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March 27, 1861; The New York Herald

Our despatches from Washington state that the Cabinet have had under consideration of evacuating Fort Pickens, and there is good reason to believe that the fort will be abandoned by the federal troops within thirty days, thus removing the last immediate cause for hostilities between the two confederacies.

The Commissioners of the confederate States dined last evening with Mr. Corcoran, the Washington banker, in company with the foreign Ambassadors. The commissioners are, it is said, on friendly terms with the English and French Ministers—a circumstance regarded as very significant.

The South Carolina State convention reassembled yesterday. The first proposition presented was a resolution to cut off all the supplies and mail facilities hitherto accorded to the garrison of Fort Sumter. It is said the resolution will be voted down. As an evidence of popular feeling, however, it is suggestive.

In the United States Senate yesterday the debate on Mr. Douglas’ resolution calling for information as to the policy of the administration with reference to the seceded States, was resumed, and continued mainly by Messrs. Douglas and Breckinridge, who discussed the issued involved in the Kansas question and the present troubles of the nation. Finally Mr. Douglas’ resolution was laid on the table by a vote of 23 against 11. Mr. Breckinridge and Mr. Clingman then offered resolutions, to the effect that the Senate recommend the withdrawal of the federal troops from the limits of the confederate States. They were laid over for future consideration, and the Senate went into executive session and confirmed a number of appointments.

The commercial article of the Paris Constitutionel of March 3 says: —’If the Morrill tariff should pass congress, as appears likely, exportations from France, England and Germany to the Northern States would receive a severe check, Read more

by Horatio Nelson Taft

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1861.

Another warm pleasant day with some wind, rained some last night. At work hard in the office and very much fatigued tonight. Julia called for me from her school after calling upon Mr Alexander of the Seed Room and geting some garden & flower seeds. I did not go down to the Ave this evening. Took a walk with Julia up 14th St after taking short nap on the sofa. Read the days news in the “Star,” heard the boys read some. Their mother thrumed the Piano some. I have noded some, am off to bed at 1/2 past 9.

March 26, 1861; The New York Herald

Nearly thirty years ago Messrs. Tappan, Hale and Hallock set up an anti-slavery newspaper in the city of New York. Instead of publishing the news, they devoted their columns to details of alleged cruelties practiced by slaveholders upon their chattels. A baser attempt at political demoralization was never attempted, and the worst publications of French sansculottes writers are innocuous compared with these records. The establishment of this pestilent sheet was the commencement of the anti-slavery crusade which has now resulted in the dissolution of the Union, the overthrow of this hitherto great nation, this superb governmental fabric, the work of Washington and the patriots and sages who lighted the torch of liberty at Lexington and saw its full blaze at Yorktown. More than all this, the work of Tappan, Hallock, Hale & co. has arrested the progress of this imperial city, paralyzed its trade, and thrown thousand of honest artisans upon the charity of a cold and heartless world. The publication to which we refer is the Journal of Commerce, the vehicle through which the first grain of abolition poison was administered. What merchant will not kick this sheet out of his counting room?

March 26, 1861; Richmond Enquirer

Some three hundred or more persons assembled at Chester (10 miles from Richmond, in Chesterfield county) on Saturday last, to witness the raising of a Southern Confederacy Flag. The trains from Richmond and Petersburg arrived simultaneously, each bringing a goodly number to participate in the interesting proceedings which the programme had shadowed forth. Several ladies from the neighborhood and some residing in more distant parts of the county, were also present. Their presence tended much to enliven the scene and lend to it a charm which the presence of ladies can only give. The Armory Band from Richmond was present, and contributed much to the interest of the festivities, the inevitable Dixie being served up in every conceivable style, and occasionally rendered with attractive variations.

The speaking took place from the front piazza of the larger hotel, and was listened to with unflagging interest throughout. Among the orators was the Hon. Daniel C. Jarnette, of Caroline, who spoke with impressive animation and elicited very spirited applause.

Mr. L.S. Hall, a distinguished member of the State Convention from the county of Wetzel, responded to the urgent calls of the people, in terms fluent, forcible and eloquent. The speaker took occasion to declare that his county was for the South and her institutions most emphatically; that if there should be a conflict of arms between the North and South, the speaker knew two hundred men, and could then name them, who would rush with eagerness to the fray, and battle gallantly for the South. His remarks were heartily endorsed by the approving plaudits of the assemblage.

