January
January 1, 1861.
The evidences of a purpose on the part of the secessionists to seize upon the public property and usurp the Government at its capital, have become so clear that energetic measures are taking to defeat their plans, and repress the treason. Now that the Administration begins to appreciate the necessity of preserving the Government, and manifests the purpose to repudiate the treasonable influences which have hitherto paralyzed its arm, the people are beginning to report facts exposing the violent plots concocting in the District and its neighborhood. It is now well known that military companies have been organized and drilled for months past in Maryland and Virginia--some of them under the eye of an officer of the regular army — and that the distinct object of their organization is to aid in the seizure of Washington city in the interest of the disunionists, or the pre. vention by force of Lincoln's inauguration, Some of the less prudent of their leaders boast in private circles that they have five thousand well-armed and organized men ready to strike the blow instantly upon the concerted signal being given.--Times, Jan. 2.
At Charleston, the attitude of the Administration is regarded as warlike. A censorship is exercised over the telegraph, and the city is nightly patrolled by the military. It is proposed to starve out the troops at Fort Sumter, and then attack them on rafts with the aid of batteries already erected. There is a battery of earthwork, logs, and sand, on the end of Sullivan's Island, and also one on Morris' Island. Commander Pettigru, of Castle Pinckney, orders that no boat shall be allowed to approach the wharf-head without permission, under penalty of serious consequences in case of violation. The city river-front is carefully guarded. The Palmetto Guards, 100 strong, have charge of the arsenal under the palmetto flag, instead of the Federal flag. Collector Colcock notifies ship-masters that all vessels from and for ports outside of South Carolina must enter and clear at Charleston. The Columbia Artillery, numbering 50 men, arrived at 1 o'clock to-day, and proceeded to the harbor. They will use cannon belonging to Charleston.--Boston Transcript, Jan. 2.
[9] The South Carolina Convention passed an ordinance to define and punish treason. It declares that in addition to that already declared treason by the General Assembly, treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against the State, adhering to its enemies, and giving them aid and comfort. The penalty is death without the benefit of the clergy.--Evening Post, Jan. 2.
Jan. 2.
The steam frigate Brooklyn and another vessel at Norfolk are ordered to be in readiness for immediate departure to Charleston. The secession leaders discovered the intention to start these vessels, and notified their sympathizers at Norfolk to have minute-men ready to seize them if they attempted to go to sea. The Administration is on the watch to prevent it.--Commercial Advertiser. A letter received in Washington from Alabama, states the secession sentiment to be utterly uncontrollable; and says that, in the event of the firing of a single gun in opposition to disunion, “Mr Lincoln's life will not be worth a week's purchase.” --Boston Courier.
Captain Charles Stone, upon the recommendation of General Scott, is appointed to organize the militia of the District of Columbia. Captain Stone graduated at West Point at the head of his class, went into the Ordnance Corps, was a lieutenant in command of a battery at the siege of Vera Cruz; was brevetted for gallant conduct at Molina del Rey, and served on the entire line of operations from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, directly under the eye of General Scott, who expresses the highest confidence in his genius for command.--Tribune.
Intelligence is received in Washington that Fort Sumter is besieged; that all Major Anderson's communications are cut off; that Fort Moultrie has been completely repaired and the guns remounted; and that every thing is in readiness to open a fire on Major Anderson. New batteries are being erected around him by the secessionists.--N. Y. Times.
In New York city an assembly of the people in the City Hall Park fire 100 guns in honor of Major Anderson.
Five thousand citizens of Baltimore have signed a letter addressed to Governor Hicks, of Maryland, approving his course in refusing to convene the Legislature of that State. The list is headed by John P. Kennedy, Mr. Fillmore's Secretary of the Navy, and comprises the names of nine-tenths of the business men of the city. Calls for public meetings to sustain the Governor are now being issued all over the State.--Baltimore American.
Governor Ellis, of North Carolina, dispatched troops to seize upon Fort Macon, at Beaufort, the forts at Wilmington, and the United States arsenal at Fayetteville.--Times, Jan. 3.
Jan. 3.
The order for the removal of guns from the Alleghany arsenal to southern forts is revoked by the War Department, under a decision of the Cabinet.
Fort Pulaski, at Savannah, Ga., is taken possession of by State troops, by order of the Governor.
