By Dr. David Maas

This is the first of a series of articles highlighting the involvement of DuPage residents in the Civil War that was raging exactly 150 years ago. We start by looking back one year, and subsequent articles will catch us up to date and keep us there each month as we follow events and various local military units.

This series will not be an extended lecture or essay. After some brief contextual comments, it will primarily allow the reader to peer into the past through the eyes of men and women who lived through the Civil War.

In essence, we will let the past unfold as local eyewitnesses expressed their thoughts, hopes, and fears.

Hanna Ditzler Alspaugh’s diary

Naperville, May 1860—

When dad came home he told us when Abraham Lincoln was nominated the crowd went wild. Men threw their hats and umbrellas and shouted and cheered.

Daniel D. Fisher, in The Beltionian Review,

Wheaton, Oct. 12, 1860—

The state returns from Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio, tell the story right beautifully.... It is said that Abraham Lincoln has always borne the reputation of being an honest man, that this has not been contradicted by any but Stephen A. Douglas, and Douglas says he knows him to be honest, but that he will doubtless turn out a knave the 4th of March next.

Hiram E. Leonard’s diary

Warrenville, Nov. 6, 1860—

Rather a cool raw day but pleasant for election. I did my chores was at the office most of the day, went to election about one with Dr. Wellman came back & was at store in evening came home about 9 & went to bed about 10, Abraham Lincoln was elected President.

William H. Harris, in The Beltionian Review,

Wheaton, Nov. 23, 1860—

Glad tidings are ours.... A battle has been fought, a victory won. Bonfires and illuminations from one end of the nation to the other tells us that Freedom survives: that it is spoken of as a blessing even to the colored race. Election is over. A Republican president is elected and soon he will take up his abode in the White House. Ten cent aristocracy will vanish, and truly patriotic and liberty-loving men will gather there. Modesty, temperance, and charity preside. But what of the charges nothing: They talk to us of disunion but there it ends. Tis but an idle tale. Wisdom points them in a better way. Not a star of this confederacy shall shoot from its orb to mar the music of a mighty nation.

Chicago Tribune, Feb. 1, 1861—

Taking the Oath of Allegiance.

The resolution compelling all persons in the Army and Navy to renew the oath of allegiance to the Constitution, created much excitement, and provoked the most bitter opposition from the South. It received the hearty endorsement of all the Republicans and Southern Union men, while nearly all the Democrats opposed it. It is now suggested that all the Senators, Representatives and members of the civil Departments of the Government be called upon to do the same thing.

The Texas Election.

The New Orleans dispatches, announcing that the Texas elections shows an overwhelming immediate secession triumph, convey a wrong impression. It should be remembered that the Convention which was to meet in Texas to-day, has no constitutional or legal existence, having been called by a band of secessionists for their own purposes. The Texan Legislature authorized Governor Sam Houston to call a Convention if he considered it necessary. He has not exercised the authority, and the Union men absented themselves from the polls at the bogus election, in order to avoid any action which can be construed into the countenancing of the irresponsible canvass for delegates.

Chicago Tribune, Washington, Jan. 30, 1861—

Kansas Delegate.

Marcus Junius Pattott, the Delegate from Kansas, had a negro man left him recently by a relative in Maryland. He will take him to Dayton, Ohio, and liberate him there. Parrott goes to Kansas and will probably be chosen United States Senator.

Committee of Five.

The Committee of Five are taking a vast deal of testimony, but keep their proceedings very quiet. A large number of witnesses have been summoned from Baltimore, among them leading Douglas men in the late campaign. Suspicions are entertained with regard to the fidelity of the National Volunteer organizations in Baltimore and Washington, owing to their strong Southern proclivities.

The Speakers of the Maryland Senate and House have united in an address to the people, condemning Gov. Thomas Hicks’ course, and urging the calling of a Convention without reference to him.

The Constitution closes its Washington existence to-morrow morning. William Montague Browne, the editor, winds up with a strong declaration in favor of secession, denounces Gen. Winfield Scott and Secretary of War Joseph Holt, and announces his intention to go South, and revive his paper somewhere in the Southern Confederacy within a month. Former Senator Col. Arthur Hayne of South Carolina and Senator Louis Wigfall of Texas have been telegraphing extensively South

today. The former has not yet made a formal demand for the surrender of Fort Sumter, and his course is as yet undecided. It is stated (I am as yet unable to learn whether reliably) that at the Cabinet yesterday, it was resolved that the provisions on board the steamer Brooklyn must be landed at Fort Pickens in the harbor of Pensacola, Fla., and United States vessels be allowed to remain in port; the artillery to remain on board the Brooklyn, unless the fort is attacked, in which case they will land and assist in its defense.

Gov. Chase Opposed to Compromise.

A letter was received here to-day from former Ohio Gov. Salmon P. Chase, in which he says he has decided objections to the New Mexico plan, and is generally opposed to compromises.

South Carolina, Florida and the Buchanan Administration.

Col. Arthur Hayne telegraphed South Carolina Gov. Francis W. Pickens today that an attempt will be made to reinforce Fort Sumter. High officials of the Administration deny that there is any truth in this, but the South Carolina official adheres to it.

He also telegraphed Major William Chase at Pensacola that the Brooklyn was ordered to stand off Pensacola, and if an attempt was made by State troops to attack Fort Pickens, that the Brooklyn was to come to the aid of Fort Pickens. On the other hand, the Administration assert that the orders of the Brooklyn have been countermanded.

Hopeful Indications.

The speeches of Joy Morris of Pennsylvania and Roscoe Conkling of New York in the House to-day, and Mr. Simon Cameron of Pennsylvania’s declarations in the Senate have elated the friends of the Union, who think they begin to see daylight, and if the Border State Conference agrees upon any reasonable propositions, there is little doubt that something will be accomplished. The extremists are alarmed at the gratifying prospects of adjustment. It is not likely, however, that the Cotton States will return for some time.

The Maryland Military to Help Protect the Capital.

The report is prevalent that Gov. Thomas Hicks of Maryland is about to tender the services of the military of Maryland to the President for the protection of the Capital.

South Carolina.

It is difficult to get any reliable news as to Cabinet movements or those of South Carolina and Florida. Something definite will occur within the next few days. One thing is certain— that the Buchanan Administration will do all in its power to avoid any collision at Fort Pickens or Sumter.

NEXT TIME: Abraham Lincoln takes office and food dwindles for the soldiers trapped in Fort Sumter at Charleston S.C. and Fort Pickens. at Pensacola Fla.