The Cloven Foot
Summary
Editorial discusses the aims of the Copperheads. Those aims are to "mislead loyal sentiment, and obtain control of the organization and nominations of the Unconditional Union party of Maryland." Their aims are obvious. The movement began with a secret caucus at Barnum's in May attended only by those who were invited. The Copperheads reject the label "Unconditional Union," but are willing to be called "Conservatives." The Maryland Union newspaper is their oracle. The Copperheads were unable to take control of the Union convention of Frederick County. After the effort failed, the Maryland Union called for a separate "consultation" meeting of "Conservatives" which was attended by 9 Copperheads, 4 Rebel sympathizers and 2 Unconditional Union men looking on. Col. Thomas Johnson was named chairman of the meeting. Names of other attendees are listed including Charles Cole, editor of the Maryland Union, and John Hagan who has been arrested several times on charges of disloyalty. The Copperhead group now plans a convention to nominate a purely Copperhead ticket for state and local offices and form a central committee. The term "Cloven Foot" refers to those who are Copperheads.
Article Source
Newspaper: The Frederick Examiner
Publication Date: October 7th, 1863
Page/Column: 2B
Town: Frederick, MD
County: Frederick
Subjects
- Politics
