USA > Delaware > History of Delaware : 1609-1888 > Part 81
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electoral vote to the candidates by whom the Consti- tntional right- of the South were most emphatically and exclusively represented, and at the same time, through her whole press, and with the united voice of all the political parties within her borders, she pro- claimed at this period her fixed determination to take her stand within the circle of the Union and protect herself by the Constitution only.
On the 2d of January, 1861, the Legislature as, sembled at Dover, and on the next day the commis- sioner from Mississippi, Henry Dickinson, appeared before the House, and made an address. In the name of the State of Mississippi, he invited Delaware to join the Southern Confederacy, which was about to be formed. He claimed the right of the State to secede from the Federal Union, and said, if it was not admitted, war would be inevitable. After his speech, the House resolved ananimously, and the Senate concurred by a majority, that, "having ex- tended to the Hon. H. Dickinson, the commissioner of Mississippi, the courtesy due him, as the repre- sentative of a sovereign State of the Confederacy, as well as to the State he represents, we deem it proper and due to ourselves and the people of Delaware to express our unqualified disapproval of the remedy for existing difficulties suggested by the resolutions of the Legislature of Mississippi."
On the 19th of January the Legislature of Virginia passed a series of resolutions which led to the Peace Conference at Washington on February 4th, in which twenty States were represented. The delegates ap- pointed from Delaware were George B. Rodney, Dan- ie! MI. Bates, Henry Ridgely, John W. Houston and William Cannon In the instructions to her dele- gates, Delaware declared that, in the opinion of "this General Assembly, the people of Delaware are thoroughly devoted to the perpetuity of the Union, and that the commissioners appointed are expected to emulate the example set by the immortal patriots who formed the Federal Constitution, by sacrificing all minor considerations upon the altar of the Union."
The Peace Convention continued in session until the 27th of February, when the result of its labors was laid before Congress. Delaware was represented in Congress at this time by James A. Bayard and Willard Saulsbury in the Senate, and William G. Whitely in the House. At the extra session of Con- gress held on July 4, 1861, William G. Whitely was succeeded by Hon. George P. Fisher.
On the 26th of December, 1860, Major Anderson transferred his garrison from Fort Moultrie to Fort sumter, in Charleston harbor. The movement ex- eited intense indignation among the active secessionists in that city. It was the first flash across their minds of the idea that the United States might fight before the difficulty was ended. Adhirs now continued to grow worse. The hope of an amicable adjustment was diminished by every hour's delay, and as the prospect of a bloodle-s settlement passed away, the
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE.
publie distress became more and more aggravated.1 On the 4th of March, 1861, President Lincoln de- livered his inaugural address, took the oath of office and began the discharge of his duties. At this time seven Southern States had retired from the Union, the officers of the Federal government had resigned, and there were no persons to represent its powers or execute its duties within their limits, excepting in the Post-Office Department. In those States all the gov . ernnient property had been seized, and only Forts Pickens, Taylor and Jefferson, near the Florida coast, and Sumter, in Charleston harbor, continued under the flag of the Union.
On April 1st measures were taken at Governor's Island, Fort Hamilton, Bedloe's Island and the Brook- lyn navy-yard, New York, to relieve these fortifica- tions. All eyes were now turned towards Fort Sum- ter with intense interest. It was well known that the unseen future was wrapped up in her fate. If she was peaeably supplied with stores for the starving garrison, or if peaceably evacuated, then the prospects for peace would become hopeful : if on the other hand, an as- sault should be made, war, with all its horrors, frater- nal war, was upon the country. The country did not have long to wait in suspense, for on Friday morning, April 12th, about four o'clock, fire was opened from all points upon Fort Sumter, and continued for thirty- three hours, when her commander, on the afternoon of the 13th, surrendered. The fort was evacuated on Sunday, the 14th, and as the news flashed over the country by telegraph, it was instantly followed by the summons of the President, "To arms! to arms!" His proclamation, ordering seventy-five thousand men into the field, was issued on the night of the 14th. A call for the troops was issued by the Secretary of War, Simon Cam- eron, in accordance with the President's proclam- ation, and sent to the Governors of the respective States. The quota allotted to Delaware under this call was one regiment of seven hundred and eighty men. These documents were spread through the country on Monday, the 15th, and on the 19th the Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers,2 completely equipped, passed through Wilmington for Washington, so eager was that State to be the first in the field.
