Semi-Weekly Raleigh Register
North Carolina
April 24, 1861

We understand that some of the free negroes in this community are alarmed for their personal safety. This alarm is altogether unfounded, for we feel well assured that no free negro who conducts himself properly will suffer any harm. We would suggest to the free negroes here to do as their brethren did at Newbern—volunteer to work in the cause of the State. They can be made useful in working upon forts, magazines, arsenals, breastworks, &c.

Valley Spirit
(Franklin, PA)
April 24, 1861

 “Every man in the community should set his house in order and be ready to meet any event, and assume any duty, that may be required of him in the present struggle to maintain the Constitution and Laws of his country.–The danger is at hand, even at our very doors, and before everything we hold near and dear as patriots is snatched from us we should take the stand that will encourage the timid and cheer on the brave. A formidable band of traitors have broken up the Union and made war against the government. While we considered them friends we battled for their rights in the Union, but when they determine to break up the Union and array themselves as enemies against us, we are their enemies. They are no longer of our household but enemies up in arms against us. Let us then be up and doing and crush the monster before it crushes us. Let us be watchful on every side and allow no man to slumber at his post while the flag of his country is in danger. Let the watch-word of all be— ”READY, AIM, FIRE.”

The New York Herald
April 24, 1861

Some give it ninety days; but we will give it six months. In this armed movement to the South the people of the North are ahead of the government. If Mr. Lincoln wants them he can have 500,000 men in three weeks, and 200 millions of dollars to render the war short, sharp and decisive. In the first place he can march on Richmond from Washington with his troops to restore the authority of United States law. Wherever there is a post office and a custom house at the South the federal government has a right to protect both with any number of troops necessary for the purpose. This is a view of the legality and constitutionality of the action of the administration which seems to be lost sight of at the South. The principal towns would thus be occupied in succession by the advancing army, and that accomplished, the surrounding territory is necessarily reduced to submission to the federal power. The State of Virginia has seized the Custom House at its capital. The federal government has a right to retake it and assert its own authority. In view of the near approach of danger, the Virginia Convention may reconsider the secession ordinance, or perhaps the State may redeem its honor by claiming that it is not yet out of the Union, and by throwing the responsibility on the people who are to vote for it in May, and would probably vote in the negative in order to save their soil from becoming the theatre of war. If Virginia should give way, the other States will be likely to follow her example, and thus, in a short time, the whole South would be restored to the Union. If Virginia resists the contest cannot last very long, considering her large slave population, which will either become fugitives or take up arms against their masters. Slavery would thus be abolished, and abolitionism put an end to at the same time. The majority of the people of the North do not desire to meddle with the slave property of the Southern States; but that war must unavoidably result in its destruction can hardly admit of a doubt. As the principal property in those States consist of slaves, the war will, therefore, necessarily be one of brief duration.

The Charleston Mercury
April 24, 1861

The Richardson Guard left at 11 o’clock last night for Richmond on the Northeastern Railroad. The company was in fine spirits, and are determined to maintain the honor and chivalry of the Palmetto State. We could not obtain a list of the officers and men last night, but we will furnish them at the earliest moment. We know that Captain CHARLES H. AXON and Lieutenant BOAG were of the number. Col. SUBER also left on the same train for the same destination.

The New York Herald,
April 24, 1861

Departure of the Eighth Regiment.—Over A Thousand Men, and a Heavy Battery Embarked on the Alabama and James Adger—Presentation of a Beautiful Flag, &C.

The Eighth regiment, (Washington Greys), New York State Militia, over one thousand strong, and with six six pounders, sailed last evening with sealed orders, to join probably, the forces at Washington. The marching orders were received very unexpectedly on Saturday afternoon, and the men responded to them with the greatest alacrity. Regiments were rapidly mustered, and drilled, new officers to supply vacancies, were elected, and new arms and equipments were amply provided, so that the Eighth started yesterday, one of the most efficient regiments in the service, and ready for almost immediate action.

THE MEN ASSEMBLED At the armory, over Centre street market, as early as six o’clock yesterday morning, and the ranks rapidly filled up until nine o’clock, the hour appointed for the start. The arrangements at the armory were admirable. Policemen were stationed at the door and none but members of the regiment were admitted at first. By this means the men were enabled to equip themselves undisturbed by the crowds of friends and outsiders which have embarrassed almost every other regiment, and to which we shall have occasion to allude frequently in this article. The men went quietly to work, therefore, and were got ready with a facility and comfort almost unparalleled. We have to notice in this regiment the same instances of self devotion and modest heroism now happily becoming so common among our people. The members are mostly mechanics, hardworking, industrious fellows, with no money to spare and with families to provide for. They did the best they could, however, and [continue reading…]

