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

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Post image for “The Prest announced to those assembled that the peace ‘Con’n’ had come to an agreement, and adjourned & that the Country was saved.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“The Prest announced to those assembled that the peace ‘Con’n’ had come to an agreement, and adjourned & that the Country was saved.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

February 27, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.,The American Civil War

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1861.

Weather warm, and air soft as May. The Peace Convention did not adjourn yesterday, but did today, Sine die, after voting for compromise resolutions which are deemed very satisfactory to all parties. At 1/2 past ten o’clock today most of the Govt Employees paid their respects to Pres Buchanan at the “White House.” We were rcd by the Pres in the East room. The Prest announced to those assembled that the peace “Con’n” had come to an agreement, and adjourned & that the Country was saved. Took tea with Col Paine at Kirkwood House, and then went with him to see the Exhibition of Rarey, the famous Horse Tamer.

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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.

Post image for A Diary of American Events – February 27, 1861

A Diary of American Events – February 27, 1861

February 27, 2011

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

—The Peace Convention submitted to the United States Senate a plan of adjustment involved in seven amendments to the Constitution of the United States.—(Doc. 40.) —Herald, March 4.

Post image for Operations in Charleston Harbor — Confederate Records

Operations in Charleston Harbor — Confederate Records

February 27, 2011

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

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
Charleston, S.C., February 27, 1861.

The PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, &c.,
Montgomery, Ala :

“Major Whiting is here, and thinks our energies have been too much directed to attacking Fort Sumter, and not enough to the defenses of the harbor, so as to prevent re-enforcements, &c.”

DEAR SIR: I received yours dated the 22d instant by Colonel Lucas, inclosing the resolution of Congress expressly taking charge of the military operations in the harbor of Charleston. I have the fullest confidence that you and Congress will do everything that may be due to the honor and the rights of South Carolina.

Of course we feel that our honor and safety require that Fort Sumter should be in our possession at the very earliest moment possible. We have had great difficulties to contend with. By the extraordinary movement of the United States garrison from Fort Moultrie we were suddenly and unexpectedly precipitated into a situation which created the most hostile feelings, and were at the outset involved in the most scientific and expensive branches of modern warfare, where the most exact military knowledge and experience were required.

I felt this, and therefore telegraphed you to come by Charleston on your way to Mississippi, in order to consult on military matters, &c. I again sent to the governor of Georgia for General Twiggs, and then sent to you for a military engineer, as I desired the highest military approbation. Before taking the last step I earnestly wished the best military counsels.

Major Whiting is here, and thinks our energies have been too much directed to attacking Fort Sumter, and not enough to the defenses of the harbor, so as to prevent re-enforcements, &c. You will see him, and, of course, now we will await your orders and the directions of Congress, as we feel that our cause is common, and that it is due to our common government that we should do nothing to involve all the States united in a permanent war by any separate act of ours, unless it shall be necessary in self-defense or to prevent re-enforcements; but in the mean time I will go on with the same activity as ever in preparing our defenses and our men for any event that may arise.

We would desire to be informed if when thoroughly prepared to take the fort shall we do so, or shall we await your order; and shall we demand the surrender, or will that demand be made by you?

An answer to this by telegram is desired.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. W. PICKENS.