Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

Whereas seven of the States formerly composing a part of the United States, have, by authority of their people, solemnly resumed the powers granted by them to the United States, and have framed a Constitution and organized a Government for themselves, to which the people of those States are yielding willing obedience, and have so notified the president of the United States by all the formalities incident to such action, and thereby become to the United States a separate, independent and foreign power. And, whereas, the Constitution of the United States has invested Congress with the sole power declare war, and until such declaration is made, the President has no authority to call for an extraordinary force to wage offensive war against any foreign power; and whereas on the 15th inst., the President of the United States, in plain violation of the Constitution, has issued a proclamation calling for a force of seventy five thousand men, to cause the laws of the United States to be duly executed over a people who are no longer a part of the Union, and in said proclamation threatens to exert this unusual force to compel obedience to his mandates; and whereas the General Assembly of Virginia, by a majority approaching to entire unanimity, has declared at its last session, that the State of Virginia would consider such an exertion of force as a virtual declaration of war, to be resisted by all the power at the command of Virginia; and subsequently the Convention now in session, representing the sovereignty of this State, has reaffirmed in substance the same policy, by almost equal unanimity; and whereas the State of Virginia deeply sympathizes with the Southern States, in the wrongs they have suffered, and in the position they have assumed; and having made earnest efforts peaceably to compose the differences which have severed the Union, and have failed in that attempt through this unwarranted act on the part of the President; and it is believed that the influences which operate to produce this proclamation against the seceded States will be brought to bear upon this Commonwealth, if she should exercise her undoubted right to resume the powers granted by her people, and it is due to the honor of Virginia that an improper exercise of force against her people should be repelled: Therefore I, John Letcher, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, have thought proper to order all armed volunteer regiments or companies within this State forthwith to hold themselves in readiness for immediate orders, and upon the reception of this proclamation to report to the Adjutant General of the State their organization and numbers, and prepare themselves for efficient service. Such companies as are not armed and equipped will report that fact, that they may be properly supplied. (L.S.) In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 17th day of April 1861, and in the 85th year of the Commonwealth.

JOHN LETCHER.

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 19.—The Alexandria Gazette of this morning confirms the rumor, prevalent here yesterday, to the effect that a body of Virginia troops were marching upon Harper’s Ferry this morning.

About 400 Pennsylvania troops and Sherman’s battery of flying artillery arrived here tonight.

The Proclamation of Gov. LETCHER, of Virginia, denouncing LINCOLN’S course, acknowledging the independence of the Confederate States, calling out the whole volunteer force of the State to be ready for immediate service, and refusing to furnish any quota to LINCOLN’S coercion army, has caused a great sensation here.

The rapid increase in the number of the Southern resignations is very perplexing to the Administration.

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

There are some curious coincidences in South Carolina history, between past and present, which deserve remembrance. South Carolina was the first of the Colonies to declare an independent State Constitution in the days of the Revolution. South Carolina was the first State to secede from the late Confederacy and declare an independent Constitution. South Carolina was the first State in the Revolution of 1776 to beat the enemy. This was done in Charleston harbor. South Carolina was the first of the seceding States in 1861 to obtain a triumph over the Abolition invader and usurper, and again in Charleston harbor! All the fights in the Revolution in 1776—Lexington and Bunker Hill—were American defeats. That of Fort Moultrie was a victory! Fort Moultrie in 1776 set fire to the British vessels. The same fortress had a large part in firing Fort Sumter. South Carolina at the close of the Revolution, had been so liberal that she was the largest creditor State in the Confederacy at the end of the war. At the present moment her expenditures far exceed those of any one State in the Southern Confederacy, and this without including those large annual expenditures for ordnance and arms which she began in 1832, and which, perhaps, has found her, in the present conflict, better prepared for battle than any of her sister States.

