The most potent factor in determining the action of the Convention would
be the policy of the incoming Federal administration with respect to the
states which had seceded. While a large majority of the Virginia people
at the recent election had declared against the secession of their
state, yet the organization of the Southern Confederacy had precipitated
a problem of extreme delicacy and danger. What would be the attitude of
the Federal Government towards these states? If negotiations for their
return proved unavailing, would they be permitted to enjoy in peace
their new-found independence, or would the Federal Government seek to
establish its supremacy over them by force of arms?
Charles Francis Adams alluding to the crisis, says: "So now the issue
shifted. It became a question not of slavery, or of the wisdom, or even
the expediency of secession, but of the right of the National Government
to coerce a sovereign state. This, at the time, was well
understood."[369]
No one acquainted with the historic position of Virginia could doubt
what her action would be if called to decide for or against coercion.
Would the alternative be presented? President Buchanan, while denying
the constitutional right of secession, had submitted to Congress the
problem of dealing with the states which had seceded and Congress had
taken no action. What would be President Lincoln's position? To his
forthcoming inaugural address, the country looked for a definite
declaration of his policy and by that declaration the course of Virginia
would be determined.
-----
Footnote 364:
_Lee at Appomattox and other Papers_, Adams, p. 403.
Footnote 365:
_Lee at Appomattox and Other Papers_, Adams, p. 403.
Footnote 366:
_Idem_, p. 402.
Footnote 367:
_History of United States_, Rhodes, Vol. III, p. 309.
Footnote 368:
_Journal of Virginia Convention_, 1861, p. 8.
Footnote 369:
_Lee at Appomattox and Other Papers_, Adams, p. 404.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
_PART IV_
THE ATTEMPT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
TO COERCE THE COTTON STATES—THE
PROXIMATE CAUSE OF VIRGINIA'S
SECESSION
------------------------------------------------------------------------