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

Post image for “I need not suggest the danger to Florida and Alabama that must result from permitting a strong force to get possession of these forts.” (Operations in Florida – Confederate Correspondence)

“I need not suggest the danger to Florida and Alabama that must result from permitting a strong force to get possession of these forts.” (Operations in Florida – Confederate Correspondence)

January 8, 2011

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

[STATE OF ALABAMA,] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
January 8, 1861.

Hon. WILLIAM M. BROOKS,
President of the Convention of the State of Alabama:

In reply to a verbal communication from the body over which you preside, made by one of its members, I make the following statement:

My information in regard to Pensacola is that Governor Perry, of Florida, has informed me by dispatch that he has ordered the forts to be occupied by the troops of Florida and asks aid from Alabama.

The force at his command in West Florida is small and not sufficient to take and maintain the forts. Troops from Alabama could reach that point before the troops of East and Middle Florida. This fact, with the importance of the position to Alabama as well as to Florida, induces him to make the request, as I am informed. It is believed at Washington, in South Carolina, and Georgia, as I am advised from high sources, that it is not only the policy of the Federal Government to coerce the seceding States, but as soon as possible to put herself in position by re-enforcing all the forts in the States where secession is expected. I need not suggest the danger to Florida and Alabama that must result from permitting a strong force to get possession of these forts.

With sentiments of high consideration and respect,

A. B. MOORE.

Post image for A Diary of American Events – January 7, 1861

A Diary of American Events – January 7, 1861

January 7, 2011

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

—A variety of plans for capturing Fort Sumter have been devised, but as yet none have been put in practice. One man thought it might be taken by floating down to the fort rafts piled with burning tar-barrels, thus attempting to smoke the American troops out as you would smoke a rabbit out of a hollow. Another was for filling bombs with prussic acid and giving each of the United States soldiers a smell. Still another supposed that the fort might be taken without bloodshed by offering to each soldier ten dollars and a speaking to. And still another thought that by erecting a barricade of cotton bales, and arming it with cannon, a floating battery might be made, which, with the aid of Forts Moultrie and Johnson, and Castle Pinckney, together with redoubts thrown up on Morris’ and Jones’ Islands, and with further assistance of an armed fleet, an attack might be made on the fort, and at some convenient point a party of sharpshooters might be stationed, who would pick off the garrison, man by man, thus giving an opportunity to a party of infantry to scale the walls of the fort. Such a storming, however, could only be accomplished by an immense sacrifice of life; and the only practicable mode of taking the fort would seem to be by a protracted siege, and by the unchristian mode of starving them.—South Carolinian.

—Major Anderson’s course was sustained in the House of Representatives to-day, by the following resolution, offered by Mr. Adrian, of New Jersey:

Resolved, That we fully approve the bold and patriotic act of Major Anderson in withdrawing from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, and the determination of the President to maintain that fearless officer in his present condition; and we will support the President in all constitutional measures to enforce the laws and preserve the Union.

—To-day the arrest of Senators Toombs and Wigfall, on the charges of treason, for sending dispatches to the South recommending the seizure of the forts, was spoken of in the Cabinet “jocularly.”

—The Alabama Convention organized at Montgomery, William M. Brooks in the chair. —Times, Jan. 8.

—The Mississippi Convention organized at Jacksonville, A. J. Barry, of Lowndes, in the chair. It was resolved that a committee of fifteen be appointed by the president, with instructions to prepare and report, as speedily as possible, an ordinance of secession, providing for the immediate withdrawal of Mississippi from the Federal Union, with a view of establishing a new Confederacy, to be composed of the seceding States.—Mobile Advertiser.

—The Governor of Virginia, in a message to the Legislature, in special session, condemns the hasty action of South Carolina, but opposes and says that “he will regard the attempt of the Federal troops to pass across Virginia for the purpose of coercing a Southern State, as an act of invasion which must be repelled.”—Times, Jan. 8.

Post image for “Talk today that Senator Toombs of Georgia will be arrested for high Treason.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

“Talk today that Senator Toombs of Georgia will be arrested for high Treason.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

January 7, 2011

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 1861.