There is one point of great importance, in which the coincidence utterly fails. In 1776, her people, half of whom were born in Great Britain, and had only recently come to this country, were nearly equally divided. Now, she stands erect, ready to meet the enemy, with united columns; her people all feeling and prepared as one man! In 1776, she could only bring, all told, about 12,000 men into the field; now she can bring 60,000.—And such men! a land fight would show; and, if our brave boys do not utterly drive the invaders into the sea, we shall be greatly disappointed in the souls and sinews that now keep guard over our islands. A more wanton invasion, more brutal, without right and reason, was never exhibited in history! And our boys are defending their homes, their firesides, their women and children, against a foe who has been slandering, reviling, and robbing us for more than thirty years! If we do not give a good account of these wretches now, it will be because they will be chary to offer us the opportunity. We have to revenge the wrongs of thirty years. And the brood of MOULTRIE, MARION, SUMTER and PICKENS, will furnish us with new coincidences!

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

South Carolina will aid Virginia with two regiments of her victorious troops to maintain the bold position which she has assumed against Federal usurpation. We understand that the regiment of Col. MAXCY GREGG, and the regiment of Col. PETTIGREW, have been selected for this service. Of course these regiments will have an opportunity of voting for or against the service, but no one doubts the result. Both regiments will be en route, in a few days for the scene of their future laurels.

–Last night a mob from Baltimore, lying in wait for the train from Philadelphia, at Canton, fired a pistol at the engineer, who stopped the train. The crowd, compelling the passengers to leave the cars, occupied the train, and forced the engineer to take them back to Gunpowder Bridge. There the train was stopped, and the crowd set fire to the draw of the bridge and waited till that portion was burned; returning to Bush River Bridge, the draw was likewise burned. The mob then returned to Canton Bridge and burned that. The train then conveyed the mob to the President-street station.–Phila. Press.

–The Charleston Courier of to-day contains an account of the damage done by Fort Sumter to Fort Moultrie and the surrounding property. It says the fire was “terribly destructive, and, when viewed in connection with the fact that no life was lost, is the most extraordinary case ever recorded in history.”–(Doc. 73.)

–A mass meeting of citizens in support of the Union, the Constitution and the Government, was held in Union Square, New York City. It was called by leading citizens without distinction of party.–(Doc. 73 ½)

–John C. Brekenridge, Ex-Vice-President, addressed a large audience at Louisville, Ky., this afternoon, denouncing President Lincoln’s proclamation as illegal, and saying that he could not make his 75,000 men efficient until after the meeting of Congress. He proposed that Kentucky present herself to Congress on the Fourth of July through her Senators and Representatives, and protest against the settlement of the present difficulties of the country by the sword–meanwhile that Kentucky call a State Convention to aid her Congressmen in presenting such a protest. Should that fail, however, it was the duty and the interest of Kentucky to unite her fortunes with the South. –N. Y. Times, April 22.

–The Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts militia landed at Fortress Monroe, Va., from the steamer State of Maine.–(Doc. 74.)–J. B. B. in the N. Y. Times, April 22.

–The citizens of Taunton, Mass., presented Major Robert Anderson a sword, “as an expression of their admiration of his courage, loyalty, and devotion to the country.” The presentation was made by Capt. W. C. Lovering at the Brevoort House in New York.–Tribune, April 22.

–Union meetings were held at Schenectady, Hudson, Utica, Waverley, and Dunkirk, N. Y; Stockbridge, Mass.; Bridgeport, Conn.; Springfield and Chicago, Ill. During the proceedings at Chicago, at the suggestion of Judge Mannierre, the whole audience raised their right hands and took the oath of allegiance to the Union, repeating the oath after the Judge.–Detroit Free Press.

–A southern merchant writes to a correspondent in New York:

“–, Tenn, April 20, 1861.

“Gentlemen: Our note to you for $187 12–100, due to-day, has not been paid.

“We deeply regret the necessity that impels us to say, that during the existence of this war we are determined to pay no notes due our northern friends.”–Evening Post.

–The St. Nicholas, a steamer plying between Washington and Baltimore, was seized at the former place this morning for prudential purposes.–National Intelligencer.