The beautiful flag, with seven stars, (an eighth half made up to represent Virginia,) and three stripes, was run up at 12 o’clock precisely, amid enthusiastic cheering and an air from the band, which made the inspiring strains of Dixie ring through the forests of Old Chesterfield. The ladies too joined in with a zest that wreathed their fair faces with sweet smiles, and waved their snowy handkerchiefs with exultant pride and approval. Read more

March 26, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

The city was all agog yesterday, at the announcement that still another Ambassador from Washington has come to town, and was in close conference with the Governor. It appears that this last Envoy, Mr. W.H. LAMON, of Illinois, arrived in the city on Sunday morning, and registered his name upon the books of the Charleston Hotel as from Virginia. He remained quietly at the hotel until yesterday morning, when he sent his card to the Governor, requesting an interview. The nature of his communication has not been made public. About one o’clock, accompanied by Col. DURYEA, Aid to the Governor, Mr. LAMON left the city in the steamer Planter, Capt. FERGUSON, and proceeded to Fort Sumter. The tide being low, the steamer was unable to reach the Fort wharf, but was met at a short distance by a boat commanded by an officer, who, we understand, was Lieut. HALL. After presenting a written communication to the Lieutenant, Mr. LAMON was invited into the boat, accompanied by Col. DURYEA, and they were then taken to Fort Sumter, where they remained for about one hour. On the approach of the steamer to the Fort, about half the garrison had collected on the wharf, and some half dozen officers were on the ramparts, using their spy glasses. After staying in the Fort for some time, Mr. LAMON, accompanied by Major ANDERSON, took a walk around the ramparts of the fortification, the Major apparently explaining to his visitor the position of the Fort and its surroundings. While on the steamer, the Envoy from Washington alluded several times to the importance of preserving the peace, saying that he expected to leave immediately for Washington City, and hoped to return here in a few days. The last remark would indicate that he bore no order for the evacuation of the fortress, and would give color to the opinion held by many, that the question of leaving is still in debate between Major ANDERSON and the Washington authorities, each being anxious to shift the responsibility of leaving off their own shoulders. This matter as it stands is becoming rather annoying to the public here, and the people are expecting with anxiety a final settlement, either peaceably or by the sword.

Mr. LAMON left by the night train last night for Washington. The latest and apparently most reliable rumor was that his brief visit related to postal affairs, and that his trip to Fort Sumter was merely incidental, as bearer of despatches.

March 26, 1861, The Richmond Enquirer

The importance of Abraham Lincoln is vastly overrated by the Black Republicans of the North, and the Submissionists of the South. They endeavor to impress upon the people the idea that he holds in his hand the issue of life or death to the South, and that he has fully made up his mind to speak the life giving word to our section! Many presses and politicians of the South declare for Submission and against Secession, upon the ground that Lincoln will give the country a “conservative administration.” Does any reflecting man, of any section, really believe that the present opinions or intentions of Abraham Lincoln, whether right or wrong, ought to have the slightest influence in deciding the question of the relations of the border-slave States to the two confederacies between which they are now compelled to make choice? No considerate mind can view Lincoln, in the position to which he was called last November, in any other light than that of a mere “feather on the tide” of Abolitionism. The people of the South have no fears of the feather, but they ought to be alive to the importance of protecting themselves against the torrent of Abolition fanaticism which threatens to engulf them.

