Schley COUNTY, GA - Mililtary Civil War Newspapers Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Harris Hill http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00011.html#0002514 Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/schley.htm Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm Jan 13, 1861 (2 issues) |Jan 20, 1861 | Jan 27, 1861 |Feb 3, 1861 |March 10, 1861 | Mar 31,1861 |April 7, 1861 |April 14, 1861 | May 12, 1861 |Aug 11, 1861 |Sept 8, 1861 |Oct 13, 1861 |Oct 27, 1861 |Nov 24, 1861 | Dec 8, 1861 |Feb 23, 1862 Reprints from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Sunday edition during the war. From The Atlanta Journnal-Constitution Sunday January 13, 1861 MORE FORTS SEIZED PENSACOLA NAVY YARD FALLS, BUT U.S. HOLDS HARBOR FORTRESS Ten more U.S. arsenals, forts and other government properties, including the important Pensacola, Fla. Navy Yard, were seized by southern states--or republics, as some of them are now--this week. As was the case last week, the forts fell without bloodshed. This evidently was due in part to the woefully undermanned condition of the installations. Florida and Alabama troops took the Pensacola Navy Yard and it's $156,000 worth of ordinance stores yesterday. The Yard commander Capt. J. Armstrong, wired Washington: "Having no means of resistance, I surrendered and hauled down my flag." The troops also seized Forts San Carlos Barrancas and McRee in the harbor area. But a U.S. garrison at Barrancas, commanded by Lt. Adam Jacoby Slemmer, had moved swiftly into old, long vacant Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island, and thus the U.S. kept a strategic position at the mouth of the deepest harbor on the Gulf of Mexico. Demands made yesterday for Fort Pickens' surrender were rejected. Lt. Slemmer had occupied Ft. Pickens after receiving an order to do his utmost to prevent the seizure of the Pensacola forts--an order mailed to him in a small pink envelope, addressed in a woman's hand, apparently so it would escape detection by Alabma authorities handling the mails. Capt. Armstrong, apparently dazed by the wild events of recent days, and wishing to have specific instructionsfrom Washington before taking action, wrote for orders and received only instructions to keep the government informed and to be vigilant in protecting public property. His own men were divided on what action to take, and the elderly captain wept like a child before turning the yard over to the secessionists. Louisiana seized the Baton Rouge arsenal after it was surrounded by 600 state troops. Troops moved into Forts Jackson and St. Philip (40 miles below New Orleans on the river approach to the city), Fort Pike on Lake Pontchartrain and the U.S. barracks two miles below New Orleans, Forts Johnson and Caswell in North Carolina also were occupied--by the Smithville Guard--Tuesday night. NEW SONG ABOUT A FLAG Jackson, Miss.--"The Bonnie Blue Flag" is the title of a catchy song written this week about Mississippi's secession flag, a blue banner with one white star symbolizing the states supremacy. After seeing the flag unveiled, Mr. Harry R. McCarthy, an Irish comedian playing an engagement at the Jackson Theatre, wrote about it in verses set to an Irish air, "The Irish Jaunting Car." (A jaunting car is a buggy pulled by one horse or a donkey.) The chorus of Mr. McCarthy's song, already printed in newspapers and being sung about the state goes: "Hurrah! Hurrah! For Southern rights hurrah! Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a single star!" NEW YORK TO SECEDE? New York--Southern states aren't the only political units threatening to secede. Elements in this city, led by Mayor Fernando Wood, are pushing a plan to secede from the Union and form a free city. Wall Street leaders are being asked to support the move. MR. SHERMAN RESIGNS Alexandria, La.--With the disunion crisis worsening, Mr. William Tecumseh Sherman, Ohio-born West Pointer, has submitted to Louisiana authorities his resignation as president of Louisiana State Seminary. He is expected to return to Ohio. From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution January 13, 1861 S.C. "DEMANDS" SUMTER AGENTS SENT TO PRESIDENT; GEORGIA SOLON ACCEPTS POSSIBILITY OF WAR Charleston, S.C.----South Carolina Atty.