F. W. Chesson File: CRISIS.HTM
144 Fiske Street, Rev: 2-12-2001
Waterbury, CT 06710
SECRET WIRES
*
Crisis of The Union
Breaking Connections
As the Election Year of 1860 year waned, so did hopes of averting
dis-union. Kentucky Senator Crittenden's plan of Compromise seemed an
ill-fated Last resort. Nevertheless, considerations were still in the
air, as witness the following telegram.
American Telegraph Company
To: G. W. McLean William Street, NYC Dec. 5th 1 o'clock
"Crittenden agrees to substitute Border State report for his (own)
Monday. (It will) probably go through. (A) great many Republicans for it.
Act this evening and advise. A. D. B."
Up to the Secession Crisis, the telegraph had been but little-used
for national news-gathering. Despite some fifty-thousand miles of wire
and the existence of press syndicates, seldom more than fifteen-hundred
words a day would be received by southern and western newspaper offices.
Of the several news-gathering and distributing agencies, the New York
Associated Press was the largest, owned by seven leading city papers. It
had contracts with the two main telegraph companies, Western Union, and
the American Telegraph Company.
With South Carolina's Act of Secession on December 20, and the
impending departure of the other slave-holding states, the national
consumption began to accelerate and was soon "burning up the wires."
The increased brass-pounding and its resultant excitement was not
always appreciated in high places. On the very day that South Carolina
seceded, a harried President Buchanan wrote to James Gordon Bennett of the
New York Herald, expressing his dismay over the public being "kept in a
constant state of excitement from what are called `telegrams.'" Even
editors, increasingly reliant on the new technology, were disturbed at its
consequences. There was some truth to these apprehensions, as the most
spectacular rumors and flagrant distortions were often printed under the
authenticating headlines of "By Telegraph!" or "A Telegraphic Dispatch by
Our Special Correspondent!" All too often the medium was justly blamed
for faulty and/or erroneous input, plus frequent editorial manipulations.
Fort Sumter dominated national events, as South Carolina moved to
seize the important fortifications around Charleston. On the day after
Christmas, Major Anderson reported to Adjutant-General Colonel Cooper:
FORT SUMTER S. C., Dec 26, 1860--8 p.m. (Recvd A. G. O., Dec 29.)
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I have just completed, by
the Blessing of God, the removal to this fort of all of my garrison,
except the surgeon, four non-commissioned officers, and seven men. We
have one year's supply of hospital stores and about four months' supply
of provisions for my command.
I left orders to have all the guns at Fort Moultrie spiked, and the
carriages of the 32-pounders, which are old, destroyed. I have sent orders
to Captain Foster, who remains at Fort Moultrie, to destroy all ammunition
which he cannot send over. The step which I have taken was, in my opinion,
necessary to prevent the effusion of blood.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Mjr, First Artillery, Commanding.
Hastily, the following telegram was dispatched by Secretary of War
James B. Floyd, just before he resigned, to become a Confederate general,
five months later....
WAR DEPARTMENT, Adjutant-General's Office, Dec 27, 1860. [1-3]
Major ANDERSON, Fort Moultrie:
Intelligence has reached here this morning that you have abandoned
Fort Moultrie, spiked your guns, burned the carriages, and gone to Fort
Sumter. It is not believed, because there is no order for any such a
movement. Explain the meaning of this report.
J. B. FLOYD, Secretary of War.
CHARLESTON, December 27, 1860.
Hon. J. B. FLOYD, Secretary of War:
The telegram is correct. I abandoned Fort Moultrie because I was
certain that if attacked my men must have been sacrificed, and the command
of the harbor lost. I spiked the guns and destroyed the carriages to keep
the guns from being used against us.
ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery.
Anderson then elaborated upon his "change of command" to Cooper:
FORT SUMTER, S.C., December 27, 1860. (Received A. G. O., December 31.)
COLONEL: I had the honor to reply this afternoon to the telegram of
the honorable Secretary of War in reference to the abandonment of Fort
Moultrie. In addition to the reasons given in my telegram and in my letter
of last night, I will add as my opinion that many things convinced me that
the authorities of the State designed to proceed to a hostile act. Under
this impression I could not hesitate that it was my solemn duty to move my
command from a fort which we could not probably have held longer than
forty-eight or sixty hours, to this one, where my power of resistance is
increased to a very great degree.
The governor of this State sent down one of his aides to-day and
demanded, "courteously, but peremptorily," that I should return my command
to Fort Moultrie. I replied that I could not and would not do so. He stated
that when the governor came into office he found that there was an under-
standing between his predecessor and the President that no re-enforcements
were to be sent to any of these forts, and particularly to this one, and
that I had violated this agreement by having re-enforced this fort.
I remarked that I had not re-enforced this command, but that I had
merely transferred my garrison from one fort to another, and that, as the
commander of this harbor, I had a right to move my men into any fort I
deemed proper. I told him that removal was made on my own responsibility,
and that I did it because we were in a position that we could not defend,
and also under the firm belief that it was the best means of preventing
bloodshed.
This afternoon an armed steamer, one of two which have been watching
these two forts, between which they have been passing to and fro or
anchored for the last ten nights, took possession by escalade of Castle
Pinckney. Lieutenant Meade made no resistance. He is with us to-night.
