The News from Washington

Civil War
April 12, 1861; The New York Herald
WASHINGTON, April 11, 1861.
The capital was again full of all the pomp and circumstances of war today. The tramp of infantry and the clatter of cavalry and artillery was heard in every direction. Nearly a thousand men are now enrolled into the United States service from the ranks of the District militia. Both infantry and cavalry corps are being organized. In less than a week the government expects to have two thousand men under arms here.
The administration of the oath of allegiance has effectively [continue reading…]
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Louis Wigfall: “The wind is very high and I cannot hear the firing, but they still keep it up.”

Louise Wigfall Wright — A Southern Girl in ’61

“HEAD QUARTERS,
“Morris Island,
“April 12th.”

        ” . . . I take a moment to write you a line to say that I am well and that all is well. I cannot return till General Beauregard comes. I am very busy examining the position of the different batteries and arranging Infantry to support them in case a landing should be attempted. They are, you know, entirely out of the reach of the guns of Sumter. I have not been to Cummin’s Point, but hear a good report. The Iron Battery stands fire admirably, and has dismounted two of Sumter’s barbette guns. Not a single accident up to this time on our side. Thought that Sumter suffered this morning from the effect of shells—as Anderson is keeping his men at the casemates. He has thrown no shell, and probably has none; or perhaps, no guns from which to throw them. He has been throwing 32 solid shot at the iron battery, and they break to pieces, and fly off without making the slightest impression. Dr. St. Julien Ravenel has just come in and says that up to this time no one has been hurt. The wind is very high and I cannot hear the firing, but they still keep it up. I have been on the upper part of the Island, and am about to mount my horse again. We have just held a council to distribute the forces for the night, and before mounting I write to make you easy and assure you that all is well.

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Fort Sumter; Sketch Showing Position of Besieging Batteries

Civil War
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Bombardment of Sumter

Miscellaneous document sources
Bombardment of Sumter; probably from Moultrie Drawn by Frederic B. Schell; Engraved by Samuel Sartain from The history of the Civil War in the United States : its cause, origin, progress and conclusion by Smucker, Samuel M. (Samuel Mosheim), 1823-1863; Brockett, L. P. (Linus Pierpont), 1820-1893 Publisher Philadelphia [etc.] Jones Brothers & Co.; Chicago [etc.] Zeigler, McCurdy & Co 1865

probably from Moultrie

Drawn by Frederic B. Schell; Engraved by Samuel Sartain

from The history of the Civil War in the United States : its cause, origin, progress and conclusion

by Smucker, Samuel M. (Samuel Mosheim), 1823-1863; Brockett, L. P. (Linus Pierpont), 1820-1893

Publisher Philadelphia [etc.] Jones Brothers & Co.; Chicago [etc.] Zeigler, McCurdy & Co

1865

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Fort Sumter during the Bombardment

Miscellaneous document sources
Fort Sumter during the Bombardment

Title: Bombardment of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor: 12th & 13th of April, 1861

Creator(s): Currier & Ives.

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Scene on the floating battery in Charleston Harbor during bombardment of Fort Sumter

Miscellaneous document sources

Scene on the floating battery in Charleston Harbor during bombardment of Fort SumterHanded-tinted off-print of originally black and white engraving

Title: Scene on the floating battery in Charleston Harbor during bombardment of Fort Sumter [verso]
From the book: The Soldier In Our Civil War.
Locations: Charleston Harbor, Charleston County, South Carolina, United
Medium: illustrations (layout features)
Item Location: Fort Sumter NM/Charles Pinckney NHS Curatorial Storage Facility, located at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Box: Box 2 of 3 Fosu 19th-c Illustrations Frank Leslie Harpers Weekly London Times, Etc.
Held By: Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Identifiers
Permanent Link: http://purl.clemson.edu/8599D0F7E59ED7E89B93031A3CB52873

___________
Mike’s notes:

Special handed-tinted off-prints were often sold separately from newspapers and other publications. Numerous originals held today by public institutions and in private collections.

