Cecil County, Maryland, in the Civil War

Abstract

Cecil County, Maryland, being a "border county" in a “border state” during the Civil War, was faced with a most important choice between loyalty and secession. In fact, during the succeeding years of the struggle, there was never a time when secession was not a possibility in the minds of some Cecil County citizens. This problem, along with the problem of slavery and emancipation, played havoc with the political organization of the county and state before it was finally settled by the Constitution of 1864. ☐ As was expected, the county (along with the state) remained in the Union. It was obliged to do so because of its geographical location, its economic connections with the North, and its strong conservative tradition of absolute fidelity to the Constitution and the Union. Yet, despite Union successes on the field of battle. the early enthusiasm which had been displayed for the Union cause in Cecil County showed a perceptible tendency to dwindle in the later years or the conflict. Further drafts were necessary and unpopular. It gradually became a point of pride for a worthy Union-loving citizen of Elkton or Port Deposit to procure some Irishman or Negro to act as a substitute for him so he could be free to attend the political meetings and complain about the lax prosecution of the War. ☐ Nevertheless., throughout the conflict, many Cecil Countians demonstrated at home and on the field of battle their sincere devotion to the cause of freedom. This county led the state in volunteers, according to population, and through their activities on the home front clearly showed their strong support of the war effort. ☐ Although the county was loyal to the cause of the Union, much bitterness was displayed. During the course of the struggle, many incidents and other malicious acts gave evidence of this feeling. Many arrests were made of Cecil County citizens, showing that a strong and sincere feeling tor the Confederacy existed. However, in 1865, it was obvious that all welcomed the end of the conflict. ☐ In politics, the Democratic party in Cecil County and state was soundly defeated in the elections of 1861. But, this party 1n the local and state elections of 1863-1864 made a supreme effort to recover their power. Although limited in their struggle for recovery, due to military interference, the Democrats in the election of 1864 indicated that their party could shake and possibly break the Union or Republican control. ☐ It has been necessary in painting a true picture of Cecil County's part in the conflict to give numerous incidents which indicated the divided feeling that existed. These incidents, along with their interpretations, enable the reader to better understand this period in the history of Cecil County. ☐ The ”Irrepressible Conflict" which came brought the new and old into a head-on collision, but the old established institutions and customs continued for some time in spite of the rising tide of reform and change.