Diary of Thomas Ebenezer Thomas: January 10, 1861

The State of Mississippi yesterday seceded from the Union, by 32 to 15 votes in the Convention. Yesterday, also, THE FIRST GUN FIRED in the coming Civil War! The Charleston forts fired on the U. S. Steamer, Star of the West, sent to re-enforce Maj. Anderson at Ft. Sumpter.

May God defend the right, and deliver the oppressed!

SOURCE: Alfred A. Thomas, Editor, Correspondence of Thomas Ebenezer Thomas, p. 109

Diary of Thomas Ebenezer Thomas: Friday, Dec. 2, 1859

Ossawatomie Brown (John), hanged to-day in Virginia, as a traitor, for his mad inroad at Harper's Ferry. A stern Cromwellian fanatic; but probably a much better man than those who execute him. The Lord reigneth: let the earth rejoice"!

SOURCE: Alfred A. Thomas, Editor, Correspondence of Thomas Ebenezer Thomas, p. 109