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February 24, 1861; The New York Herald

The city was thrown into great commotion yesterday by the receipt of intelligence that Mr. Lincoln, the President elect, had unexpectedly appeared in Washington city. Our despatches from Harrisburg on Friday night reported Mr. Lincoln quietly housed at that place, resting himself after the fatigue of his day’s journey from Philadelphia and his reception at the Pennsylvania State capital. It will be seen, however, from the accounts given in another part of today’s paper, that Mr. Lincoln friends apprehended that an attempt would be made to do him personal injury, either on the route to or upon his arrival at Baltimore, and they therefore persuaded him to change the programme of his journey. Accordingly Mr. Lincoln, accompanied by one of his suite only, left Harrisburg early on Friday evening, reached Washington at six o’clock yesterday morning, and quietly proceeded to Willard’s Hotel. All our reports from Baltimore strenuously deny that there was the slightest ground for apprehending any indignity to Mr. Lincoln in that city. Arrangements had been made to give him a proper reception, and precautions had been taken to prevent any popular disturbance. The real cause for Mr. Lincoln’s sudden departure from Harrisburg yet remains to be revealed. Mr. Lincoln yesterday visited Mr. Buchanan and General Scott, and dined with Senator Seward. In the evening he held a reception, when the members of the cabinet, the Peace Commissioners, and a large number of ladies and gentlemen waited upon him to pay their respects. Mrs. Lincoln, and the party comprising the Presidential suite, reached Washington early last evening.

The Peace Convention at Washington yesterday did not succeed in agreeing upon a plan for settling the troubles of the nation. It is believed, however, that in spite of the opposition of the radical republicans, the Convention will eventually adopt the Guthrie plan of adjustment.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

SATURDAY 23

Another pleasant morning but rainy towards night. I had numerous calls today in the office from NY friends and two or three letters requesting me to attend to business for the writers. Mr Lincoln arrived today by the morning train direct from Harrisburg without stopping in Baltimore. It is said that a dispatch was sent him from here to come immediately. He is here at Willards and seeing his friends at his room. The Hotel seemed jamed full tonight. I went to market with the black “chattel” behind me, a feat on her part which seems to satisfy her ambition entirely.

February 23, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

The White Lead, Zinc and Color Works manufactory of Messrs. CARMALT & BRIGGS, we are pleased to say, have never since their commencement been in a more flourishing condition than at the present time. The enterprising proprietors have demonstrated the fact that colors of all kinds can be manufactured in Charleston and sold at Northern prices, thereby giving the Charleston and more Southern purchaser a saving of freight and insurance — equal to three percent. Having heretofore been able to successfully compete with the Northern manufactories, the new tariff which goes into effect on the fourth of March, and which places a tax of fifteen percent on this class of Northern imports, will give our Charleston manufactory a decided and very apparent advantage, and will enable its managers to sell their lead and colors at much more reasonable rates than foreign imported goods, besides the gratification and satisfaction to purchasers of supporting a Southern institution. The mills of Messrs. CARMALT & BRIGGSs have been recently improved and extended, and the superior quality of the various colors manufactured has been fully and frequently acknowledged by many purchasers.

We mention these facts to apprise our friends of the Confederate States who are engaged in the business, of the fact that they need no longer be dependent on a stock on which they will have to pay a high tariff, while an acknowledged superior article, without a tariff, can be purchased in Charleston.

February 23, 1861; The New York Herald

MONTGOMERY, Ala., Feb. 14, 1861.

The little capital of Alabama, hitherto merely the radiating point from which State politics warmed into ardor over questions of local importance, has now become a focal point of interest to the whole nation. When the present times shall have become historic, Montgomery will be read of as the scene of one of the most wonderful revolutions — wonderful alike whether it be peaceful or bloody — that the world has ever witnessed; and whilst the continuation of secret sessions of the Congress prevents much of interest from being chronicled in the contemporaneous history of the times, still the press, the great political barometer of the world, should record faithfully the stages of the storm. The intense excitement which has heretofore pervaded the people has subsided, and the prevailing feeling seems to be much of that satisfaction which is expressed in Scriptural phrase as that a man child is born into the world.’

