The US Civil War was much longer/bloodier than expected by both sides, and as late as 1861 was not seen as inevitable, even after succession began. I can't find

The US Civil War was much longer/bloodier than expected by both sides, and as late as 1861 was not seen as inevitable, even after succession began. I can't find a particularly great example of this other than Lincoln's March 4thinaugural address. A Virginian for example of a more anxious disposition might have packed up and headed west after the succession process began in December of 1860-February 1861 but before the war began in April of 1861. https://millercenter.org/president/lincoln/domestic-affairs https://millercenter.org/president/lincoln/domestic-affairs