Two things, Drippy.
1. Remember that in 1861 virtually everyone thought that one big battle would decide the war. William Sherman demurred, saying that the war would be a long drawn out affair and he was marginalized at the beginning as a result. Simply put, no one wanted to hear it.
2. Lincoln was not an abolitionist. In fact, the noted abolitionist Wendell Phillips called him "a first-rate, second-rate, man."
Recall also that in 1860 Inauguration Day was in March. By the time Lincoln was sworn in the original 7 states of the confederacy had already seceded. When he arrived the crisis was already well advanced. Recall these words from his First Inaugural speech:
The abolitionists were not at all happy with his outlook on slavery.
And yes...they were called (inarticulately) "Minnie" balls....although I'm sure Captain Minie of the French Army (the inventor) did not approve.
1. Remember that in 1861 virtually everyone thought that one big battle would decide the war. William Sherman demurred, saying that the war would be a long drawn out affair and he was marginalized at the beginning as a result. Simply put, no one wanted to hear it.
2. Lincoln was not an abolitionist. In fact, the noted abolitionist Wendell Phillips called him "a first-rate, second-rate, man."
Recall also that in 1860 Inauguration Day was in March. By the time Lincoln was sworn in the original 7 states of the confederacy had already seceded. When he arrived the crisis was already well advanced. Recall these words from his First Inaugural speech:
Quote:Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States that by the accession of a Republican Administration their property and their peace and personal security are to be endangered. There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension. Indeed, the most ample evidence to the contrary has all the while existed and been open to their inspection. It is found in nearly all the published speeches of him who now addresses you. I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that—
Quote:I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.
In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most solemn one to "preserve, protect, and defend it."
I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
The abolitionists were not at all happy with his outlook on slavery.
And yes...they were called (inarticulately) "Minnie" balls....although I'm sure Captain Minie of the French Army (the inventor) did not approve.