The election of Davis and Stephens, and the adoption of the old constitution with such wondrous unanimity, have proved an earnest of serious patriotism which has calmed all apprehension. The people who for several days crowded around the closed doors of the Congress have now gone home satisfied. Nothing can be more gratifying to the patriot’s heart than the simple confidence which all classes have in the present disposers of their destinies. They feel that the great trail is passed, the mental conflict over with, and the mere carnal war which is at their door they welcome as nothing in comparison with what they have suffered. The man who has struggled through a family quarrel, or suffered under the necessities of resenting an insult from a friend, can believe the truth of this statement. Even the poor negroes, so alive to every sympathy with their masters, seem to have caught this contagion of the general satisfaction, and while they know that some great change has taken place, they find they are in the same boat with their natural protectors, and are glad that they are no longer the scapegoats for the sins of others. I do not make this assertion gratuitously; for now, God knows, we have but little interest in influencing Northern opinion. Read more

MONTGOMERY, ALA., February 23, 1861.

Maj. W. H. C. WHITING:

MY DEAR SIR: You will proceed to Charleston and deliver the note addressed to Governor Pickens, which you will find herewith inclosed. After conferring with him as to the time and mode of visiting the different posts in Charleston Bay, you will enter upon a reconnoissance of the harbor of Charleston and its approaches. You will inspect the various works in our possession and gain such knowledge as circumstances will permit of Fort Sumter. In inspecting the works of the Confederate States you will bear in mind the double relation they may have as works of offense and of defense. You will make an inventory of the armament and of the munitions at the forts and in store, noting particularly the different qualities of cannon powder, as indicated by grain. Generally, I desire you to perform all the duties which devolve upon an engineer charged with the examination of works, and the preparation for active operations under circumstances such as those of Charleston, in this emergency.

Very respectfully, truly, yours,

JEFF’N DAVIS.

February 23, 1861; The New York Herald

We are informed, by telegraph from Savannah, that, in consequence of the refusal of the police authorities of New York to give up the eight cases of muskets illegally taken from a vessel lying in this port and bound for Georgia, Governor Brown of that State, has seized several New York ships and detained them in the harbor of Savannah, to the great damage of their owners.

As a matter of course, the republican presses will make a great tirade against Governor Brown, but it is not easy to see how he could have pursued any course other than that which he has adopted. The action of the police of New York was altogether unjustifiable, and the refusal of the General Superintendent to give up the arms is a flagrant abuse of power. We take it for granted that whatever may be the case at the South, the North is still at peace with all mankind. No foreign Power menaces us, and it is not presumed that the Southern people are coming here to fight with us any more than that we are going there to whip them. Under such circumstances, we all have certain rights which cannot be infringed. One of these is the right to keep and bear arms; another, to be secure in our person, houses and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures - all searches and seizures to be made by virtue of a warrant issued upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the person or things to be searched. We have been careful to quote here the exact words of the organic law of the land, as the republicans claim that they will support the constitution as it is. Under that constitution the Police commissioners have been guilty of an offence which can only be properly named by the use of a very disagreeable term - to wit, piracy. We are told that the Governor of the State disavows all connection with the matter, and throws the blame upon the Police Commissioners. Kennedy, the Superintendent, has been very officious in this affair, but his motive probably is to curry favor with the Commissioners, whose pliant tool he is. They (the Commissioners), in the absence of any declaration of war, had no more right to seized upon the arms and declare them contraband than they would have to enter the house of a private citizen and take away his fowling piece or revolver. Latterly, the Metropolitan Police seem to have assumed despotic functions, Read more

February 23, 1861; The New York Herald

The difficulty between the States of Georgia and New York still remains unsettled. A despatch from Savannah states that Governor Brown, of Georgia, on Thursday seized the ship Martha J. Ward, the bark Adjuster, and the brig Harold, all belonging to New York. These vessels will be detained until the arms seized by the New York police are given up.

We continue to chronicle the progress of Mr. Lincoln and suite. The President elect yesterday morning hoisted the American flag over Independence Hall, at Philadelphia, amid the cheering of a vast concourse of spectators. Subsequently he proceeded to Harrisburg. Along the route the people turned out generally to welcome the party. At Harrisburg Mr. Lincoln was received by the Pennsylvania Legislature, and addresses were delivered by the presiding officers of the two houses, and by Mr. Lincoln. The President elect will reach Baltimore today. There are some symptoms of a demonstration at Baltimore against Mr. Lincoln, but the police arrangements will prevent any indignity being offered to him. Mr. Hamlin, the Vice President, reached Washington yesterday.