March 26, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

We stated yesterday that it was unmistakeably the idea entertained by the body which formed the Confederate States Constitution, to admit hereafter into the new Government the States of the Northwest, Pennsylvania, New York, &c., the power being given to futures Congresses of doing so by a two thirds vote. We urged the importance of at once educating the public mind throughout the South upon the impolicy and danger of reorganizing on any terms, the political connection with the North just severed. The dissolution of the Union was both rightful and expedient. It was a step essential to our peace, or equality, our prosperity and our development. Were the causes, which have brought us into peril and rendered a separation necessary, temporary and evanescent, it would be well to look to a readjustment of our intimate relations with those who have nearly threatened us with degradation and ultimate ruin. But the sources of our troubles are not of today, nor are they shifting and transitory in their nature. They are the growth and product of many years systematic persistent cultivation. They are as deep rooted and stable as the hard characteristics of the stubborn Yankee race. The Union has been dissolved in consequence of the steady, long, increasing and now predominating hostility evinced by the whole North towards the South. For years the Southern peoples have, with unexampled patience, endured the unceasing assaults of Northern interests, Northern ambition and Northern fanaticism, placed in direct antagonism to their just rights and vital institutions. As a matter of self preservation and self respect they have at last placed themselves beyond the reach of this incessant and harassing warfare waged upon them under the privileges of a common government, and to promote their designs. We now have a government of our own to meet their government. Before it will be desirable, wise or possible to take such enemies again into the fellowship of a common government, the plainest common sense dictates that a vast change must come over their feelings, their political opinions, and their policy. How probable such a change is and how soon it is likely to occur to an extent to justify their admission, depends upon the facts of their past history and present condition in these respects. Read more

March 26, 1861; The New York Herald

Col. Lamon, the President’s envoy to Charleston, and bearer of the order to Major Anderson to evacuate Fort Sumter, reached Charleston on Sunday, and, after an interview yesterday morning with Gov. Pickens and Gen. Beauregard, visited the fort. It is supposed that the fort will be evacuated tomorrow; but the day of the departure of the troops has not transpired.

Reports from Montgomery state that by the 1st of April there will be five thousand troops of the Southern confederacy concentrated around Pensacola.

In the United States Senate yesterday Mr. Hale’s resolution for an election of subordinate officers was again laid over. Mr. Powell offered a resolution calling for copies of Major Anderson’s despatches to the War Department during his command at Fort Sumter. The reminder of the session was occupied in discussing Mr. Douglas’s resolution calling for information relative to the policy of the administration with reference to the seceded States. The discussion was interesting, as will be seen by our report.

The English press discuss American affairs at considerable length, and generally regard the establishment of the Southern confederacy as a fact accomplished. We this morning reproduce several articles upon this subject from the London press.

In the State Senate yesterday the long deferred response to the resolutions of inquiry by that body was received from the Metropolitan Police Commissioners, in regard to their sending members of the force South on the occasion of President Lincoln’s journeying to Washington. The Commissioners say they had reason to believe that a conspiracy existed to disturb the public peace, and that the field of its operations lay outside of the city of New York. Detectives were accordingly sent to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington; but from the confidential character of the information on which they acted, and from the nature of the detective system, it would be inexpedient for them to divulge the sources or the nature of this information. The minority report of the State Commission in the late Peace Congress was also received by the Senate signed by Messrs. Granger, Corning, Bronson and Dodge.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

MONDAY 25

This has been a delightful day, bright & warm. Have been very busy in the office, doing the work of two Desks or the Clerical duties of the room in addition to my own from the removal of our assist. Went down to the “National.” Saw Carl Shurz the famous Dutch Orator. And also met my old friend P Dorsheimer who is now State Treasurer of NY. He is after the N York Naval office. Got the NY papers & read them. Bed at 11.

March 25, 1861; The New York Herald

It was believed in Washington yesterday that the programme of the administration, in regard to the evacuation of Fort Sumter, had been altered since the departure of Col. Lamon. It is now reported that the evacuation is to be conditional. Col. L. is to examine the stock of provisions on hand, and if the supply is not sufficient to maintain the troops now there, the he will deliver the President’s order to Major Anderson to evacuate the fortress.

The government is said to be in receipt of advices stating that the independent State of Texas has sent Commissioners to New Mexico, Arizona, Sonora and Chichuahua in induce the people of those States to cast their fortune with the Southern confederacy. Their mission is said to be favorably regarded, which, if true, will tend still further to complicate the embarrassments of Mr. Lincoln’s administration.

Despatches from Fort Pickens state that the garrison there is short of provisions, and can hold out but a short time longer. None but official communication is permitted at Pensacola, and the squadron can neither reinforce the Fort nor furnish supplies. Appearances indicate that before long the government will also be compelled to abandon Fort Pickens to the secessionists.

