FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 4, 1861.
(Received A. G. O., February 6.)
Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The South Carolinians continued to do as much work yesterday (Sunday) at Cummings Point as the storm permitted. The work nearest to us now presents the appearance of a battery, having an inclined guard in front to glance our balls off. They are using large quantities of railroad bars in their constructions on that point. The New York steamer sailed yesterday with our women and children.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
MONDAY 4
The Peace Convention met today but all the Delegates had not arrived and but little was done. The ground was covered with snow again this morning, but nearly melted off during the day. Schuyler Colfax M.C. was at my table in the office attending to a “case.” At Willards tonight I met J F Starbuck of Watertown NY and his new wife. Spent an hour in their room in the Hotel. He was Clerk in the Constitutional Conv’n NY,1846. Willards Hotel is now about full and the Av’e is much crowded during the day. The Election for Delegates to State Convention takes place in Virginia today.
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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.
WASHINGTON, March 4, 1861.
Gov. F. W. PICKENS, Charleston, S.C.:
Do not permit any attack on Sumter without authority of Government of Confederated States. This is all important. Inaugural means war. There is strong ground for belief that re-enforcements will be speedily sent. Be vigilant.
LOUIS T. WIGFALL.
I concur, and believe this Government will act promptly.
L. Q. WASHINGTON.
—The Montgomery convention organized with Howell Cobb, president, and Johnson L Hooper, secretary.—(Doc. 32.)
—The North Carolina House of Representatives passed unanimously a declaration that if reconciliation fails, North Carolina will go with the other slave States.—Times, Feb. 6.
