: + "Give me Liberty, even if confined to an Island of Greece, or a Canton of + Switzerland, rather than an Empire and a Despotism as we have here + to-day!" + </p> + <p> + This treasonable speech naturally created much excitement throughout the + Country. + </p> + <p> + On the following day (Saturday, April 9, 1864), immediately after prayer, + the reading of the Journal being dispensed with, the Speaker of the House + (Colfax) came down from the Speaker's Chair, and, from the floor, offered + a Preamble and Resolution, which ended thus: + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That Alexander Long, a Representative from the second district + of Ohio, having, on the 8th day of April, 1864, declared himself in favor + of recognizing the Independence and Nationality of the so-called + Confederacy now in arms against the Union, and thereby 'given aid, + Countenance and encouragement to persons engaged in armed hostility to the + United States,' is hereby expelled." + </p> + <p> + The debate which ensued consumed nearly a week, and every member of + prominence, on both the Republican and Democratic sides, took part in it—the + Democrats almost invariably being careful to protest their own loyalty, + and yet attempting to justify the braver and more candid utterances of the + accused member. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cox led off, April 9th, in the defense, by counterattack. He quoted + remarks made to the House (March 18, 1864) by Mr. Julian, of Indiana, to + the effect that "Our Country, united and Free, must be saved, at whatever + hazard or cost; and nothing, not even the Constitution, must be allowed to + hold back the uplifted arm of the Government in blasting the power of the + Rebels forever;"—and upon this, adopting the language of another—[Judge + Thomas, of Massachusetts.]—Mr. Cox declared that "to make this a + War, with the sword in one hand to defend the Constitution, and a hammer + in the other to break it to pieces, is no less treasonable than Secession + itself; and that, outside the pale of the Constitution, the whole struggle + is revolutionary." + </p> + <p> + He thought, for such words as he had just quoted, Julian ought to have + been expelled, if those of Long justified expulsion! + </p> + <p> + Finally, being pressed by Julian to define his own position, as between + the Life of the Nation, and the Infraction of the United States + Constitution, Mr. Cox said: "I will say this, that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES + CONCEIVABLE BY THE HUMAN MIND WOULD I EVER VIOLATE THAT CONSTITUTION FOR + ANY PURPOSE!" + </p> + <p> + This sentiment was loudly applauded, and received with cries of "THAT IS + IT!" "THAT'S IT!" by the Democratic side of the House, apparently in utter + contempt for the express and emphatic declaration of Jefferson that: "A + strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the highest + duties of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of + Necessity, of Self-preservation, of SAVING OUR COUNTRY WHEN IN DANGER, are + of higher obligation. To LOSE OUR COUNTRY by a scrupulous adherence to + written law WOULD BE TO LOSE THE LAW ITSELF, with Life, Liberty, Property, + and all those who are enjoying them with us; thus absolutely SACRIFICING + THE END TO THE MEANS." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [In a letter to J. B. Colvin, Sept. 20, 1810, quoted at the time for + their information, and which may be found at page 542 of vol. v., of + Jefferson's Works.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Indeed these extreme sticklers for the letter of the Constitution, who + would have sacrificed Country, kindred, friends, honesty, truth, and all + ambitions on Earth and hopes for Heaven, rather than violate it—for + that is what Mr. Cox's announcement and the Democratic endorsement of it + meant, if they meant anything—were of the same stripe as those + querulous Ancients, for the benefit of whom the Apostle wrote: "For THE + LETTER KILLETH, but the Spirit giveth life." + </p> + <p> + And now, inspired apparently by the reckless utterances of Long, if not by + the more cautious diatribe of Cox, Harris of Maryland, determining if + possible to outdo them all, not only declared that he was willing to go + with his friend Long wherever the House chose to send him, but added: "I + am a peace man, a radical peace man; and I am for Peace by the recognition + of the South, for the recognition of the Southern Confederacy; and I am + for acquiescence in the doctrine of Secession." And, said he, in the midst + of the laughter which followed the sensation his treasonable words + occasioned, "Laugh as you may, you have got to come to it!" And then, with + that singular obfuscation of ideas engendered, in the heads of their + followers, by the astute Rebel-sympathizing leaders, he went on: + </p> + <p> + "I am for Peace, and I am for Union too. I am as good a Union man as any + of you. [Laughter.] I am a better Union man than any of you! [Great + Laughter.] * * * I look upon War as Disunion." + </p> + <p> + After declaring that, if the principle of the expulsion Resolution was to + be carried out, his "friend," Mr. Long, "would be a martyr in a glorious + cause"—he proceeded to announce his own candidacy for expulsion, in + the following terms: + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Speaker, in the early part of this Secession movement, there was a + Resolution offered, pledging men and money to carry on the War. My + principles were then, and are now, against the War. I stood, solitary and + alone, in voting against that Resolution, and whenever a similar + proposition is brought here it will meet with my opposition. Not one + dollar, nor one man, I swear, by the Eternal, will I vote for this + infernal, this stupendous folly, more stupendous than ever disgraced any + civilized People on the face of God's Earth. If that be Treason, make the + most of it! + </p> + <p> + "The South asked you to let them go in peace. But no, you said you would + bring them into subjugation. That is not done yet, and God Almighty grant + that it never may be. I hope that you will never subjugate the South. If + she is to be ever again in the Union, I hope it will be with her own + consent; and I hope that that consent will be obtained by some other mode + than by the sword. 'If this be Treason, make the most of it!'" + </p> + <p> + An extraordinary scene at once occurred—Mr. Tracy desiring "to know + whether, in these Halls, the gentleman from Maryland invoked Almighty God + that the American Arms should not prevail?" "Whether such language is not + Treason?" and "whether it is in order to talk Treason in this Hall?"—his + patriotic queries being almost drowned in the incessant cries of "Order!" + "Order!" and great disorder, and confusion, on the Democratic side of the + House. + </p> + <p> + Finally the treasonable language was taken down by the Clerk, and, while a + Resolution for the expulsion of Mr. Harris was being written out, Mr. + Fernando Wood—coming, as he said, from a bed of "severe sickness," + quoted the language used by Mr. Long, to wit: + </p> + <p> + "I now believe there are but two alternatives, and they are either the + acknowledgment of the Independence of the South as an independent Nation, + or their complete subjugation and extermination as a People; and of these + alternatives I prefer the former"—and declared that "if he is to be + expelled for the utterance of that sentiment, you may include me in it, + because I concur fully in that sentiment." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He afterwards (April 11,) said he did not agree with Mr. Long's + opinions.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Every effort was unavailingly made by the Democrats, under the lead of + Messrs. Cox—[In 1886 American Minister at Constantinople.]—and + Pendleton,—[In 1886 American Minister at Berlin.]—to prevent + action upon the new Resolution of expulsion, which was in these words: + </p> + <p> + "Whereas, Hon. Benjamin G. Harris, a member of the House of + Representatives of the United States from the State of Maryland, has on + this day used the following language, to wit: 'The South asked you to let + them go in peace. But no; you said you would bring them into subjection. + That is not done yet, and God Almighty grant that it never may be. I hope + that you will never subjugate the South.' And whereas, such language is + treasonable, and is a gross disrespect of this House: Therefore, Be it + Resolved, That the said Benjamin G. Harris be expelled from this House." + </p> + <p> + Upon reaching a vote, however, the Resolution was lost, there being only + 81 yeas, to 58 (Democratic) nays—two-thirds not having voted + affirmatively. Subsequently, despite Democratic efforts to obstruct, a + Resolution, declaring Harris to be "an unworthy Member" of the House, and + "severely" censuring him, was adopted. + </p> + <p> + The debate upon the Long-expulsion Resolution now proceeded, and its + mover, in view of the hopelessness of securing a two-thirds affirmative + vote, having accepted an amendment comprising other two Resolutions and a + Preamble, the question upon adopting these was submitted on the 14th of + April. They were in the words following: + </p> + <p> + "Whereas, ALEXANDER LONG, a Representative from the second district of + Ohio, by his open declarations in the National Capitol, and publications + in the City of New York, has shown himself to be in favor of a recognition + of the so-called Confederacy now trying to establish itself upon the ruins + of our Country, thereby giving aid and comfort to the Enemy in that + destructive purpose—aid to avowed Traitors, in creating an illegal + Government within our borders, comfort to them by assurances of their + success and affirmations of the justice of their Cause; and whereas, such + conduct is at the same time evidence of disloyalty, and inconsistent with + his oath of office, and his duty as a Member of this Body: Therefore, + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the said Alexander Long, a Representative from the second + district of Ohio, be, and he is hereby declared to be an unworthy Member + of the House of Representatives. + </p> + <p> + "Resolved, That the Speaker shall read these Resolutions to the said + Alexander Long during the session of the House." + </p> + <p> + The first of these Resolutions was adopted, by 80 yeas to 69 nays; the + second was tabled, by 71 yeas to 69 nays; and the Preamble was agreed to, + by 78 yeas to 63 nays. + </p> + <p> + And, among the 63 Democrats, who were not only unwilling to declare + Alexander Long "an unworthy Member," or to have the Speaker read such a + declaration to him in a session of the House, but also refused by their + votes even to intimate that his conduct evidenced disloyalty, or gave aid + and comfort to the Enemy, were the names of such democrats as Cox, + Eldridge, Holman, Kernan, Morrisson, Pendleton, Samuel J. Randall, + Voorhees, and Fernando Wood. + </p> + <p> + Hence Mr. Long not only escaped expulsion for his treasonable utterances, + but did not even receive the "severe censure" which, in addition to being + declared (like himself) "an unworthy Member," had been voted to Mr. Harris + for recklessly rushing into the breach to help him! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The Northern Democracy comprised two well-recognized classes: The + Anti-War (or Peace) Democrats, commonly called "Copperheads," who + sympathized with the Rebellion, and opposed the War for the Union; and + the War (or Union) Democrats, who favored a vigorous prosecution of the + War for the preservation of the Union.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch26" id="linkch26"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> <br /> "THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT" DEFEATED IN THE HOUSE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The debate in the House of Representatives, upon the Thirteenth Amendment + to the Constitution—interrupted by the treasonable episode referred + to in the last Chapter—was subsequently resumed. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, however, Fort Pillow had been stormed, and its garrison of + Whites and Blacks, massacred. + </p> + <p> + And now commenced the beginning of the end—so far as the Military + aspect of the Rebellion was concerned. Early in May, Sherman's Atlanta + Campaign commenced, and, simultaneously, General Grant began his movement + toward Richmond. In quick succession came the news of the bloody battles + of the Wilderness, and those around Spottsylvania, Va.; at Buzzard Roost + Gap, Snake Creek Gap, and Dalton, Ga.; Drury's Bluff, Va.; Resaca, Ga.; + the battles of the North Anna, Va.; those around Dallas, and New Hope + church, Ga; the crossing of Grant's forces to the South side of the James + and the assault on Petersburg. While the Union Armies were thus valiantly + attacking and beating those of the Rebels, on many a sanguinary field the + loyal men of the North, both in and out of Congress, pressed for favorable + action upon the Thirteenth Amendment. "Friends of the wounded in + Fredericksburg from the Battle of the Wilderness"—exclaimed Horace + Greeley in the New York Tribune, of May 31st,—"friends and relatives + of the soldiers of Grant's Army beyond the Wilderness, let us all join + hands and swear upon our Country's altar that we will never cease this War + until African Slavery in the United States is dead forever, and forever + buried!" + </p> + <p> + Peace Democrats, however, were deaf to all such entreaties. On the very + same day, Mr. Holman, in the House, objected even to the second reading of + the Joint Resolution Amendatory of the Constitution, and there were so + many "Peace Democrats" to back him, that the vote was: 55 yeas to 76 nays, + on the question "shall the Joint Resolution be rejected!" + </p> + <p> + The old cry, that had been repeated by Hendricks and others, in the Senate + and House, time and again, was still used—threadbare though it was—"this + is not the right time for it!" On this very day, for instance, Mr. Herrick + said: "I ask if this is the proper time for our People to consider so + grave a measure as the Amendment of the Constitution in so vital a point? + * * * this is no fitting time for such work." + </p> + <p> + Very different was the attitude of Kellogg, of New York, and well did he + show up the depths to which the Democracy—the Peace Democracy—had + now fallen. "We are told," said he, "of a War Democracy, and such there + are—their name is legion—good men and true; they are found in + the Union ranks bearing arms in support of the Government and the + Administration that wields it. At the ballot-box, whether at home or in + the camp, they are Union men, and vote as they fight, and hold little in + common with the political leaders of the Democratic Party in or out of + this Hall—the Seymours, the Woods, the Vallandighams, the Woodwards, + and their indorsers, who hold and control the Democratic Party here, and + taint it with Treason, till it is a stench in the nostrils of all + patriotic men." + </p> + <p> + After referring to the fact that the leaders of the Rebellion had from the + start relied confidently upon assistance from the Northern Democracy, he + proceeded: + </p> + <p> + "The Peace Democracy, and mere Party-hacks in the North, are fulfilling + their masters' expectations industriously, unceasingly, and as far as in + them lies. Not even the shouts for victory, in these Halls, can divert + their Southern allies here. A sullen gloom at the defeat and discomfiture + of their Southern brethren settles down on their disastrous countenances, + from which no ray of joy can be reflected. * * * They even vote solid + against a law to punish guerrillas. + </p> + <p> + "Sir," continued he, "in my judgment, many of those who withhold from + their Country the support they would otherwise give, find allegiance to + Party too strong for their patriotism. * * * Rejecting the example and + counsels of Stanton and Dickinson and Butler and Douglas and Dix and Holt + and Andrew Johnson and Logan and Rosecrans and Grant and a host of others, + all Democrats of the straightest sect, to forget all other ties, and + cleave only to their Country for their Country's sake, and rejecting the + overtures and example of the Republican Party to drop and forget their + Party name, that all might unite and band together for their Country's + salvation as Union men, they turn a deaf ear and cold shoulder, and + sullenly pass by on the other side, thanking God they are not as other men + are, and lend, if at all, a calculating, qualified, and conditional and + halting support, under protest, to their Country's cause; thus justifying + the only hope of the Rebellion to-day, that Party spirit at the North will + distract its counsels, divide and discourage and palsy its efforts, and + ultimately make way for the Traitor and the parricide to do their worst." + </p> + <p> + Besides the set speeches made against the proposed Constitutional + amendment in the House, Peace-Democrats of the Senate continued to keep up + a running fire at it in that Chamber, on every possible occasion. Garrett + Davis was especially garrulous on the subject, and also launched the + thunders of his wrath at the President quite frequently and even + vindictively. For instance, speaking in the Senate—[May 31,1864,]—of + the right of Property in Slaves; said he: + </p> + <p> + "This new-born heresy 'Military Necessity,' as President Lincoln claims, + and exercises it, is the sum of all political and Military villianies * * + * and it is no less absurd than it is villianous. * * * The man has never + spoken or lived who can prove by any provision of the Constitution, or by + any principle, or by any argument to be deduced logically and fairly from + it, that he has any such power as this vast, gigantic, all-conquering and + all-crushing power of Military Necessity which he has the audacity to + claim. + </p> + <p> + "This modern Emperor, this Tiberius, a sort of a Tiberius, and his + Sejanus, a sort of a Sejanus, the head of the War Department, are + organizing daily their Military Courts to try civilians. * * * + </p> + <p> + "Sir, I want one labor of love before I die. I want the President of the + United States, I want his Secretary of War, I want some of his high + officers in Military command to bring a civilian to a Military execution, + and me to have the proud privilege of prosecuting them for murder. * * * I + want the law and its just retribution to be visited upon these great + delinquents. + </p> + <p> + "I would sooner, if I had the power, bring about such an atonement as + that, than I would even put down the Rebellion. It would be a greater + victory in favor of Freedom and Constitutional Liberty, a thousand-fold, + of all the People of America besides, than the subjugation of the Rebel + States could possibly be." + </p> + <p> + But there seemed to be no end to the' attacks upon the Administration, + made, in both Houses, by these peculiar Peace-Democrats. Union blood might + flow in torrents on the fields of the rebellious South, atrocities + innumerable might be committed by the Rebels, cold-blooded massacres of + Blacks and Whites, as at Fort Pillow, might occur without rebuke from + them; but let the Administration even dare to sneeze, and—woe to the + Administration. + </p> + <p> + It was not the Thirteenth Amendment only, that they assailed, but + everything else which the Administration thought might help it in its + effort to put down the Rebellion. Nor was it so much their malignant + activity in opposition to any one measure intended to strengthen the hands + of the Union, but to all such measures; and superadded to this was the + incessant bringing forward, in both Houses of Congress, by these restless + Rebel-sympathizers, of Peace-Resolutions, the mere presentation of which + would be, and were, construed by the Rebel authorities at Richmond, as + evidences of a weakening. + </p> + <p> + Even some of the best of the Peace-Democrats, like S. S. Cox, for + instance, not only assailed the Tariff—under which the Union + Republican Party sought to protect and build up American Industry, as well + as to raise as much revenue as possible to help meet the enormous current + expenditures of the Government—but also denounced our great + paper-money system, which alone enabled us to secure means to meet all + deficiencies in the revenues otherwise obtained, and thus to ultimately + conquer the hosts of Rebellion. + </p> + <p> + He declared (June 2, 1864) that "The People are the victims of the + joint-robbery of a system of bounties under the guise of duties, and of an + inconvertible and depreciated paper currency under the guise of money," + and added: "No man is now so wise and gifted that he can save this Nation + from bankruptcy. * * * No borrowing system can save us. The scheme of + making greenbacks a legal tender, which enabled the debtor to cheat his + creditor, thereby playing the old game of kingcraft, to debase the + currency in order to aid the designs of despotism, may float us for a + while amidst the fluctuations and bubbles of the day; but as no one + possesses the power to repeal the Law of the Almighty, which decrees (and + as our Constitution has established) that gold and silver shall be the + standard of value in the World, so they will ever thus remain, + notwithstanding the legislation of Congress." + </p> + <p> + Not satisfied with this sort of "fire in the rear," it was attempted by + means of Democratic Free-Trade and antipaper-currency sophistries, to + arouse jealousies, heart-burnings and resentful feelings in the breasts of + those living in different parts of the Union—to implant bitter + Sectional antagonisms and implacable resentments between the Eastern + States, on the one hand, and the Western States, on the other—and + thus, by dividing, to weaken the Loyal Union States. + </p> + <p> + That this was the cold-blooded purpose of all who pursued this course, + would no doubt be warmly denied by some of them; but the fact remains no + less clear, that the effect of that course, whether so intended or not, + was to give aid and comfort to the Enemy at that critical time when the + Nation most needed all the men, money, and moral as well as material + support, it was possible to get, to put an end to the bloody Rebellion, + now—under the continuous poundings of Grant's Army upon that of Lee + in Virginia, and the advance of Sherman's Army upon that of Johnston in + Georgia—tottering to its overthrow. Thus this same speaker (S. S. + Cox), in his untimely speech, undertook to divide the Union-loving States + "into two great classes: the Protected States and the Unprotected States;" + and—having declared that "The Manufacturing States, mainly the New + England States and Pennsylvania, are the Protected States," and "The + Agricultural States," mainly the eleven Western States, which he named, + "are the Unprotected States"—proceeded to intemperately and + violently arraign New England, and especially Massachusetts, in the same + way that had years before been adopted by the old Conspirators of the + South when they sought—alas, too successfully!—to inflame the + minds of Southern citizens to a condition of unreasoning frenzy which made + attempted Nullification and subsequent armed Rebellion and Secession + possible. + </p> + <p> + Well might the thoroughly loyal Grinnell, of Iowa—after exposing + what he termed the "sophistry of figures" by which Mr. Cox had seen fit + "to misrepresent and traduce" the Western States—exclaim: "Sir, I + have no words which I can use to execrate sufficiently such language, in + arraying the Sections in opposition during a time of War; as if we were + not one People, descended from one stock, having one interest, and bound + up in one destiny!" + </p> + <p> + The damage that might have been done to the Union Cause by such malignant + Democratic attacks upon the National unity and strength, may be imagined + when we reflect that at this very time the annual expenses of our + Government were over $600,000,000, and growing still larger; and that + $1.90 in legal tender notes of the United States was worth but $1.00 in + gold, with a downward tendency. Said stern old Thaddeus Stevens, alluding + on this occasion, to Statesmanship of the peculiar stamp of the Coxes and + Fernando Woods: "He who in this time will pursue such a course of argument + for the mere sake of party, can never hope to be ranked among Statesmen; + nay, Sir, he will not even rise to the dignity of a respectable + Demagogue!" + </p> + <p> + Within a week after this, (June 9, 1864), we find in the Senate also, + similarly insidious attacks upon the strength of the Government, made by + certain Northern Democrats, who never tired of undermining Loyalty, and + creating and spreading discontent among the People. The Bill then up, for + consideration, was one "to prohibit the discharge of persons from + liability to Military duty, by reason of the payment of money." + </p> + <p> + In the terribly bloody Campaign that had now been entered upon by Grant + —in the West, under Sherman, and in the East, under his own personal + eye—it was essential to send to the front, every man possible. Hence + the necessity for a Bill of this sort, which moreover provided, in order + as far as possible to popularize conscription, that all calls for drafts + theretofore made under the Enrolling Act of March 3, 1863, should be for + not over one year's service, etc. + </p> + <p> + This furnished the occasion for Mr. Hendricks, among other Peace + Democrats, to make opposing speeches. He, it seems, had all along been + opposed to drafting Union soldiers; and because, during the previous + Winter, the Senate had been unwilling to abolish the clause permitting a + drafted man to pay a commutation of $300 (with which money a substitute + could be procured) instead of himself going, at a time when men were not + quite so badly needed as now, therefore Mr. Hendricks pretended to think + it very strange and unjustifiable that now, when everything depended on + getting every possible man in the field, the Senate should think of + "abandoning that which it thought right last Winter!" + </p> + <p> + He opposed drafting; but if drafting must be resorted to, then he thought + that what he termed "the Horror of the Draft" should be felt by as many of + the Union people as possible!