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by Horatio Nelson Taft

THURSDAY 28

Another Spring day rather too warm in the sun. I took the shady side in coming from the office. One Hundred Guns were fired at noon on account of the result of the Peace Contn by order of Genl Scott. Interupted a good deal today in the office, could not do much business. Went on to 7th St after dinner and made some purchases, 2 looking glasses and Holly a Jacket. Have been at home this evening Drafting — a Condenser and also a Decalorator or water cooler for Steam Ships, plans of my own. I think I could get them Patented if I was out of the office, cannot while I am in. I have other improvements relating to the Steam Engine.

February 28, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

BALTIMORE, February 24, 1861.

As if the cup of our country’s deep, and, I fear lasting degradation were not already filled to overflowing by the ill timed harangues of ABRAHAM LINCOLN, made during his recent trip from Springfield to Washington, his stealthy midnight transit through Maryland on Friday night last would seem to be sufficient for the purpose. Loud and deep are the anathemas hurled at him now by hundreds of our citizens, who, only a few days since, were willing, for the sake of the Union, to give his administration a trial, and this last most disgraceful act of his has made many converts to the ranks of Secessionists. Having been in the upper portion of Pennsylvania on business, your correspondent was induced to visit Harrisburg on Friday, for the double purpose of witnessing the celebration of the natal day of the Father of his Country, and to get a glimpse of the man who, while journeying to the Federal Metropolis for the purpose of taking the helm of the dismasted Ship of State, has had the audacity to proclaim, again and again, that the present was only an crisis, and that so far nobody has been hurt, and I now purpose furnishing, for the amusement of your readers, some of the scenes and incidents of the day, together with an account of LINCOLN’S inglorious flight from the Capital of Pennsylvania.

The morning of the 22d was a lively one in the town of Harrisburg. The Legislature had adjourned for the day, and from every prominent point was displayed flags, streamers and banners. Many of the latter, to the shame of Pennsylvanians be it said, coupled the name of WASHINGTON with that of LINCOLN. During the morning long trains of cars came in from every direction, filled with soldiers; and by the time that LINCOLN arrived at two in the afternoon, there must have been not less than thirty thousand troops drawn up in line to receive him. A procession was formed, over three miles long, and the man of Pennsylvania’s choice placed in a barouche and conducted all over the town, stopping at the Jones House, where the formal reception took place. Gov. CURTIN made a short address, very carefully prepared, and at which the most extreme Southerner could take no exception. Not so with the lion of the day. His reply was uttered in disjointed sentences, the greater portion of them having no meaning whatever, and the whole affair would have done no Read more

February 28, 1861; The New York Herald

We have at last got a clue to the way the terrible conspiracy to assassinate Mr. Lincoln was discovered, and it certainly reflects great credit upon our police system, which we shall not be slow to accord to it. It appears that there were two sets of most effective detectives sent to work upon the matter. Mr. Fouche Kennedy, of New York, at the instance of Thurlow Weed, despatched one band of detective police to Baltimore and the interlying points between that place and Harrisburg, to ferret out the plot, and the Vidoc of Baltimore had another band employed in the same localities, neither chief being aware of the action of the other. If there was anything to be discovered this efficient combination of detective talent would be sure to find it out; and so it did; for it happened that the detectives from New York came into frequent communion with the detectives from Baltimore, and, not knowing one another, each supposed that he had found a conspirator in the other party, and forthwith commenced to sympathize with the plot and draw his communicative companion out, for the purpose of getting information, as these wise officials are wont to do; and so between them they unravelled, if they did not concoct, the whole terrible conspiracy against the life of Mr. Lincoln, which compelled him to resort to the Scotch cap of the Camerons and the long military cloak, in which undignified disguise he reached the federal capital with a whole skin. No sooner did Mr. Fouche Kennedy succeed in discovering this awful conspiracy than he turned up at Washington, in search of an office, we suppose, to which he is undoubtedly entitled at the hands of Mr. Lincoln, whose life he so miraculously preserved.

But there are more plots against the new President which it may require detective sagacity to discover. Mr. Fouche Weed and Mr. Vidoc Greeley have each their detectives at work to discover a conspiracy against the political existence of Mr. Lincoln, and whichever of the two finds out the plot — whether it be got up by the ultras or the moderates of the party — will, of course, be entitled to the spoils.

February 28, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

For many days past rumors have been rife to the effect that JEFFERSON DAVIS, president of the Confederate States, was on his way to Charleston. Yesterday morning some color was given to these reports by the publication of a despatch, dated Montgomery, announcing the departure of the President for this city.

