March 17, 1861, The Road to Sumter +22: “THE MASK HAS BEEN THROWN OFF!” ~The Boston Transcript, March 18, 1861, Northern newspapers publish fears over the major financial losses resulting from the “commercial independence” of a “low tariff” section of gulf coast C.S. states. ————————————————————- Federal troops have been illegally occupying Forts Pickens and Sumter for 36 Days, its 25 days before Lincoln’s invasion fleet begin it’s attempted invasion of South Carolina, and Lincoln has secretly ordered an illegal invasion at Pensacola Florida without knowledge of his cabinet, congress, or the public. The U.S. Naval Commanders at Pensacola however, have refused to execute invasion orders to break the armistice and commit an unconstitutional “Act of War”. ————————————————————— -Seven states, and now one territory, have seceded from what is left of Lincoln’s Union, and have a fully formed a confederated government. -Lincoln is under immense pressure from the new Republican Party to fulfill his promise to collect the 48% Morrill Tariffs “by force”, from states that are no longer in his union. -Tariffs from these 7 confederate states formally contributed 80+% of the U.S. National budget. -Peace Commissioners from the Confederate Government have been in Washington DC for weeks, but have been ignored by Lincoln. -Lincoln has tasked his Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Wells, to formulate a plan to break the standing armistice to evacuate harbor forts in in confederate states, and then reenforce and resupply these forts in states no longer “loyal to the Union”. (Act of War) -Lincoln’s Commander and Chief of the Army, Winfield Scott and the majority of Lincoln’s cabinet, opposed the plan, and advocated for honoring the armistice and entering into peaceful negotiations. ————————————————————— From The Boston Transcript, March 18, 1861: “It does not require extraordinary sagacity to perceive that trade is perhaps the controlling motive operating to prevent the return of the seceding states to the Union which they have abandoned. Alleged grievances in regard to slavery were originally the causes for separation of the cotton states; but the mask has been thrown off and it is apparent that the people of the principal seceding states are now for commercial independence. They dream that the centres of traffic can be changed from Northern to Southern ports. The merchants of New Orleans, Charleston and Savannah are possessed with the idea that New York, Boston, and Philadelphia may be shorn, in the future, of their mercantile greatness, by a revenue system verging on free trade. If the Southern Confederation is allowed to carry out a policy by which only a nominal duty is laid upon imports, no doubt the business of the chief Northern cities will be seriously injured thereby. The difference is so great between the tariff of the Union and that of the Confederate States that the entire Northwest must find it to their advantage to purchase their imported goods at New Orleans rather than New York. In addition to this, the manufacturing interests of the country will suffer from the increased importation resulting from low duties. . . . The [government] would be false to its obligations if this state of things were not provided against.” ————————————————————— Note: Even before the Confederate Constitution was revealed banning the slave trade, there were Northern Newspapers anticipating the financial problems the Morrill Tariff would cause if the Confederacy adopted a low tariff. The following is from the New-Haven Daily Register, Febreuary 11, 1861: “There never was a more ill-timed, injudicious and destructive measure proposed, (so far as northern interests are concerned) than the Morrill tariff bill, now pending before Congress. It proposes to greatly increase the duties on all imported goods, and in many articles to carry up the increase to the prohibitory point . . . so that while Congress is raising the duties for the Northern ports, the Southern Convention is doing away with all import duties for the Southern ports. . . . More than three fourths of the seafront of the Atlantic States—extending from the Chesapeake inclusive, to the furtherest boundary of Texas, would be beyond the reach of our Congress tariff. Their ports would invite the free trade of the world! And what would the high tariff be worth to us then, with only a one-fourth fragment of our former seacoast left?” Note: Furthering sectional tensions well prior to Lincoln’s sectional selection as president; 27 September 1860, Republican Leader Thaddeus Stevens, sponsor of the Morrill Tariff, told a New York City audience that “the Tariff would impoverish the southern and western states, but that was essential for advancing national greatness and the prosperity of industrial workers.” Northern Republicans and Whigs cheered, Southern leaders were indignant and called for nullification and/or Secession. It was the twelfth of the seventeen planks in the platform of the incoming Republican Party. (Unconstitutional federal redistribution of wealth) Sources: The Truth of