—or, in his own words: "the Horror of + the Draft ought to be divided among the People." As if this were not + sufficient to conjure dreadful imaginings, he added: "if one set of men + are drafted this year to serve twelve months, and they have to go because + the power of the Government makes them go, whether they can go well or + not, then at the end of the year their neighbors should be subjected to + the same Horror, and let this dreadful demand upon the service, upon the + blood, and upon the life of the People be distributed upon all." + </p> + <p> + And, in order apparently to still further intensify public feeling against + all drafting, and sow the seeds of dissatisfaction in the hearts of those + drafted at this critical time, when the fate of the Union and of + Republican Government palpably depended upon conscription, he added: "It + is not so right to say to twenty men in a neighborhood: 'You shall go; you + shall leave your families whether you can or not; you shall go without the + privilege of commutation whether you leave starving wives and children + behind you or not,' and then say to every other man of the neighborhood: + 'Because we have taken these twenty men for three years, you shall remain + with your wives and children safely and comfortably at home for these + three years.' I like this feature of the amendment, because it distributes + the Horror of the Draft more equally and justly over the whole People." + </p> + <p> + Not satisfied with rolling the "Horror of the Draft" so often and + trippingly over his tongue, he also essayed the role of Prophet in the + interest of the tottering god of Slavery. "The People," said he, "expect + great results from this Campaign; and when another year comes rolling + around, and it is found that this War is not closed, and that there is no + reasonable probability of its early close, my colleague (Lane) and other + Senators who agree with him will find that the People will say that this + effusion of blood must stop; that THERE MUST BE SOME ADJUSTMENT. I + PROPHESY THIS." + </p> + <p> + And, as a further declaration likely to give aid and comfort to the Rebel + leaders, he said: "I do not believe many men are going to be obtained by a + draft; I do not believe a very good Army will be got by a draft; I do not + believe an Army will be put in the field, by a draft, that will whip + General Lee." + </p> + <p> + But while all such statements were, no doubt, intended to help the foes of + the Union, and dishearten or dismay its friends, the really loyal People, + understanding their fell object, paid little heed to them. The predictions + of these Prophets of evil fell flat upon the ears of lovers of their + Country. Conspirators, however much they might masquerade in the raiment + of Loyalty, could not wholly conceal the ear-marks of Treason. The hand + might be the hand of Esau, but the voice was the voice of Jacob. + </p> + <p> + On the 8th of June—after a month of terrific and bloody fighting + between the immediate forces of Grant and Lee—a dispatch from + Sherman, just received at Washington, was read to the House of + Representatives, which said: "The Enemy is not in our immediate front, but + his signals are seen at Lost Mountain, and Kenesaw." So, at the same time, + at the National Capital, while the friends of the Union there, were not + immediately confronted with an armed Enemy, yet the signals of his Allies + could be seen, and their fire upon our rear could be heard, daily and + almost hourly, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives. + </p> + <p> + The fight in the House, upon the Thirteenth Amendment, now seemed indeed, + to be reaching a climax. During the whole of June 14th, until midnight, + speech after speech on the subject, followed each other in rapid + succession. Among the opposition speeches, perhaps those of Fernando Wood + and Holman were most notable for extravagant and unreasoning denunciation + of the Administration and Party in power—whose every effort was put + forth, and strained at this very time to the utmost, to save the Union. + </p> + <p> + Holman, for instance, declared that, "Of all the measures of this + disastrous Administration, each in its turn producing new calamities, this + attempt to tamper with the Constitution threatens the most permanent + injury." He enumerated the chief measures of the Administration during its + three and a half years of power—among them the Emancipation + Proclamation, the arming of the Blacks, and what he sneeringly termed + "their pet system of finance" which was to "sustain the public credit for + infinite years," but which "even now," said he, "totters to its fall!" And + then, having succeeded in convincing himself of Republican failure, he + exultingly exclaimed: "But why enumerate? What measure of this + Administration has failed to be fatal! Every step in your progress has + been a mistake. I use the mildest terms of censure!" + </p> + <p> + Fernando Wood, in his turn also, "mildly" remarked upon Republican policy + as "the bloody and brutal policy of the Administration Party." He + considered this "the crisis of the fate of the Union;" declared that + Slavery was "the best possible condition to insure the happiness of the + Negro race"—a position which, on the following day, he "reaffirmed"—and + characterized those members of the Democratic Party who saw Treason in the + ways and methods and expressions of Peace Democrats of his own stamp, as a + "pack of political jackals known as War Democrats." + </p> + <p> + On the 15th of June, Farnsworth made a reply to Ross—who had claimed + to be friendly to the Union soldier—in which the former handled the + Democratic Party without gloves. "What," said he, referring to Mr. Ross, + "has been the course of that gentleman and his Party on this floor in + regard to voting supplies to the Army? What has been their course in + regard to raising money to pay the Army? His vote will be found recorded + in almost every instance against the Appropriation Bills, against ways and + means for raising money to pay the Army. It is only a week ago last + Monday, that a Bill was introduced here to punish guerrillas * * * and how + did my colleague vote? Against the Bill.* * * On the subject of arming + Slaves, of putting Negroes into the Army, how has my colleague and his + Party voted? Universally against it. They would strip from the backs of + these Black soldiers, now in the service of the Country, their uniforms, + and would send them back to Slavery with chains and manacles. And yet they + are the friends of the soldier!"* * * "On the vote to repeal the Fugitive + Slave Law, how did that (Democratic) side of the House vote? Does not the + Fugitive Slave Law affect the Black soldier in the Army who was a Slave? + That side of the House are in favor of continuing the Fugitive Slave Law, + and of disbanding Colored troops. How did that side of the House vote on + the question of arming Slaves and paying them as soldiers? They voted + against it. They are in favor of disbanding the Colored regiments, and, + armed with the Fugitive Slave Law, sending them back to their masters!" + </p> + <p> + He took occasion also to meet various Democratic arguments against the + Resolution,—among them, one, hinging on the alleged right of + Property in Slaves. This was a favorite idea with the Border-State men + especially, that Slaves were Property—mere chattels as it were,—and, + only the day before, a Northern man, Coffroth of Pennsylvania, had said: + </p> + <p> + "Sir, we should pause before proceeding any further in this + Unconstitutional and censurable legislation. The mere abolition of Slavery + is not my cause of complaint. I care not whether Slavery is retained or + abolished by the people of the States in which it exists—the only + rightful authority. The question to me is, has Congress a right to take + from the people of the South their Property; or, in other words, having no + pecuniary interest therein, are we justified in freeing the Slave-property + of others? Can we Abolish Slavery in the Loyal State of Kentucky against + her will? If this Resolution should pass, and be ratified by three-fourths + of the States—States already Free—and Kentucky refuses to + ratify it, upon what principle of right or law would we be justified in + taking this Slave-property of the people of Kentucky? Would it be less + than stealing?" + </p> + <p> + And Farnsworth met this idea—which had also been advanced by Messrs. + Ross, Fernando Wood, and Pruyn—by saying: "What constitutes + property? I know it is said by some gentlemen on the other side, that what + the statute makes property, is property. I deny it. What 'vested right' + has any man or State in Property in Man? We of the North hold property, + not by virtue of statute law, not by virtue of enactments. Our property + consists in lands, in chattels, in things. Our property was made property + by Jehovah when He gave Man dominion over it. But nowhere did He give + dominion of Man over Man. Our title extends back to the foundation of the + World. That constitutes property. There is where we get our title. There + is where we get our 'vested rights' to property." + </p> + <p> + Touching the ethics of Slavery, Mr. Arnold's speech on the same occasion + was also able, and in parts eloquent, as where he said: 'Slavery is to-day + an open enemy striking at the heart of the Republic. It is the soul and + body, the spirit and motive of the Rebellion. It is Slavery which marshals + yonder Rebel hosts, which confront the patriot Armies of Grant and + Sherman. It is the savage spirit of this barbarous Institution which + starves the Union prisoners at Richmond, which assassinates them at Fort + Pillow, which murders the wounded on the field of battle, and which fills + up the catalogue of wrong and outrage which mark the conduct of the Rebels + during all this War. + </p> + <p> + "In view of all the long catalogue of wrongs which Slavery has inflicted + upon the Country, I demand to-day, of the Congress of the United States, + the death of African Slavery. We can have no permanent Peace, while + Slavery lives. It now reels and staggers toward its last death-struggle. + Let us strike the monster this last decisive blow." + </p> + <p> + And, after appealing to both Border-State men, and Democrats of the Free + States, not to stay the passage of this Resolution which "will strike the + Rebellion at the heart," he continued: "Gentlemen may flatter themselves + with a restoration of the Slave-power in this Country. 'The Union as it + was!' It is a dream, never again to be realized. The America of the past, + has gone forever. A new Nation is to be born from the agony through which + the People are now passing. This new Nation is to be wholly Free. Liberty, + Equality before the Law, is to be the great Corner-stone." + </p> + <p> + So, too, Mr. Ingersoll eloquently said—among many other good things:—"It + is well to eradicate an evil. That Slavery is an evil, no sane, honest man + will deny. It has been the great curse of this Country from its infancy to + the present hour, And now that the States in Rebellion have given the + Loyal States the opportunity to take off that curse, to wipe away the foul + stain, I say let it be done. We owe it to ourselves; we owe it to + posterity; we owe it to the Slaves themselves to exterminate Slavery + forever by the adoption of the proposed Amendment to the Constitution. * * + * I believe Slavery is the mother of this Rebellion, that this Rebellion + can be attributed to no other cause but Slavery; from that it derived its + life, and gathers its strength to-day. Destroy the mother, and the child + dies. Destroy the cause, and the effect will disappear. + </p> + <p> + "Slavery has ever been the enemy of liberal principles. It has ever been + the friend of ignorance, prejudice, and all the unlawful, savage, and + detestable passions which proceed therefrom. It has ever been domineering, + arrogant, exacting, and overbearing. It has claimed to be a polished + aristocrat, when in reality it has only been a coarse, swaggering, and + brutal boor. It has ever claimed to be a gentleman, when in reality it has + ever been a villain. I think it is high time to clip its overgrown + pretensions, strip it of its mask, and expose it, in all its hideous + deformity, to the detestation of all honest and patriotic men." + </p> + <p> + After Mr. Samuel J. Randall had, at a somewhat later hour, pathetically + and poetically invoked the House, in its collective unity, as a "Woodman," + to "spare that tree" of the Constitution, and to "touch not a single + bough," because, among other reasons, "in youth it sheltered" him; and + furthermore, because "the time" was "most inopportune;" and, after Mr. + Rollins, of Missouri, had made a speech, which he afterward suppressed; + Mr. Pendleton closed the debate in an able effort, from his point of view, + in which he objected to the passage of the Joint Resolution because "the + time is not auspicious;" because, said he, "it is impossible that the + Amendment proposed, should be ratified without a fraudulent use of the + power to admit new States, or a fraudulent use of the Military power of + the Federal Government in the Seceded States,"—and, said he, "if you + should attempt to amend the Constitution by such means, what binding + obligation would it have?" + </p> + <p> + He objected, also, because "the States cannot, under the pretense of + amending the Constitution, subvert the structure, spirit, and theory of + this Government." "But," said he, "if this Amendment were within the + Constitutional power of amendment; if this were a proper time to consider + it; if three-fourths of the States were willing to ratify it; and if it + did not require the fraudulent use of power, either in this House or in + the Executive Department, to secure its adoption, I would still resist the + passage of this Resolution. It is another step toward consolidation, and + consolidation is Despotism; confederation is Liberty." + </p> + <p> + It was about 4 o'clock in the afternoon of June 15th, that the House came + to a vote, on the passage of the Joint Resolution. At first the strain of + anxiety on both sides was great, but, as the roll proceeded, it soon + became evident that the Resolution was doomed to defeat. And so it + transpired. The vote stood 93 yeas, to 65 nays—Mr. Ashley having + changed his vote, from the affirmative to the negative, for the purpose of + submitting, at the proper time, a motion to reconsider. + </p> + <p> + That same evening, Mr. Ashley made the motion to reconsider the vote by + which the proposed Constitutional Amendment was rejected; and the motion + was duly entered in the Journal, despite the persistent efforts of Messrs. + Cox, Holman, and others, to prevent it. + </p> + <p> + On the 28th of June, just prior to the Congressional Recess, Mr. Ashley + announced that he had been disappointed in the hope of securing enough + votes from the Democratic side of the House to carry the Amendment. + "Those," said he, "who ought to have been the champions of this great + proposition are unfortunately its strongest opponents. They have permitted + the golden opportunity to pass. The record is made up, and we must go to + the Country on this issue thus presented." And then he gave notice that he + would call the matter up, at the earliest possible moment after the + opening of the December Session of Congress. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch27" id="linkch27"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII.<br /> <br /> SLAVERY DOOMED AT THE POLLS. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The record was indeed made up, and the issue thus made, between Slavery + and Freedom, would be the chief one before the People. Already the + Republican National Convention, which met at Baltimore, June 7, 1864, had + not only with "enthusiastic unanimity," renominated Mr. Lincoln for the + Presidency, but amid "tremendous applause," the delegates rising and + waving their hats—had adopted a platform which declared, in behalf + of that great Party: "That, as Slavery was the cause, and now constitutes + the strength, of this Rebellion, and as it must be, always and everywhere, + hostile to the principles of Republican government, Justice and the + National safety demand its utter and complete extirpation from the soil of + the Republic; and that while we uphold and maintain the Acts and + Proclamations by which the Government, in its own defense, has aimed a + death-blow at this gigantic evil, we are in favor, furthermore, of such an + Amendment to the Constitution, to be made by the People in conformity with + its provisions, as shall terminate and forever prohibit the existence of + Slavery within the limits or the jurisdiction of the United States." + </p> + <p> + So, too, with vociferous plaudits, had they received and adopted another + Resolution, wherein they declared "That we approve and applaud the + practical wisdom, the unselfish patriotism and the unswerving fidelity to + the Constitution and the principles of American Liberty, with which + Abraham Lincoln has discharged, under circumstances of unparalleled + difficulty, the great duties and responsibilities of the Presidential + Office; that we approve and endorse, as demanded by the emergency, and + essential to the preservation of the Nation, and as within the provisions + of the Constitution; the Measures and Acts which he has adopted to defend + the Nation against its open and secret foes; that we approve, especially, + the Proclamation of Emancipation, and the employment, as Union soldiers, + of men heretofore held in Slavery; and that we have full confidence in his + determination to carry these and all other Constitutional Measures + essential to the salvation of the Country, into full and complete effect." + </p> + <p> + Thus heartily, thoroughly and unreservedly, endorsed in all the great acts + of his Administration—and even more emphatically, if possible, in + his Emancipation policy—by the unanimous vote of his Party, Mr. + Lincoln, although necessarily "chagrined and disappointed" by the + House-vote which had defeated the Thirteenth Amendment, might well feel + undismayed. He always had implicit faith in the People; he felt sure that + they would sustain him; and this done, why could not the votes of a dozen, + out of the seventy Congressional Representatives opposing that Amendment, + be changed? Even failing in this, it must be but a question of time. He + thought he could afford to bide that time. + </p> + <p> + On the 29th of August, the Democratic National Convention met at Chicago. + Horatio Seymour was its permanent President; that same Governor of New + York whom the 4th of July, 1863, almost at the moment when Vicksburg and + Gettysburg had brought great encouragement to the Union cause, and when + public necessity demanded the enforcement of the Draft in order to drive + the Rebel invader from Northern soil and bring the Rebellion speedily to + an end—had threateningly said to the Republicans, in the course of a + public speech, during the Draft-riots at New York City: "Remember this, + that the bloody, and treasonable, and revolutionary doctrine of public + necessity can be proclaimed by a mob as well as by a Government. * * * + When men accept despotism, they may have a choice as to who the despot + shall be!" + </p> + <p> + In his speech to this Democratic-Copperhead National Convention, + therefore, it is not surprising that he should, at this time, declare that + "this Administration cannot now save this Union, if it would." That the + body which elected such a presiding officer,—after the bloody series + of glorious Union victories about Atlanta, Ga., then fast leading up to + the fall of that great Rebel stronghold, (which event actually occurred + long before most of these Democratic delegates, on their return, could + even reach their homes)—should adopt a Resolution declaring that the + War was a "failure," was not surprising either. + </p> + <p> + That Resolution—"the material resolution of the Chicago platform," + as Vallandigham afterward characters it, was written and "carried through + both the Subcommittee and the General Committee" by that Arch-Copperhead + and Conspirator himself.—[See his letter of October 22, 1864, to the + editor of the New York News,] + </p> + <p> + It was in these words: "Resolved, That this Convention does explicitly + declare as the sense of the American People, that after four years of + failure to restore the Union by the experiment of War, during which, under + the pretense of a military necessity, or War—power higher than the + Constitution, the Constitution itself has been disregarded in every part, + and public Liberty and private right alike trodden down and the material + prosperity of the Country essentially impaired—Justice, Humanity, + Liberty, and the public welfare demand that immediate efforts be made for + a cessation of hostilities, with a view to an ultimate Convention of the + States, or other peaceable means, to the end that at the earliest + practicable moment Peace may be restored on the basis of the Federal Union + of the States." + </p> + <p> + With a Copperhead platform, this Democratic Convention thought it politic + to have a Union candidate for the Presidency. Hence, the nomination of + General McClellan; but to propitiate the out-and-out Vallandigham Peace + men, Mr. Pendleton was nominated to the second place on the ticket. + </p> + <p> + This combination was almost as great a blunder as was the platform—than + which nothing could have been worse. Farragut's Naval victory at Mobile, + and Sherman's capture of Atlanta, followed so closely upon the adjournment + of the Convention as to make its platform and candidates the laughing + stock of the Nation; and all the efforts of Democratic orators, and of + McClellan himself, in his letter of acceptance, could not prevent the rise + of that great tidal wave of Unionism which was soon to engulf the hosts of + Copperhead-Democracy. + </p> + <p> + The Thanksgiving-services in the churches, and the thundering salutes of + 100 guns from every Military and Naval post in the United States, which + —during the week succeeding that Convention's sitting—betokened + the Nation's especial joy and gratitude to the victorious Union Forces of + Sherman and Farragut for their fortuitously-timed demonstration that the + "experiment of War" for the restoration of the Union was anything but a + "Failure" all helped to add to the proportions of that rapidly-swelling + volume of loyal public feeling. + </p> + <p> + The withdrawal from the canvass, of General Fremont, nominated for the + Presidency by the "radical men of the Nation," at Cleveland, also + contributed to it. In his letter of withdrawal, September 17th, he said: + </p> + <p> + "The Presidential contest has, in effect, been entered upon in such a way + that the union of the Republican Party has become a paramount necessity. + The policy of the Democratic Party signifies either separation, or + reestablishment with Slavery. The Chicago platform is simply separation. + General McClellan's letter of acceptance is reestablishment, with Slavery. + The Republican candidate is, on the contrary, pledged to the + reestablishment of the Union without Slavery; and, however hesitating his + policy may be, the pressure of his Party will, we may hope, force him to + it. Between these issues, I think no man of the Liberal Party can remain + in doubt." + </p> + <p> + And now, following the fall of Atlanta before Sherman's Forces, Grant had + stormed "Fort Hell," in front of Petersburg; Sheridan had routed the + Rebels, under Early, at Winchester, and had again defeated Early at + Fisher's Hill; Lee had been repulsed in his attack on Grant's works at + Petersburg; and Allatoona had been made famous, by Corse and his 2,000 + Union men gallantly repulsing the 5,000 men of Hood's Rebel Army, who had + completely surrounded and attacked them in front, flank, and rear. + </p> + <p> + All these Military successes for the Union Cause helped the Union + political campaign considerably, and, when supplemented by the remarkable + results of the October elections in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Maryland, + made the election of Lincoln and Johnson a foregone conclusion. + </p> + <p> + The sudden death of Chief-Justice Taney, too, happening, by a strange + coincidence, simultaneously with the triumph of the Union Party of + Maryland in carrying the new Constitution of that State, which prohibited + Slavery within her borders, seemed to have a significance* not without its + effect upon the public mind, now fast settling down to the belief that + Slavery everywhere upon the soil of the United States must die. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Greeley well said of it: "His death, at this moment, seemed to mark the + transition from the Era of Slavery to that of Universal Freedom."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Then came, October 19th, the Battle of Cedar Creek, Va. where the Rebel + General Early, during Sheridan's absence, surprised and defeated the + latter's forces, until Sheridan, riding down from Winchester, turned + defeat into victory for the Union Arms, and chased the armed Rebels out of + the Shenandoah Valley forever; and the fights of October 27th and 28th, to + the left of Grant's position, at Petersburg, by which the railroad + communications of Lee's Army at Richmond were broken up. + </p> + <p> + At last, November 8, 1864, dawned the eventful day of election. By + midnight of that date it was generally believed, all over the Union, that + Lincoln and Johnson were overwhelmingly elected, and that the Life as well + as Freedom of the Nation had thus been saved by the People. + </p> + <p> + Late that very night, President Lincoln was serenaded by a Pennsylvania + political club, and, in responding to the compliment, modestly said: + </p> + <p> + "I earnestly believe that the consequences of this day's work (if it be as + you assure, and as now seems probable) will be to the lasting advantage, + if not to the very salvation, of the Country. I cannot at this hour say + what has been the result of the election. But whatever it may be, I have + no desire to modify this opinion, that all who have labored to-day in + behalf of the Union organization have wrought for the best interests of + their Country and the World, not only for the present but for all future + ages. + </p> + <p> + "I am thankful to God," continued he, "for this approval of the People; + but, while deeply gratified for this mark of their confidence in me, if I + know my heart, my gratitude is free from any taint of personal triumph. I + do not impugn the motives of any one opposed to me. It is no pleasure to + me to triumph over any one; but I give thanks to the Almighty for this + evidence of the People's resolution to stand by Free Government and the + rights of Humanity." + </p> + <p> + On the 10th of November, in response to another serenade given at the + White House, in the presence of an immense and jubilantly enthusiastic + gathering of Union men, by the Republican clubs of the District of + Columbia, Mr. Lincoln said: + </p> + <p> + "It has long been a grave question whether any Government, not too strong + for the Liberties of its People, can be strong enough to maintain its + existence in great emergencies. On this point the present Rebellion has + brought our Republic to a severe test, and a Presidential election, + occurring in regular course during the Rebellion, has added not a little + to the strain. * * * But the election, along with its incidental and + undesired strife, has done good, too. It has demonstrated that a People's + Government can sustain a National election in the midst of a great Civil + War, until now it has not been known to the World that this was a + possibility. It shows, also, how sound and how strong we still are. + </p> + <p> + "But," said he, "the Rebellion continues; and now that the election is + over, may not all having a common interest reunite in a common effort to + save our common Country? + </p> + <p> + "For my own part," continued he—as the cheering, elicited by this + forcible appeal, ceased—"I have striven, and shall strive, to avoid + placing any obstacle in the way. So long as I have been here I have not + willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom. While I am deeply sensible + to the high compliment of a reelection, and duly grateful, as I trust, to + Almighty God for having directed my countrymen to a right conclusion, as I + think, for their own good, it adds nothing to my satisfaction that any + other man may be disappointed or pained by the result." + </p> + <p> + And, as the renewed cheering evoked by this kindly, Christian utterance + died away again, he impressively added: "May I ask those who have not + differed with me, to join with me in this same spirit, towards those who + have?" + </p> + <p> + So, too, on the 17th of November, in his response to the complimentary + address of a delegation of Union men from Maryland. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [W. H. Purnell, Esq., in behalf of the Committee, delivered an address, + in which he said they rejoiced that the People, by such an overwhelming + and unprecedented majority, had again reelected Mr. Lincoln to the + Presidency and endorsed his course—elevating him to the proudest + and most honorable position on Earth. They felt under deep obligation to + him because he had appreciated their condition as a Slave-State. It was + not too much to say that by the exercise of rare discretion on his part, + Maryland to-day occupies her position in favor of Freedom. Slavery has + been abolished therefrom by the Sovereign Decree of the People. With + deep and lasting gratitude they desired that his Administration, as it + had been approved in the past, might also be successful in the future, + and result in the Restoration of the Union, with Freedom as its + immutable basis. They trusted that, on retiring from his high and + honorable position, the universal verdict might be that he deserved well + of mankind, and that favoring Heaven might 'Crown his days with loving + kindness and tender mercies.'] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The same kindly anxiety to soften and dispel the feeling of bitterness + that had been engendered in the malignant bosoms of the + Copperhead-Democracy by their defeat, was apparent when he said with + emphasis and feeling: + </p> + <p> + "I have said before, and now repeat, that I indulge in no feeling of + triumph over any man who has thought or acted differently from myself. I + have no such feeling toward any living man;" and again, after + complimenting Maryland for doing "more than double her share" in the + elections, in that she had not only carried the Republican ticket, but + also the Free Constitution, he added: "Those who have differed with us and + opposed us will yet see that the result of the Presidential election is + better for their own good than if they had been successful." + </p> + <p> + The victory of the Union-Republican Party at this election was an amazing + one, and in the words of General Grant's dispatch of congratulation to the + President, the fact of its "having passed off quietly" was, in itself, "a + victory worth more to the Country than a battle won,"—for the + Copperheads had left no stone unturned in their efforts to create the + utmost possible rancor, in the minds of their partisans, against the + Administration and its Party. + </p> + <p> + Of twenty-five States voting, Lincoln and Johnson had carried the + electoral votes of twenty-two of them, viz.: Maine, New Hampshire, + Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, + Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, + Minnesota, California, Oregon, Kansas, West Virginia, and Nevada; while + McClellan and Pendleton had carried the twenty-one electoral votes of the + remaining three, viz.: New Jersey, Delaware, and Kentucky—the + popular vote reaching the enormous number of 2,216,067 for Lincoln, to + 1,808,725 for McClellan—making Lincoln's popular majority 407,342, + and his electoral majority 191! + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkpoll" id="linkpoll"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p598-poll.jpg (170K)" src="images/p598-poll.jpg" style="width:100%;" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + But if the figures upon the Presidential candidacy were so gratifying and + surprising to all who held the cause of Union above all others, no less + gratifying and surprising were those of the Congressional elections, which + indicated an entire revulsion of popular feeling on the subject of the + Administration's policy. For, while in the current Congress (the 38th), + there were only 106 Republican-Union to 77 Democratic Representatives, in + that for which the elections had just been held, (the 39th), there would + be 143 Republican-Union to 41 Democratic Representatives. + </p> + <p> + It was at once seen, therefore, that, should the existing House of + Representatives fail to adopt the Thirteenth Amendment to the + Constitution, there would be much more than the requisite two-thirds + majority for such a Measure in both Houses of the succeeding Congress; and + moreover that in the event of its failure at the coming Session, it was + more than probable that President Lincoln would consider himself justified + in calling an Extra Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress for the especial + purpose of taking such action. So far then, as the prospects of the + Thirteenth Amendment were concerned, they looked decidedly more + encouraging. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkstevens" id="linkstevens"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p606-stevens.jpg (72K)" src="images/p606-stevens.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch28" id="linkch28"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /> <br /> FREEDOM AT LAST ASSURED. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + As to the Military situation, a few words are, at this time, necessary: + Hood had now marched Northward, with some 50,000 men, toward Nashville, + Tenn., while Sherman, leaving Thomas and some 35,000 men behind, to thwart + him, had abandoned his base, and was marching Southward from Atlanta, + through Georgia, toward the Sea. + </p> + <p> + On the 30th of November, 1864, General Schofield, in command of the 4th + and 23rd Corps of Thomas's Army, decided to make a stand against Hood's + Army, at Franklin, in the angle of the Harpeth river, in order to give + time for the Union supply-trains to cross the river. Here, with less than + 20,000 Union troops, behind some hastily constructed works, he had + received the impetuous and overwhelming assault of the Enemy—at + first so successful as to threaten a bloody and disastrous rout to the + Union troops—and, by a brilliant counter-charge, and subsequent + obstinate defensive-fighting, had repulsed the Rebel forces, with nearly + three times the Union losses, and withdrew the next day in safety to the + defenses of Nashville. + </p> + <p> + A few days later, Hood, with his diminished Rebel Army, sat down before + the lines of Thomas's somewhat augmented Army, which stretched from bank + to bank of the bight of the Cumberland river upon which Nashville is + situated. + </p> + <p> + And now a season of intense cold set in, lasting a week or ten days. + During this period of apparent inaction on both sides—which aroused + public apprehension in the North, and greatly disturbed General Grant—I + was ordered to City Point, by the General-in-Chief, with a view to his + detailing me to Thomas's Command, at Nashville. + </p> + <p> + On the way, I called on President Lincoln, at the White House. I found him + not very well, and with his feet considerably swollen. He was sitting on a + chair, with his feet resting on a table, while a barber was shaving him. + Shaking him by the hand, and asking after his health, he answered, with a + humorous twinkle of the eye, that he would illustrate his condition by + telling me a story. Said he: "Two of my neighbors, on a certain occasion, + swapped horses. One of these horses was large, but quite thin. A few days + after, on inquiry being made of the man who had the big boney horse, how + the animal was getting along?—whether improving or not?—the + owner said he was doing finely; that he had fattened almost up to the + knees already!" + </p> + <p> + Afterward—when, the process of shaving had been completed, we passed + to another room—our conversation naturally turned upon the War; and + his ideas upon all subjects connected with it were as clear as those of + any other person with whom I ever talked. He had an absolute conviction as + to the ultimate outcome of the War—the final triumph of the Union + Arms; and I well remember, with what an air of complete relief and perfect + satisfaction he said to me, referring to Grant—"We have now at the + head of the Armies, a man in whom all the People can have confidence." + </p> + <p> + But to return to Military operations: On December 10th? Sherman reached + the sea-board and commenced the siege of Savannah, Georgia; on the 13th, + Fort McAllister was stormed and Sherman's communications opened with the + Sea; on the 15th and 16th, the great Battle of Nashville was fought, + between the Armies of Thomas and Hood, and a glorious victory gained by + the Union Arms—Hood's Rebel forces being routed, pursued for days, + and practically dispersed; and, before the year ended, Savannah + surrendered, and was presented to the Nation, as "a Christmas gift," by + Sherman. + </p> + <p> + And now the last Session of the Thirty-eighth Congress having commenced, + the Thirteenth Amendment might at any time come up again in the House. In + his fourth and last Annual Message, just sent in to that Body, President + Lincoln had said: + </p> + <p> + "At the last Session of Congress a proposed Amendment of the Constitution + abolishing Slavery throughout the United States, passed the Senate, but + failed for lack of the requisite two-thirds vote in the House of + Representatives. Although the present is the same Congress, and nearly the + same members, and without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those + who stood in opposition, I venture to recommend the reconsideration and + passage of the measure at the present Session. Of course the abstract + question is not changed; but an intervening election shows, almost + certainly, that the next Congress will pass the measure if this does not. + Hence there is only a question of time as to when the proposed Amendment + will go to, the States for their action. And as it is to so go, at all, + events, may we not agree that the sooner the better? It is not claimed + that the election has imposed a duty on members to change their views or + their votes, any farther than, as an additional element to be considered, + their judgment may be affected by it. It is the voice of the People now, + for the first time, heard upon the question. In a great National crisis + like ours, unanimity of action among those seeking a common end is very + desirable—almost indispensable. And yet no approach to such + unanimity is attainable unless some deference shall be paid to the will of + the majority simply because it is the will of the majority. In this case + the common end is the maintenance of the Union; and, among the means to + secure that end, such will, through the election, is most clearly declared + in favor of such Constitutional Amendment." + </p> + <p> + After affirming that, on the subject of the preservation of the Union, the + recent elections had shown the existence of "no diversity among the + People;" that "we have more men now than we had when the War began;" that + "we are gaining strength" in all ways; and that, after the evidences given + by Jefferson Davis of his unchangeable opposition to accept anything short + of severance from the Union, "no attempt at negotiation with the Insurgent + leader could result in any good," he appealed to the other Insurgents to + come back to the fold—the door of amnesty and pardon, being still + "open to all." But, he continued: + </p> + <p> + "In presenting the abandonment of armed resistance to the National + Authority, on the part of the Insurgents, as the only indispensable + condition to ending the War, on the part of the Government, I retract + nothing heretofore said as to Slavery. I repeat the declaration made a + year ago, that 'while I remain in my present position I shall not attempt + to retract or modify the Emancipation Proclamation, nor shall I return to + Slavery any Person who is Free by the terms of that Proclamation, or by + any of the Acts of Congress.' If the People should, by whatever mode or + means, make it an Executive duty to Reenslave such Persons, another, and + not I, must be their instrument to perform it. In stating a single + condition of Peace I mean simply to say that the War will cease on the + part of the Government, whenever it shall have ceased on the part of those + who began it." + </p> + <p> + On the 22d of December, 1864, in accordance with the terms of a Concurrent + Resolution that had passed both Houses, Congress adjourned until January + 5, 1865. During the Congressional Recess, however, Mr. Lincoln, anxious + for the fate of the Thirteenth Amendment, exerted himself, as it afterward + appeared, to some purpose, in its behalf, by inviting private conferences + with him, at the White House, of such of the Border-State and other + War-Democratic Representatives as had before voted against the measure, + but whose general character gave him ground for hoping that they might not + be altogether deaf to the voice of reason and patriotism. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Among those for whom he sent was Mr. Rollins, of Missouri, who + afterward gave the following interesting account of the interview: + </p> + <p> + "The President had several times in my presence expressed his deep + anxiety in favor of the passage of this great measure. He and others had + repeatedly counted votes in order to ascertain, as far as they could, + the strength of the measure upon a second trial in the House. He was + doubtful about its passage, and some ten days or two weeks before it + came up for consideration in the House, I received a note from him, + written in pencil on a card, while sitting at my desk in the House, + stating that he wished to see me, and asking that I call on him at the + White House. I responded that I would be there the next morning at nine + o'clock. + </p> + <p> + "I was prompt in calling upon him and found him alone in his office. He + received me in the most cordial manner, and said in his usual familiar + way: 'Rollins, I have been wanting to talk to you for some time about + the Thirteenth Amendment proposed to the Constitution of the United + States, which will have to be voted on now, before a great while.' + </p> + <p> + "I said: 'Well, I am here, and ready to talk upon that subject. + </p> + <p> + "He said: 'You and I were old Whigs, both of us followers of that great + statesman, Henry Clay, and I tell you I never had an opinion upon the + subject of Slavery in my life that I did not get from him. I am very + anxious that the War should be brought to a close at the earliest + possible date, and I don't believe this can be accomplished as long as + those fellows down South can rely upon the Border-States to help them; + but if the Members from the Border-States would unite, at least enough + of them to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, they would + soon see that they could not expect much help from that quarter, and be + willing to give up their opposition and quit their War upon the + Government; that is my chief hope and main reliance to bring the War to + a speedy close, and I have sent for you as an old Whig friend to come + and see me, that I might make an appeal to you to vote for this + Amendment. It is going to be very close; a few votes one way or the + other will decide it.' + </p> + <p> + "To this, I responded: 'Mr. President, so far as I am concerned, you + need not have sent for me to ascertain my views on this subject, for + although I represent perhaps the strongest Slave-district in Missouri, + and have the misfortune to be one of the largest Slave-owners in the + country where I reside, I had already determined to vote for the + Amendment. + </p> + <p> + "He arose from his chair, and grasping me by the hand, gave it a hearty + shake, and said: 'I am most delighted to hear that.' + </p> + <p> + "He asked me how many more of the Missouri delegates in the House would + vote for it. + </p> + <p> + "I said I could not tell; the Republicans of course would; General Loan, + Mr. Blow, Mr. Boyd, and Colonel McClurg. + </p> + <p> + "He said, 'Won't General Price vote for it? He is a good Union man.' I + said I could not answer. + </p> + <p> + "'Well, what about General King?' + </p> + <p> + "I told him I did not know. + </p> + <p> + "He then asked about Judges Hall and Norton. + </p> + <p> + "I said they would both vote against it, I thought. + </p> + <p> + "'Well,' he said, 'are you on good terms with Price and King?' + </p> + <p> + "I responded in the affirmative, and that I was on easy terms with the + entire delegation. + </p> + <p> + "He then asked me if I would not talk with those who might be persuaded + to vote for the amendment, and report to him as soon as I could find out + what the prospect was.' + </p> + <p> + "I answered that I would do so with pleasure, and remarked at the same + time, that when I was a young man, in 1848, I was the Whig competitor of + King for Governor of Missouri, and, as he beat me very badly, I thought + now he should pay me back by voting as I desired him on this important + question. + </p> + <p> + "I promised the President I would talk to this gentleman upon the + subject. + </p> + <p> + "He said: 'I would like you to talk to all the Border-State men whom you + can approach properly, and tell them of my anxiety to have the measure + pass; and let me know the prospect of the Border-State vote,' which I + promised to do. + </p> + <p> + "He again said: 'The passage of this Amendment will clinch the whole + subject; it will bring the War, I have no doubt, rapidly to a close.'"—Arnold's + Life of Lincoln, pp. 358-359,] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On the 5th of January, 1865, the Christmas Recess having expired, Congress + re-assembled. The motion to reconsider the vote-by which the Joint + Resolution, to amend the Constitution by the abolition of Slavery, had + been defeated—was not called up, on that day, as its friends had not + all returned; but the time was mainly consumed in able speeches, by Mr. + Creswell of Maryland, and Stevens of Pennsylvania, in which the former + declared that "whether we would or not, we must establish Freedom if we + would exterminate Treason. Events have left us no choice. The People have + learned their duty and have instructed us accordingly." And Mr. Thaddeus + Stevens solemnly said: "We are about to ascertain the National will, by + another vote to amend the Constitution. If gentlemen opposite will yield + to the voice of God and Humanity, and vote for it, I verily believe the + sword of the Destroying Angel will be stayed, and this People be reunited. + If we still harden our hearts, and blood must still flow, may the ghosts + of the slaughtered victims sit heavily upon the souls of those who cause + it!" + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of January, Mr. Ashley called up his motion to reconsider the + vote defeating the Thirteenth Amendment, and opened the debate with a + lengthy and able speech in favor of that measure, in concluding which he + said: + </p> + <p> + "The genius of history, with iron pen, is waiting to record our verdict + where it will remain forever for all the coming generations of men to + approve or condemn. God grant that this verdict may be one over which the + friends of Liberty, impartial and universal, in this Country and Europe, + and in every Land beneath the sun, may rejoice; a verdict which shall + declare that America is Free; a verdict which shall add another day of + jubilee, and the brightest of all, to our National calendar." + </p> + <p> + The debate was participated in by nearly all the prominent men, on both + sides of the House—the speeches of Messrs. Cox, Brooks, Voorhees, + Mallory, Holman, Woods and Pendleton being the most notable, in opposition + to, and those of Scofield, Rollins, Garfield and Stevens, in favor of, the + Amendment. That of Scofield probably stirred up "the adversary" more + thoroughly than any other; that of Rollins was more calculated to + conciliate and capture the votes of hesitating, or Border-State men; that + of Garfield was perhaps the most scholarly and eloquent; while that of + Stevens was remarkable for its sledge-hammer pungency and characteristic + brevity. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pendleton, toward the end of his speech, had said of Mr. Stevens: "Let + him be careful, lest when the passions of these times be passed away, and + the historian shall go back to discover where was the original infraction + of the Constitution, he may find that sin lies at the door of others than + the people now in arms." And it was this that brought the sterling old + Patriot again to his feet, in vindication of the acts of his + liberty-inspired life, and in defense of the power to amend the + Constitution, which had been assailed. + </p> + <p> + The personal antithesis with which he concluded his remarks was in itself + most dramatically effective, Said he: + </p> + <p> + "So far as the appeals of the learned gentleman (Mr. Pendleton) are + concerned, in his pathetic winding up, I will be willing to take my + chance, when we all moulder in the dust. He may have his epitaph written, + if it be truly written, 'Here rests the ablest and most pertinacious + defender of Slavery, and opponent of Liberty;' and I will be satisfied if + my epitaph shall be written thus: 'Here lies one who never rose to any + eminence, and who only courted the low ambition to have it said that he + had striven to ameliorate the condition of the poor, the lowly, the + downtrodden, of every race, and language, and color." + </p> + <p> + As he said these words, the crowded floors and galleries broke out into + involuntary applause for the grand "Old Commoner"—who only awaited + its cessation, to caustically add: "I shall be content, with such a eulogy + on his lofty tomb and such an inscription on my humble grave, to trust our + memories to the judgment of after ages." + </p> + <p> + The debate, frequently interrupted by Appropriation Bills, and other + important and importunate measures, lasted until the 31st of January, when + Mr. Ashley called the previous question on his motion to reconsider. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stiles at once moved to table the motion to reconsider. Mr. Stiles's + motion was lost by 57 yeas to 111 nays. This was in the nature of a + test-vote, and the result, when announced, was listened to, with + breathless attention, by the crowded House and galleries. It was too close + for either side to be satisfied; but it showed a gain to the friends of + the Amendment; that was something. How the final vote would be, none could + tell. Meanwhile it was known, from the announcements on the floor, that + Rogers was absent through his own illness and Voorhees through illness in + his family. + </p> + <p> + The previous question being seconded and the main question ordered, the + yeas and nays were called on the motion to reconsider—and the + intense silence succeeding the monotonous calling of the names was broken + by the voice of the Speaker declaring the motion to reconsider, carried, + by 112 yeas to 57 nays. + </p> + <p> + This vote created a slight sensation. There was a gain of one, (English), + at any rate, from among those not voting on the previous motion. Now, if + there should be but the change of a single vote, from the nays to the + yeas, the Amendment would be carried! + </p> + <p> + The most intensely anxious solicitude was on nearly every face, as Mr. + Mallory, at this critical moment, made the point of order that "a vote to + reconsider the vote by which the subject now before the House was disposed + of, in June last, requires two-thirds of this Body," and emphatically + added: "that two-thirds vote has not been obtained." + </p> + <p> + A sigh of relief swept across the galleries, as the Speaker overruled the + point of order. Other attempted interruptions being resolutely met and + defeated by Mr. Ashley, in charge of the Resolution, the "previous + question" was demanded, seconded, and the main question ordered—which + was on the passage of the Resolution. + </p> + <p> + And now, amid the hush of a breathless and intent anxiety—so + absolute that the scratch of the recording pencil could be heard—the + Clerk commenced to call the roll! + </p> + <p> + So consuming was the solicitude, on all sides, for the fate of this + portentous measure, that fully one-half the Representatives kept tally at + their desks as the vote proceeded, while the heads of the gathered + thousands of both sexes, in the galleries, craned forward, as though + fearing to lose the startlingly clear responses, while the roll-call + progressed. + </p> + <p> + When it reached the name of English—Governor English, a Connecticut + Democrat, who had not voted on the first motion, to table the motion to + reconsider, but had voted "yea" on the motion to reconsider,—and he + responded with a clear-cut "aye" on the passage of the Resolution—it + looked as though light were coming at last, and applause involuntarily + broke forth from the Republican side of the floor, spreading instantly to + the galleries, despite the efforts of the Speaker to preserve order. + </p> + <p> + So, when Ganson of New York, and other Democrats, voted "aye," the + applause was renewed again and again, and still louder again, when, with + smiling face—which corroborated the thrilling, fast-spreading, + whisper, that "the Amendment is safe!"