Georgia On My Mind
From the editor: As the second largest state east of the Mississippi River, and the state with the most railroads in the Deep South, Georgia is essential for the secession movement to succeed. However, when the citizens voted on the issue last month, the results were so controversial that Governor Joseph Brown refused to release them. (A modern evaluation show that the secessionists lost by approximately one thousand votes.) Instead, partial results showing a large majority for secession are released. The first secession vote taken by delegates at the Milledgeville Convention is similarly close, but this time the secessionists win—166 to 130. As the largest and most influential of the seceding states, it is believed by most that a Georgian will be chosen as president at the Secession Convention in Montgomery, Alabama. The problem is which Georgian? Of the three contenders, Howell Cobb, Alexander Stephens and Robert Toombs, the first two had been Unionists prior to Lincoln’s election and are deemed by most to be unelectable, and Toombs loses favor by drinking often and heavily, thus earning the nickname the ‘Bibacious Georgian.’ (1) With the door now open for a compromise candidate, former Secretary of War Jefferson Davis gains support. When it is learned that Virginia (and perhaps North Carolina and Kentucky) favors the Mississippian, the die is cast.
February 03 1861 (Sunday)
In an attempt to revive the Crittenden Plan, the General Assembly of Virginia passes a series of resolutions appointing seventy-one year old former President John Tyler as chairman for a proposed peace conference to be held at the same time as the seceding states are set to hold their convention in Montgomery, Alabama. Judge John Robertson extends an invitation to Alabama Governor Andrew B. Moore: “Looking with deep concern at the menacing attitude in which the seceded States and the Government at Washington stand toward each other, the State of Virginia appeals to both parties to abstain from all acts of a hostile tendency until a further effort shall be made to terminate existing differences by an honorable and peaceful adjustment…. The day for the meeting of the proposed commissioners at Washington you will perceive is at hand. This must be my apology for asking as early a reply as may consist with your convenience.” However, Moore is not optimistic an agreement can be reached. He replies, “Candor..., compels me to say that I do not feel authorized to indulge the least hope that concessions will be made affording such guaranties as the seceding States can or will accept.”
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, Ala., February 3, 1861.
Hon. JOHN ROBERTSON, Commissioner from the State of Virginia: It gives me pleasure to state that Alabama in her act of secession and in occupying the forts and arsenals within her limits intended no hostility to the Federal Government. Her sole object has been to protect her rights, interest, and honor without disturbing (if possible) her peaceful relations with the Government of the United States. This I feel assured will continue to be the policy of the State unless the Federal authorities should by some hostile act or demonstration make it necessary to adopt a different course for her protection and the protection of the other States that have seceded or may secede…. Having no power to appoint delegates to the proposed convention at Washington, the resolutions of the General Assembly of Virginia will be immediately transmitted to the Legislature of this State, where, I have no doubt, they will receive that respectful consideration the high and friendly source from which they come entitles them to…. For the courteous and dignified manner in which you have made known the object of your mission, you will please accept my thanks. With the highest consideration, I am, your obedient servant,
A.B. MOORE.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Former U.S. Marshal Benjamin McCulloch is authorized to raise “men and munitions of war” and hold himself in readiness for “secret instructions” by the “commissioners of San Antonio, Texas.”
February 04 1861 (Monday)
Now that secession has come to Texas, the Department of Texas commander David Twiggs again requests instructions from the War Department in Washington, D.C. “The secession ordinance of this State was passed on the 1st instant; it is referred back to the people to be voted on or approved on the 23d February, when the secession will be complete…. I will endeavor to retain the clothing and provisions for the troops and the transportation that will be necessary to remove them. Some steps ought to be made at once, as the troops occupy a frontier of some 1,000 or 1,200 miles, and some time will be required to remove them.” However, unbeknownst to Twiggs, orders have already been transmitted to Colonel Carlos A. Waite, First U.S. Infantry, commanding at Camp Verde, Texas, to travel to San Antonio to relieve him.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, February 4, 1861.
