—Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated at Washington, sixteenth President of the United States. He kissed the thirty-four States of the Union as represented by thirty-four young ladies.
The inauguration procession proceeded to the east portico of the capitol, in front of which a platform had been erected. Every available space in the vicinity was packed with a curious crowd of spectators. Every thing being in readiness, Senator Baker, of Oregon, came forward and introduced Mr. Lincoln in these simple words: “Fellow-citizens: I introduce to you Abraham Lincoln, the President-elect of the United States of America.” Mr. Lincoln then advanced to a small table, which had been placed for his accommodation, and proceeded to deliver his inaugural address, every word of which was distinctly heard on the outskirts of the swaying crowd. The oath of office was then administered to Mr. Lincoln by Chief Justice Taney; the procession was again formed, Mr. Lincoln was escorted to the White House, and was duly installed in the office of President of the United States.—(Doc. 42.)
—A State Convention declared Texas out of the Union and Governor Houston issued his proclamation to that effect.
—The revenue cutter Dodge was seized in Galveston Bay, by order of the authorities of Texas. The officer in command resigned, as Breshwood did at New Orleans, and tendered his services to the rebels.—Times, March 6.
—General Twiggs was expelled from the army of the United States. The following is the official order for his expulsion:
War Department,
Adjutant-General’s Office,
Washington, March 1, 1861.
The following order is published for the information of the army:
“War Department, March 1, 1861.
“By the direction of the President of the United States, it is ordered that Brigadier-General David E. Twiggs be and is hereby dismissed from the army of the United States for his treachery to the flag of his country, in having surrendered on the 18th of February, 1861, on the demand of the authorities of Texas, the military posts and other property of the United States in his department and under his charge.
J. HOLT, Secretary of War.
“By order of the Secretary of War.
“S. COOPER, Adjutant-General.”
—Evening Post, March 4.
—The Secretary of War at Washington received a despatch from Major Anderson, in which he contradicts the statement that President Davis had been to Charleston. He says that the report that he had been sick is without a particle of foundation. He is -in good health, as is also his little band of soldiers. Affairs in Charleston harbor are arriving at a point when further delay on their part will be impossible. Their extensive works of defence and attack are nearly if not quite completed. The feeling between the authorities and Major Anderson continues to be friendly, and he is allowed all the facilities that he could expect. Fresh provisions and marketing are supplied in abundance. He experienced no difficulty in sending or receiving his mail matter. — Washington Star.
—Mr. Corwin’s report from the committee of thirty-three came up for final passage in Congress this morning. It was agreed to amid thunders of applause from the galleries and the floor. As the vote proceeded, the excitement was intense, and on the announcement of the result, the inexpressible enthusiasm of the members and the crowded galleries found vent in uproarious demonstrations. All feel that it is the harbinger of peace.—(Doc. 41.)—Commercial, Feb. 28.
—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.
Feb. 26.—Captain Hill, in command of Fort Brown, Texas, refused to surrender his post as ordered by General Twiggs, and engaged in preparations to defend it.—Times, March 6.
Feb. 23.—President-elect Abraham Lincoln arrived in Washington. The published programme of his journey had been abandoned at Harrisburg, which city he left secretly last night.—(Doc. 38.)—Commercial, Feb. 28.
—United States property, to a great amount, together with the various army posts in Texas, were betrayed to that State by General Twiggs. —(Doc. 39.)—Times, Feb. 26.
—The people of Charleston, S. C., celebrated Washington’s birthday with great enthusiasm. The Pickens cadets paraded for the first time, and were presented to Governor Pickens by Lieutenant Magrath. The Governor made the company a brief address, urging upon its members the bright and shining example of Washington as deserving imitation. Subsequently a banner was presented to the Washington Light Infantry, and in the evening the company reassembled in Hibernian Hall, where it was addressed by Colonel Edward Carroll, in an oration of a rather sanguinary hue. Other companies also celebrated the day in their own w ay.—Louisville Journal.
—The Collector of Charleston gives official notice that all vessels from foreign States, except Texas, will be treated as “foreign vessels,” and subjected to the port dues and other charges established by the laws of the Confederated States.—Charleston Courier.
—The President of the Southern Confederacy nominated the following members of his Cabinet:
Secretary of State—Mr. Toombs.
Secretary of the Treasury—Mr. Memminger.
Secretary of War—Mr. L. Pope Walker.
They were confirmed.—Tribune, Feb. 22.
—Governor Brown, at Savannah, Ga., seized the ship Martha J. Ward, bark Adjuster, and brig Harold, all belonging to citizens of New York. They will be detained until the arms are delivered up by the State of New York.
—The Congress at Montgomery passed an act declaring the establishment of the free navigation of the Mississippi.—Philadelphia Press, Feb. 23.
—Old Fort Kearney, Kansas Territory, was taken possession of by the secessionists, and a secession flag raised. It was soon after retaken by a party of Unionists.—Times, Feb. 21.