They also took possession to-night of Fort Moultrie, from which I withdrew
the remainder of my men this afternoon, leaving the fort in charge of the
overseer of the men employed by the Engineer Department. We have left
about one month and a half of provisions in that fort; also some wood and
coal and a small quantity of ammunition.
We are engaged here to-day in mounting guns and in closing up some of
the openings for the embrasures--temporarily closed by light boards, which
would offer but slight resistance to persons seeking entrance. If the men
return to their work, which I doubt, we shall be enabled in three or four
days to have a sufficient number of our guns mounted, and be ready for
anything that may occur.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
Fateful 1861 opened with heightened anxieties crackling on the wires.
WASHINGTON, January 1, 1861.
G. B. DUVAL, Montgomery, Ala.:
I know no determination by the Cabinet. It is thought a majority are
against evacuating Fort Sumter. Nothing certain. It is said the President
will send a message to-morrow.
BEN. FITZPATRICK.
On Wednesday, January 2, the Charleston Mercury's Washington
correspondent sent the following to a city seething with defiance over
Buchanan's reluctant efforts to reinforce Fort Sumter. Even his proposal
for a new Customs Collector for the Port of Charleston had thrown the
disputatious Congress into an uproar, as Evans telegraphed:
"Intense excitement created today at Capitol when message from
President to Senate was announced. Republicans urged Executive (closed)
Session. (The) Democrats opposed and carried (a motion of) Adjournment.
The message then was examined by Democratic Senators found to be a
nomination (of) McKibben of Pennsylvania as (Customs) Collector for the
Port of Charleston. This gentleman's father (is) Hon. Joseph McKibben,
late M.C. from California. He will not go to Charleston but remove the
Custom House to the deck of a Man of War, under Provisions of Force Bill
of 1833. See Law.
Reliable authority now says there may be no message on the subject of
South Carolina, but simply a Proclamation. This, however, I learn, depends
on developments yet to be made. (The) Cabinet remained in session till late
hours discussing (the) proposition. Commissioners perfectly confident that
no satisfactory arrangement will be made, and they expect to leave in a day
or two for home. They replied to President's communication today, charging
special pleading and effort to avoid a plain issue, fairly presented. They
seemed pleased to learn this evening that no troops had been ordered to
Charleston.
Evans."
Georgia and its fiery governor, Joseph E. Brown, were also
gripped with the fever of Secessionism....
HEADQUARTERS GEORGIA MILITIA, Savannah, January 2, 1861. To Col. A. R.
LAWTON, Commanding First Volunteer Regiment Georgia, Savannah:
SIR: The Governor and commander-in-chief directs you to detail 125
men, or more if necessary, from your command, with the suitable number of
officers, including one or more medical officers, to occupy immediately
until further orders Fort Pulaski, at the mouth of the Savannah River....
Each man should carry with him a knapsack or valise containing a
change of clothing, one iron spoon, one knife, one fork, one tin cup, one
clothes brush, one shoe brush, one box blacking, one comb and brush.
By order of the commander-in-chief:
HENRY C. WAYNE,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
TELEGRAM.
JANUARY 2, 1861. Governor MOORE, Montgomery, Ala.:
In view of the threatening aspect of our Federal relations, and the
coercive policy understood to be adopted by the Government, I have
ordered Georgia troops to occupy Fort Pulaski, at the mouth of the river,
till our convention assembles. Hope you will co-operate and occupy the
forts in Alabama. Answer.
JOSEPH E. BROWN
Governor
TELEGRAM.
JANUARY 2, 1861. Governor PERRY, Tallahassee, Fla.:
In view of the threatening aspect of our Federal relations, I hope
your convention will co-operate and occupy forts in Florida immediately,
and that you will secede at once.
JOSEPH E. BROWN
Governor
TELEGRAM.
SAVANNAH, January 2, 1861. Governor MOORE, New Orleans:
In view of the threatening aspect of our Federal relations...
Hope you will co-operate and occupy the forts in your State immediately.
I send like request to the Governors of Florida and Alabama. (Operator
will forward if the Governor is not in New Orleans.)
JOSEPH E. BROWN
Governor
WASHINGTON, Jan 3, 1861. General C. J. MCRAE, Mobile, Ala.:
Mission of South Carolina commissioners ended by President (Buchanan)
returning their last communication. No message from President yet. Mcintyre
of Pennsylvania nominated by President for collector at Charleston. No
action on it by Senate. No other change in status to-day. President
vibrating on sending troops to Charleston and other Southern forts.
Douglas made great speech to-day. Denies right of secession, but opposes
coercion.
J. J. McRAE
While large fortifications, like Fort Pulaski, were being seized by
the seceding states, certain civilities were apparently still observed in
connection with smaller items of Federal property....
PULASKI HOUSE, January 3, 1861. JOHN BOSTON, Esq., (Customs)
Collector of the Port of Savannah:
SIR: The revenue-cutter J. C. Dobbin, which was seized by some
unauthorized person or persons unknown to me, has, under the order given
by me to Colonel Lawton, now in command of Fort Pulaski, to protect
Government property against injury, been recaptured, and is now aground
near Fort Pulaski. You will please send a revenue boat and take her into
custody to night, and I will have her hauled off to-morrow morning and
delivered to you at such place as you may designate.
I much regret the lawless seizure of the vessel, and beg leave to
assure you that I shall from time to time give such orders as will protect
the customhouse and other property belonging to the Federal Government
till the action of this State is determined by convention of her people.