From Texas we learn that both branches of the Legislature had taken the oath of allegiance to the new government, a few of the members under protest. Governor Houston and the Secretary of State have retired from their offices and delivered up the records. Gen. Houston had issued an appeal to the people, in which he severely denounces the action of the Convention.

By a despatch from New Orleans we learn that the commissioners from the Confederate States to Europe will leave that Read more

March 25, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

As the new Constitution has been framed, there is nothing to prevent the admission of Northern States into the new Confederation. A vote of two thirds is all that is requisite; and, after the accession of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Arkansas, there is likely to be no great difficulty in obtaining this vote. In thus constructing the fundamental law, of course, a struggle has occurred in the secret sessions of the Montgomery Congress, in which those refusing to close the door against the reception of anti-slavery States have achieved a victory. Thus the policy of ultimately admitting the anti-slave States of the Northwest first, and afterwards Pennsylvania, New York, et cetera, is obviously the programme or prevailing idea of the Montgomery Congress. The Union is not to be reconstructed on terms of the old Constitution. It is to be reorganized on the new basis, and we are in danger, if the views of the Constitution makers are carried into practice of being dragged back eventually into political affiliation with the States and peoples from whom we have just cut loose.

Now, some may think us hypercritical and captious in seeing anything disagreeable, or in finding fault at all, when matters appear to be progressing satisfactorily. But, a reference to the future must govern us in the present, if we would control events. It is shortsighted and pusillanimous to cover up and conceal from view stubborn facts which, however unpleasant to know, our future peace and prosperity urge us not to overlook, but to strive and remedy. It has been found that, in the construction of a great ship, the unwise insertion of one stick of worm eaten timber has involved her fate with the loss of hundreds of lives and millions of property. So a defect of grave character, like this of the new Constitution may entail upon the peoples of the Southern States the difficulties and dangers of again going through the same struggle from which we are emerging, and perhaps may ultimately wreck the hopes of republican liberty throughout the world. It is too late, and South Carolina is not the State to resist the embodiment of this imprudent provision in the Constitution. And it is almost hopeless to expect that, after the accession of the Border States, the fundamental law can, without undue Read more

by Horatio Nelson TaftSUNDAY 24

We have had a “march Wind” today in good earnest, with plenty of dust. I did not go to church in the morning. The Family went. I am not a great admirer of Doct Smiths Sermons. I wrote letters part of the day, one to S Patrick, one to Wm Van Camp, and one to Frank. In the evening I called with Holly at Mr Cramers and had a pleasant chat with them. Did not get home till near 10 o’clock, read awhile and went to bed about 11 o’clock.

March 24, 1861; The New York Herald

The news from Washington this morning is highly important. The official order for the evacuation of Fort Sumter was issued on Friday, and a special messenger was immediately despatched with it to Major Anderson. The fort is to be evacuated on the arrival in Charleston harbor of a United States vessel to receive them. Should the South Carolina authorities oppose the departure of the troops in the manner directed by the instructions to Major Anderson, that officer has been ordered, it is stated, to open his batteries. There is no doubt, however, but that the garrison will be permitted to depart in the manner prescribed.

Despatches received by the government from Fort Pickens represent that the garrison is short of provisions, and can hold out but a short time longer. The squadron off Pensacola are unable to reinforce the fort or land supplies. The administration will doubtless before the lapse of many days be obliged also to abandon that stronghold to the secessionists.

Later accounts from Texas state that both houses of the Legislature have taken the oath of allegiance to the new government, and that Gov. Houston and the Secretary of State have retired from their office and surrendered the archives. Gov. Houston has issued an appeal to the people denouncing the State Convention.

In the United States Senate yesterday, the Vice President having signified his intention to be absent during the remainder of the session, on motion of Mr. Hale, Mr. Foot, of Vermont, was chosen President pro tempore. Mr. Foot, returned this thanks for the honor in appropriate terms. Mr. Sherman, the newly elected Senator from Ohio, was qualified and took his seat. The resolution of Mr. Hale, to go into an election for Sergeant at Arms and doorkeepers, was then taken up. The democrats opposed this first attempt to bestow the offices of the Senate upon political partisans with warmth and spirit and, after an expenditure of considerable gasconade on both sides, succeeded in postponing the election. The Senate then went into executive session, and confirmed a number of appointments.