It is scarcely necessary for us to say that, had such been the case, the readers of THE MERCURY would have been duly informed of the fact in our special despatches from Montgomery. President DAVIS is still in that city, and from present appearances is likely to remain there.

We may add that General DUNOVANT was yesterday summoned by telegraph to the seat of the Provisional Government, to confer with the Secretary of War.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1861.

Weather warm, and air soft as May. The Peace Convention did not adjourn yesterday, but did today, Sine die, after voting for compromise resolutions which are deemed very satisfactory to all parties. At 1/2 past ten o’clock today most of the Govt Employees paid their respects to Pres Buchanan at the “White House.” We were rcd by the Pres in the East room. The Prest announced to those assembled that the peace “Con’n” had come to an agreement, and adjourned & that the Country was saved. Took tea with Col Paine at Kirkwood House, and then went with him to see the Exhibition of Rarey, the famous Horse Tamer.

February 27, 1861; The New York Herald

The Conference Committee of the two houses of Congress on the Senate’s amendments to the Tariff bill, levying a duty on tea and coffee, have agreed to recommend that the Senate recede from their position. The committee will make their report today, and as the tea and coffee tax is the only point in dispute between the two branches, the report will no doubt be accepted, and thus the bill be passed, and sent to the President for his signature. The bill complete is published in todaypaper, and its great importance will insure its attentive perusal.

Our Washington despatches announce that Mr. Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, will go into Mr. Lincoln’s Cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury. The struggle between the conservative and radical sections of the republican party in Washington is increasing in intensity and bitterness, as our reports from the capital this morning abundantly prove.

The Peace Conference at Washington has, after three weeks’ labor, accomplished nothing — a result generally anticipated. The Conference yesterday voted upon the first section of the adjustment, and defeated it by a vote of 12 to 8. The vote was subsequently reconsidered, in the hope that some plan may yet be proposed upon which a majority may unite. It is the general belief, however, that the Conference will not be able to do anything towards a settlement of the existing troubles of the country.

We have received a very interesting letter from the United States steamer Brooklyn, off Pensacola harbor, giving a detailed account of the effects and complete failure of secession in Florida. The garrison holding possession of the government property is represented as nothing more than a wild and undisciplined gang of revolutionists, plundering and robbing where and when the opportunity presents itself. Those on board the Brooklyn were anxiously awaiting orders to retake the property occupied by the secessionists, which they are confident of accomplishing, without any great exertion, in about two hours.

In the Legislature at Albany yesterday the Senate again had up the report of the Committee on Federal Relations, in reference to the present crisis of the country; but after some discussion further action was postponed to a future day.

February 27, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

We call attention to the movement now on foot here, to establish a line of steamships with Liverpool for purpose of direct trade. It is a step forward, and one that is needed. A Revenue Tariff and Free Trade will rid the Southern peoples of Northern monopolists in manufacture, and enable them, to buy where they can buy cheapest, and to sell where they can sell to the best advantage in the markets of the world. Direct trade with their great customers of Europe, and with those who furnish the commodities we require in return - free from the levies of pampered manufacturing and factorage, which have so enriched the North, and so damaged the South - will restore us to our natural prosperity and respectability amongst the countries of the world.

Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah and Mobile have been but suburbs of New York, Philadelphia and Boston. These Northern cities have carried on the foreign trade for the Southern cities. Instead of receiving direct from our chief customers in Europe, their manufactured commodities in return for our agricultural productions, shipped direct, the Government of the United States has intervened, and by unjust Tariffs, first has prevented us from receiving the manufactured products of our foreign customers at lower prices, and compelled us to take Northern manufactures from Northern cities at higher prices; and, second, it has not only spent the money collected by the Tariff in Northern cities, but also, by United States Banks, made Northern cities the centres of credit. It has endowed them, by the capital of the Government, with artificial resources of commerce. It has made their citizens the factors and middlemen of all great mercantile operations, a business of immense profits and little risk. By these means, capital has been accumulating for a half century in Northern cities, and with it the increase of population which capital always produces; for capital is nothing but the wages of labor accumulated; and in order to increase, must continue to employ labor. Hence the rapid growth of Northern cities, and the lingering prosperity of Southern cities. In the Union, with the fixed policy of the Federal Government, there has been no hope of increase in our cities, corresponding to their natural advantages. The Northern cities have already the advantage in the accumulation of capital — for it is an axiom of trade, that, with equal advantages, the larger capital must undersell the smaller. Our trade, therefore, in the Union has been hopelessly colonial. Our natural commerce has been annihilated by the artificial channels of trade established by the Government. When the Constitution of the United States was Read more

February 27, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

THE BANK OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA is the Agent of the State to effect the Loan. The Bonds to be issued are for sums of $50, and $100, and $500 each - bearing an interest of SEVEN PER CENT, payable annually, at the State Treasury, and the principal is redeemable in 1868, 1870, and 1872.