The most uneontrollable excitement now burst over the country. Both North and South rushed to arms -the former to maintain the government and to pre- serve the Union, the latter to seeure the independence of the Confederate States and the dissolution of the Union.
In Wilmington, Delaware, the news of the firing on Fort Sumter created the most intense excitement. The streets soon became thronged with people, and groups were gathered around the newspaper and tel.
egraph offices, excitedly discussing the situation. . 1s soon as intelligence was received of the surrender of the fort, the opposition to sere-sion became very strong. In the evening a body of workingmen, headed by a drum and fife, paraded the streets, chevr- ing loudly for the Union. On April 16th one of the largest and most enthusiastic Union demonstrations. was held in the City Hall. Mayor V. C. Gilpin pre- sided, with George Nebecker, J. S. Valentine, George S. Hagany, Joseph R. Bringhur-t. Joel Frist, James HI. Rice, William A. Wisdom, L. H. Coxe, Henry Bartram, S. S. Southard, Daniel Farrar, William H. Pierce, Joseph C. Spear, Henry MeLear, John F. Miller, Joseph Heston, R. S. La Motte, J. M. Barr, J. A. Hunter, Joseph Richardson, William S. Hayes, J. W. Sullivan, H. N. Wickersham, J. Scott, J. Pyle, A. Boys, J. D. Gregg, C. F. Rudolph, J. L. Thompson, John J. Toner, J. M. Turner. Geo. Stearns, J. Maris and John Flinn, vice-presidents ; and Wm. H. Galla- gher, Charles O'Donnel, S. Postles, H. Finnegan, MI. If. Foster and Hanson Harmon, secretaries. Elo- quent and patriotie speeches were delivered by W. H. White, J. S. Valentine and John Sebo in support of the government.
The following resolutions reported by Joseph Pyle, W. H. England, J. Montgomery, A. H. Grimshaw and J. M. Posey were unanimously adopted :
" There.ts, the treason in the South has assumed a form that requires the earliest action of the government, and
" Whereas, the President has called upon the States for seventy-five thousand men to suppress the rebellion that is how waging war against the government, placing our liberties and Uuion in danger, therefore be it
" Resolved, That we fully cuncur in the views of the President and that we respond to the call in a substantial manber by primang bim such an as may be requisite to enforce the laws and repel invasion.
" Resolved, That Delaware is, as the has always been, loyal to the I'nion, that treason has always been a strar ger to this State, and that we condemn the efforts that have been made to irdoce the Legislature to take measures to place Delawere among the seeding States.
" Resolved, That a high and exalted patriotism will govern the people of Delaware in the pre-rut crisis, and that they will be as they ever have been, the first to uphohl and the last to dewert the Union.
" Resolved, That the present crisis demands that all party ties should be obliterated ; that the Union men of all creeds should band together with no other object in view than the perpetuity of the Uuion and a vindiation of the rights of man ; proving to the world that the peuple are competent to guvern themselves
" Fiesoleed, That we recommend the people of the different Hundreds, irrespective of party, to meet and express their views on the state of the Union.
"Resolved, That we condemn all Senators and Representatives in Con- gress who have prevented by their votes or speeches the settlement of the present difficulties between the North and South.
" Resolved. that the people of Delaware will sustain the government and support the Union and are always in favor of the Constitution and the enforcement of the laws.
: " Resolred, That a committee of five be appointed to request the gov- ernment officers to jJ ire the national flag upon the the Custom-llouse and Post-Office of this city."
After appointing William H. England, W. H. Bellamy, II. Finnegan, G. S. Hagany and J. Maris a committee to request the Union flag to be raised over the Custom-House and Post-Office, the meeting adjourned with chpers for the star spangled banner, the Union, and Major Anderson, the hero of Fort Sumter. .
Following this great meeting, on the 19th of April, the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, while passing through Baltimore, on its way to defend the capital,
1 On the 22it of September, 1899, the banks throughout the country suspended specie payments, which produced widespread monetary etu- barnsomneuts.
". This regiment was attacked in the streets of Baltimore by the popu- lace, and many were killed ou both sides.
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THE CIVIL WAR.
www attacked by a mob. This act created the most Mener excitement in Wilmington, and intensified the Union sentiment. The city feared an attack by way of Baltimore, and to allay public excitement the Mayor on April 22d i -- ued the following proclama- tion :
. In times of public calamity the minds of men are naturally filled ."u excitement and alarm. Violent emotions are apt to find vent it . monstrationis settously aff erting the pubhe posee.