 Daily Times
(Leavenworth, KS)
April 24, 1861

In view of the present dangerous situation of the country, our citizens who speak the French language have formed a military organization for the purpose of sustaining the Constitution of the United States and of Kansas. The name they have chosen is a peculiarly appropriate one. As the noble Lafayette aided in achieving American independence, so, now, those who are by birth his countrymen, are ready to assist in defending the institutions of their adopted land. The Lafayette Guards are a staunch set of men, most of them having already seen service. If called upon we are certain they will render effective support to Kansas and the Union. They number about seventy-five men. The following is a list of the officers:

David Block, Captain; Victor Sauley, 1st Lieutenant; C. Boisse, 2d do; Charles Carli, Ensign; Eugene Pelfresne, Adjutant; Joseph Nicholas, 1st Sergeant; J. Hallaux, 2d do; J. Gill, 3d do; B. Sabate, 4th do.

This will, in a short time, be one of the best companies in the city. Much credit is due to Charlie Carli, Joseph Nicholas, and others, for their efforts in forming it.

(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, New York, 1895)

“Colonel Wilson was among the first to offer his services to the government on the breaking out of the war. He recruited a regiment of nearly twelve ‘hundred men from the rowdy and criminal classes of New York city. The regiment was formally mustered in in the old Tammany Hall, and there, on April 24th, with the men arranged around the room, with the officers in the centre, the colonel, with a sword in one hand and the American flag in the other, led the men into swearing to ‘support the flag and never to flinch from its path through blood or death.’ The Zouaves, a few days afterward, left for the South.”

_________

Col. William Wilson & the 6th New York – Wilson’s Zouaves

From Harper’s Weekly, Sat., May 11 & 18, 1861:

COLONEL WILSON.

COLONEL WILLIAM WILSON, of the ” Wilson Zouaves,” whose portrait we give on this page, is a well-known character in New York. [continue reading…]

Title: Elsworths [sic] Chicago Zouaves, 1861
Creator(s): Waud, Alfred R. (Alfred Rudolph), 1828-1891, artist
Date Created/Published: 1861.
Medium: 1 drawing on brown paper : pencil ; 25.0 x 34.9 cm. (sheet).
Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ppmsca-20834 (digital file from original item, recto) LC-DIG-ppmsca-20835 (digital file from original item, verso)
Rights Advisory: No known restrictions on publication.
Call Number: DRWG/US – Waud, no. 27 (A size) [P&P]
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
Notes:
…..Title inscribed below image.
…..Detailed sketch of part of arch on verso, possibly Wellington Arch, London. Inscribed on top of arch: Well.
…..Ellsworth organized the Chicago Zoauves before the Civil War.
…..Gift, J.P. Morgan, 1919 (DLC/PP-1919:R1.2.27)
…..Forms part of: Morgan collection of Civil War drawings.

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/drwg/item/2004660036/

___________
Mike’s notes:

Note – This image has been digitally adjusted for one or more of the following:
– fade correction,
– color, contrast, and/or saturation enhancement
– selected spot and/or scratch removal
– cropped for composition and/or to accentuate subject

Richmond Enquirer,
April 24, 1861

We rejoice, (says the Lynchburg “Virginia,”) that this distinguished officer and worthy son of Virginia, has withdrawn from Lincoln’s army and thrown himself upon the bosom of his native State. It was what we expected of the man. Capt. Maury has done likewise and thus, these two noble men, the very flower of the Army and Navy of the late United States, respond to the call of their glorious old mother. Sparta never had worthier sons. All honor to them and to the State that furnished them. Let no Coriolanus be found in the army of mercenaries that shall besiege the cities of Virginia. If there should be—even though it were a Scott, whose laurelled brow has towered like the sons of Saul, long a conspicuous object amongst his countrymen—the women may no entreat them, but will execrate their memory. Virginia expects every son of hers, no matter where he has been in the past, to do his duty now in this her hour of trial. If they be true Virginians they will act like Lee and Maury and Forrest have done.

The Alexandria “Gazette,”of Saturday last, and before the fact of Col. Lee’s resignation had transpired, thus referred to him:

It is probable that the secession of Virginia will cause an immediate resignation of many officers of the Army and Navy from this State. We do not know, and have no right to speak for or anticipate the course of Col. Robt. E. Lee. Whatever he may do, will be conscientious and honorable. But if should resign his present position in the Army of the United States, we call the immediate attention of our State to him, as an able, brave, experienced, officer:—no man his superior in all that constitutes the soldier and the gentleman—no man more worthy to head our forces and lead our army. There is no one who would command more of the confidence of the people of Virginia, that this distinguished officer; and no one under whom the volunteers and militia would more gladly rally. His reputation, his acknowledged ability, his chivalric character, his probity, honor and—may we add, to his eternal praise—his Christian life and conduct—make his very name a name of strength.—It is a name surrounded by revolutionary and patriotic associations and reminiscences.

