January 21, 1861, from E. J. Blackshear to Mrs. Pittman
Note:
As the first half of the letter deals only with family matters, the transcription
begins near the end of the second page, which is where E. J. Blackshear
begins to discuss the secession crisis. Georgia seceded on January 19 and
its secession convention delegates signed the state’s ordinance of secession
on January 21, the day Blackshear began his letter.
E. J. Blackshear (Edward Jefferson Blackshear) was married to Mary Jane
Pittman, who was the sister of John D. Pittman. The Blackshears lived at
Froglevel, a plantation in Laurens County, Georgia. E. J. Blackshear was a
successful businessman, county judge, and state senator in Georgia. Mary
Jane Blackshear died in 1852 as a result of complications following the birth
of her fourth child, Edward Jefferson Jr. After Mary’s death, E. J. Blackshear
corresponded regularly with Mary’s mother, Martha Pittman of Marianna, Florida.
Page Two
The rumors of Ten thousand “wide awakes” from the North, being at Charleston,
is not true. If it had been, many would ere this
Page 3
have changed their names to Fast asleeps. I was a Bell and Everett man to try to
save the Union. I failed in this and saw that a principle had triumphed, which the
South could not in honor or justice submit to; I then became, as I am now a
secessionist to the bone. I desired that all the Southern states should cooperate
and secede together (viz: such as would secede) but, after one went out, I was in
favor of the rest following close after. It is thought there will hardly be much war,
because our enemies can gain nothing but discomfiture by even a victory with
swords, or arms, and a defeat would be ruinous. If we are desirable as neighbors,
it is as living neighbors, and if our company is not desirable, why coerce us into
fellowship. The North knows that if we are coerced into a Union we hate, that we
could not be counted upon in a war with foreign nations after that. The gain to both
parties is upon a peaceable separation.
But the South has taken her position; and will there be any, where the choice is
between the South on the one hand and Lincoln or abolition on the other, ___ side
with the latter? The views of some may lead them to do so, but as “for me and my
house” we are for the South, right or wrong. There is no danger to the South in this
move but in delay now. So soon as we can form a government, defacto, for the South,
thousands of our Northern friends will come to our aid if necessary. I see signs
Page 4
enough to satisfy me of this. Major Anderson will be with us I have no doubt, tho he is
now in one of the United States forts, and all the Southern officers on land and sea will
join the Southern Standard.
22nd. The papers came and I had to see the news. Georgia has seceded by 208 against
89 or by 119 majority. There is now only one point to be settled immediately to prevent
hostilities, and I do not know how that will be disposed of. A peaceful separation is not
so hopeful as it was last week. S. Carolina says Major Anderson must be withdrawn
from Ft. Sumpter. Mr. Buchanan says he will not withdraw him, but orders Major A. to
act only on the defensive, if attacked, to defend the fort with all the means at command.
Carolina will not attack as long as she can honorably avoid it, and by this means, time
may solve the difficulty in a peaceable way. It is thought that Major Anderson will only
make a show of resistance, if attacked. The papers report him as saying that if Carolina
fires upon Ft. Sumpter he hopes the first ball will penetrate hisheart (his love for the South
wrestling with his duty as an officer of the Federal Government). Such cases as this are
painful, but who can dally now where our enemies are menacing us with a long promised
subjugation to abolition rule!!
I say again there will not be much war! I am pained to hear that any “whig” (as you call
them) withholds his support to the great event of this century. The Bell and Everett men
here are generally seceders and I can barely find patience to read the “Enterprise” which
now after Florida has seceded, still goes on discussing all the darkest features of the
consequences, thereby giving comfort to our enemies and dispiriting our friends. Who
cares what France says? [The next two sentences are illegible.] Why can’t some men
find out that they don’t know everything! Men who have battled for the Union in all
honorable ways, will very soon yield to the voice of the majority and defend their country,
and I would risk my hat that Mr. Myrick and Mr. Jas. Baker will soon be foremost in the
cause of the South. They are constitutionally men for the times in resisting oppression
and injustice from our fanatical foes. I thank you for paying my tax. It was higher than it
would have been here. We are all well, my love to all.
Affectionately Yours,
E. J. Blackshear