To the People

Civil War

Richmond Enquirer
April 18, 1861

CHARLES CITY COUNTY, APRIL 16, 1861. To the People of New Kent, Charles City, James City, York, Warwick, Elizabeth City and the City of Williamsburg:

I published, during the month of October last, in the Richmond Whig, a card, indicating that I would be a candidate, at the ensuing election, to represent you in the Senate of Virginia.

Since that time, the whole political aspect of the country has changed, and it becomes me to announce to you my position as to the course that Virginia should have taken in the crisis which is upon her. I conceive that there is but one practical question in all this matter, to-wit: Where will she go? There are two Confederacies. One is her natural ally—with equal sympathies, similar institutions, and interests alike—the other is the avowed enemy of her domestic peace. One invites her with open arms and a full heart; the other repulses her overtures of conciliation and compromise with insult added to injury. She must decide—not which she will serve—but which she will encourage, protect end defend. For myself, I do not hesitate. I would have her unite her destiny, for weal or woe, with that of her Southern sisters and briefly, for these, among many reasons:

  1. The prosperity and progress of the Southern States depend upon the permanency of the Institution of African slavery.
  2. The permanency of this institution depends upon a present and final settlement of the question by placing it entirely under the control of the South.
  3. That control can never be acquired in a government, a large majority of whose people have been tutored to believe that slavery is a curse, and that they are responsible for its existence.
  4. The whole moral power of the State will be thrown into the scale of the institution. Her people will be united in its defence, and the question of Virginia emancipation left to be discussed when many generations have passed away.
  5. The commercial depression that afflicts a country will continue and culminate in rule if an adjustment is not speedily effected. Can Virginia hope for this by temporizing with those of whom she seeks redress?
  6. Many of the advantages of the old Government will be secured by treaty, &c., whilst the cause of strife will be removed.
  7. The honor of Virginia, her past fame, her present high character, and promise of future power demand that she shall take this step.

She will by so doing preserve the peace of the country. A united South will not be warred upon by the Republican horde at Washington. Virginia will carry with her the border States, and when they, with her, shall have added eight more stars to the flag at Montgomery then will the question of peace or war, of prosperity or depression have been settled.

I hope to be able to discuss this question throughout the District. Allow me to add, in yielding to the wishes of my friends by thus announcing myself as candidate for this important post, that, if elected, I shall strive to reward your confidence by an earnest devotion to your interests and Virginia.

Very respectfully, &c,

April 16—. ISAAC H. CHRISTIAN

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From Washington City.

Civil War

Richmond Enquirer
April 18, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 17.—It is reported, but as yet unconfirmed, that the Government has called out 150,000 additional troops. It is also stated that the corps of Engineers have selected positions for the erection of batteries in and around Washington for the protection of the city.

Col. Chas. Lee, and Adjutant-General Jones of the District militia threw up their Commissions today.

The Rhode Island volunteers have been ordered to Washington.

The veteran Captain Stuart of the splendid Georgetown cavalry has resigned.

Every public building in the city is now openly guarded day and night by the enlisted soldiers. The street in front of the Post Office is piled well with provisions in barrels and boxes, and guarded. An ammunition train passed the avenue today toward Georgetown, probably to supply the battery said to be erected on the heights of Georgetown.

The Light Artillery tonight are on the Maryland side guarding the approaches to the city.

Mr. Carrington, former Virginia District Attorney, is here; also J.M. Fleming former Attorney for Eastern Tennessee

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Latest By Telegraph—The News From Washington.

Civil War

Charleston Mercury
April 18, 1861

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

WASHINGTON, April 17.—The National Intelligencer of this morning throws off the mask, and comes out boldly in favor of coercion.

The streets are lined with the military—regulars and volunteers—and squads are seen everywhere anxiously discussing the probable action of Virginia. It is the impression here that had the Border States seceded promptly after the organization of the Confederate States Government there would have been no collision. As it is, the preparations for subjugating the South are pushed steadily forward, although many of the leading Republicans seem startled at the first results of their own policy.

Sympathy for the Southern movement is fast on the increase in this District, and the Administration scarcely knows whom to trust.

It is currently stated, although the rumor lacks confirmation, that the Government will shortly call for a levy of 150,000 additional troops from the States. Of course they must all be got from the North. The army Engineers in the Arsenal, which commands the approach to this city by the Potomac river, are busily engaged devising plans and choosing their positions for the defence of the city from the dreaded attack by the Southern troops.

