Beauregard Takes Command
From the editor: When Gustave Toutant Beauregard resigned from the United States Army last week, he fully expected to be named commander-in-chief of the Louisiana State Militia. Unfortunately for ‘Old Bory,’ that honor went to North Carolinian Braxton Bragg, who has the good fortune of being married to a “rich and beautiful heiress from the sugar-planting country of Louisiana.” (1) Not one to take a perceived slight lightly, Beauregard turns down Governor Thomas O. Moore’s offered commission as a colonel in the militia and instead enlists as a private in the Orleans Guards. With powerful family connections of his own, most notably his brother-in-law former Louisiana Senator John Slidell, Beauregard manages to get himself invited to Montgomery, Alabama, for a long conference with Jefferson Davis. At the conclusion, Beauregard is sent to take command of the various militia and volunteer organizations mustering in Charleston, South Carolina, as the Confederacy’s first brigadier-general. However, Beauregard has already feuded with Jefferson Davis (then Senator) over his attempt to have the post of Superintendent of West Point awarded to someone other than an engineer. Using his political clout, Beauregard prevailed over Davis in that contest and was himself awarded the post in December 1860. It remains to be seen if the volatile Creole will be able to work closely with President Davis in the crucible that is civil war.
February 24 1861 (Sunday)
At least one person is not happy with the deal struck by the Texas Commissioners in allowing U.S. soldiers to leave the state unmolested and Texas Ranger Captain Aaron Burleson is not shy about expressing his opinion. “I think the commissioners on the part of the State of Texas are a set of jackasses in allowing the regular troops in leaving Texas with their arms.” Burleson continues, “If I had a sufficient force I would make all of you lay down your arms in short order, and if I can get men I Will yet do it.” Meanwhile, Colonel Carlos A. Waite, Department of Texas, continues the process of withdrawing all Federal troops from Texas.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 32.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, San Antonio, February 24, 1861.
The commissioners on the part of the State of Texas having turned over to the Quartermaster's Department twenty-six wagons and teams for the movement of the troops on the line above Fort Clark, those posts…will be evacuated by their garrisons in the following manner: The most remote garrison will move first, and the garrison of each succeeding post two days after the passage of the command which precedes it. They will direct their march upon Indianola, where transports will be in readiness for their embarkation. The troops will march with their arms and ammunition, the necessary clothing and camp equipage, and, as the means of transportation are limited, no extra baggage will be allowed…. Agents on the part of the State will be sent up to the several posts to receive the public property. By order of Col. C.A. Waite:
[Major William] A. NICHOLS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
February 25 1861 (Monday)
When he learns that most of the United States troops escaping from Texas are going to pass through New Orleans, Louisiana, Braxton Bragg, Louisiana State Militia, asks President Jefferson Davis if they should “be allowed to land.” Bragg still believes that a good percentage of the men would join the Confederate Army if given the chance. Secretary of War Leroy P. Walker replies: “The President…instructs me to say that the question…is not altogether free from difficulty. The circumstances of the case are peculiar and exceptional, and must be disposed of in a spirit of liberal courtesy.” However, Davis is clear on one issue. “You will do no act unnecessarily to precipitate a war.”
WAR DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, February 25, 1861.
BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General, Commanding, New Orleans: [It seems] to the President, if there was a formal capitulation by the troops of the United States or an informal understanding with the authorities of Texas upon which they acted either in the surrender or abandonment of the forts, that they should have peaceful exit through the territories of the Government. This understanding should be carried out in good faith, upon their verbal assurance that their sole object is to reach the territory of the United States…. Should this assurance be refused, it will be your duty to arrest their progress, and keep them below Forts Jackson and Saint Philip until further ordered. The President instructs me to add that he has entire confidence in your discretion and prudence, and feels satisfied that whilst you scrupulously guard the honor and rights of this Government…. Should any of the officers or men desire to enlist in the service of this Government, it would be proper and right, and altogether acceptable, to receive them. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L.P.WALKER, Secretary of War.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Alfred Roman, M.J. Crawford, and John Forsyth Jr. are sent to Washington, D.C., as Commissioners to negotiate a peaceful separation and the evacuation of Federal property in the seceded states.
February 26 1861 (Tuesday)
Complying with the instructions of Colonel Waite, the Federal garrisons abandon Camp Cooper and Camp Colorado, Texas, and begin the march to Indianola, on Matagorda Bay, where transports will be provided. Waite’s instructions for the withdrawal are quite specific. “Each transport should be supplied with a sufficient quantity of provisions, water, and fuel for the voyage, as it will not be safe to depend upon the resources of Texas for any of the articles required.” Captain Edmund Kirby Smith, Second U.S. Cavalry, leads his men from Camp Colorado. He reports, “The evacuation of the post was hastened, as the presence of the undisciplined troops of the Convention, with the irritable feelings of our men under their unceremonious removal, might soon have occasioned a collision.”
