Daily Times
(Leavenworth, KS)
April 21, 1861

Rumors were current here yesterday, that the Missourians were preparing for an attack on Fort Leavenworth. A letter was received by one of our citizens, from the Delaware Indian agent, which stated that companies were being formed in Parkville and Independence, for a hostile expedition against the Fort, and various other reports and speculations were circulated, which strengthened the impression that some scheme of the kind had been concocted.

Most of our people placed but little confidence in the rumors referred to; yet it was deemed prudent to use every precaution to guard against such an assault being made, either at the present time or in the future.—Accordingly, Mayor McDowell and others visited the Fort and tendered to Capt. Steele the services of one hundred men to assist in its defence. The Captain thought there was no ground for apprehension, and said the regular troops under his command could easily protect the post against a force of 5,000, and were fully prepared to do so. He, however, accepted the offer of the Mayor, and the one hundred men were stationed at the Fort last night. We are informed that Capt. Steele also gave the Mayor a large quantity of arms, to be used in the defence of the city.

A number of military companies were organized yesterday for home protection. Company A selected the following officers: Capt., J. C. Stone; 1st Lieutenant, A. M Clark; 2nd Lieutenant, Thos. Carney. Nearly 100 names were enrolled.

Company B, Home Guards, organized by electing I. G. Locey Captain; Messrs. Haller and Hughes, 1st and 2nd Lieutenants.

There was a French company organized, but we did not learn the names of the officers.

The Union and Shields Guards have increased their numbers. The former company have daily drills.

These movements show that our citizens are determined to be prepared for any emergency that may arise in the present excited state of the country. We believe that if it is thoroughly understood that we are heartily united in resistance to any invasion of our State, and ready to meet it at a moment’s warning, no trouble need be apprehended

April 21, 1861

Important Military Movements.

Our city is a military camp. The greatest enthusiasm prevails. We are full of brigade, regimental and company orders. But, owing to the length and importance of the proceedings of the overwhelming demonstration in Union square yesterday afternoon, we are compelled to defer the publication of them till tomorrow, when our gallant troops shall have our attention. We shall do our part in this great crisis.

Three to five thousand men will leave this city today for the South. The Sixth, Twelfth and Seventy-first regiments will take their departure at nine o’clock this morning. Several steamers—the Baltic, Marion, Columbia, Monticello, James Adger, Roanoke, Alabama, R.R. Cuyler and Chesapeake—have been chartered by the government. The first three sail this morning. The last three sailed yesterday.

Orders have also been received for the departure of the Eighth and Sixth-ninth regiments on Tuesday, and the Ninth on Wednesday. The Fire Department Zouaves organized last evening at Palace Garden and elected their various officers.

Troops are being rapidly organized all over the North, and in another week the government will have a force sufficient to repel any attack that may be made upon Washington. Obstructed railroads or blown up bridge may slightly delay, but not deter our troops. Advance! is the order.

A great mass meeting in support of the government, [continue reading…]

–The railroad between Philadelphia and Baltimore was taken possession of by the U. S. Government. Orders were given from the Navy Department at Washington to the officers of the various United States vessels, that all persons found sailing under Jefferson Davis’ letters of marque and reprisal be treated as pirates. That the contumacious be immediately hung from the yard-arms, and the crew and the more penitent officers be placed in irons to await their trial as ocean brigands.–Times, April 21.

–The people of Oswego and Rochester, N. Y., Toledo, Dayton, and Zanesville, Ohio, subscribed large sums of money for the support of the volunteers and their families; at the latter place, large property holders agreed to give rent free to volunteers during their absence.– Albany Journal.

Scott telegraphed to Senator Crittenden of Kentucky, as follows:

“I have not changed; have no thought of changing; always a Union man.”–(Doc. 78.)

–George William Brown, mayor of Baltimore, Md., had a consultation with the President of the United States, in reference to the passage of northern troops through Baltimore. On his return from Washington, the Mayor submitted to the people a statement as to his interview with the President.–(Doc. 79.)

