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

Post image for “Handed Green my revolver to draw the charges, it has been loaded two months.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“Handed Green my revolver to draw the charges, it has been loaded two months.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

April 8, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

MONDAY 8

Rained all day or rather drizzled all day. No new excitement today. No removals from the Pat office today. Got letter from Bro C.R. Went over to the Post office and got his “papers” taken up. His appointment as Post Master at Wmstown Mass will be made out in a day or two. Wrote to him tonight at home, most of my private letters I write in the office. Handed Green my revolver to draw the charges, it has been loaded two months. Have spent the entire evening at home with one girl & three boys round the table with me writing.

______

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 – April 8, 1861

A Diary of American Events – April 8, 1861

April 8, 2011

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

—Information having been given by the United States authorities to the authorities at Charleston that they desired to send supplies to Fort Sumter by an unarmed vessel, they were informed that the vessel would be fired upon and not permitted to enter the port. Official notification was then given by the United States Government that supplies would be sent to Major Anderson, peaceably if possible, otherwise by force. Lieutenant Talbot, attached to the garrison of Fort Sumter, and who accompanied the bearer of this despatch, was not permitted to proceed to his post.

—Orders were issued to the entire military force of Charleston, held in reserve, to proceed to their stations without delay. Four regiments of a thousand men each were telegraphed for from the country.

Dr. Gibbs, surgeon-general, was ordered to prepare ambulances, and make every provision for the wounded.

—At midnight Charleston was thrown into great excitement by the discharge of seven guns from Citadel square, the signal for all the reserves to assemble ten minutes afterwards.

Hundreds of men left their beds, hurrying to and fro towards their respective destinations.

In the absence of sufficient armories, at the corners of the streets, publics squares, and other convenient points, meetings were formed, and all night the long roll of the drum and the steady tramp of the military, and the gallop of the cavalry resounding through the city, betokened the close proximity of the long-anticipated hostilities. The Home Guard corps of old gentlemen, who occupy the position of military exempts, rode through the city, arousing the soldiers, and doing other duty required by the moment.

United States vessels were reported off the bar. Major Anderson displayed signal lights during the night from the walls of Fort Sumter.—Times, April 10.

—The State Department at Washington replied to-day to the Confederate State Commissioners, declining to receive them in their official capacity, but expressing deference for them as gentlemen. The Secretary expressed a peaceful policy on the part of the Government, declaring a purpose to defend only when assailed. Tribune, April 9.

Post image for Expedition to Charleston Harbor

Expedition to Charleston Harbor

April 8, 2011

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

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, April 8, 1861.

First Lieut. EDWARD McK. HUDSON,
Fourth Artillery, Comdg. U. S. troops on the steamer Baltic:

SIR: I am instructed by the General-in-Chief to say to you that the destination of the two hundred recruits embarked on the steamer Baltic is Fort Sumter, and that “Capt. G. V. Fox, ex-officer of the Navy, and a gentleman of high standing, as well as possessed of extraordinary nautical ability, has been charged by high authority in Washington with the command of the expedition, under cover of certain ships of war.”

You will accordingly be governed by the instructions of Captain Fox.

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

H. L. SCOTT,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C., Act. Adjt. Gen.

Post image for Rebel War Clerk John Beauchamp Jones.— “And I must depart immediately; for I well know that the first gun fired at Fort Sumter will be the signal for an outburst of ungovernable fury, and I should be seized and thrown into prison.”

Rebel War Clerk John Beauchamp Jones.— “And I must depart immediately; for I well know that the first gun fired at Fort Sumter will be the signal for an outburst of ungovernable fury, and I should be seized and thrown into prison.”

April 8, 2011

A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones,The American Civil War

April 8th, 1861. Burlington, New Jersey.—The expedition sails to-day from New York. Its purpose is to reduce Fort Moultrie, Charleston harbor, and relieve Fort Sumter, invested by the Confederate forces. Southern born, and editor of the Southern Monitor, there seems to be no alternative but to depart immediately. For years the Southern Monitor, Philadelphia, whose motto was “The Union as it was, the Constitution as it is,” has foreseen and foretold the resistance of the Southern States, in the event of the success of a sectional party inimical to the institution of African slavery, upon which the welfare and existence of the Southern people seem to depend. And I must depart immediately; for I well know that the first gun fired at Fort Sumter will be the signal for an outburst of ungovernable fury, and I should be seized and thrown into prison.