Subscriptions for the Loan will be received by the Bank in Charleston and its Branches, and by all the Banks in the State. They will also be received by the Clerks of the Court, in the several Districts of the State. When the subscriptions are paid to the Bank of the State, the Bonds will be delivered.

The Bonds are made for small amounts, to give an opportunity for small subscriptions. It is expected that at the next session of the Legislature, the Bonds will be converted into Stock.

The purpose of this Loan presents an appeal to the patriotism of the people, which must secure its being promptly taken up. It is needless to enlarge on the momentous consequences dependent on the prompt completion of the Loan.

Apart from considerations of patriotism, the Bonds present the most advantageous investment of money which can be made. The interest is large, and the Security superior to any other that can be offered.

The citizens of Charleston and of the State are called upon to come forward promptly and take up the Loan.

February 27, 1861; The New York Herald

Everybody likes to make presents to a new President, especially everybody who wants an office or who likes to effect a little notoriety, and Mr. Lincoln has in consequence been a recipient of several favors of this kind, some of them of a very curious nature. Before he left Springfield he received a handsome cane from San Francisco, mounted in pure California gold in its virgin state. While on his route — somewhere, we believe, between Indianapolis and Cleveland — a very nice present, in the shape of a torpedo, with the fuse lighted, was found under his seat in the railroad car — an emblem, we suppose, of the hot time before him. A mysterious box was also presented to him somewhere else, which his suite exercised the great caution in opening, after mature deliberation, lest it should contain a torpedo or some other internal machine; but its contents proved to be a torpedo for the republican party, and not for Lincoln in person, for the box only enclosed the effigy of a negro. On another occasion he got a handsomely bound book; whether it was the Helper book or the constitution of the United States we are not aware.

When he arrived in New York some of the capitalists here presented him with a magnificent carriage; but they made a grave mistake in its construction, for it is not bombproof, and hence he has not been able to use it at all up to this time with any regard to his personal safety.

The latest gift presented to the new President is a handsome gold breastpin intended to be emblematic of Union; but, curiously enough, the device is composed of two flags crossed — one the unmistakeable of our Union, with its thirty-four stars displayed, and the other a rather misty delineation of a banner, which, we presume from its indistinctness, is intended to represent the flag that is to be of the Southern confederacy, but which is not yet decided upon. A bundle of sticks forms the basis of these two flags, which may mean to recall the fasces of the Roman liotors, the emblem of retributive justice which was borne before the magistrates of that republic, and perhaps indicates the policy which Mr. Lincoln is expected to pursue towards the seceded States; or it may be intended to symbolize the well known fable of Aesop: it is not very easy to tell which reading is the correct one. So far it would seem that the presents made to Old Abe are not very apropos.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

TUESDAY 26

Another fine day, air soft and warm as May. The “Peace Convention” adjourned today having passed resolutions which are said to be satisfactory to all except the extremists of both parties. Strangers are pouring into the City, and the Patent office is thronged from morning till night. Wrote to Julia today to come home if she can get good company. Wrote to Mr Redfield to provide it — for if he can. Fixed up some bedsteads after dinner, got pretty tired, did not go out this evening as usual. People are indignant at the conduct of Genl Twiggs in Texas.

February 26, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

These two officers were placed in similar situations; their conduct has been the reverse, one of the other. Major ANDERSON has become the pet of a party; of Capt. ELSEY we hear nothing. Yet ELSEY has behaved, in a difficult situation, with consummate judgment. ANDERSON has complicated and embarrassed a delicate conjuncture of public affairs by hasty and inconsiderate action.

He was in command at Fort Moultrie. He was ordered to defend himself, if attacked by lawless assemblages. He changed his post, not only orders, but against orders. If ever there was an occasion in which it became an officer to confine himself to a strict obedience of orders, and not to go a hairbreadth beyond them, it was this. He did not obey his orders. He made a stampede from his post, destroyed the public property, and abandoned private stores, for which compensation was afterwards sought in Congress, without a shadow of just reason. There was no cause for his proceedings, except a false rumor of a riotous attack. By the act, he threw himself into an attitude of hostility to the State of South Carolina. He became a political partizan. He mixed himself up in questions with which he had nothing to do. He volunteered little effort of strategy and inaugurated civil war. It was a party movement, and made him immensely popular with a party. He received swords, salutes, and innumerable resolutions of approbation from all the politicians of the North of a certain class. He might well ask himself, under this load of praise, whether he has not done something very foolish, as a certain honest orator of old asked a friend whether he had not said something particularly absurd, when in delivering a speech he was applauded by the mob of listeners.

