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YANCEY, WILLIAM LOWNDES. Leader of the Southern "Fire-Eaters." Autograph letter signed ("W.L. Yancey") TO SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR FRANCIS PICKENS, Montgomery, Alabama, 27 February 1861. 2 pages, 8vo, worn at folds, small tear not affecting text.
YANCEY ON FORT SUMTER: "I HAVE BEEN INFORMED...THAT THE TROOPS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR WILL ASSAULT FORT SUMTER"
A fascinating letter, marked "Private," couched in terms of cautious politeness, but commenting pointedly upon the continuing stalemate between S. Carolina, the new Confederate Government and the Union. One of the most influential secessionists, Yancey offers his opinion of rumors of an impending attack of Fort Sumter: "Will you pardon me for what may appear an intrusion, but the gravity of the subject impels me to write. I have been informed...that the troops in Charleston Harbor will assault Fort Sumter within a day or two. As for myself, I am one of those who felt that South Carolina if prepared should have done so, when the whole matter was under her control. Now that the responsibility has been transferred or taken by the Confederate States, it will produce a confusion, an excitement, an indignation and astonishment here in the Confederate Congress that will tend to break up the new government. I do not write lightly, but considerately...I must take the responsibility & assure you of my great devotion to Honor & interests of your noble State, as well as to the Honor & interests of the Confederate States."
The Fort Sumter impasse was not swiftly settled; it was 14 April before the Fort, battered by shelling, surrendered. By then, Yancey had been sent abroad as Confederate commissioner to France and England. Yancey (1814-1863) "and the movement for Southern independence are inseparable in history. It would seem presumptuous to say that without him there would have been no Confederate States of America, but it is probably so" (DAB). His letters are quite uncommon.
YANCEY ON FORT SUMTER: "I HAVE BEEN INFORMED...THAT THE TROOPS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR WILL ASSAULT FORT SUMTER"
A fascinating letter, marked "Private," couched in terms of cautious politeness, but commenting pointedly upon the continuing stalemate between S. Carolina, the new Confederate Government and the Union. One of the most influential secessionists, Yancey offers his opinion of rumors of an impending attack of Fort Sumter: "Will you pardon me for what may appear an intrusion, but the gravity of the subject impels me to write. I have been informed...that the troops in Charleston Harbor will assault Fort Sumter within a day or two. As for myself, I am one of those who felt that South Carolina if prepared should have done so, when the whole matter was under her control. Now that the responsibility has been transferred or taken by the Confederate States, it will produce a confusion, an excitement, an indignation and astonishment here in the Confederate Congress that will tend to break up the new government. I do not write lightly, but considerately...I must take the responsibility & assure you of my great devotion to Honor & interests of your noble State, as well as to the Honor & interests of the Confederate States."
The Fort Sumter impasse was not swiftly settled; it was 14 April before the Fort, battered by shelling, surrendered. By then, Yancey had been sent abroad as Confederate commissioner to France and England. Yancey (1814-1863) "and the movement for Southern independence are inseparable in history. It would seem presumptuous to say that without him there would have been no Confederate States of America, but it is probably so" (DAB). His letters are quite uncommon.