The Scent of Rebellion follows Edmund Ruffin’s journey after the election of 1860, where his hopes for Southern independence are reignited. On November 10, Ruffin arrived in Columbia, South Carolina, feeling a sense of triumph as he was welcomed as a hero—this reception starkly contrasted with his previous experiences in Virginia. As he navigated this new atmosphere of Southern zeal, he was invited to speak at South Carolina College, an honor that filled him with both excitement and nervousness, as he feared failing in front of such passionate secessionists. Despite his reservations about speaking, he embraced the attention and wore a blue cockade on his hat, a symbol that proudly displayed his unwavering support for the secessionist cause. The cockade became a visual testament to his beliefs, as he found ways to amplify the movement and strengthen his role as a figurehead of the rebellion.

The South Carolina legislature’s debate culminated in a monumental vote that edged the state ever closer to secession. Although the vote was technically just a preamble, it was a huge step for the movement that Ruffin had long hoped for. He was filled with exhilaration, considering it the happiest moment of his life, signaling the beginning of what he viewed as a revolutionary movement that would liberate the Southern states from Northern dominance, especially over the contentious issue of slavery. In a letter to his sons, he described the moment as a clear sign that the South would finally be able to break free from the oppression of the Union, viewing it as a significant victory in the fight to preserve their way of life.

On his journey toward Charleston, Ruffin was met with tremendous enthusiasm from the Southern populace, with people cheering him on and celebrating his commitment to the cause. This enthusiasm reached its peak when he attended a pro-secession rally, where he was honored as a guest of distinction. The rally was filled with cannon fire and celebratory music, all of which created a festive and rebellious atmosphere, embodying the spirit of defiance against the Union. As Ruffin arrived in Charleston, the fervor around him only intensified, and he could feel the palpable energy of the secessionist movement, which was fueled by the fear of a “Black Republican” government under Lincoln. Augusta Baldwin Longstreet, a prominent Southern figure, likened the momentum for secession to a force of nature, something unstoppable, like a tornado that was sweeping through the South, threatening to change the course of history.

Ruffin’s optimism was further fueled by the writings of influential figures, such as Horace Greeley, the editor of the New York Tribune, who encouraged the idea of peaceful secession, suggesting that if the Southern states believed they would prosper outside the Union, they should be allowed to leave peacefully. This vision of a peaceful and amicable split greatly appealed to Ruffin, who envisioned a Confederacy that would thrive independently and protect the institution of slavery from Northern interference. As the momentum for secession continued to grow, Ruffin’s belief in the righteousness of the cause became even more entrenched. He saw the possibility of a prosperous Southern nation that could thrive without the shackles of Northern control, particularly regarding the issue of slavery, which he viewed as essential to the Southern economy and way of life.

In his zeal to further the cause, Ruffin traveled to Georgia to meet with local leaders, hoping to ignite similar fervor for secession among them. However, upon arrival, he found that the state’s leaders were more hesitant, uncertain about the immediate need to secede despite the growing tide of Southern sentiment. This reluctance from Georgia’s leaders left Ruffin feeling disheartened, as he had hoped the momentum of South Carolina’s actions would inspire immediate action in neighboring states. Undeterred by this setback, he returned to Richmond, where he faced criticism and condemnation for his outspoken support for secession. Despite the harsh words directed at him, Ruffin remained resolute in his beliefs, continuing to wear his blue cockade as a symbol of his unwavering commitment to the cause. His defiance in the face of opposition showed his determination to fight for what he believed to be the rightful cause of the South, convinced that secession was the only path forward for Southern prosperity and honor.

Ruffin’s unrelenting optimism and commitment to the secessionist cause underscored his belief that the time for compromise had passed. As he continued to champion the cause for Southern independence, he became a symbol of the growing defiance against the Union, embracing his role as one of the leading voices advocating for secession. Even in the face of challenges and setbacks, Ruffin’s determination remained strong, seeing himself as part of a larger movement that would soon change the future of the South and its people. His actions and steadfast support for the cause would go down in history as part of the broader narrative that led to the formation of the Confederacy and the eventual outbreak of the Civil War.