Very respectfully, &c.,
TELEGRAM.
SAVANNAH, January 4, 1861. Governor PETTUS, Jackson, Miss.:
It being understood that the coercive policy is adopted by the
Federal Government, I, as a precautionary measure, have occupied with
troops the fort at the month of Savannah River till our convention meets
and decides the question. Have asked Governors of Alabama and Florida to
do the same in their States. They reply they will. Have asked same of
Governor of Louisiana. Cannot hear from him. If you know where he is will
you send him substance of this dispatch? What say you to the movement?
JOSEPH E. BROWN
The Deep South State of Mississippi was also in a ferment, as seen by
the following telegrams. The first was from a Member of Congress and future
CSA general who would fall at Gettysburg, two and one-half years later.
The Magnetic Telegraph Company
Washington Jany 4, 1861
To: James Blair & Others Columbus, Miss.
"The President refused to withdraw the troops from Charleston.
The Commissioners regarded this as an Act of War (and) have left. The
President seems determined to collect the Revenue, but as yet no troops
have been ordered to Charleston. Appearances (are) warlike and in my
opinion we should be prepared to seize the forts and arsenals at a
moment's warning. William Barksdale"
The Magnetic Telegraph Company
Washington Jany 5, 1861
To: Gov. Pettus Jackson, Miss.
"The Governor & Officers of the state and six sevenths of the people
of Delaware are cordially with Mississippi in the Southern Course. The
present legislature is opposed to immediate secession. The people will
demand a Convention and Delaware will cooperate with Mississippi.
Henry Dickinson (&) Alex R. Woothen, Atty Genl., Delaware"
JANUARY 6, 1861. General JAMES JONES, Charleston, S.C.:
The order issued last night from the War Office for sending additional
troops to Charleston. The troops are now on their way.
Yours, very truly, L. T. WIGFALL
Louis T. Wigfall was a secessionist firebrand, who had fought duels
for his principles and was presently Senator from Texas. A brigadier-
general for four months, he resigned to duel with a new foe in the
Confederate legislature...Jefferson Davis.
American Telegraph Company
Washington, Jan. 7, 1861 To: Hon. D. B. Wright Jackson, Miss.
"Hope is dead. Secede at once. Today is the darkest yet. Telegraph
the ordinance. Pay here. Letter to Governor by mail. A. G. Brown."
On Tuesday, January 8, Mississippi's Jacob Thompson, Buchanan's
Secretary of the Interior, and the last Southerner in his Cabinet,
resigned. As a mirror of the deepening crisis, correspondent Evans
dispatched the following telegrams to the New Orleans Delta and
Charleston Mercury.
Delta, N.O. Telegram:
Star (of the) West left for Charleston (with) men (and) provisions. (It is)
true, Secretary Thompson leaves Cabinet today. Excitement increasing hourly.
Evans"
Mercury, Charleston.
"Resignation of Secretary Thompson (was) conditionally tended more
than ten days since. (The) President pledged himself, so Thompson charges,
to notify him before ordering troops south. This pledge (was) forfeited,
as Thompson knew nothing of the order until today, when promptly withdrawn.
Intense excitement felt here to learn something from Charleston.
Genl. Scott fears (the) Steamer (Star of the West) failed to get in. All
Southern men express indignation, and feeling is running high.
(A) Steamer under Capt. Nones left Delaware Bay few days since.
Forty men, apprehended by North Carolina delegation, gone to Fort Caswell.
Guards there have been ordered to keep watch.
House Committee Thirty-Three met today and discussed several
propositions. Adjourn tomorrow with understanding their final action
shall hold.
(General) Scott is now the ruling spirit of the Government and
is for War unless the South presents a united front--when he thinks
war hopeless and impolite. Evans"
Mercury, Charleston
"Intense excitement here. Government anxiously awaiting news from
Charleston. Apprehension (that) steamer may be sunk, if battery (has)
been erected on Cummings Point. Steamer has full chart and sailing
instructions. Evans."
American Telegraph Company
To: W. H. Hurlburt, Esq. New York Hotel.
"Not (a) word (of) truth in report (concerning) landing (of the)
Star of the West. Positive. A. D. B(anks)."
CHARLESTON, S. C., Jan 9, 1861 JOHN A. ELMORE, or PRESIDENT
OF THE CONVENTION:
(Major) Anderson writes to the Governor he will fire into all ships.
Governor replies and justifies what we did. Now Anderson replies, his mind
is changed, and refers the question to Washington.
WM. E. MARTIN.
Preparations were soon under way to prevent reinforcements from
reaching Sumter, including the use of "lime lights."
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, STATE DEPARTMENT, Charleston, S. C., January
10, 1861. Lieut. Col. L. M. HATCH:
You will proceed to take such steps as in your judgment are
practicable to light up the harbor of Charleston so as to expose to view
the various approaches to Fort Sumter from the sea. Let your lights be
so disposed as to expose to view as little as possible our own works and
preparations for defense in and about the harbor. Use strict economy in
your expenditures for this purpose, and report the cost per night which
may be incurred.
F. W. PICKENS.
Even North Carolina's Governor, John Willis Ellis, was caught up in
the defiance of Federal authority and prepared to seize Forts Johnson and
Caswell. He dispatched a last appeal to his Congressman, Warren Winslow,
to intervene.