WEDNESDAY 24

Another warm day with some rain in the afternoon. The day has passed off much as yesterday. No troops from the North. No mails since Friday, and in fact no news at all from the North. It is thought that there are troops enough here now for the safety of the City, as matters now look. But large bodies of Virginians have gathered near Alexandria and also north of us, and a decent may be made upon us anytime, but we are geting used to strange things now. I am alone in the room at the office now and have to do all the writing. Charley dined with us today.

The three diary manuscript volumes, Washington during the Civil War: The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865, are available online at The Library of   Congress.

April 24th.—In the morning we found ourselves in chopping little sea-way for which the “Nina” was particularly unsuited, laden as she was with provisions and produce. Eyes and glasses anxiously straining seawards for any trace of the blockading vessels. Every sail scrutinized, but no ‘stars and stripes’ visible.

Our captain–a good specimen of one of the inland-water navigators, shrewd, intelligent, and active–told me a good deal about the country. He laughed at the fears of the whites as regards the climate. “Why, here am I,” said he,” going up the river, and down the river all times of the year, and at times of day and night when they reckon the air is most deadly, and I’ve done so for years without any bad effects. The planters whose houses I pass all run away in May, and go off to Europe, or to the piney wood, or to the springs, or they think they’d all die. There’s Captain Buck, who lives above here,–he comes from the State of Maine. He had only a thousand dollars to begin with, but he sets to work and gets land on the Macamaw River at twenty cents an acre. It was death to go nigh it, but it was first-rate rice land, and Captain Buck is now worth a million of dollars. He lives on his estate all the year round, and is as healthy a man as ever you seen.”

To such historiettes my planting friends turn a deaf ear. ” I tell you what,” said Pringle, “just to show you what kind our climate is. I had an excellent overseer once, who would insist on staying near the river, and wouldn’t go away. He fought against it for more than five-and-twenty years, but he went down with fever at last.” As the overseer was more than thirty years of age when he came to the estate, he had not been cut off so very suddenly. I thought of the quack’s advertisement of the “bad leg of sixty years standing.” The captain says the negroes on the river plantations are very well off. He can buy enough of pork from the slaves on one plantation to last his ship’s crew for the whole winter. The money goes to them, as the hogs are their own. One of the stewards on board had bought himself and his family out of bondage with his earnings. The State in general, however, does not approve of such practices.

At three o’clock p.m., ran into Charleston harbor, and landed soon afterwards.

I saw General Beauregard in the evening; he was very lively and in good spirits, though he admitted he was rather surprised by the spirit displayed in the North. “A good deal of it is got up, however,” he said “and belongs to that washy sort of enthusiasm which is promoted by their lecturing and spouting.” Beauregard is very proud of his personal strength, which for his slight frame is said to be very extraordinary, and he seemed to insist on it that the Southern men had more physical strength, owing to their mode of life and their education, than their Northern “brethren.” In the evening held a sort of tabaks consilium in the hotel, where a number of officers–Manning, Lucas Chesnut, Calhoun, &c.–discoursed of the affairs of the nation. All my friends, except Trescot, I think were elated at the prospect of hostilities with the North, and overjoyed that a South Carolinian regiment had already set out for the frontiers of Virginia.

Wednesday morning, 24th. Reveille at daybreak, when we fell in and stood under arms for half an hour, when, finding everything quiet, and no enemy in sight, we broke ranks and prepared breakfast. Authentic reports came in early that the railroad between this place and the junction has been destroyed, and all the bridges burnt. We have orders to march immediately after breakfast, but cannot do so until transportation for officers’ baggage, ammunition, etc., has been found; the quartermaster is at work, and has many varieties of wagons already engaged, drawn by mules, oxen, cows, and horses. The camp is still abundantly supplied by the colored folks with eatables, and we have filled our haversacks with boiled eggs, corn bread, and home-made pies.

The following statement in Hayes’s handwriting, evidently prepared about this time, shows what plans the citizens of Cincinnati were making to defend the city against possible attack from Kentucky.

To be ready on the day that Kentucky secedes to take possession of the hills on the Kentucky side which command Cincinnati, or the approaches to it, and prepare to hold them against any force.

a. Regiments ready to cross on short notice with arms; ammunition, provisions, tools, etc., for entrenching; cannon, boats, and all essentials.

b. Cut off telegraphic communication south from Covington and Newport.

c. Also railroad communication.

d. Take all boats; fortify all hills, etc.

e. The prevention of raids to rob banks, etc.

