The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government, Volume 1

CHAPTER V.

The Territorial Question.--An Incident at the White House.--The Kansas and Nebraska Bill.--The Missouri Compromise abrogated in 1850, not in 1854.--Origin of "Squatter Sovereignty."--Sectional Rivalry and its Consequences.--The Emigrant Aid Societies.--"The Bible and Sharpe's Rifles."--False Pretensions as to Principle.--The Strife in Kansas.--A Retrospect.--The Original Equilibrium of Power and its Overthrow.-- Usurpations of the Federal Government.--The Protective Tariff.-- Origin and Progress of Abolitionism.--Who were the Friends of the Union?--An Illustration of Political Morality.

CHAPTER VI.

Agitation continued.--Political Parties: their Origin, Changes, and Modifications.--Some Account of the "Popular Sovereignty," or "Non-Intervention," Theory.--Rupture of the Democratic Party.--The John Brown Raid.--Resolutions introduced by the Author into the Senate on the Relations of the States, the Federal Government, and the Territories; their Discussion and Adoption.

CHAPTER VII.. A Retrospect.--Growth of Sectional Rivalry.--the Generosity of

A Retrospect.--Growth of Sectional Rivalry.--The Generosity of Virginia.--Unequal Accessions of Territory.--The Tariff and its Effects.--The Republican Convention of 1860, its Resolutions and its Nominations.--The Democratic Convention at Charleston, its Divisions and Disruption.--The Nominations at Baltimore.--The "Constitutional-Union" Party and its Nominees.--An Effort in Behalf of Agreement declined by Mr. Douglas.--The Election of Lincoln and Hamlin.--Proceedings in the South.--Evidences of Calmness and Deliberation.--Mr. Buchanan's Conservatism and the weakness of his Position.--Republican Taunts.--The "New York Tribune," etc.

CHAPTER VIII.

Conference with the Governor of Mississippi.--The Author censured as "too slow."--Summons to Washington.--Interview with the President.--His Message.--Movements in Congress.--The Triumphant Majority.--The Crittenden Proposition.--Speech of the Author on Mr. Green's Resolution.--The Committee of Thirteen.--Failure to agree.--The "Republicans" responsible for the Failure.--Proceedings in the House of Representatives.--Futility of Efforts for an Adjustment.--The Old Year closes in Clouds.

CHAPTER IX.

Preparations for Withdrawal from the Union.--Northern Precedents.--New England Secessionists.--Cabot, Pickering, Quincy, etc.--On the Acquisition of Louisiana.--The Hartford Convention.--The Massachusetts Legislature on the Annexation of Texas, etc., etc. 70

CHAPTER X.

False Statements of the Grounds for Separation.--Slavery not the Cause, but an Incident.--The Southern People not "Propagandists" of Slavery.--Early Accord among the States with regard to African Servitude.--Statement of the Supreme Court.--Guarantees of the Constitution.--Disregard of Oaths.--Fugitives from Service and the "Personal Liberty Laws."--Equality in the Territories the Paramount Question.--The Dred Scott Case.--Disregard of the Decision of the Supreme Court.--Culmination of Wrongs.--Despair of their Redress.--Triumph of Sectionalism.

PART II.. _the Constitution._

THE CONSTITUTION.

CHAPTER I.

The Original Confederation.--"Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union."--Their Inadequacy ascertained.--Commercial Difficulties.--The Conference at Annapolis.--Recommendation of a General Convention.-- Resolution of Congress.--Action of the Several States.--Conclusions drawn therefrom.

CHAPTER II.

The Convention of 1787.--Diversity of Opinion.--Luther Martin's Account of the Three Parties.--The Question of Representation.--Compromise effected.--Mr. Randolph's Resolutions.--The Word "National" condemned.--Plan of Government framed.--Difficulty with Regard to Ratification, and its Solution.--Provision for Secession from the Union.--Views of Mr. Gerry and Mr. Madison.--False Interpretations.-- Close of the Convention.

CHAPTER III.

Ratification of the Constitution by the States.--Organization of the New Government.--Accession of North Carolina and Rhode Island.-- Correspondence between General Washington and the Governor of Rhode Island.

CHAPTER IV.

The Constitution not adopted by one People "in the Aggregate."--A Great Fallacy exposed.--Mistake of Judge Story.--Colonial Relations.--The United Colonies of New England.--Other Associations.--Independence of Communities traced from Germany to Great Britain, and from Great Britain to America.--Mr. Everett's "Provincial People."--Origin and Continuance of the Title "United States."--No such Political Community as the "People of the United States."

CHAPTER V.. The Preamble to the Constitution.--"we, the People."

The Preamble to the Constitution.--"We, the People."

CHAPTER VI.

The Preamble to the Constitution--subject continued.--Growth of the Federal Government and Accretions of Power.--Revival of Old Errors.--Mistakes and Misstatements.--Webster, Story, and Everett.--Who "ordained and established" the Constitution?