–Hiram Sibley, President of the Western Union, and T. R. Walker, President, and J. D. Reid, Superintendent of the New York, Albany and Buffalo Telegraph Companies, issued orders that no messages, ordering arms or munitions of war, will be received by their companies unless for the defence of the Government of the United States, and endorsed by the Mayor of the City from which it proceeds. Messages in cypher, excepting despatches from the Press of the U. S. officers of the Government, will be refused.

The Toronto Globe of this morning has a long article on the relations between England and the United States, advocating a sincere and firm alliance, forgetting all past differences, and says that the North has a just cause; that the permanent good will of the American people is worth striving for, and hopes to see the rebellion put down and the traitors dealt with as they deserve.–Louisville Democrat, April 21.

–The Missourians seized the United States Arsenal at Liberty, Mo., and garrisoned it with 100 men. In the arsenal were 1,300 stand of arms, ten or twelve pieces of cannon, and quite an amount of powder.

Two thousand stand of arms were furnished the citizens of Leavenworth from the arsenal at Fort Leavenworth, and the commander at that post accepted the services of 800 volunteers to guard the arsenal pending the arrival of troops from Fort Kearney.–Times, April 22.

–The Council of Wilmington, Delaware, appropriated $8,000 to defend the city, and passed resolutions approving of the President’s proclamation. Also, asking the Governor to issue a proclamation for the same purpose. The Brandywine bridges and all on the road between Susquehanna and Philadelphia are guarded, and workmen have been sent to repair the bridges destroyed on the Northern Central road.–Phila. Enquirer.

–Governor Curtin of Pennsylvania issued a proclamation calling a meeting of the State Legislature for the 30th of April, “to take into consideration and adopt such measures as the present emergencies may demand.”–(Doc. 75.) –Phila. Press.

–A letter was received at Philadelphia from Governor Letcher, of Virginia, offering $30,000 to the patentee of the bullet mould. The reply was “no money can purchase it against the country.”–Evening Post.

–An enthusiastic Union meeting was held at Middletown, Orange County, N. Y., this evening. The assemblage was presided over by Moses H. Corwin, a veteran of the war of 1812, and speeches were made by C. C. McQuoid, A. H. Byington, Charles H. Van Wyck and others. Mr. Van Wyck announced the fact of his having “enlisted for the war,” and with his company, just organized at Newburgh, he should proceed to Washington as a regular, if he had to walk all the way.–Tribune, April 23.

–The steamship, Star of the West, was taken into New Orleans as a prize to the Confederate States Government.–(Doc. 76.)

–Gosport Navy Yard, opposite Norfolk, Va., with stores, timber, munitions of war, etc., was burned by the U. S. officers in charge, to prevent its falling into the hands of the Secessionists, who occupied Norfolk and Portsmouth in force under Gen. Taliefero. The U. S. liners Pennsylvania, 74 guns; Delaware, 74; Columbus, 74; steam frigate Merrimac, 44; frigate Raritan, 45; frigate Columbia, 44; sloop Germantown, 21; sloop Plymouth, 22; brig Dolphin, 8; a powder-boat, and the frigate United States, (in ordinary.) It being impossible to get them out of the harbor, they were scuttled, and were also fired.

The frigate Cumberland was towed out by the steam-tug Yankee. The value of the property destroyed is estimated at $50,000,000.–(Doc. 77.)– Times, April 24.

April 20, 1861

• Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the United States Army in order to command the forces of the state of Virginia.
• Guyandotte (city) calls for the state to approve the secession actions of the Virginia legislature.

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America¹

• Great Union Mass Meeting in New York.
• Branch mint at Charlotte, N. C., seized by the rebels.
• Bridges on the Northern Central Railroad and other railroads (in Maryland) burned.
• Arsenal at Liberty, Mo., seized by rebels.
• Gosport (Va.) Navy Yard partially destroyed to keep it from the rebels. Property valued at $25,000,000 lost. Eleven U. S. vessels, 21,398 tons, and carrying 602 guns, scuttled. The “Cumberland” was towed out.

