Peace in our Time
From the editor: When President William Henry Harrison died a month after taking office in 1841, Virginian John Tyler became the first Vice-President to ascend to the Presidency due to the death of the chief executive. Tyler was in for a rough time as he was ardently against the issues Harrison championed during his campaign, specifically the establishment of a national bank and the passage of protective tariffs. When Tyler vetoed legislation on both of these he was roundly criticized and impeached by his own Whig party, but survived when the resolution went down to defeat, 127-83. Tyler’s quiet retirement was interrupted when the seventy-one year old was selected by the Virginia Legislature to chair the Peace Conference of 1861, in a last ditch effort to avoid disunion. However, when all seven seceding states decline to participate, and an additional five Northern states also boycott the proceedings, the Commission loses what little momentum it had generated. After three weeks of “aimless and acrimonious” (1) debate, the Commission can only manage to bring a slightly modified version of the already discredited Crittenden Compromise to the floor of Congress, which quickly goes down to defeat. Energized by the proceedings, Tyler becomes a delegate to the Virginia secession convention and goes on to win election to the Confederate House of Representatives. However, he dies before he can take his seat in office.
January 27 1861 (Sunday)
Captain John G. Foster, Engineer Corps, reports on his activities in getting Fort Sumter ready to withstand the upcoming siege operations. “Everything goes on quite smoothly. I have done little during the past week, on account of the storm, besides policing, removing materials, and strengthening the filling of the openings for the embrasures of the second tier.” Captain Foster also puts to rest the rumors that are swirling that some of the men have tried to desert. “The report in the papers that the men attempted to jump out of the window to escape is utterly without foundation. So, also, is the report that a boat from Fort Sumter…had been fired into by the sentry, and one man wounded…. In fact, it is not safe to credit any reports coming from this region, except such as are favorable to the Government of the United States.”
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 27, 1861.
General [Joseph] G. Totten [Chief Engineer],
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that since the date of my last letter very little has been done by the troops of South Carolina around us, in consequence of the continued storm of rain and wind that has prevailed. The little that has been done comprises the completion of the mortar battery, situated to the southeast of Fort Johnson, on James Island, and the enlargement of the battery on Cummings Point by extending it towards the east…. I do not propose to discharge my force of forty-three men at present, but to employ them at such work as from time to time becomes necessary. All of them will be of great service in case we have to sustain a cannonade, and the majority of them will also be of material aid in resisting a sudden attack. There is not a particle of truth in the many reports that have crept into the papers about mutinies, &c. The soldiers are in excellent spirits and full of confidence…. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers.
January 28 1861 (Monday)
After being alerted that Federal reinforcements for the garrison at Fort Pickens, Florida, have left Fort Monroe, Virginia, recently resigned Florida Senator Stephen Mallory requests advice. It had previously been decided not to press the issue at Fort Pickens until after the upcoming Montgomery Convention; however Mallory is now contemplating “instant war.” He writes, “Should the Government thus attempt to augment its force---when no possible call for it exists; when we are preserving a peaceful policy--an assault may be made upon the fort at a moment's warning.”
PENSACOLA, January 28, 1861.
To Hon. JOHN SLIDELL, or, in his absence, Hon. [Robert] M. HUNTER, or [Former California] Governor [John] BIGLER: We hear the Brooklyn is coming with re-enforcements for Fort Pickens. No attack on its garrison is contemplated, but, on the contrary, we desire to keep the peace, and if the present status be preserved we will guarantee that no attack will be made upon it, but if re-enforcements be attempted, resistance and a bloody conflict seem inevitable…. All preparations are made. Our whole force—l, 700 strong--will regard it as a hostile act. Impress this upon the President, and urge that the inevitable consequence of re-enforcement under present circumstances is instant war, as peace will be preserved if no re-enforcements be attempted. If the President wants an assurance of all I say from Colonel [William] Chase, [Florida State Militia] commanding the forces, I Will transmit it at once. I am determined to stave off war if possible. Answer promptly.
S.R. MALLORY.
With the official secession of Louisiana, Governor Thomas O. Moore issues a proclamation demanding that all remaining “quartermaster's and commissary stores” be turned over to the State. In New Orleans, Lieutenant-Colonel Abraham C. Myers, Quartermaster, forwards receipts for all public property and public funds in his “hands.” He also forwards his resignation. He writes, “[South Carolina,] the State where I was born, and Louisiana, the State of my adoption, having in convention passed ordinances of secession from the United States, I am absolved from my allegiance to the Federal Government. My resignation as an officer of the U.S. Army is accepted for me by the States above named.” In addition, Fort Macomb, located on the western shore of Chef Menteur Pass, a water route from the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Pontchartrain, is seized by Louisiana state troops.
Report of Ordnance Sergeant [Daniel] Wilber, U.S. Army.
