1861: A State Divided Controversial Elections Send Missouri, Nation to Brink of War

Summary

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At Christmas 1860, the long-threatened crisis was at hand. South Carolina left the Union on Dec. 20, just a few days before Missouri lawmakers were due in Jefferson City. Missouri, a state born of compromise over slavery, would have to decide whether to cast aside its federal ties. The national debate over slavery and secession was at a fever pitch when Missouri lawmakers gathered on New Year's Eve.

"Regarding as I do the American Confederacy ... I would here, in my last public official act as Governor of Missouri, record my solemn protest against unwise and hasty action, and my unalterable devotion to the Union, so long as it can be made the protector of equal rights."

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Extract

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1861: A State Divided Controversial Elections Send Missouri, Nation to Brink of War

- Gov. Robert Marcelus Stewart , Farewel report, Jan. 3, 1861

Used with permission of The State Historical Society of Missouri

"Missouri, then, in my opinion, will best consult her own interest, and the interest of the whole country, by a timely declaration of her determination to st...

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