Now look at ELSEY’S proceedings in a similar position. He holds his post quietly. He listens to no idle rumors about mobs and riotous assailants. When the State of Georgia demands the surrender of his arsenal with an overwhelming force, he appreciates perfectly the exigencies of his position. Under the same orders with ANDERSON, he attempts no work of superogation; no act that would throw him into the arms of one or another political party. He is a soldier, and does his work like a soldier. He marches out of the post which he could no longer hold, and which no principle of honor required him to hold any longer, with bag and baggage. His flag is saluted. He received a receipt from the State authorities of all the Federal property which he leaves. He does not spike his guns, or destroy his ammunition, or break his muskets, or cut down his flagstaff. He simply does his duty, with no flourish. He has received no swords, nor salutes of cannon, nor applauses of pot house politicians or political partizans, nor eulogies from inflammatory party papers; but he has the approbation of every judicious man of all parties, and not an enemy has dared to assail the admirable propriety of his course.

Which of these two men has justly appreciated himself, his duty and the occasion on which he has been obliged to act? It was an unusual occasion. A blunder, therefore, like that of Major ANDERSON’S is pardonable. We can excuse, but we cannot approve.

A Prospective Stampede.

February 26, 1861; Richmond Enquirer

Private advices from different parts of the State inform us that a large number of our largest slaveholders are already making preparations for an exodus, which they consider may be rendered necessary as well by the dilatory action of the Convention now assembled, as by final submission on the part of the Convention. When this prospective stampede shall once become present and actual, none can predict the extent to which it will be carried. - Some opine that some of our largest and most flourishing agricultural districts will be left as desolate as the wilderness of Jamaica. Even if it shall fall far short of this, it will still involve incalculable damage to all our interests. These large slaveholders comprehend a large quota of the very flower of our population - representing much of the wealth, talent, virtue and commanding influence of the State. they will carry away from us millions of property. They will carry away from us what is far more valuable to the State than property - thousands and tens of thousands of busy hands, which now constitute the PRODUCTIVE LABOR of the State.

Nor will the stampede be confined at all to slaves and slaveholders. If there shall be a stampede of large agriculturists, there will be a corresponding stampede of large merchants and manufacturers. If there shall be a stampede of slave labor, there will be a corresponding stampede of free white labor, now appreciated, dignified, and maintained by a demand created by slave labor. The large slaveholders are the principal customers of our large merchants and manufacturers. Moreover, the merchants and manufacturers will justly regard the exodus of the large slaveholders as an unmistakable indication of the final separation of Virginia from the Southern States, and her irrevocable dependence on a Northern Confederacy. Now, our large merchants and manufacturers have little or no Northern custom. Outside of Virginia, their custom is found almost exclusively in States South of Virginia.

What can they do, then, when their custom in Virginia shall be broken down by a prostration of the agricultural interest Read more

February 26, 1861; The New York Herald

Mr. Lincoln yesterday visited both houses of Congress and the Justices of the Supreme Court. His appearance at the Capitol created quite a sensation. In the evening he had an informal reception at his hotel. Mr. Lincoln was occupied during a portion of the day in perfecting his inaugural address. The rumors respecting Mr. Lincoln’s Cabinet are as plentiful as usual on the eve of a new administration. The following list is supposed to be not very wide of the mark: Secretary of State Mr. Seward, of N. Y.; Secretary of the Treasury Mr. Cameron, of Pa.; Secretary of War C. M. Clay, of Ky. or Montgomery Blair, of Md.; Secretary of the Navy Mr. Welles, of Conn.; Secretary of the Interior Mr. Smith, of Ind.’ Postmaster General Mr. Etheridge, of Tenn.; Attorney General Mr. Bates, of Missouri.

The Peace Conference at Washington were busy up to eleven o’clock last night discussing the points of the plans of adjustment before them, with a determination to settle the question, if possible, before adjourning. The main subject in dispute was the territorial question.

