51. “I was canvassing for the Union with all my
strength; I was addressing a large and excited crowd, large numbers of
whom were armed, and literally had my hand extended upward in pleading
for peace and the Union of our Fathers, when the telegraphic news was
announced of the firing on Ft. Sumter and the President’s call for
75,000 volunteers. When my hand came down from that impassioned
gesticulation, it fell slowly and sadly by the side of a secessionist. I
immediately, with altered voice and manner, called upon the assembled
multitude to volunteer not to fight against, but for South Carolina. I
said, if war must come, I prefer to be with my own people. If I had to
shed blood I preferred to shed Northern blood rather then Southern
blood. If we had to slay I had rather slay strangers than my own kindred
and neighbors.”
--N.C. Gov. Zebulon Vance, April 1861 on Lincoln’s call for troops
--N.C. Gov. Zebulon Vance, April 1861 on Lincoln’s call for troops
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