Alexander H. Stephens is now serving as vice-president of the Confederate States of America. Many Baptist leaders in the South publicly support Stephens, including editors of Baptist newspapers. Today, Stephens gives an impromptu speech in Savannah, Georgia in which he echoes what many Baptists have been saying for months: that slavery is the cause of…
In Washington, D.C., U.S. President Abraham Lincoln ponders his options regarding Fort Sumter, now surrounded by Confederate guns. Knowing that the fate of the nation hinges on how he handles this thorny issue, Lincoln (a former Baptist) asks his Cabinet members for their input: “Assuming it to be possible to now provision Fort Sumter, under…
North and South, Sumter is the talk of the American nations. Widespread is the anticipation of a Confederate attack upon Fort Sumter, located off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. Even as the North celebrates Lincoln‘s election, and with the gaiety of his inaugural ball yet lingering, the president ponders his options. Sumter, commanded by…