The Strongest Man in the South
From the editor: Few played as large a role as Alexander Stephens during the formation of the Confederacy. ‘Little Alec’ drafted the rules by which the Secession Convention in Montgomery, Alabama, turned itself into the Provisional Confederate Congress, he was a member of the committee that drafted the Provisional Constitution, chaired meetings every evening at his boarding house, and he was selected to serve as vice-president of the newly formed Confederate government. Extremely sickly and perpetually underweight, Stevens nevertheless is described by Harper’s Weekly as “the strongest man in the South” because of “the energy of his appeals, the cogency of his arguments, the copiousness of his knowledge, and the power and persuasiveness of his eloquence.” (1) In an extemporaneous speech given in Savannah, Georgia, Stephens explains that slavery is the “corner-stone” of the Confederacy. He goes further to say that Thomas Jefferson’s idea that all men are created equal is “fundamentally wrong,” and that the Confederate government is founded upon “the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural and normal condition.” Stephens concludes: “The new constitution has put at rest, forever, all the agitating questions relating to our peculiar institution.”
March 17 1861 (Sunday)
A mystery is solved when Captain of Engineers John G. Foster learns why a great number of Confederate batteries in Charleston Harbor were active yesterday. He reports: “The unusual activity observed…was due to preparations for receiving some distinguished person who visited them in the afternoon.” That distinguished person is “supposed” to have been Vice-President Alexander Stephens, who is on his way to Savannah, Georgia, to give a speech.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 17, 1861.
General [Joseph] G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.: Three rounds were fired from all the batteries on Morris Island, except No. 1, apparently as much for practice as for saluting, for most of the guns not pointed in this direction were shotted. This firing enabled me to detect the positions and approximate calibers of the guns in these batteries.
No. 1. Battery of sand and palmetto logs, four 24-pounders. No. 2. Iron-clad battery, three guns, 42-pounders or 8-inch columbiads. No. 3. Battery of sand and palmetto logs, three guns, 24-pounders or 32-pounders. No. 4. Battery of sand and palmetto logs, with one 8-inch columbiad or 8-inch sea-coast howitzer. No. 5. Star of the West battery, five guns, 24-pounders or 32-pounders. There were two guns at each round fired from the light-house battery. Three or four more guns were landed yesterday with barbette carriages, and most of them were carried around upon the channel side…. None of the guns from Fort Moultrie bearing upon this fort or the channel have been removed. No work is being done on the batteries looking towards us. All preparations are directed to strengthening the channel batteries very much, and to covering the present batteries in the rear, which was before open…. The weather is pleasant, although there are indications of a storm brewing. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers.
Other activity reported on this date:
1. The Dominican Republic is annexed by Spain.
2. The unified Kingdom of Italy is proclaimed by King Victor Emmanuel.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Camp Hudson, Texas, built to protect travelers on the Chihuahua Trail, is evacuated as elements of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry begin the march to Indianola, Texas.
March 18 1861 (Monday)
While most eyes remain on Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, the siege of Fort Pickens, in Pensacola Harbor, Florida, continues. Still aboard the steamer U.S.S. Brooklyn, Captain Israel Vogdes, First U.S. Artillery, is surprised to discover that Lieutenant Adam J. Slemmer, First U.S. Artillery, does not recognize his “right to command.” Vogdes writes to Secretary of War Simon Cameron: “I requested a copy of the post return from Lieutenant Adam Slemmer in order to make a monthly return of the whole command. He declines furnishing me with it, as he holds that the telegraphic dispatch superseded my orders.” Vogdes has also not gotten the cooperation of Captain Henry A. Adams, U.S.N., commanding the naval forces off Pensacola aboard the frigate U.S.S. Sabine. Vogdes is confident that the fort can be held “against any force that may attempt to carry it by escalade,” but is worried that there is “a great deficiency both of ammunition and supplies.” Meanwhile, Slemmer has been busy returning runaway slaves to the Pensacola city marshal. He reports, “Four negroes (runaways) came to the fort, entertaining the idea that we were placed here to protect them and grant them their freedom. I did what I could to teach them the contrary.” The situation for Vogdes and Slemmer is soon to deteriorate as Braxton Bragg, C.S., commanding the Confederate forces in Florida, has issued orders forbidding any future furnishing of supplies to the fort.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 4.
HDQRS. TROOPS CONFEDERATE STATES, Near Pensacola, Fla., March 18, 1861.