A Book is opened in New York city, for the enrolment of volunteers to meet any demand which may be made by the Governor of the State for troops to aid in preserving the Union.--Times, Jan. 4.
The Florida State Convention assembled at Tallahassee.
Hon. H. Dickenson, Commissioner from Mississippi, addresses both Houses of the Delaware Legislature, inviting Delaware to join a Southern Confederacy. The House, having heard him, passed unanimously the following resolution, in which the Senate concurred: Resolved, That, having extended to Hon. H. Dickenson, Commissioner from Mississippi, the courtesy due him as a representative of a sovereign State of the Confederacy, as well as to the State he represents, we deem it proper and due to ourselves and the people of Delaware to express our unqualified disapproval of the remedy for the existing difficulties suggested by the resolutions of the Legislature of Mississippi.--Philadelphia Ledger.
The South Carolina Commissioners left Washington for Charleston, upon the President's declination to receive any further communication from them. They consider the abrupt termination of their business by the President an insult to themselves and their State, and treat it as a declaration of war.--(Doc. 12.)
In Washington, reports that armed bands were organizing to take possession of the capital before the votes for President and Vice-President are counted, meet with general, credence. [10] General Scott is actively engaged in the preparations to put down this mob.
Jan. 4.
Great excitement prevailed at Norfolk, Va., in consequence of the report that four companies of soldiers at Fortress Monroe had been ordered to Charleston.--Baltimore Sun.
It is stated in Washington, on the authority of a member of the Georgia delegation, that the United States revenue cutter Dolphin was fired upon and seized to-day, by the secessionists at Savannah. Upon the same statement in Georgia, the Governor issued an order for her release.--Times, Jan. 5.
The South Carolina Convention appointed Hons. T. J. Withers, L. M. Keitt, W. W. Boyce, James Chesnut, Jr., R. B. Rhett, Jr., R. W. Barnwell, and C. G. Memminger, delegates to the General Congress of the seceding States.
The United States arsenal at Mobile was taken by the secessionists at daylight this morning. It contained six stand of arms, 1,500 barrels of powder, 300,000 rounds of musket-cartridges, and other munitions of war. There was no defence.--Evening Post, Jan. 7.
An appeal to the people of Florida, by the Charleston Mercury, to seize the forts and other defences at Pensacola and Key West, threatens the capture of the California treasure ships by letters of marque and privateers.--(Doc. 13.)
Fast-day throughout the United States, by proclamation of the President. It is generally observed.--(Doc. 14.)
Fort Morgan, at the entrance of Mobile Bay, was taken this morning by Alabama troops, and is now garrisoned by two hundred men.--The Press, Jan. 5.
This evening a workingmen's meeting was held at Cincinnati, Ohio. Speeches were made, and resolutions adopted, declaring that the Union must be preserved in its integrity by the enforcement of the laws in every part of the Union, by whatever means may be necessary; that the remedy for all grievances can be had under the constitution, and that the only way to safety and peace is the maintenance of it.--Troy Times.
At Schenectady a salute was fired in honor of Major Anderson and his brave men. National airs were performed amid cheers for Major Anderson and Secretaries Holt and Stanton.--Albany Journal.
A meeting was held at Westchester, Pa., to enrol volunteers in the regiment of Chester county, to offer their services to the Government to maintain the constitution and enforce the laws.--Evening Post. Jan. 5.
The following notice is served on residents of Charleston, indiscriminately:
Jan. 5.
A large meeting was held at Norfolk, Va., this evening. Strong speeches were made, urging the citizens to arm themselves and place themselves in a state of defence for any emergency, which were loudly cheered. Resolutions recommending the Legislature to organize thoroughly the military power of the State, and prepare for civil war should it occur; scorning coercion; and preparing to resist invasion, were unanimously adopted.--National Intelligencer, Jan. 7.
Apprehensions of an attack on Washington are subsiding, in consequence of the measures already taken. General Carrington, of that city, has issued a call for a military organization for its defence.--(Doc. 15.)
In the State Convention of Florida, assembled at Tallahassee, resolutions were offered declaring the right of Florida to secede, and the [11] duty of the State to prepare for secession, made special order for the 7th.
A resolution was unanimously adopted in the Missouri Serate, instructing the Committee on Federal Relations to report a bill calling a State Convention.--Times.
