Benson J. Lossing, Pictorial Field Book of the Civil War. Volume 1.

[179] the Legislature of the State of New York was received

January 20, 1861.

from the Governor of Georgia at this point in the proceedings, and produced much excitement. It tendered to the President of the United States all the available power of the State to enable him to enforce the laws, and uphold the authority of the National Government; and declared that, in defense of the Union, which had conferred prosperity and happiness upon the American people, renewing the pledge given and redeemed by their fathers, they were ready to devote their fortunes, “their lives, and their sacred honor.” As soon as this resolution was read, Toombs offered the following, which was adopted by unanimous vote:--“Resolved, As a response to the resolutions 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 Georgia troops, and requests him to hold possession until the relations of Georgia with the Federal Government be determined by this Convention; and that a copy of this resolution be ordered to be transmitted to the Governor of New York.”

The allusion above to the seizure of forts brings us to the consideration of the fact that Governor Brown, following the advice of the South Carolina conspirators, and the recommendations of Toombs and others, at

Fort Pulaski.

Washington, ordered the seizure of the coast defenses more than a fortnight before the Secession Convention met. Fort Pulaski, on Cockspur Island, at the mouth of the Savannah River, and Fort Jackson, nearer the city of Savannah, were seized on the 3d of January. The National Arsenal at the same city was taken possession of by insurgents on that day. On the 24th, the Arsenal at Augusta was seized by seven hundred State troops, in the presence of the Governor, and by his orders. The National troops in charge were allowed to salute their flag when they left, and were soon sent to New York. In the Arsenal were twenty-two thousand muskets and rifles, some cannon, and a large amount of powder and other munitions of war. The forts were without garrisons, and each was in charge of only two or three men. Fort Pulaski was intended for one hundred and twenty-eight guns, and a garrison of six hundred and fifty men. The walls were more than six feet in thickness, very solid, and well built of hard gray brick. It contained three furnaces for heating shot. It effectually guarded the main entrance to the Savannah River, and its possession was a great advantage to the insurgents during the earlier part of the war that ensued.

The Convention at Milledgeville adopted measures in accordance with the new order of things which they had decreed, and made preparations