" Tranquillity and order will be in constant hasard unless the boun is federation are strictly observed, luth to speech and action.
" Now, therefore, I, Vino nt C. Gilpin, Mayor of the city of Wilming- . a, do hereby enjoin upon all persons the duty of abstaining from in- tonjerate controversies and violent pubbe hmangues and all other ;** tres lending to infractions of law , and at the sine tinte I heirby & ve the assurance that, with the art of the military aria, I Am pre- fareJ, to the fullest extent, to exercise my authority as Chief Magis- tate, in maintaining order and protecting the rights of persons and
In the mean time, on the 19th of April, the City Council made an appropriation of eight thousand dollars for the defense of the city. In pursuance of this act the city purchased four hundred stand of arms in Philadelphia, which arrived on the 22d. The following, from the Wilmington Morning News of the 23d, gives a fair idea of the excitement which then prevailed in the city :
: "The excitement in our city in relation to the civil war which is now raging in our country is unprecedented in our annals. All day and all night long our streets are filled with rrowds of persons, anxiously it- quiring for intelligence from the seat of war. Nearly every house in the city has the stars and stripes floating either from the windowsi on the roof. At the City Hall, Central Hall. and various other places throughout the city, you are in staring capitals the words, 'Volunteers Wanted.' Not a train of cars arrives but eager crowds throng the depot, and mien, women and children run to see thetn. A number of yoing mien, impatient to enlist in their country's service, left the city for Philadelphia during the werk. On Saturday calls were issued for meetings to form ' llome Guards,' 'City Guards' and a company of dragoons. When the train arrived containing the Pennsylvania volun- trers who had been driven back by an armed mob in Baltimore on Fri- day, several of our citizens supplied them with food. Our patriotic Lrhrs put on their kettles and mwie coffee for them, and conveyed it. with baskets of provisions, to satisfy the hunger of the brave i fenders of our free Constitution. On Saturday afternoon Companies Band C, of the Delaware Guards, assembled at their armory in the Fuen Whip Engine Honse, and were mu-tofed into the service of the city. On Sat- urday and Sunday nighta guards were stationed on all the bridges lead- ing to our city. The young men have displayed their Union badges, some wearing a tastefully-executed rosette, others ribbons, red, white and blue, through the hutton-hole of the lappel of the coat, and quite a number bear the stars and stripes fastetied on their breasts. There at pears to be but one sentiment in this connuunity now, whatever may have been the differences of opinions heretofore, and that is that the government must be sustained, and rebellion nitist be put down at all hazards."
About the same time the railroad bridges on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad west of Havre de Grace, and on the Northern Cen- tral Railroad sonth of Cockeysville, MId., were burned by the authorities of Baltimore, to prevent the pas- sige of Northern troops through that city to the South, thus necessitating their transportation from Havre de Grace to Annapolis and Washington by water. Apprehensive for the safety of Wilmington. measures were taken for its defense. The United States revenne cutter "Dobbin " was sent from Hampton Roads to guard the city and the Delaware Bay. On the night of the 19th of April Fort Dela- ware was garrisoned with one hundred and seventy- tive men from Philadelphia. About the same time Fort Mitllin, on the Delaware shore above Chester,
was reinforced by a body of troops from Philadel- phin.
The idea of safety animated all classes of people, and for the time being all differences of opinion were subverted to the one purpose of protecting the State through the maintenance of the Union. In order to better allay the fears of the people. Com- panies B and C, of the Delaware Guards, were as- sembled at their armory, in the Friendship Engine- house, and were mustered into the service of the city, and at night sentinels were stationed on all the bridges leading to Wilmington. Four hundred stanils of arms were procured from Philadelphia and other measures were taken to protect the city from attack.
On April 20th the physicians also tendered their services in case there should be an attack on Wil- mington, or on the property and bridges of the Phila- delphia. Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Com- pany. Drs. Porter, White, Bush, George W. Chaytor and G. P. Morris, a committee appointed at a meeting of physicians, secured the City Hall for hospital pur- po-es, and the Odd Fellows' Hall Company tendered their settees for the use of the wounded. The phy- sicians al-o held themselves ready as a body to give their services if there should be any conflict of arms. The druggists offered to supply lint, medicines, ete., free of charge, and to attend at their several places of business at any hour of the day or night, if necessary, to meet the demands that might be made upon them.
