Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: The Tennessee legislature votes to secede from the Union and joins the Confederacy before the popular vote on the matter takes place.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Confederate envoys seek to garner foreign support but faced opposition due to foreign hostility toward slavery. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward declares U.S. commitment to preserving the Union and warns the foreign powers not to recognize Confederate independence.
Letter from William B. Darst, 21st Virginia Volunteer Infantry, to his mother.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: George McClellan, a young but respected U.S. Army veteran, suggests a quick strike on the Confederate capital of Richmond. But Winfield Scott, the venerated U.S. General-in-Chief advises caution and prefers a more methodical approach.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: In a special message to the Provisional Confederate Congress, President Jefferson Davis expresses optimism about Confederate independence. Davis also condemns the Lincoln administration’s declaration of war against the Confederacy.
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Maryland legislators reject secession as President Lincoln controversially suspends the writ of habeas corpus in areas surrounding the state.