1. A Chronological History of the Civil War in America by Richard Swainson Fisher, New York, Johnson and Ward, 1863

Semi-Weekly Dispatch
(Franklin, PA)
April 19, 1861

The refusal of the Secessionist mob in Charleston, to permit the return of Lieut. Talbot to fort Sumter, was an outrage exactly in keeping with the general course of the Secessionists. The following, copied from an editorial of the Baltimore Clipper, will show that at least some persons South of Mason and Dixon’s Line hold the same opinion. Speaking of the understanding, that the condition of the forts should remain unchanged, it says:

“As far as the administration is concerned, there has been no change in their condition; but in the meantime the secessionists of the South have been busy in concentrating troops around them by thousands. They have put up new batteries and fortifications at every available point. They have availed themselves of the armistice, if armistice it was, to fortify themselves in every respect, and have openly outraged all the rules of modern warfare. In fact they have acted in bad faith, and have most infamously and cowardly broken the pledges that were proposed. They have said to the United States, let us all allow matters to remain as they are until there can be a settlement, and in the meanwhile they have been levying armies and erecting fortifications, which in a state of actual war the forces of the United States would have been fully warranted in attacking. They have asked a truce and have themselves systematically violated it. They have prayed for an armistice, and under the cover of a white flag have been preparing themselves for operations of both offence and defence. They are as they have been from the beginning the violators of the public peace and the fomenters of a civil war, and now they insolently demand that the stars and stripes shall be struck to give place to their miserable Palmetto and Pelican flags, and that two-thirds of the people of this great nation shall SUBMIT to the dictation of a few disappointed locofoco spoilmongers or fight for the supremacy.”

Semi-Weekly Dispatch
(Franklin, PA)
April 19, 1861

There are 1,200 men under arms in Washington, 700 volunteer and 500 regulars. The Volunteer force can be increased to 2,000 at a few hour’s notice. All the approaches to the city are guarded. There is said to be an organized disunion conspiracy in the District, with 700 men enrolled.

Semi-Weekly Dispatch
(Franklin, PA)
April 19, 1861

The capture of Fort Sumter is the first bitter fruit of the vacillating and effeminate Administration of JAS. BUCHANAN. What other results may flow from it, is not to be foretold. The imprecations of a blood-baptized land will, probably, yet be heaped upon his head. May GOD protect the Right, and avert all such horrors from us, or if the worst must come, enable us to meet the emergency with true hearts and willing hands.

 Semi-Weekly Dispatch
(Franklin, PA)
April 19, 1861

As our readers are aware, the Militia Laws of Pennsylvania have ever been very defective. Heretofore no emergency has arisen, which has not been promptly and effectively met, but in the present uncertain aspect of affairs, it become our rulers to look well to our guards, and render efficient every means for the public defence. With such views, Gov. Curtin has issued a message, from which we extract as follows:–

I recommend, therefore, that the Legislature make immediate provision for the removal of these capital defects; that arms be procured and distributed to those of our citizens who may enter into the military service of the State, and that steps be taken to change the guns already distributed, by the adoption of such well known and tried improvements as will render them effective in the event of their employment in actual service.

In this connection, I recommend the establishment of a Military Bureau at the Capitol, and that the militia laws of the Commonwealth be so modified and amended as to impart to the military organization of the State the vitality and energy essential to its practical value and usefulness.

 Semi-Weekly Dispatch
(Franklin, PA)
April 19, 1861

With the deepest anxiety have the American people been watching the transactions of the Administration, since the inauguration of Mr. LINCOLN, with a view to ascertain our true position among the nations, and solve the question, “Have we a Government?” The conditions of affairs toward the close of Mr. BUCHANAN’s career, rendered the question a most absorbing one. Treason stalked abroad in open day in our National Capital; plunder seemed to have become a ruling passion among our officers; he who could dive deepest in the robbery of the public treasury, and, and, in official acts, leave the treason of BENEDICT ARNOLD or AARON BURR furthest in the rear, seemed to enjoy the highest honors. Confusion reigned in Washington.