February 23, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

Hon. ROBERT TOOMBS was born in Wilkes County, Ga., July 2, 1810. Commencing his collegiate life at the University of Georgia, he subsequently went North, and graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N.Y. In 1836, he served as a captain of volunteers in the Creek war. In the next year he was elected to the Legislature, and since that time has been constantly in public life as Representative and Senator. In both branches of the Federal Congress he has always served upon important committees.

Mr. TOOMBS has been so conspicuously before the country, and his ability and experience are so well known, that it is superfluous for us to say anything of him. In the late movement of Georgia, he has been active and potential in the cause of secession. We honor him for the signal service he has rendered. He has been called to a post of greater importance - one which will serve to display all his merits as a statesman. Upon the sagacity of his counsels and the power of his pen, much will depend in regard to the relationship of the Confederate States with the rest of the world. He has or hearty good wishes for complete success in the grave duties which lie before him.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

FRIDAY 22

This has been a delightful day, rather cool, but pleasant. The celebration of Washingtons birth day called out a grand display of the Military of the District in the morning. The U.S. troops paraded afterwards by themselves. The order for their appearance in the morning with the Militia was for some reason not now understood countermanded. Wife and family went to the Ave at 10. o’clock and witnessed the display from C Woodwards Balcony. I dined by invitation at the National with some Gentlemen from NY City. A salute of 34 guns was fired, and the “Stars & Stripes” were flying from every point today. Spent the evening at home.

February 22, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

MONTGOMERY, ALA., February 18, 1861.

The great event of the nineteenth century, initiated on the 20th day of December, 1860, has this day been consummated, and the last act necessary in its fulfillment is concluded. The Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS, of the State of Mississippi, was this day, the 18th of February, 1861, inaugurated, at 1 o’clock, President of THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.

The end has come at last. And, whether in war or peace, the people of the Cotton States under one Government have achieved their independence, now and forever, of the people of the Northern States of America. The seal is set. The decree has gone forth from four millions of burning hearts. Today the grand fact was realized, and sunk deep into the hearts of all present. To see it was to feel it.

At 10 o’clock in the morning the military began their proceedings. At 12 o’clock Congress met, as usual. At 12 1/2 o’clock the procession began to move, headed by the military, with the President in their midst, drawn in a coach, with six white horses. Next came the line of vehicles; then those on foot. A little before 1 o’clock they arrived at the Capitol. The President then alighted, and with the Committee appointed by Congress, leaning upon the arm of Mr. RHETT, of South Carolina, on the left, and Mr. CHILTON, of Alabama, proceeded, amidst the enthusiastic greetings of the assembled multitude, through the grounds to the Capitol, and thence to the Hall of Congress. Mr. DAVIS was then introduced by Mr. RHETT to the Congress, in a short and graceful speech. The members then formed in line, and leaving the hall, advanced to the portico, where their seats were arranged — those of the President, Vice-President and the President of the Congress being elevated, so as to be conspicuous to all assembled. Prayer being offered up by the Rev. Dr. MANLY, the President of the Congress, Mr. COBB, announced the election of Messrs. DAVIS and STEPHENS as President and Vice-President of the Confederate States of America, by the Congress assembled.

The President was greeted with the deepest enthusiasm. His speech will be before your readers ere this will reach you. Read more

February 22, 1861; The New York Herald

Mr. Lincoln, the President elect, and suite, left this city yesterday morning, en route for the White House. At Jersey City, at Newark, at Trenton, and at all the intermediate points, the populace turned out in crowds to see the President. Mr. Lincoln reached Philadelphia at four o’clock yesterday afternoon. The incidents of the journey, together with the address to Mr. Lincoln, and his responses thereto, are chronicled in this morning’s paper.

The Southern Congress has confirmed President Davis’ Cabinet appointments, as follows: —

Secretary of State……….Mr. Toombs, of Georgia.

Secretary of the Treasury…Mr. Memminger, of S.C.

Secretary of War…………Mr. L. P. Walker, of Ala.

In Congress yesterday, the Senate resumed the consideration of the bill providing for the discontinuance of the postal service in the seceded States. The Miscellaneous Appropriation bill was also discussed. In executive session a large number of appointments were confirmed, principally army and navy officers. In the House a report from the special committee censuring the Secretary of the Navy for accepting the resignations of naval officers belonging to seceded States, was presented. Mr. Bocock resumed and concluded his speech on the Force bill, and the debate on the subject was continued till the expiration of the morning hour. The Washington and Oregon War Debt bill was also discussed.