In the Southern Congress yesterday the Committee on a Permanent Constitution announced that they would report on Wednesday. Hon. Henry T. Ulett, of Mississippi, and Hon. Judah P. Benjamin, of Louisiana, were confirmed as Postmaster General and Attorney General respectively. Messrs. Abroman, of Louisiana; Mr. J. Crawford, of Georgia, and John Forsyth, of Alabama, have been appointed Commissioners to Washington.

Despatches from Texas announce that General Twiggs, the commander of the federal troops in that department, has turned over to the State authorities the property of the United States valued at $1,300,000. The federal troops were allowed to depart quietly. There are, we believe, about two thousand United States troops in Texas. General Twiggs, it will be recollected, has been offered the command of the Georgia State troops.

We publish in another column the new Tariff act recently adopted by the Congress of the Southern Confederate States. It will be seen that all kinds of provisions, agricultural productions in their natural state, and munitions of war are exempt from duty. All merchandise purchased in any of the States not members of the Southern confederacy, during the ten Read more

February 26, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

WASHINGTON, February 23, 1861.

Surprises are not always pleasant. Jaded by the excitement of yesterday’s military performance, to say nothing of the numerous balls at night, we were not prepared this morning to receive the news of LINCOLN’S arrival with that joyful enthusiasm which the suddenness of the occasion, and the meanness, if not the magnitude, of the event demanded. That the man of the people’s choice should select, of all other methods of reaching the capital of the United States, that method which a negro pilferer chooses when he would despoil a hen roost, is surely, to use old ABE’S language, ‘a most gratifying circumstance.’

After threatening to set his foot down firm, and announcing his entire willingness to be for the sake of anti slavery principles, the dirty old wretch creeps tremblingly across the soil of Maryland under the cover of darkness, and in defiance of the lying programme he had caused to be published. Here, with a thousand men at arms to guard him, he considers himself safe. It is hoped that the proud old State of Virginia will be inflamed with admiration of this daring performance, which was not on the bills.

The Commencement of the National Medical College came off at the Smithsonian Institute night before last, and from what the city papers say, I infer that the graduates from South Carolina and Mississippi were hissed, when their names were called to come forward and receive their diplomas. But this disgraceful occurrence was not needed to prove what has all along been known — that this city is as thoroughly abolitionized as Boston itself.

JOSEPH HOLT, who is more cordially and justly hated and despised than any man in the Cabinet, has refused to receive a box sent to him from South Carolina. The box, when opened at the ADAMS’ Express Company’s office, was found to contain beautiful flowers. No one dared to disturb these flowers, for fear of an explosion or of some subtle poison. HOLT does not deserve the honor of an assassination. But he is a marked man. If ever he ventures within the confines of the Confederate States, he will never return to practice coercion again. The breed of such traitors cannot be perpetrated among us.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

MONDAY 25

It has been a delightful day and the streets are nearly dry. Nothing in particular has occured in the City. Everything moves along as usual only there is getting to be a great crowd here. Called tonight with my wife on Mrs & Miss Butterfield at Willards Hotel. Mr & Mrs Lincoln were holding a Levee in their parlors and we went up and were introduced. Mrs L in one room and Mr L in an adjoining room. They are both quite ordinary looking people. I hope He is equal to the crises. To my Mind, appearances do not favor the conclusion that he is. A brilliant assembly at the Hotel, staid there two hours.

February 25, 1861; The New York Herald

Much excitement was caused in this city and throughout the country on Saturday by the announcement that the President elect had quietly left Harrisburg on Friday night by a special train and made his appearance in Washington early the next morning. All sorts of rumors and opinions were current in regard to this change of programme, some asserting that it was from fear of assassination on the route or in Baltimore, and other declaring that, shortly after leaving Springfield, Mr. Lincoln had made up his mind to act in the manner he did. Our despatches this morning from Washington state that persons who are in the secret positively assert that for some time past a plot has been in existence against the President elect. A detective officer, who discovered the plot, carefully watched the conspirators and informed Mr. Lincoln and his friends of the facts while on their way to Philadelphia. On the other hand, the people of Baltimore deny that there was ground for apprehending any difficulty in regard to the President elect, and state that arrangements had been perfected for giving him a reception suitable to his position. On Saturday Mr. Lincoln called on President Buchanan, and was introduced to the members of the Cabinet. In the evening the members of the Cabinet, the members of the Peace Conference and a large number of ladies and gentlemen were received by Mr. Lincoln at Willard’s Hotel. Early Saturday evening Mrs. Lincoln and the party comprising the Presidential suite arrived in Washington. Yesterday Mr. Lincoln, in company with Senator Seward, attended divine service at an Episcopal church, and was the observed of all observers.

