Disunion Feed

"In the momentous step which our State has taken of dissolving its connection with the government of which we so long formed a part, it is but just that we should declare the prominent reasons which have induced our course. Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the greatest material interest of the world. [...] a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. [...] Utter subjugation awaits us in the Union, if we should consent longer to remain in it."

The first cascade state's manifesto — Mississippi seceded January 9, the day after South Carolina's window closes. Where South Carolina's declaration listed slavery among its grievances, Mississippi's makes it THE cause, in the first breath: an economy and a civilization staked on it. Non-contiguous sentences from the one document joined with [...]. Verified against the Yale Avalon Project. (Dated to the Jan 9 ordinance; the convention sat Jan 7–26.)

Read it in the original — Mississippi Declaration of Causes, Jan 1861 ↗

Next post: Walker Brooke, Jan 9, 1861 →

"I was elected by a large majority, as what is known as a co-operationist--which means, as I understand it, one who was in favor of united Southern action for the purpose of demanding further guarantees, from the North, or, failing in that, the formation of a Southern Confederacy. [...] I therefore feel it my duty, painful as it may be, to part from those with whom I have heretofore acted, to assume the responsibility of casting at least one of the votes of Warren county for the passage of the Ordinance as reported."

The human face of the cooperationists' collapse. Brooke was elected to insist the South act only in concert — the very counsel Charleston's fire-eaters had attacked as 'delay' (ch2 se-009). On the floor as Mississippi votes to secede, he abandons his own bloc and casts a yes, 'painful as it may be.' The ordinance carried overwhelmingly; fifteen delegates held out. Verified against the Documenting the American South (UNC) transcription of the convention proceedings.

Read it in the original — Mississippi Convention proceedings, Jan 9, 1861 ↗