HUNTSVILLE, ALA.,
February 3, 1861.
Hon. L. P. WALKER, Montgomery:
MY DEAR SIR: There is at Pensacola an immense quantity of powder, shot, and shells, which ought to be removed to the interior at the earliest possible moment. Where they now are they are constantly exposed to the danger of recapture, and if they are permitted to remain, one of Lincoln’s first movements will be to concentrate a sufficient force at that point to retake them.
In my judgment there is no hope of a peaceful settlement of our difficulties with the Government of the United States, and all our calculations should be made with reference to the breaking out of a war of vast magnitude and almost unparalleled ferocity. We had the subject of these munitions before the military committee of our Convention, but as they were on the soil of Florida, and beyond our jurisdiction, we could do nothing. Your convention will have more extensive powers.
There is still much discontent here at the passage of the ordinance of secession, but it is growing weaker daily, and unless something is done to stir it up anew will soon die away.
Last week Yancey was burned in effigy in Limestone, but I suppose it was rather a frolic of the “b’hoys” than a manifestation of serious feeling on the part of the older citizens.
I shall be glad to hear from you from time to time during the session of the Convention.
Very truly and respectfully, your friend and obedient servant,
JERE. CLEMENS.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 3, 1861.
Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: Yesterday and last night, in consequence of the continuance of a storm of wind and rain, very little work was done, as far as we could observe, around us. The rain is still (11 a.m.) continuing. The steamer has not yet left the harbor with the women and children.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
SATURDAY 2
Foggy and misty day with water driping from roofs all the time. A Salute of 34 guns was fired today at noon at the Armory on account of the Admission of Kansas into the Union. Many of the Citizens who did not know the cause of the firing were much alarmed thinking that the “fighting” had commenced. No particular news today. More talk now of an attack upon Forts Sumpter & Pickens now held by U.S. troops. In Congress the Republicans are giving ground for the sake of peace. The Peace Convention invited by Virginia meets Monday the 4th. Did not go down to the Ave tonight.
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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.
1861. February 2.—A slight solace to one’s anxieties about home is found in the circumstances brought by successive steamers during the week. 1. The proposition of Mr. Crittenden, or “The Border States,” seems growing into favour. 2. There was a large minority on the question of secession before next 4th of March in the Georgia Convention. 3. The Alabama members of Congress have been instructed not to quit, but to wait further advices. 4. The South Carolina Commissioner, Colonel Hayne, has suspended his demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter. 5. Charleston is suffering greatly from want of supplies. 6. Major Anderson is universally applauded. 7. Virginia has adopted as satisfactory the compromise of Crittenden. 8. Financial affairs are improving; the United States stock rose one per cent.
There would seem to be a most extraordinary departure from the chivalric honour in public life which has heretofore characterized Southern gentlemen in the disloyal treachery with which Cobb, Floyd, Thomson, Thomas, and Trescott have pursued secession in the very penetralia of Mr. Buchanan’s Cabinet. Nothing can relieve them from the charge of deceit and treachery but their having apprised the President, on entering his counsels, that, instead of recognizing as paramount their allegiance to the Union, they were governed by “a higher law” of duty to Georgia, Virginia, Mississippi, Maryland, and South Carolina respectively.
Persigny, recently appointed to the Ministry of the Interior in Paris, made a popularity-seeking plunge at his outset in relaxing restrictions on the Press. Suddenly he has turned a corner; giving, three days ago, an “avertissement” to the Cormier de Dimanche, and arbitrarily ordering the offensive writer, Ganeseo, out of the Kingdom. He says that Ganeseo is a foreigner, and cannot be allowed to criticise the principle of the Imperial Government.
—The United States revenue cutter Lewis Cass, Capt. Morrison, a Georgian, was surrendered by the officer at Mobile to the State of Louisiana.—(Doc. 31.)—N Y. Times, Feb. 6.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 2, 1861.
(Received A. G. O., February 6.)
Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I received a letter yesterday from Mr. Gourdin, in which he says: “I saw his excellency this evening, and he makes no objection to your groceries being sent you.” The South Carolinians were, we thought, occupied nearly all last night on the works at Cummings Point. One of them is now probably twelve or fifteen feet high, and appears to be bomb-proof, and may be intended to defilade a battery pointing on the channel from our fire. From the energy with which their operations are carried on it is evident that they regard them as very necessary, and that they consider that they are also important, and that they shall be pushed as rapidly as possible. The women and children are on board the steamer, but the wind is blowing so heavily that it is doubtful whether they will attempt to cross the bar with this tide.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
Abby Howland Woolsey to Eliza Woolsey Howland
8 Brevoort Place, Feb. 1, 1861.
My dear Eliza: As Charley was away at Astoria Georgy sent round for young Herdman, and she and I went with him to hear Wendell Phillips’ lecture. I never saw him before, and found it a perfect treat. A more finished and eloquent sketch I never heard, enlivened by telling anecdotes, and that quiet, shrewd wit which distinguishes the speaker. He made the lecture an indirect argument of course for the negro race; twice in the course of it mentioned John Brown’s name, which was received with a storm of applause, and once, in speaking of the courage of the blacks, he said: “Ask the fifty-two thousand of LeClerc’s soldiers who died in battle. Go stoop with your ear on their graves! Go question the dust of Rochambeau and of the eight thousand who escaped with him under the English Jack! and if the answer is not loud enough, come home!” and (dropping his voice) “come by the way of quaking Virginia!” There was a great crowd, but we went early and had excellent seats, and were perfectly charmed.
On Friday Rose Terry (who is at the Danas) and Dr. Bacon are to dine here. Rose wrote the “Samson Agonistes” it seems, —the fragment about John Brown in the Tribune which we all liked.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Fine cool morning, M: 24 — warmer and misty the latter part of day. Got measured for new black coat. Paid some Bills & small note at Bank. Willie has been quite ill. I came home from the office at 1’o’ck. He is much better tonight. The day has passed off much as yesterday. Two more companys of U.S. Soldiers came today. One is quartered on E St. near pat & post offices. The other in west part of the City. There are many “Secessionists” or Disunionists among the Citizens here. It is my opinion that the District Militia would prove, in case of need, a poor support for the Govt to rely upon. Have spent the evening at home with the boys in various amusements.
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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.
—The Texas State Convention, at Galveston, passed an ordinance of secession, to be voted on by the people on the 28d of February, and if adopted, to take effect March 2.—(Doc. 30.)—New Orleans Picayune, Feb. 7.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1861.
Mercury this morning 20 above zero, cold and pleasant all day. Interesting debates in Congress now. Chas Francis Adams took high conservative ground today in the “House.” There now seems to be a disposition in Congress to do Something. Attended the meeting of the “Raven Club” this evening at Prof Whitakers on 11th St. J. S. Willson delivered an address, The Ideas of the Ist & IIIrd Napoleon. Ended by paying a fine tribute to the Founders of our Govt and the Value of the Union. Mr Fuller of N.C. followed in a few very eloquent remarks. No particular news. Doct John C. Smith, 4th Pres[byterian] Ch[urch] called on me today at office.
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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.