The weather is soft and rather foggy and some rain. I went to the Bank of the Metropolis today and bot a Draft on N.Y. for $40 and sent to Prest of Elmira College on Julias account. Called upon Doct Fife Dentist with the Note from D Chapman & Co got no money, but a good promise. Was in at Willards, people much excited and everybody talking about public matters. Talk today that Senator Toombs of Georgia will be arrested for high Treason. He Telegraphed to Savannah it is said, to “Seize the Forts.” The fire bells ring every night. — We hardly know what to look for next.

______

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 Star of the West sailing to Charleston — Confederate Records

Star of the West sailing to Charleston — Confederate Records

January 7, 2011

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

WASHINGTON, Tuesday morning, January 8, 1861.

His Excellency F. W. PICKENS,
Governor of South Carolina, Charleston, S.C.:

The Star of the West sailed from New York on Sunday with Government troops and provisions. It is said her destination is Charleston. If so, she may be hourly expected off the harbor of Charleston.

LOUIS T. WIGFALL.


Post image for Susan Bradford on the Florida Convention, “Never before have I seen such excitement. It even throws the horse races in the shade. What will tomorrow bring?”

Susan Bradford on the Florida Convention, “Never before have I seen such excitement. It even throws the horse races in the shade. What will tomorrow bring?”

January 7, 2011

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

January 7th, 1861.—I am so glad it is not raining today. I am really going and, little diary, I will tell you all about the day when we get home.

8:30 p. m. We have just finished supper. Mother would not let me write until we had eaten, now she says I can only have one hour because I am going again tomorrow and must have a good sleep.

The convention was assembling in the hall of representatives when we entered the Capitol, and soon everybody was in place and Dr. DuBose made a very fine prayer. I like Dr. DuBose and perhaps I ought not to write this about him, but nobody will see my diary and really I do not mean any harm, but he has such a convincing way of praying; like he was determined the Lord should grant all he asks. It is very comforting.

After the preliminaries were disposed of a communication from the Governor was read and the first thing I knew Aunt Mary, who was sitting next caught me by the hand and said, “Look, there is the ambassador from South Carolina.” A small man very erect and slender was being introduced by Mr. Villepigue as Mr. Leonidas Spratt of South Carolina. Mr. Spratt bowed gravely and looking around upon the audience with a pair of brilliant, beautiful eyes, he began somewhat in this manner, though I probably will not get it quite right.

He said he felt some delicacy in appearing before this convention, coming as he did from a foreign power, but the heart of South Carolina was filled with love and sympathy for Florida, who now was standing where Carolina had so lately stood. Then he read aloud a communication from his state, recounting the grievances, which had led her to sever the ties which bound her to the Union. You never heard such cheers and shouts as rent the air, and it lasted so long. When quiet was restored Mr. Villepigue introduced Colonel Bulloch, of Alabama, and I found that he was the same Col. Bulloch who had taken part in the mock trial in the ball room at Montvale Springs. He made a fine address but a short one. Said his own state was now deliberating as to what course she should pursue and had sent him to assure Florida of her cordial good-will. He sat down amid cheers for “Bulloch and Alabama.”

Mr. Edmund Ruffin, of Virginia, was introduced and said he came to tell us that Virginia was with her Southern sisters in feeling and, if the worse came to the worst, she would be with them, heart and soul. He is a splendid looking man, quite old and yet he is perfectly erect and only his snow-white hair shows his age. He reminds me very much of dear Grandpa, who is taking such a warm interest in these proceedings, though he is so far away. I believe it will break his heart if North Carolina does not secede.

When the speaking was over and a few resolutions had been passed the convention adjourned and we came home. We left a noisy crowd behind us. As far as we could hear there were cheers for South Carolina; cheers for Mississippi; cheers for Alabama and for Florida. Never before have I seen such excitement. It even throws the horse races in the shade. What will tomorrow bring?

Post image for An early organization of a Confederate Government – Confederate Correspondence

An early organization of a Confederate Government – Confederate Correspondence

January 7, 2011

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

WASHINGTON, January 7, 1861.