—Speaker Colfax directed the + Clerk to call his name, as a member of the House, and, in response to that + call, voted "aye!" + </p> + <p> + Then came dead silence, as the Clerk passed the result to the Speaker— + during which a pin might have been heard to drop,—broken at last by + the Speaker's ringing voice: "The Constitutional majority of two-thirds + having voted in the affirmative, the Joint Resolution is passed." + </p> + <p> + [The enrolled Resolution received the approval and signature of the + President, Feb. 1, 1865,] + </p> + <p> + The words had scarcely left the Speaker's lips, when House and galleries + sprang to their feet, clapping their hands, stamping their feet, waving + hats and handkerchiefs, and cheering so loudly and so long that it seemed + as if this great outburst of enthusiasm—indulged in, in defiance of + all parliamentary rules—would never cease! + </p> + <p> + In his efforts to control it, Speaker Colfax hammered the desk until he + nearly broke his mallet. Finally, by 4 o'clock, P.M., after several + minutes of useless effort—during which the pounding of the mallet + was utterly lost in the noisy enthusiasm and excitement, in which both the + Freedom-loving men and women of the Land, there present, participated—the + Speaker at last succeeded in securing a lull. + </p> + <p> + Advantage was instantly taken of it, by the successor of the dead Owen + Lovejoy, Mr. Ingersoll of Illinois, his young face flushing with the glow + of patriotism, as he cried: "Mr. Speaker! In honor of this Immortal and + Sublime Event I move that the House do now adjourn." The Speaker declared + the motion carried, amid renewed demonstrations of enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + During all these uncontrollable ebullitions of popular feeling in behalf + of personal Liberty and National Freedom and strength, the Democratic + members of the House had sat, many of them moving uneasily in their seats, + with chagrin painted in deep lines upon their faces, while others were + bolt upright, as if riveted to their chairs, looking straight before them + at the Speaker, in a vain attempt, belied by the pallid anger of their set + countenances, to appear unconscious of the storm of popular feeling + breaking around them, which they now doggedly perceived might be but a + forecast of the joyful enthusiasm which on that day, and on the morrow, + would spread from one end of the Land to the other. + </p> + <p> + Harris, of Maryland, made a sort of "Last Ditch" protest against + adjournment, by demanding the "yeas and nays" on the motion to adjourn. + The motion was, however, carried, by 121 yeas to 24 nays; and, as the + members left their places in the Hall—many of them to hurry with + their hearty congratulations to President Lincoln at the White House—the + triumph, in the Halls of our National Congress, of Freedom and Justice and + Civilization, over Slavery and Tyranny and Barbarism, was already being + saluted by the booming of one hundred guns on Capitol Hill. + </p> + <p> + How large a share was Mr. Lincoln's, in that triumph, these pages have + already sufficiently indicated. Sweet indeed must have been the joy that + thrilled his whole being, when, sitting in the White House, he heard the + bellowing artillery attest the success of his labors in behalf of + Emancipation. Proud indeed must he have felt when, the following night, in + response to the loud and jubilant cries of "Lincoln!" "Lincoln!" "Abe + Lincoln!" "Uncle Abe!" and other affectionate calls, from a great + concourse of people who, with music, had assembled outside the White House + to give him a grand serenade and popular ovation, he appeared at an open + window, bowed to the tumult of their acclamations, and declared that "The + great Job is ended!"—adding, among other things, that the occasion + was one fit for congratulation, and, said he, "I cannot but congratulate + all present—myself, the Country, and the whole World—upon this + great moral victory. * * * This ends the Job!" + </p> + <p> + Substantially the job was ended. There was little doubt, after such a send + off, by the President and by Congress, in view of the character of the + State Legislatures, as well as the temper of the People, that the + requisite number of States would be secured to ratify the Thirteenth + Amendment. Already, on the 1st of February, that is to say, on the very + day of this popular demonstration at the Executive Mansion, the + President's own State, Illinois, had ratified it—and this + circumstance added to the satisfaction and happiness which beamed from, + and almost made beautiful, his homely face. + </p> + <p> + Other States quickly followed; Maryland, on February 1st and 3rd; Rhode + Island and Michigan, on February 2nd; New York, February 2nd and 3rd; West + Virginia, February 3rd; Maine and Kansas, February 7th; Massachusetts and + Pennsylvania, February 8th; Virginia, February 9th; Ohio and Missouri, + February 10th; Nevada and Indiana, February 16th; Louisiana, February + 17th; Minnesota, February 8th and 23rd; Wisconsin, March 1st; Vermont, + March 9th; Tennessee, April 5th and 7th; Arkansas, April 20th; + Connecticut, May 5th; New Hampshire, July 1st; South Carolina, November + 13th; Alabama, December 2nd; North Carolina, December 4th; Georgia, + December 9th; Oregon, December 11th; California, December 20th; and + Florida, December 28th;—all in 1865; with New Jersey, closely + following, on January 23rd; and Iowa, January 24th;—in 1866. + </p> + <p> + Long ere this last date, however, the Secretary of State (Mr. Seward) had + been able to, and did, announce (November 18, 1865) the ratification of + the Amendment by the requisite number of States, and certified that the + same had "become, to all intents and purposes, valid as a part of the + Constitution of the United States." + </p> + <p> + Not until then, was "the job" absolutely ended; but, as has been already + mentioned, it was, at the time Mr. Lincoln spoke, as good as ended. It was + a foregone conclusion, that the great end for which he, and so many other + great and good men of the Republic had for so many years been earnestly + striving, would be an accomplished fact. They had not failed; they had + stood firm; the victory which he had predicted six years before had come! + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [He had said in his Springfield speech, of 1858: "We shall not fail; if + we stand firm we shall not fail; wise counsels may accelerate, or + mistakes delay, but sooner or later the Victory is sure to come."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch29" id="linkch29"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX.<br /> <br /> LINCOLN'S SECOND INAUGURATION. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + While the death of Slavery in America was decreed, as we have seen; yet, + the sanguine anticipations of Mr. Lincoln, and other friends of Freedom, + that such a decree, imperishably grafted into the Constitution, must at + once end the Rebellion, and bring Peace with a restored Union, were not + realized. The War went on. Grant was still holding Lee, at Petersburg, + near Richmond, while Sherman's victorious Army was about entering upon a + campaign from Savannah, up through the Carolinas. + </p> + <p> + During the previous Summer, efforts had been made, by Horace Greeley, and + certain parties supposed to represent the Rebel authorities, to lay the + ground-work for an early Peace and adjustment of the differences between + the Government of the United States and the Rebels, but they miscarried. + They led, however, to the publication of the following important + conciliatory Presidential announcement: + </p> + <p> + "EXECUTIVE MANSION,<br /> "WASHINGTON, July 18, 1864. + </p> + <p> + "To whom it may concern: + </p> + <p> + "Any proposition which embraces the restoration of Peace, the integrity of + the whole Union, and the abandonment of Slavery, and which comes by and + with an authority that can control the Armies now at War against the + United States, will be received and considered by the Executive Government + of the United States, and will be met by liberal terms on substantial and + collateral points; and the bearer or bearers thereof shall have safe + conduct both ways. + </p> + <p> + "(Signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + About the same time, other efforts were being made, with a similar object + in view, but which came to naught. The visit of Messrs. Jacques and + Gilmore to the Rebel Capital on an informal Peace-errand was, at least, + valuable in this, that it secured from the head and front of the armed + Conspiracy, Jefferson Davis himself, the following definite statement: + </p> + <p> + "I desire Peace as much as you do; I deplore bloodshed as much as you do; + but I feel that not one drop of the blood shed in this War is on my hands. + I can look up to my God and say this. I tried all in my power to avert + this War. I saw it coming, and for twelve years I worked night and day to + prevent it; but I could not. The North was mad and blind; it would not let + us govern ourselves; and so the War came: and now it must go on till the + last man of this generation falls in his tracks, and his children seize + his musket and fight our battle, unless you acknowledge our right to + self-government. We are not fighting for Slavery. We are fighting for + INDEPENDENCE; and that, or EXTERMINATION, we WILL have." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The Nation, July 2, 1885, contained the following remarks, which may be + pertinently quoted in support of this authoritative statement that the + South was "not fighting for Slavery," but for Independence—that is + to say: for Power, and what would flow from it.] + </p> + <p> + ["The Charleston News and Courier a fortnight ago remarked that 'not + more than one Southern soldier in ten or fifteen was a Slaveholder, or + had any interest in Slave Property.' The Laurensville Herald disputed + the statement, and declared that 'the Southern Army was really an Army + of Slaveholders and the sons of Slaveholders.' The Charleston paper + stands by its original position, and cites figures which are conclusive. + The Military population of the eleven States which seceded, according to + the census of 1860, was 1,064,193. The entire number of Slaveholders in + the Country at the same time was 383,637, but of these 77,335 lived in + the Border States, so that the number in the Seceding States was only + 306,302. Most of the small Slaveholders, however, were not Slave-owners, + but Slave hirers, and Mr. De Bow, the statistician who supervised the + census of 1850, estimated that but little over half the holders were + actually owners. The proportion of owners diminished between 1850 and + 1860, and the News and Courier thinks that there were not more than + 150,000 Slave-owners in the Confederate States when the War broke out. + This would be one owner to every seven White males between eighteen and + forty-five; but as many of the owners were women, and many of the men + were relieved from Military service, the Charleston paper is confirmed + in its original opinion that there were ten men in the Southern Army who + were not Slave-owners for every soldier who had Slaves of his own."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + And when these self-constituted Peace-delegates had fulfilled the duty + which their zeal had impelled them to perform, and were taking their leave + of the Rebel chieftain, Jefferson Davis added: + </p> + <p> + "Say to Mr. Lincoln, from me, that I shall at any time be pleased to + receive proposals for PEACE on the basis of our INDEPENDENCE. It will be + useless to approach me with any other." + </p> + <p> + Thus the lines had been definitely and distinctly drawn, on both sides. + The issue of Slavery became admittedly, as between the Government and the + Rebels, a dead one. The great cardinal issue was now clearly seen and + authoritatively admitted to be, "the integrity of the whole Union" on the + one side, and on the other, "Independence of a part of it." These precise + declarations did great good to the Union Cause in the North, and not only + helped the triumphant re-election of Mr. Lincoln, but also contributed to + weaken the position of the Northern advocates of Slavery, and to bring + about, as we have seen, the extinction of that inherited National curse, + by Constitutional Amendment. + </p> + <p> + During January, of 1865, Francis P. Blair having been permitted to pass + both the Union and Rebel Army lines, showed to Mr. Lincoln a letter, + written to the former, by Jefferson Davis—and which the latter had + authorized him to read to the President—stating that he had always + been, and was still, ready to send or to receive Commissioners "to enter + into a Conference, with a view to secure Peace to the two Countries." On + the 18th of that month, purposing to having it shown to Jefferson Davis, + Mr. Lincoln wrote to Mr. Blair a letter in which, after referring to Mr. + Davis, he said: "You may say to him that I have constantly been, am now, + and shall continue, ready to receive any agent whom he, or any other + influential person now resisting the National Authority, may informally + send to me, with the view of securing Peace to the People of our common + Country." On the 21st of January, Mr. Blair was again in Richmond; and Mr. + Davis had read and retained Mr. Lincoln's letter to Blair, who + specifically drew the Rebel chieftain's attention to the fact that "the + part about 'our common Country' related to the part of Mr. Davis's letter + about 'the two Countries,' to which Mr. Davis replied that he so + understood it." Yet subsequently, he sent Messrs. Alexander H. Stephens, + R. M. T. Hunter, and John A. Campbell as Commissioners, with instructions, + (January 28, 1865,) which, after setting forth the language of Mr. + Lincoln's letter, proceeded strangely enough to say: "In conformity with + the letter of Mr. Lincoln, of which the foregoing is a copy, you are to + proceed to Washington city for informal Conference with him upon the + issues involved in the existing War, and for the purpose of securing Peace + to the two Countries!" The Commissioners themselves stated in writing that + "The substantial object to be obtained by the informal Conference is, to + ascertain upon what terms the existing War can be terminated honorably. * + * * Our earnest desire is, that a just and honorable Peace may be agreed + upon, and we are prepared to receive or to submit propositions which may, + possibly, lead to the attainment of that end." In consequence of this + peculiarly "mixed" overture, the President sent Secretary Seward to + Fortress Monroe, to informally confer with the parties, specifically + instructing him to "make known to them that three things are + indispensable, to wit: + </p> + <p> + "1. The restoration of the National Authority throughout all the States. + </p> + <p> + "2. No receding, by the Executive of the United States, on the Slavery + question, from the position assumed thereon in the late Annual Message to + Congress, and in preceding documents. + </p> + <p> + "3. No cessation of hostilities short of an end of the War and the + disbanding of all forces hostile to the Government." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lincoln also instructed the Secretary to "inform them that all + propositions of theirs, not inconsistent with the above, will be + considered and passed upon in a spirit of sincere liberality;" to "hear + all they may choose to say, and report it" to him, and not to "assume to + definitely consummate anything." Subsequently, the President, in + consequence of a dispatch from General Grant to Secretary Stanton, decided + to go himself to Fortress Monroe. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + Following is the dispatch: + </p> + <p> + [In Cipher] + </p> + <p> + OFFICE UNITED STATES MILITARY TELEGRAPH. WAR DEPARTMENT. + </p> + <p> + "The following telegram received at Washington, 4.35 A.M.,<br /> February + 2, 1865. From City Point, Va.,<br /> February 1, 10.30 P.M., 1865 + </p> + <p> + "Now that the interview between Major Eckert, under his written + instructions, and Mr. Stephens and party has ended, I will state + confidentially, but not officially, to become a matter of record, that I + am convinced, upon conversation with Messrs. Stephens and Hunter, that + their intentions are good and their desire sincere to restore Peace and + Union. I have not felt myself at liberty to express, even, views of my + own, or to account for my reticency. This has placed me in an awkward + position, which I could have avoided by not seeing them in the first + instance. I fear now their going back without any expression from any + one in authority will have a bad influence. At the same time I recognize + the difficulties in the way of receiving these informal Commissioners at + this time, and do not know what to recommend. I am sorry, however, that + Mr. Lincoln cannot have an interview with the two named in this + dispatch, if not all three now within our lines. Their letter to me was + all that the President's instructions contemplated to secure their safe + conduct, if they had used the same language to Major Eckert. + </p> + <p> + "U. S. GRANT,<br /> "Lieutenant General. + </p> + <p> + "Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,<br /> "Secretary of War." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stephens is stated by a Georgia paper to have repeated the following + characteristic anecdote of what occurred during the interview. "The + three Southern gentlemen met Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Seward, and after some + preliminary remarks, the subject of Peace was opened. Mr. Stephens, well + aware that one who asks much may get more than he who confesses to + humble wishes at the outset, urged the claims of his Section with that + skill and address for which the Northern papers have given him credit. + Mr. Lincoln, holding the vantage ground of conscious power, was, + however, perfectly frank, and submitted his views almost in the form of + an argument. * * * Davis had, on this occasion, as on that of Mr. + Stephens's visit to Washington, made it a condition that no Conference + should be had unless his rank as Commander or President should first be + recognized. Mr. Lincoln declared that the only ground on which he could + rest the justice of War—either with his own people, or with + foreign powers—was that it was not a War for conquest, for that + the States had never been separated from the Union. Consequently, he + could not recognize another Government inside of the one of which he + alone was President; nor admit the separate Independence of States that + were yet a part of the Union. 'That' said he 'would be doing what you + have so long asked Europe to do in vain, and be resigning the only thing + the Armies of the Union have been fighting for.' Mr. Hunter made a long + reply to this, insisting that the recognition of Davis's power to make a + Treaty was the first and indispensable step to Peace, and referred to + the correspondence between King Charles I., and his Parliament, as a + trustworthy precedent of a Constitutional ruler treating with Rebels. + Mr. Lincoln's face then wore that indescribable expression which + generally preceded his hardest hits, and he remarked: 'Upon questions of + history I must refer you to Mr. Seward, for he is posted in such things, + and I don't pretend to be bright. My only distinct recollection of the + matter is that Charles lost his head,' That settled Mr. Hunter for a + while." Arnold's Lincoln, p. 400. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On the night of February 2nd, Mr. Lincoln reached Hampton Roads, and + joined Secretary Seward on board a steamer anchored off the shore. The + next morning, from another steamer, similarly anchored, Messrs. Stephens, + Hunter, and Campbell were brought aboard the President's steamer and a + Conference with the President and Secretary of several hours' duration was + the result. Mr. Lincoln's own statement of what transpired was in these + words: + </p> + <p> + "No question of preliminaries to the meeting was then and there made or + mentioned. No other person was present; no papers were exchanged or + produced; and it was, in advance, agreed that the conversation was to be + informal and verbal merely. On our part, the whole substance of the + instructions to the Secretary of State, hereinbefore recited, was stated + and insisted upon, and nothing was said inconsistent therewith; while, by + the other party, it was not said that in any event or on any condition, + they ever would consent to Re-union; and yet they equally omitted to + declare that they never would so consent. They seemed to desire a + postponement of that question, and the adoption of some other course + first, which, as some of them seemed to argue, might or might not lead to + Reunion; but which course, we thought, would amount to an indefinite + postponement. The Conference ended without result." + </p> + <p> + In his communication to the Rebel Congress at Richmond, February 6. 1865, + Jefferson Davis, after mentioning his appointment of Messrs. Stephens, + Hunter and Campbell, for the purpose stated, proceeded to say: + </p> + <p> + "I herewith transmit, for the information of Congress, the report of the + eminent citizens above named, showing that the Enemy refused to enter into + negotiations with the Confederate States, or any one of them separately, + or to give to our people any other terms or guarantees than those which + the conqueror may grant, or to permit us to have Peace on any other basis + than our unconditional submission to their rule, coupled with the + acceptance of their recent legislation on the subject of the relations + between the White and Black population of each State." + </p> + <p> + On the 5th and 9th of February, public meetings were held at Richmond, in + connection with these Peace negotiations. At the first, Jefferson Davis + made a speech in which the Richmond Dispatch reported him as emphatically + asserting that no conditions of Peace "save the Independence of the + Confederacy could ever receive his sanction. He doubted not that victory + would yet crown our labors, * * * and sooner than we should ever be united + again he would be willing to yield up everything he had on Earth, and if + it were possible would sacrifice a thousand lives before he would + succumb." Thereupon the meeting of Rebels passed resolutions "spurning" + Mr. Lincoln's terms "with the indignation due to so gross an insult;" + declared that the circumstances connected with his offer could only "add + to the outrage and stamp it as a designed and premeditated indignity" + offered to them; and invoking "the aid of Almighty God" to carry out their + "resolve to maintain" their "Liberties and Independence"—to which, + said they, "we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred + honor." So too, at the second of these meetings, presided over by R. M. T. + Hunter, and addressed by the Rebel Secretary Judah P. Benjamin, + resolutions were adopted amid "wild and long continued cheering," one of + which stated that they would "never lay down" their "arms until" their + "Independence" had "been won," while another declared a full confidence in + the sufficiency of their resources to "conduct the War successfully and to + that issue," and invoked "the People, in the name of the holiest of all + causes, to spare neither their blood nor their treasure in its maintenance + and support." + </p> + <p> + As during these Peace negotiations, General Grant, by express direction of + President Lincoln, had not changed, hindered, nor delayed, any of his + "Military movements or plans," so, now that the negotiations had failed, + those Military movements were pressed more strenuously than ever. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The main object of this Conference on the part of the Rebels was to + secure an immediate truce, or breathing spell, during which they could + get themselves in better condition for continuing the War. Indeed a + portion of Mr. Seward's letter of Feb. 7, 1865, to Mr. Adams, our + Minister at the Court of St. James, giving him an account of the + Conference with the party of Insurgent Commissioners, would not alone + indicate this, but also that it was proposed by that "Insurgent party," + that both sides, during the time they would thus cease to fight one + another, might profitably combine their forces to drive the French + invaders out of Mexico and annex that valuable country. At least, the + following passage in that letter will bear that construction: + </p> + <p> + "What the Insurgent party seemed chiefly to favor was a postponement of + the question of separation, upon which the War is waged, and a mutual + direction of efforts of the Government, as well as those of the + Insurgents, to some extrinsic policy or scheme for a season, during + which passions might be expected to subside, and the Armies be reduced, + and trade and intercourse between the People of both Sections resumed. + It was suggested by them that through such postponements we might now + have immediate Peace, with some not very certain prospect of an ultimate + satisfactory adjustment of political relations between this Government, + and the States, Section, or People, now engaged in conflict with it." + </p> + <p> + For the whole of this letter see McPherson's History of the Rebellion, + p. 570.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Fort Fisher, North Carolina, had already been captured by a combined + Military and Naval attack of the Union forces under General Terry and + Admiral Porter; and Sherman's Army was now victoriously advancing from + Savannah, Georgia, Northwardly through South Carolina. On the 17th of + February, Columbia, the capital of the latter State, surrendered, and, the + day following, Charleston was evacuated, and its defenses, including + historic Fort Sumter, were once more under that glorious old flag of the + Union which four years before had been driven away, by shot and shell and + flame, amid the frantic exultations of the temporarily successful armed + Conspirators of South Carolina. On the 22nd of February, General + Schofield, who had been sent by Grant with his 23rd Corps, by water, to + form a junction with Terry's troops about Fort Fisher, and capture + Wilmington, North Carolina, had also accomplished his purpose + successfully. + </p> + <p> + The Rebel Cause now began to look pretty desperate, even to Rebel eyes. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Hundreds of Rebels were now deserting from Lee's Armies about Richmond, + every night, owing partly to despondency. "These desertions," wrote Lee, + on the 24th February, "have a very bad effect upon the troops who + remain, and give rise to painful apprehensions." Another cause was the + lack of food and clothing. Says Badeau (Military History of Ulysses S. + Grant, vol. iii., p. 399): "On the 8th of January, Lee wrote to the + Rebel Government that the entire Right Wing of his Army had been in line + for three days and nights, in the most inclement weather of the season. + 'Under these circumstances,' he said, 'heightened by assaults and fire + of the Enemy, some of the men had been without meat for three days, and + all were suffering from reduced rations and scant clothing. Colonel + Cole, chief commissary, reports that he has not a pound of meat at his + disposal. If some change is not made, and the commissary department + reorganized, I apprehend dire results. The physical strength of the men, + if their courage survives, must fail under this treatment. Our Cavalry + has to be dispersed for want of forage. Fitz Lee's and Lomax's Divisions + are scattered because supplies cannot be transported where their + services are required. I had to bring Fitz Lee's Division sixty miles + Sunday night, to get them in position. Taking these facts in connection + with the paucity of our numbers, you must not be surprised if calamity + befalls us.'" Badeau's (Grant, vol. iii., p. 401,)] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Toward the end of February, the Rebel General Longstreet having requested + an interview with General Ord "to arrange for the exchange of citizen + prisoners, and prisoners of war, improperly captured," General Grant + authorized General Ord to hold such interview t and "to arrange definitely + for such as were confined in his department, arrangements for all others + to be submitted for approval." In the course of that interview "a general + conversation ensued on the subject of the War," when it would seem that + Longstreet suggested the idea of a composition of the questions at issue, + and Peace between the United States and the Rebels, by means of a Military + Convention. It is quite probable that this idea originated with Jefferson + Davis, as a <i>dernier resort</i>; for Longstreet appears to have + communicated directly with Davis concerning his interview or "interviews" + with Ord. On the 28th of February, 1865 the Rebel Chief wrote to Lee, as + follows: + </p> + <p> + "RICHMOND, VA., February 28. + </p> + <p> + "Gen. R. E. LEE, Commanding, etc., + </p> + <p> + "GENERAL: You will learn by the letter of General Longstreet the result of + his second interview with General Ord. The points as to whether yourself + or General Grant should invite the other to a Conference is not worth + discussing. If you think the statements of General Ord render it probably + useful that the Conference suggested should be had, you will proceed as + you may prefer, and are clothed with all the supplemental authority you + may need in the consideration of any proposition for a Military + Convention, or the appointment of a Commissioner to enter into such an + arrangement as will cause at least temporary suspension of hostilities.<br /> + "Very truly yours<br /> "JEFFERSON DAVIS." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Thereupon General Lee wrote, and sent to General Grant, the following + communication: + </p> + <p> + "HEADQUARTERS C. S. ARMIES, March 2, 1865.<br /> "Lieut. Gen. U. S. GRANT,<br /> + "Commanding United States Armies: + </p> + <p> + "GENERAL: Lieut.-Gen. Longstreet has informed me that, in a recent + conversation between himself and Maj.-Gen. Ord, as to the possibility of + arriving at a satisfactory adjustment of the present unhappy difficulties + by means of a Military Convention, General Ord stated that if I desired to + have an interview with you on the subject, you would not decline, provided + I had authority to act. Sincerely desirous to leave nothing untried which + may put an end to the calamities of War, I propose to meet you at such + convenient time and place as you may designate, with the hope that, upon + an interchange of views, it may be found practicable to submit the + subjects of controversy between the belligerents to a Convention of the + kind mentioned. + </p> + <p> + "In such event, I am authorized to do whatever the result of the proposed + interview may render necessary or advisable. Should you accede to this + proposition, I would suggest that, if agreeable to you, we meet at the + place selected by Generals Ord and Longstreet, for the interview, at 11 + A.M., on Monday next. + </p> + <p> + "Very respectfully your obedient servant,<br /> "R. E. LEE, General." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Upon receipt of this letter, General Grant sent a telegraphic dispatch to + Secretary Stanton, informing him of Lee's proposition. It reached the + Secretary of War just before midnight of March 3rd. He, and the other + members of the Cabinet were with the President, in the latter's room at + the Capitol, whither they had gone on this, the last, night of the last + Session of the Thirty-Eighth Congress, the Cabinet to advise, and the + President to act, upon bills submitted to him for approval. The Secretary, + after reading the dispatch, handed it to Mr. Lincoln. The latter read and + thought over it briefly, and then himself wrote the following reply: + </p> + <p> + "WASHINGTON, March, 3, 1865, 12 P.M. + </p> + <p> + "LIEUTENANT GENERAL GRANT: The President directs me to say to you that he + wishes you to have no Conference with General Lee, unless it be for the + capitulation of General Lee's Army, or on some other minor and purely + Military matter. He instructs me to say to you that you are not to decide, + discuss, or confer upon any political question. Such questions the + President holds in his own hands, and will submit them to no Military + Conferences or Conventions. Meanwhile you are to press to the utmost your + Military advantages.<br /> "EDWIN M. STANTON,<br /> "Secretary of War." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + General Grant received this dispatch, on the day following, and at once + wrote and sent to General Lee a communication in which, after referring to + the subject of the exchange of prisoners, he said: "In regard to meeting + you on the 6th inst., I would state that—I have no authority to + accede to your proposition for a Conference on the subject proposed. Such + authority is vested in the President of the United States alone. General + Ord could only have meant that I would not refuse an interview on any + subject on which I have a right to act; which, of course, would be such as + are purely of a Military character, and on the subject of exchange, which + has been entrusted to me." + </p> + <p> + Thus perished the last reasonable hope entertained by the Rebel Chieftains + to ward off the inevitable and mortal blow that was about to smite their + Cause. + </p> + <p> + The 4th of March, 1865, had come. The Thirty-Eighth Congress was no more. + Mr. Lincoln was about to be inaugurated, for a second term, as President + of the United States. The previous night had been vexed with a stormy + snow-fall. The morning had also been stormy and rainy. By mid-day, + however, as if to mark the event auspiciously, the skies cleared and the + sun shone gloriously upon the thousands and tens of thousands who had come + to Washington, to witness the second Inauguration of him whom the people + had now, long since, learned to affectionately term "Father Abraham"—of + him who had become the veritable Father of his People. As the President + left the White House, to join the grand procession to the Capitol, a + brilliant meteor shot athwart the heavens, above his head. At the time, + the superstitious thought it an Omen of triumph—of coming Peace—but + in the sad after-days when armed Rebellion had ceased and Peace had come, + it was remembered, with a shudder, as a portent of ill. When, at last, Mr. + Lincoln stood, with bared head, upon the platform at the eastern portico + of the Capitol, where four years before, he had made his vows before the + People, under such very different circumstances and surroundings, the + contrast between that time and this—and all the terrible and + eventful history of the interim—could not fail to present itself to + every mind of all those congregated, whether upon the platform among the + gorgeously costumed foreign diplomats, the full-uniformed Military and + Naval officers of the United States, and the more soberly-clad statesmen + and Civic and Judicial functionaries of the Land, or in the vast and + indiscriminate mass of the enthusiastic people in front and on both sides + of it. As Chief Justice Chase administered the oath, and Abraham Lincoln, + in view of all the people, reverently bowed his head and kissed the open + Bible, at a passage in Isaiah (27th and 28th verses of the 5th Chapter) + which it was thought "admonished him to be on his guard, and not to relax + at all, in his efforts," the people, whose first cheers of welcome had + been stayed by the President's uplifted hand, broke forth in a tumult of + cheering, until again hushed by the clear, strong, even voice of the + President, as he delivered that second Inaugural Address, whose touching + tenderness, religious resignation, and Christian charity, were clad in + these imperishable words: + </p> + <p> + "FELLOW COUNTRYMEN: At this second appearing to take the Oath of the + Presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than + there was at the first. Then, a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course + to be pursued, seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four + years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth + on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the + attention and engrosses the energy of the Nation, little that is new could + be presented. The progress of our Arms, upon which all else depends, is as + well known to the public as to myself; and it is, I trust, reasonably + satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no + prediction in regard to it is ventured. + </p> + <p> + "On the occasion corresponding to this, four years ago, all thoughts were + anxiously directed to an impending Civil War. All dreaded it—all + sought to avert it. While the Inaugural Address was being delivered from + this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without War, Insurgent + agents were in the city, seeking to destroy it without War—seeking + to dissolve the Union, and divide the effects, by negotiation. Both + parties deprecated War; but one of them would make War rather than let the + Nation survive; and the other would accept War rather than let it perish—and + the War came. + </p> + <p> + "One-eighth of the whole population were colored Slaves, not distributed + generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These + Slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this + interest was, somehow, the cause of the War. To strengthen, perpetuate and + extend this interest was the object for which the Insurgents would rend + the Union, even by War; while the Government claimed no right to do more + than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither Party expected + for the War the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. + Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or + even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier + triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same + Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the + other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's + assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; + but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not + be answered—that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty + has His own purposes. 'Woe unto the World because of offences! for it must + needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence + cometh.' If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those + offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, + having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and + that He gives to both North and South this terrible War, as the woe due to + those by Whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure + from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always + ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope—fervently do we pray—that + this mighty scourge of War may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that + it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondman's two hundred and + fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of + blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, + as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, 'The + judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.' + </p> + <p> + "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the + right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the + work we are in; to bind up the Nation's wounds, to care for him who shall + have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all + which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting Peace among ourselves, + and with all Nations." + </p> + <p> + With utterances so just and fair, so firm and hopeful, so penitent and + humble, so benignant and charitable, so mournfully tender and sweetly + solemn, so full of the fervor of true piety and the very pathos of + patriotism, small wonder is it that among those numberless thousands who, + on this memorable occasion, gazed upon the tall, gaunt form of Abraham + Lincoln, and heard his clear, sad voice, were some who almost imagined + they saw the form and heard the voice of one of the great prophets and + leaders of Israel; while others were more reminded of one of the Holy + Apostles of the later Dispensation who preached the glorious Gospel "On + Earth, Peace, good will toward Men," and received in the end the crown of + Christian martyrdom. But not one soul of those present—unless his + own felt such presentiment—dreamed for a moment that, all too soon, + the light of those brave and kindly eyes was fated to go out in darkness, + that sad voice to be hushed forever, that form to lie bleeding and dead, a + martyred sacrifice indeed, upon the altar of his Country! + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p608-hw-davis.jpg (74K)" src="images/p608-hw-davis.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch30" id="linkch30"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX.<br /> <br /> COLLAPSE OF THE ARMED CONSPIRACY. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Sherman's Armies were pressing along upward, toward Raleigh, + from Columbia, marching through swamps and over quicksands and across + swollen streams—cold, wet, hungry, tired—often up to their + armpits in water, yet keeping their powder dry, and silencing opposing + batteries or driving the Enemy, who doggedly retired before them, through + the drenching rains which poured down unceasingly for days, and even + weeks, at a time. On the 16th of March, 1865, a part of Sherman's Forces + met the Enemy, under General Joe Johnston, at Averysboro, N. C., and + forced him to retire. On the 19th and 20th of March, occurred the series + of engagements, about Mill Creek and the Bentonville and Smithfield + cross-roads, which culminated in the attack upon the Enemy, of the 21st of + March, and his evacuation, that night, of his entire line of works, and + retreat upon Smithfield. This was known as the Battle of Bentonville, and + was the last battle fought between the rival Forces under Sherman and + Johnston. The Armies of Sherman, now swollen by having formed a junction + with the troops under Schofield and Terry, which had come from Newbern and + Wilmington, went into camp at Goldsboro, North Carolina, to await the + rebuilding of the railroads from those two points on the coast, and the + arrival of badly needed clothing, provision, and other supplies, after + which the march would be resumed to Burksville, Virginia. By the 25th of + March, the railroad from Newbern was in running order, and General + Sherman, leaving General Schofield in command of his eighty thousand + troops, went to Newbern and Morehead City, and thence by steamer to City + Point, for a personal interview with General Grant. On the same day, Lee + made a desperate but useless assault, with twenty thousand (of his seventy + thousand) men upon Fort Stedman—a portion of Grant's works in front + of Petersburg. On the 27th, President Lincoln reached City Point, on the + James River, in the steamer "Ocean Queen." Sherman reached City Point the + same day, and, after meeting the General-in-Chief, Grant took him on board + the "Ocean Queen" to see the President. Together they explained to Mr. + Lincoln the Military situation, during the "hour or more" they were with + him. Of this interview with Mr. Lincoln, General Sherman afterwards wrote: + "General Grant and I explained to him that my next move from Goldsboro + would bring my Army, increased to eighty thousand men by Schofield's and + Terry's reinforcements, in close communication with General Grant's Army, + then investing Lee in Richmond, and that unless Lee could effect his + escape, and make junction with Johnston in North Carolina, he would soon + be shut up in Richmond with no possibility of supplies, and would have to + surrender. Mr. Lincoln was extremely interested in this view of the case, + and when we explained that Lee's only chance was to escape, join Johnston, + and, being then between me in North Carolina, and Grant in Virginia, could + choose which to fight. Mr. Lincoln seemed unusually impressed with this; + but General Grant explained that, at the very moment of our conversation, + General Sheridan was passing his Cavalry across James River, from the + North to the South; that he would, with this Cavalry, so extend his left + below Petersburg as to meet the South Shore Road; and that if Lee should + 'let go' his fortified lines, he (Grant) would follow him so close that he + could not possibly fall on me alone in North Carolina. I, in like manner, + expressed the fullest confidence that my Army in North Carolina was + willing to cope with Lee and Johnston combined, till Grant could come up. + But we both agreed that one more bloody battle was likely to occur before + the close of the War. Mr. Lincoln * * * more than once exclaimed: 'Must + more blood be shed? Cannot this last bloody battle be avoided?' We + explained that we had to presume that General Lee was a real general; that + he must see that Johnston alone was no barrier to my progress; and that if + my Army of eighty thousand veterans should reach Burksville, he was lost + in Richmond; and that we were forced to believe he would not await that + inevitable conclusion, but make one more desperate effort." + </p> + <p> + President Lincoln's intense anxiety caused him to remain at City Point, + from this time forth, almost until the end—receiving from General + Grant, when absent, at the immediate front, frequent dispatches, which, as + fast as received and read, he transmitted to the Secretary of War, at + Washington. Grant had already given general instructions to Major-Generals + Meade, Ord, and Sheridan, for the closing movements of his immediate + Forces, against Lee and his lines of supply and possible retreat. He saw + that the time had come for which he had so long waited, and he now felt + "like ending the matter." On the morning of the 29th of March—preliminary + dispositions having been executed—the movements began. That night, + Grant wrote to Sheridan, who was at Dinwiddie Court House, with his ten + thousand Cavalry: "Our line is now unbroken from the Appomattox to + Dinwiddie. * * * I feel now like ending the matter, if it is possible to + do so, before going back. * * * In the morning, push around the Enemy, if + you can, and get on his right rear. * * * We will all act together as one + Army, until it is seen what can be done with the Enemy." The rain fell all + that night in torrents. The face of the country, where forests, swamps, + and quicksands alternated in presenting apparently insuperable obstacles + to immediate advance, was very discouraging next morning, but Sheridan's + heart was gladdened by orders to seize Five Forks. + </p> + <p> + On the 31st, the Battle of Dinwiddie Court House occurred—the Enemy + attacking Sheridan and Warren with a largely superior force. During the + night, Sheridan was reinforced with the Fifth Corps, and other troops. On + April 1st, Sheridan fought, and won, the glorious Battle of Five Forks, + against this detached Rebel force, and, besides capturing 6,000 prisoners + and six pieces of artillery, dispersed the rest to the North and West, + away from the balance of Lee's Army. That night, after Grant received the + news of this victory, he went into his tent, wrote a dispatch, sent it by + an orderly, and returning to the fire outside his tent, calmly said: "I + have ordered an immediate assault along the lines." This was afterward + modified to an attack at three points, on the Petersburg works, at 4 + o'clock in the morning—a terrific bombardment, however, to be kept + up all night. Grant also sent more reinforcements to Sheridan. On the + morning of April 2nd, the assault was made, and the Enemy's works were + gallantly carried, while Sheridan was coming up to the West of Petersburg. + </p> + <p> + The Rebel Chieftain Lee, when his works were stormed and carried, is said + to have exclaimed: "It has happened as I thought; the lines have been + stretched until they broke." At 10.30 A. M. he telegraphed to Jefferson + Davis: "My lines are broken in three places. Richmond must be evacuated + this evening." This dispatch of Parke, Ord on Wright's left, Humphreys on + Ord's left and Warren on Humphrey's left—Sheridan being to the rear + and left of Warren, reached Davis, while at church. All present felt, as + he retired, that the end of the Rebellion had come. At 10.40 A. M. Lee + reported further: "I see no prospect of doing more than holding our + position here till night. I am not certain that I can do that. If I can, I + shall withdraw tonight, North of the Appomattox, and if possible, it will + be better to withdraw the whole line to-night from James river. * * * Our + only chance of concentrating our Forces is to do so near Danville + railroad, which I shall endeavor to do at once. I advise that all + preparations be made for leaving Richmond to-night. I will advise you + later, according to circumstances. "At 7 o'clock P. M. Lee again + communicated to the Rebel Secretary of War this information: "It is + absolutely necessary that we should abandon our position to-night, or run + the risk of being cut off in the morning. I have given all the orders to + officers on both sides of the river, and have taken every precaution that + I can to make the movement successful. It will be a difficult operation, + but I hope not impracticable. Please give all orders that you find + necessary, in and about Richmond. The troops will all be directed to + Amelia Court House." This was the last dispatch sent by Lee to the Rebel + Government. + </p> + <p> + On the 3rd of April, Petersburg and Richmond were evacuated, and again + under the Union flag, while Grant's immediate Forces were pressing forward + to cut off the retreat of Lee, upon Amelia Court House and Danville, in an + effort to form a junction with Johnston. On the 6th, the important Battle + of Sailor's Creek, Va., was fought and won by Sheridan. On the evening of + the 7th, at the Farmville hotel, where Lee had slept the night before, + Grant, after sending dispatches to Sheridan at Prospect Station, Ord at + Prince Edward's Court House, and Mead at Rice Station, wrote the following + letter to Lee: + </p> + <p> + "FARMVILLE, April 7th, 1865. + </p> + <p> + "GENERAL: The results of the last week must convince you of the + hopelessness of further resistance, on the part of the Army of Northern + Virginia, in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty + to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood, + by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States' + army known as the Army of Northern Virginia. + </p> + <p> + "U. S. GRANT,<br /> "Lieutenant-General." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Lee, however, in replying to this demand, and in subsequent + correspondence, seemed to be unable to see "the hopelessness of further + resistance." He thought "the emergency had not yet come." Hence, Grant + decided to so press and harass him, as to bring the emergency along + quickly. Accordingly, by the night of the 8th of April, Sheridan with his + Cavalry had completely headed Lee off, at Appomattox Court House. By + morning, Ord's forces had reached Sheridan, and were in line behind him. + Two Corps of the Army of the Potomac, under Meade, were also, by this + time, close on the Enemy's rear. And now the harassed Enemy, conscious + that his rear was threatened, and seeing only Cavalry in his front, + through which to fight his way, advanced to the attack. The dismounted + Cavalry of Sheridan contested the advance, in order to give Ord and + Griffin as much time as possible to form, then, mounting and moving + rapidly aside, they suddenly uncovered, to the charging Rebels, Ord's + impenetrable barrier of Infantry, advancing upon them at a double-quick! + At the same time that this appalling sight staggered them, and rolled them + back in despair, they became aware that Sheridan's impetuous Cavalry, now + mounted, were hovering on their left flank, evidently about to charge! + </p> + <p> + Lee at once concluded that the emergency "had now come," and sent, both to + Sheridan and Meade, a flag of truce, asking that hostilities cease, + pending negotiations for a surrender—having also requested of Grant + an audience with a view to such surrender. That afternoon the two great + rival Military Chieftains met by appointment in the plain little + farm-house of one McLean—Lee dressed in his best full-dress uniform + and sword, Grant in a uniform soiled and dusty, and without any sword—and, + after a few preliminary words, as to the terms proposed by Grant, the + latter sat down to the table, and wrote the following: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "APPOMATTOX COURT HOUSE,<br /> "VIRGINIA, April 9, 1865. + </p> + <p> + "GENERAL: In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th + instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of Northern + Virginia on the following terms, to wit: Rolls of all the officers and men + to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer to be + designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as + you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to + take up arms against the Government of the United States, until properly + exchanged; and each company or regimental commander to sign a like parole + for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery, and public property to + be parked and stacked, and turned over to the officers appointed by me to + receive them. This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers nor + their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be + allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by United States + authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force + where they may reside. + </p> + <p> + "U. S. GRANT,<br /> "Lieutenant-General. + </p> + <p> + "General R. E. LEE." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + After some further conversation, in which Grant intimated that his + officers receiving paroles would be instructed to "allow the Cavalry and + Artillery men to retain their horses, and take them home to work their + little farms"—a kindness which Lee said, would "have the best + possible effect," the latter wrote his surrender in the following words: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "HEAD-QUARTERS, ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, April 9, 1865. + </p> + <p> + "GENERAL: I received your letter of this date containing the terms of the + surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, as proposed by you. As they + are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th + instant, they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper + officers to carry the stipulations into effect. "R. E. LEE, General. + </p> + <p> + "Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Before parting, Lee told Grant that his men were starving; and Grant at + once ordered 25,000 rations to be issued to the surrendered Rebels—and + then the Rebel Chieftain, shaking hands with the Victor, rode away to his + conquered legions. It was 4.30 P.M. when Grant, on his way to his own + headquarters, now with Sheridan's command, dismounted from his horse, and + sitting on a stone by the roadside, wrote the following dispatch: + </p> + <p> + "Hon. E. M. STANTON,<br /> Secretary of War, Washington. + </p> + <p> + "General Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia this afternoon on + terms proposed by myself. The accompanying additional correspondence will + show the conditions fully.<br /> "U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile on the 5th of April, Grant, who had kept Sherman, as well as + Sheridan, advised of his main movements, had also ordered the former to + press Johnston's Army as he was pressing Lee, so as, between them, they + might "push on, and finish the job." In accordance with this order, + Sherman's Forces advanced toward Smithfield, and, Johnston having rapidly + retreated before them, entered Raleigh, North Carolina, on the 13th. The + 14th of April, brought the news of the surrender of Lee to Grant, and the + same day a correspondence was opened between Sherman and Johnston, looking + to the surrender of the latter's Army—terms for which were actually + agreed upon, subject, however, to approval of Sherman's superiors. Those + terms, however, being considered unsatisfactory, were promptly + disapproved, and similar terms to those allowed to Lee's Army, were + substituted, and agreed to, the actual surrender taking place April 26th, + near Durham, North Carolina. On the 21st, Macon, Georgia, with 12,000 + Rebel Militia, and sixty guns, was surrendered to Wilson's + Cavalry-command, by General Howell Cobb. On the 4th of May, General + Richard Taylor surrendered all the armed Rebel troops, East of the + Mississippi river; and on the 26th of May, General Kirby Smith surrendered + all of them, West of that river. + </p> + <p> + On that day, organized, armed Rebellion against the United States ceased, + and became a thing of the past. It had been conquered, stamped out, and + extinguished, while its civic head, Jefferson Davis, captured May 11th, at + Irwinsville, Georgia, while attempting to escape, was, with other leading + Rebels, a prisoner in a Union fort. Four years of armed Rebellion had been + enough for them. They were absolutely sick of it. And the magnanimity of + the terms given them by Grant, completed their subjugation. "The wisdom of + his course," says Badeau, "was proved by the haste which the Rebels made + to yield everything they had fought for. They were ready not only to give + up their arms, but literally to implore forgiveness of the Government. + They acquiesced in the abolition of Slavery. They abandoned the heresy of + Secession, and waited to learn what else their conquerors would dictate. + They dreamed not of political power. They only asked to be let live + quietly under the flag they had outraged, and attempt in some degree to + rebuild their shattered fortunes. The greatest General of the Rebellion + asked for pardon." + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch31" id="linkch31"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI.<br /> <br /> ASSASSINATION! + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + But while some of the great Military events alluded to in the preceding + Chapter, had been transpiring at the theatre of War, something else had + happened at the National Capital, so momentous, so atrocious, so + execrable, that it was with difficulty the victorious soldiers of the + Union, when they first heard the news, could be restrained from turning + upon the then remaining armed Rebels, and annihilating them in their + righteous fury. + </p> + <p> + Let us go back, for a moment, to President Lincoln, whom we left on board + the Ocean Queen, at City Point, toward the end of March and the beginning + of April, receiving dispatches from Grant, who was victoriously engaged at + the front. On the very day that Richmond fell—April 4th—President + Lincoln, with his little son "Tad," Admiral Porter, and others, visited + the burning city, and held a reception in the parlors of the Mansion which + had now, for so many years, been occupied by the Chief Conspirator, + Jefferson Davis, and which had been precipitately abandoned when the + flight of that Arch-Rebel and his "Cabinet" commenced. On the 6th, the + President, accompanied by his wife, Vice-President Johnson, and others + from Washington, again visited Richmond, and received distinguished + Virginians, to whom he addressed words of wisdom and patriotism. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + ["On this occasion," says Arnold, "he was called upon by several + prominent citizens of Virginia, anxious to learn what the policy of the + Government towards them would be. Without committing himself to specific + details, he satisfied them that his policy would be magnanimous, + forgiving, and generous. He told these Virginians they must learn + loyalty and devotion to the Nation. They need not love Virginia less, + but they must love the Republic more."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + On the 9th of April, he returned to Washington, and the same day—his + last Sunday on Earth—came the grand and glorious news of Lee's + surrender. + </p> + <p> + On the Wednesday evening following, he made a lengthy speech, at the White + House, to the great crowd that had assembled about it, to congratulate + him, and the Nation, upon the downfall of Rebellion. His first thought in + that speech, was of gratitude to God. His second, to put himself in the + background, and to give all the credit of Union Military success, to those + who, under God, had achieved it. Said he: "We meet this evening, not in + sorrow, but in gladness of heart. The evacuation of Petersburg and + Richmond, and the surrender of the principal Insurgent Army, give hope of + a righteous and speedy Peace, whose joyous expression cannot be + restrained. In the midst of this, however, He from whom all blessings + flow, must not be forgotten. A Call for a National Thanksgiving is being + prepared, and will be duly promulgated. Nor must those whose harder part + gives us the cause of rejoicing, be overlooked. Their honors must not be + parcelled out with others. I myself was near the front, and had the high + pleasure of transmitting much of the good news to you; but no part of the + honor, for plan or execution, is mine. To General Grant, his skilful + officers and brave men, all belongs." + </p> + <p> + This speech was almost entirely devoted to the subject of reconstruction + of the States lately in Rebellion, and to an argument in favor of the + Reconstruction policy, under which a new and loyal government had been + formed for the State of Louisiana. "Some twelve thousand voters in the + heretofore Slave State of Louisiana," said he, "have sworn allegiance to + the Union, assumed to be the rightful political power of the State, held + elections, organized a State government, adopted a Free State + Constitution, giving the benefit of public schools equally to Black and + White, and empowering the Legislature to confer the elective franchise + upon the colored man. Their Legislature has already voted to ratify the + Constitutional Amendment recently passed by Congress, abolishing Slavery + throughout the Nation. These twelve thousand persons are thus fully + committed to the Union, and to perpetual Freedom in the State; committed + to the very things, and nearly all the things, the Nation wants; and they + ask the Nation's recognition and its assistance to make good that + committal. Now, if we reject and spurn them, we do our utmost to + disorganize and disperse them. We, in effect, say to the White men, 'You + are worthless, or worse; we will neither help you, nor be helped by you.' + To the Blacks we say, 'This cup of Liberty which these, your old masters, + hold to your lips, we will dash from you and leave you to the chances of + gathering the spilled and scattered contents in some vague and undefined + when, where, and how.' If this course, discouraging and paralyzing both + White and Black, has any tendency to bring Louisiana into proper practical + relations with the Union, I have, so far, been unable to perceive it. If, + on the contrary, we recognize and sustain the new government of Louisiana, + the converse of all this is made true." + </p> + <p> + While, however, Mr. Lincoln thus upheld and defended this Louisiana plan + of reconstruction, yet he conceded that in applying it to other States, + with their varying conditions, "no exclusive and inflexible plan can + safely be prescribed as to details and collaterals." The entire speech + shows the greatest solicitude to make no mistake necessitating backward + steps, and consequent delay in reconstructing the Rebel States into Loyal + ones; and especially anxious was he, in this, his last public utterance, + touching the outcome of his great life-work, Emancipation. "If," said he, + "we reject Louisiana, we also reject one vote in favor of the proposed + Amendment to the National Constitution. To meet this proposition it has + been argued that no more than three-fourths of those States which have not + attempted Secession are necessary to validly ratify the Amendment. I do + not commit myself against this further than to say that such a + ratification would be questionable, and sure to be persistently + questioned; whilst a ratification by three-fourths of all the States would + be unquestioned and unquestionable." + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, by the President's direction, a War Department Order was + drawn up and issued, putting an end to drafting and recruiting, and the + purchase of Military supplies, and removing all restrictions which + Military necessity had imposed upon the trade and commerce and intercourse + of any one part of the Union with the other. On Friday, the 14th of April, + there was a meeting of the Cabinet at noon, to receive a report from + General Grant, in person—he having just arrived from the scene of + Lee's surrender. Later, the President rode out with Mrs. Lincoln, and + talked of the hard time they had had since coming to Washington; "but," + continued he, "the War is over, and, with God's blessing, we may hope for + four years of Peace and happiness, and then we will go back to Illinois, + and pass the rest of our lives in quiet." At Ford's Theatre, that evening, + was played "The American Cousin," and it had been announced that both the + President and General Grant would be present. Grant, however, was + prevented from attending. President Lincoln attended with reluctance—possibly + because of a presentiment which he had that day had, that "something + serious is going to happen," of which he made mention at the Cabinet + meeting aforesaid. + </p> + <p> + It was about 9 o-clock P.M., that the President, with Mrs. Lincoln, Major + Rathbone, and Miss Harris, entered the Theatre, and, after acknowledging + with a bow the patriotic acclamations with which the audience saluted him, + entered the door of the private box, reserved for his party, which was + draped with the folds of the American flag. At half past 10 o'clock, while + all were absorbed in the play, a pistol-shot was heard, and a man, + brandishing a bloody dagger, was seen to leap to the stage from the + President's box, crying "Sic Semper Tyrannis!" His spurred boot, catching + in the bunting, tripped him, so that he half fell and injured one leg, but + instantly recovered himself, and, shouting "The South is avenged!" rushed + across the stage, and disappeared. It was an actor, John Wilkes Booth by + name, who—inspired with all the mad, unreasoning, malignant hatred + of everything representing Freedom and Union, which was purposely + instilled into the minds and hearts of their followers and sympathizers by + the Rebel leaders and their chief accomplices in the North—had + basely skulked into the box, behind Mr. Lincoln, mortally wounded him with + a pistol-bullet, and escaped—after stabbing Major Rathbone for + vainly striving to arrest the vile assassin's flight. + </p> + <p> + Thus this great and good Ruler of our reunited People was foully stricken + down in the very moment of his triumph; when the Union troops were + everywhere victorious; when Lee had surrendered the chief Army of the + downfallen Confederacy; when Johnston was on the point of surrendering the + only remaining Rebel force which could be termed an Army; on the self-same + day too, which saw the identical flag of the Union, that four years before + had been sadly hauled down from the flagstaff of Fort Sumter, triumphantly + raised again over that historic fort; when, the War being at an end, + everything in the future looked hopeful; at the very time when his + merciful and kindly mind was doubtless far away from the mimic scenes upon + which he looked, revolving beneficent plans for reconstructing and + rebuilding the waste and desolate places in the South which War had made; + at this time, of all times, when his clear and just perceptions and firm + patriotism were most needed, + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [For his last public words, two nights before, had been: "In the present + 'situation,' as the phrase goes, it may be my duty to make some new + announcement to the people of the South. I am CONSIDERING, and shall not + fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + alike by conquerors and conquered, to guide and aid the Nation in the + difficult task of reconstruction, and of the new departure, looming up + before it, with newer and broader and better political issues upon which + all Patriot might safely divide, while all the old issues of + States-rights, Secession, Free-Trade, and Slavery, and all the mental and + moral leprosy growing out of them, should lie buried far out of sight as + dead-and-gone relics of the cruel and devastating War which they alone had + brought on! Abraham Lincoln never spoke again. The early beams of the + tomorrow's sun touched, but failed to warm, the lifeless remain of the + great War-President and Liberator, as they were borne, in mournful + silence, back to the White House, mute and ghastly witness of the sheer + desperation of those who, although armed Rebellion, in the open field, by + the fair and legitimate modes of Military warfare, had ceased, were + determined still to keep up that cowardly "fire in the rear" which had + been promised to the Rebel leaders by their Northern henchmen and + sympathizers. + </p> + <p> + The assassination of President Lincoln was but a part of the plot of Booth + and his murderous Rebel-sympathizing fellow conspirators. It was their + purpose also to kill Grant, and Seward, and other prominent members of the + Cabinet, simultaneously, in the wild hope that anarchy might follow, and + Treason find its opportunity. In this they almost miraculously failed, + although Seward was badly wounded by one of the assassins. + </p> + <p> + That the Rebel authorities were cognizant of, and encouraged, this + dastardly plot, cannot be distinctly proven. But, while they naturally + would be likely, especially in the face of the storm of public + exasperation which it raised throughout the Union, to disavow all + knowledge of, or complicity in, the vengeful murder of President Lincoln, + and to destroy all evidences possible of any such guilty knowledge or + complicity, yet there will ever be a strong suspicion that they were not + innocent. From the time when it was first known that Mr. Lincoln had been + elected President, the air was full of threats that he should not live to + be inaugurated. + </p> + <p> + That the assassination, consummated in April, 1865, would have taken place + in February of 1861, had it not been for the timely efforts of + Lieutenant-General Scott, Brigadier-General Stone, Hon. William H. Seward, + Frederick W. Seward, Esq., and David S. Bookstaver of the Metropolitan + Police of New York—is abundantly shown by Superintendent John A. + Kennedy, in a letter of August 13, 1866, to be found in vol. ii., of + Lossing's "Civil War in America," pages 147-149, containing also an + extract from a letter of General Stone, in which the latter—after + mentioning that General Scott and himself considered it "almost a + certainty that Mr. Lincoln could not pass Baltimore alive by the train on + the day fixed"—proceeds to say: "I recommended that Mr. Lincoln + should be officially warned; and suggested that it would be altogether + best that he should take the train of that evening from Philadelphia, and + so reach Washington early the next day." * * * General Scott, after asking + me how the details could be arranged in so short a time, and receiving my + suggestion that Mr. Lincoln should be advised quietly to take the evening + train, and that it would do him no harm to have the telegraph wires cut + for a few hours, he directed me to seek Mr. W. H. Seward, to whom he wrote + a few lines, which he handed to me. It was already ten o'clock, and when I + reached Mr. Seward's house he had left; I followed him to the Capitol, but + did not succeed in finding him until after 12 M. I handed him the + General's note; he listened attentively to what I said, and asked me to + write down my information and suggestions, and then, taking the paper I + had written, he hastily left. The note I wrote was what Mr. Frederick + Seward carried to Mr. Lincoln in Philadelphia. Mr. Lincoln has stated that + it was this note which induced him to change his journey as he did. The + stories of disguise are all nonsense; Mr. Lincoln merely took the + sleeping-car in the night train. + </p> + <p> + Equally certain also, is it, that the Rebel authorities were utterly + indifferent to the means that might be availed of to secure success to + Rebellion. Riots and arson, were among the mildest methods proposed to be + used in the Northern cities, to make the War for the Union a "failure"—as + their Northern Democratic allies termed it—while, among other more + devilish projects, was that of introducing cholera and yellow fever into + the North, by importing infected rags! Another much-talked-of scheme + throughout the War, was that of kidnapping President Lincoln, and other + high officials of the Union Government. There is also evidence, that the + Rebel chiefs not only received, but considered, the plans of desperadoes + and cut-throats looking to the success of the Rebellion by means of + assassination. Thus, in a footnote to page 448, vol. ii., of his "Civil + War in America," Lossing does not hesitate to characterize Jefferson Davis + as "the crafty and malignant Chief Conspirator, who seems to have been + ready at all times to entertain propositions to assassinate, by the hand + of secret murder, the officers of the Government at Washington;" and, + after fortifying that statement by a reference to page 523 of the first + volume of his work, proceeds to say: "About the time (July, 1862) we are + now considering, a Georgian, named Burnham, wrote to Jefferson Davis, + proposing to organize a corps of five hundred assassins, to be distributed + over the North, and sworn to murder President Lincoln, members of his + Cabinet, and leading Republican Senators, and other supporters of the + Government. This proposition was made in writing, and was regularly filed + in the 'Confederate War Department,' indorsed 'Respectfully referred to + the Secretary of War, by order of the President,' and signed 'J. C Ives.' + Other communications of similar tenor, 'respectfully referred' by + Jefferson Davis, were placed on file in that 'War Department.'" All the + denials, therefore, of the Rebel chieftains, as to their complicity in the + various attempts to assassinate Abraham Lincoln, ending with his dastardly + murder in April, 1865, will not clear their skirts of the odium of that + unparalleled infamy. It will cling to them, living or dead, until that + great Day of Judgment when the exact truth shall be made known, and "their + sin shall find them out." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The New York Tribune, August 16, 1885, under the heading "A NARROW + ESCAPE OF LINCOLN," quotes an interesting "Omaha Letter, to the St. Paul + Pioneer Press," as follows: + </p> + <p> + "That more than one attempt was made to assassinate Abraham Lincoln is a + fact known to John W. Nichols, ex-president of the Omaha Fire + Department. Mr. Nichols was one of the body-guard of President Lincoln + from the Summer of 1862 until 1865. The following narrative, related to + your correspondent by Mr. Nichols, is strictly true, and the incident is + not generally known: + </p> + <p> + One night about the middle of August, 1864, I was doing sentinel duty at + the large gate through which entrance was had to the grounds of the + Soldiers' Home. The grounds are situated about a quarter of a mile off + the Bladensburg road, and are reached by devious driveways. About 11 + o'clock I heard a rifle shot in the direction of the city, and shortly + afterwards I heard approaching hoof-beats. In two or three minutes a + horse came dashing-up, and I recognized the belated President. The horse + was very spirited, and belonged to Mr. Lamon, marshal of the District of + Columbia. This horse was Mr. Lincoln's favorite, and when he was in the + White House stables he always chose him. As horse and rider approached + the gate, I noticed that the President was bareheaded. After assisting + him in checking his steed, the President said to me: 'He came pretty + near getting away with me, didn't he? He got the bit in his teeth before + I could draw the rein.' I then asked him where his hat was, and he + replied that somebody had fired a gun off down at the foot of the hill, + and that his horse had become scared and jerked his hat off. I led the + animal to the Executive Cottage, and the President dismounted and + entered. Thinking the affair rather strange, a corporal and myself + started in the direction of the place from where the sound of the rifle + report had proceeded, to investigate the occurrence. When we reached the + spot where the driveway intersects with the main road we found the + President's hat—a plain silk hat—and upon examining it we + discovered a bullet hole through the crown. The shot had been fired + upwards, and it was evident that the person who fired the shot had + secreted himself close to the roadside. We listened and searched the + locality thoroughly, but to no avail. The next day I gave Mr. Lincoln + his hat and called his attention to the bullet hole. He rather + unconcernedly remarked that it was put there by some foolish gunner, and + was not intended for him. He said, however, that he wanted the matter + kept quiet, and admonished us to say nothing about it. We all felt + confident that it was an attempt to kill him, and a well-nigh successful + one, too. The affair was kept quiet, in accordance with his request. + After that, the President never rode alone."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + That this dark and wicked and bloody Rebellion, waged by the upholders and + advocates of Slavery, Free Trade, and Secession, had descended so low as + to culminate in murder—deliberate, cold-blooded, cowardly murder—at + a time when the Southern Conspirators would apparently be the least + benefitted by it, was regarded at first as evidencing their mad fatuity; + and the public mind was dreadfully incensed. + </p> + <p> + The successor of the murdered President—Andrew Johnson—lost + little time in offering (May the 2d) rewards, ranging from $25,000 to + $100,000, for the arrest of Jefferson Davis, Jacob Thompson, + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The same individual at whose death, in 1885, the Secretary of the + Interior, ordered the National flag of the Union—which he had + swindled, betrayed, fought, spit upon, and conspired against—to be + lowered at halfmast over the Interior Departmental Building, at + Washington, D. C.] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Clement C. Clay, Beverly Tucker, George N. Sanders, and W. C. Cleary, in a + Proclamation which directly charged that they, "and other Rebels and + Traitors against the Government of the United States, harbored in Canada," + had "incited, concerted, and procured" the perpetration of the appalling + crime. + </p> + <p> + On the 10th of May, one of them, Jacob Thompson, from his place of + security, in Canada, published a letter claiming to be innocent; + characterized himself as "a persecuted man;" arrayed certain suspicious + facts in support of an intimation that Johnson himself was the only one + man in the Republic who would be benefited by President Lincoln's death; + and, as he was found "asleep" at the "unusual hour" of nine o'clock P.M., + of the 14th of April, and had made haste to take the oath of office as + President of the United States as soon as the breath had left the body of + his predecessor, insinuated that he (Johnson) might with more reason be + suspected of "complicity" in "the foul work" than the "Rebels and + Traitors" charged with it, in his Proclamation; so charged, for the very + purpose—Thompson insinuated—of shielding himself from + discovery, and conviction! + </p> + <p> + But while, for a moment, perhaps, there flitted across the public mind a + half suspicion of the possibility of what this Rebel intimated as true, + yet another moment saw it dissipated. For the People remembered that + between "Andrew Johnson," one of the "poor white trash" of Tennessee, and + the "aristocratic Slave-owners" of the South, who headed the Rebellion, + there could be neither sympathy nor cooperation—nothing, but hatred; + and that this same Andrew Johnson, who, by power of an indomitable will, + self-education, and natural ability, had, despite the efforts of that + "aristocracy," forced himself upward, step by step, from the tailor's + bench, to the successful honors of alderman and Mayor, and then still + upward through both branches of his State Legislature, into the House of + Representatives and the Senate of the United States—and, in the + latter Body, had so gallantly met, and worsted in debate, the chosen + representatives of that class upon whose treasonable heads he poured forth + in invective, the gathered hatred of a life-time—would probably be + the very last man whom these same "aristocratic" Conspirators, "Rebels, + and Traitors," would prefer as arbiter of their fate. + </p> + <p> + The popular feeling responded heartily, at this time, to the denunciations + which, in his righteous indignation, he had, in the Senate, and since, + heaped upon Rebellion, and especially his declaration that "Treason must + be made odious!"