-Gen. I.W. Hayne has been sent to Washington to "demand the delivery of Ft. Sumter," Gov. F. Pickens (Ft. Pickens in Pensacola was named for an ancestor of this gentleman) yesterday wrote Pres. Buchanan. A previous attempt by South Carolina agents failed. "The demand," said Gov. Pickens "is suggested because of my earnest desire to avoid bloodshed which a persistance in your attempt to retain the possession of that fort will cause." Gov. Pickens promised "the valuation of such property will be accounted for" by South Carolina "upon the adjustment of its relatiopns with the United States, of which it was a part." With Mr. Hayne are Mr. Robert Gourdin and Ft. Sumter's Lt. Norman Hall. They have not yet arrived in Washington. But on Monday the President, in a lengthy letter to Congress, de fended as "clear and undeniable" the government's right and duty to use military force defensively against those who assail the property of the federal government." He begged Congress to find a solution, saying "the fact cannot be disguised that we are in the midst of a great revolution." Congress this week was laced by the crossfire of angry talk. Sen. Jefferson Davis (Miss.) charged the government broke faith with South Carolina by shifting men from Ft. Moultrie to Ft. Sumter and he upheld the right of states to secede. Sen. Robt. Tombs (Ga.) said "the success of abolitionists and their allies, under the name of the Republican Party, has produced it's logical result already. They have, for long years, been sowing dragon's teeth and they have finally got a crop of armed men. The Union....is disolved......We have appealed from time to time to you to give us our constitutional rights and you have refused them. "We appeal to you again to restore these rights. Restore them and restore peace, fraternity and unity to all of us. Refuse them and we will ask you to let us depart in peace. Refuse that, and then you present us, as you must, with war. We accept that. We will nail our colors to the mast, inscribed on them Liberty and Equality, and we will trust to the sword and the god of battles for security, tranquility and peace." (Loud applause.) There was also a petition asking for a national convention in Philadelphia Mar. 4; memorials favoring a national referendum on the Crittenden proposal; approval of House resolution commending Ft. Sumter's Maj. Robert Anderson. Sen. W.H. Seward (N.Y.) yesterday outlined the great injury the country would suffer if the union were dissolved, and in the house announcement was made yesterday of the withdrawal of Mississippi's representatives. Though Southern representatives objected to the Navy appropriation bill ($11 million, providing reduced sums for Navy yards), it was passed though Southerners were promised a debate on the Army appropriation bill. From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, January 13, 1861 3 MORE STATES SECEDE FLORIDA, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA NOW INDEPENDENT Within 48 hours, the Union lost three more states this week-- Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. With South Carolina already out, the Union is now reduced to 29 states. Florida's legislature voted 62-7 at Tallahassee Thursday to declare the state "a sovereign and independent nation." On the same day, at Jackson, Mississippi's legislature passed an ordinance of secession , 84-15. Alabama's especially called secession convention followed suit Friday, but the vote was closer--61-39. In all three states, there were appeals from "cooperationists" for delay and for one last attempt to have Southern geievances redressed within the Union. But the determination of the secessionists was overwhelming. The decisions brought on the most intense excitement--and here and there, tears. Rockets and Roman candles blazed in Tallahassee. Men whooped for joy, women clapped their hands and a great parade wound through the streets. Some of the most ardent secessionists reportedly are major stockholders in Florida Railroad, which owes a Northern firm $750,000. Mississippi's secession ordinance was read to an audience enveloped in silence. But the quiet gave way to cheers when the reading was finished and a new flag, bearing one white star on a blue field was brought out. Gov. John J. Pettus ordered artillery to Vicksburg to hail boats passing on the Mississippi--coming from what was now enemy territory. President--elect Abraham Lincoln was hanged in effigy in Mobile on secession eve, Thursday night. After the state seceded, 100 guns were fired, a parade was held and an impromptu speeches made in every public building. Mobile citizens have subscribed $100,000 for the city's defenses. Florida's legislature worked up to secession by stages, declaring first, in resolutions adopted Monday, that the people had the right to secede and that just cause for secession existed. On Thursday the cause was