OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Fearing Maryland’s potential secession after the Confederate victory at Bull Run, Federals use military force to prevent the Maryland legislature from approving anti-Union legislation.
Tag: Abraham Lincoln
You Are Quite a Female Politician
165 YEARS AGO: After six days, John C. Fremont finally responds to Abraham Lincoln’s request to modify clauses in his controversial Missouri proclamation.
Writing in a Spirit of Caution
165 YEARS AGO: Abraham Lincoln addresses the delicate issue of John C. Fremont’s proclamation imposing martial law in Missouri and freeing slaves belonging to disloyal masters.
Threatening Kentucky’s Neutrality
165 YEARS AGO: Tensions escalate as Union camps challenge the supposed neutrality of Kentucky. This leads to growing conflict between Unionists and secessionists.
Fugitive Slave Policy Defined
165 YEARS AGO: Simon Cameron responds to Benjamin F. Butler’s request to clarify the Lincolns administration’s policy on fugitive slaves escaping into Federal military lines, one day after Confederates burned a refuge for escapees.
The Confiscation Act
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Abraham Lincoln reluctantly signs a bill into law allowing Federal commanders to seize slaves from people supporting the Confederacy. But this law does not provide clear enforcement guidelines, thus raising constitutional concerns.