Magnetic Telegraph Company
Dated: Raleigh, NC Jan 10, 1861
To: Hon. Warren Winslow Washington
"Call on Genl Scott (and) demand to know if he intends to provision
the N.C. forts. Reply immediately. John W. Ellis"
Excited by a rumor of approaching troops, Wilmington citizens stormed
the two forts, quickly overcoming their two ordnance-sergeant care-takers.
When no Federal host appeared the Governor soon ordered the forts returned.
North Carolina had not yet seceded, and Ellis hoped it would stay that way.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan 11, 1861. W. HENRY TRESCOT, Charleston, S.C.:
Reliably informed that (warship) Brooklyn was sent to secure return
of Star of the West, not to enter Charleston Harbor.
JEFFERSON DAVIS
JANUARY 12, 1861. General C. J. MCRAE, Mobile, Ala.:
Talbot, messenger from Anderson, arrived here this evening. Cabinet
in council on the repulse of Star of West from Charleston Harbor, Thomas
resigned as Secretary Treasury. Dix, of New York, appointed.
JOHN J McRAE.
The Crittenden Compromise was foredoomed, as positions hardened on
both sides....
WASHINGTON CITY, January 15, 1861.
Hon. ROBERT TOOMBS, or Hon. T. R. R. Conn, Milledgeville, Ga.:
Mr. English moved yesterday the consideration of Crittenden's
resolutions, for the purpose of reference to committee of thirty-three.
Under previous question, the House refused to consider, by majority of
eight votes. Senate to-day laid aside Crittenden's resolution for
Pacific Railroad Bill, all the Republicans voting against us. Rust
denounced the pretended report of House committee as a fraud upon the
country, as a majority had not supported it.
MARTIN J. CRAWFORD,
JAMES JACKSON.
The dissolving Union was affecting lives, great and small....
American Telegraph Company
From: Philadelphia Continental (Hotel?) Jan. 15. 1861
To: Mrs. J. D. Barnard, Huntsville, Alabama-
"Since Secession, (I) shall go to Virginia or Hamden. Telegraph.
Samuel H. Moore."
Note: Moore was one of the seven House Members from Alabama.
On January 16th, five Georgia gentlemen telegraphed the law firm
of Toombs and Cobb in Milledgeville with the following:
"The Senate today substituted Clark's Resolutions for Crittenden's.
These not only refute all amendments and guaranties, but direct all the
energies of all Departments of the Government to the maintenance of the
existing Union, protection of public property and the enforcement of the
laws. Republicans unanimous for substitute. (The) whole subject then
laid on the table.
Does this not satisfy men of every shade of opinion that Georgia
must rely upon herself. Will she not act promptly and as a unit?
Alfred Iverson
Martin J. Crawford
James Jackson
Lucius J. Gartrell
Jno. J. Jones
Howell Cobb was Buchanan's Secretary of the Treasury and Fort
Sumter was further isolated, as even its mail was intercepted....
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR, Charleston, SC., Jan 15, 1861.
Col. L. M. HATCH, Quartermaster- General:
SIR: You will send a boat daily to Fort Johnson at about 11 a.m.
and take from the postmaster at Charleston the mails for the command of
Major Anderson at Fort Sumter, and deliver the same to Captain Johnson,
commanding at Fort Johnson, and also to bring back such mails as Captain
Johnson may deliver and place them in the post-office here.
D. F. JAMISON.
JNO. J. JONES.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 16, 1861.
JAMES BLAIR AND OTHERS, Columbus, Miss.:
The President refused to withdraw the troops from Charleston. The
commissioners, regarding this as an act of War, have left. The President
seems determined to collect the revenue, but as yet no troops have been
ordered to Charleston. Appearances warlike, and in my opinion we should
be prepared to seize the forts and arsenals at a moment's warning.
WM. BARKSDALE
Fateful February
February saw the Texas Secession Convention voting for separation
by an overwhelming margin. During the proceedings, which began on
January 28, one E. B. Nichols reported hopefully from Galveston....
"Convention with Texas Commissioners observed. All satisfactory
to Texans and U.S., thank God."
Now, a confrontation arose between Governor Brown of Georgia and
Governor Morgan of New York over seizure of a military purchase.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., February 2, 1861.
His Excellency Governor MORGAN, Albany, N. Y. :
SIR: I have before me satisfactory evidence of the fact that 200
muskets belonging to D.C. Hodgkins & Sons, citizens of this State, were
placed on board the ship Monticello, at New York, for Savannah, and were
seized by the police of that city on or about the 22d of January last,
and taken from the ship, and are now detained in the State arsenal in
the city. As Governor of Georgia, I hereby demand that the guns be
immediately delivered, under your order, to G. B. Lamar, of New York, who
is hereby appointed my agent to receive them.
I trust no similar outrage may be perpetrated in future. You will
oblige by communicating your decision immediately by telegraph.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH E. BROWN.
Military forces began to move inexorably towards conflict.
The Magnetic Telegraph Company
Dated: Carlisle (Barracks, Penn.) 6th Feby, 1861
To: Col. L. Thomas, Asst. Adj. Genl.
"Three ten P.M. I have just sent off by railroad Lieut. Holliday
with forty two men and forty horses.
L. P. Graham Major, 2nd Dragoons." (4-820)
Thursday, February 7th, saw the "Johnson Connections" focus on the
ferment for Secession in Arkansas, as Senator R. W. Johnson wired to his
family back home, counseling moderation....
