While the Florida State Convention considers secession at Tallahassee, Federal troops garrisoning Fort Barrancas at Pensacola fire on and repel potential secessionists approaching them.
Category: Secession
The Mississippi Secession
Delegates to the Mississippi State Convention vote to secede from the United States. Celebrations include the presentation of a symbolic banner and troop preparations for defense.
A Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer
Americans observe a day of reflection in hopes that it may inspire stronger efforts at compromise between North and South.
An Open Shame to the United States
The Senate fails to adopt John J. Crittenden’s compromise plan due to Republicans’ refusal to expand slavery. This prompts more last-ditch efforts at conciliation, but it demonstrates the deep division that threatens to permanently break the Union.
A Gloomy Foreboding of Impending Disaster
The new year opens with South Carolina commissioners responding to President James Buchanan’s refusal to withdraw the Federal troops from Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.
Compromise Goes up the Spout
By the end of 1860, several proposals to keep the Union intact have been proposed, including the complex compromise plan from Senator John J. Crittenden. But none of these proposals seem to be popular enough for both North and South to support.