the War Conspiracy of 1861, Originally published: 1921 Author: H. W. (Huger William) Johnstone Current, Lincoln and the First Shot, p. 62; ORN, p. 247. Morrill Act: Primary Documents in American History https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/morrill.html Boston Evening Transcript (Boston, Mass.) 1854-1866 https://www.loc.gov/item/sn83045536/ ————————————————————- Events leading up to March 17, 1861: -80+ years of sectional tensions between northeastern and southeastern states over tariffs, states rights/popular sovereignty, federal power over new territories and most recently, the practice of chattel slavery. -1857 - Massive Financial Collapse And panic hits Northeastern banks triggered by the sinking sinking of the S.S. Central America carrying 30,000 pounds of gold destined for northern banks. -A new “Republican” political party is formed with a platform of federal control of new territories, diminishing popular sovereignty, and enforcing new tariffs “by force”, which are all usurpations of the U.S. Constitution. -The increasing federal debt has lead to a proposed drastic increase in Tariffs that disproportionately effect agricultural southern states as the 48% Morrill Tariffs. -Radical Republican Leader Thaddeus Stevens, sponsor of the Morrill Tariff, stated: “the Tariff would impoverish the southern and western states, but that was essential for advancing national greatness and the prosperity of [northern] industrial workers.” -Southeastern states have minority representation in the U.S. Congress due to the 3/5ths rule, which does not allow negro persons to be fully counted for representation. -Southeastern “Cotton states” protest tariffs, and the fact that these agricultural state are already paying ~75% to 85% of the federal budget with little to none returned in support for infrastructure. -1859 - John Brown and 18 accomplices began their illegal invasion of Virginia, and murder spree at Harper’s Ferry Virginia, financed by northeastern “abolitionists”. -November 1860, Abraham Lincoln is selected as U.S. President with a minority of the popular vote and was not even on the ballot in 10 states, with a pledge to institute the new party’s platform, by force if necessary. -The seven “cotton states” that are most impacted by the new 48% Morrill Tariffs begin secession proceedings citing historical causes, tariffs and the federal government’s usurpation of the “voluntary compact” called the U.S. Constitution. -U.S. President Buchanan begins deliberations over payment for federal properties with South Carolina representatives and is informed that garrisoning troops at Fort Sumter would be considered and act of war. -December 8th, The South Carolina Delegation delivers a written agreement or “armistice” to U.S. President Buchanan, promising not to attack the remaining forts garrisoning U.S. troops in the sovereign state of South Carolina, with the understanding that the U.S. will not attempt to reinforce them. -U.S. President Buchanan extended the December 10th “armistice” to all states considering secession. -December 12th, U.S. President Buchanan’s armistice agreement that “there would be no reinforcement coastal fortifications” was now extended to all states considering secession until March 4, 1861. -December 13th, The “Southern Manifesto” was published In Montgomery Alabama. Twenty-three House members and seven Senators from southern states make a public announcement, "a manifesto which urged secession and the organization of a Southern Confederacy." -December 16th, South Carolina legislature elects Francis Wilkinson Pickens Governor. In his inaugural address he cited the sectional election, northern states violations of the Constitution and that South Carolina will open her ports to the world and advocate free trade, (Without the U.S. 48% Morrill Tariffs) and that South Carolina “acceded to the Constitution alone, and will secede alone of necessity.” -December 17th, “Convention of the People of South Carolina”, South Carolina’s Secession Convention opens, the Convention passed a unanimous resolution to secede from its voluntary compact with the union. -December 20th, Delegates to the South Carolina Convention unanimously vote to secede by adopting 169 - 0 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.' -December 21st, Incoming U.S. President Lincoln sends a “confidential” letter to Democrat Francis P. Blair, Sr., Representative Elihu B. Washburn, and General Winfield Scott, regarding his plan to break US President Buchanan’s armistice and instigate war on American state’s immediately after inauguration. -December 23rd, South Carolina’s Rep. William Porcher Miles confirms the December 10th armistice with U.S. President Buchanan and that Fort Sumter is abandoned property In Charleston Harbor, now sits unoccupied. -December 26th, U.S. Major Robert Anderson violates U.S. President Buchanan’s December 10th armistice with South Carolina’s Representatives, and Governor, by illegally seizing Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, (Act of War) -December 28th, In response to U.S. Major