March 24, 1861; The New York Herald

The Order Issued for the Evacuation of Fort Sumter.

WASHINGTON, March 23, 1861.

I am permitted to announce to the HERALD tonight, that on yesterday the President issued the order to Major Anderson to put his command in readiness to evacuate Fort Sumter, upon the arrival at that place of a United States war steamer.

Colonel Lamon, of Illinois, the confidential friend of the President, was sent bearer of despatches to Major Anderson.

The evacuation will take place upon the arrival of the steamer which has been despatched by the Secretary of the Navy.

There is no intimation whatever, on the part of the South Carolina authorities, that any attempt will be made to prevent the evacuation in such a manner as the United States government have seen fit to employ. Major Anderson will salute his flag and embark with his command.

Major Anderson is ordered to report North.

I an any attempt is made by the South Carolina authorities to prevent the evacuation in the order directed by the United States government, Major Anderson is instructed to remain in the fort and open his batteries upon the city. This, however, will not be done, as there will be no opposition to the evacuation on the part of the secessionists.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1861.

Warm comfortable day today with indications of rain towards night. Nothing of note occured in the office. No Comr yet. A great many removals in the Pension Office, and a clamorous crowd ready to fill vacancies. The City is yet quite full of strangers. Despairing applicants for office are telegraphing to their friends to come & help them. Was in at Willards & Kirkwoods, bought a cravat at Berglings and the papers at French & Richsteins, and came home about 9 o’ck, read till 11.

March 23, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

In the year 1858, when rowdyism ruled supreme in New Orleans elections, General (then Major) BEAUREGARD was nominated by the order loving citizens of that place for the Mayoralty. We find in a New Orleans paper of that time the following interesting sketch of his previous career:

Major Beauregard, then, the independent candidate of the intelligence, enterprise, industry and wealth of New Orleans for the Chief Magistracy of their city, is a native of this State, born, of Creole parents, in the year 1815, and is, consequently, now in his forty third year. At the early age of sixteen he entered the United States Military Academy, where, having stood next to head in all his classes, he graduated second of his date in 1838. He was then commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Corps of United States Engineers, to which he has ever since remained attached, serving the principal portion of the twenty years in the Gulf of Mexico, constructing or repairing the different forts for the protection of the coast.

When the war with Mexico occurred in 1846, he made three successive applications to be employed in its prosecution, and at last had the great satisfaction of being ordered to Tampico, which had just fallen into the possession of our arms, where, in conjunction with Major J. G. Barnard, of the same corps, an officer of great merit, were planned and constructed the defences which at this moment have served to keep Gen. Garza force so long and successfully at bay. In 1847 he joined Gen. Scott, as a member of his staff, before Vera Cruz, in the reduction of which, like all his brother engineer officers, he took an active and most serviceable part. The honor of selecting three of the sites of the five batteries which reduced the city of the Holy Cross to capitulate on the 19th of March, devolved upon him. In the following April, before the battle of Cerro Gordo, the reconnoisance, under the orders of General Twiggs, of the mule path which turned the left of the Mexican position, was entrusted to, and performed satisfactorily by him, he, two other officers and handful of daring men, going over one mile in rear of the advanced positions of the Mexican army, afterwards Read more

March 23, 1861; The Illustrated London News

Mr. Dowes, of Massachusetts, from the Committee of the House of Representatives to whom was referred the President’s message of Jan. 8, has reported concerning the United States’ navy. It appears that there are now in commission, in various parts of the world, forty-eight vessels; that twenty-eight are unfit for service, and not to be repaired under several weeks’ or even months’ time; that the entire naval force available for the defence of the Atlantic coast at the time this committee was appointed consisted of the steamer Brooklyn, of 25 guns, and the store-ship Relief, of two guns; the former being unable, by reason of her draught, to enter Charleston harbour with safety, and the latter being under orders for the African coast. Under these circumstances, the committee refer with much severity to the extraordinary disposition of our naval force, by which it was kept out of the way in a manner which would be injudicious at any time, but which now clearly showed hopeless imbecility or a deliberate conspiracy to give the country into the hands of traitors. The report next takes up the matter of resignations by traitorous naval officers, sets forth in plain terms the name and offense of each of these, and places in a clear light the extraordinary conduct of the Secretary of the Navy in accepting the resignations, concluding by recommending the passage of a resolution of censure upon that Cabinet officer.–New York Tribune.