The Magnetic Telegraph Company
Dated: Washington Feby 7, 1861
To: R. H. Johnson (and) James B. Johnson, Little Rock.
"Southern states which captured (Government) forts were in the act of
seceding (and) were threatened with troops and their ports and commerce
endangered. If Totten resists, for God's sake, deliberate and go stop the
assault. R. W. Johnson."
The following telegram appears on blank paper with various phrases
crossed out. These are shown within brackets [ --- ]. William K. Sebastain
was a Senator from Arkansas.
"US Senate Feby 7th, 1861. His Excel'y H. M. Rector. Little Rock, Ark.
[For God's sake] The [motions impel] motions which impelled capture of forts
in other states do not exist in ours. It is all premature. We implore you
prevent attack on Arsenal if Totten resists. R.W. Johnson, W. K. Sebastain."
American Telegraph Company
From: Washington Feby 7, 1861
To: Edmund Burgevin Little Rock
"For God's sake do not attack the Arsenal. It can do no good and
will be productive of great harm. C. B. Johnson."
American Telegraph Company
From: Washington, Feby 7, 1861
To: Gov. Rector Little Rock, Ark.
"For God's sake allow no attack to be made on Fort Totten. A. Rust"
Magnetic Telegraph Company
Dated: Wash'n Feb 7th, 1861
To: John Pope, Esq. Little Rock Ark.
"For God's sake do not complicate matters by an attack. It will be
premature and do untractable harm. We cannot justify it. The reasons
that existed elsewhere for seizure do not exist with us.
Albert Pike, R. W. Johnson.
As it turned out, Captain James Totten surrendered Little Rock
Arsenal on February 8th, resulting in the following return telegram:
Little Rock, Feby 8, 1861.
To: C. B. Johnson Wash.
(You) spoke too late, like Irishman who swallowed an egg. Arsenal now
in hands of Governor. Edmund Burgevin.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., February 10, 1861.
SIR: In answer to your telegram dated Washington, February 9, 1861,
I this morning answered by telegraph as follows:
I have retired with my command from Little Rock Arsenal, and the
governor of Arkansas, in the name of the United State, has charge of all
the public property, to hold the same until legally absolved from the
trust. I have reported particulars by mail, and shall duplicate them, and
explain the whole matter thoroughly. I shall order and proceed with my
command to Saint Louis, where I beg that orders may be sent me for my
future guidance.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. TOTTEN,
Captain, Second Artillery.
Georgia-New York gubernatorial tensions also escalated....
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., February 8, 1861.
His Excellency EDWIN D. MORGAN, Governor, State of New York,
Albany, N.Y..
SIR: You are doubtless aware that the telegraph and newspapers of the
city of New York, on the 22d day of last month, conveyed to the country
the intelligence that certain boxes of muskets, shipped for Savannah, were
on that day seized by the police of the city of New York while on board
the steamer Monticello....
To the above demand (for release of said muskets) I had received no
response (as of) the 5th day of this month...I issued an order to make
reprisal by the seizure of all ships then in the harbor of Savannah
belonging to citizens of the State of New York.
In obedience to this order I am informed that he has seized the
following vessels: barques Adjuster and D. Colden Murray; brigs W. R.
Kibby and Golden Lead, and schooner Julia A. Hallock.
If the property seized as reprisal belongs to citizens of New York
who are friendly to the cause of justice and truth and the equal rights
of the people of the Southern States, I shall regret the inconvenience
to which they may be exposed. I cannot forget, however, that my first
duty is to protect the citizens of this State against the lawless
violence of the officers or citizens of other States. If in so doing
incidental injury should be done to orderly and law-abiding citizens
of such offending State, for just and full indemnity they must look
to their own Government, which has brought the injury upon them. I trust
Your Excellency may have no difficulty in arriving at the conclusion that
this communication is "official" and "veritable."
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH E. BROWN.
Meanwhile, foreign recognition was on the minds of many. Napoleon
III, Emperor of France, having imperial designs on a fragmented Mexico,
could not fail to see the advantages of an independent Confederacy in
his long-term plans for new colonial outposts....
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 11, 1861. Col. L. P. WALKER:
DEAR COLONEL: ... Everything is ready, I hear, at Fort Sumter, and
I hope no unnecessary delay will take place in running up the flag of
the Confederate States.
The French minister stated Saturday...that the Emperor would at
once recognize your Government. He understands the present treaties to be
still existing between his Government and the seceding States, and said
that, when officially informed they were disposed to carry out the
stipulations, no difficulty being made as to the agent through which
they may hereafter act....
The impression here is that if a minister were sent here at once
Mr. Buchanan would at once receive him. I suppose you will make the
demand before attacking Fort Sumter....
In haste, very truly, Louis T. WIGFALL.
On February 14th, as Lincoln left Columbus, Ohio for Pittsburgh,
correspondent Evans, now in Richmond, wired the following to Pritchard
in Washington:
"Session devoted (to) completing organization. Credentials
Commissioners Preston, Carolina, Anderson, Miss. and Benning, Georgia
received. Committee appointed to invite them seats and inform them
(of) readiness to receive communications. (Then) Adjourned. Convention
going to work quite leisurely, though much feeling prevails relative
to future action which depends mainly (on) proceedings in Washington.
Senate-- Wilkerson presented memorial. Every Republican member
(from) Minnesota in favor of Coercion, non-compromise. Made vehement
Coercion speech. Tariff debated. House--Pryor resolution adopted.
