The Missouri Secession Convention comes to a close, and delegates issue the following statement: “That at present there is no adequate cause to impel Missouri to dissolve her connection with the Federal Union.” While the decision is not surprising, one less border state is in play in the tug-of-war between the Union and the Confederacy, much to the relief of United States President Abraham Lincoln.
Another border state, however, yet waivers between Union and Confederate sentiments. The Virginia State Secession Convention continues meeting in Richmond. Sessions this month frequently begin with prayer by the Baptist ministers of the city. Some Virginia politicians hold out hope that a proposed border state peace conference might yet bring about a resolution between the two nations. Yet peace seems increasingly unlikely, and Confederate sentiment is growing among legislators.
Sources: Missouri Civil War Timeline (link); the Virginia convention meetings are detailed in this month’s editions of the Richmond Daily Dispatch (link); illustration of 1861 St. Louis (link)