Col. C.A. WAITE, U.S. Army, Commanding Department of Texas, San Antonio: The General-in-Chief directs me to write you as follows: To relieve Brevet Major-General Twiggs, you were put in orders the 28th ultimo to command, according to your brevet rank, the Department of Texas. Instructions followed three days later for sending the five companies of artillery on the Rio Grande to Brazos Santiago, there to be embarked in a steamer (ordered hence to meet them), with their batteries complete, leaving their horses, for sale or other service, behind. If necessary, the artillery companies will be replaced by detachments of infantry, unless Texas should, in the mean time, have declared herself out of the Union. In the latter case you will wait for instructions respecting the disposition of the troops (other than the artillery) under your command and the public property in their hands, which you will hold and preserve. I am, &c.,
[Colonel Lorenzo] THOMAS [Assistant Adjutant-General].
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Montgomery Convention convenes with between 40 and 50 delegates from the six seceding states. (Texas has not yet officially seceded.) Georgian Howell Cobb is named as president of the convention.
2. The Peace Conference of 1861 assembles in Washington, D.C., with representatives from 21 states participating.
February 05 1861 (Tuesday)
With the imminent arrival of the U.S.S. Brooklyn, carrying Captain Israel Vogdes, First U.S. Artillery, and reinforcements for Fort Pickens, Lieutenant Adam J. Slemmer, First U.S. Artillery, issues what he believes to be his final report as commander of the fort on Santa Rosa Island, guarding the approach to Pensacola Bay, Florida. According to Slemmer, Confederate troops occupy “Fort Barrancas, Barrancas Barracks, and Fort McRee,” but to his knowledge, “no guns are mounted at Fort McRee,” on the eastern tip of Perdido Key, the closest Confederate position to Fort Pickens. He continues, “The present armament here, mounted and for service, is as follows: Fourteen 32-pounders, seven 12-pounders, one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, one 10-inch columbiad, six field pieces, twenty-five 24-pounder howitzers--flank defense…. I have provisions for five months for my present command; also a sufficient quantity of water.” He concludes, “I cannot close this report without saying a few words with reference to my command. From the first to this day they have nobly vindicated the honor of the American Army.”
FORT PICKENS, FLA., February 5, 1861.
Col. L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Army: I have eighty-two men, all told--forty-eight, Company G, First Artillery, and thirty-one ordinary seamen (of these, seventy-seven are for duty); two ordnance sergeants, and one hospital steward--not enough for the ordinary garrison duty in the present emergency. I have but two reliefs for duty. They mount guard every other day. All the casemate flank-defense guns are in good order and serviceable. In barbette I have on the land approach nearly all the guns mounted and available. I have now more guns shotted than with my command in case of an attack I could use. There are no preparations now which look to an attack on the fort that I am aware of. Scaling ladders were prepared some time since in the navy-yard, and are now ready for any emergency…. The fort can be attacked on all sides by storming parties landing from the other side in boats under cover of the night, and with a small force it would be almost impossible to prevent its being taken. Under present orders the vessels of the Navy ordered here could, in case of an assault, render me little or no assistance, as before they could land their forces the fort would be taken…. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
A.J. SLEMMER, First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Post.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Thomas Devine, Samuel Maverick, Phillip Luckett and James Rogers are appointed commissioners at the Texas Secession Convention in Austin. They are instructed to visit David Twiggs in San Antonio and “to demand, receive, and receipt for all military, medical, commissary, and ordnance stores, arms, munitions of war…within the limits of the State of Texas.”
February 06 1861 (Wednesday)
Despite his assurance last week that the Federal arsenal at Little Rock, Arkansas, would not be disturbed, Arkansas Governor Henry Rector is forced to order its surrender. He writes: “Reliable information has been received that a large force of citizens are on the march to this place for the same purpose. This movement is prompted by the feeling that pervades the citizens of this State that in the present emergency the arms and munitions of war in the arsenal should be under the control of the State authorities, in order to their security. This movement, although not authorized by me, has assumed such an aspect that it becomes my duty, as the executive of this State, to interpose my official authority to prevent a collision between the people of the State and the Federal troops under your command.” Rector concludes, “This course is the only one which can possibly prevent the effusion of blood and the destruction of the property of the citizens and the Government.”