March 23, 1861; The New York Herald

In the United States Senate yesterday Mr. Hale offered a resolution that the Senate proceed to an election of Sergeant-at-Arms and Doorkeepers. It was laid over. A resolution directing the payment of extra compensation to clerks of committees was discussed, and rejected. Mr. Douglas’ resolution calling for information as to the designs of the administration with reference to the Southern forts was then taken up, and Mr. Bayard concluded his remarks in favor of recognizing the independence of the Confederate States. He was followed by Mr. Howe, of Wisconsin, in opposition to the resolution. Before Mr. Howe had concluded the Senate went into executive session, and confirmed several appointments.

The Montgomery Ala. Advertiser of the 19th inst. has the following respecting the Tariff bill of the Southern republic:

As there is general misapprehension in regard to the Tariff bill having passed the Congress of the Confederate States, we take this occasion to inform the public that the bill did not pass. The committee drafted the Tariff bill, which was ordered to be published, in order that it might be examined and discussed, and its merits or demerits thoroughly understood before the final passage of a bill on this important subject. But by some means the impression got out that the bill had been adopted by the Congress, and it was at once telegraphed and sent over the country as a law of the confederacy. This, however, as we have stated, proves to be an error.

A rehearing was had yesterday morning in the case of Police Detective Williamson. Superintendent Kennedy, being placed upon the stand, testified in substance to about the same that was heretofore published. The report of the two detectives who were sent to Washington, regarding the intended assassination of the President, was called for by the counsel for Mr. Williamson, but it was withheld by Mr. Brown, on the ground that it had no bearing on the case. Thomas T. Everett was called as a witness, and testified as to the sobriety of Mr. Williamson at the time he was charged with intoxication, and as to his deportment while in Mr. Kennedy’s presence.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

FRIDAY 22

A cold wind till near night, but a fine evening & bright moon. The Heads begin to drop in our office. Three assistant exmrs have been removed today, others will probably follow. Called with Juliet at Doct Everitts after dinner, then went on to the Ave alone and round the Hotels. They are pretty well crowded yet with anxious faces. Levee at the Prests tonight, crowds were moving that way on the Ave. Came home before 9, and read “Williams on heat” till 11, read last night till after 12 o’clock.

March 22, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

OUR CITIZENS will be much gratified by a visit to the east wing of the Citadel Academy, where ammunition and military fireworks generally are fabricated in all their various forms, under the

superintendence of that very active and efficient young officer, Capt. C.P. THOMAS, of the Citadel. It is incredible to behold the silent progress which has been going on in our midst in the preparation of war material in the last two or three months, and certainly without precedent in any country.

March 22, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

About five o’clock yesterday afternoon, the Citadel Green presented quite an animated appearance. Owing to the announcement having appeared in THE MERCURY, a crowd of not less than three thousand persons had assembled to witness the annual drill of the South Carolina Cadets, before Brig. Gen. BEAUREGARD. the Citadel Building itself wore an air of unusual life and activity. Not an available window was there that did not exhibit a pair of rosy cheeks and laughing eyes, and the summit was alive with interested spectators. Every South Carolinian is aware that the Cadets are the pride of the State, and the citizens of the Confederate States need only be reminded of the present occasion to be fully satisfied of the fact themselves.

The battalion in drill was composed of six companies, commanded by Capt. J.B. THOMAS. Lieut. MORRIS acted as Lieutenant Colonel, and Lieut. MAZYCK acted as major. Capt. J.M. WHILDEN took charge of the first company; Lieut. R.O. SANDS, of the second; Lieut. R. CRAWFORD, of the third; Lieut. J. BRUNS, of the fourth; Lieut. A. TENNANT, of the fifth; and Lieut. S.P. PICKENS, of the sixth. These, together with Adjutant J. WALKER, and sergeant Major BROWN, composed the officers of the Cadets.

