January 2, 1861 (Wednesday)

Some spine....

"Thank God, there are indications that we again have a Government of the United States!  The President has at last repelled the fatal seductions of Disunion, and aroused to a sense of his duties and responsibilities as the Executive, -- sworn to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the American Union; -- that he has decided that Major Anderson shall be reinforced to any extent which his emergencies may require; -- and that two vessels of war, lying at Norfolk, have been ordered to be made ready for immediate departure to the port of Charleston.

This will arouse throughout the land the most heartfelt applause.  It will revive the confidence and trust of the nation....  The Union must and shall be preserved.  Mr. Buchanan cannot take too high or too resolute a tone upon this subject.  Let him perform that duty, in the high spirit of an American patriot, -- and he will win the permanent gratitude and applause of the great body of people of the United States. 

We want to know that there is still a Government that can govern, -- not the mere shell and skeleton of authority, -- but a vital, vigorous power that can execute the laws, uphold the honor of the American flag, protect the property of the Government, and make itself respected, whatever fortune may betide.  Whether the Union is to be shattered or preserved, -- whether States secede or not -- whether war or peace follow in the footsteps of a vigorous policy, are matters of secondary consequence.  The main, -- the indispensable point is that we shall not be disgraced, -- that anarchy shall not begin at head-quarters, that the high guardians of the Constitution shall not themselves set fire to the fabric....  

When the anchor has been thrown out, and the great Ship of State is felt to be firm and immovable in the teeth of the howling tempest...the cargo can be looked after at leisure.  Let the Government thus anchor itself."  (The Resurrection of the Government:  The First Step Towards Peace, New York Times Editorial, January 2, 1861)

"Civil War, the commissioners said, was now 'probably rendered...inevitable.'  Throwing down the gauntlet, they continued, 'If you choose to force this issue upon us, then State of South Carolina will accept it....'"  (Buchanan Snubs the Snubbers and Finally Orders Reinforcements, Civil War Daily Gazette, January 2, 2010)

"It Means War! Cut off supplies from Anderson and take Sumter soon as possible.      --Louis Wigfall, Louisiana Senator"  (Observations from the Civil War, January 2, 1861)