—The Congress at Montgomery this evening unanimously agreed to a constitution and provisional government. They will go into immediate operation.—(Doc. 33.)—No propositions for compromise or reconstruction. After the vote on the constitution was taken, Jefferson Davis was elected President, and Alexander H. Stevens Vice-President of the Southern Confederacy, by the Congress.—(Doc. 34.)—Commercial Advertiser.
—Brigs W. R. Kibby and Golden Lead; barks Adjuster and C. Colden Murray; and schooner Julia A. Hallock, all owned in New York, were seized in the harbor of Savannah, by order of the Governor of Georgia, in reprisal for the seizure, in New York, of arms consigned to Georgia.—Baltimore American.
—The Little Rock arsenal, Arkansas, with 9,000 stands of arms, 40 cannon, and a large amount of ammunition, was surrendered to the State of Arkansas.—N. Y. Times, Feb. 11.
FRIDAY 8
Mercury down to 8 this morning, the coldest so far. It is 18 tonight, but no snow on the ground. The wind last night was terrific. It did much damage. Quite a fire occured on 7th St. (Incendiary). Went down to the Ave, bot Paleys Philosophy for twenty five cts, the New York papers. Heard no particular news and came home, found our next door neighbor Mr Bartlett, he staid an hour or two. He is in the State Dept and a Virginian. Col. Hayne of S.C. (Commr) has got his reply from the Govt to his demand for surrender of Ft Sumpter. An attack on it is now Expected.
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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 PICKENS, FLA., February –, 1861.
Hon. J. HOLT, Secretary of War:
SIR: I have to report that since my last letter per Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, matters have assumed no different form. I am continuing the defenses of the fort, and with my command will soon have it prepared to repel an attack. I have now seventy-eight guns mounted and ready for action. I will put up to-morrow three 10-inch light mortars. I have no others. The casemate embrasures are closed, some with brickwork and others with stone and pieces of wood. These will be strengthened as time permits. I am making canister for some of my barbette guns, there being none in the fort. An abatis of brush is being placed about the exposed points of attack. I have two 10-inch columbiads mounted, in order to render inefficient any battery which may be erected on the opposite side. There are two others in the fort which can be mounted if necessary. All work has been stopped on these batteries, according to the promise of Colonel Chase. I do not think there are more than four hundred State troops occupying the fort and barracks opposite. Fort McRee is occupied, but no guns mounted to my knowledge.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant.,
A. J. SLEMMER,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Post.