THE LATEST.

WASHINGTON, April 17—9 1/2 p.m.—The Administration is exultant over the war feeling in the North, and LINCOLN says, bluntly, that the South shall have war just as long as the Free States will furnish the men and money.

Gen. SCOTT proposes to concentrate 35,000 men at this point; 25,000 at St. Louis; 5000 in Western Texas; 25,000 at Fort Pickens; and 1000 to cruise off the coast of the Carolinas. It is generally believed that his suggestions will be acted on.

The most feverish anxiety is manifested to hear news from Richmond. LINCOLN fully anticipates the secession of the Old Dominion, and fears that from that quarter the thunder and the lightning may come together.

The necessary orders will be issued tomorrow to throw heavy reinforcements in Fort McHenry, near Baltimore. This move, it is hoped, will keep Maryland quiet.

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Latest by Telegraph. The News from Montgomery. —Proclamation by President Davis

Civil War

Charleston Mercury
April 18, 1861

MONTGOMERY, April 17.—The Proclamation of LINCOLN having at last been received here in a form sufficiently authentic to leave no doubt of its being genuine, President DAVIS has in turn issued today the following highly important and spirited Proclamation.

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.

WHEREAS, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, the President of the United States has, by Proclamation, announced the intention of invading this Confederacy with an armed force for the purpose of capturing its fortresses, and thereby subverting its independence, and subjecting the free people thereof to the dominion of a foreign power; and whereas it has thus become the duty of this Government to expel the threatened invasion, and to defend the rights and liberties of the people by all the means which the laws of nations, and the usages of civilized warfare, place at its disposal:

Now, therefore, I, JEFFERSON DAVIS, PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, do issue this my Proclamation, inviting all those who may desire, by service in private armed vessels on the high seas, to aid this Government in resisting so wanton and wicked an aggression, to make application for commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal, to be issued under the Seal of these Confederate States.

And I do further notify all persons applying for Letters of Marque, to make a statement in writing, giving the name and a suitable description of the character, tonnage and force of the vessel, and the name and place of residence of each owner concerned herein, and the intended number of the crew, and to sign said statement and deliver the same to the Secretary of State, or to the Collector of any port of entry of these Confederate States, to be by him transmitted to the Secretary of State. [continue reading…]

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Richmond, Virginia, 2 dollars, April 19, 1861

Miscellaneous document sources

Corporation of Richmond (Virginia), 2 dollars, 1861Title
Corporation of Richmond (Virginia), 2 dollars, 1861
Author / Creator
Hoyer & Ludwig, Richmond [producer]
Creation Date
1861
Edition
Virginia, 1861
Description
Printed on white paper in red and black ink. Images include complex background pattern in red ink and a portrait of John Letcher. Verso: blank.
Materials/Techniques: ink on paper
Materials/Techniques: paper
Dimensions: 7.4 x 17 cm.
Notes
General: Note in manuscript: issue number “[ ]8459” and signatures of the Chamberlain and President in brown ink.
Subject: Civil War era currency
Inscription: “RICHMOND 19 April 1861 CORPORATION OF RICHMOND Promise to pay to the Bearer TWO DOLLARS in pursuance of ordinance passed this day April 19 1861”.
Subject
money ; Paper money ; bills of exchange ; patterns (design elements) ; portrait medallions
Form / Genre
currencies
engravings
Associated Name
Letcher, John, 1813-1884 [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.

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The War News.

Civil War

Charleston Mercury
April 18, 1861

The News conveyed to our despatches this morning is important. While the LINCOLN Administration is rapidly concentrating the hungry hordes with which it proposes to subjugate the South, and draining the pockets of the anxious stock-jobbers who have staked their all in the success of the mad scheme of coercion, the President of the Confederate States meets the threatened invasion promptly and with vigor. In a Proclamation issued yesterday, he announces that letters of marque and reprisal will immediately be issued, under the authority of the Government, to armed vessels cruising as privateers upon the high seas. Northern cupidity is thus arrayed against Northern fanaticism, and it is not difficult to predict the result.

The valorous Yankee, led by the scent of the rich prey, will not long scruple, under the sanction of the Southern flag, to sweep from the seas the commercial marine of his Yankee neighbors. How long the shipping interest of the North will care to sustain the terrible risk which begins today remains to be seen.

