10 May 1860

Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln to hold campaign debate in Richmond Virginia!

The elections of 1858 had left the Southern States in a strong position in both the U.S. House and Senate. President James Buchanan would not be running for reelection, of that much was certain. The South was quickly rallying around a powerful Senator named Jefferson Davis of Mississippi, urging him to seek the Presidency of the United States. However Senator Davis was a member of the aging Wigs Party, which was a party in decline. The Democrats were divided as to whom they would run; fears were the party would be severely divided by running two candidates. But for the moment, a coalition of Southern Democrats and Whig’s, joined by a few politicians from sympathetic northern Border States, had complete domination of both houses of the federal legislature. President Buchanan, wanted to broker a deal between the slave and anti-slave States, but otherwise, presented no real obstacle, given the coalition majorities in both houses of the congress. Senator Davis knew he had to make a decision, and soon!

Political turbulence loomed over the horizon, with word out of Springfield Illinois of the likely candidacy of a former congressman by the name of Abraham Lincoln. He is a man with only a few years formal education, but for the most part, a self-educated back-woodsman. Mr. Lincoln would be running under the banner of a relatively new political party known as the Republican Party. Few people took Lincoln's possible candidacy serious, but Jefferson Davis was not one to take a likely victory for granted. In politics as in war, he knew surprises could shift the outcome in favor of an opponent. He did know one certainty however; he could not win on a Wigs ticket. If he decided to run, he must consider changing his party affiliation to the Democratic Party. Additionally, in order to increase the chances of victory, the other two candidates must be persuaded to drop out of the running. Shifting party loyalties was not in his nature, but given the decline in the Wigs party in recent elections, it appeared no other option was open to him.

The Democrats were a relatively conservative party, and Senator Davis had worked well with them in the Senate. The Democratic and Wigs Coalition had made the unusual move of electing him Majority Leader of the Senate; an attempt no doubt to persuade him to switch parties. In any case this is an unprecedented move given the minority status of the Wigs. True the honorable Senator Davis was a compromise candidate for the position, coming at the same time as these extremely divisive issues for the Democrats. Emotions were raged, which could easily lead to a split in the party, which would culminate in a defeat for Southern domination of the congress. He'd been able to protect Southern interests by holding a number of Northern Senators in the coalition. But then again, everyone knew the Wig’s were on their way out as a political party. Before the spring recess of the congress, Senator Davis decided to pay a visit to the Wigs and the Democratic Party Leaders. If he could broker a deal, he would then discuss any possible decision of his candidacy with his family, before making an announcement.

The divisions within the Democratic Party was quieted somewhat, when the outspoken Steven A. Douglas decided not to bolt the Democratic Party and run for president as an independent. The Democratic Wigs Coalition in the Congress had given him a strong voice in the House of Representatives. The candidacy of the very popular Senator Jefferson Davis had however, caused concerns among the pro-northern abolitionist. Davis was popular and well known alright, but equally important, he was known as an outstanding orator. A likely match for the country spun yarns and stories of Abraham Lincoln. General Robert E. Lee, the famous hero of the Mexican War, who had captured John Brown and his raiders, was known to be his choice for as a Vice Presidential running mate, should he run. It seemed that no matter what choice was made, if a northerner wasn't on the ticket, it would cause severe divisions within the country. Yet General Lee was a logical choice, and one that even abolitionist northerners, would find hard to argue against. General Lee had served as Commandant of West Point during the period when Jefferson Davis was Secretary of War, and had proven him to be fair, just and impartial. A true gentleman warrior, statesman and man of honor!

Dateline 13 July 1860

The summer found the candidates on the stump, Candidates Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee, made their first tour throughout the Southland to firm up support among fellow Southerners, before venturing north. Sometimes heading off in different directions! Their reception proved more then either men had hoped for, with throngs of people greeting them at every rail stop along the way. Thus the two men quickly became known for their rail stop speeches from the rear of the cabooses. News and Magazine Reporters quickly caught on, and were soon found in large numbers at every stop along the way. People often traveled for miles, in hopes of hearing one of their speeches.