Ascertain if report true as published in (New) York Times, that seceding
House members stole library books to benefit the Southern Confederacy.
The Conspiracy Committee reported no conspiracy against the Capitol
exists. Branch Minority Report concurring with Majority, adding a
resolution (that) troops be withdrawn (from) Washington. Moved previous
question (and) adjourned, as had been currently reported and believed in
high circles.
No one longer appears to contemplate reconciliation. Select
Committees excite no interest and general disruption is regarded by all
as only a question of time.
Serious apprehension is felt here for the safety of Washington.
Motion will be made in the City Council on Monday to appoint committee
to wait upon the (new) President. (And to) enquire if he designs affording
ample protection. If not, public meeting will be called and (the) citizens
will take matter (into) their own hands. Suspicions (are) entertained that
northern rowdies will swarm here the fourth week of March, with view to
plunder and rapine.
Private. Did not suppose you would publish this morning. Am I beaten
on quantity or quality(?) I see (the Peace) Commissioners every day and
try to be authentic. Evans."
Note: William H. Pritchard had been a southern agent for the Associated
Press since 1856, his normal headquarters being in Augusta. He died
suddenly of an infection at Richmond, in March of 1862.
The governor-to-governor confrontation over the seizure of the five
New York-owned ships at Savannah, in reprisal for confiscation of 200
muskets in New York City, destined for Georgia now re-erupted....
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., February 25, 1861.
His Excellency EDWIN D. MORGAN, Albany, N.Y.:
SIR: I informed you by my letter of the 8th instant of the seizure
in the Port of Savannah of five vessels belonging to citizens of New York,
which I notified you would be held until the 200 muskets belonging to D. C.
Hodgkins & Sons, citizens of this State, of which they had been robbed by
the police of the city of New York, acting under your authority, should be
delivered to them or to G. B. Lamar, whom I appointed agent in New York to
receive them.
On the 9th day of this month I was informed by Mr. Lamar that the
guns were at the command of their owners, and I immediately ordered the
release of the ships. I afterward directed Mr. Lamar to have the guns
shipped to Savannah, that they might be delivered to their owners. He
informed me in reply that the superintendent of police in the city again
refused to permit the guns to be shipped, and avowed to make further
seizures of a similar character.
On the receipt of this information I ordered Colonel Jackson, of
Savannah, to call out sufficient military force and renew the reprisals
by the seizure of property belonging to New York or the citizens of that
State, and to extend the seizures until he has doubled the amount of the
original reprisals made by him.
I now have the honor to inform Your Excellency that three vessels
belonging to citizens of New York, to wit; ship Martha J. Ward, bark
Adjuster, and brig Julia A. Hallock, have been seized and are held in
Savannah as reprisals.
Should I fail to receive official information from Your Excellency
prior to the 25th of March next that the guns above mentioned have been
delivered to their rightful owners or to G. B. Lamar, my agent, and that
he has been permitted to ship them from New York to Savannah, I shall on
that day cause the vessels above named to be sold to the highest bidder,
and out of the proceeds indemnify the injured citizens of this State
against the loss sustained by them on account of the unjust and illegal
seizure and detention of their property by the authorities of New York.
That you may not fail to receive this notice, it will be sent to
you at Albany in duplicate by different mails.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
JOSEPH E. BROWN
Following the seizure of Little Rock Arsenal, Arkansas' course lay
with the Confederacy and remote Fort Smith was regarded as lost, hence
the following telegram to Quartermaster Major Justus McKinstry in St. Louis.
Magnetic Telegraph Company
Dated: Wash'n Feb 18th, 1861
To: Maj. J McKinstry AQM St. Louis.
Send nothing to Fort Smith until further orders. J. E. Johnston,
Q.M. Genl
Note: Much more will be heard from Justus McKinstry during General
Charles Fremont's "Hundred Days" in Missouri, a few months later...!
The growing flood of officer resignations from the armed forces
of the United States also reached its way into the granite ramparts
of the Military Academy at West Point. In this telegram, on an
interesting New York, Albany & Buffalo Telegraph Co. form, a Georgia
Cadet wires his Congressman to effect his resignation from one "Long
Grey Line" to enlist in another....
New York, Albany and Buffalo Telegraph Co.
From: West Point, Feb. 23, 1861
To: Hon. Joseph Lane Wash. DC Rcvd: 5:50 PM
Will you please have my resignation handed in twentieth January
accepted and me relieved, by telegraph immediately.
Cadet Joseph Blount.
As February waned and the Washington Peace Conference attempted to
thrash out some form of compromise, correspondent Evans reported to the
Mercury and Delta newspapers on the Commissioners appointed by newly-
inaugurated President Jefferson Davis, and of proposed diplomatic attempts
to prevent foreign recognition of the Confederacy.
(To:) Mercury & Delta. (circa Feb. 28th, 1861)
Commissioners changed policy. (They) Do not require or expect
an answer from the Administration for a week (to) ten days. Gov. Roman
held his first conference today. Crawford, Forsyth agreed in delaying
until (Fort) Sumter (matter) settled, according to suggestion from
President Davis. (Buchanan) Administration vacillating and unreliable.,
afraid of responsibility. Nothing known officially except Anderson has
ordered Norfolk Barracks recruiting.