If, however, this measure should not suffice to check the impudent pretensions of the abolitionized North to hold a free people in subjection, the Confederate States are ready to try other and more direct remedies.

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Visit to Fort Sumter.

Civil War

Charleston Mercury
April 18, 1861

Yesterday morning Mr. RUSSELL, the correspondent of the London Times, now in this city, visited Fort Sumter. He was accompanied by Colonel MILES, Colonel CHESNUT, Colonel MANNING and Colonel WHITING, Aids to General BEAUREGARD, and Colonel LUCAS, Aid to Governor PICKENS. Mr. FONTAINE, of the New York Herald, and others, were of the party.

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Our Montgomery Correspondence.

Civil War

Charleston Mercury
April 18, 1861

MONTGOMERY, April 15.

The excitement in this city since the first gun was fired at Fort Sumter, has been great, and every facility for obtaining news is grasped at eagerly. The bulletin boards at the newspaper offices are besieged at all hours of the day, and every despatch that leaves the telegraph office is watched with anxious eyes. On Sunday THE MERCURY was in great demand, and large sums were offered for a single copy containing the account of the battle. When a telegram announced that the Confederate flag was raised upon Sumter, a salute was fired, and amid the shouts of thousands, several flags were hoisted in various parts of the city. Never in our history has there been so much enthusiasm on one day; and never has the public mind been raised to such a pitch of excitement. One can imagine what a relief it was to hear that the gallant Carolinians were victorious, and the long pent up emotions burst forth in tumultuous cheers. This victory has given us additional confidence in the courage and patriotism of our brave volunteers who have so nobly come forward to drive the invaders from our shores.

Notwithstanding a thousand rumors all afloat in the street, there is very little of interest that I can get, which is well authenticated. The Commissioners came here this morning, and have been closeted with the President and Cabinet nearly all day. Mr. CRAWFORD is now at his home in Columbus, Georgia. The official correspondence between them and the Federal Government is expected here tonight by ADAMS’ Express. It will be published as soon as it comes to this city, as well as the Address of the Commissioners. Thus far nothing has been learned outside in regard to their acts, beyond that already known from Washington despatches.

Yesterday evening the steamer King came up the river, having on board Mrs. President DAVIS. Seven guns were fired from the King upon her arrival at the levee, in honor of the news from Fort Sumter. Mrs. DAVIS is now stopping at the Exchange Hotel, where she will remain until the White House is ready. [continue reading…]

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A Full Account

Civil War

Charleston Mercury
April 18, 1861

A FULL ACCOUNT of the Battle of Fort Sumter, with all the stirring incidents of the bombardment and subsequent surrender, has been compiled in a complete form, chiefly from the very full and interesting details published in the journals of this city, and will be issued from the press of Messrs. EVANS & COGSWELL this afternoon. It may be had tomorrow morning at the bookstores and principal news depots. This graphic and highly interesting history of the reduction of the greatest stronghold of our harbor will doubtless be eagerly sought for by all, and carefully preserved by those who have shared in the glory of the achievement.

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Female Volunteers.

Civil War
1860s newsprint

Albany Patriot
(Georgia)
April 18, 1861

The Holly Spring Herald learns that the county of Chickasaw, Miss., has ten companies of volunteer soldiers ready to be mustered into the service of the State. It adds that, in addition to these:

“The county has a regularly officered and drilled company of young ladies, who have pledged themselves, in the event that the men are called into service, to protect their homes and families during their absence, and see that the farms are properly cultivated, and full crops raised not only for the support of the county, but the army of Mississippi.”

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The War.—Our Despatches From Washington.

Civil War

New York Herald
April 18, 1861

WASHINGTON, April 17, 1861.

The administration is considerably alarmed today lest an attempt be made by the secessionists in Virginia to seize the government vessels now at Norfolk. Intimations of such a purpose on their part were received here this morning.

There are now six vessels of war at Norfolk, namely, the Merrimac, Germantown, Bainbridge, United States, Pennsylvanian and Potomac. The three former are in excellent condition, and can soon be got ready for sea. The three latter are in a disabled condition.

Owing to the present precarious and unsettled state of affairs in Virginia, the government today decided to strengthen all the military posts in the State. Several companies will immediately be despatched to Harper’s Ferry.