Finally the evitable day came, when Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee knew they must begin their northern campaign. The two men were completely opposed in the New England states, but in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, it was thought they might win a close majority vote. Thus a choice was made to stop in Chicago, where a reply would be made to Abraham Lincoln's abolitionist sentiments. It was in the windy city of Chicago that Candidate Jefferson Davis proposed, that if elected, he would recommend to the congress, a proposed constitutional amendment which would have the effect of abolishing the importation of slaves. Further he would appoint a committee to look into a fair an equitable means of grand fathering out the practice of slavery. The slaves would be purchase at fair market value, and educated prior to complete freedom.

Thus the economy would not be destroyed and Negroes could be integrated smoothly into the general population, without any severe reaction. The funds used to purchase the slaves would in turn, permit the plantation owners to hire their services during the critical transition. While the press hounded him for details of his proposal, and it was after all widely debated. Its major effect was to stem the tide of resentment to the South's peculiar institution. Only in six New England States did the hatred toward Jefferson Davis and his possible presidency seem to grow.

Dateline 18 August 1860

Abraham Lincoln had been urging Jefferson Davis to debate him throughout the campaign and favored holding the debate in Springfield. But Jefferson Davis knew better then to given Lincoln the edge, by debating him on his own turf. Thus he insisted the debate be held in Richmond Virginia. Abraham Lincoln reluctantly agreed, and the debate was schedule for early August of 1860. On the positive side, the debate caused Jefferson Davis to seem more reasonable. On the other hand, it filled the air with inflammatory ramblings, about rewarding the Slave Masters for their treatment of slaves. This tended to further divide the 33 States and territories into the Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln camps.

The States which lined up on the abolitionist Republican side were: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rode Island and Vermont. The territory of Kansas and the western counties of Virginia tended to side with Abraham Lincoln. These eleven states threatened to secede, if Jefferson Davis were elected. The western counties of Virginia threatened to secede from Virginia and join the New England States in forming a new nation. The State of Missouri while divided, decided to remain loyal, should Jefferson Davis be elected. This was due to the proposal made by the candidate, and the strong Southern influence within the State.

Dateline 30 November 1860

When Election Day arrived, Jefferson Davis and the conservative Democrats took 23 out of the 33 States. The surprise came in Delaware where Davis eked out a victory. The lower third of the Pennsylvania counties indicated they would remain loyal, and would not follow the State into secession. This was considered in large part, due to their proximity and close ties with the Dominion of Ole Virginia. Abraham Lincoln had banked on the States of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, but lost in all three, by a margin of approximately 65 to 35 percent. There was much moaning and complaining in the northern reaches of these three States, but things remained calm.

After the election, Jefferson Davis began the careful selection of his cabinet. He and his Vice President elect Robert E. Lee, met in Montgomery Alabama for the purpose of putting together a cabinet. Among those selected was Howell Cobb of Georgia - Secretary of the Interior, Judea Benjamin - Attorney General, Alexander Stephens - Secretary of State. Robert Toombs - Secretary of the Treasury, Robert W. Barnwell - Postmaster General, the Honorable L. P. Walker - Secretary of War, and Stephen A. Mallory of Florida - Secretary of the Navy! However, controversy arose when the little known Thomas J. Jackson, then a Professor at the Virginia Military Institute, was sought for promotion to General of the Army, thereby passing over a multitude of other well known and higher ranking men. Later the nation would come to know why Jefferson Davis, sixteenth U.S. President, made these choices.

