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by Horatio Nelson Taft

SUNDAY 31

Went out to church this morning. It was cold enough to wear my cloak. Family wer[e] all out but Julia who is unwell. She went with Miss Sallie to “St Mathews” in the afternoon. Chas and Sallie came up about dark from “Vespers” and spent the evening. Miss S. performed on the Piano and the passersby might have heard in some of the pieces anything but Sunday music. I took a walk down 12th St to the Ave & back, quick step. It took me twenty minutes.

March 31, 1861; The New York Herald

The predominant power just now at Washington is Wall street. The question of money is one that this government as well as all others must look squarely in the face. Money has been aptly defined as the sinews of war, and it is very certain that the Lincoln administration is now bound hand and foot by this ugly spectre which has ruined so many splendid schemes and thwarted so many magnificent ideas of brilliant theoretical statesmen. It is all very well for the radical republicans to demand that the principles of Garrison, Phillips & Co. shall be carried into effect without regard to the cost; and it doubtless sounds well to Southern ears when Mr. Memminger offers to borrow fifteen millions for the purpose of putting the Confederate States upon a war footing. But the question for the people of the North and South to settle is, whether or not they will impoverish themselves in going to war upon an abstract question which cannot be settled by the sword. As it appears to us, both governments—that at Washington and that at Montgomery—are equally powerless.

Davis & Co. have, however, the advantage over Lincoln & Co. The government of the Southern confederacy is plucky and clever in its personnel. The Lincoln administration is cowardly, mean and vicious, without the power to carry out its designs. So far from being in a condition to make war—the most expensive luxury wherewith a government can indulge itself—the administration has not sufficient money for the ordinary expenses of the departments. Mr. Dix borrowed eight millions at twelve per cent. Mr. Chase wants eight millions more, and will probably get it from the brokers, who have done well with the Dix loan. In a very short time Mr. Chase will be obliged to call for nine millions and then our national debt will reach the disagreeable figure of one hundred millions of dollars.

In the event of war this debt would be very much increased. One item will indicate how much. The last Congress authorized the building of six steam sloops of war. To construct, equip and keep this fleet in commission during twelve Read more

March 31, 1861; The New York Herald

The steamship Daniel Webster, from the Rio Grande via Key West and the Tortugas forts, with United States troops, arrived at this port yesterday. She left Brazos on the 19th, Fort Jefferson on the 24th and Fort Taylor on the 25th of March. She landed two companies of troops at Fort Jefferson, and also two companies at Fort Taylor. The steamer Gen. Rusk also landed two companies at each of these forts on the 24th. Fort Taylor is now on a complete war footing, amply garrisoned and furnished with supplies of all sorts for one year.

When the Daniel Webster left Brazos there were one company of artillery and two of cavalry at Fort Brown, and two companies of infantry were daily expected to arrive. Since the secession of Texas from the Union the military posts in the upper part of the State have been abandoned by the United States troops. All along the frontier the savages had renewed their depredations, killing the settlers, running of stock and committing great havoc. In addition to the attacks of the Indians the Texas were menaced on the Rio Grande by the Mexican robber chief Cortinas. He is reported to have a large force in readiness for a foray upon the Texans as soon as the United States troops are withdrawn. From all the indications, it is likely that before many weeks the Southern republic will find ample employment for a portion of its army in repelling the Camanches and Mexican bandits from the frontier.

The steamships Star of the West and Coatzacoalcos, from New York for Brazos, passed Key West, the former on the 20th and the latter on the 21st inst.

The President and Cabinet were yesterday again engaged in discussing the question of abandoning Fort Sumter. The administration moves very slowly in this disagreeable business. Meantime the Charlestonians are growing dangerously restive. Our correspondent at Charleston telegraphs that if the evacuation does not speedily take place the fort will be attacked and captured.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

SATURDAY 30

This has been rather a busy day in the office for me as I had to make out the monthly account, or Report. Some removals among the subordinates today. Many are trembling expecting decapitation. I think that the removals so far have been generaly judicious and such as ou[gh]t to have been made. The day has been windy and dry, and consequently very dusty. Went down to the Ave and got the NY papers. Came home with Julia from Mr Woodwards, read the papers till it is now high time to bed 1/2 pst 11.