Andersons illegal seizure and occupation of Fort Sumter, Cadet Riflemen and the Palmetto Guard, with a detachment of City Police, were detailed to take charge of the Arsenal in the city of Charleston, and a line of patrols was established around the walls. -December 30th, Colonial John Cunningham of the South Carolina militia was officially ordered by Governor Francis Pickens to seize control of the Charleston Arsenal. -January 1st 1861, Political Resignations Begin, Labors expose US. Maj. Anderson’s subversion, U.S. Blockade of Charleston Harbor expected (Act of War). -January 2nd, Gulf state Governors and local officials order State Guard Troops, Local Militias and Police to secure or seize coastal forts, armories, and powder magazines. -January 4th, Governor A.B. Moore ordered Alabama Militia to seize three installations in the state, the arsenal at Mount Vernon, Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines, in preparation for secession. -U.S. President Buchanan responded to Major Anderson’s breach of the “compact” or Armistice of December 10th, by justifying it as a “military necessity” to occupy Fort Sumter, and blaming possible “Mob” violence. -Rumors that the steamer “Harriet Lane”had been hired and dispatched, with supplies and 150 reinforcements for U.S. Major Anderson at Fort Sumter. (Act of War) -January 5th, A caucus of U.S. Senators from seven Southern states meet in Washington, D.C.. The Senators from South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas discuss an orderly secession, independence and a “confederation of states.” -January 7th, U.S. Congressional Committee “on the part of the boarder states” proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure chattel slavery, and the interstate slave trade, is made “permanent and irrevocable” in all states “loyal to the union”… -January 8th, The Steamer “Star of the West” has been hired by President Buchanan to invade Charleston Harbor with 150-200 reinforcements and supplies for Fort Sumter, in violation of the December 10th Armistice. (Act of War) -January 9th, The Steamer “Star of the West” arrives at Charleston with supplies and reinforcements for Fort Sumter and attempts to invade the Harbor but, is unable to navigate the channel. (Act of War)… South Carolina forces fire warning shots, block the channel, and the ship is ordered to retreat. --Mississippi votes to join South Carolina in secession and independence from the Union. -January 10th, Florida joins South Carolina and Mississippi and secedes from the federal Union, U.S. forces break the armistice with Florida’s Governor and occupy the formerly abandoned Fort Pickens. (Act of War) -January 11th, Alabama votes for secession and independence from the federal union, discussions of a “Southern Confederacy” begin. *The first Black “Freedmen” Volunteers begin to be accepted into service to the South Carolina state militia’s. -January 12th, Fort Sumter Deliberations begin between U. S. President Buchanan and South Carolina, and S.C. Governor Pickens sends a letter to U.S. Major Anderson at Fort Sumter. (Attempted at a peaceful resolution) -January 13th, The South Carolina General Assembly looks upon any attempt to reinforce the troops now in possession of Fort Sumter, as an act of open and undisguised hostility on the part of the Government of the United States. -January 15th, Louisiana Governor orders Coastal Forts to be seized, the “Star of the West” returns to New York with reinforcements and supplies after being turned away from Charleston Harbor South Carolina. -January 16th, The “Crittenden Compromise” Bill dies in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. government continues to offer amendments to make chattel slavery “permanent and irrevocable” in all states “loyal to the union”. -January 17th, The War Ship U.S.S. Brooklyn attempts to invade Charleston Harbor and is turned back (Act of War), more U.S. Officers resign to join their respective states militias, some Virginia counties urge secession. -January 18th, South Carolina Governor Pickens is authorized to raise an army, and declared South Carolina ports are closed to northern shipping. —-A U.S. federal fleet, led by the U.S.S. Macedonian with 500+ men and 36 guns, is sent under sealed (Secret) orders to break the armistice and reinforce Fort Pickens in the now Independent Republic of Florida. (Act of War) -January 19th, The State of Georgia becomes the 5th state to vote to secede from the Union, and Former U.S. President Taylor leads a piece delegation while U.S. President Buchanan secretly develops plans to invade former states and reinforce Forts Pickens and Sumter. -January 21st, The Honorable Jefferson Davis of Mississippi, hero of the Mexican War, former U.S. Secretary of War, resigns from the U.S. Senate. -January 24th, U.S. Major Anderson receives word that February 9th has been established as the date by which his command would be “evacuated with honor” as per the armistice, his men travel freely, and that his command is being supplied with fresh produce and meat by Charleston merchants. -January 