Spies to Frankfort with passwords for dispatches, etc.

RALEIGH, April 24, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER

You shall have from one to ten thousand volunteers in a few days, with arms, and I wish them to go as State troops. Many of our men will enlist in Confederate Army. Will have a regiment ready in four days. Funds will be required for transportation, as I cannot lawfully draw on the State treasury for this purpose. I am anxious to send at least three regiments. Our legislature will meet in few days. I will not await, however.

JOHN W. ELLIS.

April 24.–Martial music is heard everywhere, day and night, and all the trappings and paraphernalia of war’s decorations are in great demand. The ladies are sewing everywhere, even in the churches. But the gay uniforms we see to-day will change their hue before the advent of another year. All history shows that fighting is not only the most perilous pursuit in the world, but the hardest and the roughest work one can engage in. And many a young man bred in luxury, will be killed by exposure in the night air, lying on the damp ground, before meeting the enemy. But the same thing may be said of the Northmen. And the arbitrament of war, and war’s desolation, is a foregone conclusion. How much better it would have been if the North had permitted the South to depart in peace! With political separation, there might still have remained commercial union. But they would not.

24 April

       Charles writes to Papa that he has been ill with Dysentry, he was better, and had been so kindly treated by Mr Nightengale and Comodere Tatnel. He says after this his letters are to be directed to Captain Morris.—He is in charge of the Warship. He had a very fine colt at Papa’s which in this letter he requested Papa to send to him as he wished to present it to Mr Nightengale.—The colt died just a few days since, and I am sorry for Charles’ loss, but I do not think Mr N. would like to accept such a present: as his daughter has refused Charles.—

       Mrs Butles had joined a party going North, the journey was to be very long, round by Tenasee . The Cumberland river, Ohio river to Pitsburg in Pennsylvania.—

       Mr John Elliott’s Father preached for us & gave the Communion on Sunday, the son is a better preacher.—The old gentleman looks stuffy and fading away, as we all are.—The mails are stopped from the North, and consequently we are quite at a loss for news; the last accounts were very warlike, from Maryland there had been a meeting between the people of Baltamore & the troops coming from New York & Pennsylvania, ordered to Washington by Mr Lincoln. Lewis is trying now to get his Company, the St Paul’s Rifles to volunteer to go to Virginia in the 1 Regiment, Col. Johnston Petigrew commander. They don’t seem so willing, these men, as the Officers & Lewis have been going round the Parish to try and get the complement of men. On Saturday they had 12, including Officers, and they require 45. I don’t think they have much chance.

       Lewis seems to have been very unsuccessful in his plans up here, he tried raising hogs and finding it would not pay has sold out to some man in the Pineland who I am sure will never pay him, his whole stock for $80.—

1. Maryland’s ex-senator (1845-1849) and recent delegate to the Peace Conference wrote on April 24 that he desired an answer to his letter of April 22 before he left Washington. A contemporary copy of the earlier letter made by Joseph Holt, in the Lincoln Papers, reads in part as follows: “. . . The existing excitement and alarm . . . of my own State and of Virginia are owing . . . to an apprehension that it is your purpose to use the military force you are assembling in this District for the invasion of . . . these States . . .”

–A remarkable feature in the present war excitement is the alacrity with which citizens of foreign birth or origin, and even those who are not naturalized at all, are hastening to the defence of the Government and the national flag. There is hardly a foreign country represented in the North, the children whereof are not organizing regiments and tendering their services to the Government. –N. Y. Herald, April 27.

–Rumors of an attack on Fort Pickens continue to receive credence in some quarters.

–The Portsmouth (Va.) Transcript of the 23d April says:–”Despatches received last night give important and glorious news. Fort Pickens was taken by the South. The loss on our side is said to be heavy. One despatch states the loss on the side of the South at 2,500 men; but the victory is ours.”

Immediately after the above, the Baltimore Sun says that it is enabled to state “on the authority of a private despatch, received in this city last night, that the report of the battle is incorrect.”

–The Twenty-fifth Regiment of N. Y. State Militia, from Albany, with a party of regulars and one hundred and seventy-five men of the Seventh New York Regiment left New York for the seat of war– N. Y. Tribune, April 25.

–A volunteer company was organized at Sag Harbor, and $3,000 subscribed by the citizens for the benefit of the families of the volunteers.–Idem, April 26.