March 30, 1861, Harper’s Weekly

The Crescent City

WE present characteristic sketches of the Crescent City. The traveler who approaches by the Pontchartrain Railway sees the domes, spires, and chimney-tops of the city peering over tufts of grass and shrubbery, looking as though a town had been sown there and was just coming up. Upon entering, one passes first through the French quarter, built up mainly of Read more

March 30, 1861; The New York Herald

From our Washington despatches, it appears that Col. Lamon, the President’s envoy to Charleston, declined to exercise the discretionary power with which he was clothed, and issue the order to Major Anderson for the evacuation of Fort Sumter. He returned to Washington and reported the facts respecting the straitened condition of the garrison to the President, who yesterday at an early hour summoned the Cabinet to hold a consultation on the subject. Their deliberations led to a confirmation of the determination of the government to abandon the fort. The order will be communicated to Major Anderson, and the garrison will evacuate Fort Sumter as soon as the vessel to convey them away arrives in Charleston harbor. At last accounts the garrison had supplies sufficient for a few days only.

Contradictory reports as to the designs of the government with reference to Fort Pickens have been circulated for some days past. The republican journals assert that the fort is to be reinforced—indeed it is announced that both troops and supplies have already be landed. Our correspondents from Washington, however, state that the Southern commissioners, and also conservative men of the border States, have been assured that no attempt would be made to relieve the fort—that the military status of that post would not be disturbed. It is further more stated that the reports in the republican journals are put in circulation solely for the purpose of influencing the coming election in New England.

Orders have been received at the Brooklyn Navy Yard from the Department at Washington to get the storeship Release ready for sea immediately. Accordingly yesterday provisions and stores of all descriptions were being put on board with all despatch, and her rigging was undergoing the necessary overhauling. It is not yet known who are to be her commander and officers. The same secresy is observed in regard to her destination; but it is believed she is being sent to convey supplies to the Gulf squadron.

The steamships Star of the West and Coatzacoalcos, from New York, were seen on the 23d inst., within a day’s sail of Indianola, Texas, for which port they were bound.

March 30, 1861; The New York Herald

The republican papers are continually representing that the slave owners of the South are all aristocrats, and comprise an odious oligarchy, while all the democracy of the country is to be found at the North. If the possession of wealth constitutes an aristocracy in the owners thereof we think that there is far more of it to be found in the Northern than in the Southern States. All the bankers and financiers, the rich merchants and ship owners, and more especially the mill owners and manufacturers, according to this rule, form a vastly more numerous body of aristocrats and oligarchs, and a more mischievous one, too, as far as the interest of the masses are concerned, than the Southern slaveholders. The truth is that there does exist a kind of pretentious aristocracy in the country, whose rank is based on wealth; but is scattered all over the country, in every quarter, and is peculiar to no particular section. It comprises, for the most part, persons who have come into the possession of large fortunes, but who have very little intellect—whose breeches pockets vastly outweigh their brains—but all this will be equitably settled in about the third generation. It is absurd to locate this class at the South, while the fact is notorious that there is hardly a more potent oligarchy existing anywhere than in the manufacturing districts of New England—a body which controls almost the souls and destinies of the operatives as completely as the cotton lords of Manchester.

March 30, 1861; Standard (Clarksville Texas)

Mr. Howard, of the firm of Howard & Buchardt, showed us this morning a neat silken model of the Flag of the Confederate States of America; originated by the Congressional Committee, and adopted unanimously. It is as follows:

Blue union, with seven white stars; three horizontal stripes, red, white and red. The first red and white extending from the union to the end of the flag, and the lower red stripe extending the whole length of the flag, occupying the whole space below the union. The stripes are all of equal width.

The new flag was hoisted on the Capitol at Montgomery, on the 4th inst.—Galveston News.

March 30, 1861; The Illustrated London News

No decided action had, according to the latest accounts from America, been taken by either the Northern or Southern States, but both seemed drifting towards a collision. President Lincoln has declined to hold any intercourse with the Southern commissioners. According to the New York Herald it has been decided by Mr. Lincoln’s Cabinet to evacuate Fort Sumter, as being untenable. The Missouri and Virginia State Conventions have come to no decision.