given impetus by a telegram from Florida's congressional delegation, warning: "Federal troops are said to be moving or about to move on Pensacola forts. Every hour is important." No movement to reinforce the U.S. fortifications at Pensacola is known to exist, however. It was in Alabama that the greatest opposition to secession was expressed. Secessionists arrived at Montgomery of one mind--to take the state out of the Union. But cooperationists from northern Alabama, where slavery is not so firmly entrenched, sought to delay the severance of the Union ties in various fashions. It was argued that secession was impolitic, that the co-operation of the other Southern states should be secured before Alabama seceded; that all honorable means should be used to obtain Southern rights in the Union; that finally, the secession convention could only invite the people to ratify a decision to secede. But the Alabama convention was under the firm control of Mr. William Lowndes Yancey, that state's most ardent disunionist, and in the end even some cooperationists signed the ordinance. Mississippi's secession ordinance was prepared by Mr. Lucius Q.C. Lamar, a Georgia native of great political import in Mississippi. Its enactment, too, was hampered by delaying moves--proposed amendments saying it should not go into effect until it had been ratified by the people and other states also had determined to secede. These were rejected. Alabama invited other seceding states to send representatives to Montgomery Feb. 4 to form a new government. Georgia is the next state to consider a secession. Her special state convention meets Wednesday at Milledgeville. The Union of 31,443,321 people has now lost more than two million of them---703, 708 in South Carolina; 140,424 in Florida; 791,305 in Mississippi and 964,201 in Alabama. ============================================ January 20, 1861 FLORIDA'S FT. PICKENS AGAIN REFUSES TO SURRENDER; FT. SUMTER IS QUIET. Pensacola, Fla.---Lt. Adam Slemmer on Friday again rejected demands by secessionist Col. William Chase that he surrender Ft. Pickens to the secessionists. Lt. Slemmer, who 10 days ago shifted his forces from Ft. San Carlos de Barrancas (across the bay) to unoccupied but stronger Ft. Pickens on Santa Rosa Island (west of Pensacola), commands 81 men in the unfinished fort. (Pickens, ironically, was named for the late grandfather of the present South Carolina governor, a secessionist.) Col. Chase, Massachusetts-born, is in charge of various state troops numbering more than 1,000. His demand for surrender came two days after Florida Sens. D.L. Yulee and Stephen R. Mallory, who had previously urged capture of the fort, wired Florida Gov. Perry: "No blood must be shed before a Southern Confederacy is formed" and "Jefferson Davis tells me to say that in the present state of affairs, the Pensacola forts are not worth one drop of blood." In the meantime, these events were transpiring: Ft. McRee west of Ft. Pickens on the mainland, has been occupied by secessionists. Col Chase has wired the Mayor of New Orleans for 2,000 men, the latter saying he would comply if Florida would equip them, and Florida officials agreed. Since Florida seceded Jan. 10, various federal officials-- including judges--have resigned, as has Commadore J. Armstrong, who surrendered the Pensacola Navy Yard. Lt Slemmer reported one of his men fired on a body of 10 reconnoitering secessionists Sunday night and adds that his men are worn out with labor in repairing Ft. Pickens. It is also reported that Lt. Slemmer's wife, who went back to Ft. Barancas "without any ostensible business," was arrested there as a spy. On Friday, the Joseph Whitney docked at Ft. Jefferson, on Garden Key in the Tortugas, with Maj. Arnold and his company of artillery as reinforcements for Capt. Meigs. And Pres. Buchanan has approved the sending of the sloop-of-war Brooklyn with 90 men from Ft. Monroe, Hampton Roads, to reinforce Ft. Pickens. The Brooklyn, which had been sent days ago to help the Star of the West in her attempt to aid Ft. Sumter, is to leave this week. At Ft. Sumter, matters have calmed down since the Star of the West attempted to land reinforcements there on Jan. 9 but was repelled. Indeed Maj. Anderson feels his position secure and Secretary of War Joseph Holt wrote him Wednesday that there is now no plan to reinforce him but aid would be sent if requested. The Sumter defenses are reported in readiness though South Carolina secessionists are also hard at work reinforcing the batteries at Ft. Moultrie, north of Sumter across the channel. In the