—utterances now substantially reiterated by him more + vehemently than ever, and multiplied in posters and transparencies and + newspapers all over the Land. Thus the public mind rapidly grew to believe + it impossible that the Rebel leaders could gain, by the substitution, in + the Executive chair, of this harsh, determined, despotic nature, for the + mild, kindly, merciful, even-tempered, Abraham Lincoln. With Andrew + Johnson for President, the People felt that justice would fall upon the + heads of the guilty, and that the Country was safe. And so it happened + that, while the mere instruments of the assassination conspiracy were + hurried to an ignominious death, in the lull that followed, Jefferson + Davis and others of the Rebel chiefs, who had been captured and + imprisoned, were allowed to go "Scott-free, without even the semblance of + a trial for their Treason!" + </p> + <p> + It is not the purpose of this work to deal with the history of the + Reconstruction or rehabilitation of the Rebel States; to look too closely + into the devious ways and subtle methods through and by which the Rebel + leaders succeeded in flattering the vanity, and worming themselves into + the confidence and control, of Andrew Johnson—by pretending to + believe that his occupation of the Presidential Office had now, at last, + brought him to their "aristocratic" altitude, and to a hearty recognition + by them of his "social equality;" or to follow, either in or out of + Congress, the great political conflict, between their unsuspecting + Presidential dupe and the Congress, which led to the impeachment trial of + President Andrew Johnson, for high crimes and misdemeanors in office, his + narrow escape from conviction and deposition, and to much consequent + excitement and turmoil among the People, which, but for wise counsels and + prudent forethought of the Republican leaders, in both Civil and Military + life, might have eventuated in the outbreak of serious civil commotions. + Suffice it to say, that in due time; long after the Thirteenth Amendment + to the United States Constitution had been ratified by three-fourths of + all the States; after Johnson had vexed the White House, with his noisy + presence, for the nearly four years succeeding the death of the great and + good Lincoln; and after the People, with almost unexampled unanimity, had + called their great Military hero, Grant, to the helm of State; the + difficult and perplexing problems involved in the Reconstruction of the + Union were, at last, successfully solved by the Republican Party, and + every State that had been in armed Rebellion against that Union, was not + only back again, with a Loyal State Constitution, but was represented in + both branches of Congress, and in other Departments of the National + Government. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkbreckinridge" id="linkbreckinridge"></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img alt="p244-breckinridge.jpg (83K)" src="images/p244-breckinridge.jpg" style="width:100%;" + /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch32" id="linkch32"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII.<br /> <br /> TURNING BACK THE HANDS! + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + And now, the War having ended in the defeat, conquest, and capture, of + those who, inspired by the false teachings of Southern leaders, had + arrayed themselves in arms beneath the standard of Rebellion, and fought + for Sectional Independence against National Union, for Slavery against + Freedom, and for Free Trade against a benignant Tariff protective alike to + manufacturer, mechanic, and laborer, it might naturally be supposed that, + with the collapse of this Rebellion, all the issues which made up "the + Cause"—the "Lost Cause," as those leaders well termed it—would + be lost with it, and disappear from political sight; that we would never + again hear of a Section of the Nation, and last of all the Southern + Section, organized, banded together, solidified in the line of its own + Sectional ideas as against the National ideas prevailing elsewhere through + the Union; that Free Trade, conscious of the ruin and desolation which it + had often wrought, and of the awful sacrifices, in blood and treasure, + that had been made in its behalf by the conquered South, would slink from + sight and hide its famine-breeding front forever; and that Slavery, in all + its various disguises, was banished, never more to obtrude its hateful + form upon our Liberty-loving Land. That was indeed the supposition and + belief which everywhere pervaded the Nation, when Rebellion was conquered + by the legions of the Union—and which especially pervaded the South. + Never were Rebels more thoroughly exhausted and sick of Rebellion and of + everything that led to it, than these. As Badeau said, they made haste "to + yield everything they had fought for," and "dreamed not of political + power." They had been brought to their knees, suing for forgiveness, and + thankful that their forfeit lives were spared. + </p> + <p> + For awhile, with chastened spirit, the reconstructed South seemed to + reconcile itself in good faith to the legitimate results of the War, and + all went well. But Time and Peace soon obliterate the lessons and the + memories of War. And it was not very long after the Rebellion had ceased, + and the old issues upon which it was fought had disappeared from the arena + of National politics, when its old leaders and their successors began + slowly, carefully, and systematically, to relay the tumbled-down, ruined + foundations and walls of the Lost Cause—a work in which, + unfortunately, they were too well aided by the mistaken clemency and + magnanimity of the Republican Party, in hastily removing the political + disabilities of those leaders. + </p> + <p> + Before proceeding farther, it is necessary to remark here, that, after the + suppression of the Rebellion and adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment to + the Constitution of the United States, which prohibits Slavery and + Involuntary Servitude within the United States, it soon became apparent + that it was necessary to the protection of the Freedmen, in the civil and + political rights and privileges which it was considered desirable to + secure to them, as well as to the creation and fostering of a wholesome + loyal sentiment in, and real reconstruction of, the States then lately + insurgent, and for certain other reasons, that other safeguards, in the + shape of further Amendments to the Constitution, should be adopted. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments were, on the 16th of + June, 1866, and 27th of February, 1869, respectively, proposed by Congress + to the Legislatures of the several States, and were declared duly + ratified, and a part of the Constitution, respectively on the 28th of + July, 1868, and March 30, 1870. Those Amendments were in these words: + </p> + <p> + "ARTICLE XIV. + </p> + <p> + "SECTION 1.—All persons born or naturalized in the United States, + and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States + and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any + law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the + United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or + property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its + jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. + </p> + <p> + "SECTION 2.—Representatives shall be apportioned among the several + States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of + persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to + vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice + President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive + and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature + thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being + twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way + abridged, except for participation in Rebellion, or other crime, the basis + of Representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the + number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male + citizens twenty-one years of age in such State. + </p> + <p> + "SECTION 3.—No person shall be a Senator or Representative in + Congress, or Elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, + civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, + having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer + of the United States, or as a member of any State Legislature, or as an + executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of + the United States, shall have engaged in Insurrection or Rebellion against + the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may + by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability. + </p> + <p> + "SECTION 4.—The validity of the public debt of the United States, + authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and + bounties for services in suppressing Insurrection or Rebellion, shall not + be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or + pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of Insurrection or Rebellion + against the United States, or any claim for the loss or Emancipation of + any Slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held + illegal and void. + </p> + <p> + "SECTION 5.—The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate + legislation, the provisions of this article." + </p> + <p> + "ARTICLE XV. + </p> + <p> + "SECTION 1.—The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall + not be denied or abridged by, the United States or by any State on account + of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. + </p> + <p> + "SECTION 2.—The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by + appropriate legislation." + </p> + <p> + It would seem, then, from the provisions of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, + and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution, and the Congressional + legislation subsequently enacted for the purpose of enforcing them, that + not only the absolute personal Freedom of every man, woman, and child in + the United States was thus irrevocably decreed; that United States + citizenship was clearly defined; that the life, liberty, property, + privileges and immunities of all were secured by throwing around them the + "equal protection of the laws;" that the right of the United States + citizen to vote, was placed beyond denial or abridgment, on "account of + race, color, or previous condition of servitude;" but, to make this more + certain, the basis of Congressional Representative—apportionment was + changed from its former mixed relation, comprehending both persons and + "property," so-called, to one of personal numbers—the Black man now + counting quite as much as the White man, instead of only three-fifths as + much; and it was decreed, that, except for crime, any denial to United + States citizens, whether Black or White, of the right to vote at any + election of Presidential electors, Congressional Representatives, State + Governors, Judges, or Legislative members, "shall" work a reduction, + proportioned to the extent of such denial, in the Congressional + Representation of the State, or States, guilty of it. As a further + safeguard, in the process of reconstruction, none of the insurgent States + were rehabilitated in the Union except upon acceptance of those three + Amendments as an integral part of the United States Constitution, to be + binding upon it; and it was this Constitution as it is, and not the + Constitution as it was, that all the Representatives, in both Houses of + Congress, from those insurgent States—as well as all their State + officers—swore to obey as the supreme law of the Land, when taking + their respective oaths of office. + </p> + <p> + Biding their time, and pretending to act in good faith, as the years + rolled by, the distrust and suspicion with which the old + Rebel-conspirators had naturally been regarded, gradually lessened in the + public mind. With a glad heart, the Congress, year after year, removed the + political disabilities from class after class of those who had incurred + them, until at last all, so desiring, had been reinstated in the full + privileges of citizenship, save the very few unrepentant instigators and + leaders of the Rebellion, who, in the depths of that oblivion to which + they seemingly had been consigned, continued to nurse the bitterness of + their downfall into an implacable hatred of that Republic which had + paralyzed the bloody hands of Rebellion, and shattered all their ambitious + dreams of Oligarchic rule, if not of Empire. + </p> + <p> + But, while the chieftains of the great Conspiracy—and of the armed + Rebellion itself—remained at their homes unpunished, through the + clemency of the American People; the active and malignant minds of some of + them were plotting a future triumph for the "Lost Cause," in the + overthrow, in consecutive detail, of the Loyal governments of the Southern + States, by any and all means which might be by them considered most + desirable, judicious, expedient, and effectual; the solidifying of these + Southern States into a new Confederation, or league, in fact—with an + unwritten but well understood Constitution of its own—to be known + under the apparently harmless title of the "Solid South," whose mission it + would be to build up, and strengthen, and populate, and enrich itself + within the Union, for a time, greater or less, according to circumstances, + and in the meanwhile to work up, with untiring devotion and energy, not + only to this practical autonomy and Sectional Independence within the + Union, but also to a practical re-enslavement of the Blacks, and to the + vigorous reassertion and triumph, by the aid of British gold, of those + pernicious doctrines of Free-Trade which, while beneficial to the + Cotton-lords of the South, would again check and drag down the robust + expansion of manufactures and commerce in all other parts of the Land, and + destroy the glorious prosperity of farmers, mechanics, and laborers, while + at the same time crippling Capital, in the North and West. + </p> + <p> + In order to accomplish these results—after whatever of suspicion and + distrust that might have still remained in Northern minds had been removed + by the public declaration in 1874, by one of the ablest and most + persuasively eloquent of Southern statesmen, that "The South—prostrate, + exhausted, drained of her life-blood as well as of her material resources, + yet still honorable and true—accepts the bitter award of the bloody + arbitrament without reservation, resolutely determined to abide the result + with chivalrous fidelity"—these old Rebel leaders commenced in good + earnest to carry out their well organized programme, which they had + already experimentally tested, to their own satisfaction, in certain + localities. + </p> + <p> + The plan was this: By the use of shot-guns and rifles, and cavalcades of + armed white Democrats, in red shirts, riding around the country at dead of + night, whipping prominent Republican Whites and Negroes to death, or + shooting or hanging them if thought advisable, such terror would fall upon + the colored Republican voters that they would keep away from the polls, + and consequently the white Democrats, undeterred by such influences, and + on the contrary, eager to take advantage of them, would poll not only a + full vote, but a majority vote, on all questions, whether involving the + mere election of Democratic officials, or otherwise; and where + intimidation of this, or any other kind, should fail, then a resort to be + had to whatever devices might be found necessary to make a fraudulent + count and return, and thus secure Democratic triumph; and furthermore, + when evidences of these intimidations and frauds should be presented to + those people of the Union who believe in every citizen of this free + Republic having one free vote, and that vote fairly counted, then to laugh + the complainants out of Court with the cry that such stories are not true; + are "campaign lies" devised solely for political effect; and are merely + the product of Republican "outrage mills," ground out, to order. + </p> + <p> + This plan was first thoroughly tried in Mississippi, and has hence been + called the "Mississippi plan." So magically effectual was it, that, with + variations adapted to locality and circumstances, this "Mississippi plan" + soon enveloped the entire South in its mesh-work of fraud, barbarity, and + blood. The massacres, and other outrages, while methodical, were + remittent, wave-like, sometimes in one Southern State, sometimes another, + and occurring only in years of hot political conflict, until one after + another of those States had, by these crimes, been again brought under the + absolute control of the old Rebel leaders. By 1876, they had almost + succeeded in their entire programme. They had captured all, save three, of + the Southern States, and strained every nerve and every resource of + unprincipled ingenuity, of bribery and perjury, after the Presidential + election of that year had taken place, in the effort to defeat the will of + the People and "count in," the Presidential candidate of the Democratic + Party. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The shameful history of the "Tilden barrel" and the "Cipher Dispatches" + is too fresh in the public mind to be entirely forgotten,] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Failing in this effort, the very failure became a grievance. On the + principle of a fleeing thief diverting pursuit by shouting "Stop thief," + the cry of "fraud" was raised by the Democratic leaders, North and South, + against the Republican Party, and was iterated and reiterated so long and + loudly, that soon they actually began, themselves, to believe, that + President Hayes had been "counted in," by improper methods! At all events, + under cover of the hue and cry thus raised, the Southern leaders hurried + up their work of Southern solidification, by multiplied outrages on the + "Mississippi plan," so that, by 1880, they were ready to dictate, and did + dictate, the Democratic Presidential nominations. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [Senator Wallace, of Pennsylvania, telegraphed from Cincinnati his + congratulations to General Hancock, and added: "General Buell tells me + that Murat Halsted says Hancock's nomination by the Confederate + Brigadiers sets the old Rebel yell to the music of the Union." In the + Convention which nominated Hancock, Wade Hampton made a speech, saying; + "On behalf of the 'Solid South,' that South which once was arrayed + against the great soldier of Pennsylvania, I stand here to pledge you + its solid vote. [cheers] * * * There is no name which is held in higher + respect among the people of the South, than that of the man you have + given to us as our standard-bearer." And afterward, in a speech at + Staunton, Virginia, the same Southern leader, in referring to the action + of the Democratic Convention at Cincinnati, said: "There was but one + feeling among the Southern delegates. That feeling was expressed when we + said to our Northern Democratic brethren 'Give us an available man.' + They gave us that man."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + While these old Rebel leaders of the South had insisted upon, and had + succeeded in, nominating a man whose record as a Union soldier would make + him popular in the North and West, and while their knowledge of his + availability for Southern purposes would help them in their work of + absolutely solidifying the South, they took very good care also to press + forward their pet Free-Trade issue—that principle so dear to the + hearts of the Rebel Cotton-lords that, as has already been hinted, they + incorporated it into their Constitution of Confederation in these words: + </p> + <p> + "SEC. 8.—Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, + imposts and excises for revenue necessary to pay the debts, provide for + the common defense, and carry on the Government of the Confederate States; + but no bounty shall be granted from the Treasury, nor shall any duty or + tax on importation from Foreign Nations be laid to promote or foster any + branch of industry." + </p> + <p> + It may also be remarked that, under the inspiration of those Southern + leaders who afterward rebelled, it had been laid down as Democratic + doctrine, in the National Democratic platform of 1856—and + "reaffirmed" as such, in 1860—that "The time has come for the People + of the United States to declare themselves in favor of * * * progressive + Free-Trade. * * * That justice and sound policy forbid the Federal + Government to foster one branch of industry to the detriment of another." + But, by 1864, the Republican Protective-Tariff of 1860, had so abundantly + demonstrated, to all our people engaged in industrial occupations, the + beneficence of the great principle of home industrial Protection, that + Tariff-agitation actually ceased, and the National Democratic platform of + that year had nothing to say in behalf of Free-Trade! + </p> + <p> + After the close of the War, however, at the very first National Democratic + Convention, in 1868, at which there were delegations from the lately + rebellious States, the question was at once brought to the front, and, + under the inspiration of the old Rebel leaders aforesaid, the Democratic + platform again raised the banner of Free-Trade by declaring for a Tariff + for revenue. But the mass of the People, at that time still freshly + remembered the terrible commercial disasters and industrial depressions + which had befallen the Land, through the practical operation of that + baleful Democratic Free-Trade doctrine, before the Rebellion broke out, + and sharply contrasted the misery and poverty and despair of those dark + days of ruin and desolation, with the comfort and prosperity and + hopefulness which had since come to them through the Republican + Protective-Tariff Accordingly, the Republican Presidential candidate, + representing the great principle of Protection to American Industries, was + elected over the Democratic Free-Trade candidate, by 214 to 71 electoral + votes-or nearly three to one! + </p> + <p> + Taught, by this lesson, that the People were not yet sufficiently prepared + for a successful appeal in behalf of anything like Free-Trade, the next + National Democratic Convention, (that of 1872), under the same Southern + inspiration, more cautiously declared, in its platform, that "Recognizing + that there are in our midst, honest but irreconcilable differences of + opinion, with regard to the respective systems of Protection and + Free-Trade, we remit the discussion of the subject to the People in their + Congressional districts, and to the decision of the Congress thereon, + wholly free from Executive interference or dictation." The People, + however, rebuked the moral cowardice thus exhibited by the Democracy—in + avoiding a direct issue on the doctrine which Democracy itself had + galvanized at least into simulated life,—by giving 286 electoral + votes to the Republican candidate, to 63 for the Democratic,—or in + the proportion of nearly five to one. + </p> + <p> + Warned, by this overwhelming defeat, not to flinch from, or avoid, or try + to convert the great National question of Tariff, into a merely local one, + the National Democratic platform of 1876, at the instigation of the old + Rebel leaders of the now fast solidifying South, came out flat-footedly + again with the "demand that all Custom-house taxation shall be only for + revenue." This time, the electoral vote stood almost evenly divided, viz.: + for the Republican candidate, 185; for the Democratic candidate, 184;—a + result so extremely close, as to lead to the attempted perpetration of + great frauds against the successful candidate; the necessary settlement of + the questions growing out of them, by an Electoral commission—created + by Congress at the instance of the Democratic Party; great irritation, + among the defeated Democracy, over the just findings of that august + Tribunal; and to the birth of the alleged Democratic "grievance," + aforesaid. + </p> + <p> + The closeness of this vote—their almost triumph, in 1876,—encouraged + the Solid South to press upon the National Democratic Convention of 1880, + the expediency of adopting a Free-Trade "plank" similar to that with + which, in 1876, they had so nearly succeeded. Hence the Democratic + platform of 1880, also declared decidedly for "A Tariff for revenue only." + </p> + <p> + The old Rebel leaders, at last in full control of the entire Democratic + Party, had now got things pretty much as they wanted them. They had + created that close corporation within the Union—that <i>imperium in + imperio</i> that oligarchically—governed league of States (within + the Republic of the United States) which they termed the "Solid South," + and which would vote as a unit, on all questions, as they directed; they + had dictated the nomination, by the Democratic Party, of a Presidential + candidate who would not dare to act counter to their wishes; and their pet + doctrine of Free-Trade was held up, to the whole Democratic front, under + the attractive disguise of a Tariff for revenue only. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [As Ex-Senator Toombs, of Georgia, wrote: "The old boys of the South + will see that 'Hancock' does the fair thing by them. In other words, he + will run the machine to suit them, or they will run the thing + themselves. They are not going to be played with any longer."