Thoughts on Lincoln’s election, pt. 2

Many of the residents who lived in the more metropolitan areas knew of Lincoln’s election by the morning of the eighth. However, it would take days for the news to travel to the more remote parts of the state. I thought we would look at some post-election coverage this morning.

“That event, so dreaded by all true patriots, from Washington down to the present day-the prevalence of a purely sectional party-is upon us. Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin have been elected President and Vice President of the United States.” Fayetteville Observer 3 Nov. 1860.

“Coming events, ‘tis said, often cast their shadows before, and although we foresaw, and predicted this dire result months ago, yet we speak a simple truth when we say that such is the monstrosity of the idea, we cannot, now, fully realize it! It appear to be a fixed fact, nevertheless, and the grave question nor forces itself upon our minds, what is to be done…. If Lincoln has been fairly elected according to the provisions of the Constitution, and the Laws, then we, for one, are willing to give his administration a fair trial.” The Weekly Raleigh Register 14 Nov. 1860.

“Dark and gloomy as appearances may be, there is one bright spot in the horizon. The Black Republican victory will be a barren one, for a Democratic Senate and a hostile majority in the House, will control Lincoln and his Cabinet and leave them utterly powerless for evil.” – Warrenton News (reprinted in Weekly Standard, 14 Nov. 1860)

“We fear that our worst apprehensions have been realized… The people of this community received this intelligence of the first geographical triumph which had taken place in this country, with a feeling of mingled sadness and determination. For our part our motto is, Watch and Wait. North Carolina will never permit Mr. Lincoln of his party to touch the institution of domestic slavery. Her people are at least a unit on this point. They may not advise or approve secession, but they will not submit to the slightest indignity or the slightest encroachment at the hands of the black Republican party.” Weekly Standard 14 Nov. 1860.