February 22, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

The special despatches of THE MERCURY, announcing that a stealthy reinforcement of Fort Sumter had been determined on, and that Federal troops, in boats, might be expected at any moment, and that circumstances should happen to favor their attempt to reach the fort, were confirmed about nine o last night, by telegrams received by the Governor. Shortly afterwards, despatches came up from Fort Moultrie, stating that the Lieutenant in charge of the harbor watch had reported that he was informed by a pilot that the steamship Daniel Webster had been seen by him off Cape Romain at noon. Notice was immediately given to the different posts. General DUNNOVANT and Captain HAMILTON proceeded immediately to Fort Moultrie. Major STEVENS repaired to the Morris Island batteries. Everything was got in readiness for the expected visitors.

Up to the hour at which we go to press (half past 4 o’clock), there has been nothing seen either of the Daniel Webster, or her boats.

We are very sure that the gallant troops on Morris and Sullivan’s Islands will keep a bright lookout for both.

February 22, 1861; Richmond Enquirer

Mr. Adams, the Master Armorer of the Richmond Armory, exhibited yesterday to the members of the Military Committee of both Houses, the new model gun for the State.

The gun was made at the Springfield Armory. It is a combination of the United States musket, and the Enfield (British) rifle. - The length of barrel is 40 inches; calibre 58-100. The bands are convex adjustable (English pattern.) It has a three leafed rear sight. The lock is without a primer. The stock is of walnut, (any quantity of which, fortunately, can be had in the State.) The barrel is bright; but we think the guns to be made here, ought to be browned. The gun will do good execution at 1,000 yards. It is a beautiful piece of workmanship, and has been constructed under the eyes of Mr. Adams. - The probable cost of those to be made at the armory, will be $15.

by Horatio Nelson TaftTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1861.

Nice, bright, cool day, a bracing air, and I have felt unusualy well, but I attribute it (partly at least) to a good cold bath this morning. I cannot get along well without a good wash, all over in cold water and a thorough rubbing with the flesh brush or a coarse towel, two or three times a week. I was at “Willards” and the “National.” Saw Lighthall  Saw S Seely Ranslaer Van Valkenburgh of Albany & others. Came home before 9 o’clock. Tomorrow is a Holy day*  throughout the City and a great Military parade is expected. The city seems to be very quiet, but getting well filled up.

* Holiday

February 21, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Provisional Government, was born in Christian County, Kentucky, in 1805. He commenced his education at the Transylvania University, Kentucky, but was subsequently appointed a Cadet at the West Point Military Academy, where he graduated in 1828. Since that time he has filled a number of grades, military and civil. First, a Lieutenant of Infantry; next, a Lieutenant of Dragoons; then a Colonel at the head of the Mississippi Regiment in the Mexican War, and lastly a Brigadier General; his military experience has been long and varied. In 1844 he was a Presidential Elector, and in the following year was chosen Representative in Congress. In 1847 he was appointed Senator to fill a vacancy, and was elected for the ensuing term. On the election of President PIERCE, Mr. DAVIS was called to occupy the post of Secretary of War, which he filled with distinguished ability throughout that Administration.

In 1857 he again took his seat in the United States Senate for a term of six years. Resigning promptly upon the secession of his State, he has been called by the unanimous voice of the Southern Congress to the arduous duties of the Presidency of the Confederate States. The inaugural address, in which he foreshadows the vigorous policy of the new Government, has been hailed with satisfaction throughout the length and breadth of the South. Let the people accord to his administration a hearty, united and generous support.

February 21, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

CASTING PROJECTILES.

Solid shot, case shot and shells are cast at ironworks from white forge iron; formerly iron moulds were used for these, but they had the effect of making the balls too hard on the surface, whereby the bore of the gun was injured. At present, therefore, all projectiles are cast in sand in mould boxes. The casting of solid balls is the most simple. The patterns for this purpose are of brass, very exactly turned, made in two halves, and fitting into each other by a groove; one half has a pin screwed into it, which forms the hole by which the metal is poured in at the casting. In moulding, the grooved half of the pattern is set upon the mould board, and the tap hole pin screwed in; there the mould box is placed with its keybolts in the holes made for them, and the half ball moulded by the sand layer. The mould is then turned over, the mould board taken off, the second half ball set on, the second mould box placed, and the mould made in the same way; then the mould is turned, the pin screwed out, the mould box opened, and both patterns taken out, when it is again closed and is then ready for casting.