–The Worcester third battalion of Rifles, arrived at New York. They are commanded by Major Charles Devens, and number 266 men, officered as follows: Company A, Worcester City Guard, Capt. A. B. R. Sprague; First Lieut., J. Pickett; Second Lieut., O. Moulton; Third Lieut., G. Egra.

Company C, Emmett Guard, Capt McConville; First Lieut., F. McCafferty; Second Lieut., M. O. Driscoll; Third Lieut., T. O’Niel; Fourth Lieut., – Melvin.–Times, April 22.

–A mass meeting of citizens, numbering many thousands, was held in Boston, Mass., this forenoon, and was addressed by Fletcher Webster, Charles L. Woodbury, and many distinguished citizens. The meeting was to raise a regiment for Fletcher Webster, and was completely successful. The most intense enthusiasm prevailed among the crowd. The meeting continued till nearly night. It was a remarkable expression of the entire voice of our people.–N. Y. Tribune, April 22.

–The First Regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers passed through New York, on their way to the South. Governor Sprague accompanies these troops, as commander in chief of the Rhode Island forces. His staff consists of Colonels Frieze, Goddard, Arnold, Capt. A. W. Chapin, Assistant Adjutant-General.–(Doc. 80.)

–The Sixth, Twelfth, and Seventy-first Regiments, New York State Militia, left New York for Washington this day, (Sunday.) The people were early astir, and by 10 o’clock every available spot where a human being could stand, was occupied, throughout the entire length of Broadway; and from near Canal-street to Grace Church, not only the sidewalks, but the whole of the street, was densely thronged. Every window, door, stoop, balcony, and house-top, were alive with human beings, of every age, sex, and condition, awaiting the marching of the Regiments, which it was known would depart during the day for the seat of Government, or other destination where their services might be required. It was some time after the bells had summoned the worshippers to their respective churches before the troops made their appearance. As they marched along, no language can do justice to the enthusiasm with which the assembled multitude greeted them. Cheers from ten thousand voices swelling in prolonged chorus, the waving of handkerchiefs by fair hands, the display of flags and streamers throughout the route of march, made the scene one of the most animated and exciting ever witnessed in the city.–Times, April 22.

–The United States branch mint at Charlotte, North Carolina, was seized by the State authorities. No resistance was offered. Colonel Bryce now holds it with a military force, under orders from Governor Ellis.–N. Y. Evening Post, April 29.

–Wendell Phillips delivered a discourse in Boston on the present rebellion. Some time ago he made a speech deprecating, in the most emphatic manner, any appeal to arms, as certain to result in the renewed and permanent triumph of slavery. The people of the North, he said, would not fight, and the first result of a military demonstration would be the complete surrender of the North, and the concession of everything that might be demanded at their hands.–(Doc. 81.)

–Andrew Johnson, U. S. Senator from Tennessee, passed through Lynchburg, Va., on his way from Washington to Tennessee. A large crowd assembled and groaned at him. They offered every indignity, and efforts were made to take him off the cars. Mr. Johnson was protected by the conductor and others. He denied sending a message asserting that Tennessee should furnish her quota of men.–Commercial Advertiser, April 26.

–The citizens of Baltimore were fearfully excited on account of a rumored descent upon them by Federal troops from Cockeysville, seventeen miles distant from the city; but at night the excitement subsided on receiving intelligence that the troops had been turned back to Harrisburg, Pa., by order of Gen. Scott.–N. Y. Tribune, April 26.