Dateline 18 April 1861

The fire was soon to come, when on 20 December New York voted to secede from the union, followed by Massachusetts on 9 January, Maine on 10 January, New Hampshire on 11 January. Finally Connecticut on 19 January and Rode Island on 26 January. Pennsylvania left the union on 2 March! On 4 February 1861 the Union of American States, or U.A.S. was formed between the first six seceding States. Abraham Lincoln, having since moved to New York City, was inaugurated on 18 February, as their Provisional President. The seat of their new government was to New York City, but talks were underway, whereby the capital might later be moved to Boston Massachusetts. In the meanwhile, another four States eventually left the Union before the end of spring. The first among these were Vermont on 17 April and Michigan on 6 May; both would join the new northern nation. The United States had already split into two nations, when on 4 March; Jefferson Davis stood on the steps of the U.S. Capital, and took the oath of Office as the Sixteenth President. The Lower third of Pennsylvania by this time had petitioned the new president to be allowed to remain in the Union, as a separate State. However, this lower section of Pennsylvania was instead granted temporary commonwealth status, pending a further decision in the case. The western counties of Virginia, which was anticipated to leave the union, failed take action when the time came. Economics more then politics seem to be their motivation, given the number of States which remained in the union.

After the inauguration of President Jefferson Davis, the Southern third of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware was militarily reinforced. The northern nation became humorously known as the Socialist States of America, or S.S.A. rather then their true name Union of American States. President Lincoln had requested a meeting with President Davis soon after the inauguration, which Davis accepted on his own terms. Providing the meeting would be held at the Lee Custis Mansion in Alexandria Virginia, under the invitation of Vice President Robert E. Lee. Lincoln wanted very much to hold the meeting in New York, the temporary capital of the new republic, but reluctantly agreed to travel to Alexandria Virginia.

Dateline 24 April 1861

Only a little more then a month after his inauguration, President Davis announced to the press, his proposed amendment to the constitution. The leadership of the House and Senate standing by his side! In a conference with the leadership of the congress, the text of the proposed constitutional had been agreed upon, and the amendment thus would be sent to the congress for consideration. The press has provided with a text of what would become the thirteenth amendment, which reads as follows: "The importation of Negro slaves of the African race, from any foreign country, is hereby prohibited; and congress is required to pass such laws as shall effectually prevent the same."

Dateline 28 April 1861

Presidents Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln were the guests of Robert and Mrs. Lee over a several day period; the discussions were cordial and diplomatic, but none-the-less, frank and to the point. Mr. Lincoln stated President Davis; is it not true, during the campaign you boasted to the press, the union must be preserved at any cost? And, that my election would be a threat to the union? After hearing the South would secede, did you not express in the strongest possible terms, secession is unconstitutional and illegal? Secession you said; "...amounts to no more then a rebellion against federal authority, the union is indivisible!" How say you to the matter now sir? Shall I enforce your own words upon you with armed might or perhaps if I were to reduce northern cities to rubble, if you resist? Maybe I should send our armies looting, burning, raping and murdering everyone and everything in sight. Suppose sir, I send General Thomas J. Jackson to destroy everything within a 60 mile wide pathway, in a march from your Southern Border in Pennsylvania to New York?

After the surrender of your northern armies, we could force them to swear an oath of allegiance. We then might forcibly remove any northern government official having voted to secede. Thereafter replacing them with those prepared to vote to rescind the article of secession, made by the northern States? I could place the northern States under occupation, marshal law, and in a state of unending and perpetual subjugation. Later institute a program of cultural cleansing and genocide, until such a time as the northern people begin to think more like ourselves. This would be carrying out your own wishes, would it not? Do you still believe in the principles you have so forcefully professed during the campaign, or have you reconsidered? Since under present conditions, those principles are aimed at the north, rather then the South! I am prepared sir, to raise an army strong enough to drive you and yours, all the way to the Canadian Border, or into the Atlantic Ocean. If that is your desire!