The administration will at once take the necessary steps to remove them to some other point in the event of the Virginia convention passing the secession ordinance.

The administration has not yet decided to blockade the Southern ports. They will probably wait until something [continue reading…]

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Preparations at Washington for Defence.

Civil War

New York Herald
April 18, 1861

Great preparations are being made to defend Washington against the anticipated attack of a Confederate army. Among these is the enrolment of a regiment of Zouaves from the Fire Department of this city, and Colonel Ellsworth, of the Chicago Zouaves, has arrived here for the purpose. Without any disparagement to the militia, it is felt that men accustomed to a rough life and exposed to hardship are best calculated for hard fighting in the streets, sleeping out in the open air and all those privations which are inseparable from a soldier’s life. Colonel Ellsworth, with ten of this Chicago corps, is about to organize a regiment of this kind in New York; and no doubt it will be a highly efficient one, and do good service in protecting the government at Washington against its enemies.

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Grand Union Demonstration—New York Rallying to the Support of the Administration.

Civil War

New York Herald
April 18, 1861

Yesterday morning a preliminary meeting of the merchants of our city and of the members of the Stock Exchange was held at the Chamber of Commerce, for the purpose of making arrangements for a grand mass meeting of our citizens in support of the war policy of the administration. The greatest unanimity prevailed, and it was agreed on all hands that now that hostilities had been commenced by the South the people of New York, as of the North generally, were bound to sink all their political differences, and to unite as one man in defence of the national flag. After some discussion as to the manner in which the views of the gentlemen present should be carried out, it was agreed that a grand mass meeting be held at three o’clock on Saturday afternoon next, under the Washington Monument, in Union Square and that business people be requested to close their stores an hour or two previously, as well to allow their employees to attend as to mark the critical character of the events that call our citizens together.

The limits of the locality fixed upon will hardly afford space enough for the crowds that will be present. The demonstration promises to be the grandest and most imposing that ha ever taken place in this country. And there is good reason that is should be so; for our existence as a nation, in a great measure depends on the manner in which New York shall speak out on this occasion.

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The News.

Civil War

New York Herald
April 18, 1861

President Davis, of the Confederate States, has issued a proclamation inviting privateers to take service with the revolutionists. The document is given in another column. It is reported that several vessels are now fitting out at New Orleans for privateers.

There is a report from Texas that all the American vessels at Galveston have been embargoed.

One of our correspondents at Washington states that Mr. Seward yesterday received information from Richmond to the effect that the secession ordinance had been defeated in the Virginia Convention in secret session by seven majority. Other reports corroborate this news. Apprehensions were entertained yesterday that the Virginia revolutionists would seized upon the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, and troops were to leave Washington last night to garrison that important post.

A despatch from our correspondent at New Orleans, dated yesterday, states that the military status at Pensacola remained unchanged, and that Gen. Clark, who had just arrived from there, said no attack would be made upon Fort Pickens for ten days. [continue reading…]

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Robert Anderson Telegram to the Secretary of War

Miscellaneous document sources

Robert Anderson Telegram to the Secretary of War, April 18, 1861, from S.S. Baltic off Sandy Hook, New YorkApril 18, 1861, from S.S. Baltic off Sandy Hook, New York

Telegram from Maj. Robert Anderson to Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary, announcing his withdrawal from Fort Sumter, April 18, 1861 (National Archives Identifier: 594525); Records of the Adjutant General’s Office, 1780s-1917; Record Group 94; National Archives.

Transcription (edited for readability)
S.S.Baltic.off Sandy Hook Apr. eighteenth. ten thirty a.m. via New York. Hon.S.Cameron. Secy. War. Washn. Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty four hours until the quarters were entirely burned the main gates destroyed by fire.the gorge walls seriously injured. the magazine surrounded by flames and its door closed from the effects of heat. four barrells and three cartridges of powder only being available and no provisions remaining but pork. I accepted terms of evacuation offered By General Beauregard being on same offered by him on the eleventh inst. prior to the commencement of hostilities and marched out of the fort Sunday afternoon the fourteenth inst. with colors flying and drums beating. bringing away company and private property and saluting my flag with fifty guns. Robert Anderson. Major First Artillery. Commanding.

