Cassell's History of the United States ... Illustrated

Chapter I

page •CoBimencement of the Period of Modern American History— Development of National Character— Prospect? and Influence' of the United States in 1826 — Material Progress — Rise of Steam Navigation— The Erie and Champlain Canals — Increase of Population and of "Wealth — Cultivation of Cotton, and Rapid Growth of the Exports — Fluctuations in the National Debt — The Revenue — Provision for the Education of the People — The School System of the United States— Colleges and Universities— Literature and Science of America — The Influence of Freemasonry— Case of "William Morgan — Popular Alarm at the Influence of Secret Societies — The Anti-Masonic Party — The South American Republics— Policy of the United States with reference to the Spanish Possessions— The Tariff Laws of 1828— Protection to Native Industry and Manufactures— Antagonistic Interests of the Northern and the Southern States— Acrimonious Contest for the Presidency— Election of General Jackson ... 1

Chapter II

.Previous Career of General Jackson, Seventh President— His Inauguration (March 4th, 1829J — Political Character of Jackson and of the Party with which he was allied — The New Cabinet — Sweeping Administrative Changes — Prosperous State of the Country — Commercial Treaties — Refusal of President Jackson to renew the Bank Charter— Transportation of the Cherokees beyond the Mississippi — Indian Rising on the North-western Frontier— Des eat of the Chief, Black Hawk— His Latter Years and Death— Agitation in the South, caused by the Tariff Act of 1832 — Threats of Secession in South Carolina — Resolute Conduct of President Jackson— Determination of the Majority to preserve the Union — Proposals of Mr. Clay— "Warlike Preparations — Provisions of the Compromise Bill — The Difficulty settled — Jackson and the National Bink — Financial Revolution — Formation of the Whig Party— Claims on the French Government — Rismg of the Seminole Indians in Florida— The Chief, Osceola — Extensive Military Operations ............... 9

Chapter III

-ilartin Van Buren, President — His Political Life and Character — Further Incidents of the Seminole "War— Capture and Death of Osceola — Prolonged Contests with the Indians, and Close of the Movement — Commercial Embarrassments in America— Their Causes and Effects — Enormous Failures and General Panic — Extraordinary Session of Congress — Passing of Measures of Relief — Bad Harvest, and High Prices of Necessaries — Riots at New York — Revolutionary Condition of Canada in 1837-8— Origin of the Disturbances, and Rapid Development of Disloyal Principles — Action of United States Sympathiser-; — Affair of the Caroline — Disagreements with the English Government — Suppression of Attempts on Canada — Dispute with Great Britain as to the Boundaries of the State of Maine — Threatenings of "War — Preparations for the Next Presidential Election — The "Hard Cider Campaign" — Choice of General Harrison for the Chief Magistracy — Character of Van Buren 's Rule — Material Progress — Increase of Population— Immigration— Atlantic Steam Vessels— The Electric Telegraph ....... 20

Chapter IV

Career of General Harrison— His Inaugural Address — Statement of Political Views — Apprehensions of a Monarchical Tendency in the Republic — Undesirability of Permitting the Re-election of the President— Undue Power of the Executive Department — The Functions of the Chief Magistrate — Objectionable Union of the Treasury with the Executive Department — Anomalous Position of the Territory of Columbia — Necessity for Concord and Forbearance— Remarks on the Principles of President Harrison's Address — Aristocratic al Character of tbe Slave States— Death of Harrison a Month after bis Inauguration — Succession of the Vice-President (Tyler) to the Chief Office— Daniel "Webster, Secretary of State— His Character a3 a Statesman — Address of President Tyler to the Country, and First Message to Congress — His Principles similar to those of Harrison- Danger of a War with England, arising out of the Case of the Ca roline— Arrest of a British Subject in the State of New York —Diplomatic Correspondence— Trial and Acquittal of the Prisoner ......... 27