The permanent Constitution of the Confederate States had been published. The following are its principal features:–”No person who is a foreigner, and not a citizen of the Confederate States, is allowed to vote for any officer, civil or political, state or federal. Under the first census, South Carolina is entitled to five representatives in Congress; Georgia, ten; Alabama, nine; Florida, two; Mississippi, seven; Louisiana, six; Texas, six; and each State to two senators. The State Legislature may impeach judicial or federal officers, resident and active in said State, by a two-thirds vote. Representation on the basis of three fifths for slaves is continued. Congress is not allowed, through duties, to foster any branch of industry. The foreign slave trade is prohibited. The President and Vice-President are to hold to office for six years. The principal officers of departments and the diplomatic service are removable at the pleasure of the President. Other civil officers are removable when their services are unnecessary, or for other good causes or reasons. Other States are to be admitted by a vote of two-thirds of both Houses. The Confederacy may acquire territory, and slavery shall be acknowledged and protected by Congress and the territorial Government. When five States shall ratify the permanent Constitution, it shall be established for said States. Until ratified, the provisional Constitution shall continue in force not extending beyond one year.”

March 30, 1861, Harper’s WeeklyTHE accompanying portrait of General SAM HOUSTON, Governor of Texas, will be recognized by all who know the old hero. Even those who remember him as he was two years ago, when he wore a heavy mustache, will readily recall the noble brow and the fierce eye.

Probably no man in this country has led so adventurous a life as Sam Houston. Born, sixty–eight years ago, in Rockbridge County, Virginia, he lost his father when very young, and removed with his mother to the confines of the forest in Tennessee. Here he grew up as best he could, associating much with Indians and imbibing a fondness for their rude mode of life. As he reached manhood he tried to earn a living as a school-master, and then as a clerk in a country store. But neither pursuit pleased his fancy, and in 1813, when General Jackson called for volunteers to fight the Creeks, Sam Houston responded to the call. He won credit during the campaign ; when it ended, he had risen to the rank of lieutenant. But as there was no more fighting to be done then, he laid down the sword, studied law at Nashville, and soon rose to be a prominent lawyer and politician. In 1823, he went to Congress from his district in Tennessee; in 1827, he was elected Governor. In 1829, a fit of restlessness seized him. He resigned his post as Governor; tried life a while in Arkansas, where the frauds practiced by the Government Agents upon the Indians disgusted him; went to Washington, to endeavor to have his red friends righted, and found himself involved in no end of lawsuits with the rogues whom he sought to expose; became a good deal disgusted with every thing and every body, and finally migrated to Texas.

Texas was then about to be admitted as a State of the Mexican Union. It was in a miserable condition. Its people comprised among them the worst vagabonds and scoundrels in the world. When a man was so infamous and hopeless that he could not ship on board a whaler, he went to Texas. There was no money in the country, no trade, no industry, very little judicious agriculture. The whole State was overrun by wild bands of Indians, Comanches, Apaches, etc., who regarded the white man as an invader and robber, and shot him whenever they could. This was the condition of Texas when the people met, adopted a Constitution, and asked admission to the Mexican Confederacy—the American Sam Houston being elected as their first Governor. Read more

by Horatio Nelson Taft

FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1861.

A pleasant warm day, which has passed off much as others do when nothing in particular occurs. The office is thronged with expectants for office, and it puzzles the “heads” to find places for even a small portion of the applicants. Went down to the Express office this evening, Julia went with me for a walk. We called no where else except for the NY Papers. We are all very well. My own health never was better. We read the papers till I was left alone & I went to bed at 11 o’ck.

March 29, 1861; The New York Herald

In the United States Senate yesterday Mr. Trumbull offered a resolution declaring that in the opinion of the Senate the true way to preserve the Union is to enforce the laws of the Union; that resistance to their enforcement, whether under the name of anti-coercion or any other name, is disunion; and that it is the duty of the President to sue all the means in his power to hold and protect the public property of the United States, and enforce the laws thereof, as well in the other States of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas, as within the other States of the Union. Mr. Trumbull desired to have a vote on the resolution, and the democratic members expressed themselves in favor of an immediate expression of opinion on the subject. The republicans, however, would not come up to the mark, but preferred an executive session for the apportionment of the offices. A motion to that effect was carried, and the Senate confirmed a large number of nominations. Subsequently, the President having no further communication to make, the Senate adjourned sine die.