–In nearly all the churches in New York–and probably in a majority of churches throughout the country–the sermons of to-day were mainly in reference to the war. Many congregations have made the day an occasion for patriotic contributions for the outfit of volunteers, or for the support of their families. In the Church of the Puritans in Brooklyn, (although Mr. Beecher, the pastor, was absent, and the services were conducted by Rev. H. D. Northrup of Brooklyn,) a letter was read from the Thirteenth Regiment N. Y. S. M., asking for uniforms for recruits–and the response was a collection of about $1,100 for that patriotic purpose. In the Broadway Tabernacle, the pastor, Rev. J. P. Thompson, D. D., preached a sermon in the evening on “God’s Time of Threshing.” The choir performed “The Marseillaise” to a hymn composed for the occasion by the pastor. A collection was taken for the Volunteers’ Home Fund amounting to $450–to which a member of the congregation afterwards added $100. Dr. Bethune’s sermon was from the text: “In the name of our God we will set up our banners.” In Dr. Bellows’ church the choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was vigorously applauded by the whole house. At Grace church (Episcopal) Dr. Taylor began by saying, “The Star-Spangled Banner has been insulted.” The gallant Major Anderson and his wife attended service at Trinity. At Dr. McLane’s Presbyterian church, Williamsburg, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung. Dr. T. D. Wells (Old-School Presbyterian) preached from the words: “He that hath no sword, let him buy one.” Dr. Osgood’s text was: “Lift up a standard to the people.” Many of the churches–of all denominations–are sending some of their most active members to the field as volunteers.–Independent, April 25.

–The Fifth Regiment of Massachusetts Militia, Col. Lawrence, with the Boston Flying Artillery, Major Cook, left Boston for New York at 7 o’clock this morning. The Third Battalion of Rifles, Major Stevens, left Worcester last night for New York. Massachusetts has within six days responded to the President’s proclamation, with five full regiments of infantry, a battalion of rifles, and a splendid corps of flying artillery. The artillery take six brass 6-pounders, with horses fully equipped.–N. Y. Times, April 22.

–A meeting of Californians was held in New York to take measures for the formation of a California Regiment. The meeting was organized by the nomination of J. C. Birdseye as chairman, and speeches were made, and resolutions sustaining the Union and the Government were adopted.–(Doc. 82.)

–The Liverpool (Eng.) Times publishes a remarkable article on the political troubles in the United States.–(Doc. 88.)

–The burial of the American flag was publicly celebrated at Memphis, Tennessee.–N. Y. Express, April 29.

April 21, 1861

A Chronological History of the Civil War in America¹

• Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad taken possession of by the U. S. Government.
• War sermons preached in most of the Northern churches.

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

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

The eighteenth of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty one, will be noted as the most eventful day in Virginia history. On that day Virginia, through her sovereign Convention, dissolved the political bands by which she has been connected with the United States Government from its formation, seventy four years ago.

The announcement of the withdrawal of the glorious old State from the abolitionized Government of the once United States, will be celebrated with bonfires and illuminations by her true hearted sons from the Chesapeake to the Ohio, and from her Northern to her Southern borders. The friends of free Government throughout the world will give one thousand cheers for old Virginia, the mother of States and of Statesmen.

The Convention still sits with closed doors and the injunctions of secrecy have not been removed from its proceedings, except as to the simple fact announced above. Yesterday morning the flag of the Southern Confederacy with eight stars was displayed over the Capitol in which the Convention sits, and it still there. The understanding is that a straight-out Ordinance of Secession has been passed with but few dissenting voices. Its submission to the people will be a matter of form and not of contest.

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

Reported for the Richmond Telegraph.

(Special Dispatch to the Richmond Enquirer.)

NORFOLK, April 19—Col. Elzey and Dr. Jones, both from Maryland, and stationed at Old Point, sent in their resignations yesterday. Both of these gentlemen have served in the army with distinction for a number of years, and last in the Mexican war. Dr. Jones has been in the army for 24 years.

An interesting scene occurred when these officers who had resigned reached here with their families from the Navy Yard. Boats with their furniture crossed the Harbor with the officers and their wives and little ones before them.

Every officer in the Navy Yard, except McCauley, has resigned. The finest spirit prevails here. The best houses have been tendered for quarters, when necessary to concentrate troops here. A gallant set of navy officers are eager for duty. The Harbor is obstructed and war vessels can neither enter or depart.

