Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Post image for A Diary of American Events – December 29, 1860

A Diary of American Events – December 29, 1860

December 29, 2010

The American Civil War,The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

—Major Anderson is denounced by the Charleston papers. The Courier says:

“Major Robert Anderson, United States Army, has achieved the unenviable distinction of opening civil war between American citizens by an act of gross breach of faith. He has, under counsels of a panic, deserted his post at Fort Moultrie, and, under false pretexts, has transferred his garrison and military stores and supplies to Fort Sumter.”

The Mercury, more temperately, says:

“Major Anderson alleges that the movement was made without orders and upon his own responsibility, and that he was not aware of such an understanding. He is a gentleman, and we will not impugn his word or his motives. But it is due to South Carolina and to good faith that the act of this officer should be repudiated by the Government, and that the troops be removed forthwith from Fort Sumter.”—(Doc. 9.)

—John B. Floyd resigned his position as Secretary of War, owing to the refusal of the President to withdraw the Federal troops from the forts at Charleston.—(Doc. 10.)—Baltimore Sun, Jan. 1.

Post image for United States Minister to England, George Mifflin Dallas.—”My country, my country…,”

United States Minister to England, George Mifflin Dallas.—”My country, my country…,”

December 29, 2010

Diary of George Mifflin Dallas, United States Minister to England 1856 to 1861

1860. December 29.—Dates and news from New York to the 15th inst. General Cass had resigned. Governor Dickinson is mentioned as his successor. So we go, from one unfit to another more so. My country, my country, whither in the intoxication of your liberty are you plunging!

Skating for several days on the Serpentine; ice three or four inches thick. The wind has veered to the southeast, and a thaw may be expected.

Post image for Operations in Charleston Harbor

Operations in Charleston Harbor

December 29, 2010

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

WASHINGTON, December 29, 1860.

LARZ ANDERSON, Esq., Cincinnati:

SIR: General Scott has been hoping for two or three days to find himself well enough to answer your letter, but is too much prostrated by diarrhea. He has done everything in his power to support your brother in his command, repeating, with what effect remains to be seen, within the last twenty-four hours, an urgent recommendation, long since made, to the President to re-enforce the major.

The War Department has kept secret from the General the instructions sent to the major, but the General, in common with the whole Army, has admired and vindicated as a defensive measure the masterly transfer of the garrison from Fort Moultrie to the position of Fort Sumter.

G. W. LAY.

Post image for The Arsenal in Charleston: “…this post is to all intents and purposes in the possession of the South Carolina troops.”—Operations in Charleston Harbor

The Arsenal in Charleston: “…this post is to all intents and purposes in the possession of the South Carolina troops.”—Operations in Charleston Harbor

December 29, 2010

The American Civil War,War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

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CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S. C.,
December 29, 1860.

Capt. WM. MAYNADIER, 

In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.:

SIR: I reported by telegraph on the 28th instant that this arsenal was surrounded by a body of South Carolina militia, and that myself and the command are not allowed to pass in or out without a countersign. Those in authority disclaim any intention of occupying the post, nor do they molest the flag. I asked for instructions, but have received none.

I protest (the disclaimer notwithstanding) that this post is to all intents and purposes in the possession of the South Carolina troops, and also against the indignity offered me as an officer of the United States Army, to say nothing of the annoyance the entire command is subjected to by this measure.

I shall, therefore, unless otherwise instructed from the War Department, make a formal protest against the posting of sentinels around this arsenal, and request that they be removed, which, if denied, I shall consider an occupancy of it by the State, and shall haul down my flag and surrender.

I respectfully submit that such a course is proper, and due to myself and the position I occupy as commanding officer.

Very respectfully, I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

F. C. HUMPHREYS,

Military Storekeeper Ordnance, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

ORDNANCE OFFICE,
January 17, 1861.

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.

WM. MAYNADIER,

Captain of Ordnance.

[Inclosure.]

Abstract from muster-roll of F. C. Humphreys, military storekeeper of ordnance, dated to include the 30th day of December, 1860.

Present: Brevet Col. Benjamin Huger, who assumed command November 20, by order of the Secretary of War, and who was absent under orders from the Adjutant-General’s Office, dated December 1, 1860, and assumed his former duty at Pikesville, Arsenal, by instructions of the Secretary of War, dated December 15, 1860.

F. C. Humphreys, military storekeeper, who resumed command of post December 7, 1860. Fourteen enlisted men.

F. C. HUMPHREYS,

Military Storekeeper, U. S. Army.