LITTLE ROCK, February 6, 1861.
Col. [Samuel] COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: I have to inform the authorities that companies of armed citizens from various sections of this State have already arrived, and it is said there will soon be five thousand here for the express purpose of taking this arsenal, Instructions are urgently and immediately asked. Collision seems inevitable if this arsenal is to be held.
JAMES TOTTEN, Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding Post.
President James Buchanan has Secretary of War Joseph Holt write his official response to Colonel Isaac Hayne, newly appointed Attorney General for South Carolina. Hayne is in Washington, D.C., as part of a Joint Commission in an attempt to defuse the situation at Fort Sumter. Holt writes, “The proposal…presented to the President is simply an offer on the part of South Carolina to buy Fort Sumter and contents as property of the United States, sustained by a declaration in effect that if she is not permitted to make the purchase she will seize the fort by force of arms.” This proposal, the President cannot accept. “The title of the United States to Fort Sumter is complete and incontestable. Were its interest in this property purely Proprietary, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, it might, probably, be subjected to the exercise of the right of eminent domain; but it has also political relations to it, of a much higher and more imposing character than those of mere proprietorship. It has absolute jurisdiction over the fort and the soil on which it stands.”
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, February 6, 1861.
Hon. I.W. HAYNE, Attorney-General of the State of South Carolina: The President of the United States has received your letter…and has charged me with the duty of replying thereto…. The full scope and precise purport of your instructions, as thus modified, you have expressed in the following words:
I do not come as a military man to demand the surrender of a fortress, but as the legal officer of the State--its attorney-general--to claim for the State the exercise of its undoubted right of eminent domain, and to pledge the State to make good all injury to the rights of property which arise from the exercise of the claim. The President is…relieved from the necessity of further pursuing this inquiry by the fact that, whatever may be the claim of South Carolina to this fort, he has no constitutional power to cede or surrender it. The property of the United States has been acquired by force of public law, and can only be disposed of under the same solemn sanctions. The President, as the head of the executive branch of the Government only, can no more sell and transfer Fort Sumter to South Carolina than he can sell and convey the Capitol of the United States to Maryland…. Fort Sumter is in itself a military post, and nothing else; and it would seem that not so much the fact as the purpose of its use should give to it a hostile or friendly character. This fortress is now held by the Government of the United States for the same objects for which it has been held from the completion of its construction. These are national and defensive…. How the presence of a small garrison…can compromise the dignity or honor of South Carolina, or become a source of irritation to her people, the President is at a loss to understand…. If, with all the multiplied proofs which exist of the President's anxiety for peace and of the earnestness with which he has pursued it, the authorities of that State shall assault Fort Sumter and peril the lives of the handful of brave and loyal men shut up within its walls, and thus plunge our common country into the horrors of civil war, then upon them, and those they represent, must rest the responsibility. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. HOLT, Secretary of War.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. The U.S.S. Brooklyn arrives off Pensacola with re-enforcements for Fort Pickens, Florida.
February 07 1861 (Thursday)
Former President John Tyler, honorary chairman of the Peace Conference taking place in Washington D.C., writes to Judge John Robertson in Montgomery, Alabama. “Hayne has returned. Prevent, if possible, collision. It is of great importance to results here.” He also asks South Carolina Governor Francis Pickens to give his assurance “that no attack will be made on Fort Sumter.” Tyler writes, “The President says the letter to Colonel Hayne was designed to be both respectful and kind; that he read it, so considered it, and if it seemed otherwise he deeply regrets it. The President desired me to say this to you…. He manifested great solicitude on this point.”
FEBRUARY 7, 1861.
Governor PICKENS, Charleston, S.C.: Can my voice reach you? If so, do not attack Fort Sumter. You know my sincerity. The Virginia delegation here earnestly unite.