The Baltimore Boat was searched today, by [continue reading…]

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

We feel perfectly safe in making this announcement. Information from all parts of the State is to the effect that the flag of the Southern Confederacy waves triumphantly over the land of Macon. An immense meeting was held at Raleigh, on Tuesday last, at which speeches were made by Hon. D.M. Barringer, Col. Cameron, J.W. Syme, editor of the Register, Ex-Gov. Manly, and a number of others, embracing every shade of opinion, so far as past issues are concerned. But one sentiment was expressed, but one feeling animated the speakers and their auditors. The universal voice was for immediate secession, and for a warm response to Lincoln’s call to arms! The Union sentiment has heretofore been stronger in Raleigh and its immediate vicinity than in any other part of North Carolina.

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

The demonstration here last evening in honor of the withdrawal of Virginia from the Abolitionized Union, was grand and enthusiastic. The Main street was brilliantly illuminated for the distance of nearly a mile, nearly every window being lighted up, and bonfires at various points. The procession was extensive and imposing, many of the transparencies beautiful, and most of the mottoes and devices highly appropriate. The side walks and streets were thronged with ladies and gentlemen to the number of thousands, all of whom manifested the liveliest and deepest interest in the scene. The entire city was lighted up, and the whole heart of Richmond was in the demonstration. We shall give details hereafter.

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

The Confederate flag was displayed from the Customs House, Hotels and private residences. Eight stars being generally the number of the flag—one having been added for old Virginia.

The Custom House was taken out of the hands of the United States, and placed under the guard of State troops.

The hurrying to and fro of military men gave the city quite a martial aspect.

The steamships Yorktown and Jamestown, (belonging to the Virginia and New York Steamship Company,) have both been seized and put in charge of Virginia State troops.—The Yorktown was seized at her wharf in this city on Wednesday afternoon, just as she was about to depart for New York with a large amount of merchandize. The Jamestown was seized at City Point, (sixty miles below Richmond.) by troops which had been sent down in a steamer for that purpose. The Jamestown left New York Tuesday afternoon and, we understand, has on board, about $50,000 worth of ordinance and military stores, for Virginia and other Southern States.

A marine vessel was also seized at City Point, called the Argo, by a detachment of volunteers from Richmond. The steam tug William Allison, also arrived at the Richmond wharf last night, with the United States surveying schooner Mason in tow, which had also been levied upon.

These seizures have been made upon the lex talionis, we presume; the vessels being owned chiefly by Northern men.

We have no space for comment. In this week of great events the little incidents here named may be dispatched with Ceasarian brevity.

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

The Governor of the State of Maryland and the Mayor of Baltimore have united in proclamations to the people of that State and City, urging upon them the duties peculiar to the crisis and responsibilities it imposes upon them. Both the Governor and the Mayor refer to the fact that an opportunity will be soon afforded to the people of the State to express at the ballot box their wishes as to the position which Maryland shall assume. Gov. Hicks says:

I assure the people that no troops will be sent from Maryland, unless it may be for the defence of the National Capital.

It is my intention in the future, as it has been my endeavor in the past, to preserve the people of Maryland from civil war, and I invoke the assistance of every true and loyal citizen to aid me to this end.

The people of this State will in a short time have the opportunity afforded them in a special election for members of Congress of the United States to express their devotion to the Union, or their desire to see it broken up.

Richmond Enquirer
April 20, 1861

Latest by Telegraph.

THE FIRST BLOODSHED.

Resistance to Northern Troops, etc., etc., etc.

BALTIMORE, April 19.—A terrible conflict has occurred this afternoon between the people of this city and a portion of the soldiers of the New York Seventh Regiment.

Several have been killed and wounded.

The whole volunteer military force of the city is under arms, and Governor HICKS has proclaimed martial law.