One of the features of the occasion was the presence, by invitation, of Brigadier General BEAUREGARD, of the regular army of the Confederate States, and now in command of the South Carolina forces. General BEAUREGARD attracted universal attention, and hearty were the encomiums passed upon his military bearing and look of high courage and determination. He was accompanied by his staff, the Professors of the institution, Col. GREGG, and the Board of Visitors of the Citadel Academy, composed of General J. JONES, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Citadel Academy; General JAMISON, Secretary of War, General JAMES SIMONS, and General J. H. MEANS, of the South Carolina Army. We noticed the presence of Adjutant General EVANS and Colonel JOHN CUNINGHAM. The arrival of Brigadier General BEAUREGARD was announced by the firing of a salute of eleven guns. He was received by the Cadets on the parade ground, who formed, marched out on the green and passed in review; after which commenced the drill, which won unbounded applause, and led many of the skilled in military discipline and manœuvring to compare them with the West Pointers, and decide in their favor. The first movement was from line of battle into column; then to close in mass on the first company, which was handsomely executed. This was followed by several other movements, such as right about face, &c. when the battalion came by the right into line; then by the right two columns to the rear into column. After marching in this position for some time, the companies formed in to division, and diminished by the right and left. After coming to a halt, the battalion formed into square, and advanced by the first front while in the square. Whilst marching in this position the battalion fired first by the rear rank, and second by the front rank. After firing, the battalion reduced square and deployed into line of battle and by filed. After several other well executed manoeuvres, the command was formed into square again, when the whole battalion fired. Line of battle was then formed on the right by falling into line, when the battalion entered the Citadel, and closed the day be executing their regular evening dress parade.

The entire exercise was warmly commended by military men. All the manœuvres were executed in quick and double quick time. But one opinion prevailed. The Cadets have exhibited the advantages of the Citadel Academy and the ability of the Professors. The institution gained may friends by the exhibition yesterday afternoon, and in the future will reap its reward. The Cadets proved their capacity in the difficulties consequent upon the secession of South Carolina, and deserve, as we have no doubt they will receive, a prominent place in the army of the Confederate States. We see no reason why the graduates of this institution may not rival the graduates of West Point. they have both the ambition and the capacity. We may also add they have the best wishes of the citizens of South Carolina. And, in conclusion, we can assure them that General BEAUREGARD paid a high compliment to the institution, and expressed himself well pleased with the parade.

The Mounted Guard, General W. E. MARTIN in command, were present, and added to the martial appearance of the scene. The drill of the Guard, which took place before the parade of the Cadets, deserved the plaudits which it called forth. The Charleston and Palmetto Bands were also in attendance.

March 22, 1861; The New York Herald

By a telegraphic despatch in another column, it will be seen that the State Convention of Arkansas has passed a secession ordinance, to be submitted to the vote of the people. Arkansas is likely to go the way of Texas and of all the cotton States. By the news published yesterday it appeared that the secession ordinance was defeated by a vote of 39 to 35; but on reconsideration the ordinance was passed, subject to the popular vote, which will probably be for separation. The revolution of late is rapidly gaining ground in the south.

It is a great mistake to suppose that there is in any of the slaveholding States any considerable number of men who are in favor of the Union at all hazards and under all circumstances. With a very few exceptions, the only Union men to be found are conditional Unionists—men who have been prevented from seceding by mere hopes that Congress, or the new administration or the Northern States, would take some action which would lead to a reconstruction of the Union. But as soon as they found that neither the Northern States, nor Congress, nor the new administration, did anything calculated to heal the breach, but on the contrary much to widen it, many of them became secessionists; and it is very evident that ever since the promulgation of the inaugural, which proposes no remedy, but threatens coercion, the secession movement has gained ground in Virginia and all the other slave States. In North Carolina, out of a vote of upwards of 93,000 the majority against holding a secession Convention was less than six hundred. The moment Mr. Lincoln commences his coercive measures he may be prepared to hear of every remaining slave State seceding, one after another.

