Florida troops seize Fort Marion

Fort Marion, St. Augustine, FL

• Florida state troops seize unmanned Fort Marion at St. Augustine, Florida, without opposition. The Federal government, afraid of provoking confrontation, does not contest these actions./1861

•  Senator John J. Crittenden (D-KY) addresses the US Senate, saying “I am for the Union; but, my friends, I must also be for the equal rights of my State under the great Constitution and in this great Union.” During the speech he indicates his opposition to secession and pleads for conciliation and moderation in the current crisis/1861

• In Montgomery, Alabama, a convention of the people convenes to consider seceding from the Union. Fire-eater William Lowndes Yancey will become a chief figure and push immediate secession on the Cooperationists, those who want to secede in cooperation with other Southern states in the formation of a new Southern government./1861