JOHN TYLER.
A day after his arrival at Fort Pickens, Captain Vogdes reports that he has safely arrived with Company A, First Artillery. He writes, “I landed at Fort Pickens, assumed command of the forces on the station, inspected the defenses, and had a consultation with Lieutenant Slemmer.” However, Vogdes is ordered to keep his men aboard the U.S.S. Brooklyn, lest they provoke the Confederates into attacking. The unhappy Vogdes reports, “Had it been the intention of the Government to place the fort in the state to render its defense impossible, it could not have been done more efficiently than it has been done.”
PENSACOLA HARBOR, FLA., February 7, 1861.
Col. L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-General, U.S. Army: I am sorry to inform the Department that I found Fort Pickens in a very inefficient state of defense. At the time Lieutenant Slemmer removed his command to Fort Pickens there were only forty guns mounted in the fort. At present there are fifty-four in position…. Lieutenant Slemmer has with him only forty-six enlisted men for duty, and thirty ordinary seamen from the yard at this station, and the latter are entirely untrained, insubordinate, and of but little use in case of attack. There are fifty-seven embrasures that are unprovided with cannon, and are only about seven feet from the bottom of the ditch, and at present but few of them have only the common wooden shutter, presenting only a slight obstacle to an enemy. There are only very imperfect means of barricading them....Should the enemy decide to attack, it is exceedingly probable that he might succeed in penetrating into the fort before my company could be landed or any succor could arrive from the fleet....Yours, &c.,
I. VOGDES, Captain, First Artillery.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Delegates at the Montgomery Convention unanimously approve a provisional Constitution, to last no longer than one year or until a final constitution can be drafted and approved. The constitution is similar to the U.S. Constitution, except for additional provisions protecting slavery and states’ rights.
2. The General Counsel of the Choctaw Nation issues a resolution declaring its adherence to the Southern States should “the present unhappy political disagreement between the Northern and Southern States” lead to permanent dissolution.
February 08 1861 (Friday)
Tension continues to mount in Little Rock, Arkansas, as Congressman Thomas C. Hindman sends an urgent message to Governor Henry Rector. “Don't attack arsenal unless success is certain. Repulse would be disgraceful.” Noted attorney and writer Albert Pike also gives his advice. “For God's sake do not complicate matters by an attack. It will be premature and do incalculable injury. We cannot justify it. The reasons that existed elsewhere for seizure do not exist with us.” However, in the face of an ever-growing angry mob outside his gates, Captain James Totten orders his command to abandon the arsenal. He writes, “I hope I have acted in the whole matter in a manner which will meet the approbation of the Federal authorities. My object throughout these trying circumstances has been to avoid bringing about bloodshed and civil war in this immediate vicinity.”
HEADQUARTERS LITTLE ROCK ARSENAL, Little Rock, Ark., February 8, 1861.
The troops of this command, consisting of Company F, Second Artillery, and all the enlisted men of the Ordnance Department, Will be prepared to move today from this post to a camp to be selected by the commanding officer on the banks of the Arkansas River. The command will depart as soon as the necessary transportation can be provided. By order of Captain Totten:
ST. CLAIR DEARING, Second Lieutenant, Second Artillery, Post Adjutant
In the wake of Texas’ secession, Federal military authorities scramble to withdraw troops from the state. In Fort Brown, Lieutenant James Thompson, Second U.S. Artillery, is ordered to “take command of a detachment composed of one sergeant and twelve privates” and “proceed to Brazos Santiago,” the southernmost barrier island in Texas, to “take charge of the public buildings and property at that place, and protect the same until further orders.” Goods destined for ports up the Rio Grande River have to be offloaded at Brazos Santiago because the bars at the mouth of the river are too shallow. In addition, Major Fitz-John Porter, Assistant Adjutant-General, is ordered to withdraw the five companies of artillery from their camps on the Rio Grande River.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, February 8, 1861.
