Used for secession conventon?
Secession Convention on the Bayou
From The New-York Times January 25, 1861:
IMPORTANT FROM LOUISIANA.; PROCEEDINGS OF THE STATE CONVENTION.
BATON ROUGE, Wednesday, Jan. 23.
The Louisiana State Convention met to-day.
A flag with fifteen stars upon it floats over the Capitol.
After a fervent prayer had been offered up, the Convention organized by electing Ex-Gov. MOUTON President, by a viva voce vote of 81 to 41.
Mr. MOUTON was conducted to the Chair, and made a speech, thanking the Convention for the distinction conferred upon him, and advising the utmost calmness and firmness in all their deliberations.
ex-Governor Alexandre Mouton: calm and firm deliberations(while 15 star flag already waves over capital)
Resolutions were adopted for the appointment of a Committee of Fifteen, to report articles of secession of Louisiana from the Federal Union.
Several plans were here offered.
A resolution was adopted to invite the Commissioners from Alabama and South Carolina to seats on the floor.
The Chairman then named the Committee of Fifteen to report the Ordinance of Secession. The Committee will make their report to-morrow. …
NEW-ORLEANS, Thursday, Jan. 24.
The Committee of Fifteen reported, to-day, an ordinance of secession, and resolutions regarding the navigation of the Mississippi River. Both were ordered to be printed.
The Committee then asked for a postponement of discussion until 12 o’clock to-morrow.
Several substitutes to the report were offered as a settlement for the present difficulties, which were also ordered to be printed to-morrow.
The Commissioners from Alabama and South Carolina were then welcomed to the Convention.
The Nutmeg State Prepares “Coercive” Force
Commander-in-Chief Buckingham preps his militia
From The New-York Times January 24, 1861:
CONNECTICUT.
Gov. BUCKINGHAM, of Connecticut, has issued the following general orders:
ADJUTANT-GENERAL OFFICE,
HARTFORD, Jan. 17, 1861.
General Orders — No. 227.
A spirit of disloyalty to our National Union has manifested itself ill a determination to decide up an consitutional rights without resorting to judicial tribunals; in resolutions of State Legislatures and State Conventions which deny that allegiance is due the Federal Government from citizens of those States; in an attack upon a vessel sailing with United States troops under the flag of our country; in seizing and holding custom houses, arsenals and forts; and in a spirit which dictates the course to be pursued by Federal officers, and justifies resistance to their authority.
When there is evidence design to subvert the Government; when reason gives way to passion, and order yields to anarchy, the civil power must fall back upon the military for support, and rest upon the arm of national defence for aid in protecting the property and person of the citizen, in enforcing the laws, and in maintaining the public peace.
As the active services of the military may soon be required for the purpose above indicated, the Commander-in-Chief would call their attention to the importance of filling up their ranks by enlistments, of a careful inspection of their arms and equipments, of perfecting themselves in drill and discipline, and of being ready to render such service as any exigency may demand.
Major-Gen. THOMAS GUYER will promulgate these orders in the Division. By order of
WILLIAM A. BUCKINGHAM,
Commander-in-Chief.
JOSEPH D. WILLIAMS, Adjutant-General.
1) Alexandre Mouton was governor of Louisiana from 1843-1846.
2) William Alfred Buckingham had an active business and political career.
3) Apparently several different flags were in use in Louisiana in early 1861. You can see a possible 15 star flag here.
4) The Connecticut State Library discusses Connecticut’s nicknames. One possible explanation for “Nutmeg State” involves a sort of manipulation of unwary southern nutmeg buyers. More coercive Yankeedom – actually bad business. Today nutmeg producers would probably give away nutmeg cookbooks with proper nutmeg preparation instructions. Develop thy market!
5) Entire Lousiana article can be read at New York Times Archive. Connecticut article is also at New York Times Archive