–Daniel Fish, gunmaker, of the city of New York, was arrested and handed over to the custody of the United States Marshal on a charge of treason, and misprision of treason, in having sent off large quantities of arms for the use of the Southern traitors. The correspondence and bills of lading found in his possession abundantly sustain the charge. A man calling himself Dr. Sabo, was also arrested, and is now in the bands of the United States authorities for recruiting men for the Southern navy. The papers which he used for the purpose were headed “United States of America,” and purported to be authorized by the United States Collector and Naval Officer of Charleston. As there are no such officers at that port acting in behalf of the United States of America, it is evident that the intention was to enlist men under a false pretence, and, after getting them to Charleston, impress them into the service of the C. S. A.–N. Y. Tribune, April 25.

–Messrs. Hotchkiss & Sons, of Sharon, Connecticut, offered the Governor of their State a bronze rifled cannon, (16-pounder,) and all of their patent projectiles which can be fired from it during the war. Gov. Buckingham has accepted the gift. They also offered to produce additional rifled cannon and projectiles at cost–Idem.

–Beriah Magoffin, Governor of Kentucky, issued a proclamation calling upon the State to place herself in a state of defence; and convening the Legislature on the 6th day of May, to take such action as may be necessary for the general welfare.–(Doc. 94.)

–The Navy Department at Washington signified its approbation of the loyalty, spirit, and good conduct of William Conway, an aged seaman, doing duty as Quartermaster in the Warrington Navy Yard, Florida, at the time of its surrender, in promptly and indignantly refusing to obey, when ordered by Lieutenant F. B. Renshaw to haul down the national flag.–National Intelligencer, May 3.

–There was an immense Union meting at Detroit, Michigan. General Cass presided and delivered a short but effective speech.–(Doc. 95.)

–Two thousand federal troops are stationed at Cairo, Illinois. Of these, says the Charleston Courier of the 30th April, “fully three hundred are supposed to be negroes, and the remainder have been picked up from the gutters of Chicago, and among the Dutch. A force of one thousand firm-hearted Southern men would drive them from the place, if the attack was properly made.”

–The members of the Brown High School at Newburyport, Mass., raised the American flag near their school building in the presence of a large concourse of citizens. Patriotic speeches were made by Caleb Cushing and others.–(Doc. 96.)

–John Letcher, governor of Virginia, issued a proclamation authorizing the release of all private vessels and property seized by the State except the steamships Jamestown and Yorktown; advising the people to return to their usual avocations, promising them protection, and appealing to them “not to interfere with peaceable, unoffending citizens who preserve the peace and conform to our laws.”–(Doc. 97.)

Civil War Portraits—Leaders, Influencers, and the Incidentally Important #007

Robert Augustus Toombs (July 2, 1810 – December 15, 1885) was an American lawyer, planter, and national politician from Georgia who became one of the organizers of the Confederacy and served as its first Secretary of State under President Jefferson Davis. He also served in the Confederate States Army, but later became one of Davis’ critics. After the Confederate defeat, Toombs fled the United States. He did not return until 1867, after his daughter’s death. He regained political power in Georgia as Congressional Reconstruction ended in 1877.

A lawyer by training, Toombs gained renown in the antebellum years as an orator in the U.S. House of Representatives, and later in the U.S. Senate. A slaveholder, he found common ground with fellow-Georgian Alexander H. Stephens and advocated states’ rights and the extension of slavery to western territories. Toombs supported the Compromise of 1850, but later advocated secession. Toombs had emotive oratory and a strong physical presence, but his intemperate habits and volatile personality limited his career. In the newly formed Confederate Government, Toombs was appointed Secretary of State. He criticized the attack on Fort Sumter, which put him at odds with President Jefferson Davis (whose position he had coveted), and he quit the administration to join the Confederate States Army. He became a Brigadier-General, and was wounded at the Battle of Antietam. In 1863, Toombs resigned his commission in the Confederate Army to join the Georgia militia. He was subsequently denied higher promotion and resigned as he continued to feud with Davis. When the war ended, he fled to Cuba. He returned to Georgia in 1867, but refused to request a presidential pardon and was prohibited from holding political office until after the Reconstruction era ended. (Read more on Wikipedia)

Library of Congress Prints & Photographs

Title: [Robert Tombs (sic), Senator from Georgia, Thirty-fifth Congress, half-length portrait]
Creator(s): Vannerson, Julian, 1827-, photographer
Date Created/Published: [1859]
Medium: 1 photographic print : salted paper ; 19.7 x 14.3 cm.
Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ppmsca-26697 (digital file from original item)
Rights Advisory: No known restrictions on publication.
Call Number: Illus. in JK1012.M35 1859 (Case X) [P&P]
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
Notes:

• Illus. in: McClees’ gallery of photographic portraits of the senators, representatives & delegates of the thirty-fifth Congress… Washington: McClees & Beck, [1859], page 158.
• Each item includes subject’s original signature in ink.
• Title devised by Library staff based on name provided in book’s index.