JOSEPH FINEGAN, Esq. [Tallahassee, Fla.]:

MY DEAR SIR: On the other side [following] is a copy of resolutions adopted at a consultation of the Senators from the seceding States, in which Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida were present.

The idea of the meeting was that the States should go out at once, and provide for an early organization of a Confederate Government, not later than 15th February. This time is allowed to enable Louisiana and Texas to participate. It seemed to be the opinion that if we left here, force, loan, and volunteer bills might be passed, which would put Mr. Lincoln in immediate condition for hostilities; whereas by remaining in our places until the 4th March, it is thought we can keep the hands of Mr. Buchanan tied and disable the Republicans from effecting any legislation which will strengthen the hands of the incoming administration.

The resolutions will be sent by the delegation to the president of the Convention. I have not been able to find Mr. Mallory this morning. Hawkins is in Connecticut. I have, therefore, thought it best to send you this copy of the resolution.

In haste, yours, truly,

D. L. YULEE.

—–

(Resolutions accompanying Senator Yulee’s letter. ¹)

Resolved, 1. That in our opinion each of the Southern States should, as soon as may be, secede from the Union.

Resolved, 2. That provision should be made for a convention to organize a Confederacy of the seceding States, the convention to meet not later than the 15th of February, at the city of Montgomery, in the State of Alabama.

Resolved, That in view of the hostile legislation that is threatened against the seceding States, and which may be consummated before the 4th of March, we ask instructions whether the delegations are to remain in Congress until that date for the purpose of defeating such legislation.

Resolved, That a committee be and are hereby appointed, consisting of Messrs. Davis, Slidell, and Mallory, to carry out the objects of this meeting.

_____

¹ The copy of these resolutions forwarded by Senator Mallory January 6, 1861, to the president of the Florida Convention, shows that they were adopted on the 5th of the month, and that they were signed by Messrs. Davis and Brown, of Mississippi; Hemphill and Wigfall, of Texas; Slidell and Benjamin, of Louisiana; Iverson and Toombs, of Georgia; Johnson of Arkansas; Clay, of Alabama; and Yullee and Mallory, of Florida.

Fort Pickens

Senators from Florida remind Secretary of War of request concerning US forces in Florida—Operations in Florida

January 7, 2011

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

SENATE CHAMBER, January 7, 1861.

Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR:

SIR: We addressed a letter to your Department a week past, asking certain information interesting to be known to us in connection with our public duty, and not having received a reply we beg leave to call your attention to it, and to ask as early an answer as may be convenient to you.

Respectfully yours,

D. L. YULEE.
S. R. MALLORY.

Post image for Operations in Florida—”Upon reflection I decided that the only alternative for me was to deliver the keys, under protest…,”

Operations in Florida—”Upon reflection I decided that the only alternative for me was to deliver the keys, under protest…,”

January 7, 2011

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

SAINT AUGUSTINE, EAST FLORIDA,
January 7, 1861.

SIR: I am obliged to perform what is to me a painful duty, viz, to report to the Chief of Ordnance that all the military stores at this place were seized this morning by the order of the governor of the State of Florida. A Company of volunteer soldiers marched to the barracks and took possession of me, and demanded peaceable possession of the keys of the fort and magazine. I demanded them to show me their authority. An aide-de-camp of the governor showed me his letter of instructions authorizing him to seize the property, and directing him to use what force might be necessary.

Upon reflection I decided that the only alternative for me was to deliver the keys, under protest, and demand a receipt for the property. One thing certain, with the exception of the guns composing the armament of the water battery, the property seized is of no great value. The gentleman acting under the governor’s instructions has promised to receipt to me for the stores.

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

HENRY DOUGLAS.
Ordnance Sergeant, U.S. Army.

Col. H. K. CRAIG,
Chief of Ordnance Department, U.S. Army.

