Cipriano Ferrandini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cypriano Ferrandini
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Cypriano Ferrandini
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| Born | 1823 Corscia, Corsica, Kingdom of France
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| Died | December 20, 1910 (aged 86–87) |
| Resting place | Saint Mary Catholic Cemetery, Baltimore |
| Occupation | Barber, Southern sympathizer, alleged conspirator |
Cypriano Ferrandini (born 1823 – died December 20, 1910) was a barber from Corsica, an island in Europe. He moved to the United States and became a well-known barber and hairdresser. His shop was in the basement of Barnum's Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. He worked there from the mid-1850s until he retired, long after the American Civil War ended.
Ferrandini was accused of planning to harm Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was the President-elect of the United States at the time. This alleged plot was supposed to happen on February 23, 1861. However, Ferrandini was never officially charged with this crime. He was once caught during a search for people who supported the Southern states in 1862. But he was never put on trial for his beliefs.
On the nights of February 21 and 22, 1861, two men, Allan Pinkerton and Frederick W. Seward, warned Lincoln. They told him it was not safe to appear in public in Baltimore as planned. They said there were plans to hurt him. Lincoln decided to listen to their warning. He put on a simple cap as a disguise. Then, he traveled through Baltimore secretly on the night of February 22. His wife and children faced the crowd waiting for him the next day, February 23, 1861.
Contents
Cypriano Ferrandini: A Barber's Story
Cypriano Ferrandini was born in Corsica in 1823. He later moved to the United States. He became a barber and hairdresser in Baltimore, Maryland. His shop was a popular spot in Barnum's Hotel. He worked there for many years.
The Alleged Plot Against Lincoln
Ferrandini is best known for being accused of a plot against Abraham Lincoln. This was before Lincoln became president. The country was divided, leading up to the Civil War. Some people in the South wanted to separate from the United States.
Lincoln's Secret Journey
Lincoln was traveling to Washington D.C. for his inauguration. This is the ceremony where a new president officially takes office. His original plan included a public stop in Baltimore. However, he received a serious warning.
Detectives told him about a possible plan to harm him. So, Lincoln changed his travel plans. He passed through Baltimore quietly at night. This way, he avoided any danger.
Was There Really a Plot?
Historians do not fully agree if a real plot against Lincoln existed. They also debate Ferrandini's exact role. Some historians say there was no strong proof of such a plan. No one was ever arrested for just thinking about it.
However, others believe the plot was real. They base this on old papers from Allan Pinkerton. Pinkerton was a famous detective. He claimed to have uncovered the plot.
Pinkerton's Account
Allan Pinkerton wrote about his investigation. He said his agents met with Cypriano Ferrandini. Pinkerton believed Ferrandini was the leader of the plot. Pinkerton even claimed he met Ferrandini himself.
In his book, Pinkerton described a meeting. He said Ferrandini strongly believed Lincoln "must die." Pinkerton even included a drawing in his book. It showed Ferrandini with his hand raised, as if holding a knife. Later, Pinkerton himself started to doubt if Ferrandini's boasts were true.
Ferrandini's Own Words
Ferrandini spoke to a Congressional Committee. This was a group of lawmakers. They were looking into rumors of plans to stop Lincoln. This happened 18 days before the alleged plot.
Ferrandini openly shared his views. He said he supported the Southern states. He also admitted using his military training. He was helping a group dedicated to stopping "Northern Volunteers" from passing through Maryland. These volunteers were soldiers supporting the Union.
