Bethune, James N. (1803-1895) to Paul J. Semmes
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00572.15 Author/Creator: Bethune, James N. (1803-1895) Place Written: Milledgeville, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 November 1860 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Informs that the Senate passed a bill calling for a secession convention in Georgia. Mentions the remote chance of war, "Amongst those who are doubtful or timid the feeling is getting out that they must take choice between the remote chance of a fight with the North and a fight at home..."
Milledgeville, 17 Apt- 1860
Dear Genl,
Today the Senate passed the bill calling the convention "To Resist". This is a great point gained - There has been some talk here about demanding of the Northern States to repeal their laws against the fugitive slave laws and calling upon Congress to compel them to do it and to make Lincoln enforce them, but there are Ben Hills vagaries and find t ink but little favor and are getting to hear less every day. They have committed themselves to "resistance and resistance is now the talk, Stephens says he will not aid in nor countenance the formation of the Union party - and as resistance is the word of course it will get stronger - The young men and the boys are enthusiastic - Amongst those who are doubtful or timid the feeling is getting out that they must take choice between the remote chance of a fight with the North and a fight at home and as the chance of a fight gets more remote they prefer taking that. From all that I can see and hear I think everything is going first rate. The election for delegates is the first Wednesday in January the convention meets on the 16th each County whether to a delegate for each Senator & Representative. I must close to get this in the Mail.
Yours truly
James A. Bethune
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