meantime, Gov. F. Pickens has forbidden the U.S. sutreasurer of Charleston from paying the drafts of the federal paymaster in favor of Maj. Anderson and his command, and the sub- treasurer has refused accordingly, the War Department has learned. Maj. Anderson has been unable to contract for food in Charleston and his men are subsisting mainly on pork, flour hard bread and a deminishing store of beans. The men are not apprehensive of an attack, feeling they are prepared, but suffer somewhat from the monotony, the inaction, the chill rains, the lack of tobacco and prickly matresses made of shavings. But morale is high--boosted by the knowledge that the northern press is filled with compliments about their determined position in the isolated fort. Lt. T. Talbot, sent to Washington to report the Star of the West incident, returned to Sumter last night, bringing with him the government's stated cofidence in Maj. Anderson. On Friday, Lt. R.K. Meade left for his Richmond, Va. home, responding to the dispatch that his mother had died. But itseems that Maj. Andrson won't leave, though he has been invited to attend a Masonic festival in Albany, NY on Jan. 30. Responding to this invitation--regarded as absurd in view of Maj. Anderson's predicament--he wrote the Masons Tuesday of his "regrets" that he could not attend but thanked them for their Union loving sentiments." The major added that he hoped the severance of states from the Union may not be "cemented in blood." ========================== Sunday, January 27, 1861. AUGUSTA ARSENAL FALLS; PICKENS TO BE REINFORCED After Georgia troops threatened to take it by force, the U.S. arsenal at Augusta was surrendered peacfully and with elaborate military amenities Thursday. Meanwhile , Washington dispatched to Ft. Pickens at Pensacola, Fla., reinforcements and instructions for the garrison to avoid a collision unless attacked. Georgia Gov. Joseph E. Brown arrived in Augusta Tuesday and on the next day sent to Capt Arnold Elzey, the arsenal commander, a declaration that Capt. Elzey and his 80 soldiers must withdraw "at the earliest practicable moment from the limits of the state." Capt. Elzey refused. But at 1 a.m. Thursday he received from the War Department a communique declaring Gov. Brown's action "harsh and preemptory," but adding: It is not expected that your defense should be desparate." Some 800 Georgia Militiamen and Minute Men assembled at 9 a.m. Thgursday and were preparing to march on the arsenal when Capt. Elzey sent out a request for a meeting with Gov, Brown "for the purpose of negotiating honorable terms of surrender." Gen. Brown was at the aresenal an hour later and the terms of surrender were agreed upon. The U.S. flag was to be lowered and saluted by 33 guns, one for each state of the union, including Georgia. The U.S. soldiers were to march out with full military honors; a receipt was to be given for the captured property, and the company, with its arms and property, was to have passage to New York via Savannah. These terms were carried out, after which refreshments were ordered by Capt. Elzey and toasts were drunk, including one to the Stars and Stripes by Gov. Brown's aide-de-camp, Col. H.R. Jackson. Then Georgia troops took possession of the arsenal, plus four cannons, 22,000 muskets and rifles and quantities of powder and shot. A white banner with a large red star, signifying the state's supremacy was raised (illustration above).(Note: the illusatration depicts the Clinch Rifles mustering before the just seized arsenal). Meanwhile, The Brooklyn sailed from Norfolk, Va., Friday under sealed orders, taking teo companies of men from Fortress Monroe. The newspaper freely reported she was destined for Ft. Pickens. Pres. Buchanan on Tuesday night dispatched a special messenger to Ft. Pickens to instruct Lt. A.J. Slemmer, commanding , not to allow a collision with the secessionists unless attacked . Florida and Alabma volunteer troops, in possession of all other fortifications in Pensacola harbor, meanwhile busied themselves mounting and arranging cannon. Pilots however, were notified that they could bring U.S. war vessels into the harbor under a flag of truce. The first casualty of the Pensacola operations was reported--a Mr. Brown of the Auburn, Ala., Guards, was killed by a Mr. Betts of the Tuskeegee, Ala., Light Infantry with a bowie knife. Mr. Brown repotedly insulted Mrs. Betts, although Mr. Brown protested before dying that he did not. Capt. J. Armstrong, who surrendered the Pensacola Navy Yard to secession troops, arrived in Washington Wednesday and told the Navy