A list of nominations confirmed by the Senate yesterday may be found in another column. The only New York city appointments confirmed are those of Hiram Barney, for Collector, and Thomas McElrath, for Appraiser.

The English papers continue to denounce the Morrill tariff, and declare that if the law goes into operation the blunders of the statesmen will be rectified by the hardihood of the smuggler. We reproduce this morning an important article upon this subject from the London Times of the 12th inst. We also publish an article from the London News, the organ of Lord John Russell, upon the policy of the British government relative to the recognition of the Southern confederacy.

This being Good Friday, the law courts will not hold their sessions.

March 29, 2004; Tri-Weekly Alamo Express, San Antonio, TX

On Thursday morning two more companies of regulars passed through our city. One company under command of Maj. Shepherd, halted on the Main Plaza, where a crowd of people had spontaneously gathered, and played “auld lang syne” with fife and drum, receiving the enthusiastic cheers of people; from the Plaza they marched down Main street to that good old tune Americans delight in, “yankee doodle” which will do to whistle, play and sing, and just the thing for fighting. The people carrying an American flag accompanied the troops to the edge of town, presenting them with the flag. This is a pleasant surprise to the troops and an evidence that patriotism still swells among us in spite of tyranny and usurpation.—God speed the day that will bring back the army to us.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

THURSDAY 28

A nice spring day, bright & pleasant. We had a Comr in the office today, and a “green” Board of Appeal. The Pat office seems to be running into the ground under raw leaders. Took walk after dinner with wife and on our return found Chas & Miss Woodward who staid till 9 o’ck. Maj Davidson called and staid an hour or two. US. Senate Adjourned today. The Flying Artillery were practicing or rather exercising near us on Franklin Square. Julia & the boys went to see them. 1/2 past 10.

March 28, 1861, The Charleston Mercury

In striving to arouse the South to the fatuity of the policy, which may be perpetrated under the Confederate States Constitution, by a two-thirds vote of future Congresses, we have already noticed the gross ignorance of the people of the North in regard to the true principles of republican government. Having no adequate conception of those wise and needful restrictions upon absolute power, whether vested in one man or many, by which alone the rights and liberty of all are protected, they substitute for free government a many headed tyranny, shifting, irresponsible and limitless, and hence are utterly unfit for political connection under a common government with those who would avoid mobocracy, agrarianism and anarchy.

In addition to their false and low views of republican government, we have spoken of the error of their idea of a general government for a confederation of republics. They mistake the creature for the creator—the agent for the supreme ultimate authority, and would make a consolidate nation, with unlimited power, out of a union of States, under a compact of powers, carefully delegated. They are, therefore, most dangerous confederates for those who would avoid a central despotism and escape the troubles and difficulties of another moral struggle with such anti-States rights tendencies.

Besides their mobocratic and consolidate political heresies, we have alluded to the radical hostility of the Northern people to the South and her institutions, in the great, vital question of slavery. Anti-slavery is a sentiment and a doctrine so thoroughly embedded in their moral, religious and political nature, that its eradication within many generations is a hopeless expectation. Hence they cannot but be domestic foes, aliens, and unsafe confederates for those in this section who would live in peace, beyond the reach of such inimical influences.

There is however, sill another potent reason for repudiating all future connection with Northern States, under a common government. The whole history of their past union with the South is stamped with rapacity, selfishness and bad faith. Read more

March 28, 1861; The New York Herald

Col. Lamon, President Lincoln’s special envoy to Fort Sumter, returned to Washington yesterday afternoon. The particulars of the result of his mission have not been made public, but it is known that Fort Sumter will be evacuated as soon as the vessel detailed to convey away the garrison shall reach Charleston harbor, and arrangements for their removal have been completed.

Our correspondent at Charleston states that President Davis has made a requisition upon the Governors of South Carolina, Florida and Georgia for troops, but upon what service they are to be despatched had not transpired.

