title: Two Roads to Sumter: Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis and the March to the Civil War
author: William Catton
description: <div>Using the early lives and careers of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis as theme and framework, two of America's finest historians outline each step in the tragic march to the Civil War. By showing how these two major figures--both Kentucky-born--developed divergent attitudes, the Cattons simultaneously reveal why the North and South became increasingly isolated from each other during the 1850s, and why war became inevitable. Also captured: the epic sweep of the era, with its great new railroads, land-hungry westward expansion, and developing industrial and agricultural empires.<br></div>
zlib_text:   
  
  > ### THE
  >
  > # FLAG REPLACED ON SUMTER.
  >
  > ##  _A PERSONAL NARRATIVE_
  >
  > #### BY
  >
  > ## WILLIAM A. SPICER.
  >
  > #### READ BEFORE THE
  >
  > ### RHODE ISLAND SOLDIERS AND SAILORS  
  >  HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
  >
  > ####  February, 1884 .
  >
  > * * *
  >
  > PROVIDENCE:  
  >  PRINTED BY THE PROVIDENCE PRESS COMPANY.  
  >  1885.
  >
  > COPYRIGHT,  
  >  1885.
  
    
  
  **THE ATTACK ON FORT SUMTER IN APRIL, 1861.**
  
  * * *
  
  ## THE FLAG REPLACED ON SUMTER.
  
  * * *
  
  > "What's hallowed ground? 'Tis what gives birth
  
    
  To sacred thoughts in souls of worth!  
  
  > Peace! Independence! Truth!"— _Campbell._
  
    
  
    
  I  
  MMEDIATELY upon the election of Abraham Lincoln as President, in November,
  1860, a predetermined plan of secession was entered upon by the leading public
  men of the South, on the plea that his election was dangerous the interests of
  slavery. In February, 1861, seven of the slave States having united in the
  movement, an independ ent government was organized, under the name of the
  Southern Confederacy, and J