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

Post image for A Diary of American Events – January 10, 1861

A Diary of American Events – January 10, 1861

January 10, 2011

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

—An intense excitement at Charleston on account of a rumor that the sloop-of-war Brooklyn was dispatched for that place. Great preparations are made to receive her. The buoys in the harbor are removed, and threats are made to fire on the ship.

—A steam-tub called the Aid left the wharf to-night for the purpose of reconnoitring. She is mounted with one gun, and is under the commend of Lieut. Hamilton, formerly of the Federal navy.

Fort Moultrie is being rapidly put in order by a large force of workmen. There are over forty South Carolina railroad hands actively and constantly employed under Mr. Bryant. Twenty hearty, strong negroes were sent down by the Rev. Mr. Prentiss and set to work, and did work faithfully all night upon the ramparts.—Charleston Courier, Jan. 11.

Post image for “It has been rumored this afternoon that the Gov of Virginia had ordered two Regiments to Harpers Ferry to take possession of the U S Arsenal”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“It has been rumored this afternoon that the Gov of Virginia had ordered two Regiments to Harpers Ferry to take possession of the U S Arsenal”—Horatio Nelson Taft

January 10, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1861.

The weather is a little colder tonight, just freezing. Exciting news from Charleston. The Steamer “Star of the West” with troops to reinforce Maj Anderson was fired into yesterday and she turned off to Sea. Maj Anderson threatened the City with Bombs if she was again molested. We hear that she is in the Harbor landing her troops and stores at Fort Sumpter. It has been rumored this afternoon that the Gov of Virginia had ordered two Regiments to Harpers Ferry to take possession of the U S Arsenal &c, and that their passage through this City will be resisted by the Govt. I have not been well today, and have not been out of the house since dinner.

______

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 Federals move to better fortifications at Pensacola—Operations in Florida

Federals move to better fortifications at Pensacola—Operations in Florida

January 10, 2011

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

FORT PICKENS, FLA., January 10, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on this date, I removed my command from Barrancas Barracks, Fla., to Fort Pickens, under special instructions received the previous day from the General-in-Chief.

……….I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

A. J. SLEMMER, ……….
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Post.

Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army.

Post image for Re-enforcements for Fort Jefferson, Florida.—Operations in Florida

Re-enforcements for Fort Jefferson, Florida.—Operations in Florida

January 10, 2011

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

HEADQUARTERS FORT INDEPENDENCE,
January 10, 1861.

SIR: I have the honor to report that I embark with my command this afternoon on board the steamer Joseph Whitney for Fort Jefferson, Fla. Orders of the General-in-Chief by telegraph. Strength of command, four commissioned officers and sixty-two enlisted men.

Names of officers: Bvt. Maj. L. G. Arnold, commanding; Surg. A.  N. McLaren, First Lieut. Henry Benson, First Lieut. H. M. Blunt, A. A. Q. M. and A. C. S.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. G. ARNOLD,
Brevet Major, U. S. Army, Commanding.

Lieutenant-Colonel THOMAS,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., U.S. Army, New York City.

The Secession of North Carolina

January 10, 2011

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

RALEIGH, N. C., January 10, 1861.

Hon. WARREN WINSLOW:

Call on General Scott; demand of him to know if he intends to garrison the North Carolina forts. Reply immediately.

JOHN W. ELLIS.

Post image for Susan Bradford: “The vote was 62 for and 7 against. The ordinance was declared adopted at 22 minutes after 12 o’clock.”

Susan Bradford: “The vote was 62 for and 7 against. The ordinance was declared adopted at 22 minutes after 12 o’clock.”

January 10, 2011

The American Civil War,Through Some Eventful Years by Susan Bradford Eppes

January 10th, 1861.—It is night and I am very tired but there is much to tell. The Ordinance of Secession was voted on today. Bishop Rutledge made the opening prayer and it was very impressive. He pleaded so earnestly for God’s guidance for these members, in whose hands lay the future of Florida. These men feel their responsibility I am sure, their faces are so serious and yet so alert. Not one word escapes them and when an amendment is needed they are so careful to make it plain to all. I heard something today about a flag which had been presented to Florida but I have not seen it as yet.

After the committees were disposed of the Ordinance of Secession was voted on. The vote was 62 for and 7 against. The ordinance was declared adopted at 22 minutes after 12 o’clock. It was resolved that at one o’clock on the next day, January 11th, the Ordinance of Secession should be signed on the east portico of the Capitol. The convention then adjourned until the afternoon session.

Mississippi seceded last night and it seems we will have plenty of company. The Union men in the hall looked very sad. They have worked hard for their side, but they had only a few followers.

Post image for “Federal troops are said to be moving” (Operations in Florida – Confederate Correspondence)

“Federal troops are said to be moving” (Operations in Florida – Confederate Correspondence)

January 10, 2011

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

Private.] . . . . . . . . . . .[STATE OF FLORIDA,] . . . . . . . . EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

January 10, 1861.

Hon. JNO. C. McGEHEE, President of the Convention:

SIR: The inclosed dispatch has this morning reached me, and I hasten to transmit it through you to the Convention.