(I am) reliably informed (that) new ministers (will) be instructed
to propose to England, France and Spain guaranty Mexico and protect Spain
in its possession of Cuba, if they will agree not to recognize Confederate
States' independence. This policy disclosed to Southern Commissioners.
================================================================
When Lt-Col. George W. Lay resigned from the U.S. Army, on March 2,
he announced his departure by telegraph, twice....
American Telegraph Company
To: Hon. George Goldwaite, Montgomery, Ala.
Please say to my friends that I have this day resigned from the
Army of the United States. George W. Lay, Lt Colonel.
and...
American Telegraph Company
To: Ex President Tyler, Richmond, Va.
I have this day resigned from the Army of the United States.
George W. Lay, Lt Colonel.
Lay entered the new Confederate States Army on April 24, 1861.
By then, of course, the Fort Sumter Crisis had been resolved into a
far greater one....
As the fateful March 4th Inaugural Day approached, intrigue and
last-minute attempts at conciliation were still afoot. On Saturday,
March 2nd, the Crittenden Proposal expired along with the Thirty-Sixth
Congress of the now-disunited states. On that day, T. Barnard of the
Associated Press wired the following alert:
March 2, 1862 Laidler & Pritchard Cn & A.
Reliably reported that Lincoln's message will be for coercion,
but ambiguously worded. Keep me privately and confidentially posted
of any important occurrences. The injunction will be sacredly respected.
Use cipher (for telegraph) or mail.
Barnard DH
With Lincoln's installation, military defections continued.
Notable were four young West Pointers....
New York, Albany and Buffalo Telegraph Co.
From: West Point, March 4, 1861
To: Hon. Joseph Lane Wash. DC Rcvd: 9:15 PM
"Sir. We certify we have not accepted service in any state or states.
Can we be relieved today(?)
J. G. Blount
J. A. West
J. A. Alexander
P. M. B. Young"
Note: We will find these Cadets as Confederate Officers later on.
One of them apparently had second thoughts, as the name of Pierce
Manning Butler Young (Class of 1861) was initially atop the list of
signers and is crossed out on the telegram. But it reappears, strongly
inked at the bottom, so that the reluctant signer was on his way to
becoming a major general at the close of 1864.
Five days after John Henninger Reagan had been named Postmaster
General of the new Confederate States, he received the following from
a contact in Washington....
American Telegraph Company
From: Washington March 11, 1861
To: Hon. J. H. Reagan, Montgomery, Ala.
Clements accepts and will go soon. The other (man) will not. A
better man can be secured if you say so. The (Washington) streets are
full of rumors that (the Charleston) Forts are to be evacuated and
commissioners received. Many think it (is) intended to operate on
Virginia, where the secession spirit is gaining. Our commissioners seem
hopeful. A. P. Brewster.
CHARLESTON, March 11, 1861--5.30 p.m.
Hon. L. T. WIGFALL, Washington, D.C.:
We are prepared at all points to defy re-enforcements sent
to Sumter. G.T. BEAUREGARD.
The Sumter Crisis rose an ominous notch as Lincoln and his
new Cabinet argued strategy. The possibility of another relief
expedition was underlined with the events reported in this
telegram from soon-to-be-general, Lt. Col. Erasmus D. Keys....
Magnetic Telegraph Company
Dated: Quarter Master's Office, New York Mch. 13th, 1861.
To: Maj. Irvin McDowell Asst Adj. Genl; Lt. Genl Scott's office.
The Star of the West sailed at two PM yesterday without the mountain
ordnance. Capt. Foot of the Navy says his vessel will be ready for
sea tomorrow at twelve noon. The Empire City is still here and Capt.
Eddy will go in her in charge of (government) property. Col. Chandler
has a Safeguard back by land and Col. Waite wishes quickly to know what
is doing. The Star of the West carried forty-five thousand rations.
The Coatzacoaleos will be ready for sea Saturday. (March 16) She will
take subsistence for eight hundred men (for) thirty days and can
bring (transport) that number. Answer here. E. D. Keys, Lt Col. U.S.A.
Magnetic Telegraph Company
Dated: New York Mch 15th, 1861
To: Major E. D. Townsend Asst. Adj. Genl.
M. O. Roberts, owner of the Coatzacoaleos, is now in Washington.
Ask him if that vessel can do the required service. I think a sail
vessel must be employed. E. D. Keys Lt Col.
There was other naval news also on this date....
(To:) Craig and Fulton Phila March 15
(Richmond?) Courier announces the commissioning of the Lady Davis
as the first war vessel of the Southern Confederacy. She is armed with
24-pounders, under command of Lieut. J. B. Huger, seconded by Lieuts
Dozier and Grimball, all late of the Federal Navy.
Finally, a curious telegram sent from Galveston, Texas on March 15
and received in New York on the 17th. The sender was seventy-year-old
General David E. Twiggs. He had been dismissed from the Army on March
1st for surrendering his Texas command too readily to State forces on
the morning of February 16th in San Antonio....
Union Telegraph Company
Dated: Galveston Mch 15
Rcvd New York: Mch 17, 1861
To: Thos W. Peirce PM (Post Master?)
Returned this day with about three hundred of our Home Troops under
McLeod and Terry. A bloodless row as I predicted. It could be nothing
else with my consent. Genl. Twiggs.
On March 18, Evans dashed off a quick wire to the Delta and Mercury.
"Adjutant General in conference with Secretary Navy on removal (of)
troops (from) Sumter. Evans."
