February 9, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
WASHINGTON, February 6, 1861.
We behold a strange spectacle this bright, soft, spring-like morning. The Coercionists and Secessionists are both flinging up their hats at the same thing – both rejoicing over the submission triumph in Virginia. The Coercionists hail it as the harbinger of an abject surrender to Abolitionism. The Secessionists are delighted at this, as they believe, grave delusion – thinking its effect will be to preclude compromise, and so eventually carry Virginia out.