The mould of the hollow shot is more complicated, because the internal cavity of these must be formed by a core, which remains in the mould during the casting, and is removed afterwards; and because, also, for the larger sizes, a pair of ears must be cast in, for the shell hooks to catch hold of in handling them. For hollow shot it is preferable to have the metal run into the mould at the side, so that the core be not disturbed in its position by the metal falling perpendicularly upon it; this core is made of sand or loam; the ears are of wrought iron, and the ends reach into the internal cavity, where they are afterwards imbedded in the metal.

MILITARY PYROTECHNY.

The manufacture of cartridges of all kinds, and of fireworks generally, especially fire and light balls and rockets, for military purposes, is the object of a particular art — that of military pyrotechny. Read more

February 21, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

WASHINGTON, February 18, 1861.

LINCOLN’s Pilgrim’s Progress continues to occupy the greater part of the town talk. His speeches increase in asinine qualities, and excite almost as much disgust among the Republicans as other people. A few of their papers profess to admire them, but that is all bosh. His character is much canvassed. From all I can gather, he must be a low fellow, both in ideas and manners. For some days past it has been hinted about that SEWARD was going to resign his place in LINCOLN’S Cabinet, and on Saturday night it was stated that he had abandoned the idea of renting the sumptuous and extensive mansion so long occupied by Genl. CASS. This is a mistake. As soon as LINCOLN arrives in this city a fierce struggle will begin between SEWARD and WEED on the one hand, and WADE and SUMNER on the other, to get possession of his majesty. If WEED succeeds, SEWARD will remain Premier; if WADE prevails, SEWARD will resign. As to the other Cabinet appointments, I hear this morning that Messrs. DIX, HOLT and KING will be retained in their present places, for a time at least.

President DAVIS’s introduction of the […..] doctrines, in his speech on the night of his arrival in Montgomery, are much spoken of here. That it will be necessary for the Confederate States to vindicate their nationality by force of arms, few seem to doubt; and that they will sit quietly at home and permit themselves to be harassed by the United States fleet without attempting retaliation, no one believes.

Among other plans, the following is mooted, as advisable on the part of the Confederate States: To purchase ten or twenty vessels of war in England, ship men enough to man them, as passengers in English ships, and return with them to the Gulf of Mexico, and there pitch into Uncle Sam’s coercive fleet of Pensacola harbor. ‘Where are the sailors and marines to come from to equip this Southern navy?’ was enquired of the gentleman who broached this beautiful plan. ‘From the 40,000 deck hands and raftsmen on the Mississippi river,’ was the reply. Truly, there are men of many Read more

February 21, 1861; The New York Herald

Mr. Lincoln yesterday received his fellow citizens at City Hall. Mayor Wood delivered an address of welcome on the occasion to which Mr. Lincoln responded. In the evening Mr. Lincoln attended the Opera, and at midnight he was serenaded. Mr. Hamlin, the Vice President elect, arrived in town yesterday, and stopped at the Astor House. The movements of these distinguished personages are described in another part of today’s paper.

Reports to the effect that the South Carolinians were about to or had already attacked Fort Sumter were in circulation in Washington yesterday. They were doubtless mere idle rumors, devoid of foundation in truth.

In the House yesterday Mr. Bocock, of Virginia, occupied the morning hour in an elaborate speech in opposition to the bill empowering the President to call out the military forces of the country and accept the services of volunteers. He characterized the bill as a declaration of war against the seceded States. The Naval bill was taken up, the question being on agreeing to the Senate’s amendment providing for the construction of seven steam sloops of war. The proposition was warmly opposed by the democrats, but the amendment was agreed to by a vote of 111 to 38. In the evening session, Mr. Ruffin, of North Carolina, made a speech in favor of secession. In the course of his remarks he spoke of Mr. Buchanan as a driveller, and Gen. Scott as guilty of usurpation.

Late accounts from Fort Smith, Arkansas, state that the overland mail had been seized by Texans, and the employes of the company imprisoned. It is also reported that Forts Chadbourne and Belknap have been seized by the secessionists.

February 21, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

The Flag which we will display this morning from our office, is a present to THE MERCURY. In order to have it properly displayed, we have had erected a staff twenty six feet high, from the roof of our office, from which elevation it will be thrown to the breeze this morning. In size it is 12 by 16 feet — a blue field, with white palmetto and crescent, as prescribed by the General Assembly. Below the tree is inscribed in white letters the words ‘THE MERCURY.’ This elegant Flag was manufactured by Messrs. BEE & SILCOX, ship chandlers, and the design is beautifully executed. We shall take particular pains to preserve it as a memento of the times.