On the afternoon of April 22d another immense meeting was held in front of the City Hall, Wilming- ton, "to consider the national troubles and adopt measures to secure and strengthen the government." Hon. Willard Hall was made president, with the following vice-presidents : Brandywine Hundred. Jos. Shipley ; Wilmington, David C. Wilson ; Chris- tiana, James Delaplain ; Mill Creek, Lewis Thomp- son ; White Clay Creek, John U. Evans ; Pencader, Robert M. Black; St. George's, John P. Cochrane ; Red Lion, Capt. George Maxwell ; Appoquinimink, James V. Moore; New Castle, George Z. Tybont; Secretaries, Daniel Farrand John B. Porter.
The following persons were appointed to prepare resolutions expressing the sense of the meeting :
Daniel M. Bates, Dr. R. R. Porter, Chas. I. Du Pont, Henry Latimer, Dr. I. F. Asken, Dr. Wm. Couper, IIanson Robinson, S. MeDaniel, Dr. L. P. Busb, Jesse Sharpe, E. C. Stotsenburg, A. P. Shannon and Ben- jamin Gibbs.
Alfred R. Wooten, attorney-general of Delaware, Dr. L. P. Bush, Samuel Townsend, George Read Rid- dle. Daniel M. Bates, John R. Latimer, Rev. Messrs. Wiswell, Aikman and Condron, Dr. Harlan, George W. Vernon and Washington Curry addressed the meet- ing in favor of the Union and the duty of sustaining the general government at all hazards, those assem- bled warudy applauding their sentiments.
The following resolutions were adopted without a disseuting voice :
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE.
"The citizens of New Castle County, assembled in county meeting to confer together upon the alarming situation of our naturemal affaire, Involved in civil war, deem it our duty to de lite thar in this ehr rzenev we discard all party preferences and luidt ourselves firmly to sujquat the constitutional government of the country. We can see no ranse for subverting the government, while in its overthrow we discern deploratale consequences In these consequences the power, honor and prosperity of this nation are imperiled, and the safety, property and comfort of its citizens wintonly atel ruinenily impaned and wasted. Our country is eminent among the nations, the oppressed from all lands find in it a happy home, civil and religious liberty, such as never has been known before in the history of min, manifeste its lange effects in all its governmental bearings, and it seenre- to every individual the undis- turbed enjoyment of the fruits of his industry, talent and enterprise. Revolution puts all this to hazard, and that through the Wood and havoc of civil war.
" Resolved, That we hold the union of the States dear, because an inheritance from our fathers, whuge patriotism ant wisdom we revere, whose memories we cherish, having our confidence, because formed by men of unselfish devotedness to the public good and of prarthat wisdom and statesmanship distingunonug the age in which they hved, and adorning the annals of man : invaluable to us because insuring to us personal security under the guardianship of laws made by ourselves. The fruits of industry, and the undisturbed enjoyment of all our rights, protecting by the peaceful administration of justice the several states from the aggressions of each other, and mivesting the nation with character and power commanding the respect of all people, winle presenting before them a practical exlubition of the operation of self- government with its inseparable attendant civil and religious liberty, a moral exemplar which has elevated, and unless perversely marred, must continue to elevate the linman race. Our own is the only power on earth that can prevent ia obstruct this consommation.
" Resolved, That we deem it our highest privilege to live under a goverument of laws, aud for the administration of the Federal Govern- ment and the enjoyment of its benefits Those constitutionally invested with its functions must be unhesitatingly acknowledged and their authority firnily upheld by all good citizens, especially in times of revolution ; and we pledge ourselves to support the government in all constitutional measures
" Resolved, That the government of the country, by whatsoever hands it may be temporarily adniflustered, is the common property, To main- tain its constitutional authority is the interest and duty of all alike. By the support we now give to it no man surrenders any opinions he my have heretofore entertained respecting the causes of the present crisis or the policy of the administration now in power
" Resolved, That, while we have no legally organized militia enabling the Governor to comply with the requisitiuns of the President of the United States, we trust that the patriotism of our citizens will supply the defeet by inducing voluntary offers, and that the spirit of our people will manifest to this generation, for maintaining the liberties we enjoy, as did our fathers to that in which these liberties were asserted and won, the relance that can be placed on freemen for vindicating their rights.