Since the new Administration has taken charge of the helm of State, in the short space of six weeks, order has been brought out of political confusion, the public offices have been filled with good and true men, a scattered army and a dispersed navy have been gathered together, the public defences have been duly cared for, and in every movement, our new President has thus far shown himself the man.

The consequences of all this firmness and manliness of President LINCOLN may be a war with the so-called Southern Confederacy; but it will merely be an earlier commencement that the end may be the sooner, and will, doubtless, under the Divine blessing, avert from our beloved land, those terrible evils of anarchy, toward which we were so rapidly and fatally drifting. There are worse evils than war. The question is solved, and the fact fully established, for which we nationally and individually should be heartily grateful to high Heaven. We have a Government. Let every patriot be firm in assisting to uphold and sustain it.

Daily Times
(Leavenworth, KS)
April 19, 1861

Early yesterday morning, the steamboat Sam Gaty landed at our Levee, with a “Confederate” flag flying from her jack-staff. As soon as the obnoxious banner was noticed, a crowd collected with the determination to have it hauled down. While they were bringing out “Old Kickapoo” to enforce their demand for its removal, it was taken down. But this did not satisfy the crowd, who regarded the display of a disunion emblem in Leavenworth as an insult to the city. So they went on board the Gaty, and insisted that the flag should be given up. This was at once done, and the “broad bars of the Confederacy” were carried off in triumph. Subsequently, an American flag was procured, and the captain of the Gaty hoisted it with his own hands, thus atoning for the insult he had offered to this community.

While the affair was in progress, the Russell came to the wharf, but before she was permitted to land, the people on shore compelled her to show her colors. She displayed the “stars and stripes,” and as the “banner of beauty and glory” went to the head of the flag-staff, and floated proudly to the breeze, the assembled crowd gave vent to their delight in shouts and cheers.

These incidents were somewhat significant, as showing the sentiment of our citizens. They desire to have peace in Kansas, and would do everything to avoid unnecessary disturbance growing out of the excitement concerning National affairs. But the fact that Kansas is a loyal State must be distinctly understood, and the Union proclivities of her people must be recognized and respected. Otherwise it will be impossible to preserve that order and quiet which is so much to be desired.

Charleston Mercury
April 19, 1861

We suggest to our friends that no more powder should be wasted in salutes and military demonstrations. The tocsin of war has been sounded, and we know not the hour when it may be upon us. It is well, therefore, that we should not only keep our powder dry, but that we should waste as little of it as possible…. and by husbanding all our resources, we shall be better prepared for any emergency that may arise.

New York Herald
April 19, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 18, 1861.

The two dragoon messengers who came in from Virginia in such hot haste late last night, as mentioned in my despatch, brought the intelligence that three large special trains of cars left Alexandria between eight and nine o’clock in the evening. Two of them went in the direction of Richmond; but whether they were going to that place, or were destined to some other place of rendezvous in Virginia, was a matter of some doubt; but that they started upon some secret expedition against the government seemed clear in the minds of the messengers. The third train, containing none but known secessionists, went out on the road leading to Harper’s Ferry.

Following directly upon the report above mentioned the city has been thrown into a state of intense excitement by the report that the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry was seized this morning. But we get no particulars.

In addition to this, two Union members of the Richmond Convention—Messrs. Carlile and Dante—arrived here this forenoon, and report that the excitement was so intense yesterday that seven of the Union members had to leave to escape injury.

Mr. Clemens and four others proceeded on for Western Virginia, but their baggage was retained in Richmond. Mr. Bootts remained there, but is feared by his friends that he will be hung.

A despatch from Norfolk states that the United States ship Yorktown has been taken by the mob, and that they have sunken four or five vessels across the channel at the mouth of Elizabeth river, leading to the Navy Yard.

New York Herald
April 19, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 18, 1861.