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

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Inside Fort Sumter during the Bombardment

Miscellaneous document sources

Title: Interior of Fort Sumter: during the bombardment, April 12th, 1861

Creator(s): Currier & Ives.

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Dispatches to Pensacola

War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies

MONTGOMERY, April 12, 1861.

General BRAGG, Pensacola:

Lieutenant Worden1, of U. S. Navy, has gone to Pensacola with dispatches. Intercept them.

L. P. WALKER.

——–

BARRANCAS, April 12, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

Mr. Worden had communicated with fleet before your dispatch received. Alarm guns have just fired at Fort Pickens. I fear the news is received and it will be re-enforced before morning. It cannot be prevented. Mr. Worden got off in cars before I knew of his landing. Major Chambers is in the cars. He will watch Mr. Worden’s movements. If you deem it advisable, Mr. Worden can be stopped in Montgomery.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

Brigadier-General.


  1. John Lorimer Worden—Ordered to Washington early in 1861, Worden received orders in April to carry secret dispatches—regarding the reinforcement of Fort Pickens—south to the warships at Pensacola. During the return journey north, Worden was arrested near Montgomery, Alabama, and was held prisoner until exchanged about seven months later. Worden would later command the USS Monitor during its battle with the CSS Virginia.
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“Treason is in our midst. One hardly knows whom to trust.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

FRIDAY 12

It has been rainy the latter part of the day and rains hard tonight. Went with Juliet and the boys to see the soldiers over to the Long Bridge. Nothing but the guard there. Visited the City Armory, a company of U.S. Artillery stationed there. The Military companies are now divided and stationed at various points all over the City. Treason is in our midst. One hardly knows whom to trust. But I speak my own sentiments freely as I have all the time and denounce “seceders” as Traitors. Went down to the Ave & got the NY papers. It is said today that Fort Sumpter has been provisioned without bloodshed.


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.

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Naval and Military Movements

Civil War
April 12, 1861; The New York Herald
Military Movements.
Governor’s Island.
As Governor’s Island is one of the chief points of attraction at the present time, it is necessary to present to the reading public a daily account of what transpires there; at least during the movements of the military in our vicinity.
There appears to be some little business going on. A number of recruits are received daily and are at once handed over to the tender mercies of the drill sergeant.
The schooner John N. Genin is still at the dock loading with guns and carriages. There are two or three lighters taking in cannon balls and gun carriages. As soon as the J. N. Genin is [continue reading…]
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Bombardment of Fort Sumter

Miscellaneous document sources

Bombardment of Fort Sumter; Headley, J T. The Great Rebellion: A History of the Civil War in the United States. Vol. 1. 2 vols. Washington, D.C.: The National Tribune, 1898.
Bombardment of Fort Sumter

Vignette title page image from  J. T Headley’s 1898 The Great Rebellion: A History of the Civil War in the United States

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Naval and Military Movements

Civil War
April 12, 1861; The New York Herald
The Departure of the Steam Frigate Pawnee.
Our Naval Correspondence.
United States Steam Sloop Pawnee.
OFF CAPE HENRY, April 10, 1861.
The Pawnee left the Navy Yard at Washington, D.C., at nine A.M., April 6, and steamed directly for Norfolk, arriving off the Naval Hospital at half past seven A.M. on the 7th. Coal and provisions were put on board, but the inclemency of the weather prevented her putting to sea till this morning. She sails under sealed orders, therefore her destination will not be known till after all communication with the shore is cut off. The officers have no clue whatever as to her destination. No unusual preparations have been made for warlike purposes, or for any purpose aside from the usual routine of a man of war. It is sincerely hoped [continue reading…]
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War News—The Times