26th, Louisiana joins South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama and Georgia in voting for secession. -January 29th, The territory of Kansas is admitted to federal union as the 34th state. The Charleston Mercury Hails Kansas for ensuring “Popular Sovereignty” as its citizens determine its domestic institutions and not the federal government. -February 1st, The people of Texas vote to become the 7th state to secede from its voluntary compact with the federal union. -February 4th, A Peace Commission convened in Washington D.C., while Convention Delegates from seven independent states is assembled in Montgomery Alabama to draft a provisional constitution and government for a new confederacy of states. February 6th, U.S. President Buchanan concedes to political pressure from his cabinet and informs Peace Commissioners that he has no intention of honoring his December 10th pledge to withdraw federal forces from Fort’s Sumter and Pickens by February 9th. (Act of War) -February 7th, U.S. President James Buchanan publicly asserts that “It is beyond the power of any president” to interfere with secession, and negotiations begin on the disposition of “public property” with seceded states. -February 8th, A provisional confederated government and draft constitution is formally established in Montgomery Alabama by 6 independent states. (Texas Delegates in transit) -US President Buchanan’s original armistice agreement to evacuate federal troops from all forts by February 9th, expires, he has informed former President Tyler’s Peace Commission that he now has no intention of evacuating the remaining occupation troops from the 7 newly confederated states. (Act of War) -February 11th, Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as provisional President of the 7 Confederate States of America. -February 13th, The U.S. Congress met in a Joint Session to count the Electoral College votes to certify the results of 1860 presidential election, the most highly contested in American history. -February 16th, The Republic of Texas begins seizing forts and armories within its boarders after secession, and subsequently joining the C.S.A. -February 18th, U.S. President Buchanan ordered a Naval Squadron sent to Florida with reinforcements for Fort Pickens however, is only allowed to resupply, not permitted to land troops in accordance with Buchanan’s armistice with Florida’s Governor Perry. -February 22nd, The new Government of the Confederate States of America (CSA) has now assumed delegated authority for the coastal defenses of seven member states, with consent of the Governors. -February 23, The Baltimore Plot”; Rumors circulate of a plan to assassinate Abraham Lincoln, the most Unpopular President in American history, as he travels through Baltimore Maryland, on his way to Washington D.C., for his inauguration. -February 27th, C.S. President Davis has requested commissioners to be sent to Europe to establish diplomatic relations, and names three C.S. commissioners to be sent to Washington DC to negotiate peaceful relations with the U.S. Government. -February 28th, C.S. President Jefferson Davis becomes the first American President to use a line item veto, to specifically outlaw his nation’s participation in the international slave trade in any form, as drafted into the C.S. Constitution. -March 2nd, With two days left in his lame duck administration, U.S. President James Buchanan is pressured to sign two landmark pieces of legislation, the “Morrill Tariffs” and the “Corwin Amendment.” Both planks in the new radical Republican platform. -March 3rd, Abraham Lincoln sends secret orders Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, to break the armistice and send a naval expedition from New York City, to “reinforce” U.S. Commander Slemmer at Fort Pickens Florida with four companies of U.S. troops. (Act of War) -March 4th, Abraham Lincoln is Inaugurated as U.S. President, and he immediately orders General Winfield Scott to initiate war at Fort Pickens at Pensacola. (Act of War) -March 11, The C.S. Constitution was unanimously ratified by seven, It outlawed participation in the international slave trade, recognized the right of any state or territories to decide the question of slavery within their own borders, and contained strict limitations on tariffs creating a low tariff zone on the North American Content. As a result, the Northeastern financial markets went into a panic! -March 13, The U.S. Congress, Secretary of State William Seward, Confederate Peace Commissioners, American News reporters and President Lincoln’s own Cabinet are assured that troops illegally occupying Forts Pickens and Sumter are to be evacuated, and that war with the Confederate States will be avoided… -March 15th, U.S. President Lincoln sends a letter to urge governors of U.S. states to quickly ratify the Corwin Amendment to make the institution of slavery “permanent and irrevocable” in all states a territories “loyal to the union”, without interference from the federal government. -March 16, Arizona Territory Secedes from Lincoln’s Union.
