The Real Cause of the U.S. Civil War
Steve Hurlbut to Abraham Lincoln, March 27, 1861
Page 7
that after separation the two sections
will be more friendly than now.
But it is equally true that there exists
a large minority indefatigably active
and reckless who desire to precipitate
collision, inaugurate war & unite the
Southern Confederacy by that means.
These men dread the Effect of time &
trial upon their Institutions, they fear
the pressure of taxes & the burdens of Govern-
ment & know well that there are causes
of difference between the several States
which will be obliterated by that com-
mon sympathy and common danger
which war would produce.
These are the men who demand im-
mediate attack upon the forts.
The new Revenue Laws of the Confederacy
appoint inspectors on the lines of Rail Roads
& collect duties there.
Under these Laws a ship heavily freighted
belonging to Capt Wiseman of Charleston with
papers issued by a Southern Collector
and under the flag of the Confederacy
sailed some ten days since for Havre.
It is confidently expected by them, that
the Flag and papers will be recognized.
[8394]
Original documents at the Abraham Lincoln Papers Collection, Library of Congress
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/alhtml/malhome.html