Department that three-fourths of his 60 men were secessionists who would have revolted had he offered resistance. Opposition to the seizure force of 400 was useless, he said. Several steamboats already have been stopped by batteries erected by Mississippi on the Mississippi River. At Memphis, a battery of 16 32-pounders is being erected and plans are underway for establishing a factory to manufacture cannon and shells From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, February 3, 1861 BROOKLYN NEARING FT. PICKENS WITH AID. Washington--The warship Brooklyn, with two companies led by Capt. I. Vodges, is near Ft. Pickens, held by Federal troops, west of Pensacola. She sailed Jan. 24. The federal garrison of 81 men is surrounded by 1700 troops from Florida, Mississippi and Alabama, encamped mainly in the seized federal forts of McRee and Barancas and the Navy Yard, west of Pensacola on the mainland. Ft. Pickens Capt.(actually Lt.) A.J. Slemmer has repeatedly refused demands to surrender. The ship's mission is no surprise to secessionist troops. Florida Sen. D.L. Yulee, now resigned, on Monday wired Col. William Chase, commanding the secessionist troops at Pensacola, that the Brooklyn had left Hampton Roads, Virginia. Capt Vodges aboard the Brooklyn, was sent these instructions by Pres. Buchanon: "Upon receiving satisfactory assurances from Mr. Mallory and Col. Chase that Ft. Pickens will not be attacked, you are instructed not to land any on board the Brooklyn unless said fort shall be attacked or preparations made for the attack." Pres. Buchanan obviously hopes the peace conference, opening here tomorrow, will overcome the need for a landing or force. The situation is very similar to the government's attempts early last month to send aid via the Star of the West to Maj. Robert Anderson's small garrison at Ft. Sumter. Secessionist cannon repelled the Star of the West, she landed no troops. Yesterday, Florida Gov. M.S. Perry told the legislature at Tallahassee to take steps at once to increase and more effectively organize the state militia. MORE TROOPS FOR CAPITAL Lt. Col. Hardee Resigns. More troops reported for duty in Washington this week--and the army lost a well known officer. He is Lt. Col. William J. Hardee, a Georgian, author of a book on tactics and former commandant of cadets at West Point Military Academy. His resignation became known yesterday, but was not a great surprise. Last fall, well before Georgia seceded, Col. Hardee aburptly left West Point and appeared in Virginia, helping to organize the militia there. The arrival of two companies of artillery in Washington Friday brought to about 600 the number of troops and Marines now in the city and Vacinity. The force at some public buildings has been increased. Orders have been issued for the enrollment of all persons in the district subject to military duty. The Army commander, Gen. Winfield Scott, rode out Friday afternoon to inspect the barracks and stables being erected for the newly arrived troops. A large female school has been asked to vacate so that the soldiers may occupy its quarters. From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, March 10, 1861 COAL, WATER CUT OFF AT PENSACOLA Pensacola, Fla.-- The U.S. man-o-war Brooklyn and other U.S. vessels will no longer be able to obtain coal and water at the former U.S. Navy base in Pensacola harbor, the Brooklyn's commander has been informed. Boats still visit the U.S. ships (which bear supplies and men for Ft. Pickens but have not been permitted by U.S. authorities to land them). There is much trafficking with those aboard. (In the meantime a clash looms: The Confederate War Department yesterday issued a call for 5,000 more men to defend Pensacola and Pres. Lincoln on Tuesday directed the Union War Department to dispatch troops to Ft. Pickens.) As for the Brooklyn's water supply, the Pensacola Observer said: "We advize the fleet to run down to Vera Cruz (in Mexico) for a supply and give their sails an airing." Gen. Braxton Bragg has arrived to take charge of the secession forces. GOV. HOUSTON AGAINST JOINING C.S.A. Austin Tex.--Gov. Sam Houston opposes the union of his now-seceded state with the Confederacy, preferring that Texas become an independent republic again. Mr. Houston also has refused to recognize the state convention which voted for secession. It's job is at an end, he says, and he and the state legislature will take care of any public questions now arising. The legislature will convene March 18. But the convention in reply, has claimed full power to act for the state and has promised to act as speedily as possible to place Texas in the Cofederacy. The convention will require all state officials to take an oath of allegiance to the new government, or else be replaced. Presumably, this includes Gov. Houston. From The Atlanta-Journal Constitution March 31, 1861 C.S.A. REQUISITIONS 2,000 GEORGIA TROOPS. Montgomery, Ala.