The commanding general learns with surprise and regret that some of our citizens are engaged in the business of furnishing supplies of fuel, water, and provisions to the armed vessels of the United States now occupying a threatening position off this harbor. That no misunderstanding may exist on this subject, it is announced to all concerned that this traffic is strictly forbidden, and all such supplies which may be captured in transit to such vessels, or to Fort Pickens, will be confiscated. The more effectually to enforce this prohibition, no boat or vessel will be allowed to visit Fort Pickens, or any United States naval vessel, without special sanction. Col. John H. Forney, acting inspector-general, will organize an efficient harbor police for the enforcement of this order. By command of Brig. Gen. Braxton Bragg:
[Captain] ROBERT C. WOOD, JR., Assistant Adjutant-General.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Arkansas State Convention at Little Rock votes 39-35 against seceding, but agrees to vote again later in the year.
2. Texas Governor Sam Houston leaves office rather than swear an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. Edward Clark replaces him and becomes the eighth governor of Texas.
3. Colonel W.J. Hardee is assigned to the command of Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, Alabama.
March 19 1861 (Tuesday)
Major Fitz-John Porter, A.A.G., continues to help oversee the withdrawal of Federal troops from Indianola, Texas. He reports: “We…will succeed in embarking a portion of the batteries and three or four companies without baggage. The remainder will go on the steamer Rusk, which I chartered as expeditious, economical, and prudent.” Porter plans on leaving tonight and arriving in New York harbor “by the 4th of April with [Captain Henry] Hunt's [Second U.S. Artillery] battery and two companies of infantry.” In Washington, D.C., General-in-Chief Winfield Scott sends Lieutenant Charles R. Collins, a Topographical Engineer, with orders for Department of Texas commander Colonel Carlos A. Waite to “form a strongly-intrenched camp…covering the post of Indianola…and hold the same against hostile Texans until further orders.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, March 19, 1861.
Col. CARLOS A. WAITE, U.S. Army, Commanding the Department of Texas: The objects of the intrenched camp near Indianola are, first, to keep a foothold in that State till the question of secession on her part be definitely settled among her own people, and, second, in case of conflict between them, to give such aid and support to General [Governor Sam] Houston or other head of authority in the defense of the Federal Government as may be within your power, without imminent peril to your command or to some considerable portion thereof….A field battery and some heavier guns, together with subsistence and other necessaries, will be sent to you as your wants may become known. For the use of your quartermaster and commissary of subsistence there will be deposited in time to your credit, with the assistant treasurer, New York, fifty thousand dollars, which you will draw out as may be needed by those disbursing officers…. With great confidence in your zeal, energy, and judgment, I remain, yours, respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
Secretary of War Leroy P. Walker sends Louisiana Governor Thomas O. Moore a “requisition” for 1,700 men to garrison the forts around Mobile Bay and Pensacola Harbor. Captain John M. Galt, C.S.A., the former Storekeeper of Ordnance at the Augusta Arsenal, is ordered to “proceed with the least delay practicable to New Orleans for the purpose of mustering into service the troops called out from the State of Louisiana.” Galt is advised that “it is desirable that both the infantry and artillery should be received with...company organization.” However, Alabama Governor Andrew B. Moore is worried that there will be some “difficulty” in the transfer of the State troops to the Confederate Army.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, Ala., March 19, 1861.
Hon. L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: I have reasons to apprehend that difficulty will occur in regard to the transfer of the State troops now at Pensacola to the Government of the Confederate States unless some steps are taken to avoid it. The troops express fears that they are to be transferred without the privilege of electing their colonel and majors, and that they will be continued in service for twelve months, even if pending difficulties should be amicably arranged in a shorter time…. I regard it as a matter of the utmost importance that this question should be so understood that the troops will not hesitate to be transferred at once. Should they decline, I fear the effect upon other troops and the public service…. Let me assure you that the object of this letter is to secure the consent of the troops to their immediate transfer. Any doubt upon the subject of their consent gives me pain and trouble. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A.B. MOORE.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Former Lt. G.V. Fox, U.S.N., travels to Fort Sumter for “accurate information” for President Lincoln.
2. Four companies from the 3rd U.S. Infantry, abandon Fort Clark, on the eastern branch of the great Comanche Trail, and begin the march to Indianola, Texas. In addition, Federal forces also abandon Fort Inge, on the Leona River, and Fort Lancaster, in the Pecos River Valley.
March 20 1861 (Wednesday)
The United States Army evacuates Fort Duncan, at Eagle Pass on the Rio Grande River, and Fort Brown, across the river from Matamoros, Mexico. Lieutenant-Colonel Electus Backus, Third U.S. Infantry, reports: “I abandoned the post of Fort Brown, Tex., and gave it in possession to…Ebenezer B. Nichols, Commissioner for the State of Texas. Our national flag was saluted by Captain [Andrew W.] Bowman's company, Third Infantry, as it was hauled down, and a police force from Brownsville took possession of the fort.” Their orders are to “march for the coast, via San Antonio,” until they reach Green Lake, “some twenty miles from Indianola,” where a camp has been established and remain there until the “arrival of the transports.”