In the United States Senate yesterday a message was received from the President declining to communicate the despatches received from Major Anderson, the commander at Fort Sumter, as their publication would at this time be inexpedient. A long debate then ensued upon the question of taking up Senator Breckinridge’s resolution advising the withdrawal of the federal troops from the seceded States. Upon taking the question the vote stood 19 to 10. As there was not a quorum, the subject was dropped, and the Senate went into executive session, and in the course of a couple of hours confirmed a large number of appointments. A list of the names is given among our telegraphic despatches.

Among the confirmations by the Senate yesterday was that of Hiram Barney, as Collector of the Port of New York.

March 28, 1861; The New York Herald

WASHINGTON, March 27, 1861.

Colonel Ward H. Lamon, bearer of despatches from President Lincoln to Fort Sumter, returned this afternoon, and reported himself to the President while the Cabinet was present. The Colonel brought with him a large palmetto tree which was presented to him at Charleston.

Colonel Lamon had no opportunity to state to the President the results of his mission to Fort Sumter this afternoon. An interview was had this evening, but the precise information Colonel Lamon brings, or the effect it has had upon the President’s mind, is not known outside of the Cabinet, except as since indicated in a conversation the President had with a gentleman, to whom he said that Major Anderson was ordered to report with his command at another place, and would embark with his troops as soon as the facilities for doing so reached him, which would be in a few days.

Colonel Lamon does not hesitate to state his experience at Charleston in regard to the modus operandi of reaching Fort Sumter. He reached Charleston on Sunday morning, and book himself as ‘Ward H. Lamon, of Virginia.’ He did this because he ascertained that he could not reach Fort Sumter without a permit from Governor Pickens, and could not see the Governor until Monday morning, and in order not to make himself a target for the curious for twenty four hours, as he would have done had he announced himself from any other State. He was not annoyed until Monday morning, when a delegation of Charlestonians called upon him, and inquired if his name was Lamon? He replied, ‘Yes, my name is Ward H. Lamon.’ They asked him if he was a friend of President Lincoln? He replied that he was. He was then asked if he had any objection to tell them the object of his mission? He said he had objection, and added that he had important business with Read more

March 28, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

MONTGOMERY, March 25.

It is a matter of some pride her, at the capitol, to know that the new government loan of five million dollars has been taken, or at least the money has already been tendered, and is now waiting the time when the bonds can be issued from the Treasury Department. Although Congress authorized a loan of $15,000,000, if that sum was needed, early in the session, it was only last week that proposals were advertised for, to raise one third that amount, enough for present wants. The advertisement asked for $5,000,000; giving, as security, the bonds of the Confederates States, bearing interest at ten per cent. and payable in ten years; and, at the same time, briefly stated the means of obtaining the money for the ultimate payment of this debt. Notwithstanding the loan has been only a few days before the public, more than double the required sum has been tendered to the Secretary of the Treasury, and offers are continually coming in from all sections. Hardly a day passes but letters are received by editors and others, asking for information on the subject; the writer stating invariably that he has a few thousand dollars which he wishes to place at the disposal of the Confederate States. I have a case in memory now which illustrates the popular feeling in regard to this matter. When the announcement was first made that Congress had authorised a loan, and before proposals were solicited, a Mississippian placed $5000 in the hands of his bankers, made subject to the draft of the Treasurer of the Confederacy. This gentleman was not alone in his patriotic tender of money at the time it was supposed the Government was in need of it; for similar offers came from other States. I learn today that one man has offered $200,000 and another $80,000, to Mr. MEMMINGER, for which sum no interest is required. It is well known here that offers of money have been received from New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and other cities in the United States and in the Confederate States, to an amount that would cover the entire authorized loan. Mr. MEMMINGER has concluded—and very wisely too—that the citizens of the Confederates States are entitled to the preference in this investment, and the bonds will be scattered among the, as equally as possible. When it is remembered that the bonds of the old United States have been for some Read more

by Horatio Nelson Taft

WEDNESDAY 27

A rainy morning, but pleasant by noon. It rained nearly all last night. We have at last got a Comr of Patents. Mr Holloway of I.A. was confirmed by the Senate today. Went down to the Hotels this evening. Strange and anxious faces yet crowd them. Called at the “National” upon Judge Ira Harris NY Senator. Had a pleasant “call,” conversed upon various subjects. He thinks the Secession Movement will die out if it is let alone. Got the NY “Times” and came home 1/2 past 9 & read it. Got letter today from Prest Cowles of Elmira Female College. Clock has just struck 11.