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2010649197/

April 23, 1861

Virginia, God Bless Her!

We are prouder than ever of the land of our birth. Virginia gives this day satisfactory assurance to the world that she has not the breed of noble blood. Her long patience and forbearance under wrongs and injuries will not henceforth be construed into timidity or a time-serving policy, by the world, or by any portion thereof. She has defined her position in characters of living light. At the first open declaration of hostilities on the part of the Northern aggressor, she defiantly displays in his presence her time-honored flag, with its motto so suggestive to all Tyrants.

Her sons, from the sea-shore to the mountains, come forth with unexampled enthusiasm to uphold standard sheet at the risk of life, fortune and sacred honor. The moment Virginia calls upon her sons to come to her rescue, the voice of party and of faction is hushed, to be heard no more till her battle shall be fought and her victory won. The call of Lincoln for 2300 troops from this State, to assist him in reducing our sisters of the South to subjugation, will be responded to by forty times that number, if need be, to assist in teaching him and his councillors a lesson of humility which they will never forget. The spirit of patriotism which animated our forefathers in the days of old, still burns in the hearts of their son! God bless the old Commonwealth!

An Exciting Scene in Richmond.

When the report reached Richmond, about half past 12 o’clock today, (Sunday,) that the United States Steamship Pawnee, loaded with Federal troops, was on her way up James River, the bell at the capitol was tolled immediately, as a signal for the assembling of the Volunteers of the city. The scene at the different churches was very exciting, and many of the ladies were quite unnerved. Quiet, however, was soon restored. The volunteers immediately responded to the call, and preparations were made for a gallant defence. We are only afraid, however, that the report of this Federal Steamer movements is NOT TRUE. In any United States vessel is sent to this city on a hostile errand, we verily believe that she will never return under the same colors.

P.S.—As our extra is about to be put to press, the military force of this city is being concentrated at Rocketts, in the lower part of the city and near the wharves.

A large body of citizens are also in the ranks, well armed. A number of rifled guns are to be placed in position, and everything is being got ready to give the invaders as warm a reception as possible.

Evacuation of the Navy Yard.—The Guns Spiked.

(From the ‘Norfolk Herald.’)

Arms and Government Stores Destroyed.

On Saturday and Sunday the greatest excitement prevailed in the city. Troops were hurrying to and fro, and every one anxious to know what was to be done, but unable to obtain the desired information. The rumor was that the Cumberland was about to sail from the Navy Yard, and preparations were made to prevent her.

At 12 o’clock an officer came from the yard, bearing a flag of truce, and was conducted to Gen. Taliaferro’s Head-Quarters at the Atlantic Hotel, where a consultation was held which resulted in a promise from the commandant of the yard, Com. Macauley, that none of the vessels should be removed nor a shot fired except in self defence. The quieted the excitement, but it was renewed at a later hour, when it was ascertained that the Germantown and Merrimac had been scuttled, and that the heavy shears on the wharf at which the Germantown was lying had been cut away and allowed to fall midships across her decks, carrying away the main topmasts and yards. It was also perceived that the men were busily engaged in destroying and throwing overboard side and small arms, &c, and other property, and boats were constantly passing between the Pennsylvania, Cumberland and other vessels. The assurance of the Commodore, given by his officer at the truce interview, however, tended to allay the apprehension of an immediate collision.—But the continued stirring movements at the yard, soon rendered it certain that it was the intention of Macauley to destroy all the buildings and other property there, and it was therefore with not much surprise that, about midnight, after two or three slight explosions the light of a serious conflagration was observed at the yard. This continued to increase, and before daylight the demon work of destruction was extended to the immense ship houses known as A and B, (the former containing the entire frame of the New York 74, which had been on the stocks unfinished, for some thirty-eight years,) and also to the long ranges of two story offices and stores on each side of the main gate of the yard. The flames and heat from this tremendous mass of burning material, was set by a South-west wind directly towards the line of vessels moored on the edge of the channel opposite the yard, and nearly all of these, too, were speedily enveloped in flames.

The scene at this time was grand terrific beyond description. The roar of the conflagration was loud enough to be heard at three or four miles distance—and to this were added occasional discharges from the heavy guns of the old Pennsylvania, ship-of-the-line, as they became successively heated. These guns, it is asserted, were double-shotted and directed at different parts of the yard, for the purpose of ensuring its complete demolishment. This, however, is certain—that if all her guns had been thus prepared and directed, the district’ could not have been more completely cleared of its appurtenances.

THE CUMBERLAND AND PAWNEE.

