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

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Post image for A Diary of American Events – January 19, 1861

A Diary of American Events – January 19, 1861

January 19, 2011

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

—The State Convention of Georgia has adopted the secession ordinance by a vote of two hundred and eight against eighty-nine. —(Doc. 22.)

A motion to postpone the operation of the ordinance until the 3d of March was lost by about thirty majority.

Alexander H. Stephens and Herschel V. Johnson are among those who voted against the ordinance.

The ordinance of secession is ordered to be éngrossed on parchment, and to be signed on Monday at noon.

Judge Linton Stephens says that, while he approves of the ordinance, he sees no reason for its adoption now. He therefore will not vote for or sign it.

Unusual demonstrations of approbation are being made at Milledgeville to-night in honor of the adoption of the ordinance, including the firing of cannon, the letting off of sky-rockets, the burning of torches, and music and speeches. —Richmond Enquirer.

Post image for “…all classes are looking towards Charleston with much anxiety, as an attack is expected on Ft Sumpter.”—Horatio Nelson Taft.

“…all classes are looking towards Charleston with much anxiety, as an attack is expected on Ft Sumpter.”—Horatio Nelson Taft.

January 19, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1861.

This has been a warm and pleasant day, but the streets and crossings very muddy. No particular news is afloat but all classes are looking towards Charleston with much anxiety, as an attack is expected on Ft Sumpter. I went with the boys after office hours to the Navy Yard to see the new war Steamer Pensacola. We got permission to go on board and the boys were much interested. She is here for her Engines, &c, which were built at this yard. She is expected to exceed any vessel in the Navy in speed. Her Engines could not be excelled. Was at the Hotels in evening. Saw old Comodore Stewart at “National.”

______

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.

Post image for The Secession of Alabama and Mississippi

The Secession of Alabama and Mississippi

January 19, 2011

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

MOTTLE, ALA., January 19, 1861.

SIR: I have to state that Fort Gaines was formally taken possession of in name of the State of Alabama yesterday. I was about to send all the hands off on a steamer chartered for the purpose; some provisions, &c., were also to [be] taken to Mobile and sold. Colonel Todd, of the State militia, arrived there in a small boat with four or five officers, at about  the same time that the steamer came to take the hands, provisions, &c., and prevented the shipment of anything but personal property, and demanded the surrender of fort and all property pertaining thereto. I gave the sub-overseer directions to turn over keys, &c. Colonel Todd informed me that about 30 men would be left there that day. Fort Morgan has now, I think, at least 400 and perhaps 500 men.

……….Respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. B. REESE,
Lieutenant of Engineers.

General J. G. TOTTEN,
Chief of Engineers.

The Secession of Georgia

January 19, 2011

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

ORDNANCE OFFICE,
Washington D. C., January 19, 1861.

SIR : The inclosed letter from Captain Rimy to the Adjutant-General of the Army is submitted for the perusal of the Lientenant-General commanding, and for such action as he may deem proper in the case, with the remarks that the captain had no means of knowing whether the Colonel of Ordnance had or had not consulted higher authority on the matter, even if such consultation, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, had been requisite.

The Ordnance detachment had been ejected from the Charleston Arsenal by the treasonable violence of the State authorities, and it became absolutely necessary to shelter it elsewhere. The Augusta Arsenal, Ga., under the control of this Department, where ample quarters are prepared for its enlisted men, is the nearest acceptable military post to which the detachment could be sent. The order to that effect was given after a full consideration of its propriety, and it is believed that if Captain Elzey had taken the pains to offer such explanations as his information warranted, the excitement alluded to by him need not have occurred, or might have been readily abated.

………With much respect,

H. K. CRAIG,
Colonel of Ordnance.

Lieut. Col. L. Thomas,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters.

[Inclosure.]

AUGUSTA ARSENAL, GA., January 11, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to foward a field return of a detachment of Ordnance which arrived at this post last night from Charleston, S. C., under command of Military Storekeeper Humphreys. He reported here by telegraphic order from Colonel Craig. This movement on the part of Colonel Craig I believe to be wholly unauthorized by the War Department. It was injudicious and impolitic, added much to the excitement in Augusta, and was very nigh praducing serious difficulties in this quarter, the people believing it to be a re-enforcement to my command. I had no previous knowledge of it whatever.

………I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

………ARNOLD ELZEY, ………
Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Post.

Col. S. COOPER,
………Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.

Post image for Operations in Florida – Confederate Correspondence

Operations in Florida – Confederate Correspondence

January 19, 2011

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

WASHINGTON, January 19, 1861.

Gov. A. B. MOORE, Montgomery, Ala.:

Telegraph not to attack Fort Pickens. Florida Senators and friends think it unwise.

C. C. CLAY, JR.

BEN. FITZPATRICK.