Fun Facts: Russia and the American Civil War.

Czar emancipates the serfs, Cassius Clay saves Washington, Russia saves Lincoln

Honestly, this little piece of history emerged serendipitously during some unrelated research tonight. History is full of surprises and this one so good I had to share. It’s well worth a read:

“President Lincoln appointed Cassius Marcellus Clay [for whom the boxer was named - 21CR] to the post of Minister to the Russian court at St. Petersburg on March 28, 1861. The Civil War started before he departed and, as there were no Federal troops in Washington at the time, Clay organized a group of 300 volunteers to protect the White House and US Naval Yard from a possible Confederate attack. These men became known as Cassius M. Clay's Washington Guards. President Lincoln gave Clay a presentation Colt revolver in recognition. When Federal troops arrived, Clay and his family embarked for Russia. As Minister to Russia, Clay witnessed the Tsar's emancipation edict [emancipation of the serfs- 21CR].

During the Civil War, Russia came to the aid of the Union, threatening war against Britain and France if they officially recognized the Confederacy. Cassius Clay, as minister to Russia during that time, was instrumental in securing Russia's aid. Emperor Alexander II of Russia gave sealed orders to the commanders of both his Atlantic and Pacific fleets, and sent them to the East and West coasts of the United States. They were instructed that the sealed orders were to be opened only if Britain and France entered the war on the side of the Confederacy. When the Russian Atlantic fleet entered New York harbor, Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles wrote in his diary:

In sending these ships to this country, there is something significant. What will be its effect on France, and French policy, we shall learn in due time. It may be moderate, it may exacerbate. God bless the Russians.

It turns out that the Czar permanently abolished serfdom in Russia (1861) before the 13th Amendment - December 6, 1865 - permanently abolished chattel slavery in the United States.

The account above the graphic is excerpted almost verbatim from the worthy Wikipedia entry on Cassius Marcellus Clay. It is well worth a read:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassius_Marcellus_Clay_(politician)

History is full of twists, turns, and treasures for those who choose to explore. Stay tuned and share this blog with those who may find it interesting. Comment and feel welcome to request same from 21CR.