Civil War
April 12, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
Yesterday was an exciting day in Charleston. Men met in crowds at the various corners of our thoroughfares, and the only topic was the all- engrossing one of WAR. Every moment the names of BEAUREGARD, ANDERSON, Sumter, Moultrie and Morris Island, would reach the ear, and the low, earnest conversations of the people gave evidence of their interest in the subject, and determination to proceed. At an early hour a large crowd congregated in front of THE MERCURY office to learn the latest news which appeared on the bulletin board, and the party only dispersed at eleven o’, p.m., when it was understood that the bombardment would not commence immediately.
On the Battery several hundreds of persons, principally ladies, were promenading until near midnight, anxiously gazing at the dim lights, barely visible through the haze, which indicated the position of the batteries, where fathers and sons, brothers and lovers were willing to sacrifice their lives for the honor of South Carolina. And yet there was but one regret expressed, and that was at the delay and procrastination of hostilities. A detachment of the Citadel Cadets are stationed here for night service, with some heavy pieces of artillery.
Among the exciting rumors of the day was one that Major ANDERSON had fired into the steamer Gordon, which was, of course, without any foundation.
A Pilot boat reported the steam cutter Harriet Lane, Capt FAUNCE, off the Bar, which also created a sensation, but it was one of rejoicing, as it was hoped that hostilities were then certain to commence.
The reliable events of the day, however, were that about three o’clock a demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter was made by Gen. BEAUREGARD, through his Aids, Col. CHESNUT, Col. CHISOLM, and Capt. LEE, and that Major Anderson replied he could not, consistently with his honor as an officer f the United States Army, retire from his post without instructions from his Government. At half past eleven, p.m., Gen. BEAUREGARD’S final reply was borne to him by the same officers, but up to the hour of our going to press, we have no had any father information.
Among the noticeable incidents visible from the Battery last evening, were a number of rockets let off, a private signal no doubt, by the steamers on duty in the harbor; also the fiery appearance of the three schooners in the neighborhood of Sumter, with pine wood and tar burning for the purpose of lighting the harbor in that vicinity.
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The Enrollment of Troops for the Defense of the Capital

Civil War
April 12, 1861; The New York Herald
The News from Washington.
WASHINGTON, April 11, 1861.
The mustering of the volunteer troops into the service of the United States has been actively continued all day, and with the highest credit to the citizen soldiery. The companies turned out full, and not a man refused to take the oath to stand by the Union and the flag at all times and under all circumstances. The fear expressed by many of the members of the volunteer companies yesterday was, that they were to be mustered into the service for the purpose of being ordered suddenly away from their homes and business, which they were not prepared to consent to. They were willing to enter the service, however, for the defence of the District, which was, in fact, all that the government desired, as was explained today more clearly. Most of the men who were mustered in today were [continue reading…]
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I resolved therefore to start for the Southern States to-day—William Howard Russell

My Diary North and South – William Howard Russell

April 12th.—This morning I received an intimation that the Government had resolved on taking decisive steps which would lead to a development of events in the South and test the sincerity of Secession. The Confederate general at Charleston, Beauregard, has sent to the Federal officer in command at Sumter, Major Anderson, to say, that all communication between his garrison and the city must cease; and, at the same time, or probably before it, the Government at Washington informed the Confederate authorities that they intended to forward supplies to Major Anderson, peaceably if permitted, but at all hazards to send them. The Charleston people are manning the batteries they have erected against Sumter, have fired on a vessel under the United States flag, endeavoring to communicate with the fort, and have called out and organized a large force in the islands opposite the place and in the city of Charleston.

I resolved therefore to start for the Southern States to-day, proceeding by Baltimore to Norfolk instead of going by Richmond, which was cut off by the floods. Before leaving, I visited Lord Lyons, Mr. Seward, the French and Russian Ministers; left cards on the President, Mrs. Lincoln, General Scott, Mr. Douglas, Mr. Sumner, and others. [continue reading…]

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Reports Relative to the Expedition to Charleston Harbor

Civil War
April 12, 1861; The New York Herald

The News From Washington.

