In a message dated 2/6/2002 8:01:26 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Scarcely anybody doubts that a
> substantial portion (probably a large majority) of the people who voted in
> February 1861 for members of the Convention of 1861 were at that time
> opposed to secession. When the question of secession came to a vote on 4
> April 1861 a majority of the convention delegates voted it down. Only two
> weeks later a majority of the same delegates voted in favor.
>
> So what does that tell us? That opinions changed as circumstances changed.

The dates and actions were paralleled in North Carolina where the voters
voted against a secession convention in February. Following the attaempt to
reinforce Fort Sumter (and successfully Fort Pickens), sentiment seems to
have changed rapidly. By May 20, a state convention called by the legislature
unanimously voted to secede

It is interesting to speculate what might have happened had Lincoln not moved
on the issue of the two forts and merely held his ground politically.
Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia did not secede until after
Fort Sumter and those states had substantial sentiment to stay in the Union.

Bill Russell

To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions
at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html