The 150-year anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg reminds us of the sacrifices made by our Confederate Veterans in self-defense of the voluntary union of “Independent States,” promised three times in the Declaration of Independence of 1776.

We also remember that Abraham Lincoln and the Federal government declared they supported permanent slavery in the United States and that the war was fought only to collect a new 40 percent federal sales tax from Southerners under the Morrill Tariff Act (passed March 2, 1861).

Lincoln explained in his First Inaugural Speech (March 4, 1861):

“I understand a proposed Amendment to the Constitution has passed Congress (March 2, 1861), to the effect that the federal government shall never interfere with the domestic institutions of the States, including that of persons held to service. Holding such a provision to now be implied constitutional law, I have no objection to its being made express and irrevocable.” (Paragraph 32)

Lincoln declared in his first Message to the U.S. Congress (July 4, 1861):

“My policy sought only to hold the public places and property (4 Federal tax collection forts like Sumter) not already wrested from the Government and to collect the revenue (taxes).” (Paragraph 5)

Roger K. Broxton, President

Confederate Heritage Fund

Andalusia