WASHINGTON, April 11, 1861.
Up to six o’clock P.M., the moment of writing this despatch, no information has been received from Charleston by the Government, of any individual, relative to the military expedition sent to reinforce and supply Fort Sumter.
Those in the secret of the modus operandi, by which an attempt will be made to throw troops and supplies into Fort Sumter, are very confident that it will be done. Either they are awfully mistaken in their calculations, or the repeated assertions that Fort Sumter was not accessible, except to very light draught vessels, and that it would be impossible for such even to pass the secession batteries in safety, have been a tissue of falsehoods.
In view of the known [continue reading…]
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At half-past four the heavy booming of a cannon.

A Diary From Dixie by Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut.

April 12th.–Anderson will not capitulate. Yesterday’s was the merriest, maddest dinner we have had yet. Men were audaciously wise and witty. We had an unspoken foreboding that it was to be our last pleasant meeting. Mr. Miles dined with us to-day. Mrs. Henry King rushed in saying, “The news, I come for the latest news. All the men of the King family are on the Island,” of which fact she seemed proud.

While she was here our peace negotiator, or envoy, came in–that is, Mr. Chesnut returned. His interview with Colonel Anderson had been deeply interesting, but Mr. Chesnut was not inclined to be communicative. He wanted his dinner. He felt for Anderson and had telegraphed to President Davis for instructions–what answer to give Anderson, etc. He has now gone back to Fort Sumter with additional instructions. When they were about to leave the wharf A. H. Boykin sprang into the boat in great excitement. He thought himself ill-used, with a likelihood of fighting and he to be left behind!

I do not pretend to go to sleep. How can I? If Anderson does not accept terms at four, the orders are, he shall be fired upon. I count four, St. Michael’s bells chime out and I begin to hope. At half-past four the heavy booming of a cannon. [continue reading…]

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The Alternative—North or South

Civil War
1860s newsprint
April 12, 1861; The Vindicator
(Staunton, VA.)
A dissolution of the Union on the slave line, it is contended, would destroy the institution in Virginia. We do not think so. But admit it did. In that case, the slaves would be gradually removed South, and the change would not so seriously affect the private fortunes of individuals, or the general prosperity of the State.
Suppose, however, Virginia should become a Border State of the Northern Confederacy. How then? Could we hope abolitionism would be more considerate of our interests? Assuredly not. Fanaticism never relents. Then what would be our condition? With six hundred thousand Negroes amongst us, denied all outlet, and rendered worthless and uncontrollable, a nuisance and a pest, not only their whole value as property would be annihilated, but Virginia herself, ere long, would cease to be a house for the decent, industrious white man. Her lands and houses would rapidly depreciate, a degraded race of negroes and mixed bloods would huddle into the deserted homes of her people, and a desolation and ruin spread out around them, like that which, under British emancipation, has blasted the most fruitless isles of the Indies.
What son of Virginia can hesitate as to his duty, when such a choice is presented to him? Nay, is it not an insult to our manhood to speak of it as a choice? War is an evil, but not the worst. Life itself has limits to its value. And he must be a dastard indeed who will not defend his friends and his home.
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Confederate Communications of Fort Sumter Battle

War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies

MONTGOMERY, April 12, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.:

What was Major Anderson’s reply to the proposition contained in my dispatch of last night!

L. P. WALKER.  

—–

CHARLESTON, S. C., April 12, 1861.

L. P. WALKER:

He would not consent. I write to-day.

G T. BEAUREGARD

—–

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, 8. C., April 12, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to transmit the [continue reading…]

