Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)

Chapter 31—(1861) The Clouds of War

As the year 1861 dawned, the United States was in somewhat of a turmoil. The recent Presidential election had polarized the Northern States and the Southern States, where slaves were held. Sabbathkeeping Adventists had no sympathy with slavery and were aware, of course, of the tensions and excitement that attended the Presidential campaign of 1860, which led to the election of Abraham Lincoln, but they had kept quite aloof from matters relating to the political situation. Lincoln would take office on March 4, 1861. He was known for his antislavery stance, and his election had led to considerable unrest in the Southern States. 1BIO 462.1

Even before Lincoln's inauguration as President, on December 20 South Carolina passed an ordinance seceding from the United States. In the North this move was not taken seriously, and there were few who considered war probable. 1BIO 462.2