" R. solred, That we stand ready, faithfully to abide the sacrifices which the entrying out of those resolution- may involve.
" Resolved, further, That while we have full confidence in the law- abiding character of the people of this State, scenes in other places admonish ns to inculcate watchful cantion against violent or irregular steps; war is exciting and incident to it, especially to civil war, is a popular sensitiveness under which the mind- of men become suspicions and inflammable ; groundles reports and imaginary inventions are inconsiderately received and acted upon, betraying into bushness and producing, where the presence of war is never felt, aggravated disorder, frequent acts of injustice, a general sense of insecurity Every one should feel that his own safety depends upon the protection of law, that the magistracy and its process are autheient for the common welfare, and should be our firm reliance. A brave, firm in in is self-possessed ; he never will countenance publie disturbance of aggression npon the quiet aud peace of individnah. We nnquahfiedly condemn all tendency to such disturbance and aggression.
" Resolved, That a committee of fourteen be appointed by the chair to confer and art with the City Council upou measures necessary for the public safety."
The following gentlemen were appointed, under the resolutions, a committee of safety : John Wales, Joseph Shipley, Thomas F. Bayard, Jesse Sharpe, John B. Latimer, Dr. H. F. Askew, Henry Du Pont, David C. Wilson, Theodore Rogers, J. Morton Poole, E. G. Bradford, Elijah Hollingsworth and Victor Du Pont.
The "Minute Men," numbering about four hun- dred of the enthusiastic supporters of the Union in Wilmington, were also very active in the emergency,
under the command of Robert S. and Charles E. L. Motte.
They held meetings every night, and encouraged the Union cause by their patriotic measures.
To provide for the prompt suppression, by force, if necessary, of any rebellious movement in the State. the Messrs. La Motte drew up a roll for signer- . among the " Minute Men " in the following words :
" We, the undersigned, agree to form ourselves intoa volunteer in i company, the object of which shall be the preservation of the Colpito. tion, the Union and the enforcement of the laws. And we hopeby plaire ourselves, should our services be required by the constitutional authorities of the United States, to support the General Government at 1 the flag of our common conutry."
At a special meeting held in the latter part of April, the " Minute Men" adopted the following strong resolutions :
" Whereas, Treason has lifted its hydra head in our onee happy Union and traitors, emboldened by success, have threatened the existence of our glorious 'stars and stripes'-a flag that is honored by every civilized nattou of the earth ; and
" Whereas, duty as patriots, as citizens should in this, the hour of our country's peril, stand up for the perpetuation of those principles of Civil amt Religions Liberty bequeathed to us by our fathers, and transmit those happy and blessed privileges to our posterity, and
" Herrera the Minute Men of 'Go, ever loyal to the Union, the Con- stitution and the laws, are willing, and do hereby agree, to hy ası le for the present all puty ties, and cordially unite with our fellow-citi- zens in the protection of our lives, of our homes and our country, and bury all political animosities of the past, unite as a band of brothers for the present emergency and leave the future as political parties to be governed by circumstances ; theretore
" Resobredl. That we cordially and earnestly invite our fellow-citizens of all political creeds to meet at the Odd Fellows' Hall on Friday even- ing, to organize for the defence of our City, state and Country in such manter as they may determine npun.
" Resulred, That a cominuttee ot five be appointed to carry this resolu- tion into effect."
To carry the resolutions into effect, the president appointed the following committee : Charles Bird, J. Blankin, H. Biddle, G. W. Griffin and Edgar Pierce.
On motion, the president was added to the commit- tee. Samuel Biddle then offered the following ex- pression of the sentiments of the " Minute Men." which was adopted, and a copy was ordered to be sent to President Lincoln :
"The minute-men of '60 of the city of Wilmington, in the State of Delaware, deeply de plore the distracted condition of our beloved country, and especially the inauguration of civil war, with all its attendant horrors ; regret that the causes which have brought about this unnatural state of aff.urs was not referred by the List Congress of the United States directly to the arbitrament of the people of the several States, the true sovereigns of the nation, feeling wanted they would have rendered s report that woul i have given peace and stability to the government, and happiness and prosperity to all our people ; but this boon was denied to us, consequently several of the Southern states whom we hereto fore s. proudly claimed as our sisters, have repudiated and assuled our Govern- ment, insulted our National Flag and have hastily brought upon us civil war and carnage, as disgraceful to them as it is mortifying to us.
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