Abraham Lincoln, the once boastful and arrogant politician, who was going to preserve a voluntary republic of sovereign States, through the aggressive use of armed force, if necessary. Somehow had never imagined his own words would one day, come back to haunt him. But now, he regretted those words more then any one could know. They seemed like a sharp two edged sword at his throat, and one of his own making. President Lincoln looked over at the newly elected and inaugurated President Jefferson Davis, from his place at the table. Then over at Vice President Robert E. Lee! He knew Robert E. Lee well, and knew these were no idle threats. As the servants carefully served coffee and sweat rolls, he used the moment to weigh carefully his options. But the more he pondered the problem, the more he realized. There were no options open to him, outside of throwing his new nation and himself, at the mercy of Jefferson Davis.

Looking straight into the eyes, first of Robert E. Lee, then Jefferson Davis, Lincoln slowly began to answer. You gentlemen hold the power to crush us, just as you have indicated. Therefore war between us would be bear fruit from our advantage point. If I were to choose to force the issue, my people would face injury, death and destruction on a colossal scale. Therefore I am compelled to ask; on what terms the United States would be prepared to recognize the independence of the Union of American States; Jefferson Davis was known to be an astute politician, and like Robert E. Lee, he was known for his sense of duty, honor, honesty, integrity, and faith. But nothing could have prepared him for such a moment! He had never held a desire to find himself in the position, whereby he would hold the power to dictate terms, in a situation such as he now faced.

President Davis paused for a moment to consider his reply; He and his Vice President had discussed such a possibility over the past few days. The president even excused himself as he paced the floor, a few remarks passing between himself and his Vice President. Finally he gave his reply! Mr. Lincoln; the only means by which we have to prevent tyranny from being imposed by an all powerful central government is through adherence of strictly enforced enumerated and limited constitutional powers. Powers which rest solely upon the sovereign will of the people, as exercised through their individual States. The process of secession may seem disagreeable to those who walk in the halls of power. But none-the-less an essential mechanism, whereby government is constantly on notice, to listen to the voice of its citizen, least despotism takes hold.

Therefore, in answer to your question! The Union of American States will amend their new constitution, guaranteeing the right of individual States, to secede when membership no longer serves their best interest. The language shall be clear and unmistakable. You are a provisional President, and your new permanent constitution, has not yet been submitted to the States for ratification. Your government temporarily rests upon an altered version of our own constitution. This amendment shall be made, prior to ratification of the new constitution. Thereby this amendment will be included in its text, from the beginning! There should be no mistake; we will not tolerate forced membership in your union, under the guise of putting down a rebellion. I hope I make myself clear sir? These are the terms, and they will be enforced, or our armies will march. You as president must be the servant of your people, not their ruler, and that by voluntary consent. You will work out the details of these terms, with Vice President Robert E. Lee. Our Secretaries of State will stay in communication throughout this period, until the amendment has been ratified, and the new constitution in force.

Have you anything to add Mr. Vice President, the President turning to Robert E. Lee replied; no sir? President Lincoln and I will confer tomorrow on the details, and keep in touch. The three men stood, shook hands as President Jefferson Davis and his aides met him at the door. The President's carriage was waiting, to rush him across the Potomac River, and back to the Whitehouse. The President of the Union of American States, Abraham Lincoln, would stay another two days at the Lee mansion. Back at the Whitehouse, President Davis prepared to submit the names of his three nominees to the Supreme Court, filling seats left vacant when their respective States seceded, and they resigned. The president had already made it clear, qualification of any prospective nominees will include, the right of any State to secede, as well as a firm conviction, that ours is a Voluntary Republic of Sovereign States. And there must be strict adherence to the constitution, as the president stated recently; based upon "what the constitution says, not what we wish it to say."