Steamship Star of the West, Captain McGowan, cleared at New York for Havana and New Orleans. Two hundred and fifty artillerists and marines, with stores and ammunition, were put on board in the lower bay by steamtug, and in the night the ship went to sea, supposed to be destined for Charleston.
The South Carolina Convention adjourned this morning, subject to the call of the president.--Evening Post, Jan. 5.
Jan. 6.
A meeting of citizens, irrespective of party, was held at Chicago, Ill., this evening. The resolutions adopted express love for the Union; regard every attempt to rend it as the basest treason and most insane folly; regard the Constitution of the United States as forming a union between the people of the several States, and intended to be perpetual; and every attempt by a State to secede or annul the laws of the United States, is not only usurping the powers of the general Government, but aggression upon the equal rights of the other States; that peaceable secession, if possible, must necessarily be a matter of agreement between the States, and until such agreement is made, the existing Government has no choice but to enforce the law and protect the property of the nation; that in view of what is now transpiring in the Southern States, of threats to prevent the inauguration of a President, constitutionally elected, it is incumbent upon the loyal people of the several States to be prepared to render all their aid, military and otherwise, to the enforcement of the Federal laws; that Major Anderson deserves the thanks of the country for the course pursued by him.--Evening Post, Jan. 8.
A company of marines was put into Fort Washington, on the Potomac, 14 miles south of Washington city.
Forty tons of shot, shell, and powder, were forwarded from New York city by Adams' express for New Orleans; reported to be destined for Mexico, but believed to be for Louisiana.
Several volunteer companies of Washington were on parade, and upon dismissal were directed to carry their guns to their homes with forty rounds of ball-cartridges each.
The Alabama and Mississippi delegations in Washington held a conference, and telegraphed to the Conventions of their respective States, to advise immediate secession, as they consider that there is no prospect of a satisfactory adjustment. A caucus of Southern senators at Washington advocated separate and immediate secession.--Times, Jan. 7.
Governor Hicks, of Maryland, published an address to the people of that State upon his refusal to convene the Legislature. It strongly opposes secession.--(Doc. 16.)
Jan. 7.
A variety of plans for capturing Fort Sumter have been devised, but as yet none have been put in practice. One man thought it might be taken by floating down to the fort rafts piled with burning tar-barrels, thus attempting to smoke the American troops out as you would smoke a rabbit out of a hollow. Another was for filling bombs with prussic acid and giving each of the United States soldiers a smell. Still another supposed that the fort might be taken without bloodshed by offering to each soldier ten dollars and a speaking to. And still another thought that by erecting a barricade of cotton bales, and arming it with cannon, a floating battery might be made, which, with the aid of Forts Moultrie and Johnson, and Castle Pinckney, together with redoubts thrown up on Morris' and Jones' Islands, and with further assistance of an armed fleet, an attack might be made on the fort, and at some convenient point a party of sharpshooters might be stationed, who would pick off the garrison, man by man, thus giving an opportunity to a party of infantry to scale the walls of the fort. Such a storming, however, could only be accomplished by an immense sacrifice of life; and the only practicable mode of taking the fort would seem to be by a protracted siege, and by the unchristian mode of starving them.--South Carolinian.
Major Anderson's course was sustained in the House of Representatives to-day, by the following resolution, offered by Mr. Adrian, of New Jersey: Resolved, That we fully approve the bold and patriotic act of Major Anderson in withdrawing from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, and the [12] determination of the President to maintain that fearless officer in his present condition; and we will support the President in all constitutional measures to enforce the laws and preserve the Union.
To-day the arrest of Senators Toombs and Wigfall, on the charges of treason, for sending dispatches to the South recommending the seizure of the forts, was spoken of in the Cabinet “jocularly.”
The Alabama Convention organized at Montgomery, William M. Brooks in the chair.--Times, Jan. 8.
The Mississippi Convention organized at Jacksonville, A. J. Barry, of Lowndes, in the chair. It was resolved that a committee of fifteen be appointed by the president, with instructions to prepare and report, as speedily as possible, an ordinance of secession, providing for the immediate withdrawal of Mississippi from the Federal Union, with a view of establishing a new Confederacy, to be composed of the seceding States.--Mobile Advertiser.