I have the honor to report…that Lieut. R.C. Capers, with a detachment of the First Regiment Louisiana Infantry, took charge of this post on the 28th instant. I turned over all the property under protest, closed my public accounts, transmitted them to the departments to which they belong, and, as there is no use at present for an ordnance sergeant at this post, will request leave of absence for three months to visit my family in Portland, Me. Respectfully, I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
D. WILBER, Ordnance Sergeant, U.S. Army.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Major G.T. Beauregard, Corps of Engineers, is re-assigned from his post at West Point after admitting that he plans to return to Louisiana if it secedes.
2. Captain J.G. Foster learns that $5,000 has been added to his account in New York City, with another $10,000 being promised “in fulfillment of two other requisitions heretofore issued.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Senator Alfred Iverson of Georgia delivers his resignation speech: “The Rubicon is passed, and it shall never, with my consent, be re-crossed.”
2. The opening prayer is read at the Texas Secession Convention and State Supreme Court Chief Justice O.M. Roberts is named as presiding officer.
3. Lt. Col. A.C. Myers, the son-in-law of David Twiggs, Department of Texas, resigns from the U.S. Army.
January 29 1861 (Tuesday)
Arkansas Governor Henry Rector assures Captain James Totten, Second U.S. Artillery, commanding the arsenal at Little Rock, that the facility will be allowed to remain under Federal control for the time being, unless “an attempt should be made to remove or destroy the munitions of war deposited in said arsenal.” Totten responds, “My understanding leads me to believe that the troops under my command were ordered here at the request of some of the members of Congress from this State, and several good citizens also, for what reasons, if any, I have not been apprised.”
HEADQUARTERS LITTLE ROCK ARSENAL, Little Rock, Ark., January 29, 1861.
His Excellency HENRY M. RECTOR, Governor of Arkansas and Commander-in. Chief: As you will readily understand, I cannot give your excellency any assurances as to what instructions may in future be issued regarding this arsenal and the Federal troops now stationed here…. I have furthermore to remind your excellency that as an officer of the Army of the United States, my allegiance is due to that Government in whose [service] I am, and that I act by its authority and permission, and until absolved from that allegiance my honor is concerned in the faithful performance of what I may conceive to be my duty…. Let me say, in conclusion, that I most cordially concur with your excellency in the desire to avoid collision between the Federal troops under my command and the citizens of Arkansas, and shall do everything in my power which an honorable man in my position can or dare do to prevent so deplorable an event. I am, respectfully,
JAS. TOTTEN, Captain, Second Artillery, U.S. Army, Commanding Little Rock Arsenal.
After dealing with Captain Totten, Governor Rector turns his attention to John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Ross has been the leader of the Cherokees since 1828 and led them to the Indian Territory during the infamous Trail of Tears. Rector writes: “It is well established that the Indian country west of Arkansas is looked to by the incoming administration of Mr. [President Abraham] Lincoln as fruitful fields, ripe for the harvest of abolitionism, free-soilers, and Northern mountebanks. We hope to find in your people friends willing to co-operate with the South in defense of her institutions, her honor, and her firesides, and with whom the slave-holding States are willing to share a common future.”
THE STATE OF ARKANSAS, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Little Rock, January 29, 1861.
To His Excellency JOHN ROSS, Principal Chief Cherokee Nation: It may now be regarded as almost certain that the States having slave property within their borders will…separate themselves and withdraw from the Federal Government…. Your people, in their institutions, productions, latitude, and natural sympathies, are allied to the common brotherhood of the slaveholding States. Our people and yours are natural allies in war and friends in peace. Your country is salubrious and fertile, and possesses the highest capacity for future progress and development by the application of slave labor. Besides this, the contiguity of our territory with yours induces relations of so intimate a character as to preclude the idea of discordant or separate action…. As a direct means of expressing to you these sentiments, I have dispatched my aide-de-camp, Lieut. Col. [James] J. Gaines [Arkansas State Militia], to confer with you confidentially upon these subjects, and to report to me any expressions of kindness and confidence that you may see proper to communicate to the governor of Arkansas, who is your friend and the friend of your people. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY M. RECTOR, Governor of Arkansas.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Kansas receives enough votes in Congress to enter the Union as a free state under the Wyandotte Constitution. Kansas will be the thirty-fourth state.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Federal revenue cutter Robert McClelland is seized by Louisiana state troops near New Orleans. Treasury Secretary John Dix issues orders to shoot the captain of the vessel “down on sight.”
January 30 1861 (Wednesday)
Major Robert Anderson, First U.S. Artillery, sends anther update of his situation at Fort Sumter to the War Department in Washington, D.C. He writes, “There are now here 38 barrels pork, 37 barrels flour, 13 barrels hard bread, 2 barrels beans, 1 barrel coffee, ½ barrel sugar, 3 barrels vinegar, 10 pounds candles, 40 pounds soap, and 3/4 barrel salt. You will see from this that for my present command (especially after the departure of our women and children) we shall have an ample supply of pork and bread.”
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 30, 1861. (Received A.G.O., February 4.)
Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: There was very great activity and stir in the harbor last night. The lookout ship outside the bar displayed a light about half past 11, which was answered by rockets by the guard-boats, of which we noticed four on duty, and soon after two guns were fired from the battery on Morris Island, and at half past 1 o'clock this morning two guns were fired from Fort Moultrie. We could not see any vessels in the offing, but they might have been visible to those on the guard-boats (steamers). I do hope that no attempt will be made by our friends to throw supplies in; their doing so would do more harm than good. The steamboat company did not send down for our women and children yesterday as they promised; why, I do not know. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Former Secretary of War J.B. Floyd is indicted by a District of Columbia grand jury for malfeasance and conspiracy and is ordered to appear before the court to answer the charges against him.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The U.S. revenue cutter Lewis Cass is seized by Alabama state troops in Mobile Bay, Alabama.
January 31 1861 (Thursday)
Captain John Brannan, First U.S. Artillery, reports on his situation at Fort Taylor, in Key West, Florida. “There are about sixty men, mechanics and laborers, on the work, who are willing to take the fate of it, and assist in defending the same. I require at least fifty more muskets for these men. If my company was raised to a hundred and a sloop of war stationed here there would be no apprehension of an attack at present.” Brannan also reports that the U.S.S. Brooklyn has arrived on its way to Fort Pickens, in Pensacola Harbor. Brannan reports, “The Brooklyn arrived in the harbor this morning and will sail tomorrow night. All well on board.”
FORT TAYLOR, FLA., January 31, 1861.
Col. [Lorenzo] THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-General, U.S. Army: The Brooklyn will coal at this place, and then proceed to Fort Jefferson. As there was but a very small supply of fixed ammunition at Fort Monroe for field howitzers, I took only two 12-pounder field howitzers and four mountain howitzers. There was plenty of ammunition for these last, but I could only obtain about one hundred and fifty rounds for the 12-pounders…. A schooner arrived at this place yesterday, after five days from Pensacola. All of the forts except Fort Pickens were in the hands of the seceders. The strength of these forts was about 3,000 men. All was quiet when the schooner left, and the volunteers were not at all satisfied with their duties…Lieutenant [Tunis] Craven, U. S. Navy, leaves this place this evening for New York, and has kindly offered to take charge of this communication for me…. I have the honor to be, yours,
[Israel] VOGDES, Captain, First Artillery.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Major Earl Van Dorn resigns from the U.S. Army and returns to Mississippi, and Georgian W.J. Hardee, former Commandant of Cadets at West Point, joins the Georgia State forces.
2. The U.S. schooner Washington is seized by Louisiana State troops In New Orleans, Louisiana.
February 01 1861 (Friday)
After several days of trying to procure a vessel, Major Anderson is successful in getting a steamer to take off the women and children still residing at Fort Sumter. He reports, “The lighter is now here, loading with women, children, and baggage. They are to leave the city in the steamer for New York.”
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, D.C., February 1, 1861.
Maj. [Theophilus] H. HOLMES, Eighth Infantry, Commanding Fort Columbus, Governor’s Island, N.Y.: About twenty women and children from Major Anderson's command at Fort Sumter are on their way to New York, and application will probably be made to receive them at Fort Columbus. Should this be the case you will please make them as comfortable as circumstances will permit, and give rations to such as are properly laundresses of companies. If better quarters can be thus secured to them they can be sent to Fort Wood. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER, Adjutant-General
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. An ordinance of secession is adopted by the Texas Secession Convention by a final vote of 166-7. However, due to the actions of Governor Sam Houston, the ordinance will be put up to a public referendum on February 23rd.
February 02 1861 (Saturday)
With the Confederate Convention being only two days away, the work of the ‘Joint Commission,’ sent two weeks ago to negotiate the conditions regarding the siege of Fort Sumter, is drawing to a close and Lieutenant Norman Hall, First U.S. Artillery, is allowed to return to the fort. Colonel Samuel Cooper, Adjutant-General, reports, “The President deeming it unnecessary longer to detain Lieutenant Hall, he will start this afternoon for his post…. The matters pertaining to Colonel Hayne's mission not being yet fully determined, I am unable to say more.” Hall’s partner in the commission, Isaac Hayne, who is staying at the Willard Hotel, is also making preparations to return south to participate in the Montgomery Convention.
FEBRUARY 2, 1861.
Governor [Francis] PICKENS, Charleston, S.C.: Communication made to President [James Buchanan] last evening. It elaborates the matter contained in instructions, and incloses the original demand. Cabinet meets today. I shall leave on Monday evening. The president, I think, will refer everything to Congress, and make his reply in his message.
[Colonel Isaac] W. HAYNE [South Carolina State Militia].
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Captain Nat. Lyon, 2nd U.S. Infantry, and a company of infantry arrive for duty at the Saint Louis Arsenal. They have been transferred from Fort Riley, Kansas, to strengthen the arsenal’s garrison.
Sources in Week 5:
1. James M. McPherson, Battle cry of freedom (New York, NY 1988), p. 257.