 

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Interior of Fort Sumpter after the Evacuation of the Federal Troops—From a sketch by our Artist, Mr. Eugene Benson, Who Visited the Fort Immediately after the Bombardment

Miscellaneous document sources

Interior of Fort Sumpter after the Evacuation of the Federal Troops—From a sketch by our Artist, Mr. Eugene Benson, Who Visited the Fort Immediately after the Bombardment Physical Descriptions
Medium: illustrations (layout features)

Item Location: Fort Sumter NM/Charles Pinckney NHS Curatorial Storage Facility, located at Charles Pinckney National Historic Site

Box: Box 3 of 3 FOSU 19th c Illustrations Frank Leslie Harper’s Weekly London Times etc Drawer 1.

Contributing Institutions
Held By Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park

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Burning of the United States Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, 10 P.M., April 18, 1861

Miscellaneous document sources

Burning of the United States Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, 10 P.M., April 18, 1861Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War by Alfred H. Guernsey and Henry W. Alden; copyrighted 1866 by Harper and Brothers; 1894 by Alfred H. Guernsey and Henry W. Alden; 1894 by McDonnell Bros; pub. The Puritan Press Co.; Chicago, Illinois

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Burning of the United States Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, Va., April 18th, 1861

Miscellaneous document sources

Burning of the United States Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Va., April 18th, 1861(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, New York, 1895)

“The arsenal at Harper’s Ferry contained a large quantity of machinery and arms, and was garrisoned by a small detachment of United States Rifles, under the command of Lieutenant Roger Jones. Having been apprised of the approach of an overwhelming force of Confederates, under instructions from the Governor of Virginia to seize the arsenal, Lieutenant Jones, in order to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy, set fire to the building, which was soon a mass of flames. Lieutenant Jones and his men then fled across the Potomac and reached Hagerstown about seven o’clock the next morning. The government highly commended the lieutenant for his, judicious conduct, and promoted him to the rank of captain.”

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The Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers Leaving Jersey City Railroad Depot to Defend Washington D. C., April 18th, 1861

Miscellaneous document sources

The Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers Leaving Jersey City Railroad Depot to Defend Washington D. C., April 18th, 1861(from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War…, edited by Louis Shepheard Moat, Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, New York, 1895)

“Thousands of patriotic citizens filled every available space in the big railroad station in Jersey City when the Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts entered, on its way to defend the Capital, Washington, April 18th, 1861, after marching through the streets of New York. The people enthusiastically cheered the soldiers and wished them a safe journey as they boarded the waiting train. The regiment was composed of eight hundred men. This was the regiment which, upon its arrival in Baltimore, was stoned and shot at by a mob of Southern men who attempted to stop its progress to Washington.”

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Mary Anna Custis Lee

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

Civil War Portraits—Leaders, Influencers, and the Incidentally Important #003


Mary Anna Custis Lee (C. 1854)?

Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee (October 1, 1808 – November 5, 1873) was a third cousin and the wife of Robert E. Lee, the prominent career military officer who subsequently commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War. They married at her parents’ home, Arlington House, in Virginia in 1831, and had seven children together; she survived him by three years.

Mrs Lee was descended from several colonial and Southern families, including the Parke Custises, Fitzhughs, Dandriges, Randolphs, Rolfes, and Gerards. Through her paternal grandmother, Eleanor Calvert, she descended from Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore. Through her mother, Mary Lee Fitzhugh Custis, she was a descendant of William Fitzhugh. Mary Anna Custis Lee was the only surviving child of George Washington Parke Custis, George Washington’s step-grandson and adopted son and founder of Arlington House, and Mary Lee Fitzhugh Custis, daughter of William Fitzhugh and Ann Bolling Randolph Fitzhugh. Her godmother, Mary Randolph, the first person recorded buried at Arlington, wrote an early book on housekeeping and cooking. Lee’s birth year is usually given as 1808, but it appears in the Custis family Bible and in records kept by her mother as 1807, and is also referred to in a letter her mother wrote in the autumn of 1807. She was born at Annefield in Clarke County, Virginia when her mother’s coach stopped there during a journey. She was well educated, having learned both Latin and Greek. [continue reading…]

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“Soldiers are arriving from the North tonight and an attack is expected upon the City from Virginia.”—Horatio Nelson Taft

Diary of US patent clerk Horatio Nelson Taft.