Chapter V

Bill for the Re-establishment of a National Bank— The Measure twice vetoed by President Tyler-.ChangeT in the Ministry— The President's Message to Congress at the close of 1841— Financial State of the Country— Correspondence between the English Foreign Secretary, and the United States Minister in London, on the Question of the Right of Search— Opinions of Lord Palmerston, Lord Aberdeen, and Mr. Stevenson— The Real Difficulty of the Question— American Slaves on British Territory- Case of the Mutineers on Board the Creole— Repudiation of State Debts in Americr (1842)— Indignant Speech by Mr. Webster —Petition to Congress of the Rev. Sydney Smith— Popular Error in England as to the Nature of the Debt and the Defalcation — Growth in England of an Unfriendly Feeling towards America — English Writers on Manners in the United States : Mrs. Trollope, Captain Maxryatt, and Charles Dickens— Judge Haliburton and " Sam Slick "—Alexis de Tocqueville's " Democracy in America" — General Characteristics of the Work . . . . . . . . • • . , . 34

Chapter VI

The Tariff Bills of 1842— President Tyler's Exercise of the Right of Veto— Report of a Committee of the Senate on the Subject- Severe Condemnation of the President— Mr. Tyler's Protest against the Report— Intemperate Language of Mr. John Qnincy Adams— The Ashburton Treaty— Settlement of the North -eastern Boundary— Provisions with respect to the Slave-Trade and the Surrender of Fugitive Criminals— Cordial Reception of Lord Ashburton in America— Return of the United States Exploring Expedition— The President's Message to Congress of December, 1842 — State of Foreign Relations — Commercial Embarrassment and its Causes— Condition of the Currency— Mr. Tyler's Proposals for an Exchequer— Low State of American Credit— Troubles in Rhode Island— The Misadventures of Thomas W. Dorr— An ti -Rent Disturbances in New York, in consequence of the Patroon System— Strange Attempt to revive the System of Buccaneering— Alterations in the Cabinet— Accidental Death of Two of the Ministers— Violent "Speech of Mr. Robert Tyler, Son of the President— Influence of the Irish in America on the Character of American Politics ... ............. CONTENTS. VI

Chapter VII

-Paoj Mexico and the United States— Texas and its Characteristics — Want of Sympathy between the Anglo-American-, and the Hisp&no- Ainencans, and its Causes— Texas coveted by the People of the United States— Colonisation of Texas by Anglo-Americans- General Houston and his Plans— Revolutionary Disturbances— Texas made an Independent Republic — Movement for joining tli ■ American Federation— President Tyler's Allusion to the Subject in a Message to Congress— Opposition in the North to the Proposed Annexation — Uhanuing's Letter to Henry Clay on Texas and Slavery— Design of the Slave States with respect to Texas— Progress of the Annexation Movement— Warlike Anticipations— Election of Mr. Polk to the Presidency— His Previous Career— Financial State of the Country on' his Inauguration (March 4th, 1845) — 1'he New Cabinet — Annexation of Texas to the United States— Withdrawal of the Mexican Minister from Washington— Terms of the Annexation— Grievances alleged by the United States against Mexico — Preparations for War— Rise and Development of the Oregon Question— Rival Claims of Great Britain and the United States— Position of the Dispute in the Early Part of 1S45 ....... 40

Chapter VIII

Determination of President Polk to Support the Institution of Slavery, and the Territorial Aggrandisement of the United States— His Views on the Questions of Texas and Oregon — Resumption of the Negotiations with respect to the Oregon Territory— Americau Proposal for a Compromise — The Proposal declined by the English Plenipotentiary — Speech of Mr. Webster— A "Pacific Republic" — Declaration of Sir Robert Peel in the House of Commons— Presidential Message to Congress— Warlike Tone adopted by Mr. Polk — Reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine — Debate in the Senate on the Oregon Question— Opinions of General Cass and Mr. Webster — Debate in the House of Representatives — Various Resolutions discussed— Meeting of the Bi*itish Parliament (January, 1846)— Further Discussion in Congress— Joint Resolution of both Houses in favour of terminating the Oregon Convention — Rise of a more Conciliatory Spirit— Compromise agreed on — The Disputed Territory divided — The Colony of British Columbia ............... 56