February 21, 1861; The New York Herald

(From the Lafayette (Ind.) Journal, Feb. 18.)

We were on Saturday night placed in possession of the astounding information that an attempt was made, on Monday last, to wreck the train bearing the President elect and suite, about one mile west of the State line. The particulars as given us by Mr. Rich, of the Toledo and Western Railroad, are that a short time before the train was due at State line, an engineer who was preparing to take out a train, found it necessary to run out to the wood yard for fuel. Running at a moderate speed, he noticed an obstruction on the track, and stopping his engine, found that a machine for putting cars on the track had been fastened upon the rails in such a manner that if a train at full speed had struck it, engine and cars must have been thrown off and many persons killed. It is almost impossible to think that any one is so thoroughly depraved as to attempt so damnable a deed, but we are assured by our informant that his information comes from undoubted authority. The matter would have been made public before, but it was hoped that the perpetrators of the dastardly outrage could be detected and brought to justice. The whole thing was admirably planned — the obstruction so near a station and on a straight track, where it would not be deemed necessary to exercise any great degree of caution.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

WEDNESDAY 20

It has been a pleasant bright day. M. 36. Rain last night and the Streets wet. Doct G P Eddy of Lewistown NY called upon me today, old friend. I was glad to see him. My old friend J C Smith of Canandagua NY, formerly of Lyons, spent the evening with me and my family at my house. He is member of the Peace Convention now in session here. I was down at Willards after dinner, great crowd there. Chas & Miss Sally Woodward called this evening and spent an hour. Mis Doct Everitt sent in a gold fish for our Aquarium. It is a “Whale among the minnows.” Bed at 11 o’clk.

February 20, 1861; The New York Herald

The great metropolitan event yesterday was the arrival at three o’clock P.M. of Abraham Lincoln, President elect of the United States. In another column we give an interesting and detailed account of the ceremonies of reception from the time he left Albany until a late hour last evening, embracing speeches en route and in this city, the procession, decorations, sketches of the Presidential suite, the reception room, dinner, incidents and accidents generally. We also publish the programme for today.

The Peace Convention at Washington makes but slow progress. Yesterday they spent some five hours discussing a motion in favor of half hour speeches. And this trumpery question is still pending.

One of our Washington correspondents furnishes some important revelations respecting the probable financial and military policy of the Southern confederacy.

In Congress yesterday the Senate took up the Tariff bill, and after the adoption of several amendments and considerable debate the bill was reported. In the House Mr. Fenton, of New York, presented a resolution affirming, as the judgment of the House, that the existing troubles of the country should be referred to the National Convention, to be called in the mode prescribed in the constitution. The bill authorizing the President to accept the services of volunteers was then taken up, the question being on its third reading and engrossment. The bill was strongly opposed by the democrats, and the discussion was warm and irritating. Mr. Bocock moved to lay the subject on the table, which was decided in the negative by a vote of 68 to 1105. The debate terminated with the expiration of the morning hour. The Senate resolution repealing the act of last session for the benefit of Degroot was adopted. The Naval Appropriation bill was taken up, the question being on agreeing with the Senate’s amendments. The amendment providing for the construction of additional steam sloops of war was discussed till recess. The evening session was devoted to debates on the crisis.

February 20, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

MONTGOMERY, February 14, 1861.

Upon one point there appears to be a fixed determination and straight forward action here. Reconstruction is dead. A Southern Confederation is established, and the Southern Confederacy is a fixed thing. But what sort of a Confederacy? Here the Convention is at sea; and vague dreads of the future, and terrors of the people, and in some degree a want of statesmanship, paralyze all useful and essential reform, and weaken men into inaction. Let your people prepare their minds for a failure in the future Permanent Southern Constitution. For South Carolina is about to be saddled with almost every grievance except Abolition, for which she has long struggled, and just withdrawn from the late United States Government. Surely McDUFFIE lived in vain, and CALHOUN taught for nought, if we are again to be plundered, and our commerce crippled, destroyed by tariffs - even discriminating tariffs. Yet this is the almost inevitable prospect. The fruit of the labors of thirty odd long years, in strife and bitterness, is about to slip through our fingers.