THURSDAY 18

Cool pleasant day, fire comfortable. Business in the office goes on as usual and is increasing this month. Business there does not seem to be much affected by the excitement in the City. The rumor today that Virginia had “seceded” and seized Govt property at Norfolk & Harpers Ferry caused intense excitement. There seemed to be a great anxiety to fight manifested all round. Soldiers are arriving from the North tonight and an attack is expected upon the City from Virginia. The City is apparently pretty well prepared. Wo[e] to the invaders.


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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Rebel War Clerk

A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones
A likeness of Jones when he was editor and majority owner of the Daily Madisonian during President John Tyler’s administration.

April 18th.–In spite of every precaution, it is currently whispered in the streets to-day that Virginia has seceded from the Union; and that the act is to be submitted to the people for ratification a month hence. This is perhaps a blunder. If the Southern States are to adhere to the old distinct sovereignty doctrine, God help them one and all to achieve their independence of the United States. Many are inclined to think the safest plan would be to obliterate State lines, and merge them all into an indivisible nation or empire, else there may be incessant conflicts between the different sovereignties themselves, and between them and the General Government. I doubt our ability to maintain the old cumbrous, complicated, and expensive form of government. A national executive and Congress will be sufficiently burdensome to the people without the additional expense of governors, lieutenant-governors, a dozen secretaries of State, as many legislatures, etc. etc. It is true, State rights gave the States the right to secede. But what is in a name? Secession by any other name would smell as sweet. For my part, I like the name of Revolution, or even Rebellion, better, for they are sanctified by the example of Washington and his compeers. And separations of communities are like the separations of bees when they cannot live in peace in the same hive. The time had come apparently for us to set up for ourselves, and we should have done it if there had been no such thing as State sovereignty. It is true, the Constitution adopted at Montgomery virtually acknowledges the right of any State to secede from the Confederacy; but that was necessary in vindication of the action of its fathers. That Constitution, and the permanent one to succeed it, will, perhaps, never do. They too much resemble the governmental organization of the Yankees, to whom we have bid adieu forever in disgust.

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Mills House, Charleston—Old Abe’s Proclamation—A Ridiculous-Looking Craft—Indignation Against the City of New York—General Beauregard—William Howard Russell

My Diary North and South – William Howard Russell

April 18th.—It is as though we woke up in a barrack. No! There is the distinction, that in the passages slaves are moving up and down with cups of iced milk or water for their mistresses in the early morning, cleanly dressed, neatly clad, with the conceptions of Parisian millinery adumbrated to their condition, and transmitted by the white race, hovering round their heads and bodies. They sit outside the doors, and chatter in the passages; and as the Irish waiter brings in my hot water for shaving, there is that odd, round, oily, half-strangled, chuckling, gobble of a laugh peculiar to the female Ethiop, coming in through the doorway.

Later in the day, their mistresses sail out from the inner harbors, and launch all their sails along the passages, down the stairs, and into the long, hot, fluffy salle-à-manger, where, blackened with flies which dispute the viands, they take their tremendous meals. They are pale, pretty, svelte–just as I was about to say they were rather small, there rises before me the recollection of one Titanic dame–a Carolinian Juno, with two lovely peacock daughters–and I refrain from generalizing. Exceedingly proud these ladies are said to be–for a generation or two of family suffice in this new country, if properly supported by the possession of negroes and acres, to give pride of birth, and all the grandeur which is derived from raising raw produce, cereals, and cotton–suâ terrâ. Their enemies say that the grandfathers of some of these noble people were mere pirates and smugglers, who dealt in a cavalier fashion with the laws and with the flotsam and jetsam of fortune on the seas and reefs hereabouts. Cotton suddenly–almost unnaturally, as far as the ordinary laws of commerce are concerned, grew up whilst land was cheap, and slaves were of moderate price–the pirates, and piratesses had control of both, and in a night the gourd swelled and grew to a prodigious size. These are Northern stories. What the Southerners say of their countrymen and women in the upper part of this “blessed Union” I have written for the edification of people at home.