From the South we learn that some decisive movement was expected to be made this week in regard to Forts Pickens and Sumter. The speech of the President elect at Indianapolis was looked upon as a declaration of war, and the only question at Montgomery was how to commence it advantageously. President Davis, it was reported, would take command of the army in person, and General Twiggs take command at Charleston. Despatches from Major Anderson report everything quiet. He was allowed to receive marketing and other necessaries from Charleston, and had all the intercourse with the city he desired. Captain Hazzard, who had arrived at Washington from Pensacola, reports matters quiet, but says he cannot tell how long they will remain so. Three thousand troops are believed at present to be enroute for Pensacola.

A strange steamer, supposed to be the Daniel Webster, which cleared from this port, with United States troops on board for Brazos, Texas, was, on Thursday last, fallen in with outside of Charleston bar. Governor Pickens was immediately notified of the fact, and proceeded to take measures to prevent her entering the harbor.

February 25, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

WASHINGTON, February 21, 1861.

Those in the middle classes, who have access to the soldiers now quartered here, and are on intimate terms with them, assure me that they are just as anxious as the citizens themselves that matters should be amicably adjusted. Many of them, some say a majority, affirm that when the worst comes to the worst they will not fight against the South. Those who can resign, will do so; those who cannot, will desert.

A great deal of breath has been wasted in the Peace Congress about the acquisition of future territory. The old fogies argue just as if the Confederate States had no existence. All is based on the idea of the treachery of politicians. This is very silly. Not one inch of soil will ever be added to this Union south of the Rio Grande. All expansion in that direction will be made by and for the Southern Confederacy. But the drift of the action of many really true Southern men in the Peace Congress shows that they are still laboring under the delusion of reconstruction. I heard one of them declare positively that the Gulf States would come back on the CRITTENDEN amendment. It really seems that the most intelligent men in the Border States are totally ignorant of the Southern people.

The returns from Arkansas and Missouri are very encouraging to the Republicans, who now, more than ever, are convinced that the Border States be kicked out.’ They are not far wrong. Certainly nothing short of steady kicking can do it. If the Border States are to be saved, LINCOLN will be their saviour. The natural desire of an ignorant man to atone for mental deficiency by assuming an immense amount of moral firmness, may lead him into acts of great folly and oppression. And his so called conservative Cabinet will join him, heart and hand, as soon as the reins of power are fairly within their grasp.

Northern men are slowing waking up to the fact that, when war begins, it will be waged on Northern soil; and even they who have urged the border States to remain in the Union as a barrier between the combatants, begin to think that this barrier will not only give way to the advance of the Southern army, but actually join it. When men get to fighting with revolvers, it is not usual for persons, even of the largest size, to stand in the way of the bullets. They step aside very quickly, and, if they happen to be so situated that they can do that, they join one party or the other, as a matter of security and self defence.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1861.

A very windy day and rather cool but not freezing. The mud is drying up in the streets. The Lincolns are all here and it is understood that satisfactory terms have been agreed upon for a settlement of the difficulties as far as the North and the border Slave states are concerned. There is a week (at least) of excitement in prospect in view of the Inauguration on the 4th. No Trouble is now apprehended then. Mr Lincoln did not stand upon his dignity yesterday but called upon the Prest, Genl Cass, and the Cabinet who returned his in evening at Willards. There is a full moon and it is very pleasant out tonight.

edited by G.W. Cable

Feb. 24, 1861.—The toil of the week has ended. Nearly a month has passed since I wrote here. Events have crowded upon one another. A lowering sky closes in upon the gloomy evening, and a moaning wind is sobbing in every key. They seem in keeping with the national sorrow, and in lieu of other sympathy I am glad to have that of Nature to-night. On the 4th the cannon boomed in honor of Jefferson Davis’s election, and day before yesterday Washington’s Birthday was made the occasion of another grand display and illumination, in honor of the birth of a new nation and the breaking of that Union which he labored to cement. We drove to the racecourse to see the review of troops. A flag was presented to the Washington Artillery by ladies. Senator Judah Benjamin made an impassioned speech. The banner was orange satin on one side, crimson silk on the other, the pelican and brood embroidered in pale green and gold. Silver crossed cannon surmounted it, orange-colored fringe surrounded it, and crimson tassels drooped from it. It was a brilliant, unreal scene; with military bands clashing triumphant music, elegant vehicles, high-stepping horses, and lovely women richly appareled.

