Wilmingtonians Salute South Carolina’s Ordinance Of Secession

The War Between the States Sesquicentennial:

Upon the secession of South Carolina on December 20^th, 1860, the Cape Fear Minute Men fired a one-hundred gun salute in Wilmington as the streets became crowded with anxious citizens. The schooner “Marine” at rest in the Cape Fear River let loose an equal salute, and Wilmington shipbuilder Benjamin Beery “added another salvo.”

The issue of Lincoln’s election and State secession had been discussed at a November 19, 1860 meeting in the New Hanover county courthouse, and newspaper opinion was divided along political party lines. The Democratic “Daily Journal” was an advocate of departure from union with the North; the Whig “Daily Herald” thought it better to hold a moderate course and remain within the federal union. The Unionist elements in the city saw serious economic problems with secession as much of Wilmington’s trade was with the North, especially New York.

Although many conservative North Carolinians denounced their neighbor’s precipitous action, Tarheels were united in opposing any use of force to coerce South Carolina back into the voluntary union. One conservative citizen stated, “I am a Union man, but when they send men South it will change my notions. I can do nothing against my own people.”

Mrs. Parsley, postwar President of the Daughters of the Confederacy recalled: “In 1861, when, amid great popular excitement and enthusiasm, South Carolina seceded from the Union of States, the people of Wilmington were deeply stirred by conflicting emotions. Meetings were held at various local points, and speakers for and against secession swayed the multitudes which attended them. At a town meeting, an address by Dr. James H. Dickson, urging moderation and advising against hasty action as to secession…His speech was followed by one from Mr. O.P. Meares, afterwards a colonel in the Confederate Army and later a judge”

Just to the south of Wilmington, the citizens of Smithville (now Southport) “irrespective of party” affiliation held a “large and enthusiastic meeting” on December 29^th, just 9 days after the secession of South Carolina. A strong speech in favor of self-determination was presented by Col. George Wortham of Granville County, and records of the proceedings were sent “to each of our representatives in the General Assembly and…to the Wilmington Journal and the Raleigh State Journal with a request to publish – and…to be copied by all papers friendly to Southern independence.” The meeting adjourned “with three cheers for Secession, and three cheers, long and loud, for the Old North State.”

Early in January 1861, Wilmington’s Vigilance Committee led programs of speakers, cheering and cannon-firing as they sensed a final separation with the North---raising a “lone-star flag” [white star on field of red] as well. The model for this “North Carolina Secession flag” quite likely was the red flag hoisted the previous month by Charlestonians, and emblazoned with the palmetto tree and crescent. Wilmingtonians wanted their own symbol of political independence.”

Bernhard Thuersam, Director

Cape Fear Historical Institute

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Wilmingtonians Salute South Carolina’s Ordinance Of Secession