Dateline 25 June 1861

The newly promoted and appointed General Thomas J. Jackson, General of the Army, was in receipt of an invitation to report to the Vice Presidential Mansion at Arlington Virginia. He was greeted at the door, first by Robert E. Lee's servants, then by the Vice President himself. Good morning General Jackson, I pray your trip has not been unpleasant. It was indeed a pleasant trip; the grounds of your plantation are most beautiful this time of year and how about you Mr. Vice President? Very well; please do come in! The servants took the general's hat and cloak, as the two men walked into the parlor. General Jackson, I have asked you to come, in order to relay the president's wishes that you act upon a critical situation which has arisen.

Please do continue Mr. Vice President! You are familiar with the little town of Gettysburg Pennsylvania? Yes, of course! Well, as you are aware, the two armies of the U.A.S. and the U.S.A. have successful divided themselves into two armies, with only minor difficulties. The borders have been relatively stabilized, and the two armies have relocated their respective troops to positions within their own borders. A few items remain to be worked out between our two navies, which apparently is progressing on schedule. Most have accepted our division into two nations with resolution, but there are a few who insist we return to the old order.

You wouldn't be speaking of General Philip Sheridan and his raiders? You are obviously well informed General Jackson. He and his corps have not accepted the division, and my information indicates he may attempt to march on Washington. His ultimate goal should be obvious to both of us! Yes of course Mr. Vice President, indeed it is, and unless he is stopped; he'll soon be knocking on the gates of Washington. General Sheridan no doubt feels that if he can kill or capture the president and myself, he could reunite the two nations. He is of course, even as we speak, marching toward Gettysburg, and if unopposed, will cross the Potomac within a week to ten days.

Mr. Vice President, I have taken the liberty of positioning our army, which presently numbers two and a half divisions, on the Virginia side. They are at this time encamped to the northwest. By your leave, an additional 22,000 troops will remain here in Washington as a contingent. I need not ask you if 35,000 are sufficient! They will prove quite adequate I am sure sir. And who do you have with you as your commanders General Jackson? Generals James Longstreet and A.P. Hill have recently joined my staff. Oh, I wasn't aware General Longstreet was in the area? He just arrived last evening from South Carolina!

Very well general, when do you propose to march? At sunset sir; times is of the essence, if we are to prevent a disaster. Then I shall not cause you further delay, and good day general. Good day sir, and give my parting good-by's to the missus. And do give my best wishes to Generals Hill and Longstreet, replied the Vice President! By all means sir! The servants approached with General Jackson's hat and cloak, as the two men slowly moved toward the door. The generals horse had been brought around to the front of the mansion, and awaited him just outside.

After a long march, General Jackson's army had crossed into Pennsylvania, and approached the vicinity of Gettysburg at dawn a few days later. A.P. Hill's corps had been ordered to move along the Chambersburg-Gettysburg Pike, General Longstreet's corps approached from the east, while General Jackson's troops marched straight up the middle. General Philip Sheridan was assisted by General Benjamin F. Butler! Sheridan's Raiders had already taken the high ground at locations in the area later to be known as Cemetery Ridge and the Little Round Top.

General Jackson's tactics called for out flanking the raiders and boxing them into a situation, where they would have to defend every possible approach, then simply wearing them down with a barrage of fire-power, rather then a charge which would prove costly. Thus Jackson's troops performed hop and jump maneuvers, moving ever closer to within firing range. This was done company by company, rather then forming a battle line and moving forward, that portion of the corps remaining behind provided cover for those moving forward.

Sufficient artillery was available to harass the raiders, thus denying them a moments rest or reprieve. After several days of such bombardment, General Butler realized they were subsisting on limited supplies, and decided to attempt a breakout across the wheat field and Peach Orchard, along the Emmetsburg Road. However, General Longstreet had other plans, and a fierce battle took place. Later to be known as the Battle of the Wheat field! General Sheridan made every attempt to keep the remainder of the General Jackson's army tied down, but to no avail. Those troops remaining under General Jackson's Corps, was quickly assigned to help cut off General Butler's escape.