The Secretary of the Navy despatched Commodore Paulding some days since to the Gosport Navy Yard, to inspect the movements in and about the yard. The Commodore returned here this evening, direct from the scene of operations. He reports to the Secretary of the Navy that the vessels reported sunk across the channel at the mouth of Elizabeth river are only three light boats; that it was done yesterday, and that they will not obstruct the passage of vessels; that the Merrimac is not outside of the supposed obstruction, but inside, but will remove the vessels as easily as she would remove a web. One or two war vessels are moored a short distance from the dock at the Navy Yard, and their guns will protect the yard. The mouth of the river is also carefully guarded.

Captain Thornton Jenkins, who accompanied Com. Paulding to Gosport, also arrived here this evening, direct from Norfolk. Five sloops are in harbor at Norfolk, with men and arms sufficient to protect and hold the Norfolk Navy Yard. The authorities had given notice to the commander in charge of the yard, that they intended to take it. Captain Jenkins does not believe that it is in the power of the Virginians to capture it. Should they attempt it the vessels would blow them to atoms. The commander, as also those in charge of the vessels, understood the matter fully, and are ready for any emergency.

There is no such vessel as the Yorktown in the navy now. The story evidently emanated from the fact that a New York schooner [continue reading…]

New York Herald
April 19, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 18, 1861.

The war spirit prevails to an alarming extent tonight. Large numbers of strangers, principally office seekers, have formed themselves into companies, and are on duty tonight. General Nye, Cassius M. Clay, and Colonel Butterfield, of the New York Twelfth regiment, are in command of them. The object of this is to protect the city against certain military organizations said to exist in this city, known as the Knights of the Golden Circle.

The Secretary of War today accepted the services of the Twelfth regiment of New York. They will therefore immediately follow the Seventh regiment.

Earnest letters from distinguished parties have been addressed to the Governors of the border States, urging them to assume immediately a neutral position, to prevent further collision between the United and Confederate States, and also that they shall urge upon their sister States to send representatives to Congress, who shall be instructed to propose and aid proper terms of reconciliation. President Davis has also been addressed on the same subject by his personal and political friends, urging a cooperation in this plan, and that he shall do all in his power to suspend hostilities until the people of the whole country can have the opportunity of deciding upon terms of adjustment.

New York Herald
April 19, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 18, 1861.

The question of peace or war, so far as Virginia is concerned, is settled. Gov. Letcher’s reply to the President proclamation is full of war spirit. He emphatically refuses to respond, and defies the government of the United States. He says Virginia accepts the issue of war.

A gentleman, who has just arrived, states that the secession ordinance was passed two days ago. The seven men who voted against it were driven out of the city, and barely escaped with their lives.

The government has just received reliable intelligence that a large force, under command of Governor Wise, was about to start for Washington. The War Department has no doubt of its authenticity. The most active preparations are being made to bring all the force now here into active operation.

At two o’clock this morning the booming of cannon was distinctly heard in this city. What it was, or where it was, is not now known.

New York Herald
April 19, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 18, 1861.

The mustering of men is going on briskly tonight. All the Northern and Western men in the city are organized for active service. General Lane, United States Senator from Kansas, commands about one hundred Kansas, Illinois and Massachusetts men. His colleague, General Pomeroy, is a Lieutenant in the same company. Cassius M. Clay sent his family to Philadelphia today and has since been engaged in mustering a force, and tonight it numbers about two hundred of the best men in the city. In the ranks are government officials, high and low, foreign Ministers, Governors, United States Senators, &c. Colonel Lamon, marshal of the district, is First Lieutenant, and William Milward, United States Marshal of the Eastern district of Pennsylvania, is Second Lieutenant.

Governor Nye has raised about fifty men, and turned them overt to the command of Colonel Clay.

The determination of all now in the city is to hold the city, at all hazards, until there is a sufficient military force here to relieve the citizens and civilians now volunteering.