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Village Life in America

Village Life in America, 1852 – 1872, by Caroline Cowles Richards

April 12. – We went down town this morning and bought us some shaker bonnets to wear to school. They cost $1 apiece and we got some green silk for capes to put on them. We fixed them ourselves and wore them to school and some of the girls liked them and some did not, but it makes no difference to me what they like, for I shall wear mine till it is worn out. Grandmother says that if we try to please everybody we please nobody. The girls are all having mystic books at school now and they are very interesting to have. They are blank books and we ask the girls and boys to write in them and then they fold the page twice over and seal it with wafers or wax and then write on it what day it is to be opened. Some of them say, “Not to be opened for a year,” and that is a long time to wait. If we cannot wait we can open them and seal them up again. I think Anna did look to see what Eugene Stone wrote in hers, for it does not look as smooth as it did at first. We have autograph albums too and Horace Finley gave us lots of small photographs. We paste them in the books and then ask the people to write their names. We have got Miss Upham’s picture and Dr and Mrs Daggett, General Granger’s and Hon. Francis Granger’s and Mrs Adele Granger Thayer and Friend Burling, Dr Jewett, Dr Cheney, Deacon Andrews and Dr Carr, and Johnnie Thompson’s, Mr Noah T. Clarke, Mr E. M. Morse, Mrs George Willson, Theodore Barnum, Jim Paton’s and Will Schley, Merritt Wilcox, Tom Raines, Ed Williams, Gus Coleman’s, W. P. Fisk and lots of the girls’ pictures besides. Eugene Stone and Tom Eddy had their ambrotypes taken together, in a handsome case and gave it to Anna. We are going to keep them always.

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War Material

Civil War
1860s newsprint
April 12, 1861; Daily Advocate
(Baton Rouge, LA)
Yesterday was another busy day among the draymen. the heavy 10-inch Columbiads at the Arsenal here were hauled down to the river for shipment to New Orleans, to be employed at the forts below for the defense of the city. They are black, ugly looking concerns, and we pity the vessel that should come within their range. The drays did a thriving business in hauling boxes containing musket and rifle catridges and other explosives for small arms. This all begins to look like a fight. Capt. Booth is at work like a Trojan in his department here
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Report from Key West.

War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies

HEADQUARTERS STEAMSHIP ATLANTIC,
Off Key West, April 12, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. KEYES,

Secretary to General-in-Chief, Washington, D.C.:

COLONEL: In obedience to the special instructions of the General-in-Chief, I proceeded to New York on the 2d, and arrived there on the morning of the 3d instant, and was engaged until Saturday, the 6th, in preparing for this expedition. On the afternoon of that day Barry’s battery (Company A, Second Artillery), Hunt’s company (M, Second Artillery), Duane’s company of Sappers and Miners, and Companies C and E (Johns’ and Clitz’s), Third Infantry, and twenty Engineer carpenters were embarked on board the steamship Atlantic, Captain Gray. We hauled out in the stream at dark, but continued to take in cargo through the night, and on Sunday morning at 3 ½ weighed anchor and went to sea. On Tuesday and Wednesday we had a heavy gale, dead ahead, the horses of the battery suffering very much from the heavy sea, the wet, and the cold, and were preserved only by the substantial excellence   of our ship and the vigilant care of the officers. Only two died during the gale, and the rest are doing well. My command are all healthy and in good spirits.

I have directed Lieutenant Balch, ordnance officer, to make on the proper offices requisitions for various articles which were not to be procured at our departure. I respectfully urge that they be sent immediately.

I ordered the purchase of two 6-pounder rifled guns, which are said to be at Fort Columbus, and that a 42-pounder rifled gun, also at that post, be sent, with all the necessary implements and projectiles, by the first vessel. I have also directed Lieutenant Balch to make a special estimate of guns for Fort Jefferson, which may be of vital importance, and which should be furnished without delay.

I would respectfully and earnestly urge that six 42-pounder rifled guns, with implements complete, and one thousand rounds of ammunition to each gun, as specified in the requisition of Lieutenant Balch, be immediately prepared and sent by steamer to Fort Pickens. Their value will be inestimable. With them we shall be able to act, if need be, with great efficiency against Fort McRee, Barrancas, and the navy-yard, and place our opponents from an offensive to a defensive position. I earnestly solicit the approbation of the General-in-Chief on this subject, and that the guns may be prepared and sent by steam without a moment’s delay. James’ apparatus for rifling guns is at Fort Columbus, and the guns, if diligence be exercised, may be prepared for shipment in a week.