Dateline 4 July 1861

General Butler's troops fought well that day, and many were decimated, but the tactics, numbers and firepower of James Longstreet’s corps, proved too much. General Butler seeing the total destruction of his corps, ordered a cease fire, and asks to meet with General Jackson. His surrender was imminent! The surrender of General Benjamin F. Butler, when added to the losses suffered already, left General Philip Sheridan and his raiders with less half their original numbers, a severe loss given the original small size of his army. General Jackson decided to order a cease fire of his own, and shortly sent a message under a white flag of truce, addressed to General Sheridan.

General Philip Sheridan; the severe losses among your numbers have become obvious, and your position has become untenable. It is my desire to avoid the further effusion of blood. Therefore this opportunity is offered, that you might peacefully surrender your army. Shortly, after what seemed like hours, but was actually a fraction of that time, a reply came back. General Thomas J. Jackson; your offer is most graciously received. It would be my humble desire to meet with you, and ascertain under what conditions you will accept the surrender of my army…Your obedient servant, General Philip Sheridan, Commanding.

While General Jackson suffered moderate losses among his army, the same could not be said of General Sheridan. His raiders suffered nearly 8,000 casualties, but the incident sent a strong message across the north, that the division of the formally allied States into two nations would not be settled by violence, or in disregard of law, which constitutes a legal and political question, to be settled in the political arena. The battle fought here, became known afterward as the Battle of Gettysburg. General Philip Sheridan and Benjamin F. Butler both faced a courts marshal for crimes against humanity and war crimes. These offenses were committed during the course of the battle, against unarmed captured prisoners. The remaining officers were imprisoned for two years, and repatriated back to their own country. The men under their command were held for six months and also repatriated. Many years passed before the bitterness raised by the division into two nations faded, but it did pass in relatively short order, and the two nations became friends and allies.

Dateline 5 October 1861

A committee has been appointed, and headed by Vice President Robert E. Lee, in conjunction with a joint committee of both houses of the congress. A blueprint was drafted and passed into law, which set in motion a decade’s long chain of events, ending the institution of slavery forever. Minus the political hatred of the abolitionist, and the war mongers, the issue was settled peacefully.

The South had proved, slavery could be ended, without economic loss. The Negroes were educated and integrated into society without the social upheaval or racial divisions that would have come to pass under the abolitionist. The moneys spent to purchase the slaves, served to stimulate the economy, providing jobs during the transition, and expanded opportunities for everyone. President Jefferson Davis achieved one last major triumph before the years end, in proposing and seeing passed, what would eventually become the fourteen amendments to the constitution, and sending it to the States for ratification.

It reads as follows; "The individual member States of this Voluntary Republic, are in all respects sovereign, and are free to govern without interference, over all domestic affairs, within their own respective borders. These sovereign rights include the right of secession, when they shall deem membership in this union, no longer serving their best interest."

A similar amendment to the Union of American States Constitution was passed and ratified. Shortly afterward, President Jefferson Davis, true to his word, officially recognized the new nation. Trade and cooperation between the United States and the Union of American States increased, to the favor of both nations. The western territories were given their freedom to choose to which nation they preferred to make application for Statehood, if any.

Dateline 6 December 1861

The State of Oklahoma was granted Statehood under special provisions as an Indian State, prior to the end of Jefferson Davis' first term. The original Arizona territory was eventually divided into two equal portions, the Arizona Indian Territory, extending north to the Colorado River and the Territory of New Mexico. Many years latter, both would apply for, and be accepted into Statehood; Arizona would become the Second Indian State. In the north the Dakota Indian Territory sought similar favor from the Union of America States, and entered their union, as the Indian State of Dakota. History was made, when a Representative and two Senators, arrived on capital hill in Washington, and took the oath of office, dressed in the robes of an Indian Warrior. Thus ended the Indian Wars! The inalienable rights of all of our people were now protected by the constitution, as is their right to their own history, heritage and culture.

Holy Scriptures - Psalms 47:7-8