The Governor of Virginia, in a message to the Legislature, in special session, condemns the hasty action of South Carolina, but opposes and says that “he will regard the attempt of the Federal troops to pass across Virginia for the purpose of coercing a Southern State, as an act of invasion which must be repelled.” --Tixmes, Jan, 8.
Jan. 8.
The Southern Confederacy (published at Atlanta, Ga.), a paper which has been fighting most gallantly for the Union and the laws, says of the late election for members of the Georgia Convention:
It is a notable fact, that, wherever the ‘ Minute Men,’ as they are called, have had an organization, those counties have voted, by large majorities, for immediate secession. Those that they could not control by persuasion and coaxing, they dragooned and bullied, by threats, jeers, and sneers. By this means thousands of good citizens were induced to vote the immediate secession ticket through timidity. Besides, the towns and cities have been flooded with sensation dispatches and inflammatory rumors, manufactured in Washington city for the especial occasion. To be candid, there never has been as much lying and bullying practised, in the same length of time, since the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as has been in the recent State campaign. The fault has been at Washington city; from that cess-pool have emanated all the abominations that ever cursed a free people.
The Baltimore Exchange says “the whole population of Maryland is united in the desire to preserve the Union; yet it may be that the people, by a blind and ill-advised course, may render the State obnoxious in future to the charge of having contributed, by her indecision and weakness, to the overthrow of the republic.” --Evening Post, Jan. 8.
Governor Hicks, of Maryland, in a letter to J. L. Curry, Commissioner from Alabama, says he regards cooperation between the slave States as an infraction of the Constitution, which he, as Governor of Maryland, swore to support. The people of that State are firm in their friendship for the Union, and will never swerve from it; they have seen, with mortification and regret, the course taken by South Carolina; for in their opinion it is better to use the Union for the enforcement of their rights than to break it up because of apprehensions that the provisions of the Constitution will be disregarded, and they will cling to it until it shall actually become the instrument of destruction to their rights and peace and safety. Disunion would be ruin to Maryland, and in the proposed Southern Confederacy she sees no refuge from the ills she must suffer in such an event. “Let us,” says Governor Hicks, “have our rights in the Union, and through and by the Constitution.” --Baltimore Sun.
The N. C. troops, and persons residing in the vicinity of Forts Caswell and Johnson, took possession of those defences this day.1
Secretary Thompson resigned his place in the Cabinet, upon learning that the Star of the West had sailed from New York with troops.
From Charleston it is announced that the messages to Fort Sumter cannot be delivered, as there is no communication between the fort and the city.
The Sub-Treasurer of Charleston has communicated to the Government, that the South Carolina authorities will not allow him to pay [13] any more drafts, not even to pay Anderson's men. All the cash in his vaults is to be retained there.
It is ascertained that all the seceding States have drawn their quota of arms for 1861 in advance. The order from South Carolina was filled only a few days before the passage of the ordinance of secession.--Commercial, Jan. 8.
Jan. 9.
Mississippi State Convention passed the ordinance of secession. Delegations from South Carolina and Alabama were invited to seats in the Convention. They were greeted with applause. Efforts were made to postpone action, which were voted down. The fifteen delegates who opposed the ordinance will sign it to-morrow, making the vote unanimous. Fireworks were displayed at the capitol in Jackson this evening. The excitement is intense.--New Orleans Picayune, Jan. 10.
At half-past 7 A. M. the steamship Star of the West was signalled at the entrance of Charleston harbor. As she made her way toward Fort Sumter, a shot was sent across her bow from a battery on Morris' Island, when she displayed the United States flag, and was repeatedly fired into from the Morris' Island battery and from Fort Moultrie. Her course was then altered, and she again put to sea. Guns were run out at Fort Sumter, but none were fired. At 11 o'clock Major Anderson sent a flag with a communication to Governor Pickens, to inquire if this act had the sanction of the State Government; was informed that it had, and thereupon sent a special messenger to Washington with dispatches.--(Doc. 18.)
Jan. 10.
An intense excitement at Charleston, on account of a rumor that the sloop-of-war Brooklyn was dispatched for that place. Great preparations are made to receive her. The buoys in the harbor are removed, and threats are made to fire on the ship.
A steam-tug called the Aid left the wharf to-night for the purpose of reconnoitring. She is mounted with one gun, and is under the command of Lieut. Hamilton, formerly of the Federal navy.