The tables in the eating-room are disposed in long rows, or detached so as to suit private parties. When I was coming down to Charleston, one of my fellow-passengers told me he was quite shocked the first time he saw white people acting as servants; but no such scruples existed in the Mills House, for the waiters were all Irish, except one or two Germans. The carte is much the same at all American hotels, the variations depending on local luxuries or tastes. Marvellous exceedingly is it to see the quantities of butter, treacle, and farinaceous matters prepared in the heaviest form– of fish, of many meats, of eggs scrambled or scarred or otherwise prepared, of iced milk and water, which an American will consume in a few minutes in the mornings. There is, positively, no rest at these meals–no repose. The guests are ever passing in and out of the room, chairs are for ever pushed to and fro with a harsh grating noise that sets the teeth on edge, and there is a continual clatter of plates and metal. Every man is reading his paper, or discussing the news with his neighbor. I was introduced to a vast number of people and was asked many questions respecting my views of Sumter, or what I thought “old Abe and Seward would do?” The proclamation calling out 75,000 men issued by said old Abe, they treat with the most profound contempt or unsparing ridicule, as the case may be. Five out of six of the men at table wore uniforms this morning. [continue reading…]

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“I am almost discouraged at the task before me.”—Colonel Harvey Brown at Fort Pickens

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

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA,
Fort Pickens, April 18, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. KEYES, Secretary to the General-in-Chief, Washington, D.C.:

COLONEL: We arrived off this place on the evening of the 17th instant, having encountered a heavy norther on the passage from Tortugas. I immediately sought and obtained an interview with Captain Adams, commanding the naval forces here, who promised me every assistance in his power, and boats to land my command. I decided to land with a part of my force without delay, and while preparing to land, signal rockets from Fort Pickens, indicating an expected attack, hastened our departure. I got in the fort at 2 o’clock yesterday morning with the Sappers and Miners and a part of Clitz’s company. Our arrival probably prevented the contemplated attack. I found in the fort, besides the two companies of artillery, a detachment of one hundred marines and sailors. The greater portion of them I have sent back to the ships. In the course of yesterday and to-day all the troops and horses have landed, and a very small portion of stores, the landing of which in the surf is a slow operation.

In going over the fort and examining its condition, the miserable state of its armament, the small supply of ammunition and stores, I am almost discouraged at the task before me. The mounted guns are few in number–two 10-inch shell guns, four 8-inch howitzers, seventeen 32-pounders,   and seven 18 and eleven 12 pounders. The guns are generally indifferent, and the carriages old and not to be depended on.

I have not been able to ascertain the exact force of the secessionists, but so far as I can learn their force is nearly 7,000 men. [continue reading…]

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Events Diary, April 18, 1861

The Rebellion Record – A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

–Governor Harris, of Tennessee, replies to President Lincoln’s call for two regiments of troops, by saying that “Tennessee will not furnish a single man for coercion, but fifty thousand, if necessary, for the defence of our rights or those of our Southern brothers.” –Louisville Democrat, April 21.

–Governor Jackson, of Missouri, answers Secretary Cameron by telling him that his “requisition is illegal, unconstitutional, revolutionary, inhuman, diabolical, and cannot be complied with.” Missouri won’t furnish a single man for such an unholy crusade.–Charleston Mercury, April 19.

–John Bell, Niell S. Brown, Bailie Payton, and eight other citizens of Tennessee, issued an address calling upon the people of that State to maintain a position of independence in the present struggle, taking sides with the union and peace of the country against all assailants, whether from the North or the South.–(Doc. 61 ½.)

–The Common Council of Boston appropriated $100,000 to provide for soldiers enlisting from Boston. The Lowell city government appropriated $8,000 for soldiers’ families.– Boston Journal.

–At Xenia, Ohio, $14,000 were subscribed to aid the volunteers. At noon Captain Tripp’s company of one hundred men left Mount Vernon, Ind., for Indianapolis. –Louisville Democrat, April 21.

–The National Union, published at Winchester, Ky., says: “Mark, now, what we say: any attempt on the part of the Government of this State, or of any one else, to put Kentucky out of the Union by force, or using force to compel Union men in any manner to submit to an ordinance of secession, or any pretended resolution or decree, arising from such secession, is an act of treason against the State of Kentucky.

“It is, therefore, lawful to resist any such ordinance. We hope that we are now fully understood thus far.”

A meeting at Chicago, Illinois, called for the purpose of sustaining the Government, was the largest and most enthusiastic ever held in the city. Speeches were made by prominent gentlemen of both parties. Stirring resolutions were adopted. $6,000 were subscribed for the support of the volunteers until taken charge of by the State.–Free Press.