Chapter IX

The War with Mexico— Advance of General Taylor to the Mexican Frontier— Unsuccessful Attempt at Negotiation— Declaration of War— Serious Position of the Americans before Matamoras — Vigorous Movements of General Taylor — Defeat of the Mexicans at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma — Siege and Relief of Fort Brown — General Scott's llanos the Campaign — Matamoras occupied by General Taylor — Siege and Capture of Monterey (New Leon) by the Americans — Santa Anna at the Head of the Mexican Army — The Aanerican Volunteers — Operations of Generals Wool and Worth — Naval Success at Tampico— Occupation of Victoria by General Taylor, and of Santa Fe' by General Kearney — Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont and his Explorations in the So\ith-west — Revolution in California — Dissensions between Fremont and Kearney — General Taylor superseded in the Chief Command by General Scott — Defeat of Santa Anna by Taylor at Buena Vista (February, 1847) — Further American Victories — Reduction of the Northern Parts of Mexico— General Winfield Scott and his Career . . . . . . %&

Chapter X

Determination to conquer the wUole of Mexico— Advance of General Scott on Vera Cruz— Surrender of that City, with the Castle of San Juan d'Ulloa- Hatred of the Americans by the Mexicans— Proposals by the United States for concluding a Peace — The Attempt unsuccessful — Defeat of Santa Anna at Cerro Gordo— Other Successes of the Americans — Surrender of Puebla — Pause in the Operations of the War — Losses of the Invading Army — Renewal of the March on the Capital — Romantic Character of the Expedition — The Military Position in Front of the Metropolis — Contreras taken — Capture of St. Antonio — Further Negotiations for Peace — Proposals and Count er- Proposals — Failure of the Endeavour — Mutual Complaints of Violation of Armistice — Successful Attack by the Americans on El Molinos del Rey and the Casa de Mata— Position and Surroundings of the City of Mexico— Proclamation of Santa Anna — Storming of the Castle of Chepultepec — Entrance of the Americans into the Mexican Metropolis — Retreat and Deposition of Santa Anna — American Rule in Mexico — Conclusion of Peace . . . .70

Chapter XI

The President's Message of December, 1817 — Effect of the Treasury Act — Discovery of Gold in Upper California — Rush of Emigrants to the Diggings— A Land teeming with Wealth— Official Reports— Gold-seeking Fever in the United States, England, and other Parts of the World — The Three Routes to the Gold-fields — Hardships and Perils of the Overland Route — Enormous Influx of People — Rapid Growth of the City of Sacramento — Yield of Gold by the Californian Mines and Diggings — Effects of the Vast Increase of Gold on the Commerce and Social Condition of the Civilised World — President Folk's Estimates of the Territorial Additions to the United States — Prospects of California — Fresh Impetus given to the National Dissensions on the Question of Slavery— Rise of the Free Soil Party — Election of General Taylor to the Presidency, and of Millard Fillmore to the Second Post- President Polk on Slavery in the Territories — Wisconsin admitted to the Union as a State — The American Fiscal System — Free Trade and Protection ............... 76

Chapter XII

Inauguration of General Taylor as Twelfth President of the United States— Contrast between the Condition of the United States in 18-49, nid that of European Nations— Dangers btlow the Surface of American Society — Progress of the Abolition Movement — The Evils of Slavery — Persecution aud Martyrdom of Abolitionists in the South — Habitual Ill-usage of the Slaves — Instances quoted from Southern Newspapers— Rewards for the Return of Fugitive Slaves " Dead or Alive "—Burning of Negroes at the Stake— Laws against giving Instruction to Persons of Colour — Low Intellectual Condition of the Plasters — Exceptions to the Rule of Cruelty— Systematic Immorality in the Southern States — The Quadroons— Condition of White Women— The Reign of Violence— Feeling of the Negroes towards their Masters— General Corruption— Degradation of the Black— Complicity of the Federation in the Oppression of the Slave— Evasion of Laws for the Protection of the Servile Class— The Northern Abolitionists the only Friends of the Negro — Career of William Lloyd Garrison — Other Prominent Advocates of the Cause — Extraordinary Effect of Mrs. Stowe's Novel, " Uncle Tom's Cabin "—The Authors of New England in Favour of Emancipation — President Taylor on the African Slave-trade— The Coming Battle ......... 82.