As soon as the torch had been successfully applied to the ship houses, the Pawnee, which had been kept under steam from the moment of her arrival about nightfall on Saturday, was put in motion, and, taking the Cumberland in tow, retreated down the harbor out of the reach of danger, freighted with a great portion of valuable munitions, &c, from the yard, and the Commodore and other officers who had won for themselves the inglorious distinction of destroying devils in accomplishing such a vandal work. The ships proceeded as far down as the barricades at the narrows, where the Cumberland was left at anchor, and the Pawnee continued on to Fort Monroe.

THE PROPERTY DESTROYED.

As far as we could judge from a cursory observation, the property destroyed embraced besides the ship houses and contents, the range of buildings on the North line of the yard, (except the Commodore’s and Commander’s residences, which are unhurt,) the old marine barracks and one or two workshops, the immense lifting shears, the ships Pennsylvania, Merrimac, Raritan, Columbia, and brig Dolphin—burnt to the water’s edge; the sloop Germantown, broken and sunk; the Plymouth, settled and sunk even with her deck; and a vast amount of small arms, chronometers, and valuable engines and machinery in the Ordinance and other shops, broken up and rendered utterly useless.

THE DRY DOCK.

Appearances indicated that it was intended to cripple this admirable and useful work, by blowing up the gates, but from some cause this was not done, and the dock was found to be altogether unhurt.

We cannot bring ourselves to believe that any officer of a Navy, distinguished by a high sense of honor and chivalrous courage, could willingly condescend to such an inglorious mode of warfare as this. We rather regard it as an emanation from the wretched cabal at Washington, and a practical carrying out of the tactics laid down by the villainous Sumner and other orators of the Black Republican party. Burn, sink and destroy is the word with them.

Destruction of Buildings and Property at Harper’s Ferry.

We learn by a passenger who arrived here in Richmond on Saturday that John Seddon, Esq., (member of the Virginia Legislature from Stafford county,) had been detailed with a body of Virginia troops to visit Harper’s Ferry, and proceeded to that place on Friday last.

When Mr. Seddon arrived at Harper’s Ferry, the citizens of that place, under the impression that the State authorities were about to make an unlawful seizure of their property, to the number of some two hundred and fifty or three hundred thousand, opposed the supposed invasion of their rights. On the arrival of three hundred Virginia troops, the Federal troops fearing they would be overpowered, fired the armory and evacuated it. As soon as this was done, the citizens of Harper’s Ferry saw the mistake they had made and with the State troops rushed forward to extinguish the fire and save the property within the armory, which they succeeded in doing in a great measure.

All of the machinery was saved uninjured, and 5,000 of the improved patent muskets were saved, and are now on the way to Richmond.

All of the buildings at Harper’s Ferry, and 9,000 of the old smooth bore muskets were destroyed.

There are now 2,300 State troops guarding Harper’s Ferry.

Plant Provisions.

It is particularly recommended and earnestly urged that our planters and farmers should put in large crops of provisions. We may be at the commencement of a long war, and it is essential to have full supplies for our people and troops. We must depend on ourselves, and may have no other source of supply but our own soil.

Our neighbor and friend of the ‘Whit,’ himself a practical farmer, and a gentleman of observation and foresight, in matters of wisdom,’ has the following suggestion to farmers:

At this present writing, the indications are, that everything eatable will bear a high price for the next twelve or eighteen months. The enlistment of armies on a grand scale will withdraw many from the pursuits of agriculture, and thereby diminish the product. Armies are, moreover, very profuse consumers, and require a much greater amount of food to keep them in game cock trim, than the same number of men in the ordinary vocations of life. We may, therefore, anticipate an unusual demand for meat and breadstuffs of every description. It is yet time for the Virginia farmers to enlarge their crops of corn, and they would probably act wisely in devotion the greater portion of their labor this year to the cultivation of that crop.

Apart from the disturbed condition of our own country, the old stocks of cereals are quite exhausted in Europe, and the late news foreshadows a war on a gigantic scale on that side of the water. With wars and scarcity in both Hemispheres, the price of bread will only be limited by the capacity to pay.

Virginians, To Arms!

For the third time in your history—a period of two hundred and forty one years—you are called upon to take up arms in defence of your homes against the invasion of a foreign foe. For the third time since the settlement of Jamestown, every Virginian is now called upon to battle for his State, his property, his honor, his life, and the lives of those dearer to him than life.

The following official document has been sent to us from the Executive Department for publication.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

RICHMOND, APRIL 20, 1861.