This was followed by a more detailed report.
Mercury and Delta
(Southern) Commissioners anticipate answer tomorrow. If unfavorable,
(they will) leave immediately. Seward and Cameron fully appreciate issue.
If Commission rejected, (Fort) Pickens (will be) immediately attacked.
Sumter troops to be withdrawn Wednesday. Confederate States (have) ten
war ships under contract. Commission demands surrender of forts Key West
and (Dry) Tortugas. Dispatch received from Roman today. Now at Wilmington.
(He will) be here tomorrow afternoon. News from Richmond today indicates
passage (of) Secession this week. Evans.
The small, professional United States Army was stirring, even to the
point of considering the employment of a controversial weapon, the rocket.
Telegram
(blank page)
Washington Arsenal March 19, 1861
Brig. Genl. Barry, Chief of Artillery
Headquarters, Seminary, Alexandria.
The rocket tubes weigh sixty pounds. The carriage three hundred.
Implements about twenty more. Total weight about three eighty. With
a six pounder limber, I should judge four horses necessary, but three
would do. With packed caisson, six will be necessary.
Each rocket (is) 2 and 1/4 inch (diameter) and weights about
seven pounds. Tubes for 2 1/4 inch rockets. 12 tubes and 12 carriages
are ready. Capt. Seymour can get his guns tomorrow at 1 PM.
Col. Ramsay wishes to know if the limbers are to be prepared at
once. Please telegraph him. Alexander S. Webb, Asst Chief of Artillery.
The new Confederate States were still scrambling individually for
armaments, and there were Yankee manufacturers and agents who could
provide them....
American Telegraph Company
To: Hon. John Letcher, Governor, Richmond, Va.
"Four thousand Colt's New Model pistols (are) offered at Government
Prices, deliverable in thirty days. Five hundred of Savage's (pistols)
Six hundred Colt carbines. Four hundred Sharp's Carbines. Does State
want them? They are in great demand but could be had if contracted for
in NEXT two or three days. Answer. A. D. thinks that Colt would take
bonds in payment at current rates."
CHARLESTON, S.C., March 21, 1861.
CRAWFORD, FORSYTH, and ROMAN, Commissioners, Washington, D.C.:
Sumter not evacuated; no indications whatever of it. Anderson
working still on its defenses. G.T. BEAUREGARD, General.
While preparations for a military solution marched on
inexorably for both sides, diplomatic initiatives seemed to have
already become casualties, as witness the following grim telegram....
WASHINGTON, March 28, 1861.
Hon. ROBERT TOOMBS, Montgomery, Ala.:
The Senate has adjourned sine die. There is a dead calm here.
COMMISSIONERS.
Friday, March 29, saw Salem Dutcher, correspondent to the
Advertiser of Montgomery and the Augusta Constitutionalist, was caught
up in a wildly-spreading rumor concerning Fort Sumter's fall.
"The National Volunteers at (an) enthusiastic meeting adopted
resolution denouncing (the) Administration and expressing sympathy
(for the) Confederate States. Tremendous excitement here over capture
of Sumter. Dutcher."
================================================================-
On the first day of April, 1861, newsman Evans sent off the
following dispatch to Charleston and New Orleans relating to efforts of
the southern Commissioners in Washington:
American Telegraph Company
From: (Washington) Apl 1, 1861
To: Charleston Mercury and N.O. Delta
"Commissioners satisfied that Administration (has) no policy
towards South. (They are) waiting patiently (on) Seward's movements.
Reports of orders (for) withdrawing troops (from Fort) Pickens are
unfounded as (are) reports of reinforcements. Commissioners have no
idea what will be done. Administration quite as little. (It is) believed
that Sumter (will) be evacuated, now that Connecticut election is over.
Letter received today from Hon. Sherwood Clemans(?) pro-union who says
Virginia certain to secede when Convention reassembles. Evans"
TELEGRAM
CHARLESTON, S.C., April 8, 1861.
M. J. CRAWFORD, Commissioner, Confederate States, Washington,
Accounts from Washington so uncertain I have called out several
thousand volunteers.
G. T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Independent observers were quick to see ramifications of the Sumter
Crisis and wire their warnings to the new occupant of the White House....
Magnetic Telegraph Company
Dated: Alexandria Apl 12th, 1861
To: President A. Lincoln
Events which are just transpiring go to show there is perfect
consort of action between Genl. Beauregard and Ben McCulloch, who is
within the vicinity of this place with several thousand Volunteers ready
to follow up fall of Sumter by an immediate attack on Washington.
James Brown
Rumors of dire actions also went south on the wires, this one from
A. D. Banks of Alabama, later to become major and then Assistant
Adjutant-General, CSA....
Magnetic Telegraph Company
(To:) Lewis E. Harris (Harvie) Prest of D.R.R.R (Danville and
Richmond Railroad) Richmond.
Old Point (Old Point Comfort, near Fort Monroe) to be at once
occupied by large force and (the troops) then to be put off (the)
Hampton Capes. Twenty five thousand men (are in) Washington. Ten
thousand (more to be) put on (the) Virginia side. This certain. Make
what use (of this as) you please. Washington to be under Martial Law
in day or two. A.D. Banks.
But, now, of course, it was all too late....
CHARLESTON, April 12, 1861.
L. P. WALKER:
We opened fire at 4.30 a.m. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
* * *
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