War Governors' Conference
The Loyal War Governors' Conference was an important political event of the
History of the meeting
In the late summer of 1862, the war effort was going poorly for the United States and President Abraham Lincoln. The commander-in-chief wished to release a proclamation that would free the slaves in the southern states, but he was afraid to do so for fear that the Union's border states still practicing slavery would secede. If he issued the proclamation prematurely, it would appear as a last cry for help to both the country and the world. Lincoln needed a military victory so that he could announce the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin of Pennsylvania sent out a telegram invitation on September 6 to all Union governors to "meet at a point in the border states" to discuss the states' involvement in the war effort. Governor Andrew of Massachusetts, another radical and sometime opponent of Lincoln, supported the meeting in order to promote more radical measures such as emancipation that he thought were the only path to victory, writing that he hoped "to save the Prest. from the infamy of ruining his country" (Neely, ed., Lincoln Encyclopedia, p. 5). Altoona, Pennsylvania would be that "point" of location for the meeting.
The
As more governors and delegates arrived, crowds of local onlookers and politicians began to gather on the train platform beside the hotel to get a better look at the dignified guests. Even General
The meeting began the next morning. At that point, eleven governors, one representative, and a number of aides were in attendance. After an initial welcome by Governor Curtin, the group went right to business, debating a number of topics. These included ways they could support the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation and how their individual states could aid the war effort.
One of the main topics of discussion concerned General George B. McClellan, commander of the Army of the Potomac. Governor John Andrew of Massachusetts took to the floor and openly began to criticize General McClellan's ability as a leader. Governor William Sprague of Rhode Island agreed, claiming that the Battle of Antietam fought less than a week earlier had been "a rebel victory," and that the Confederates had not withdrawn "because they were defeated, but exhibited great military strategy in doing so." Governor David Tod of Ohio stated that he could not understand why some would want to remove McClellan and that he would block any attempt to do so. The debate continued until 12:30 a.m. until the topic was exhausted.[3]: 37
Despite the many heated debates that took place during the meeting, all governors except
Once the delegation reached the White House on September 26, they read the document proclaiming the "rightful authority" of the president and "the constitutional powers of Congress" depend on "the rights and liberties of the people." The governors agreed "to continue in the most vigorous exercise of all our lawful powers, contending against treason, rebellion, and the public enemies until final victory and unconditional submission." The address went on to promote "the military education of the people." Lincoln took their welcomed suggestions on internal management of the war effort, including recruiting, transport of troops, etc. However, the meeting became contentious when Governor Kirkwood of Iowa suggested that General McClellan was unfit for command. Lincoln refused to argue either way on the issue, and promptly concluded the meeting. Nevertheless, McClellan was relieved of command less than two months later and the Emancipation Proclamation came into effect on January 1, 1863.
The address was sent to other Union governors that were unable to attend the meeting. Of them, the executives of Vermont, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, and Oregon all gave their approval of the document. It was declined by those of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri, the latter three of which were still slave states.[3]: 37
Results of the meeting
The Loyal War Governors' Conference is often overlooked in the history of the American Civil War. However, it can be argued that it played an important role in the policies of Abraham Lincoln. The President now had the re-affirmed support of the northern states to finish the war. In observance of the 50th anniversary of the event, the Altoona Mirror stated, "It was this conference...which more than any other thing strengthened Lincoln's hands in the darkest hour of the war period."
The
Governors in Attendance
Governor | State | Approval of Declaration |
---|---|---|
John A. Andrew | Massachusetts | Yes |
Nathaniel S. Berry | New Hampshire | Yes |
Austin Blair | Michigan | Yes |
Augustus Bradford | Maryland | No |
Andrew G. Curtin | Pennsylvania | Yes |
Samuel Kirkwood | Iowa | Yes |
Oliver P. Morton
(rep. by D.G. Rose) |
Indiana | Yes |
Francis H. Pierpont | Virginia (Loyal) | Yes |
Edward Salomon | Wisconsin | Yes |
William Sprague | Rhode Island | Yes |
David Tod | Ohio | Yes |
Israel Washburn | Maine | Yes |
Richard Yates
|
Illinois | Yes |
The Logan House and anniversary ceremonies
The Logan House Hotel, where the conference was held, was built in 1854 by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Dubbed "Mansion in the Wilderness," it was considered one of the grandest hotels in the country at the time. With 106 rooms, gas lighting, and hot running water, it was believed to be one of the most modern hotels of its age. One visitor stated that the hotel was "about the size of Rhode Island." Famous visitors to the hotel included presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and William Howard Taft. Mary Todd Lincoln and her children spent a few summer days at the Hotel to escape the heat and congestion of Washington, D.C.[4] Just a year after the Governors' Conference, David Wills of Gettysburg held a meeting there to begin plans for the establishment of the Gettysburg National Cemetery where Lincoln would deliver his immortal Gettysburg Address. The hotel was closed in 1927 and the building was demolished in 1931. It is now the site of the Altoona Post Office.
In 1912, a massive ceremony was held in Altoona to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the conference. All the northern governors of the respective states at that time attended. Even President Taft came to Altoona to take part in the festivities and give an address to the large crowds.[3]: 141
According to personal accounts and old photographs, bunting, decorations, and special events were everywhere. A massive parade was held on 11th Avenue downtown. This parade included old
See also
- List of United States governors
- Act Prohibiting the Return of Slaves
References
- ^ J. G, Randall, Lincoln the President: Springfield to Gettysburg (1945) 2: 229-32; Allan Nevins, The War for the Union: War BecomesRevolution (1960) 2:239-40.
- ^ Blair County's First Hundred Years 1846-1946 By The Blair County Historical Society
- ^ a b c d e f War Governors' Centennial Issue of Past and Present By Leonard N. Ray & the Blair County Historical Society.
- ^ Blair County's First Hundred Years 1846-1946,136.
- ^ "Altoona Mirror's Souvenir Containing An Account of The Semi-Centennial of the War Governor's Conference," 22.