---The Confederate government has called on Georgia for 2,000 soldiers to go to Ft. Pickens at Penscola, Fla. In compliance with the call, Gov. Joseph E. Brown has given notice to the following volunteer companies to hold themselves in readiness to march: the Gate City Guards of Atlanta, under Capt. Wm. I. Ezzard; the Quitman Guards of Forsyth; the Newnan Guards, and two companies each from Augusta, Macon and Columbus. THREE SOUTHERN COMMISSIONERS LEAVE TODAY TO SEEK RECOGNITION BY EUROPE. Montgomery, Ala.---Three commissioners sail today for Europe to seek recognition by European powers of the Confederate government. One is William Lowndes Yancey, the Alabamian who helped lead the disunion movement. The others are Messrs. Pierre A. Rost of Louisiana, an immigrant from France and a friend of C.S.A. Atty. Gen. Judah P. Benjamin, and A. Dudley Mann, a Georgian who had limited diplomatic experience under the U.S. government. They are to depart New Orleans for Havanna, where they will board a British steamer for England. Meanwhile Missippi became the third state to ratify the Confederate Constitution. Again delaying tactics were attempted by opponents of secession. They wished, among other things, to submit the ratification to a popular vote. But the state convention, meeting at Jackson, adopted 78 to 7 an ordinance declaring "the State of Missippi hereby accedes to and becomes a member of the Confederacy provided for in said Constitution." Large capitlalists reportedly wish to bid on the $15 million loan recently approved by the Confederate Congress, but the government is adhering to its original plan to distribute the loan widely among the people. 83 OFFICERS HAVE QUIT UNION ARMY. Washington---A total of 83 officers--ranking from lieutenants through major-generals have resigned the Union Army. The official War Department list details the resignations as well as new appointments of significance. Included among those who have resigned are Maj.- Gen. David E. Twiggs, former cheif of the Department of Texas; Col. Samuel Cooper and Maj. George Deas of the adjutant- general's office; Lt. Col. Abraham C. Myers of the Quaretmaster's Department: Surgeons S.P. Moore and D.C. De Leon, of the Medical Department; Lt. Col. William J. Hardee, former commandant of the West Point Military Academy; Maj. Earl Van Dorn and others. CRISIS IN FLORIDA Confederate and Union Forces Converging on Ft. Pickens Pensacola, Fla.---A battle looms at Ft. Pickens, on Santa Rosa Island in the harbor here, as federal troops enlarge their forces. According to official reports, Brig. Gen. Braxton Bragg today commands 1,116 Confederate troops ringed around the federal-held fortress. In addition, two companies of Confederate Zouaves left New Orleans Wednesday. Reports from Mobile, Ala., are thata steady stream of troops and munitions pour through that port, all bound for this point. An additional 500 Mississippi troops passed through Memphis, Tenn., Wednesday. Also bound for Pensacola. Guns are being mounted in Confederate held Ft. Barancas and McRee and shot and shell are being quickly manufactured in the shops of the one time federal navy yard here. At the same time, a federal fleet, with troops aboard some ofthe vessels, stands off Ft. Pickens but no reinforcements have been landed. Nevertheless, on Mar. 11 Pres. Lincoln directed that Ft. Pickens be reinforced and the man-o-war Mohawk left New York harbor that day with orders to Capt. I. Vodges, 1st U.S. Artillery, directing him to transfer immediately his two companies from the ship Brooklyn to Ft. Pickens. The order had not arrived as of last night. (Pres. Lincoln this week also issued orders for other ships to take provisions to Fts. Sumter and Pickens, even though Army Gen. Winfield Scott this week has changed his mind and advised the President to surrender both forttresses to the Confederacy. See story below.) The federal fleet off Ft. Pickens (depicted above) includes the Sabine (50 guns), the Brooklyn (25 guns), the St. Louis (20 guns), the Crusader (eight guns), the Wyandotte (five guns) and the Supply (two guns). SUPPLIES TO BE SENT Pres. Lincoln Orders It; Cabinet Is Divided; A Crisis Looms. Washington---An expedition to provision Ft. Sumter's garrison will leave Northern