Chapter 118: South Carolina secedes from the Union.

With Congress debating and Lincoln back in Springfield, 159 delegates from South Carolina meet in Charleston on December 20 and, after hearing a long litany of abuses by the federal government, agree unanimously to break away.

We, therefore, the People of South Carolina, by our delegates in Convention assembled,
appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, have
solemnly declared that the Union heretofore existing between this State and the other
States of North America, is dissolved, and that the State of South Carolina has resumed
her position among the nations of the world, as a separate and independent State; with
full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do
all other acts and things which independent States may of right do.