–The banks in Trenton, N. J., Chicago, Ill., Portland, Me., subscribed in support of the Federal Government. A meeting of the officers, representing all the Boston (Mass.) banks, was held this morning, when resolutions were adopted to loan the State of Massachusetts 10 per cent. on their entire capital for the defence of the Government. The capital of the Boston banks amounts to $38,800,000.–Boston Transcript.

–At Pittsburgh, Pa., an intense war feeling prevails. Business is almost suspended. Immense crowds throng all the prominent streets, flags are floating everywhere, and the volunteer companies are all filled and departing eastward. Liberal subscriptions are being made for the comfort of volunteers and the support of their families. Recruiting is still going on, although there are more than enough for the requirements of the State to fill the Federal requisition. A Committee of Public Safety held a meeting to-day, and organized. A large quantity of powder which had been sent down the river, was intercepted at Steubenville, it being feared it would fall into the hands of the Secessionists. Ropes were suspended by lamp-posts last night, by unknown persons, labelled “Death to traitors.” Some assaults have been made on persons who have expressed sympathy with the secessionists.–Philadelphia Press.

–Lieutenant Jones, United States army, in command at Harper’s Ferry with forty-three men, destroyed the arsenal at that place and retreated. He was advised that a force of 2,500 men had been ordered to take his post by Governor Letcher; and he put piles of powder in straw in all the buildings, and quietly waited the approach of the enemy. When his picket guard gave the alarm that 600 Virginians were approaching by the Winchester road, the men were run out of the arsenal and the combustibles fired. The people fired upon the soldiers, killing two, and rushed into the arsenal. All the works, munitions of war, and 15,000 stand of arms were destroyed.–(Doc. 62.)–Times, .April 21.

–There was an immense Union meeting at Louisville this evening. Speeches were made by Mr. Guthrie, formerly Secretary of the Treasury, the venerable Judge Nicholson, and others. Resolutions were unanimously passed, declaring that the Confederate States had commenced war with the Federal Government; that Kentucky is loyal to the Union; that Secession is not a remedy for an evil; that Kentucky will not take part against the Federal Government, but will maintain a neutral position.–(Doc. 63.)

–The Custom House and Post Office at Richmond were seized by order of the Governor. The New York packet steamer Jamestown was seized at City Point, sixty miles below Richmond, and a packet schooner belonging to Maine was taken at Richmond.–Herald, April 20.

–A seccesion flag was raised on Federal Hill, in Baltimore, and saluted with a cannon, when the workmen from foundries in the neighborhood rushed out and tore down the flag, and threw the cannon into the Patapsco.– Times, April 19.

–A letter from Baltimore to New York, under this date, says: “A serious disposition is manifested in certain quarters to obstruct the passage of Northern troops through the State.–Times, April 20.

–Governor Morgan, of New York, issued a proclamation calling for men to answer the President’s requisition.

–Major Anderson and his command arrived in New York from Charleston by the Baltic, and met with an enthusiastic reception from the people.–(Doc. 64.)–Herald, April 19.

–The Sixth Massachusetts regiment arrived in New York en route for Washington, and made a triumphal march through the city.–Ibid.

–The Governor of Maryland and Mayor of Baltimore issued proclamations, urging the people to keep the peace and avoid civil war. The Governor declared that no troops should be sent from the State, except for the defence of Washington.–(Doc. 65.)–Tribune, April 20.

–A mass meeting was held at Kingston, N. Y., to sustain the Government and defend the Union. John B. Steele presided. In his speech, on taking the chair, he said:

“It must never be supposed that the flag could be desecrated without touching the soul of every genuine American. No matter what it must cost, the Stars and Stripes must wave. But one heart beats here, and that is the true and loyal American heart.”

W. S. Kenyon and Theodore R. Westbrook also spoke. Mr. Westbrook said he laid aside all party lines, all party prejudices, all political opinions, and stood for his country alone. He loved his party; but, thank God, he loved his country better. He wasn’t going to stop to consider who was right or wrong; but, right or wrong, his country. He grasped the folds of the Stars and Stripes, and said, “Let it be known that in the nineteenth Century traitor hands and traitor hearts are found among as to disgrace that flag, which had been their shield and protection, as well as our own.” He asked God might record his vow to stand by, protect, and, if need be, die for that flag.

Speeches were also made by Erastus Cooke, G. H. Sharp, W. H. Romeyn, and Mr. W. Chipp.– Tribune, April 20.

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