The Fate of Liberty Setting & Symbolism

The Fate of Liberty Objects/Places

Articles of War (1806)

In 1861, the standard Bates-Coffey law digest says the Articles of War restricts martial law to members of the armed forces.

Copperheads

Copperheads is a nickname given to Northern "Peace" Democrats, who oppose the Civil War and call for a peace settlement with the Confederates. Copperheads form mysterious organizations like the Knights of the Golden Circle, which, pursuant to Secretary of War Stanton's General Order No. 104, U.S. martial David L. Phillips in Illinois raids and arrests Dr. Israel Blanchard for attending a public meeting. The most famous Copperhead is Clement L. Vallandigham.

Ex Parte Merryman

The writ of habeas corpus issued by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney to John Merryman after the Maryland resident is arrested for raising forces for the Confederacy. It is disobeyed and Taney protests only Congress has the power to suspend the writ. This precipitates the first public discussion of Lincoln's actions, which expand in breadth.