In Dec. 1860, when the secessionists of South Carolina voted to take their state out of the Union, one proclaimed, We have pulled a temple down. One set of men who received the most credit for this achievement called themselves fire-eaters. They included, among others, William L. Yancy of AL, Robert B. Rhett, Sr., of SC & John Quitman of MS. This is the first comprehensive study of the fire-eaters, exploring who they were, how they operated, their efforts to lead public opinion, their successes, & their failures. For the first time a historian has used intensive research in the papers of these men to examine their claim that they fathered secession. - Publisher.

A disposition to dissolve the Union -- Leadership of this generation -- A partial affair -- That we were all such traitors! -- Ungrateful, cowardly, stupid state -- The sympathy of angels -- Glory enough for one day -- One of the most aristocratic cities of the Union -- Instruments in the hands of God -- We will stand by you to the death.