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124 1/2.-Florida ordinance of secession.
Adopted January 11, 1861.
Whereas, All hope of preserving the
Union upon terms consistent 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 cause 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 exercise 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 sovereign 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independent nation; and that all ordinances heretofore adopted, in so far as they create or recognize said Union, are rescinded; and all laws, or parts of laws, in force in this State, in so far as they recognize or assent to said Union, be and they are hereby repealed.