The city was considerably excited yesterday afternoon by the above rather meager despatch, which appeared upon the bulletin boards. Owing to the wires having been cut or otherwise disarranged, no further particulars of this exciting news was sent to us by the agent of the Associated Press, but from a number of conflicting private despatches, which have been kindly furnished us, we glean the following information:

It appears that such detachments of the New York Seventh Regiment as were willing to become the tools of Coercion (the Regiment, as a whole, being opposed to such a cause) reached Baltimore today. An excited mob met them upon their arrival at the President Street Station, and began throwing stones at the car containing them. The newly arrived companies abstained from resenting the attack, and thanks to their own prudence, combined with the efforts of the police, succeeded in reaching the Camden Station, whence they were to start for Washington.

A Massachusetts Regiment arriving about the same time was also stoned, and in reply fired upon the populace, killing a number of citizens, and among others several highly esteemed in the community. We hear that Mr. DAVIS, of the firm of DAVIS, PAYNTER & CO., was among those killed. At the last accounts the firing was till going on. The number of the killed is variously stated from twenty to two hundred. [continue reading…]

Harper’s Weekly
April 20, 1861

A telegraphic correspondence between the Montgomery War Department and General Beauregard, before the commencement of hostilities, has been published. On April 8 General Beauregard telegraphed that a messenger from President Lincoln had brought word that provisions would be sent to Fort Sumter—peaceably if possible, forcibly if necessary. Mr. Walker, the Secretary of War, replied, on April 10, instructing General Beauregard to demand the immediate evacuation of Fort Sumter, and if this was refused, to proceed to attack the fort in the way he thought best. The demand for surrender was accordingly made by General Beauregard, and Major Anderson replied, April 11, “It is a demand with which I regret that my sense of honor and my obligations to my Government prevent my compliance.” He added, also, “I will await the first shot, and if you do not batter us to pieces, we will be starved out in a few days.” His answer being sent to Montgomery, the Secretary of War telegraphed back that if Major Anderson would state the time at which he would evacuate the fort, it should not be bombarded. To this Anderson would not consent, and upon his refusal hostilities began. The latest of those dispatches, that from General Beauregard to the Secretary of War, bears date April 12, and was received in New York a few hours after it was sent to Montgomery.

Harper’s Weekly
April 20, 1861

Lieutenant Slemmer has found means of communicating with the Government, in spite of the surveillance exercised by the investing army. He explains why the troops were not landed from the Brooklyn, conformably to the order, issued by the War Department several weeks ago. According to his view, Fort Pickens can withstand any assault which may be made by the force now assembled there, or any which is likely to be collected by Jefferson Davis. He has four months’ provisions, and feels himself fully able to maintain his position and defend himself, without drawing upon the contingent force at his disposal in the ships of war. In case of an attack, which is not feared, notwithstanding all the demonstrative display, the troops could be landed at a signal, just as easily as at this time. The intelligence was received by telegraph.

Harper’s Weekly
April 20, 1861

Dispatches received from Montgomery state that President Davis was considering the propriety of going to Charleston, being satisfied that Fort Sumter was to be the great strategic point where the issue was to be tried as to the power of the Confederate States Government to maintain itself. He and his friends deemed it his duty to be on the ground.

Harper’s Weekly
April 20, 1861

Accounts from New Mexico state that the citizens of Arizona, in convention at Mesilla, have voted that Territory out of the Union.

Harper’s Weekly
April 20, 1861

The Atlantic was chartered by the Government, and sailed on 6th with troops and munitions of war. The Baltic and Illinois sailed on 8th with similar freight. Orders were issued on same day by the Navy Department to have the Wabash, Vincennes, and Savannah, at Brooklyn, and the Jamestown, at Philadelphia, fitted for active service with dispatch. The United States ship Pawnee sailed from Norfolk at 6 P.M. on Tuesday, bound South, under sealed orders. There is great activity manifested at the Charlestown Navy-yard (at Boston, Massachusetts), over 800 persons being employed. The brig Bainbridge is ready for sea, and waiting for her crew. The steam-frigates Minnesota, Mississippi, and Colorado are also nearly ready. Commodore Stringham is expected to arrive early next week. Business at the Philadelphia Navy-yard is inactive, and there are frequent discharges of men, only two hundred being now employed there. The United States steamer Water Witch has gone into commission, and sails during the week. Her destination is unknown. Her crew consists of 70 sailors and marines.

