Fayetteville (NC) Observer, “‘Coercion’ in Alabama,” January 28, 1861

Coercion’ in Alabama. – The following significant paragraph is taken from the Nashville Banner:

“We learn that quite an exciting scene occurred in the Alabama Convention after that body had refused, by a decided vote, to submit their action to the people. The Hon. Nicholas Davis, of Huntsville, declared his belief that the people of North Alabama would never abide the action of that Convention, if denied the right of voting upon it. Mr. Yancey thereupon denounced the people of North Alabama as tories, traitors, and rebels, and said they ought to be coerced into a submission to decree of the Convention. Mr. Davis replied that they might attempt coercion, but North Alabama would meet them upon the line and decide the issue at the point of the bayonet. Thus the spirit of these revolutionists is disclosed occasionally. Coercion to prevent them from treason is terrible, but to force men into an abandonment of that treason is legitimate. Calm minded men will notice these and similar indications, and consider well before they commit their destinies to the keeping of such precipitators.”