But is this all we are about to be called on to enact and bear? It is only the beginning.

The three fifths rule of representation for slaves was one of the many Yankee swindles put upon us in the formation of the old Constitution. It is a radical wrong. It most unfairly dwarfs the power of some of the States in any federal representation. The proportion of her black to the white population is very much larger than that of any other slave State. By the old swindle, her fair proportion of representation was cut down upon all her slaves in proportion, as 3 is to 5. The black population, being in a majority in our State, two fifths of more than one half of the people of the State are entirely unrepresented. And in just the degree that the proportion of the black population in South Carolina predominates over the proportion of the blacks to the whites in any other State, is the swindle augmented and aggravated. South Carolina is small enough without again flinging away what legitimate power she possesses. That power is in her slaves — socially, politically, economically. The proposition of the three-fifths rule calls upon her not only to stultify herself, but to dwarf her powers.

Is this all? It is not. She is probably to be called upon to brand herself and her institutions. Read more

February 20, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

A glance at a map of the Southern States will be sufficient to impress the most superficial observer with the unprotectedness of our seacoast. Along a large portion of this shore line, extending from Cape Fear to the Rio Grande, and almost down to the first ripple of the ocean, our great staple is cultivated. Upon the banks of our many rivers the plough now furrows the earth for the summer’s crop.

To protect this seacoast becomes at once an imperative duty of the Provisional Government, and that method of protection should be resorted to which is the most speedy and economical, consistent with security. That we may protect and keep open our principal ports to the commerce of the world, a navy of some sort is necessary to us. But much more is it essential because our coast must be guarded so that we may in safety cultivate the soil, and by its production freight the fleets that come to us with exchanges and bear away the fruits of our labor to the markets of the world. We want a navy of defence.

A nation’s first duty is to protect the laborers of its soil, and to guard its sailors upon the ocean. Alone, and for this duty, do we desire to see created a naval equal to the task, and commensurate with the wealth and destined greatness of a Confederacy of which South Carolina is a sovereign State. The South has no aggressive policies to pursue against nations. She desires peace and security. To achieve these, war and its preparation may be necessary; when once secured, God grand her swords may sleep in their scabbards, and that her conquests may thenceforth be made with the axe and the plough.

The system of monopoly which was applied by the Government of the late United States for the advancement of Northern interests, was nowhere more pointedly illustrated than in the locations of the several navy yards and in the construction of its vessel of war. Had we been plunged into a war with England upon any one of the three questions which related to the northern boundaries of the States, and in which the interest of the South were remote, our entire seaboard would have been open to the ravages of British cruisers. Read more

February 20, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

Our Richmond Correspondence.

RICHMOND, VA., February 16, 1861.

Politics are in a most perplexing and incomprehensible state here. The Convention is making little headway. Delay seems to be the object of two parties in the Convention. The one party, that probably constitutes a majority of that body, hope that LINCOLN will yet be overruled by his friends, and will not attempt coercion. The other party, or little faction, are Submissionists and Coercionists, and would delay action expecting that LINCOLN will frighten Virginia into quiet submission, and then employ her militia to subdue the Southern States. This faction is very small in numbers - for the most talented part of the Convention, who constitute, possibly (though I fear not), half of the body, are men in favor of immediate secession, or at least, secession before the inauguration of LINCOLN.

Were one to judge of the state of public opinion by the conversation he hears in the ears, in the hotels, in public meetings, or in private respectable circles in this city, he would conclude that all were secessionists. I have not heard a single man or woman advocating or justifying submission or coercion. The ladies now all talk politics and are animated and enthusiastic advocates of immediate secession. They neither practice nor understand the arts and tricks of politicians, and are indignant at delays, which propose, by cunning diplomacy, to obtain concessions of what are already our rights. But, while all looks sound and healthful on the surface of society, there is disease beneath it, something rotten at the core. Treason lurks and hides itself, and talks in whispers, when it talks at all - whilst patriotism seeks publicity, walks abroad in the sunshine, and gives open utterance to all its opinions, its hopes, and its projects. ‘Tis this that perplexes men’s minds. We know that we have secret enemies among us - but know not their number. A man may not fear the lion, and yet shrink with horror from the ambushed snake.

Virginians are not all like their chivalrous States rights and State loving sires. Yet I hope that, eventually, a majority of her people will be found worthy of their ancestry, true to the glorious memory of the past, and true and faithful in Read more

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