Chapter XIII

"Formation of a State Government in California— Election of Delegates to Congress— Violent Debates on the Question of Slavery in connection with tha Californian Constitution — Territorial Disagreements between Texas and New Mexico — Southern Threats of & see - -inn — Compromise proposed by Mr. Clay — Appointment of a Committee of Thirteen to consider the Proposals— Outrage in the Senate — The Compromise (or " Omnibus ") Bill— Chief Features of the Measure — Admission of California into the Union — Pi* -visions of the Fugitive Slave Law — Agitation among the Negroes — Cases of Hardship and Oppression — Angry Excitement at the North — Opinions of Clay and Webster — Death of President Taylor — Succession of Millard Fillmore to the Chief Office, and Formation of a New Administration — Condition of California in 1850 — Projected Routes across the Isthmus of Panama — Treaties with New Granada and Mexico — Contract with Nicaragua for the Construction of a Ship Canal — Stipulations for se aring Neutrality — Convention between the United States and Great Britain for the Settlement of their Common Interests in Central America— Terms of the Convention — Message to Congress of President Fillmore (December, 1850) — Remarkable Case of Murder ................. 93.

CONTENTS. VII CHAPTEE XIV. paob Ameriran Designs on Cuba-Situation and Character of the Island-Advantages attending' its Possession-General Iopez-Hi* Piratical Expedition to Cuba (May, 1850 '-Failure of the Attempt, and Escape of Lopez-Complicity of the United State-) (rtveinment-Ineileetual rroceedmgs against the Pirate Chief tain— Organisation of Another Expedition (Aug., 18511-Pighting in Cuba, and Defeat of the Invaders-bufferings of the Commander and his Companions-Garrotting of Lopez, and Military iteration ot other Prisoners— Allusioos to the Subject in the Annual Message of President Fillmore (Dec., 1851)— Popular Sympathy with the Movement— The Question of the Eight of Search, as affected by the Descent on Cuba— Outrage on the bpanish Consul at New Orleans— Opposition to the Fugitive Slave Law at the North— Eiots in resisting the Arrest of "Runaway Negroes— Sectional Feeling between the North and South— Increase of United States Territory in Minnesota— Enlargement ot the Capitol, and Speech of Daniel Webster— American Expeditions to the Polar Seas, in search of Sir John Franklin— Disagreement with Great Britain as to the American Eight of Fishing on the Coast of Nova Scotia-Proposals of France and t § „ ™ respect to Cuba— Views of the American Government on the Subject— Treaty of Commerce with Japan— Deaths of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster— Election of Franklin Pierce to the Presidency . . . . . . .101 CHAPTEE XV.

Morraonism the most Startling Fact of Modern Times-Multiplication of Beligious Sects in America-Early Life of Joseph Smith, the Founder of Mornionism— His hrst Eeligious Experiences— Dissatisfaction with Existing Systems— Miraculous Appearances —Announcement to him of the Advent of a New Beligion— Eevelation as to the Early Inhabitants of America— Mysterious Discovery of Antique Writing on Gold Plates— Contents of the Sacred Volume— Directions of the Guardiao Angel— Questionable Career of Smith— Divining aud Gold-seeking— The Disciple, Harris (afterwards an Apostate4— Translation of the Antique Writings— Opinion ot Dr Anthon— Contradictory Affidavits— Publication of the Book of Mormon— Else and Progress of the sf° o ■ s^e "f10"8 Eevival m the West— Persecution of the Mormons— Building of 44 The Temple"— The Worldly Fortunes of the bamts at a Low Ebb— Eenewed Persecution— Expulsion of the Sect from Missouri— Eise of a Violent Spirit among the t I?J?I!S— "I "f y Extermination threatened— The Saints remove into Illinois— Building of a Grand Temple at Nauvoo— Progress ot Attarrs at the New Settlement— Promises and Commands— Comparison between Joseph Smith and Mohammed— The Mormonite Creed— Dissensions between the Prophet and the Authorities of Illinois— Murder of Smith . . . .111 CHAPTEE XVI.