Fort Moultrie is being rapidly put in order by a large force of workmen. There are over forty South Carolina railroad hands actively and constantly employed under Mr. Bryant. Twenty hearty, strong negroes were sent down by the Rev. Mr. Prentiss and set to work, and did work faithfully all night upon the ramparts.--Charleston Courier, Jan. 11.
Jan. 11.
To-day a party of Louisiana State troops, under command of Captain Bradford, took possession of the United States Marine Hospital, about two miles below New Orleans. The patients in the Hospital, numbering two hundred and sixteen, were ordered to be removed; those who are convalescent, immediately, and those who are confined to their beds, as soon as possible. The reason assigned for this inhuman action is that the authorities want the quarters for their own troops.
A Union meeting was held at Wilmington, N. C., this evening, which was attended by over one thousand persons.--Evening Post, Jan. 15.
Florida and Alabama adopted ordinances of secession; Florida passed her ordinance by a vote of 62 to 7, and Alabama by yeas 61, nays 39. The Alabama Convention was far from unanimous; a large part of that State is decidedly opposed to extreme measures. The Alabama ordinance of secession calls upon the people of all the Southern States to meet in convention at Montgomery, on the 4th of February next, for the purpose of forming a provisional or permanent government. Immediately after the passage of the ordinance, an immense mass meeting was held in front of the capitol; a secession flag, presented, by the women of Montgomery, was raised on the State House, cannon were fired, guns fired, etc., and in the evening the whole town was illuminated.--(Doc. 19.)--Evening Post, Jan. 12.
Judge Jones, of the United States District Court, this afternoon announced from the windows of the court-room in the custom-house building, at Mobile, that the United States Court for the Southern District of Alabama was “adjourned forever.” Mr. George M. Brewer, of the same place, gave one hundred cords of wood for the use of the garrison at Fort Morgan, and proffered the services of twenty negro men as laborers on the works.--Mobile Advertiser, Jan. 12. at Richmond, Va., a banquet was given to John B. Floyd, late Secretary of the Navy. That gentleman made a speech, wherein he related a conversation with the President, which he claimed showed a breach of faith on [14] the part of the latter, leading to the former's resignation. He also counselled resistance to Federal coercion. Speeches were made by Lieutenant-Governor Montague, Attorney-General Tucker, and others. The policy of the Legislature was severely commented upon.
Abolitionists attempted to hold a meeting at Rochester, N. Y. It was broken up by citizens, and resolutions in favor of the Union were passed, and cheers given for General Scott and Major Anderson. A flag bearing the inscription, “No compromise with slavery,” was not allowed to be suspended across Buffalo street. The authorities prevented a general riot.--N. Y. Herald, Jan. 12.
Both branches of the New York Legislature adopted strong Union resolutions, tendering the assistance of the State to the President, and ordered them sent to the President, and the Governors of all the States.--(Doc. 20.)
Jan. 12.
The Star of the West arrived at New York, having failed to land her troops at Fort Sumter. The Captain reported that unexpected obstacles in the removal of buoys, lights, and ranges, which, though he arrived in the night, compelled him to wait till daybreak outside the harbor, rendered a successful entrance impossible.--(Doc. 21.)
Senator Seward, in his place in the Senate, spoke upon the present troubles of the country, and avowed his “adherence to the Union, in its integrity and with all its parts; with his friends, with his party, with his State, or without either, as they may determine; in every event, whether of peace or of war; with every consequence of honor or dishonor, of life or death.” He said that “Union is not less the body than liberty is the soul of the nation.” The speech is denounced by both extremes, and is understood by the Southerners to mean “coercion,” while the political friends of the Senator consider it a relinquishment of his principles.--Times, Jan. 13.
Fort Barrancas and the navy yard at Pensacola, were seized. The late commandant of the navy yard, in a dispatch to Government, says:
Armed bodies of Florida and Alabama troops appeared before the gate of the navy yard, and demanded possession. Having no means of resistance, I surrendered and hauled down my flag. They are now in possession.A dispatch to the Florida senators announced the same as follows:
We repaired down here and captured Fort Barrancas and navy yard, and then paroled the officers, granting them permission to continue to occupy their quarters. We are now in possession. This move was in consequence of the Government garrisoning Fort Pickens, which has before remained unoccupied. You will propose to the Administration, resuming the status quo ante bellum and we will immediately evacuate.The Pensacola navy yard contains a hundred and fifty-six thousand dollars' worth of ordnance stores.--Richmond Enquirer, Jan. 14.
