A Little Treason unfolded on January 9 when Edmund Ruffin, stationed in Tallahassee to observe Florida’s secession convention, learned that the Star of the West had attempted to reinforce Fort Sumter. This news struck a decisive blow to the convention’s proceedings, causing those previously hesitant to support secession to embrace it with full vigor. The following morning, the vote to secede passed with overwhelming support, 62 to 7, signaling Florida’s commitment to the Southern cause. Ruffin wasted no time and immediately telegraphed Governor Pickens in Charleston, along with the editors of the Richmond Enquirer, expressing his frustration over the high cost of sending just six words—equivalent to nearly two hundred dollars in today’s money. This moment marked a key turning point in the secession movement, as Ruffin’s impatience and dedication to the cause intensified.

Shortly after, Ruffin received more promising updates, including news of Mississippi’s secession and other Southern states taking steps to occupy federal assets. He attributed this surge in momentum to Major Anderson’s continued presence at Fort Sumter and President Buchanan’s inaction, which he viewed as a failure to respond effectively. Ruffin firmly believed that if Fort Sumter had not been “treacherously garrisoned,” no state would have preemptively seized a fort. This realization deepened his sense of urgency, prompting him to immediately return to Charleston, where the political and military situation was rapidly escalating. His frustration over the federal government’s passivity and his desire to see the Southern cause advance drove him to take swift action, believing that the Confederacy’s independence was now within reach.

Ruffin began his long journey back to Charleston later that afternoon, setting out at 4 p.m. His route took him on a train to Monticello, followed by a stagecoach ride through Georgia’s rough, unpaved roads—a grueling trek for the sixty-seven-year-old. The journey continued through the night, and upon reaching Quitman, he discovered the train was delayed with no available seats, forcing him to wait in the cold for two hours before continuing the trip. At 3:30 a.m., the train finally departed, and the nine-and-a-half-hour journey to Savannah awaited him. Along the way, Ruffin was encouraged by more positive news—Alabama had voted to secede by a significant margin of 61 to 39, further fueling his belief in the inevitable collapse of the Union.

Ruffin’s arrival in Charleston by 1 p.m. the next day marked the beginning of his direct involvement in the defense of the South. The following day, he toured the newly seized fortifications with South Carolina’s Secretary of War, Jamison. The group was accompanied by engineers, volunteers, and even one hundred enslaved persons, who had been sent by their owners to assist in the fort’s construction. At Fort Moultrie, Ruffin observed the enthusiastic work of the militia volunteers, all working toward the common goal of preparing the South for conflict. The energy of the scene invigorated him, and he jokingly asked a soldier if he could temporarily take his place “to commit a little treason to the northern government.” This symbolic act, as he shoveled sand and filled a wheelbarrow, reflected Ruffin’s unyielding commitment to the Southern cause and the radical steps he was willing to take in the pursuit of Southern independence.

In Charleston, the symbolism of Ruffin’s actions at Fort Moultrie was not lost on those present. His decision to take part in the manual labor, even momentarily, embodied his complete devotion to the Southern cause, showing that no task, however humble, was too insignificant in the fight for independence. This act of “treason” was not only a personal statement but also a representation of the growing resolve among Southerners to defend their rights and their way of life. Ruffin’s readiness to take up arms and participate in the fortifications exemplified the passionate commitment of many individuals who believed that the time for negotiation had passed. The desire for Southern independence was now deeply entrenched in the hearts and minds of countless individuals, pushing them to engage in radical actions that would ultimately lead to the outbreak of the Civil War.

The strong sense of urgency felt by Ruffin was shared by many Southern leaders during this period. The series of secessions in quick succession and the steps taken to solidify control over federal assets illustrated how rapidly the Confederacy was forming its own identity and power structure. The defense of Fort Sumter became more than just a military objective; it symbolized the broader struggle for the survival of the Southern states and their ideals. As the Confederacy continued to develop its infrastructure and fortifications, figures like Ruffin became the face of the Southern rebellion, willing to go to great lengths to ensure the success of their cause.

Ruffin’s experiences during this time were representative of the broader sentiments of many Southerners who felt that the Union had failed to respect their rights and autonomy. His actions were driven not only by political motivations but also by a deeply held belief in the righteousness of the Southern cause. As the Confederacy prepared for war, the resolve of individuals like Ruffin served to solidify the unity and commitment of the Southern states. While the impending conflict would come at great cost, it was seen by many as the only path forward to preserve their way of life and their sovereignty, no matter the sacrifice required.