Florida Ordinance of Secession
January 11, 1861

An Ordinance to dissolve the Union now existing between the State of Florida and other States united with her under the Compact of Government, entitled the Constitution of the United States.

WHEREAS, All hope of preserving the Union upon terms consistant with the safety and honor of the Slaveholding States has been finally dissipated by the recent indications of the strength of the anti-slavery sentiment of the Free States; therefore:,

Be it resolved by the people of Florida, in convention assembled, That it is undoubtedly the right of the several States of the Union, at such time, and for such cases as in the opinion of the people of such State, acting in their sovereign capacity, may be just and proper; and, in the opinion of this convention, the existing causes are such as to compel Florida to proceed to excercise that right.

We, the people of the State of Florida, in convention assembled, do solemnly ordain, publish and declare that the State of Florida hereby withdraws herself from the Confederacy of States existing under the name of the United States of America, and from the existing government of the said States; and that all political connection between her and the Government of said States ought to be, and the same is hereby, totally annulled, and said Union of States dissolved; and the State of Florida is hereby declared a soveregin and independent nation; and that all ordinances heretofore adopted, in so far as they create or recognize said Union, are rescinded; and all laws, or parts of laws, in force in this State, in so far as they recognize or assent to said Union, be, and they are hereby. repealed.


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