—In the Massachusetts State Legislature to-day, a series of resolutions was passed by a unanimous vote, tendering to the President of the United States such aid in men and money as he may request, to maintain the authority of the general Government. The preamble to the resolution declares that the State of South Carolina, in seizing the fortifications of the Federal Government, the Post Office, Custom Home, money; arms, munitions of war, and by firing upon a vessel in the service of the United States, has committed an act of war. The Senate passed a bill authorizing the increase of the volunteer military of the State.—Boston Journal, Jan. 19.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
WASHINGTON, January 18, 1861.
His Excellency Governor PERRY, Tallahassee, Fla:
We think no assault should be made. The possession of the fort is not worth one drop of blood to us. Measures pending unite us in this opinion. Bloodshed now may be fatal to our cause.
JNO. SLIDELL.
J. P. BENJAMIN.
A. IVERSON.
JNO. HEMPHILL.
LOUIS T. WIGFALL.
C. C. CLAY, JR.
BEN. FITZPATRICK.
JEFF. DAVIS.
S. R. MALLORY.
We sent this to Chase to-day.
HEADQUARTERS FORT JEFFERSON, TORTUGAS,
January 18, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived at Fort Jefferson today with my command; garrisoned and assumed command of the post, in accordance with the instructions of the General-in-Chief, dated Washington, January 5, 1861. Strength: four commissioned officers and sixty-two enlisted men, Bvt. Maj. L. G. Arnold, commanding; Surg. A. N. McLaren, First Lieut. Henry Benson, A. A. Q. M and A. C. S.; First Lieut. M. M. Blunt. I would respectfully inquire if Fort Jefferson is a double-ration post? If not, I request that it be announced as such in orders from the War Department, from the 18th instant.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. G. ARNOLD,
Brevet Major, U.S. Army, Commanding.
Col. S. COOPER,
Adjt. Gen. U. S. Army, Washington City, D.C.
FRIDAY 18
The discussions in Congress are now very pointed and interesting. An attack upon Fort Sumpter is expected since the Prest flatly refuses to Treat with Col Hayne the last Comr from S.C. for its peacable surrender. If the attack is made it will be no holiday job for the “fireeaters.” The weather today has been wet & foggy, nearly cold enough to freeze. Got letter from Julia. She is expecting to come if she has a good opportunity but seems to adapt herself to circumstances with much facility and will not complain if she stays there during the vacation. She seems contented & happy.
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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.