I must leave my family—my property—everything. My family cannot go with me—but they may follow. The storm will not break in its fury for a month or so. Only the most obnoxious persons, deemed dangerous, will be molested immediately.

Post image for Operations in Charleston Harbor — Confederate Records

Operations in Charleston Harbor — Confederate Records

April 8, 2011

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

[APRIL 8, 1861.]

AN ORDINANCE to transfer to the Government of the Confederate States of America, the use and occupancy of the forts, arsenals, navy-yards, custom-houses, and other public sites within the limits of this State.

We, the people of South Carolina, in convention assembled, do ordain and declare, and it is hereby ordained and declared by the authority of the same, that the Government of the Confederate States of America is  hereby authorized to occupy, use, and hold possession of all forts, navy-yards, arsenals, custom-houses, and other public sites within the limits of this State, and their appurtenances, lately in the possession of the United States of America, together with Fort Sumter, and to repair, rebuild, and control the same at its discretion, until this ordinance be repealed by a convention of the people of this State.

Done at Charleston, the 8th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.

D. F. JAMISON,

President.

Attest:

B. F. ARTHUR, Clerk.

Post image for Messages and Directives as War Nears — Confederate Records

Messages and Directives as War Nears — Confederate Records

April 8, 2011

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

WASHINGTON, April 8, 1861.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD:

Accounts are uncertain, because of the constant vacillation of this Government. We were reassured yesterday that the status of Sumter would not be changed without previous notice to Governor Pickens, but we have no faith in them. The war policy prevails in the Cabinet at this hour.

M. J. CRAWFORD.

—–

CHARLESTON, April 8, 1861.

L. P. WALKER:

Authorized messenger from Lincoln just informed Governor Pickens and myself that provisions would be sent to Sumter peaceably, otherwise by force.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

—–

MONTGOMERY, April 8, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD, Charleston:

Under no circumstances are you to allow provisions to be sent to Fort Sumter.

L. P. WALKER.

—–

CHARLESTON, April 8, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

Anderson’s provisions stopped yesterday. No answer from him. Am calling out balance of contingent troops.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

—–

HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
April 8, 1861.

[General BEAUREGARD :]

DEAR GENERAL: I inclose the within copy of Major Anderson’s note. Please say to the Secretary of War that we thought detaching an officer from the garrison was weakening its efficiency and not taking much from the consumption of food. Tell him that you as well as myself saw the foolish firing, and both regretted it, and that you immediately issued orders as to the future firing, &c., and that the captain in charge of the watch-vessel) the Petrel, was discharged for his neglect of duty, &c.

In great haste, but most sincerely,

F. W. PICKENS.

—–

HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES,
Charleston, S.C., April 8, 1861.

General L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.:

SIR: The War Department letter of the 6th instant has been received. I send herewith a copy of the letter addressed yesterday to Major Robert Anderson, stopping his provisions from this city, in obedience to the instructions of the Department. He has not yet answered it, probably on account of the prevailing bad weather, or perhaps he wishes to await the orders of the United States Government.

Lieutenant Talbot was allowed to go to Washington in order to diminish as much as practicable the number of Major Anderson’s officers, and in the hope that he would communicate to the Government at Washington their true condition in Fort Sumter, which Governor Pickens and myself have reasons to believe is not satisfactory to them.

On account of the unfortunate publication this morning of the proceedings of the State Convention of South Carolina, containing a detailed report of the State secretary of war, giving the exact condition, strength, and number of batteries and troops collected for the defense of this harbor, I have called out the balance of the five thousand men to which I have been limited by my instructions of the 1st ultimo–a measure rendered still more necessary on account of the warlike preparations at present being made by the United States Government with so much mystery.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

—–

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,
Montgomery, April 8, 1861.

His Excellency F. W. PICKENS, Charleston S.C.:

SIR: The discontinuance by the United States of negotiations with the Commissioners representing this Government, of which doubtless you have before this been made aware, leaves no doubt as to the policy we should pursue.

A large force will probably, and if at all, almost immediately, be needed to resist the coercive measures of the Washington administration. To meet this condition of affairs, this Department, acting with reference to the power vested in the Executive by the act of the Congress entitled “An act to provide for the public defense,” suggests to your excellency the necessity of calling at once for three thousand volunteers, to be drilled, equipped, and held in instant readiness to meet any requisition from this Department. These troops will, of course, not be receiving pay until they shall be mustered into service, but the emergency is so pressing that your excellency will fully appreciate the great importance of thorough preparation, especially in regard to instant capacity to move. A similar  request has been addressed to the Executive of each of the Confederate States. Asking an early reply to the suggestions above made,

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. WALKER.

