Category Archives: 150 Years Ago This Week

News from 150 years ago

What South Carolina Fears

From The New-York Times December 7, 1860: A CANDID VIEW OF SECESSION.; EXTRACT OF A PRIVATE LETTER FROM A LADY IN SOUTH CAROLINA RECEIVED IN THIS CITY. K_____, S.C., Saturday, Dec. 1, 1860. MY DEAR UNCLE: It is with different … Continue reading

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War in the Fourth Estate

As the Daily News sites have noted the Charleston Mercury has been beating the drum for South Carolina’s secession, especially since Lincoln’s election. The Mercury was edited by Robert Barnwell Rhett, Jr., whose father was a well-known fire-eater. Robert Barnwell … Continue reading

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From Canada

On December 4, 1860 President Buchanan issued his final State of the Union address. The “Daily News” links in the right-hand column do a great job covering the address. Here’s a short story related to fugitive slaves and the Underground … Continue reading

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Ex-President Pierce: Doughface Perspective

In the period leading up to the American Civil War “Doughface” was the disparaging term many Northerners used to describe Northerners who sympathized with the South and its interests. 150 years ago today Congress began its session in the midst … Continue reading

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Yankee, (You Better) Go Home!

December 2, 1860. Congressmen from around the United States are accumulating in Washington, D.C. as they await the reconvening of Congress tomorrow, December 3rd. Some southern senators, such as Breckinridge from Kentucky, are speaking words of moderation and conciliation. Congressmen … Continue reading

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Pondering Economics of Secession: Stalwart Giant vs. Infant

150 years ago today The New-York Times reacted to a bill in the Georgia Legislature that would place an extreme fine on commerce with the North. The editorial used the bill’s intent to predict the effect a hostile secession would … Continue reading

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(Almost) Kissing Babies in Chicago

Lincoln’s quietness during the election and its immediate aftermath was usual in his day. Senator Douglas broke tradition during the 1860 presidential canvas by personally campaigning throughout the country, but the norm was for the candidate to remain at home … Continue reading

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“You Must Take Sides”

In 1860 several states, including New York, declared November 29th Thanksgiving Day. One of the ways people celebrated Thanksgiving Day back then was by going to church and listening to long sermons by their preachers. On November 30th The New-York … Continue reading

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Bye, Bye, Redcoats!

Well, I can chalk up another one under the category “1860 Headlines that have Bewildered Me”: From The New-York Times November26, 1860: Evacuation Day. Parade of the Military. The First Brigade, under command of Gen. C.B. SPICER, consisting of the … Continue reading

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Palmetto Flag Gets Hissed!

But Not in the Palmetto State From The New-York Times November 27, 1860: BALTIMORE, Md., Monday, Nov. 24. An association calling themselves the “Southern Volunteers,” displayed the Palmetto flag from their place of meeting to-day. A large crowd was attracted … Continue reading

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