We go into Key West for two or three hours on important duty enjoined by the General-in-Chief, and from thence to Fort Jefferson for some indispensable articles, where we shall be delayed only a short time, and shall then proceed to our destination.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HARVEY BROWN,
Colonel, Commanding.

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The Zouaves

Civil War
April 12, 1861; Southern Confederacy
(ATLANTA, GA)
The second company of Zouaves, under Captain de Bordenave, marched up from their barracks yesterday afternoon, and were reviewed on Lafayette square, preparatory to leaving for Pensacola. Their appearance–with their loose red trousers, leggings, gaiters, blue jackets and fez caps–was decidedly unique, and withal very warlike. A very notable feature about the company was two pretty and graceful young girls, who go with them as vivandieres, or, to translate it into plain English, bottle-holders. They were dressed in the uniform of their company, and will share its dangers and glory on the battle-field. The Zouaves are becoming immensely popular with all the classes of our young men. We have heard of several connected with our best Creole families who have enlisted to serve in the ranks.–N.O. Cresent, April 55th.
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Report of Captain Talbot on Meeting with Governor Pickens and General Beauregard

War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 12, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your instructions, dated April 6, 1861, I left Washington on the evening of the same day in company with Mr. R. S: Chew, and arrived at Charleston, S.C., on the evening of the 8th instant. Immediately after my arrival I visited Governor Pickens, and, having informed him of the nature of my written instructions, stated that Mr. Chew had requested me to ask his excellency for an interview at his earliest convenience. The governor replied that he would receive Mr. Chew at once, and shortly after I accompanied Mr. Chew to the governor’s quarters. Mr. Chew read to the governor, in my presence, a message from the President of the United States, handing him a copy of the same, which was compared by the governor. The governor stated to Mr. Chew that, South Carolina having ratified the constitution of the Confederate States, General Beauregard now had charge of military affairs in the vicinity of Charleston, and that, as General Beauregard was near at hand, he would desire to have him present at the interview. To this Mr. Chew assented, and General Beauregard having been called into the room, the governor read and handed to him the copy of the message which he had just received.

In compliance with your verbal instructions, I asked Governor Pickens if I would be permitted to proceed to Fort Sumter for the purpose of remaining on duty at that post. The governor referred me to General Beauregard for an answer, by whom the request was peremptorily refused. I then asked if I would be permitted to hold communication with Major Anderson at Fort Sumter, with the distinct understanding that after such interview I should immediately return to Charleston. This was also refused, General Beauregard remarking that no communication whatever would be permitted with Major Anderson, except to convey an order for the evacuation of the fort, such being the instructions received from Montgomery

I then informed Governor Pickens and General Beauregard that I had no further official business to transact with them, and that it was the desire of Mr. Chew and myself to start North that night. Both replied that there would be no obstruction to our departure, and each of them detailed an officer of the staff to escort us to the railroad depot. We left Charleston at 11 o’clock p.m. on the 8th instant, arriving here this morning. We were detained several hours at Florence, S.C., and at Richmond, Va., in consequence of the railway trains failing to connect at those places. I brought back with me the sealed dispatch for Major Anderson, intrusted to my care by the President.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THEO. TALBOT,

Brevet Captain, Assistant Adjutant-General, U.S. Army.

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Arrival of Troops

Civil War
April 12, 1861; The New York Herald
The steamship Coatzacoalcos, Captain Griffin, left Pass Cavallo bar on the 31st of March, touched at Key West on the 4th inst., and landed two companies of infantry, and, being unable to obtain water, proceeded to Havana; sailed thence on the afternoon of the 6th inst., and arrived at this port yesterday. The Coatzacoalcos has experienced very heavy gales.
Left at Pass Cavallo the steamship Empire City, for New York in eight days, waiting the arrival of troops from the interior; also the Star of the West, awaiting troops, to sail for New York in twenty five days.
The Coatzacoalcos is one of the several steamers recently [continue reading…]
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