Harper’s Weekly
April 20, 1861

Another of the transports sent to Texas to bring away the United States troops—the steamer Coatzacoalcos reached this port on 11th. She left here on the 16th of March, and arrived at Pass Cabello Bar on the 21st. She started on her return on the 31st, and touched at Key West on the 4th inst., where she landed two companies of infantry. Being unable to obtain water at Key West, she then proceeded to Havana, whence she sailed on the 6th. She brings one company of infantry and six of cavalry, some of the latter of which will probably be immediately sent to Washington. The troops left in Texas, numbering about one thousand, are reported to be in good health, and abundantly supplied with provisions; and in view of recent occurrences, it may now be considered doubtful whether they will be removed.

Harper’s Weekly
April 20, 1861

THE State of Virginia has decided not to secede; but has adopted, in Convention, a series of resolutions affirming, among other things, the right of a State to secede from the Union at will. In like manner, the State of Missouri, which is overwhelmingly opposed to secession, and the State of Kentucky, in which no Convention has been called, both declare that in the event of forcible measures being taken by the General Government to resist the dismemberment of the Union, they will take sides with the seceded States.

It seems questionable whether the continued alliance of these States, on these conditions, is an unmixed gain. If this Union of ours is a confederacy of States which is liable to be dissolved at the will of any of the States, and if no power rests with the General Government to enforce its laws, it would seem that we have been laboring under a delusion these eighty years in supposing that we were a nation, and the fact would appear to be that the several States of the Union have really been united by no closer bond than that which connects us with Great Britain and France—a mere treaty stipulation, which any of the parties were at liberty to annul at pleasure.

It is of the essence of nationality that the Government of the whole shall be obeyed by each constituent part, and that the covenants of the [continue reading…]

Harper’s Weekly
April 20, 1861

On Friday, 12th, at 27 minutes past 4 A. M., General Beauregard, in accordance with instructions received on Wednesday from the Secretary of War of the Southern Confederacy, opened fire upon Fort Sumter. Forts Johnson and Moultrie, the iron battery at Cumming’s Point, and the Stevens Floating Battery, kept up an active cannonade during the entire day, and probably during the past night. The damage done to Fort Sumter is stated by the Confederate authorities to have been considerable. Guns had been dismounted, and a part of the parapet swept away.

Major Anderson had replied vigorously to the fire which had been opened upon him, but the Charleston dispatches represent the injury inflicted by him to have been but small. The utmost bravery had been exhibited on both sides, and a large portion of the Charleston population, including five thousand ladies, were assembled upon the Battery to witness the conflict.

Down to our latest advices, the battle had been carried on solely by the batteries of the revolutionists and Fort Sumter. The Harriet Lane, Captain Faunce, the Pawnee, and another United States vessel, were said to be off the harbor, but had taken no part in the conflict. The Harriet Lane is said to have received a shot through her wheel-house.

The opinion prevailed in Charleston that an attempt would be made during the night to reinforce Fort Sumter by means of small boats from the three vessels seen in the offing.

No one had been killed by the fire of Major Anderson, and the casualties among the Confederate troops in the batteries were inconsiderable. There is, of course, no account of the loss, if any, among the garrison of Fort Sumter.

The Scientific American
April 20, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 5, 1861.

