If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it. We are now far into the fifth year, since a policy was initiated, with the avowed object, and confident promise, of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only, not ceased, but has constantly augmented. In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed.
The quote from above was given nearly three years in advance of the Civil War, for which the groundwork was laid on this day in 1861 when delegates from six Southern states met and formed the Confederate States of America.
Originally published on The Minot Voice: February 4, 2015