Disunion: Abe Lincoln and Filibuster Fever

(NYTimes) ... Descended via the Spanish “filibustero” from the Dutch “Vrijbuiter” - itself a corruption of the English word “freebooter” - filibuster at first referred to English buccaneers, pirates who sailed in search of Spanish gold and silver. But by the mid-19th century, it had come to mean irregular armies from the United States bound for foreign lands and those who joined them. Some enjoyed nod-and-wink approval from federal or state officials, but most acted without governmental authority, even in outright defiance of Uncle Sam. Continued

Pictured: Cuba Libre label (Library of Congress via Firecured)