HEADQUARTERS FORT DUNCAN, TEX., March 20, 1861.
Col. [Samuel] COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.: I respectfully report that this post was evacuated by the troops of the United States today, about midday. The public property has been turned over…in pursuance of Department Orders No. 44, dated March 8, 1861. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[Oliver] L. SHEPHERD, Captain, Third Infantry, Brevet Major, Commanding Post.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Georgia Secession Convention adopts ordinances transferring all military operations, arsenals, forts, and naval yards to the Confederate States of America.
2. The sloop Isabella, “laden with stores mostly for officers of the United States Navy at Pensacola,” is seized in Waccasassa Bay near Tampa, Florida. The crew escapes “with the exception of one old man.”
March 21 1861 (Thursday)
The United States Army has approximately 3,500 men, commanded by Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, Second U.S. Cavalry, stationed in the Department of the Pacific. Of these, 1,500 are in California, and Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin Beall, First U.S. Dragoons commands them. These men garrison the Presidio, the Benicia Barracks and Arsenal in San Francisco, and ten other forts, including Alcatraz Island, scattered throughout the state. In San Diego, Major Lewis A. Armistead, Sixth U.S. Infantry, is having problems with desertion. He reports, “The four men against whom charges were forwarded by the last mail should be tried. This is the second time one of the men has deserted.” Armistead also asks for two 6-pounders so he can “teach his men the artillery drill.”
NEW SAN DIEGO, CAL., March 21, 1861.
Maj. [William W.] MACKALL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.: I have the honor to state that having heard…that Señor [Feliciano Ruiz] Esparza had been superseded as Governor of Lower California by Mathias Moreno, with an armed body of men, acting under orders from the Government of Mexico, which force sailed from La Paz and landed at a place called Descanso, which Señor Esparza had fortified, which they took by surprise, I proceeded immediately to a ranch called Oti, about fifteen miles from here…, and from thence sent word to the Indians that they must take no part in the matter either on one side or the other. I do not think they will. Frequent occurrences of the foregoing nature have produced and continue to cause great disquiet on this frontier…. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L.A. ARMISTEAD, Brevet Major Sixth Infantry.
Texas Senator Louis Wigfall wires Secretary of War Leroy P. Walker to determine what to do with the men he has recruited in Baltimore, Maryland. He writes, “Large number of men in Baltimore. Cannot be kept together there much longer…. What shall I do?” Walker quickly responds, “Officer leaves tonight with letter for you and full instructions…. If men can't wait ship them at once, and write [G.T.] Beauregard [commanding in Charleston, S.C.] the vessel they are in.”
WAR DEPARTMENT C.S.A., Montgomery, March 21, 1861.
Hon. L.T. WIGFALL, Washington, D.C.: Orders were given to General Beauregard, at Charleston, to detail an officer for the special service at Baltimore, and I am only just informed that the officer appointed is still in Charleston. A person will be sent from this place tonight to perform that duty, with instructions to report to you…. It will be much cheaper to ship the men as steerage passengers than by rail, and he will be so instructed unless you have special reasons for a contrary course. Although it would be most agreeable to all of us to have you here, it occurs to me that you could render more efficient service by remaining in Baltimore until our recruiting depot is fully and successfully established as an institution....Very truly,
L.P. WALKER.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. G.V. Fox arrives in Charleston Harbor. After meeting with Captain H.J. Hartstene, C.S.N., Fox is allowed to enter Fort Sumter and meet with Major Robt. Anderson. They agree the fort cannot hold out longer than April 15th without additional supplies.
2. The Missouri Secession Convention votes 98-1 to remain in the Union.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Vice-President A.H. Stephens arrives in Savannah, where Georgia's secession convention is still underway and delivers a speech asserting that slavery is the cornerstone of Southern society.
2. The state of Louisiana becomes third state to ratify the C.S. Constitution by a vote of 107-7.
March 22 1861 (Friday)
Confederate General G.T. Beauregard reports on Gustavus V. Fox’s quick visit to Fort Sumter to Secretary of War Walker: “Special messenger from General [Winfield] Scott to learn Anderson's condition arrived last evening. Went back last night. Reports Anderson nearly out fuel and provisions.” Beauregard also informs Walker that all of his batteries “will be finished and armed in two or three days.” In Fort Sumter, Captain John G. Foster continues his efforts to make the fort strong enough to fend off a Confederate attack. He reports: “I have filled all the loophole openings on the first tier with solid stone. All the openings are now closed, with the exception of five near the ends of the gorge, which had been partially filled with a 9-inch brick wall. I am now completing the filling of these with lead concrete. I am also building traverses in front of the hospital, which is on the first floor of the quarters, and in front of the ordnance storeroom, to shield them from shells from Fort Moultrie.”