ports by Saturday, Pres. Lincoln has ordered. Thus ends weeks of indecision; the die is cast. If Confederate forces determine to prevent the provisioning of the fortress, war may result. Pres. Lincoln issued his order Friday to War Secretary Simon Cameron: "I desire that an expedition, to move by sea, be got ready to sail as early as the 6th of April next, the whole according to memorandum attached; and that you cooperate with the Secretary of the Navy for that object." The memorandum referred to is that drafted by Assistant Navy Secretary Gustavus Fox, who returned days ago from a visit to Maj. Robert Anderson, commanding Sumter, to determine his needs. The major indicated that his dwindling supplies would last only until noon of April 15. The Fox memorandum details the ships, men and supplies required to provision Sumter. Pres. Lincoln's decision--made in consonance with his policy to hold federal forts wherever they are--has met opposition by half his cabinet. SOUTH "SEIZES" "DIXIE'S LAND" Richmond, Va.---The owner of the copyright of "Dixie's Land" has realized $4000 by the sale of that song, according to the Dispatch here. The newspaper added: "Do you know that 'Dixie's Land' has become the national anthem of secession? The song is called for in Southern theaters and received with cheers and applause while 'Hail Columbia' and the 'Star-Spangled Banner' are hissed down. 'Dixie's Land' was written by a Northerner. 'Yankee Doodle' itself was written, air and words by a surgeon in the British Army during the Revolution to express his supreme contempt for the American. But the yankees captured the tune. 'Dixie's Land,' then belongs to the South by right of seizure, as do the forts, the arsenals, the mints, taken from the general government by the seceding states. From the Atlanta Journal Constitution Sunday, April 7, 1861. PICKENS REINFORCEMENT GOES AWRY Pensacola, Fla.---The first attempt to land U.S. soldiers to reinforce the tiny garrison at Ft. Pickens, in the Pensacola harbor, has backfired. Meanwhile the Confederated forces at Pensacola have grown to nearly 5,000 men. Authorities in Washington were informed by courier yesterday that Capt H.A. Adams of the nan-o-war Brooklyn, lying off Pensacola had refused to obey an order to land troops on his vessel at Pickens. The order came from Pres. Lincoln, but was transmitted through the Army commander, Gen. Winfield Scott. It reached Capt. Adams Sunday. Capt. Adams held that he must obey prior orders from the Secretary of the Navy forbidding him to land troops unless Pickens was attacked. The Confederates at Pensacola are from Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia--Creoles in bright zouave uniforms: Black Belt planters who wear plainer clothing but boast such fancy names as "De Soto Irrepressibles" and "Southern Avengers" and "crackers" who are said to be first-rate shots. More troops are on the way. The Florida First Infantry mustered into Confederate service Friday for 12 months duty, left Chattahoochee, Fla., on river boats immediately for Columbus, Ga., from which they will go to Pensacola. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to complete the Montgomery-to- Pensacola Railroad to facilitate the transportation of troops and war goods. It is expected to be finished shortly. And in Mississippi, wealthy gentlemen have raised a purse of $10,000 for the first member of the Mississippi Rifles who puts a foot on Pickens in time of war. (Others have done so under the "truce" now existing.) ANTI-SOUTHERN PAPERS GEORGIA JURY'S TARGET Co-operationists and abolitionists, beware. The grand jury of Greene County, Ga., has issued a presentment asking the legislature to enact a law under which any citizen of that county who subscribes to the New York Post, New York Tribune, Cleveland Plain Dealer or any publication of like character (meaning anti-Southern) may be fined or imprisoned. And at Anderson, S.C., a dentist, Dr. John T. Horne, was sent to Indiana with his hair cropped close on one side of his head after being found in correspondence with Black Repulicans. GEORGIA FORMS NEW REGIMENT Macon, Ga.