CHAPTER VII.

Verbal Cavils and Criticisms.--"Compact," "Confederacy," "Accession," etc.--The "New Vocabulary."--The Federal Constitution a Compact, and the States acceded to it.--Evidence of the Constitution itself and of Contemporary Records.

CHAPTER VIII.. Sovereignty

Sovereignty

CHAPTER IX.

The same Subject continued.--The Tenth Amendment.--Fallacies exposed.--"Constitution," "Government," and "People" distinguished from each other.--Theories refuted by Facts.--Characteristics of Sovereignty.--Sovereignty identified.--Never thrown away.

CHAPTER X.

A Recapitulation.--Remarkable Propositions of Mr. Gouverneur Morris in the Convention of 1787, and their Fate.--Further Testimony.--Hamilton, Madison, Washington, Marshall, etc.--Later Theories.--Mr. Webster: his Views at Various Periods.--Speech at Capon Springs.--State Rights not a Sectional Theory.

CHAPTER XI.. The Right of Secession.--the Law of Unlimited Partnerships.--the

The Right of Secession.--The Law of Unlimited Partnerships.--The "Perpetual Union" of the Articles of Confederation and the "More Perfect Union" of the Constitution.--The Important Powers conferred upon the Federal Government and the Fundamental Principles of the Compact the same in both Systems.--The Right to resume Grants, when failing to fulfill their Purposes, expressly and distinctly asserted in the Adoption of the Constitution.

CHAPTER XII.. Coercion the Alternative to Secession.--Repudiation of It by the

Coercion the Alternative to Secession.--Repudiation of it by the Constitution and the Fathers of the Constitutional Era.--Difference between Mr. Webster and Mr. Hamilton.

CHAPTER XIII.. Some Objections Considered.--the New States.--Acquired

Some Objections considered.--The New States.--Acquired Territory.--Allegiance, false and true.--Difference between Nullification and Secession.--Secession a Peaceable Remedy.--No Appeal to Arms.--Two Conditions noted.

CHAPTER XIV.. Early Foreshadowings.--Opinions of Mr. Madison and Mr. Rufus

Early Foreshadowings.--Opinions of Mr. Madison and Mr. Rufus King.--Safeguards provided.--Their Failure.--State Interposition.--The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions.--Their Endorsement by the People in the Presidential Elections of 1800 and Ensuing Terms.--South Carolina and Mr. Calhoun.--The Compromise of 1833.--Action of Massachusetts in 1843-'45.--Opinions of John Quincy Adams.--Necessity for Secession.

CHAPTER XV.. A Bond of Union Necessary After the Declaration of

A Bond of Union necessary after the Declaration of Independence.--Articles of Confederation.--The Constitution of the United States.--The Same Principle for obtaining Grants of Power in both.--The Constitution an Instrument enumerating the Powers delegated.--The Power of Amendment merely a Power to amend the Delegated Grants.--A Smaller Power was required for Amendment than for a Grant.--The Power of Amendment is confined to Grants of the Constitution.--Limitations on the Power of Amendment.

PART III.. _secession and Confederation._

SECESSION AND CONFEDERATION.

CHAPTER I.

Opening of the New Year.--The People in Advance of their Representatives.--Conciliatory Conduct of Southern Members of Congress.--Sensational Fictions.--Misstatements of the Count of Paris.--Obligations of a Senator.--The Southern Forts and Arsenals.--Pensacola Bay and Fort Pickens.--The Alleged "Caucus" and its Resolutions.--Personal Motives and Feelings.--The Presidency not a Desirable Office.--Letter from the Hon. C. C. Clay.

CHAPTER II.

Tenure of Public Property ceded by the States.--Sovereignty and Eminent Domain.--Principles asserted by Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and other States.--The Charleston Forts.--South Carolina sends Commissioners to Washington.--Sudden Movement of Major Anderson.--Correspondence of the Commissioners with the President.--Interviews of the Author with Mr. Buchanan.--Major Anderson.--The Star of the West.--The President's Special Message.--Speech of the Author in the Senate.--Further Proceedings and Correspondence relative to Fort Sumter.--Mr. Buchanan's Rectitude in Purpose and Vacillation in Action.

CHAPTER III.. Secession of Mississippi and Other States.--Withdrawal of

Secession of Mississippi and Other States.--Withdrawal of Senators.--Address of the Author on taking Leave of the Senate.--Answer to Certain Objections.

CHAPTER IV.

Threats of Arrest.--Departure from Washington.--Indications of Public Anxiety.--"Will there be war?"--Organization of the "Army of Mississippi."--Lack of Preparations for Defense in the South.--Evidences of the Good Faith and Peaceable Purposes of the Southern People.

CHAPTER V.