Report of Capt. E. Kirby Smith, Second U.S. Cavalry.
Camp Colorado, Tex., was evacuated by my command on the 26th February, 1861…. Col. [Henry E.] McCulloch [First Texas Mounted Rifles] arrived at Camp Colorado, Tex., on the 22d of February, and presented his papers, deriving from the convention and legislature of Texas authority as commissioner on the part of Texas to treat for the surrender of the public property at Colorado, Chadbourne, and Cooper…. These demands met with an unqualified refusal…my reply was that I could never, under any circumstances, give up my arms and horses, or negotiate upon terms that would dishonor the troops under my command, and that, were such a demand persisted in, I would mount my command, and endeavor to cut my way through any force opposed to me. Terms were agreed upon between Colonel McCulloch and myself for the surrender of the public property at the post, but before their signature…the circular of the commissioners at San Antonio, with General [David] Twiggs' order thereon, was received…. The post was evacuated on the 26th, and the troops marched out with their arms, equipments, horses, ten days' rations, and all the transportation…. Owing to the want of transportation, private property and clothing belonging to officers and men were abandoned and sacrificed…. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. KIRBY SMITH, Captain, Second Cavalry.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Provisional Congress (C.S.) authorizes “compensation at the rate of $1,000 per month” for commissioners sent to Great Britain and France.
February 27 1861 (Wednesday)
William H.C. Whiting, who resigned his captain’s commission in the U.S. Army to join the C.S. Corps of Engineers as a major, arrives in Charleston, with a note from President Davis for South Carolina Governor Francis Pickens. Whiting is to “make an inventory of the armament and of the munitions” of the forts in the bay and to “perform all the duties which devolve upon an engineer” as well as to make “preparation for active operations.” After performing an inspection, Whiting gives his conclusions to the governor, who forwards them to President Davis. “[He] thinks our energies have been too much directed to attacking Fort Sumter, and not enough to the defenses of the harbor, so as to prevent re-enforcements, &c.”
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Charleston, S.C., February 27, 1861. The PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, &c., Montgomery, Ala:
DEAR SIR: I have the fullest confidence that you and Congress will do everything that may be due to the honor and the rights of South Carolina. Of course we feel that our honor and safety require that Fort Sumter should be in our possession at the very earliest moment possible…. We will await your orders and the directions of Congress, as we feel that our cause is common, and that it is due to our common government that we should do nothing to involve all the States united in a permanent war by any separate act of ours…. We would desire to be informed if when thoroughly prepared to take the fort shall we do so, or shall we await your order; and shall we demand the surrender, or will that demand be made by you? An answer to this by telegram is desired. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F.W. PICKENS.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Provisional Congress (C.S.) gives President Davis the power to “suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus” in cities, towns, and military districts in “danger of attack by the enemy.”
2. W.S. Yancey, P.A. Rost, and A.D. Mann are appointed C.S. Commissioners to Europe.
February 28 1861 (Thursday)
Raphael Semmes reports on his trip to Washington, D.C., in an attempt to procure a “percussion-cap machine.” He writes to Secretary of War Leroy P. Walker: “I sought the artificer…at the U.S. Arsenal…and had a conference with him on the subject of his percussion-cap machine. This machine, which is patented, and which up to the present time has been in the exclusive use of the United States, cannot be purchased ready made. [George] Wright [Master Armorer, Washington Arsenal] seemed to be quite willing…to contract with me for the making of one (the work to be executed in a private shop in Philadelphia, where several have been made for export to Europe), but was, I thought, unreasonable in his demands of compensation.” Semmes has also met with Major Alfred Barbour, the Superintendent of the Harper’s Ferry Armory, in regard “to the purchase of the machinery for making rifles.” Barbour, a Virginian, is also a delegate to the Virginia Secession Convention and favors a compromise solution that will keep Virginia in the Union.
RICHMOND, VA., February 28, 1861.