Wedding cards have been pouring in till the contagion has reached us; Edith will be married next Thursday. The wedding dress is being fashioned, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen have arrived. Edith has requested me to be special mistress of ceremonies on Thursday evening, and I have told this terrible little rebel, who talks nothing but blood and thunder, yet faints at the sight of a worm, that if I fill that office no one shall mention war or politics during the whole evening, on pain of expulsion. The clock points to ten. I must lay the pen aside.

February 24, 1861; The New York Herald

A few gentlemen of this city have presented to Mrs. Lincoln an elegant coach, made to order by Messrs. Brewster & Co., of Broome street. It was forwarded to Washington on Saturday.

February 24, 1861; The New York Herald

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS DESPTACH.

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23, 1861.

The people of this city were astounded this morning by an announcement that Mr. Lincoln had started in a special train for Washington, despatches having been received requiring his presence in that city. Reports are busily circulated that there was a plot to assassinate him while passing through Baltimore, but such stories are not believed. The Baltimore Committee is here, but did not have an interview with Mr. Lincoln.

OUR SPECIAL DESPATCH.

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23, 1861.

The city was startled just now by a rumor that Mr. Lincoln had left by a special train. The information was said to have leaked out from Col. Summer, who was indignant at this flight, but was not made public until after the telegraph office closed for the night. Two hours before the HERALD reporter obtained the facts, but was kept locked in a room, unable to use them, until half an hour before the despatch was written.

The details of the whole affair were obtained by him, and even rumor has not hinted them all. In brief, Mr. Lincoln, the President elect, left Harrisburg secretly at six o’clock last evening, took a special train over the Pennsylvania Central Railroad to Philadelphia, thence took a special train to Washington, and before this news reaches New York will be, if no accident occurs, safe at the federal capital, and in charge of General Scott. The reason for this movement, so extraordinary and unprecedented, is that Mr. Lincoln’s friends believe, from information acquired - I am not permitted to tell how - that if he carried out his programme, and left by special train at nine this morning, the train would wither be Read more

February 24, 1861; The New York Herald

(Special Despatch to the New York Times.)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23. - 8 A.M.

Abraham Lincoln, the President elect of the United States, is safe in the capital of the nation. By the admirable arrangement of General Scott the country has been spared the lasting disgrace, which would have been fastened indelibly upon it had Mr. Lincoln been murdered upon his journey thither, as he would have been had he followed the programme as announced in the papers and gone by the Northern Central Railroad in Baltimore.

On Thursday night after he had retired, Mr. Lincoln was aroused and informed that a stranger desired to see him on a matter of life or death. He declined to admit him unless he gave his name, which he at once did. Of such prestige did the name carry that while Mr. Lincoln was yet disrobed he granted an interview to the called.

A prolonged conversation elicited the fact that an organized body of men had determined that Mr. Lincoln should not be inaugurated, and that he should never leave the city of Baltimore alive, if indeed, he ever entered it.

The list of the names of the conspirators presented a most astonishing array of persons high in Southern confidence, and some whose fame is not to this country alone.

Statesmen laid the plan, bankers endorsed it, and adventurers were to carry it into effect. As they understood, Mr. Lincoln was to leave Harrisburg at nine o’clock this morning by special train, and the idea was if possible to throw the cars from the road at some point where they would rush down a steep embankment and destroy in a moment the lives of all on board. In case of the failure of this project, their plan was to surround the carriage on the way from depot to depot in Baltimore, and assassinate him with dagger or pistol shot. Read more

February 24, 1861; The New York Herald

A hundred years hence the night journey of the President elect of the United States, in the year of grace 1861, from Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, to Washington, the capital of the United States, will be read by wondering schoolboys, with all the circumstances and dreadful rumors and apprehensions resulting in this expedition, in the same frame of mind in which the rising generation of our time ponder over the flight of Mahomet or the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor. The particulars of this remarkable journey between two days, as far as received, are before our readers in the various despatches on the subject which he publish this morning.

It will be observed that, with all the facts thus placed before us, we are left a wide margin of conjecture as to the precise cause of this mysterious journey, and as to the time when it was arranged. Our Harrisburg correspondent tells us that, although not divulged to Mr. Lincoln till yesterday as some say, the whole plan was arranged days ago; but the special sensation despatch from the same quarter to a republican contemporary says that Thursday night (at Philadelphia), after he had retired, Mr. Lincoln was aroused and informed that a stranger desired to see him on a matter of life and death; that Mr. Lincoln (refused) to admit him unless he gave his name, which being given accordingly, prestige did the name carry, that while Mr. Lincoln was yet disrobed he granted an interview to the caller; that prolonged conversation elicited the fact that an organized body of men had determined that Mr. Lincoln should not be inaugurated, and that he should never leave the city of Baltimore alive, if indeed, he ever entered it. And hence this mysterious night journey to Washington.