Very respectfully,

M. S. PERRY.

[Inclosure]


(By telegraph from Washington, dated January 9, 1861. )

For Governor PERRY:

Federal troops are said to be moving, or to move, on the Pensacola forts. Every hour is important. Georgia and Alabama if called will aid in the work, we think. The two seaboard forts are vacant. Chase, at Pensacola, built and knows the works.

S. R. MALLORY.

GEORGE S. HAWKINS.

D. L. YULEE.

Fort Johnston Returned to Federals—The Secession of North Carolina

January 10, 2011

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

FORT JOHNSTON, N. C.,
January 10, 1861—11 o’clock a. m.

SIR: I respectfully wish to state that the party of citizens who took possession of Forts Johnston and Caswell yesterday has perceived their error. It seems that they were not sustained by the people which brought them into it, or caused them to create such an act of violence against the Federal Government. They were the leaders of a few fanatics in Wilmington, who sent a dispatch to this place that the Department had ordered the revenue cutter forward with troops to garrison Forts Johnston and Caswell, and that they should take possession of the forts before the Federal troops should arrive; that they would assist them with both men, money, and provisions. They failed to do so.

Then they came to both me and Sergeant Dardingkiller and asked us to take back the public property. I answered, Yes; if there was none of it broken, or none of the ammunition expended. It was returned in good order. As they deprived me of all quick communication with the Department, so that I might receive instructions how to act, I thought to do as I did. I wanted to go to Wilmington to telegraph this business to the Department, but when they found I was going on the schooner’ that runs between here and Wilmington as a passenger boat, the passengers chartered the boat from the owners to prevent me from going. I hope that the conduct of me and Sergeant Dardingkiller will be approved by the Department, as we took the responsibility of taking the stores back for the best interest of the public service.

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

JAMES REILLY,
Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army.

Col. S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington City, D. C.

be approved by the Department, as we took the responsibility of taking the stores back for the best interest of the public service.
I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES REILLY,
. Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army.
Col. S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington City, D. C.
No. 2.
Reports of Ordnance Sergeant Frederick Dardingkiller, U. S. Army, of
the first seizure of Fort Caswell.
FORT CASWELL, N. C., January 11, 1861. SIR : I have the honor to report herewith that this post is reoccupied by a party of citizens from Wilmington and Smithville. They took possession at 7 o’clock on the night of the 10th instant. The individual who represents them as commanding officer is a Mr. Hedrick, from Wilmington • he has signed receipts to me for all the ordnance stores at the post, and is using such of them as he needs.
I would have used every effort to communicate this matter to the Department before this, only that Sergeant-Reilly was pleased to write on the night of its occurrence. Please send me instructions how I am to act, and if I am to receive what portion of the stores that is left ; and how I am to expend the property they have destroyed, in the event of my receiving the stores back.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FREDERICK DARDINGKILLER, Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army.
Col. S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
FORT CASWELL, N. C., January 14, 1861. SIR : I most respectfully wish to state that the party of citizens who occupied this post has lett this day. Mr. Hedrick, who signed receipts to me for the ordnance stores, has returned them to me in good order, except what he expended.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
F. DARDINGKILLER,
Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army.
Col. S. COOPER,
Adjutant-Gen,eral, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.
No. 3.
Extract from annual report of Capt. John G. Foster, U. S. Engineers,
dated October 1, 1861. (Seizure of Fort Macon.)
This work was taken possession of by the troops of the State of North Carolina about the middle of April. It was at that time in bad repair;
Post image for “Fires and Burglaries occur every night. I sleep with a loaded revolver within reach.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“Fires and Burglaries occur every night. I sleep with a loaded revolver within reach.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

January 9, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

WEDNESDAY 9

Mr Thompson has resigned and another day has passed in the greatest anxiety of all classes to hear from Charleston, but there is no news from there today. The City is arming for self-protection and some Companys of U S troops are expected tomorrow. Fires and Burglaries occur every night. I sleep with a loaded revolver within reach. Was an hour at Willards tonight. Everything quiet but men look anxious. Met Mr Butterfield M.C. and a number of other gentlemen, all looking for news.

______

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 – January 9, 1861

A Diary of American Events – January 9, 1861

January 9, 2011

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

—Mississippi State Convention passed the ordinance of secession. Delegations from South Carolina and Alabama were invited to seats in the Convention. They were greeted with applause. Efforts were made to postpone action, which were voted down. The fifteen delegates who opposed the ordinance will sign it to-morrow, making the vote unanimous.

Fireworks were displayed at the capitol in Jackson this evening. The excitement is intense.—N. O. Picayune, Jan. 10.

—At half-past 7 A. M. the steamship Star of the West was signaled at the entrance of Charleston harbor. As she made her way toward Fort Sumter, a shot was sent across her bow from a battery on Morris’ Island, when she displayed the United States flag, and was repeatedly fired into from the Morris’ Island battery and from Fort Moultrie. Her course was then altered, and she again put to sea. Guns were ran out at Fort Sumter, but none were fired. At 11 o’clock Major Anderson sent a flag with a communication to Governor Pickens, to inquire if this act had the sanction of the State Government; was informed that it had, and thereupon sent a special messenger to Washington with dispatches.—(Doc. 18.)

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