Whoever visits Washington in these days is pretty sure to be set down as an office seeker. The hotels are well thronged, and the rivalry for a share in the distribution of the spoils of office appears to be sharp, and ofttimes acrimonious. I called yesterday morning, to pay my respects to the President, and I found such an eager crowd clambering about his wearied and jaded Excellency that I beat a retreat instantly, without accomplishing the object of my call. D’Alembert, a French writer, once declared ‘’that the industry of men was so far exhausted in canvassing for places, that none was left to fulfill the duties of them.” The truth of this remark is well verified by the state of things here. The pressure is so great that patent hinges and patent locks are almost unavailing against the patriotic crowd, who are more than willing to enter the service of Uncle Sam. Radical and sweeping changes in the public bureaus, the sudden removal of old, and the installment of new, officers, necessarily confine business, and one might as well seek to compose the winds as to undertake the prosecution of legitimate business in some of the Departments, without being jostled about considerably. Expectants for office are not the only ones who are trembling upon the verge of solicitude; the fact is equally true of those who are now holding office. In imagination, if not in reality, they see the official guillotine standing at the door, and the political handwriting “Mene mene tekel upharsen,” appears on the wall. An instance of this came under my notice. I was conversing with a gentleman, long connected with one of the departments; he expressed solicitude respecting his position, and I had not left him but a few moments before I heard that the ax of the headsman had done its work in his case. This state of things creates confusion, and it will be some time before the official machine can he regulated to a steady motion. In reference to the Patent Office, in which the readers of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN feel such a deep interest, such influences are at work more or less, though much less, I think, than in many other bureaus; still, there are many who are seeking to get into this office. Its mysteries attract the curiosity of the curious, and the pressure to pry into them is therefore considerable; and there is a painful anxiety on the part of those who are deeply interested in its successful management, to know what the policy of the office is to be.

Mr. Holloway, the new Commissioner, is in the active discharge of his duties, [continue reading…]

 The Constitutional
(Alexandria, LA)
April 20, 1861

On Sunday night last this place was visited by a severe storm which blowed down the fine Market House lately erected in our city, and otherwise damaging property all over the parish to a considerable amount. On the same night the building in the Pinewoods known as Parker’s Institute, and at the time occupied by J. S. Calhoun, Esq., as a manufactory for negro clothing, was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire. By this disaster we learn that Mr. Calhoun sustains a great loss. The weather since the storm has been characteristic of high winds but at present it is greatly modified and has become quite pleasant.

The news of the surrender of Fort Sumter by Major Anderson was received in this city with intense delight. The old cannon was brought into requisition and seven “blank cartridges” were fired in honor of the event, and the patriotism (!) of the “intense” was more intense than ever.

 Sugar Planter
(West Baton Rouge, LA)
April 20, 1861

Passing through the foundry of Messrs. Hill & Markham, in Baton Rouge a day or two since, we found a number of workmen busily engaged in casting twenty-four pound cannon balls. We were informed that the order from the State was unlimited—in other words, they were to keep on casting until ordered to stop.—The “pills” we saw are beautiful little objects of vertu and will, no doubt, seriously interfere with the gastronomical arrangements of the in-dwellers at Fort Pickens when forced into their company by a reasonable charge of powder.

Harper’s Weekly, May 4, 1861

 Texas Republican
(Marshall)
April 20, 1861

We learn that it is the intention of the ladies of Marshall to present the company of Rangers which leaves town to-day, (Saturday) with a splendid flag, as a mark of their high appreciation of the zeal and patriotism which has prompted them to respond with such alacrity to the call made upon them for their services. One of Marshall’s fairest daughters, and it can boast of many such, will make the presentation. The ladies have thus nobly resolved to offer to the gallant Rangers on their departure, a public expression of their heartfelt sympathies for the arduous but glorious cause in which they have engaged. This is as it should be. The love and beauty of woman have always been intimately associated with the valor of the soldier and the sanctity of his cause. In the days of chivalry, no knight went forth to combat whose proud crest did not gleam with the light of some “fayre ladye’s” gift. So will our gallant Rangers to forth with the smiles, the tears, and the sympathies of woman to animate and inspire their hearts to nobly perform the arduous task which they have voluntarily undertaken.