Effects of the Assassination of Smith— Choice of Brigham Young as his Successor— Determination to Eemove into the Far West- General Characteristics of Utah— Solitary and Uncultivated State of the Territory— Commences ent of the Mormon Emigration —Hardships of the Journey across the Desert— Foundation of Salt Lake City— Framing of a Constitution, and of a Body of Laws —Cultivation of the Soil, and Beginning of various Forms of Industry— Colonising Habits of the Mormons— Effect on the Utah Settlement of the Discovery of Gold in California— Eelations of Utah to the Federal Government— Various Calculations as to the Numbers of the Latter-day Saints— Progress of the Faith in Foreign Countries— Active Propagandism— The Doctrine and Practice of Polygamy— Smith's Hesitating Adoption of it— The Custom first openly Advocated by Brigham Tonng- Speech of Orson Pratt in Defence and Explanation of the Practice— Platonic Doctrine of Pre-existing Souls, and its Application to Mormon Polygamy— General Features of Polygamy among the Mormons— Effects of the Svstem— Moral Perverseness and Laxity— Sanguinary Despotism in Utah, and Spread of Dissent— The Mormon Temple at Salt Lake City— Condition of the Colony in its Early Years — Character of Monnonism, and of the Mormon Prophets ....... 124 CHAPTER XVn.

Inauguration of Mr. Franklin Pierce as Fourteenth President— The New Cabinet— Disagreement with Mexico— Collision with Austria in the Case of Martin Koszta — Judicial Decision under the Fugitive Slave Law — Barbarous Methods of enforcing that Law — Efforts in the Northern States for facilitating the Escape of Slaves — Exploring Expeditions, their Hardships and Dangers — The President's Message of December, 1853 — Bill introduced into the Senate for creating the Territories of Kansas and Nebraska — Proposed Boundaries of those Territories — Dissatisfaction of the Free Soil Party, on the Ground that the Area of Slavery would be extended by the Measure — Northern Opposition to Slavery— Cruel Case in Mississippi — Eenewed Dissensions with Spain in respect of Cuba — The Conference at Ostend and Aix-la-Chapelle — Ee-settlement of Boundaries between the United States and Mexico — Eeciprocity Treaty with Great Britain — Troubles on the Mosquito Coast — English and American Interests — Collision at Greytown — Examination of the Isthmus of Panama — Colonel Kinney's Designs on Nicaragua — Buccaneering Attempt of Colonel Walker — Capture of Granada — Further Progress of Affairs — Disagreement with Great Britain with respect to the Bay Islands, Honduras . . . . ■ . ' . . . . . . . . 133 CHAPTEE XVIII.

The " Know-nothing " Party — Agitation against Foreign Influence — Southern determination to extend the Area of Slavery — Unfriendly Feeling towards England — Enlistment of Soldiers in America to serve in the Crimea — Dismissal of Mr. Crampton, the English Minister at Washington — Mutual Sympathy between Eussia and the United States — Apprehensions in Cuba of Further Attempts at Annexation — Eenewal of Indian Troubles on the Frontiers — Progress of the Eevolution in Nicaragua — War with Costa Rica and other Central American Powers — Varying Fortunes, aud Final Defeat of Walker — Position of the United States towards the Movement — Activity of the Pro-Slavery Party throughout the Union — Civil War in Kansas — Divided Eule — Appeal to Congress, and Appointment of a Committee of Investigation — Eeport and Counter Eeport — A Eeign of Terror — Outrages in Congress — Assault in the Senate by Mr. Brooks on Mr. Simmer — The Act applauded by the South — Division of PartieB — The New Presidential Election — Mr. Buchanan the Successful Candidate — His Principles and Objects — The Last Throw of the Slave-holders . ................ 142 CHAPTEE XIX.

Disturbed Condition of the United States on the Eve of Mr. Buchanan's Presidentship— Negro Conspiracy in the South— Inaugural Address of Mr. Buchanan — His Opinions on the Kansas Difficulty, the Finances of the Country, aud the Powers of the Federal Constitution— England and the United States— Presentation of the Resolute to Queen Victoria— Lord Napier appointed English Minister to Washington— Decision of the Supreme Court in the Case of the Negro, Dred Scott— State of Utah — Eeport of Judge Drummond and General Burr against the Mormons — Determination of the Federal Government to send an Army to Salt Lake City— The Saints resolve on Fighting — Mr. Buchanan's remarks on the Mormon Eebellion In his Message to Congress (Dec., 1857) — Complaints of the Mormons— Petitions to the Federal Government — Despatch of Commissioners to Utah— Compromise agreed on, and Eestoration of Peace — The Clayton-Bulwer Treaty— Different Interpretation of its Terms by the British and American Governments — New Treaty Signed at London — Chief Provisions of the Dallas-Clarendon Treaty — Amendments introduced by the Senate — Break-down of the Agreement on the Question of the Bay Islands— Further Negotiations refused by the American Government — Progress of Aifairs in Kansas— The Question of Slavery to be submitted to the Popular Vote— Meeting of a Convention for framing a Constitution— Insertion of an Article in the Constitution sanctioning Slavery— Mr. Buchanan's Tenderness for the Slave Interest — Commercial Panic in 1857, and its Causes ........ 152 CHAPTEE XX.