Artillery were ordered to Vicksburg by the Governor early this morning, to hail and question passing boats on the Mississippi river. A salute of fifteen guns was fired last night at Jackson, on the reception of the news from Alabama and Florida.--Raleigh Standard, Jan. 14.
Jan. 13.
Governor Pickens, of South Carolina, sent to Washington for a balance of $3,000 due him as late Minister to Russia. The Department adjusted his accounts by sending him a draft on the Charleston Sub-Treasury, the money in which has been seized by the State.
Jan. 14.
Judge Smalley delivered a charge to the grand jury of the Federal court in New York, specifying what overt acts constitute treason.2
Jan. 15.
Major-General Sandford tendered the whole of the First Division New York State Militia to the Commander-in-Chief, to be ready for service in an hour's notice.
Colonel Hayne, a Commissioner of South Carolina to Washington, was received by the President, and demanded the withdrawal of the garrison of Fort Sumter. He was requested to submit a written demand.
The United States Coast Survey schooner Dana, was seized by the Florida State authorities.--The World.
Jan. 16.
The names of William L. Yancey of Alabama, and James H. Hammond of South Carolina, appear in the Apalachicola Times of this day, as candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency of the Southern Confederacy.
[15]
January 17.
No entry for January 17, 1861.Jan. 18.
In the Massachusetts State Legislature to-day, a series of resolutions was passed by a unanimous vote, tendering to the President of the United States such aid in men and money as he may request, to maintain the authority of the general Government. The preamble to the resolution declares that the State of South Carolina, in seizing the fortifications of the Federal Government, the Post Office, Custom House, moneys, arms, munitions of war, and by firing upon a vessel in the service of the United States, has committed an act of war. The Senate passed a bill authorizing the increase of the volunteer military of the State.--Boston Journal, Jan. 19.
Jan. 19.
The State Convention of Georgia has adopted the secession ordinance by a vote of two hundred and eight against eighty-nine.--(Doc. 22.) A motion to postpone the operation of the ordinance until the 3d of March was lost by about thirty majority. Alexander H. Stephens and Herschel V. Johnson are among those who voted against the ordinance. The ordinance of secession is ordered to be engrossed on parchment, and to be signed on Monday at noon. Judge Linton Stephens says that, while he approves of the ordinance, he sees no reason for its adoption now. He therefore will not vote for or sign it. Unusual demonstrations of approbation are being made at Milledgeville to-night in honor of the adoption of the ordinance, including the firing of cannon, the letting off of sky-rockets, the burning of torches, and music and speeches.--Richmond Enquirer.
January 20.
No entry for January 20, 1861.Jan. 21.
Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, withdrew from the Senate at Washington today. The ordinance of secession having passed the Convention of his State, he felt obliged to obey the summons, and retire from all official connection with the Federal Government.--(Doc. 23.)
At the Brooklyn, N. Y., navy yard, the entire force was put under arms, and held in readiness to act immediately, through some apprehension of an attack by an organized force of persons in sympathy with secession. The guns of the North Carolina were shotted, and a portion of the Brooklyn city military was mustered to cooperate.--Herald, Jan. 22.
The Georgia State Convention resolved, unanimously: “As a response to the resolutions of the Legislature of the State of New York, that this Convention highly approves of the energetic and patriotic conduct of the Governor of Georgia in taking possession of Fort Pulaski by the Georgia troops; that this Convention request him to hold possession of said fort until the relations of Georgia with the Federal Government shall be determined, and that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of New York.”--Times, Jan. 22.
Wendell Phillips addressed the Twentyeighth Congregational Society in Boston this afternoon on the “Political Lessons of the hour.” He declared himself to be a disunion man, and was glad to see South Carolina and other southern slave States had practically initiated a disunion movement. He hoped that all the slave States would leave the Union, and not stand upon the order of their going, but go at once. He denounced the compromise spirit manifested by Mr. Seward and Charles Francis Adams with much severity of language; and there was an occasional stamping of feet and hissing, but no outbreak. Mr. Phillips was escorted home by a few policemen, and a great crowd pushing about him.--Springfield Republican.
