—Judge Smalley delivered a charge to the grand jury of the Federal court in New York, specifying what overt acts constitute treason. (The Evening Post of the 14th of January contains this charge in full.)
Friday, January 14, 2011
MONDAY 14
Something of a snowstorm today. Tonight is more like rain freezing as it falls. The walks are a glade of ice. There appears to be a more hopeful feeling abroad today in reference to the affairs of the country. The Govt is geting into the hands of Union men. The Cabinet is now composed entirely of that class. Genl Dix taking the place of Thomas. His first assistant (Clayton) has also resigned to save himself from being turned out. It is rumored today that all “seceders” are to be turned out if they do not resign their posts in the different Depts. Spent the evening next door, Mr Bartletts, clerk in State Dept.
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The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of Congress.
FORT TAYLOR, KEY WEST, FLA.,
January 14, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to report that in consequence of the recent seizure by unauthorized persons of several forts and arsenals in the Southern States, I have placed my entire command in Fort Taylor for the purpose of protecting it. I shall, until orders from the General Government to the contrary, defend it to the best of my ability with the scanty force (forty-four men) at my disposal. I inclose a copy of a communication I addressed direct to the Adjutant-General on December 11, 1860, to which I have received no reply; also a copy of a letter from Capt. E. B. Hunt, Corps of Engineers, in charge of Fort Taylor. As mail facilities have entirely ceased between Key West and the North, I would suggest that any orders for me be forwarded from New York City, via Havana, to the care of the American consul.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. BRANNAN, ……
Captain, First Artillery, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. L. THOMAS,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D.C.
.
[Inclosure No. 1.]
.
KEY WEST BARRACKS, FLA.,……
December 11, 1860.
SIR: The present condition of affairs in this State indicates very clearly that Florida by the act of her people, will secede from the Federal Government. I have reliable information that as soon as the act is committed an attempt will be made to seize upon Fort Taylor. I therefore request instructions what I am to do–endeavor at all hazards to prevent Fort Taylor being taken or allow the State authorities to have possession without any resistance on the part of my command? These instructions are absolutely necessary now, as it may be too late after the State secedes to receive any, in consequence of communications being cut off from the seat of Government.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. BRANNAN,…….
Captain, First Artillery, Commanding.
Col. S. COOPER,
…………..Adjutant-General U. A. Army, Washington City, D. C.
.
[Inclosure No. 2.]
.
FORT TAYLOR, KEY WEST, FLA.,……….
January 12, 1861.
SIR: In consequence of the disordered state of public affairs, of the reported seizure of various neighboring forts and arsenals, of my own lack of means for maintaining a secure guard of this most important fortification, and of the near approach of the discharge of most of my enrolled mechanics and laborers, I deem it my duty to call upon you to make [secure] the military custody of Fort Taylor, and to adopt such measures for its security as you shall deem proper. I shall heartily cooperate in my appropriate capacity as an officer of Engineers, and shall in a few days complete all the defensive preparations now required. I would, therefore, hereby ask you at once to assume the military command of Fort Taylor. I shall by letter of this date ask Captain Craven, of the Mohawk, to consult with you and give his aid for this object.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
E. B. HUNT,
Captain, Engineers.
Capt. J. M. BRANNAN,
……….First Artillery, Commanding Key West Barracks.
FORT CASWELL, N. C., January 14, 1861.
SIR : I most respectfully wish to state that the party of citizens who occupied this post has left this day. Mr. Hedrick, who signed receipts to me for the ordnance stores, has returned them to me in good order, except what he expended.
……….I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
F. DARDINGKILLER,
Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army.
Col. S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