Hon. L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War: This gentleman conferred with me with great freedom and frankness, and expressed a desire to do anything in his power to oblige us. He gave me all the information I desired about the machinery I was in pursuit of. It is still unsold, and may no doubt be purchased. It belongs to Ames, the manufacturer of arms at Springfield, Mass. I will proceed to Springfield and see if I can contract for it. I have had a conference at this place with Captain [Charles] Dimmock, [Ordnance Corps] the superintendent of the [Virginia] State arsenal, who promises to aid me in any manner in his power. If I find difficulty in shipping powder or other munitions direct from the Northern ports, the captain will receive and forward for me. I visited also the Tredegar Foundry at this place, and was surprised to find so large and well-appointed an establishment. It has great facilities for founding cannon and casting shot and shell, and being within slave territory, will be a great resource for us if we are put upon our defense....I have the honor to be, very respectfully, &c.,
RAPHAEL SEMMES.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Congress (U.S.) votes to create the Colorado Territory.
2. Pro-Unionists in N.C. are victorious in their effort to avert a state convention to address possible secession.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Provisional Congress (C.S.) authorizes the borrowing of $5,000,000 “to provide for the defense of the Confederate States of America.”
2. The Sovereign Convention convenes in Jefferson City, Missouri. Sterling Price is elected to chair the convention.
March 01 1861 (Friday)
Major Robert Anderson, First U.S. Artillery, reports that “nothing unusual” has happened in the past few weeks in or around Fort Sumter. Chief Engineer Captain John G. Foster agrees. He reports that “nothing of importance connected with the hostile batteries around us has transpired” except the continuing work “on the batteries on Cummings Point.” However, unbeknownst to Anderson and Foster, things have changed in Charleston as G.T. ‘Felix’ Beauregard is on his way to take command. Secretary Leroy P. Walker informs Governor Pickens: “This Government assumes the control of military operations at Charleston, and will make demand of the fort when fully advised.”
WAR DEPARTMENT, C.S.A., Montgomery, March 1, 1861.
Brig. Gen. G.T. BEAUREGARD: You will proceed without delay to Charleston and report to Governor Pickens for military duty in that State. You are authorized by your appointment as brigadier-general, under the provisions of the third section of an act of the Congress to raise Provisional Forces for the Confederate States, to receive into the service of this Government such forces as may be tendered or may volunteer, not to exceed five thousand men, as you may require, or for whom you can make suitable provision…You will also secure, if possible, the services of a competent adjutant, and report your action in that behalf to this Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. D.E. Twiggs is dismissed from the U.S. Army for “treachery to the flag” by surrendering “the military posts and other property…under his charge.”
2. E.V. Sumner is appointed brigadier-general to rank from March 16th.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Provisional Congress (C.S.) passes an Act authorizing the admittance of Texas “as a member of this Confederacy upon an equal footing with the other Confederate States.”
2. G.T. Beauregard is appointed brigadier-general and sent to command at Charleston, S.C.
March 02 1861 (Saturday)
Newly appointed G.T. Beauregard arrives in Charleston, South Carolina to take command of the forces there. He is bolstered by “the sum of $20,000” given to him by Secretary of the Treasury Christopher Memminger to meet his “present necessities.” Secretary Walker also offers Beauregard some advice. “As there may be some temporary dissatisfaction with the State troops…owing to the fact that you have superseded their commanding officers, it might be proper for you…to muster one or more companies at least into the Provisional Army.” Walker also advises ‘Old Bory’ that it would be wise to “decline to receive any cavalry into the Provisional Army” because “the cost of this arm of the service is very heavy.” Unaware of the changes swirling through Charleston, officers in Fort Sumter still cling to the hope that the stalemate can be solved in Washington, D.C. Captain Foster writes to Chief Engineer Joseph G. Totten: “The cheering news from Washington of the action of the Peace Conference and of the House of Representatives gave us great satisfaction.”
FORT SUMTER, SC., March 2, 1861.
[General TOTTEN:] There is very little activity to be observed in the surrounding batteries this morning, although the weather is remarkably fine. The little that is being done is in the field work on Cummings Point, which is being enlarged to the eastward…. Three 32 pounders are being removed to the gorge, and as soon as this is done a 42-pounder will next be mounted there. After this, we will make an effort, with some new blocks that we have made, to raise a 10-inch columbiad and to mount it at the right gorge angle. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Congress (U.S.) creates the Dakota Territory, consisting of North and South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. In addition, the Nevada Territory is also created.
2. The Peace Conference concludes with the sponsorship of a constitutional amendment based on the Crittenden Compromise. The bill is promptly defeated.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The revenue cutter Henry Dodge, a small schooner in poor condition, is seized in Galveston, Texas. The ship’s captain Lieutenant W.F. Rodgers joins the C.S.N.
Sources for Week 9:
1. Steven E. Woodworth, Jefferson Davis and his generals: the failure of command in the west (Lawrence, KS 1990), p. 92.