December 20, 1860 (Thursday)

December 20, 1860:  South Carolina Secedes

"The Convention was called to order.  The scene was one profoundly grand and impressive.  There were a people assembled through their highest representatives--men most of them upon whose heads the snows of sixty winters had been shed--patriarchs in age--the dignitaries of the land--the High Priests of the Church of Christ--reverend statesmen--and the wise judges of the law.  In the midst of deep silence, an old man, with bowed form, and hair as white as snow, the Rev. Dr. Bachman, advanced forward, with upraised hands, in prayer to Almighty God, for His blessing and favor in this great act of his people, about to be consummated.  The whole assembly at once rose to its feet, and with hats off, listened to the touching and eloquent appeal to the All Wise Dispenser of events.  At the close of the prayer the President advanced with the consecrated parchment upon which was inscribed the decision of the State, with the Great Seal attached.  Slowly and solemnly it was read unto the last word--  "dissolved"  --when men could contain themselves no longer, and a shout that shook the very building, reverberating, long-continued, rose to Heaven, and ceased only with the loss of breath.  In proud, grave silence, the Convention itself waited the end with beating hearts.

The President then requested the Delegates (by previous decision) to step forward as they were called in the alphabetical order of the Districts which they represented, and sign the Ordinance.  Two hours were occupied in this solemn ceremony--the crowd waiting patiently the end.  As the delegation from St. Phillip's and St. Michael's came forward, again, the hall was filled with applause.  And as the Hon. R. B. Rhett advanced to the parchment, the shouts became deafening, long-continued, until he had seated himself, signed and retired.  It was a proud and worthy tribute, gracefully paid, and appreciated. 

At the close of the signatures the President, advancing to the front of the platform, announced that the Seal of the State had been set, the signatures of the Convention put to the Ordinance, and he thereby proclaimed the State of South Carolina a separate, independent nationally.

To describe the enthusiasm with which this announcement was greeted, is beyond the power of the pen.  The high, burning, bursting heart alone can realize it.  A mighty voice of great thoughts and great emotions spoke from the mighty throat of one people as a unit.

The State of South Carolina has recorded herself before the universe.  In reverence before God, fearless of man, un-awed by power, un-terrified by clamor, she has cut the Gordian knot of colonial dependence upon the North--cast her fortune upon her right, and her own right arm, and stands ready to uphold alike her independence and her dignity before the world. . . she is ready for war. . . she is willing to shed blood. . . she will pursue her direct path, and establish for herself and for her posterity, her rights, her liberties and her institutions." (The Charleston Mercury, December 21, 1860)