Second Expedition of Walker to Nicaragua— Arrest of the Filibuster by Commodore Paulding, of the U.S. Navy— His Subsequent Eelease — Trial of Commodore Panlding for Excess of Duty — President Buchanan's Verbal Condemnation and Actual Encouragement of Piratical Expeditions — Preparations by Walker for Another Attempt — Views of the Nicaragua Government —Question of the Eight of Search revived— Irritation at the Acts of British Vessels — Settlement of the Question by the Concessions of the English Government — First Laying of the Telegraphic Wire between England and America — Opening of Transit Routes across the Isthmus of Panama — President Buchanan on the Desirability of making a Pacific Eailway — Affairs in Kansas — The Popular Vote on the Constitution— Frauds in the Election, and Triumph of the Pro-Slavery Party— Action of Congress and of the Federal Government — Difficulties in Utah — Movement against Monnonism — Massacre at Mountain Meadows — Character of Brigham Young ............. ISO CONTENTS. VIII

CHAPTER XXI. PAGB

Practical Revival of the Slave Trade— Affair of the Echo— African Slaves taken to Charleston, aud there seized by the Federal Authorities— Lecral Decision on the Questions involved— Events of 1859— Formal Cession of Belize to England— Cession by England of the Bay Islands to Honduras -Assistance rendered by an American Commander to the English Fleet m the Peiho — " Blood is Thicker than Water ! "— Conclusion of a Treaty between the United States and China— Mr. Ward at the Chinese Court— State of Anarchy in Mexico— Proposed Treaty between Mexico and the United States— Causes of its Failure— Difficulties wiib England on account of San Juan— Occupation of the Island by an American Force— Violent Conduct of <Jen!ral H am ey— Moderation of the American Ministers— The Disagreement composed by General Scott— Final Settlement of the San Juan Question in 1872— Attempted Insurrection at Harper's Ferry— Trial and Execution of John Brown— Effect of his Death in the North—Speeches of Wendell Phillips— The Event a great Accession of Strength to the Abolitionist Party . . 168

CHAPTER XXII.

State of Opinion in December, 1859— Division between North and South — New York Manifesto— Proceedings in the Senate — Difficulty in Electing a Speaker to the House of Representatives— The President's Message— Slavery and the Slave Trade — State of Mexico— Official Letter of Secretary Cass on the Slave Trade Revival— Horrors of the Traffic on the West Coast of Africa- Charges brought against Mr. Buchanan— Appointment of a Committee of Inquiry by the House of Representatives— Mr. Buchanan'--- Protest against that Step— "Visit of the Prince of Wales to the United States— The Presidential Contest (1860)— Assembling of the Democratic Convention at Charleston, South Carolina— Speech of Mr. Gushing— Position of Mr. Douglas towards the Democratic Party— Abandonment of the Principle of " Popular Sovereignty," as applied to Slavery in the Territories —Resolutions of the Extreme Democratic Party— Attempt to range the whole Union on the side of Slavery— Split in the Convention—Secession of Southern Members— Adjourned Meeting of the Democratic Convention at Baltimore — Further Secessions —Democratic Nominations to the Presidency— The National Constitutional Union Party— Meeting of the Republican Convention at Chicago — Its Platform — Nomination of Abraham Lincoln— Character of the Man ..,...- 178

CHAPTER XXIII.