New York Herald
April 19, 1861

Rarely has New York harbor been the scene of so interesting an occurrence as on yesterday afternoon. The bulletins announced that the steam transport Baltic was below, and would soon be up. This was like a match applied to a magazine in the effect it produced on the patriotic populace, and the rapidity with which the news spread among the people. There was a general tramp to the Battery, and the shore was soon fringed with a dense mass of citizens.

About half past twelve P. M. a large steamer was discerned approaching from Staten Island, and the well known and popular Baltic was soon recognized. As she approached grandly and rapidly, her flags at peak, fore and main, were visible, and when she came within a mile of Governor’s Island a bright flash burst from her bow, followed by the loud report of a gun, succeeded by another and another, as the noble ship, with her gallant freight, approached the city. Never was a steamer entering the harbor more universally welcome to the citizens of New York than the good ship Baltic on this occasion. The Brooklyn people spread themselves in a cordon along the wharves of their city fronting on the harbor; for they, too, were on the qui vie for the arrival of the brave Anderson and his small but heroic band. The shipping, as the steamer moved steadily and gracefully onward, ran up their bunting in all directions, and cheers arose from many points. At intervals the guns of the Baltic, now off Governor’s Island, flashed and boomed, and altogether the scene was one of the most brilliant, lively and thrilling nature. Meantime the small steam ferry boat which connects Governor’s Island with the city unfurled a large Star Spangled Banner to the bright sun and waving breeze, and immediately afterwards left her pier, at the barge office, and ran towards the transport. She was soon alongside, and ready to transfer the heroes from the Baltic. The throng at the Battery increased very perceptibly while these scenes were going forward, and the lower part of the city was literally attired in Stars and Stripes. It was most remarkable during the time the Baltic was nearing the city, to behold how rapidly flags and flagstaffs surmounted buildings on both sides of the river.

New York Herald
April 19, 1861

This crack corps leaves today in all its strength for Washington. It has long been the pride of the city; its superior drill and discipline placed it at the head of our militia regiments. As the Guards, the Queen’s Household troops, in England, were the first to proceed to the Crimean war, being the choice troops of the army, so the Seventh regiment, the Household troops of the city of New York, are now proceeding on the dangerous service of defending the seat of government against attack. The intention at first was to remain only for a fortnight in Washington, and to return here when their place was supplied. But, judging from the news which we publish this morning, they may find it impossible to return so soon, and they may be called to play a part in scenes which will try their mettle and prove the value of the training which they have undergone. By all means let them remain at Washington till it is secure from danger and the enemy is placed hors de combat. New York expects every man of them to do his duty and to give a good account of himself.

New York Herald
April 19, 1861

Virginia has seceded. She has taken this dreadful leap in the dark, and terrible to her, we fear, will be the consequences. A revolutionary army, under Governor Wise, is supposed to be moving upon Washington; the federal forts and other property in North Carolina, it is reported, have been seized in the name of the States; and from these and other Southern reports it is morally certain that Virginia will very soon be followed by North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas. The number of States thus arrayed on the side of the Southern confederacy will be twelve, with a population exceeding ten millions.

Delaware stands unquestioned in her loyalty, Maryland is apparently immoveable, and Missouri, we dare say, from her peculiar position and from her preponderating Northern and European settlers, will hold fast to the cause of the North. Thus the flag of the United States and the North will have a population exceeding twenty millions to uphold it; while the defensive cause of the seceded States, with about half this aggregate population, will be encumbered with that fearful item in a sectional war of over three millions of African slaves. A brilliant spontaneous manifestation of the Union loyalty of Maryland occurred at Baltimore yesterday. A body of secessionists on Federal Hill tried the experiment of hoisting the secession flag and firing a secession salute; but with the first discharge or two of their cannon, the Union operatives from the neighboring foundries and workshops turned out and quickly dispersed the revolutionists. From this significant incident, and from the Union serenade to Governor Hicks and his Union speech the other evening, we confidently believe that Baltimore and Maryland will stand the tug of war for the Union.