There may be something in this report of the stranger call of Thursday night; for on the next day, in Independence Hall, Mr. Lincoln declared that he would rather be on this spot than abandon the cardinal principle of the Declaration of 1776 - a remark which indicated, perhaps, that his mind had been preoccupied with assassins and treasonable conspiracies. But this extraordinary manifestation of firmness on the 22d contributed not a little to intensify the public excitement, curiosity and astonishment, at the news that the President elect, under cover of the night, had doubled upon his track, and had slipped through incog to Washington. It appears, too, that he was ingeniously disguised in a long military cloak: and a ‘Scotch cap,’ the better to accomplish the secretive purposes of this adventure. The ‘Scotch cap,’ we dare say, was Read more

February 24, 1861; The New York Herald

Between Harrisburg and Baltimore, Feb. 23, 1861.

The special train, with Mrs. Lincoln and party on board, left Harrisburg at nine o’clock, as arranged. The party were conveyed to the cars from the hotel in carriages. Very few people were out. There were no cheers, but denunciations of Mr. Lincoln’s secret departure were deep and unanimous. The republicans seemed to feel the most chagrined at the sudden movement.

All the party are on the train, though but few think we shall reach Washington without accidents. Colonel Ellsworth expects the train will be mobbed at Baltimore. The party is arranged as before, the Lincoln family, except Old Abe, in the rear car, and the balance of the party, including the reporters, in the front car. Only Mr. Judd and Major Lamon of Illinois are absent. Major Lamon was the only person who went with Mr. Lincoln.

I telegraphed Mr. Judd’s name by mistake this morning. He went on to Philadelphia in the regular train, at half past two o’clock. Major Lamon is only a militia officer.

The party don’t talk much. Judge Davis said that the telegraph was taken care of last night. The army officers are very angry. The republican on board, some of them editors of leading republican journals, are outrageous. They call it cowardly and draw a parallel between the conduct of Mr. Lincoln and the actions of the South Carolinians, very much to the disadvantage of the former. They say nothing can excuse or justify such conduct. These men who talk so are not in want of office. Ill-advised, injudicious, indeed every epithet is showered upon the movement. Still Mr. Lincoln is not blamed, but only his advisers. Others make a defence by saying that Mr. Lincoln can do as he pleases, that it is better to be prudent than rash, and that the matter was one of life and death.

Mr. Lincoln’s disinclination to go is also dwelt upon, as also the refusal of the Baltimore Council to invite him. It is now known, however, that this thing was discussed at Springfield and came very near being done at Pittsburg on Sunday. Read more

February 24, 1861; The New York Herald

OUR SPECIAL DESPATCHES.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 1861.

Mr. Lincoln arrived here at six o’clock this morning direct from Harrisburg, and was received at the depot by Senator Seward and Mr. Washburne, of Illinois, and proceeded very quietly to Willard’s Hotel. A private letter received here from Mr. Lincoln last night announced this change in his programme. He was advised by high authorities here to come through Baltimore in the night in order to avoid a difficulty growing up in that city about who should receive him and how it should be done. He was accompanied on the trip by Mr. Lamon, of Illinois, and Mr. Allen, of New York. Mr. Lincoln, after getting some rest, breakfasted privately.

Senator Seward received official intelligence on Thursday evening, from reliable sources, that most diabolical plot had been unsuccessfully arranged, on the part of a secret organization in Baltimore to assassinate the President elect on this arrival in that city. Mr. Seward communicated this intelligence to a few private friends, and it was determined to despatch a messenger at once to Philadelphia, informing him of the fact, and urging him to take an earlier train, which would bring him through in the night. Mr. Lincoln said he had received intelligence from Baltimore of a similar nature. A special train was accordingly arranged, and he departed at once for Washington.

It is positively denied by Baltimoreans that any such organization exists, or that any interference would have been made with the Presidential party. There is little doubt that the feeling and sentiment of the people of Baltimore is very bitter against Mr. Lincoln, so much so, indeed, that violence might have been attempted. It is regarded as a very wise move in giving them the slip.

Mr. Lincoln’s family, accompanied by his suite, will reach here this afternoon. A suit of five elegantly furnished rooms in the southwest corner of Willard, fronting on Pennsylvania avenue and overlooking the White House, have been set apart for President Lincoln and his family. Read more

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