In obedience to a Resolution of the Convention, the injunction of secrecy having been removed, the following section of an Ordinance passed by the Convention is published for the information of the public:

‘Be it ordained, That the Governor of this Commonwealth be, and he is hereby, authorized and required to call into the service of the State as many volunteers as may be necessary to repel invasion and protect the citizens of the State in the present emergency, which volunteers he will receive in companies and organize into Regiments, Brigades and Divisions, according to the force required, and the Governor shall appoint and commission the general, field and staff officers of said volunteers, and proceed to have them organized and instructed. And that he shall immediately invite all efficient and worthy Virginians, and residents of Virginia, in the Army and Navy of the United States, to retire therefrom, and to enter the service of Virginia, assigning to them such rank as will not reverse the relative rank held by them in the United States service, and will at least be equivalent thereto.’

By order of the Governor,

GEORGE W. MUNFORD,

Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The following Proclamation was issued by Gov. Letcher yesterday:

By the Governor of Virginia,

A PROCLAMATION.

By virtue of authority vested in the Executive by the Convention, I JOHN LETCHER, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, do hereby order that each Volunteer Company, equipped and armed, whether of Infantry, Artillery or Riflemen, in the counties lying West of the city of Richmond, between Richmond the Blue Ridge and in the Valley of Virginia from the county of Rockbridge to the Tennessee line, establish forthwith on the lines of speedy communication a rendezvous and hold themselves in readiness for immediate orders. Telegraph or send by express to the Executive the name of Captains, number of men and description of force. It is further ordered that officers of all grades on the line of the Potomac river render obedience to the orders of Gen. PHILIP ST. GEORGE COCKE, who has been assigned to the command of that section of the military operations of the State bounded by said river.

{L.S.} Given under my hand, as Governor and

under the Seal of the Commonwealth at

Richmond, 21st April, 1861, and in the

85th year of the Commonwealth.

{Signed} JOHN LETCHER.

By the Governor, GEORGE W. MUNFORD,

Secretary of the Commonwealth.

April 23, 1861

Our Montgomery Correspondence.

MONTGOMERY, April 17, 1861.

Notwithstanding many hard things have been said, I am inclined to believe, from conversation with prominent men, that Major ANDERSON is not generally censured for his course in regard to Fort Sumter. The fact of his being denounced as a traitor at the North, should cause us to examine closely into the motive for his acts. Here he is regarded as a good soldier, a brave officer, a man of honor, and his name is coupled with praise except by those who blame him for not resigning his commission upon the election of LINCOLN. So long as his native State remained in the Union, and adhered to the Government of the United States, no real dishonor could be attached to the man for clinging to its fortunes. Undoubtedly all his feelings and sympathies are strongly with the South, but his high sense of duty would not allow him to betray the trust given him by his Government until properly relieved. Standing as Major ANDERSON now does—an enemy to this Government—we do not have that interest in his welfare that we otherwise would; still, no injustice should be done a brave and gallant soldier, no matter to what Government he owes allegiance.

General PILLOW, who came here a few days since to offer the service of ten thousand Tennessee volunteers, returned yesterday. The Secretary of War has accepted the offer, and General PILLOW will at once put them into the field, subject to the order of the Confederate States. In connection with the fact that LINCOLN’S Government made an unsuccessful attempt to call out soldiers from the Border States, I may mention that bona fide offers of volunteers from each of these States are now on file in the War Department, which offers will be accepted if occasion requires.

The question is often asked by Captains of volunteer corps when the Secretary of War will put them into service, and to what point they will be sent. Letters upon this subject are received daily from all parts of the country. This comes of a misunderstanding of the objects and construction of the Provisional Army. For all such information the Governor of each State should be applied to, for the Confederate States receives only such troops as are tendered by each State, armed and equipped, according to the provisions of the Bill authorizing a call for volunteers.

A few additional appointments have been made in the Navy; the following is a list of them: [continue reading…]

Memphis Daily Appeal
April 23, 1861

Editors Appeal: Will you be so kind as to offer through your columns to the various military companies now forming in the city, our services for the making of uniforms, or other necessary articles. Our meeting will be held at Union chapel, at 10 o’clock A.M. of each day for the present week, where all work designed for us must be sent. The ladies, generally, not interested in other associations, are invited to meet with us, and thus encourage our husbands, sons and brothers in their noble effort to defend our homes.

Mrs. J. M. Patrick, Mrs. J. Flaherty, Mrs. S. W. Vernon, Mrs. A. Webb, Mrs. Coleman, and others.

 Staunton Spectator
(Staunton, VA.)
April 23, 1861

The Town Council on Wednesday, the 17th inst., made an appropriation of $3,000 for the purchase of 100 fire-arms, equipments and ammunition, for the use of the “Home Guard” in Staunton, and $500, to be applied to the wants of the families of the soldiers who have been or will be called into service, and appointed a police of ten for each night till the May Court.