March 27, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

The South is fully aware that the peoples of the Northern States are fundamentally unsound on the question of slavery. They universally regard it as immoral and sinful to hold property in man. They believe it unrighteous and unjustifiable in the Caucasians at the South to hold Africans in bondage. This doctrine has been taught them by their mothers and their school mistresses, their college professors and their preachers, their orators, poets and historians, their lawyers and their jurists. It has been impressed upon them in their primers and their text books, in their religious reading and their light reading, in their histories and their law books. It has come to them through the multifarious channels of the teeming daily press. Generation after generation the work has gone on. Anti-slavery has been taken in with their mothers’ milk, grown with their growth and strengthened with their strength, until so thoroughly assimilated into their constitutions as to become a part of their political principles, their ethics and their religious faith. With singular exceptions the universal sentiment at the North is one of condemnation of Southern civilization and Southern citizens. Whether rudely proclaimed or politely repressed, it pervades their homes, their hustings, their court houses and their sanctuaries, and everywhere its hostile and disparaging influence may be felt by the Southron as the perpetual frown of an alien people against him and against his, touching their domestic institutions and their civil, moral and religious status.

It is true that here and there at the North is found a man who, understanding the true condition and appropriate relations of the Caucasian and African in this country, justifies slavery. But these are few and far between, singular and without influence among their fellows. It is true that many are found who apologize for the South and her semi-barbarous institutions, and find reasons to palliate, and, in great measure excuse, the guilt of her people. Nor is it untrue that many more urge that, however criminal, it is the business of the South, and not the North, who is not our conscience keeper, and has no right to intermeddle. Read more

March 27, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

The business men of Charleston are already beginning to reap the advantages of the independent position which the South has taken, in consequence of the refusal of the North to grant her constitutional rights. The results of the last few weeks have demonstrated conclusively that the commercial prosperity and political equality which THE MERCURY for years predicted, were not vain boasts. Business of all kinds has increased at an amazing pace; customers are thronging the city from all quarters of the South, and the indications are that Charleston is destined to become the commercial metropolis of the Confederate States.

In dry goods and fancy goods the operations have been very large, and the purchasers, we are informed, are principally composed of those who used to patronize New York. One house alone, the business of which heretofore was chiefly confined to Georgia, has sold heavy bills to merchants from Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas. In shoes alone, the sales of the last two seeks have amounted to upwards of $200,000.

In short, the prospects of Charleston never were more bright than at this season. It would be impossible to furnish at this writing details of the great increase of business which has taken place, and which is but a small part of what may be expected in the future. Suffice it to say that it is enough to stimulate the energies of our business men.

So serious has been the effect of this rush of trade to Charleston, that Northern merchants engaged in Southern trade have circulated the report that Charleston traders have increased their prices by adding on the duties under the recent tariff charged on all good from the Northern States—in other words, that the business men of Charleston have determined to take an undue advantage of their customers. This is manifestly so untrue that is hardly deserving of notice, and yet it is by such means that the attempt is made to obtain Southern patronage. Not a merchant that we have visited has made any such addition to his prices. All the goods received before the tariff went into operation, are disposed Read more

March 27, 1861, Albany Evening Journal

            Capt. Fox, who visited Fort Sumter on the requisition of the War Department, has returned here and reported the result of his mission. It is very well understood that he had a plan for introducing reenforcements, which had been submitted to the members of the Cabinet, and was regarded as measurably practicable but attended with the probability if not certainty of collision, which constituted the chief objection to its adoption. He is perfectly familiar with all the approaches to the harbor of Charleston, having been long connected with the coast survey, and had practical experience as the commander of one of Aspinwall’s steamers. His scheme did not contemplate any serious danger in running the gauntlet of the batteries on the islands which guard the channels, but only in landing the men and provisions at Sumter, after it had been reached. If a fire was opened on his transports from Fort Moultrie or the other batteries, it would be necessary for Sumter to silence them in order to discharge the reenforcements. Any attempt, therefore, looking to that object would almost inevitably lead to bloodshed, and before resorting to it, the Administration would be constrained to expect that alternative. Even if successful without great loss of life, nothing would be gained but the retention of a fortress which has only a local value in protecting Charleston, and is of no national moment whatever.