Bvt. Maj. F.J. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington City: The General-in-Chief [Winfield Scott] authorizes you to…execute his instructions withdrawing the five companies of artillery now on the Rio Grande. Circumstances of an extraordinary character may arise in case the State of Texas shall declare herself out of the Union or from the failure of proper orders reaching Forts Brown and Duncan. In the latter case you are authorized to secure the public property at those posts, or placing it in charge of ordnance sergeants or agents of the Quartermaster's Department…. Lieutenant [Charles R.] Collins, Topographical Engineers, will communicate with you at Indianola, and receive from you his orders of route or of delay, if useful, in returning here. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. David Twiggs meets with the Texas Commissioners sent to San Antonio and promises to “hold things as they are” until March 2, at which time “he will deliver to the commissioners all the public property that is not desirable or convenient for him to carry away.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Provisional C.S. Constitution goes into effect. It now needs to be ratified before going to the individual states and becoming permanent.
2. Colonel Benjamin McCulloch, Texas State Militia, is authorized to “call out and select” members of a volunteer force of “minute men” to secure and protect the public property in San Antonio, Texas.
3. Military authorities in Savannah, Georgia, seize five ships loaded with goods bound for New York. The seizure is a response to New York police seizing a shipment of guns purchased by a Macon firm for shipment to Georgia.
February 09 1861 (Saturday)
After unanimously adopting a constitution, the delegates at the Montgomery Convention turn their attention to selecting a president and vice-president for the soon to be organized Confederate States of America. When the delegates from Georgia withdraw the name of former senator Robert Toombs for consideration, the nomination falls to former Secretary of War Jefferson Davis of Mississippi.
SATURDAY, February 9, 1861
OPEN SESSION. Congress met pursuant to adjournment.
The chair announced that the first business in order was the administration of the oath to the deputies to support the Constitution of the Provisional Government....The Congress then proceeded to the election of a President and a Vice-President for the Provisional Government…. The vote being taken by States for President, the Hon. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, received all the votes cast, being 6, and was duly declared unanimously elected President of the Provisional Government…. The vote was then taken by States for Vice-President, and the Hon. Alexander Hamilton Stephens, of Georgia, received all the votes cast, being 6, and he was duly declared unanimously elected Vice-President of the Provisional Government. Mr. Perkins moved that a committee of three be appointed to inform Mr. Stephens of his election; which was agreed to.... Congress then adjourned till Monday next at 11 o'clock.
Department of Texas commander David Twiggs prepares a military commission of Major David Vinton, Quartermaster, Major Sackfield Maclin, Paymaster, and Captain Robert H. K. Whiteley, Ordnance Department, to meet with representatives of the “Convention of the People of Texas.” Commissioner Thomas Devine presents the list of demands. “We are authorized to demand, on behalf of the sovereign people of Texas…the delivery of all the public property under the control of Major-General Twiggs, commanding the Department of Texas.”
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, San Antonio, February 9, 1861.
[Major William] A. NICHOLS, Assistant Adjutant-General: The following instructions are furnished for the direction of the military commission…to meet the commissioners on behalf of the convention of the people of Texas:
1. An inventory of the munitions of war now in San Antonio, and, if requisite, inventories at the several posts…will be laid before the commissioners of Texas for their information. 2. An inventory of quartermaster's stores…will also be furnished. 3. Forage for the public animals, clothing, subsistence stores, medical and hospital supplies will not be taken into consideration. 4. The public funds in the hands of disbursing officers of the Department of Texas…will be retained for the payment of outstanding debts. 5. The military commission will exercise such discretionary powers as may conduce to the interests of the troops, and as shall not contravene materially the fair demands of Texas. 6. The military commission will keep a daily record of their meetings, which…will be signed and submitted to the commanding general of the department.
By order of Brevet Major-General Twiggs.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The state of Tennessee votes against holding a state convention to address the issue of secession by a vote of 68,000 to 59,500.
Sources for Week 6:
1. William C. Davis, Look away (New York, NY 2003), p. 66.