A Union meeting was held to-night at Trenton, N. J., Thomas J. Stryker, Cashier of the Trenton Bank, in the chair. The Committee on Resolutions reported, deploring the state of the country; recommending, as a means of settling differences, the adoption by the people of the Crittenden resolutions, or some other pacific measures, with such modifications as may be deemed expedient; recommending the Legislature of New Jersey to pass a law to take a vote of the people, yes or no, on the Crittenden resolutions; approving of the course of Virginia in appointing a Commission to go to Washington, and recommending the New Jersey Legislature to do the same. Speeches were made by Judge Naar, C. W. Jay, and others.
Jan. 22.
Sherrard Clemens of Va. made a strong Union speech in the House of Representatives to-day.--(Doc. 24.)
January 23.
No entry for January 23, 1861.Jan. 24.
The Charleston Mercury continues [16] the publication of anonymous incendiary appeals, intended to stir up the people to an attack on Fort Sumter. One, headed “Fort Sumter, the bastion of the Federal Union,” concludes with these words:
No longer hoping for concessions, let us be ready for war, and when we have driven every foreign soldier from our shores, then let us take our place in the glorious Republic the future promises us. Border southern States will never join us until we have indicated our power to free ourselves — until we have proven that a garrison of seventy men cannot hold the portal of our commerce. The fate of the Southern Confederacy hangs by the ensign halliards of Fort Sumter.
The Toronto Leader, the Government paper of Canada, this morning says it is in a position to announce in the most positive terms that it is the intention of the English Government to acknowledge the independence of the Southern Confederacy as soon as it is formed.
The London Times, in an article on the disunion movement in America, asserts that the United States cannot “for many years be to the world what they have been.” --(Doc. 25.)
An effort was made by the New York police to seize a quantity of fire-arms which were known to be shipped on board the steamer Montgomery. While the officers were searching on board for the arms, the captain ordered the vessel's fasts to be cut, and she steamed away from the pier, scarcely giving the policemen time to jump ashore. The five hundred muskets found on board the schooner Caspian were returned to the captain, the authorities being satisfied that the vessel was bound to Carthagena.--Chicago Tribune.
The United States arsenal at Augusta, Ga., was surrendered to the State authorities, upon the demand of Governor Brown.--Baltimore Sun, Jan. 25.
The Catawba Indians of South Carolina offered their services to Governor Pickens, and were accepted.--Times, Jan. 25.
Jan. 25.
A large Union mass meeting was held at Portland, Me., this evening; Chief Justice Shepley presided, and the meeting was addressed by many of the ablest speakers of all parties. Union resolutions were passed.
A correspondence between Senator Toombs, of Georgia, and Fernando Wood, mayor of New York, relative to the seizure of arms by the police of that city, creates comment and surprise.--(Doc. 26.)
Jan. 26.
The Louisiana State Convention passed the ordinance of secession to-day, by a vote of one hundred and thirteen to seventeen. A delay ordinance was proposed yesterday, but was voted down by a large majority. A gold pen was given each member, with which to sign the ordinance of secession.--(Doc. 27.)--Buffalo Courier.
Jan. 27.
The Grand Jury at Washington made three presentments of Ex-Secretary Floyd, first, for maladministration in office; second, for complicity in the abstraction of the bonds; and third, for conspiracy against the Government.--N. Y. Tribune.
January 28.
No entry for January 28, 1861.Jan. 29.
The United States revenue cutter Robert McClelland, Captain Breshwood (a Virginian), was surrendered at New Orleans to the State of Louisiana.--Times, Feb. 8.
Secretary Dix's dispatch to Hemphill Jones, to “shoot on the spot” any one who attempts to “haul down the American flag” caused great enthusiasm.--(Doc. 28.)
January 30.
No entry for January 30, 1861.Jan. 31.
The State of South Carolina, by her attorney-general, I. W. Hayne, offered to buy Fort Sumter, and declared that, “if not permitted to purchase, she would seize the fort by force of arms.” The United States, in reply, asserted political rights superior to the proprietary right, and not subject to the right of “eminent domain.” --Times, Feb. 9.
The United States branch mint, and the custom-house at New Orleans, seized by the State authorities. In the mint were government funds to the amount of $389,000, and in the sub-treasury, $122,000--(Doc. 29.)--Louisville Journal, Feb. 2.