            Capt. Fox is fully impressed with the courage, integrity and sincerity of Major Anderson, with whom, however, his communication was necessarily limited, as Gov. Pickens sent Capt. Hartstein, late of our Navy, as an escort with him to the Fort, who kept within earshot during most of the interview, or, at least, near enough to prevent any free communication. He considers that the Fort can be reenforced either by a military operation, which, of course, would require a force not at the disposal of the President, or by the strategy already referred to, with its attendant hazards of a desperate conflict. The supply of provisions now in the garrison will probably enable Major Anderson to sustain his command reasonably well until the 15th of April. From all the facts disclosed by this investigation, it is manifest that Fort Sumter must be abandoned, or civil war inaugurated. Capt. Fox is cautious, intelligent and well-informed, and was brought to the notice of the Government by Mr. Aspinwall and some of the principal ship-owners of New-York and Boston.

March 27, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

As another evidence of the direction given to the public mind by the independent action of the South, we would call attention to the advertisement of this Manufacturing Company in another column. It is a movement of great importance to the whole South. This is a corporation which will benefit alike all the Confederate States, for, in all of them, shoes enter largely into trade, and heretofore Northern manufacturers have furnished the supplies. In this manner, we would see Southern Capital and southern energy and enterprise employed. Too long has the North absorbed the wealth of those States which now form the Southern Confederacy. Let the future bear witness to a successful effort to regain our lost advantages. And this we predict, will be one of the most profitable investments of the day.

March 27, 1861; The New York Herald

We are informed from a reliable source that numerous companies are now being organized within the precincts of the Confederate States with a view of developing their water power resources and the establishment of manufactories in the republic for the fabrication of those kinds of goods usually furnished by the New England States, especially the States of Connecticut and Massachusetts. It will be inferred, therefore, from this statement that the Southrons are determined to be independent in a manufacturing as well as political point of view of the North.

The newspapers of the South come to hand with their columns filled with displayed advertisements, calling upon their readers to patronize manufactures’ and, as far as we can learn, this little admonition is not being disregarded. In yesterday’s paper we presented for the perusal of our readers specimens of these advertising appeals.

We take this occasion to say that a very grave error prevails among the people of the North in respect to the manufacturing and handicraft resources of the South. It has been alleged time afore time, by the republican press, that Southern manufacturers cannot compete with those of New England, even were they to make the attempt; but the logical or philosophical reasons for such a conclusion have been as frequently obscured from the public. Many of those men who worked and voted for the election of Mr. Lincoln will learn, perhaps too soon, that the South can manufacture goods—such as agricultural implements, farm wagons, carriages, boots, shoes and brogans and like articles—as well as the men of the North, if the capitalists of the new confederacy shall zealously push their manufacturing’s project to a finality. To those who are uniformed as to the real cause why the South has not paid attention to manufacturing industry we will explain. Heretofore the people of the South have found it necessary to devote their whole time to the development and growing of the great staples for which they are world wide celebrated, and in charity to the North gave them the job to make the implements whereby these were husbanded. Consequently the Northern States have had their share, indirectly, of the profits of the Southern crops. There is nothing under heaven to prevent the South from manufacturing every article necessary for domestic use. She has water power facilities second to none in the world, and if the manufacture’s system shall be adopted, the New England mechanics would soon wend their way where they may find remunerative labor; and in a short time the Yankee master manufactures and capitalists would find, to their surprise, their factories idle and rotting over their heads.

March 27, 1861 Tri-Weekly Alamo Express , San Antonio, TX

Our dull and gloomy city was enlivened by a pleasant and stiring event on Tuesday last; some four companies of the 3d, Infantry, Maj. Brooks in command, passed through our city with the flag of our country flying gaily on the breeze and the fife and drums playing ‘Yankee Doodle’; they were saluted with many a warm cheer, and many a curse fell upon the heads of those who have “precipitated” our state out of the Union. The troops were accompanied by a long train of waggons.

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