The telegraphic news from the Missouri State Convention, which we publish elsewhere, indicates not only what that State will do, but all the other slaveholding States, in the contingency of a collision between the federal government and the Confederate States. Through the secession ordinance was voted down for the present on Wednesday, but in yesterday session the following resolution was adopted by a vote of 89 to 6; —’That it is the opinion of this convention Read more

March 22, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

A correspondent suggests that the day Fort Sumter is to be evacuated be made a day of public rejoicing in Charleston - a general holiday, with thanksgiving and an illumination. For our part, we doubt the propriety and good taste of any such grand demonstration. The retirement of seventy men from the possession of a fortress in our harbor, which they have held three months, and leave only because of the difficulty of getting reinforcements and supplies, through the erection of batteries which we, their enemies, have been permitted to construct under their guns, is not, we think, an occasion that will justify, before the world, the flourish of a general jubilation. We may all be glad and thankful that none of our blood has been spilt in our bay, while the coercive intentions of our foes have been foiled here by our preparations. Providence has helped us much. But it seems to us more in accordance with true dignity, the merits of the affair and the habits of Carolinians, not to exhibit the appearance of being overjoyed. A delicate illumination, with a positive prohibition of fire crackers, we should not object to. But the revolution is not yet ended, and we should not begin to halloo too much or too soon.

March 22, 1861; The New York Herald

News from Washington.

WASHINGTON, March 21, 1861.

The failure to evacuate Fort Sumter yesterday, as anticipated, is attributed in administration circles to technical reasons merely. It is now said the evacuation will take place immediately.

A crisis will soon arrive. Mr. Seward has been in favor of the evacuation of Fort Sumter. After a great amount of labor, he induced Gen. Scott to issue to the Cabinet an opinion that the fort could not be reinforced. This opinion influenced the other members of the Cabinet, with one exception, who viewed the evacuation as a military necessity. Under this influence the Cabinet were induced to submit their opinions to Mr. Lincoln, who has not yet decided whether to order Major Anderson to evacuate Fort Sumter or not. It is most likely that he will issue the order, inasmuch as the matter has gone so far. But it is useless to disguise the fact that nothing but the exertions of Mr. Seward has brought about this state of things.

Mr. Lincoln is puzzled to understand the strange inconsistency in the despatches of Major Anderson before the inauguration and after. Before it he had plenty of provisions and men; after, he was without provisions, could make no fight without more men, and it would be impossible to get either without employing twenty thousand men for land service and a fleet of war vessels. These two statements have been much discussed, and are yet the difficult point to surmount. It would be useless to disguise the fact that it is whispered in executive circles that Major Anderson is suspected of complicity with the secessionists of South Carolina.

A statement that no reinforcements have been sent South, and that no orders have been issued to reinforce Fort Pickens, is considered reliable.

March 22, 1861; The Charleston Mercury

The arrival of a special messenger to Major ANDERSON, last evening, produced some comment and curiosity in the city. The gentleman who was the envoy of the Administration in Washington, is Mr. G.V. FOX, of Massachusetts, formerly of the United States Navy. He was accompanied to Fort Sumter by Capt. HENRY J. HARTSTENE at 8 o’clock p.m. Mr. Fox only remained at Fort Sumter for half an hour, and left for Washington in the 11 p.m. train.

He announced that the object of this mission was simply to hear from Major ANDERSON the exact condition of the garrison. From the shortness of the stay of his Envoy Extraordinary, we presume that it did not take the gallant Major long to give him an inventory of his provisions, &c.

Now as the communication between Fort Sumter and Washington is open to the garrison of the former, are we to believe the object of Mr. FOX’s excursion was simply to ascertain whether Major ANDERSON was in a temper to have his military prestige sacrificed upon the altar of Black Republicanism? By this we would enquire whether it is the intention of LINCOLN and his pack to leave him to eat his last ounce of bread, and then to let loose the Northern howl, which has already commenced, against him for retiring? So far as South Carolina is concerned, we believe that Major ANDERSON will be permitted to salute his flag on hauling it down, and to march out of the fort with his side arms, leaving the property intact. When we remember the disgraceful manner in which the late Administration sneaked out of the San Juan del Norte affair, and turned Commodore PAULDING over to the denunciation of the country for obedience to orders, which he could only construe as he did, and then coolly, a year afterwards, in a State paper, appropriated the whole honor of the affair, we have a right to ask what we have. They can do as they please.

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