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 22 1861. (Received A.G.O., March 25.)
Col. [Lorenzo] THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: I have examined the point alluded to by Mr. Fox last night. A vessel lying there will be under the fire of thirteen guns from Fort Moultrie, and Captain Foster says that at the pan-coupé, or immediately on its right--the best place for her to land--she would require, even at high tide, if drawing ten feet, a staging of forty feet. The Department can decide what the chances will be of a safe debarkation and unloading at that point under these circumstances. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. E.V. Sumner is ordered to sail to San Francisco, California, “to relieve Brevet Brigadier-General [A.S.] Johnston, in the command of the Pacific Department.”
2. G.V. Fox returns to Washington, D.C., and reports to President Lincoln. They decide that naval officers should decide the feasibility of the proposed plan to re-enforce and re-supply Fort Sumter.
3. After refusing to pass an ordinance of secession, the ‘Sovereign Convention’ taking place in Saint Louis, Missouri, adjourns.
4. S.A. Hurlbut and W.H. Lamon, two Illinois associates of President Lincoln, leave Washington, D.C., to visit Charleston, South Carolina.
March 23 1861 (Saturday)
Colonel William Wing Loring arrives in Santa Fé, New Mexico Territory, to take command of the 2,600-man Department of New Mexico and is quite unhappy with what he finds. “I feel it to be my first duty to call...attention at once to the condition of affairs which I find existing throughout this Territory. The expeditions against the Comanches and the Navajos have caused the loss of a very large portion of the means of transportation, and the secession of the State of Texas has involved an additional heavy loss to this department of subsistence stores, of transportation, and of funds.” Loring fought in the Seminole War as a thirteen-year-old boy and lost an arm at Chapultepec during the Mexican War.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fé, March 23, 1861.
Col. L. THOMAS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, New York City: I am informed of a plan laid by the people about Albuquerque to possess themselves of the Government stores at that depot. The people in every portion of the Territory are beginning to refuse to credit the Government. The troops are becoming uneasy and restless about their pay, and unless they can be assured at a very early day that they will be paid off, very serious consequences may result…. The great scarcity of means of transportation and the difficulty of hiring it must necessarily cramp the field operations now commencing against the Apaches and render long marches impossible, except for a small body of troops. I earnestly request, therefore, that I may receive at the earliest possible moment the means of paying off the troops and other creditors of the Government, or instructions for my guidance, and additional means of transportation in case it may not be possible to send the funds now imperatively required. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W.W. LORING, Colonel Regiment Mounted Rifles, Commanding Department.
London banker Edward Haslenwood writes to President Jefferson Davis informing him that the Confederate Government will not be able secure credit from any banks in England until the state of Mississippi settles two outstanding loans taken out through the Branch Planters’ Bank and the Union bank. In addition Haslenwood, a member of the London Stock Exchange, informs Davis that “it is of no use to try [to get a loan on] the Continent because it is a standing rule with them never to take any loan which has been openly refused here.” Haslenwood continues: “Among the difficulties are the non-recognition of the Southern Confederacy by the United States and by European nations, the probabilities of war between the North and South, [and] the fact that the entire income of the South depends almost upon one staple.”
LOTHBURY, EAST CHELSEA, LONDON, March 23, 1861.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Southern Confederation: It must be evident to you that the principal difficulty with which the South has to contend is the want of money and the want of credit. As long as Mississippi forms part of the Southern Confederacy and as long as the bonds of Mississippi issued through the Planters' and the Union banks are unsettled no loan can be negotiated in Europe. Mississippi must either go out or settle with her creditors. Within a few days you shall have a letter showing how other nations have compromised their debts and that the repudiation difficulty can be arranged. I remain, your obedient servant,
EDWARD HASLENWOOD.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Fort Chadbourne, Texas, on the Butterfield Stage Route, is abandoned. Lt. Col. Gouverneur Morris Jr., 1st U.S. Infantry (whose father wrote the preamble to the U.S. Constitution) leads the march to Indianola.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Texas becomes the fourth state ratify the C.S. Constitution by a vote of 126-2.
Sources for Week 12:
1. Richard M. Johnston, William Hand Browne, Life of Alexander H. Stephens (Philadelphia, PA 1878), p. 172.