Meeting of the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States.--Adoption of a Provisional Constitution.--Election of President and Vice-President.--Notification to the Author of his Election.--His Views with Regard to it.--Journey to Montgomery.--Interview with Judge Sharkey.--False Reports of Speeches on the Way.--Inaugural Address.--Editor's Note.

CHAPTER VI.. The Confederate Cabinet.

The Confederate Cabinet.

CHAPTER VII.

Early Acts of the Confederate Congress.--Laws of the United States continued in Force.--Officers of Customs and Revenue continued in Office.--Commission to the United States.--Navigation of the Mississippi.--Restrictions on the Coasting-Trade removed.--Appointment of Commissioners to Washington.

CHAPTER VIII.. The Peace Conference.--Demand for "a Little Bloodletting."--Plan

The Peace Conference.--Demand for "a Little Bloodletting."--Plan proposed by the Conference.--Its Contemptuous Reception and Treatment in the United States Congress.--Failure of Last Efforts at Reconciliation and Reunion.--Note.--Speech of General Lane, of Oregon.

CHAPTER IX.

Northern Protests against Coercion.--The "New York Tribune," Albany "Argus," and "New York Herald."--Great Public Meeting in New York.--Speeches of Mr. Thayer, ex-Governor Seymour, ex-Chancellor Walworth, and Others.--The Press in February, 1861.--Mr. Lincoln's Inaugural.--The Marvelous Change or Suppression of Conservative Sentiment.--Historic Precedents.

CHAPTER X.

Temper of the Southern People indicated by the Action of the Confederate Congress.--The Permanent Constitution.--Modeled after the Federal Constitution.--Variations and Special Provisions.--Provisions with Regard to Slavery and the Slave-Trade.--A False Assertion refuted.--Excellence of the Constitution.--Admissions of Hostile or Impartial Criticism.

CHAPTER XI.. The Commission to Washington City.--Arrival of Mr. Crawford.--Mr.

The Commission to Washington City.--Arrival of Mr. Crawford.--Mr. Buchanan's Alarm.--Note of the Commissioners to the New Administration.--Mediation of Justices Nelson and Campbell.--The Difficulty about Forts Sumter and Pickens.--Mr. Secretary Seward's Assurances.--Duplicity of the Government at Washington.--Mr. Fox's Visit to Charleston.--Secret Preparations for Coercive Measures.--Visit of Mr. Lamon.--Renewed Assurances of Good Faith.--Notification to Governor Pickens.--Developments of Secret History.--Systematic and Complicated Perfidy exposed.

CHAPTER XII.. Protests Against the Conduct of the Government of the United

Protests against the Conduct of the Government of the United States.--Senator Douglas's Proposition to evacuate the Forts, and Extracts from his Speech in Support of it.--General Scott's Advice.--Manly Letter of Major Anderson, protesting against the Action of the Federal Government.--Misstatements of the Count of Paris.--Correspondence relative to Proposed Evacuation of the Fort.--A Crisis.

CHAPTER XIII.

A Pause and a Review.--Attitude of the Two Parties.--Sophistry exposed and Shams torn away.--Forbearance of the Confederate Government.--Who was the Aggressor?--Major Anderson's View, and that of a Naval Officer.--Mr. Horace Greeley on the Fort Sumter Case.--The Bombardment and Surrender.--Gallant Action of ex-Senator Wigfall.--Mr. Lincoln's Statement of the Case.

PART IV.. _the War._

THE WAR.

CHAPTER I.

Failure of the Peace Congress.--Treatment of the Commissioners.--Their Withdrawal.--Notice of an Armed Expedition.--Action of the Confederate Government.--Bombardment and Surrender of Fort Sumter.--Its Reduction required by the Exigency of the Case.--Disguise thrown off.--President Lincoln's Call for Seventy-five Thousand Men.--His Fiction of "Combinations."--Palpable Violation of the Constitution.--Action of Virginia.--Of Citizens of Baltimore.--The Charge of Precipitation against South Carolina.--Action of the Confederate Government.--The Universal Feeling.

CHAPTER II.. The Supply of Arms; of Men.--Love of the Union.--Secessionists

The Supply of Arms; of Men.--Love of the Union.--Secessionists few.--Efforts to prevent the Final Step.--Views of the People.--Effect on their Agriculture.--Aid from African Servitude.--Answer to the Clamors on the Horrors of Slavery.--Appointment of a Commissary- General.--His Character and Capacity.--Organization, Instruction, and Equipment of the Army.--Action of Congress.--The Law.--Its Signification.--The Hope of a Peaceful Solution early entertained; rapidly diminished.--Further Action of Congress.--Policy of the Government for Peace.--Position of Officers of United States Army.--The Army of the States, not of the Government.--The Confederate Law observed by the Government.--Officers retiring from United States Army.--Organization of Bureaus.

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