John Edward Bouligny

“ He asserted that the influence of cotton upon the whole civilized world was so great, that any attempt to coerce the South would lessen the supply of cotton, and plunge the whole world in bankruptcy and ruin; and if the Federal Goverment attempted to carry out the policy styled the enorcement of the laws, the whole South would rise up to a man to resist it. ”

“ SECESSION OF LOUISIANA.
DELIVERED IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FEBRUARY 5, 1861.
The Speaker. The Chair asks the permission of the House to give the floor to the gentleman from Louisiana, (Mr. Taylor,) who desires to make a few observations.
No objection was made.
Mr. Taylor announced the secession of the State of Louisiana, and his own withdrawal from the House. He has withheld his remarks for revision. [1]
Mr. Bouligny obtained the floor.
The Speaker. If there is no objection, the gentleman from Louisiana will proceed. ”

“ Nor have I received from the Legislature of my State, now in session, any information of the passage by that body of a resolution instructing her Senators, or requesting her Representatives, to withdraw from Congress. For one, although I respect that body, I shall not obey its request. ”