The Congress of the Confederate States opens a special session session in Montgomery, Alabama

The Congress of the Confederate States opened its second session in Montgomery, Alabama. Jefferson Davis had recalled the Congress by proclamation into this special session and on the first day conveyed a lengthy message to the Congress. This message explained the actions he took following the firing on Fort Sumter and President Lincoln's call for troops to preserve the Union and called for further congressional action to support the emerging conflict between North and South. The session sat until May 21, 1861. (By John Osborne)