This gratifying attitude of Maryland keeps open several railway lines of communication with the North, to say nothing of the military advantages of the water line of Chesapeake Bay. Hence, if the Southern invading army are not in Washington before tomorrow morning, the probabilities are that they will not [continue reading…]

New York Herald
April 19, 1861

The  steamer Baltic arrived off Sandy Hook at twelve M. yesterday, and was boarded off Quarantine by our special reporter. The Bavaria, from Hamburg, preceded the Baltic by a few moments, and this steamer, as well as all the craft in the bay and the houses along the shore, were decked with flags in honor of Major Anderson’s  arrival. The day was bright, breezy and pleasant. Awaiting the Baltic off Quarantine were the boats of the Custom House, of the press, of the Medical Staff at Staten Island and the special reporters. As the steamer came slowly up the harbor, her black hull relieved against the bright waters, she was saluted by guns from the forts, from the shore, and by the ringing of bells and waving of flags, which were returned by the Baltic waving her ensign and firing her cannon.

The Harriet Lane, Faunce, for New York, sailed in company, also the Pawnee, with her troops, and Pocohantas for Norfolk. The Powhatan was not, nor had she been, at Charleston. The Pawnee did not arrive at Charleston bar until after the surrender. During the whole time the fleet remained off the bar the wind blew a gale from the southeast, rendering the fleet useless to Fort Sumter.

The following are the names of the passengers by the Baltic. Among the men on board were those wounded by the bursting of a cannon while firing a salute of fifty guns previous to hauling down the colors on evacuating:

Major R. Anderson, First artillery.
Doubleday, Captain.
T. Seymour, Captain. [continue reading…]

Title
Corporation of Richmond (Virginia), 1 dollar, 1861
Creation Date
1861
Edition
Virginia, 1861
Description
Printed on white paper in green and black ink. Images include green background pattern; a coat of arms; and a dog guarding a safe. Verso: blank.
Materials/Techniques: ink on paper
Materials/Techniques: paper
Dimensions: 7.5 x 17 cm.
Notes
General: Note in manuscript: issue number “C3451” and signatures of the Chamberlain and President in black ink.
Subject: Civil War era currency
Inscription: “RICHMOND THE CORPORATION OF RICHMOND Promise to pay to the Bearer in pursuance of ordinance passed this day April 19′ 1861”. ; Within seal: “HISPAN ET IND REX ME 8R J P”.
Subject
money ; Paper money ; bills of exchange ; inscriptions, Latin ; seals ; dogs
Form / Genre
currencies
engravings
Associated Name
Corporation of Richmond, Virginia [associated name]
Virginia [associated name]
Related Work
part of American Currency Collection
Related Information
Development of American Capitalism–Money and banking
Repository
Baker Library Special Collections, Harvard Business School

Note: The reverse side has no printing.

Luther Crawford Ladd (22 December 1843 – 19 April 1861) was a soldier in the Union Army who was killed during the Baltimore riot of 1861. He is often referred to as the first Union soldier killed in action during the American Civil War. Four days earlier, Private Daniel Hough became the first non-combat casualty of the war when he was accidentally killed by a cannon that went off prematurely during a salute to the flag. Luther Crawford Ladd was 17 years old at the time of his death.

Luther C. Ladd was born in Bristol, New Hampshire, the son of John Ladd. He resided on the Ladd farm, south of Fowler’s River. In 1853 Luther and his father moved to nearby Alexandria, New Hampshire where he attended district schools. At age 16 in 1860, Ladd left Alexandria for Lowell, Massachusetts where he obtained employment at the Lowell Machine Shop. In April 1861 Luther answered President Lincoln’s first call for 75,000 men by enlisting for three months in Co. D, 6th Massachusetts Militia.

On April 19, 1861 while marching through the city of Baltimore this regiment was attacked by an angry mob. Luther C. Ladd was the first to fall. His injuries included a fractured skull and a fatal bullet wound that severed an artery in his thigh. Luther C. Ladd’s remains were interred in the Alexandria Village Cemetery, later to be removed and buried beneath the Ladd & Whitney monument in Lowell, Massachusetts.