January 24, 1861 (Thursday)

Types of Resistance

The Unionists in Georgia:

" 'Revolutions of public sentiment are sometimes exceedlingly rapid in the Towns and along railroad lines where the people are in the habit of reading the daily papers, or thinking quick where one leading spirit gives tone and direction to the whole place.  But the great mass of people who live in the country...come to conclusions more slowly and dispassionately.  They think, every man for himself, and do not act to any considerable extent upon the prejudices of each other,' wrote the Rome Weekly Courier.

Alexander Stephens from Georgia rose to defend the Union:  'This step, once taken can never be recalled; and all the baleful and withering consequences that must follow will rest on the Convention for all coming time.  When we and our posterity shall see our lovely South desolated by the demon of war which this act of yours will inevitable invite and call forth; when our green fields of waving harvests shall be trodden down by the murderous soldiery and fiery car of war sweeping over our land; our temples of justice laid in ashes; all the horrors and desolation of war upon us -- who but this Convention will be held responsible for it?' " (Showdown in Georgia, by Jamie Malanowski, Disunion--New York Times narrative, January 23, 2011.) 

A Conspiracy to stop the Inauguration of

Abraham Lincoln:

"I have yet another conspiracy to mention, which, though by no means a new rumor, I have not, until today, had any good reason to believe was well-founded or reliable.  I am, however, certain that negotiations are pending with Secessionists in the States of Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky, to seize the Capitol, and prevent the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln, by force.  This part of the rebellion has been entrusted to those three States.  The matter is kept exceedingly secret, and, were I not myself a member of a Vigilance Committee, I should have been in the dark upon the subject....:"   (Interesting from Charleston, New YorkTimes article, January 24, 1861)

(Letter to Lincoln from Leonard Sweet on January 24, 1861:)  "Gen'l Scott sent word to me the evening before I left through T. Corwin and Col. Stone that he wanted you to send a messenger to W before you went informing him all about your route, time of departure etc etc.  He don't want this by letter for fear the mail will be robbed.  He wants quietly to station such force about Baltimore, and I suppose as well protect you, in any event..."


"Again, Lincoln waits in vain at station for arrival of Mrs. Lincoln and Robert." (Villard, Eve of '61, 54-55:  Lincoln Log, January 24, 1861)

Paying for our Revolutions

"Revolutions are always more or less expensive, and the first thing to do done whenever one is to be started is to prepare to meet the cost.  A bill has accordingly been introduced into the South Carolina Legislature to raise money for the expenses for the current year:"  [Click on the link below to see all the areas taxes are going to be raised on the people.]  (South Carolina preparing to Foot the Bill, New York Times article, January 24, 1861)