Bethune, James N. (1803-1895) to Paul Semmes
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00572.14 Author/Creator: Bethune, James N. (1803-1895) Place Written: Milledgeville, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 November 1860 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the meeting of the legislature in Milledgeville, Georgia on the issue of secession. Writes that the general consensus in Milledgeville is one of resistance. States that Georgia Senator Benjamin Hill is demanding that Lincoln enforce the fugitive slave law. If the laws are not enforced, Hill will "help us dissolve the Union and we will all go together." Informs that "Many prominent men who have been heretoforce violent Union Men are now openly and strongly for immediate Secession." Written on blue paper. Georgia seceded from the Union on January 19, 1861. Bethune was a prominent Georgia newspaperman and an ardent secessionist. Hill, a moderate, initially opposed secession, but reconciled to the action when public opinion rendered it inevitable.
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