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In other words, they had already secured a "Solid South," an "available" + candidate, and an "expedient" Free-Trade platform. All that remained for + them, at this stage, to do, was to elect the candidate, and enact their + Free-Trade doctrine into legislation. This was their current work, so to + speak—to be first attended to—but not all their work; for one + of the most brilliant and candid of their coadjutors had said, only a few + months before: "We do not intend to stop until we have stricken the last + vestige of your War measures from the Statute-book." + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, however, for their plans, an attempt made by them, under + the lead of Mr. Morrison of Illinois, in 1876, to meddle with the + Republican Protective-Tariff, had caused considerable public alarm, and + had been credited with having much to do with a succeeding monetary panic, + and industrial depression. Another and more determined effort, made by + them in 1878, under the lead of their old Copperhead ally, Fernando Wood, + to cut down the wise Protective duties imposed by the Tariff Act, about 15 + per cent.,—together with the cold-blooded Free-Trade declaration of + Mr. Wood, touching his ruinous Bill, that "Its reductions are trifling as + compared with what they should be. * * * If I had the power to commence de + novo, I should reduce the duties 50 per cent., instead of less than 15 per + cent., upon an average as now proposed,"—an effort which was + narrowly, and with great difficulty, defeated by the Republicans, aided by + a mere handful of others,—had also occasioned great excitement + throughout the Country, the suspension and failure of thousands of + business firms, the destruction of confidence in the stability and + profitableness of American industries, and great consequent suffering, and + enforced idleness, to the working men and working women of the Land. + </p> + <p> + The sad recollection of these facts—made more poignant by the airy + declaration of the Democratic Presidential candidate, that the great + National question of the Tariff is a mere "local issue,"—was largely + instrumental, in connection with the insolent aggressiveness of the + Southern leaders, in Congress, in occasioning their defeat in the + Presidential contest of 1880, the Republican candidate receiving 214 + electoral votes, while the Democratic candidate received but 155 electoral + votes. + </p> + <p> + In 1882, the House of Representatives was under Republican control, and, + despite determined Democratic resistance, created a Tariff-commission, + whose duty it was "to take into consideration, and to thoroughly + investigate, all the various questions relating to the agricultural, + commercial, mercantile, manufacturing, mining, and (other) industrial + interests of the United States, so far as the same may be necessary to the + establishment of a judicious Tariff, or a revision of the existing Tariff, + upon a scale of justice to all interests." + </p> + <p> + That same year, in the face of most protracted and persistent opposition + by the great bulk of Democratic members, both of the Senate and House of + Representatives, and an effort to substitute for it the utterly ruinous + Democratic Free-Trade Tariff of 1846, the Bill recommended by this + Republican Tariff-commission, was enacted; and, in 1883, a modified + Tariff-measure, comprehending a large annual reduction of import duties, + while also carefully preserving the great Republican American principle of + Protection, was placed by the Republicans on the Statute-book, despite the + renewed and bitter opposition of the Democrats, who, as usual, fought it + desperately in both branches of Congress. But Republican efforts failed in + 1884, in the interest of the wool-growers of the country, to restore the + Protective-duties on wool, which had been sacrificed, in 1883, to an + exigency created by Democratic opposition to them. + </p> + <p> + Another Democratic effort, in the direction of Free-Trade, known as "the + Morrison Tariff-Bill of 1884," was made in the latter year, which, besides + increasing the free-list, by adding to it salt, coal, timber, and wood + unmanufactured, as well as many manufactures thereof, decreased the import + duties "horizontally" on everything else to the extent of twenty per cent. + The Republicans, aided by a few Democrats, killed this undigested and + indigestible Democratic Bill, by striking out its enacting clause. + </p> + <p> + By this time, however, by dint of the incessant special-pleading in behalf + of the obnoxious and un-American doctrine of Free-Trade,—or the + nearest possible approach to it, consistent with the absolutely essential + collection of revenues for the mere support of the Government —indulged + in (by some of the professors) in our colleges of learning; through a + portion of the press; upon the stump; and in Congress; together with the + liberal use of British gold in the wide distribution of printed British + arguments in its favor,—this pernicious but favorite idea of the + Solid South had taken such firm root in the minds of the greater part of + the Democratic Party in the North and West, as well as the South, that a + declaration in the National Democratic platform in its favor was now + looked for, as a matter of course. The "little leaven" of this monstrous + un-American heresy seemed likely to leaven "the whole mass" of the + Democracy. + </p> + <p> + But, as in spite of the tremendous advantage given to that Party by the + united vote of the Solid South, the Presidential contest of 1884 was + likely to be so close that, to give Democracy any chance to win, the few + Democrats opposed to Free-Trade must be quieted, the utterances of the + Democratic National Platform of that year, on the subject, were so + wonderfully pieced, and ludicrously intermixed, that they could be + construed to mean "all things to all men." + </p> + <p> + At last, after an exciting campaign, the Presidential election of 1884 was + held, and for the first time since 1856, the old Free-Trade Democracy of + the South could rejoice over the triumph of their Presidential candidate. + </p> + <p> + Great was the joy of the Solid South! At last, its numberless crimes + against personal Freedom, and political Liberty, would reap a generous + harvest. At last, participation in Rebellion would no more be regarded as + a blot upon the political escutcheon. At last, commensurate rewards for + all the long years of disconsolate waiting, and of hard work in night + ridings, and house-burnings, and "nigger"-whippings, and + "nigger"-shootings, and "nigger"-hangings, and ballot-box stuffings, and + all the other dreadful doings to which these old leaders were impelled by + a sense of Solid-Southern patriotism, and pride of race, and lust for + power, would come, and come in profusion. + </p> + <p> + Grand places in the Cabinet, and foreign Missions, for the old Rebels of + distinction, now Chiefs of the "Solid-Southern" Conspiracy, and for those + other able Northern Democrats who had helped them, during or since the + Rebellion; fat consulates abroad, for others of less degree; post-offices, + without stint, for the lesser lights; all this, and more, must now come. + The long-hidden light of a glorious day was about to break. The + "restoration of the Government to the principles and practices of the + earlier period," predicted by the unreconstructed "Rebel chieftains" those + "same principles for which they fought for four years" the principles of + Southern Independence, Slavery, Free Trade and Oligarchic rule—were + now plainly in sight, and within reach! + </p> + <p> + The triumph of the Free-Trade Democracy, if continued to another + Presidential election, would make Free-Trade a certainty. The old forms of + Slavery, to be sure, were dead beyond reanimation—perhaps; but, in + their place, were other forms of Slavery, which attracted less attention + and reprobation from the World at large, and yet were quite as effectual + for all Southern purposes. The system of Peonage and contracted + convict-labor, growing out of the codes of Black laws, were all-sufficient + to keep the bulk of the Negro race in practical subjection and bondage. + The solidifying of the South had already made the South not only + practically independent within the Union, but the overshadowing power, + potential enough to make, and unmake, the rulers and policies of the + Democratic Party, and of that Union. + </p> + <p> + This, indeed, was a grand outcome for the tireless efforts of the once + defeated Conspirators! And as to Oligarchal rule—the rule of the few + (and those the Southern chiefs) over the many,—was not that already + accomplished? For these old Rebel leaders and oligarchs who had secured + the supreme rule over the Solid South, had also, through their ability to + wield the power of that Solid South within the Union, actually secured the + power of practically governing the entire Union! + </p> + <p> + That Union, then, which we have been wont to look upon as the grandest, + noblest, freest, greatest Republic upon Earth,—is it really such, in + all respects, at the present? Does the Free Republic of the United States + exist, in fact, to-day? + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a name="linkch33" id="linkch33"></a><br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII.<br /> <br /> WHAT NEXT? + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + And what next? Aye, what next? Do the patriotic, innocent-minded lovers of + a Republican form of Government imagine, for an instant, that all danger + to its continued existence and well-being has ceased to threaten?—that + all the crises perilous to that beneficent popular governmental form have + vanished?—that the climacteric came, and went, with the breaking + out, and suppression, of the Rebellion?—and that there is nothing + alarming in the outlook? Quite likely. The public mind has not yet been + aroused to a sense of the actual revolution against Republican form of + government that has already taken place in many of the Southern States, + much less as to the likelihood of things to come. The people of any one of + the Western, or Northern States,—take New York, for example,—feel + prosperous and happy under the beneficent workings of the Republican + Protective-Tariff system. Business, of all sorts, recovering from the + numerous attacks made upon that prime bulwark of our American industries, + if only let alone, will fairly hum, and look bright, so far as "the + Almighty dollar" is concerned. They know they have their primaries and + conventions, in their wards and counties throughout their State, and their + State Conventions, and their elections. They know that the voice of the + majority of their own people, uttered through the sacred ballot-box, is + practically the Vox Dei—and that all bow to it. They know also, that + this State government of theirs, with all its ramifications—whether + as to its Executive, its Legislative, its Judicial, and other officials, + either elective or appointed—is a Republican form of government, in + the American sense—in the sense contemplated by the Fathers, when + they incorporated into the revered Constitution of our Country the vital + words: "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a + Republican Form of government." But they do not realize the vastly + different condition of things in many States of the Solid South, nor how + it affects themselves. + </p> + <p> + And what is this "republican" form of government, thus pledged? It is true + that there are not wanting respectable authorities whose definitions of + the words "republic," and "republican," are strongly inharmonious with + their true meaning, as correctly understood by the great bulk of + Americans. Thus, Brande asserts that "A republic may be either a democracy + or an aristocracy!"—and proceeds to say: "In the former, the supreme + power is vested in the whole body of the people, or in representatives + elected by the people; in the latter, it is vested in a nobility, or a + privileged class of comparatively a small number of persons." John Adams + also wrote: "The customary meanings of the words republic and commonwealth + have been infinite. They have been applied to every Government under + heaven; that of Turkey and that of Spain, as well as that of Athens and of + Rome, of Geneva and San Marino." But the true meaning of the word + "republican" as applied to a "form of government," and as commonly and + almost invariably understood by those who, above all others in the wide + World, should best understand and appreciate its blessings—to wit: + the American People has none of the looseness and indefiniteness which + these authorities throw about it. + </p> + <p> + The prevailing and correct American idea is that "Republican" means: of, + or pertaining to, a Republic; that "Republic" means a thing, affair, or + matter, closely related to, and touching the "public;" and that the + "public" are the "people"—not a small proportion of them, but "the + people at large," the whole community, the Nation, the commonalty, the + generality. Hence, "a Republican form of government" is, in their opinion, + plainly that form which is most closely identified with, and + representative of, the generality or majority of the people; or, in the + language of Dr. J. E. Worcester, it is "That form of government or of a + State, in which the supreme power is vested in the people, or in + representatives elected by the people." + </p> + <p> + It is obvious that there can be no such thing as "a republic," which is, + at the same time, "an aristocracy;" for the moment that which was "a + republic" becomes "an aristocracy," that moment it ceases to be "a + republic." So also can there be no such thing as "a republic" which is "an + oligarchy," for, as "a republic" is a government of the many, or, as + President Lincoln well termed it, "a government of the people, by the + people, for the people"—so it must cease to be "a republic," when + the supreme power is in the hands of the oligarchic few. + </p> + <p> + There can be but two kinds of republics proper—one a democratic + republic, which is impossible for a great and populous Nation like ours, + but which may have answered for some of the small republics of ancient + Greece; the other, a representative republic, such as is boasted by the + United States. And this is the kind palpably meant by the Fathers, when, + for the very purpose of nipping in the bud any anti-republican Conspiracy + likely to germinate from Slavery, they inserted in the Great Charter of + American Liberties the solemn and irrevocable mandate: "The United States + shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of + Government." That they meant this majority rule—this government by + the many, instead of the few—this rule of the People, as against any + possible minority rule, by, or through, oligarchs or aristocrats, is + susceptible of proof in other ways. + </p> + <p> + It is a safe guide, in attempting to correctly expound the Constitution of + the United States, to be careful that the construction insisted on, is + compatible and harmonious with the spirit of that great instrument; so + that—as was said by an eloquent and distinguished Massachusetts + statesman of twenty years ago, in discussing this very point—"the + guarantee of a Republican form of government must have a meaning congenial + with the purposes of the Constitution." Those purposes, of course, are + expressed in its preamble, or in the body of the instrument, or in both. + The preamble itself, in this case, is sufficient to show them. It + commences with the significant words: "We THE PEOPLE of the United States"—words, + instinct with the very consciousness of the possession of that supreme + power by the People or public, which made this not only a Nation, but a + Republic; and, after stating the purposes or objects sought by the People + in thus instituting this Republic, proceeds to use that supreme political + power vested in them, by ordaining and establishing "this CONSTITUTION for + the United States of America." And, from the very first article, down to + the last, of that "Constitution," or "structure," or "frame," or "form" of + government, already self-evidently and self-consciously and avowedly + Republican, that form is fashioned into a distinctively representative + Republican government. + </p> + <p> + The purposes themselves, as declared in the preamble, for which the People + of the United States thus spake this representative Republic into being, + are also full of light. Those purposes were "to form a more perfect Union, + establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquillity, provide for the common + defense, promote the General Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty + to ourselves and our Posterity." + </p> + <p> + How is it possible, for instance, that "the Blessings of Liberty" are to + be secured to "ourselves and our Posterity," if citizens of the United + States, despite the XVth Amendment of that Constitution, find—through + the machinations of political organizations—their right to vote, + both abridged and denied, in many of the States, "on account of race, + color, or previous condition of servitude?" How, if, in such States, "the + right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, and effects, + against unreasonable searches and seizures," is habitually violated, + despite the IVth Amendment of that Constitution? How, if, in such States, + persons are notoriously and frequently "deprived of life, liberty, or + property, without due process of law," in violation of the Vth Amendment + of that Constitution? Yet such is the state of affairs generally prevalent + in many States of the Solid South. + </p> + <p> + These provisions in the Constitution were, with others, placed there for + the very purpose of securing "the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and + our Posterity," of promoting the "General Welfare," of establishing + "Justice," of insuring "domestic Tranquillity" and making "a more perfect + Union"—and the violation of those provisions, or any one of them, in + any part of our Land, by any part of our People, in any one of the States, + is not only subversive of the Constitution, and revolutionary, but + constitutes a demand, in itself, upon the National Government, to obey + that imperative mandate of the Constitution (Sec. 4, article IV.) + comprehended in the words: "The United States SHALL guarantee to every + State in this Union a Republican Form of Government." + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + [The meaning of these words is correctly given in an opinion of Justice + Bronson of New York (4 Hill's Reports, 146) in these words: + </p> + <p> + "The meaning of the section then seems to be, that no member of the + State shall be disfranchised or deprived of any of his rights or + privileges unless the matter shall be adjudged against him upon trial + had according to the course of common law. The words 'due process of + law' cannot mean less than a prosecution or suit instituted and + conducted according to the prescribed forms and solemnities for + ascertaining guilt or determining the title to property."] + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + It is well that the truth should be spoken out, and known of all men. The + blame for this condition of things belongs partly to the Republican Party. + The question is sometimes asked: "If these outrages against citizenship, + against the purity of the ballot, against humanity, against both the + letter and spirit of the Constitution of our Republic, are perpetrated, + why is it that the Republican Party—so long in power during their + alleged perpetration—did not put a stop to them?" The answer is: + that while there are remedial measures, and measures of prevention, fully + warranted by the Constitution—while there are Constitutional ways + and means for the suppression of such outrages—yet, out of exceeding + tenderness of heart, which prompted the hope and belief that the folly of + continuing them must ere long come home to the Southern mind and + conscience, the Republican Party has been loath to put them in force. The—best + remedy of all, and the best manner of administering it, lies with the + people themselves, of those States where these outrages are perpetrated. + Let them stop it. The People of the United States may be long-suffering, + and slow to wrath; but they will not permit such things to continue + forever. + </p> + <p> + When the Rebellion was quelled, the evil spirit which brought it about + should have been utterly crushed out, and none of the questions involved + in it should have been permitted to be raised again. But the Republican + Party acted from its heart, instead of its head. It was merciful, + forgiving, and magnanimous. In the magnificent sweep of its generosity to + the erring son, it perhaps failed to insure the exact justice to the other + sons which was their right. For, as has already been shown in these pages, + Free-Trade, imbedded in the Rebel Constitution, as well as Slavery, + entered into and became a part, and an essential part, of the Rebellion + against the Union—to triumph with Slavery, if the Rebellion + succeeded—to fall with Slavery, if the Rebellion failed. And, while + Slavery and Free-Trade, were two leading ideas inspiring the Southern + Conspirators and leaders in their Rebellion; Freedom to Man, and + Protection to Labor, were the nobler ideas inspiring those who fought for + the Union. + </p> + <p> + The Morrill-Tariff of 1860, with modifications to it subsequently made by + its Republican friends, secured to the Nation, through the triumph of the + Union arms, great and manifold blessings and abundant prosperity flowing + from the American Protective policy; while the Emancipation proclamations, + together with the Constitutional amendments, and Congressional + legislation, through the same triumph, and the acceptance of the + legitimate results of the War, gave Freedom to all within the Nation's + bound aries. This, at least, was the logical outcome of the failure of the + Rebellion. Such was the general understanding, on all sides, at the + conclusion of the War. Yet the Republican Party, in failing to stigmatize + the heresy of Free Trade—which had so large an agency in bringing + about the equally heretical doctrines of State Sovereignty and the right + of Secession, and Rebellion itself,—as an issue or question settled + by the War, as a part and parcel of the Rebellion, was guilty of a grave + fault of omission, some of the ill-effects of which have already been + felt, while others are yet to come. For, quickly after the War of the + Rebellion closed,—as has been already mentioned—the defeated + Rebel leaders, casting in their lot with their Democratic friends and + allies, openly and without special rebuke, prevailed upon the National + Democracy to adopt the Rebel Free-Trade Shibboleth of "a Tariff for + revenue;" and that same Democracy, obtaining power and place, through + violence and fraud and falsehood at the so-called "elections" in the Solid + Southern States, now threatens the Country once more with iniquitous + Free-Trade legislation, and all its attendant train of commercial + disasters and general industrial ruin. + </p> + <p> + Were Abraham Lincoln able bodily to revisit the United States to-day, how + his keen gray eyes would open in amazement, to find that many legitimate + fruits of our Union victories had been filched from us; that —save + the honorable few, who, accepting the legitimate results of the War, were + still honestly striving for the success of principles harmonizing with + such results, and inuring to the general welfare—they who strove + with all their might to wreck the Government,—were now,—through + the fraudulent and forcible restriction of voters in their right to vote—at + the helm of State; that these, who sought to ruin the Nation, had thus + wrongfully usurped its rule; that Free-Trade—after "running-a-muck" + of panic and disaster, from the birth of the Republic, to the outbreak of + the Rebellion, with whose failure it should naturally have expired—was + now reanimated, and stood, defiantly threatening all the great industries + of our Land; that all his own painstaking efforts, and those of the band + of devoted Patriots who stood by him to free the Southern Slaves, had + mainly resulted in hiding from sight the repulsive chains of enforced + servitude, under the outward garb of Freedom; that the old Black codes had + simply been replaced by enactments adapted to the new conditions; that the + old system of African Slavery had merely been succeeded by the heartless + and galling system of African Peonage; that the sacrifices made by him—including + that of his martyrdom—had, to a certain extent, been made in vain; + that all the sacrifices, the sorrows, the sufferings, of this Nation, made + in blood, in tears, and in vast expenditures of time and treasure, had, in + some degree, and in a certain sense, been useless; that the Union, to be + sure, was saved—but saved to be measurably perverted from its grand + purpose; that the power which animated Rebellion and which was supposed to + have expired in the "last ditch" with the "Lost Cause" had, by political + legerdemain and jugglery and violence, been regained; that the time had + actually come for Patriots to take back seats, while unrepentant Rebels + came to the front; that the Republic still lived, but only by sufferance, + with the hands of Southern oligarchs about its palpitating throat—a + Republic, not such as he expected, where all men are equal before the law, + and protected in their rights, but where the rights of a certain class are + persistently trampled under foot; that the people of the Northern, Middle, + and Western States, observing nothing beyond their own vicinage, so to + speak, and finding that each of their own States is still Republican in + its form of government, persistently, and perversely, shut their eyes to + the election terrorism practiced in the Solid South by, which the 16 + solid, Southern States were, and are, solidified by these conspiring + oligarchs into one compact, and powerful, political mass, ever ready to be + hurled, in and out of Congress, against the best interests of the Nation—16 + States, not all "Republican" in form, but many of them Despotisms, in + substance,—16 States, misnamed "Democratic," many of them ruled not + by a majority, but by an Oligarch-ridden minority—16 States, + leagued, banded, bound solidly together, as one great controlling + Oligarchy, to hold, in its merciless and selfish hands, the balance of + power within this Republican Union; and that these confederated Southern + States are now actually able to dictate to all the other States of the + Union, the particular man, or men, to whose rule the Nation must submit, + and the particular policy, or policies, which the Nation must adopt and + follow: + </p> + <p> + "What next?"—you ask—"What next?" Alas, it is not difficult to + predict! Power, lawlessly gained, is always mercilessly used. Power, + usurped, is never tamely surrendered. The old French proverb, that + "revolutions never go backward," is as true to-day, as when it was + written. Already we see the signs of great preparations throughout the + Solid South. Already we hear the shout of partisan hosts marshalled behind + the leaders of the disarmed Rebellion, in order that the same old + political organization which brought distress upon this Land shall again + control the Government. Already the spirit of the former aggressiveness is + defiantly bestirring itself. The old chieftains intend to take no more + chances. They feel that their Great Conspiracy is now assured of success, + inside the Union. They hesitate not to declare that the power once held by + them, and temporarily lost, is regained. Like the Old Man of the Sea, they + are now on top, and they: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + MEAN TO KEEP THERE—IF THEY CAN. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Great Conspiracy, Complete +by John Alexander Logan + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT CONSPIRACY, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 7140-h.htm or 7140-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/7/1/4/7140/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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