Star of West Repulsed at Charleston

Wednesday, January 9, 1861.

Mississippi secedes.
A Union ship, Star of West, is repelled from entering Charleston’s harbor in an attempt to resupply Ft. Sumter.
Salmon P. Chase writes Pennsylvania Congressman Thaddeus Stevens: “Your note came when I was in Springfield at Mr. Lincoln’s request. I arrived after your Pennsylvanians had all gone. Mr. Lincoln conversed frankly and fully. He is a man to be depended on. He may, as all men may, make mistakes; but the cause will be want of sufficient information, not unsoundness of judgment or of devotion to principle. It is the business of Republicans occupying responsible positions, or possessing in private stations the confidence of their fellow citizens, to give him that information which is indispensable to right conclusions. I am glad to find your course in opposing concession to principle approved throughout the Northwest. Why can’t Republicans await the coming in of their own Administration, and then act generously as well as justly?”
Lincoln aide John Hay reports that President-elect Lincoln came to the State Capitol in Springfield to witness the reelection of Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull, who had first been elected in February 1855 when Lincoln had been the Senate frontrunner. As soon as the dignitaries were seated, he wrote, “there was a slight sensation observable by the door, and the crowd parted to make room for Abraham Lincoln. He cordially saluted the Supreme Judges and quietly took his seat near them. He glanced up at the crowded galleries. Perhaps he thought of the times when his friends had filled them, twice before, and gone away heavy hearted. He did not think of it long, certainly, for he soon dived into his capacious coat pocket, and bringing up a handful of letters began to look over them. He reads letters constantly — at home — in the street — among his friends. I believe he is strongly tempted in church.
Hay continued: “The balloting began, and ended. It was a foregone conclusion. Applause tried to follow the announcement of Mr. [Shelby] Cullom that Lyman Trumbull was our Senator for six more years, but was instantly checked by the Speaker….Mr. Lincoln rose from his chair, and was straightway overwhelmed. He began to shake hands. Mr. [Norman] Judd stood near, holding that inevitable unlighted cigar between his lips, surveying the mature climax of a work that has been greatly his. All Lincoln’s old time friends were gathered around him.”