Renewed Attempt of Walker on Central America— Capture of Truxillo, in Honduras — Intervention of a British Naval Commander- Capture and Execution of Walker— Election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States— Analysis of the Votes given to him and to the other Candidates — Views aud Apprehensions of the South — Opinion in the Slave-holding States with respect to Slavery and Political Rights — Intemperate Views of some Northern Politicians — Devotion of the North generally to the Maintenance of the Union — The South resolved on Separation — Secession contemplated and prepared for during many years — Meeting of the South Carolina Legislature in December, 1860 — Revolutionary Excitement all over the South — Treasonable Conduct of some of the Ministers at Washington — Proceedings in Georgia — Opinions of Mr. Alexander H. Stephens — Progress of the Secession Movement in various Southern States — Meeting of Congress (Dec., 1860) — Message of President Buchanan — Views of the Chief Magistrate on Slavery, State Rights, and the Relations between North and South — Mr. Buchanan's Contradictory Views on the Powers of the Federation and of the Individual States — General Weakness and Indecision of the Message— Dissatisfaction of both Sides with the Ambiguous Utterances of the President ...... 188

CHAPTER XXIV.

Resignation of General Cass, Secretary of State — Warnings of General Scott and Wool — Debates in the House of Representatives and Senate — Proposals for Compromise — Continued Agitation in South Carolina — Measures taken against the Negroes — Meeting of the State Convention— Ordinance of Secession unanimously affirmed — Excitement at Charleston — Arrangements for Carrying on the State Government — Address from the People of South Carolina to the People of the other Slave-holding States — Exposition of the Motives for Secession — Mr. Memminger's " Declaration " — Charges brought against the North — A Geographical Line drawn across the Union — Mr. Lincoln's Policy from the Southern Point of View — Debate in the Convention — Slavery, and not the Tariff, the Chief Cause of Secession — " A great Slave-holding Confederacy " the avowed Desire of South Carolina — The South determined to ruin where it could not rule— Commissioners to be despatched to the other Southern States — Steps taken by South Caroliua as an Independent Commonwealth — Effect of recent Events in the South and in the North — Resolution t-o defend the Union ................ 197

CHAPTER XXV.

The Federal Forts in Charleston Harbour— Determination of the Conspirators at Washington to keep the Forts in a weak State of Defence — Difficult Position of Major Anderson at Charleston — His repeated Warnings to the Government to strengthen the South Carolina Works — Treacherous Proceedings of Floyd, the Secretary of War — Remonstrances of General Scott — Weak Conduct of Mr. Buchanan — Withdrawal of Major Anderson from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumt er— Resignation of Mr. Floyd — Committee of Inquiry on Military Affairs appointed by the House of Representatives — Serious Disclosures as to the Treasonable Measures of Mr. Floyd and Others — Large Transfer of Arms from the North to the South — Occupation of Fort Moultrie and of Castle Pinckney, by the South Carolinians — Beginning of Civil War — Mutual Distrust of the Conspirators — Floyd's Complicity in the Misappropriation of the Indian Trust Fund — The Commissioners from South Carolina at Washington — Their Correspondence with the President, and Return to the South — Gloomy Opening of the New Year (1861) — Strengthening of the Government — Measures for the Protection of Washington against Surprise — Attempt to reinforce Fort Sumter — The Star of the West driven from Charleston Harbour by the Insurgents — Demand for the Surrender of Fort Sumter .... 206

CHAPTER XXVI.

Progress of Secession — Assembling of the Mississippi Convention — Division of Parties — Ordinance of Secession affirmed — Violent Speech of a Secessionist — Murder as a Party Weapon — Secession Ordinances in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana — Seizure of National Forts and Arsenals — Mr. SlidelTs Exhortations to the People of Louisiana to support the Secession Cause — The Right to use the River Mississippi as a Free W ater Highway — Energetic Action of General Dix , Secretary to the Treasury — Movement in Texas — Union Feeling of Governor Houston, and of a Portion of the Populace — Secret Agency of the Order of " Knights of the Golden Circle " — Resort to Terrorism as a Means of creating a Secession Feeling — Election of a Convention — Houston opposed to the Movement as illegal— Secession voted by the Convention, and submitted to the People — Ratification of the Ordinance by the Popular Vote — Address of the Governor — Deposition of Houston, and Subsequent Submission to the Secessionists— His Defence of his Conduct— The Policy of Self-seeking . , t , . . : t 213