(Similar letters to the governor of Florida, Tallahassee; the governor of Georgia; governor of Louisiana, Baton Rouge; governor of Texas, Austin; governor of Alabama, Montgomery; governor of Mississippi.)

—–

APRIL 8, 1861.

“I am directed by the President of the United States to notify you to expect an attempt will be made to supply Fort Sumter with provisions only, and that if such attempt be not resisted no effort to throw in men, arms, or ammunition will be made without further notice, or in case of an attack upon the fort.”

The above was communicated to us on the evening of April 8 by Robert S. Chew, esq., of the State Department in Washington, and Captain Talbot stated that it was from the President of the United States, as did Mr. Chew, and was delivered to him on the 6th instant at Washington, and this was read in their presence and admitted.

F. W. PICKENS.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Post image for “…the majority of the New York papers are inclined to resist Secession and aid the Government.”–William Howard Russell

“…the majority of the New York papers are inclined to resist Secession and aid the Government.”–William Howard Russell

April 7, 2011

My Diary North and South - William Howard Russell

April 7th.—Raining all day, cold and wet. I am tired and weary of this perpetual jabber about Fort Sumter. Men here who know nothing at all of what is passing send letters to the New York papers, which are eagerly read by the people in Washington as soon as the journals reach the city, and then all these vague surmises are taken as gospel, and argued upon as if they were facts. The “Herald” keeps up the courage and spirit of its Southern friends by giving the most florid accounts of their prospects, and making continual attacks on Mr. Lincoln and his Government; but the majority of the New York papers are inclined to resist Secession and aid the Government. I dined with Lord Lyons in the evening, and met Mr. Sumner, Mr. Blackwell, the manager of the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada, his wife, and the members of the Legation. After dinner I visited M. de Stoeckl, the Russian Minister, and M. Tassara, the Minister of Spain, who had small receptions. There were few Americans present. As a rule, the diplomatic circle, which has, by-the-by, no particular centre, radii, or circumference, keeps its members pretty much within itself. The great people here are mostly the representatives of the South American powers, who are on more intimate relations with the native families in Washington than are the transatlantic ministers.

Post image for Supplies to Sumter Stopped — Operations in Charleston Harbor

Supplies to Sumter Stopped — Operations in Charleston Harbor

April 7, 2011

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

HEADQUARTERS OF THE
PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.,
Charleston, S.C., April 7, 1861.

Maj. Robert ANDERSON,
Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S.C.:

SIR: In compliance with orders from the Confederate Government at Montgomery, I have the honor to inform you that, in consequence of the delays and apparent vacillations of the United States Government at Washington relative to the evacuation of Fort Sumter, no further communications for the purposes of supply with this city from the fort and with the fort from this city will be permitted from and after this day. The mails, however, will continue to be transmitted as heretofore, until further instructions from the Confederate Government.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Post image for “When we know where the troops have gone from NY, the anxiety will be lessened.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“When we know where the troops have gone from NY, the anxiety will be lessened.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

April 7, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 1861.

It has been a wet drizzly day, but I went to church with the boys in the morning. Chas was up to dinner. The papers are full of war news and there is now much excitement in the country, as much as there has been any time. When we know where the troops have gone from NY, the anxiety will be lessened. It is past 9. Wife is at the table reading. The boys have gone to bed. Julia is playing on the Piano. Larney (the black chattel) is crouched behind the stove keeping comfortable, a basket of young chickens is in the corner by her.

______

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 I shall fire unless… – Confederate Correspondence

I shall fire unless… – Confederate Correspondence

April 7, 2011

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

PENSACOLA, April 7, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

Your dispatch of 5th answered by telegraph and letter. I shall fire upon any re-enforcements to Pickens unless ordered not. Need supplies called for in my ordnance requisition. Have but few cartridge bags and no flannel. I shall send to Mobile for some to-day, but have no money to pay. Not a cent has been received since I arrived. Dispatches for Fort Pickens and the fleet can be received from Washington through the post-office here. The blow is over, and the vessels stood it out. Twelve hundred men expected on to-day from Mississippi and Georgia.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

Brigadier-General.

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