Post image for Captain Wm. H. C. Whiting: “I cannot be responsible for property of the charge of which I have been forcibly deprived.” (The Secession of Georgia)

Captain Wm. H. C. Whiting: “I cannot be responsible for property of the charge of which I have been forcibly deprived.” (The Secession of Georgia)

January 7, 2011

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

U. S. ENGINEER OFFICE,
Savannah, January 7, 1861.

GENERAL : I have to report that on the 3d instant, being at Fort Clinch, I received a telegram from my clerk informing me that troops of the State of Georgia were moving to occupy Fort Pulaski, by order of the governor. I replied by telegraph, directing Mr. Hirsch to inform the commandant of Engineers of the fact. I took the first opportunity to reach Savannah on the 6th, and arrived last night. This morning I proceeded to Fort Pulaski, which I found occupied by Georgia troops, commanded by Colonel Lawton. I was received with great civility, and informed by him that he held possession of all the Government property for the present, by order of the governor of the State, and intended to preserve it from loss or damage. He requested a return of the public property, both Ordnance and Engineer, which I have given as existing January 1. Those returns for the fourth quarter, 1860, will be forwarded with my quarterly papers, signed as usual up to the commencement of the present quarter. I can sign no more, however, for I cannot be responsible for property of the charge of which I have been forcibly deprived. I have directed Ordnance Sergeant Walker to report at Oglethorpe Barracks until further orders. The fort keeper I have discharged.

On Saturday, 3d instant, the regular mail-boat from Fernandina to this place, by which I intended to travel, was taken off the line by the governor of Florida and ordered, as I was informed, to Saint Augustine, with a force to seize the ordnance mounted in the water battery of Fort Marion for the purpose of arming Fort Clinch.

It is, perhaps, unnecessary for me to say to the Department that in the present condition of Fort Clinch the idea of arming it either for offense or defense is simply absurd. My presence, however, is necessary there, for I know that I have sufficient influence in the community to prevent anything like spoliation or plunder of the public property by lawless individuals. I shall, therefore, return there on Wednesday, the 9th instant.

Previous to leaving that post, I received assurances from the principal citizens to the effect. that they would promptly put down anything like an attempt on the part of unauthorized mobs, to take a dime’s worth of the large amount of valuable material and property at the fort. They manifest a desire that the work shall continue without molestation, and this I believe to be the desire also of the members of the State Convention. I have a force of sixty men at work pushing the masonry as rapidly as possible. On the authority of Department letter of 9th ultimo, I have continued the work with the funds in my bands. The payments for December, which will be immediately made, will exhaust all funds in my hands belonging to Fort Clinch, and perhaps exceed a little. have, as will be seen by the monthly statement, enough of other funds to continue for the present; but unless a portion at least of my last estimates is sent to me, I shall be compelled to close my operations. I respectfully request instructions. It is necessary to inform you that the telegraph is in the hands of the State authorities, and no message of a military or political character is allowed to be sent or delivered except by permission of the governor. The telegram of Mr. Hirsch to Colonel De hussy was refused until countersigned by Governor Brown.

As to the Savannah River improvement, no interference with the property belonging to the appropriation has been attempted, nor is any at present anticipated. I have, however, directed the discharge of all employes except a watchman. Fort Jackson remains as heretofore.

The mail between Charleston and Fernandina having been discontinued, I request that communications be addressed to me via Savannah.

……….Very respectfully,

WM. H. C. WHITING,
Captain of Engineers.

General J. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer, Washington.

“I would be pleased to receive advice as to what disposition I shall make of myself and men.”—Operations in Florida

January 6, 2011

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

QUINCY, FLA., January 6, 1861.

SIR: I beg leave to state that I telegraphed this morning from Chattahoochee, and finding that I could get no answer, I came to this place and thought probably I might get an answer from you by writing from here. I informed you that the Florida troops had taken possession of the arsenal, and my force being so weak I was unable to offer any resistance.  I mailed a copy of the governor’s order, &c., this morning at Chattahoochee, but finding that it would not be forwarded on account excitement—they have taken all the public property in spite of all I could do–I refused giving up the keys, but the governor telegraphed to the commanding officer to insist on the delivery of the same, and I was compelled to give them up. I would be pleased to receive advice as to what disposition I shall make of myself and men.

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

E. POWELL,
Ordnance Sergeant, U.S. Army.

Capt. W. MAYNADIER, Washington, D.C.

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