---The First Georgia Regiment, composed of units from all parts of the state, has assembled here on order of Gov. Joseph E. Brown. The Confederacy has decided to send it to Pensacola. Gov. Brown reviewed the troops and addressed them at Ft. Oglethorpe, a new camp, here Friday, declaring: ".....may the God of battles go with you and lead, protect, and defend you till the last foot-print of the invader shall be obliterated from the soil of our common country." The regiment includes the Gate City Guards of Atlanta and units from among other places, Augusta, Dahlonega, Cartersville, Bainbridge, Forsyth, Perry, Newnan, Sandersville, Columbus, Ringold, and Macon. Eight companies left yesterday for Pensacola in the Confederate service. The balance will go tomorrow. They are an intersting lot. The Bainbridge Independent Volunteers wear coarse flannel shirts and rough "Negro cloth," but the members are said to represent a million dollars of wealth. Some units have fancy names--such as the Perry Southern Rights Guard and the Sanderville Washington Rifles. James N. Ramsey of Columbus has been elected regimental colonel. The lieutenant colonel is J.O. Clarke of Augusta. P.H. Larey of Cartersville and George Harvey Thompson of Atlanta were chosen majors. Artillery thundered and 7,000 people shouted farewell at the Atlanta Gate City Guards, Etowah Infantry and Ringold Artillery- -340 men in all--left Atlanta for Macon Monday. On the eve of departure of the Quitman Guards of Forsyth, citizens raised $1200 for families of the troops who may be in need during their absence. At Perry, $1200 was raised for additional military supplies. There are said to be 10,700 men in 214 companies in Georgia now. In Atlanta two prominent Georgia secessionists took an oppostie view of the crisis. "We will not have war," Mr. Thomas R.R. Cobb said in an address at the Athenaeum Monday night, unless the "folly" of North or South causes it. (He is not anxious for border states--including Virginia--to enter the Confederacy, he said, because their large abolition elements would endanger the Confederacy's future.) Mr. Benjamin Hill said at the Anthenaeum Thursday night: "The feeling in the North is growing stronger in afvor of peace. There is really no necessity for war, but if war does come we are prepared for it........The prospects of peace are growing brighter every day, and I believe we will have peace......." OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST Brenham, Tex.---A war that will "fill our fair land with suffering, misfortune and disaster" has been forecast by Gen. Sam Houston, who was deposed as governor of Texas because he refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy. In a speech here Sunday, Gen. Houston said: "The soil of our beloved South will drink deep the precious blood of our sons and bretheren. The die has been cast by your secession leaders.......and you must ere long reap the fearful harvest of conspiracy and revolution." He protested "against surrendering the federal government......to the northern abolitionist leaders and to accept in its stead a so-called Confederate government whose Constitution contains the germs and seeds of decay." Any well-informed man may see, he went on, that the states of the Confederacy soon will secede from the government they have just formed, becoming separate nations. There were more resignations this week from the Union Army by officers planning to join the Confederate service. They include: Messrs. Stephen D. Ramseur, Lincolnton, N.C., native and West Point graduate last year (resigned yesterday); Martin Luther Smith, New York native, West Point graduate (1842) who married an Athens, Ga. girl and served with the U.S. Topographical Engineers, with paticular merit, during the Mexican war (resigned Monday); Edmund Kirby Smith , St. Augstine, Fla., native West Point graduate (1845), breveted for gallantry during the Mexican War, formerly assistant professor of mathematics at West Point, at first opposed Texas' seizure of U.S. Ft. Colorado; Bryan Morel Thomas, native of near Milledgeville, Ga., Oglethorpe University student, West Point graduate (resigned yesterday); John Bordenave Villepigue, Camden, S.C., native, West Point graduate (1854) served in West, resigned Sunday; Charles Sidney Winder, Talbot County, Maryland, native, West Point graduate (1850), resigned yesterday (promoted to captaincy during heroism aboard troopship during Atlantic hurricane of 1854). ================ April 14, 1861 From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, April 14, 1861 SUMTER TIME LINE Tuesday: Pres. Jefferson Davis preferred assault: Secretary of State Robert Toombs (cautioning against the theory that war would unite the Confederacy and bring border states into the fold) said "War at this time.......is suicide, murder, and will lose us every friend at the North. The firing upon that fort will inaugerate a civil war greater than any the world has yet seen. Wednesday: War Secretary Leroy Walker wired Beauregard: "You will at once demand its (Sumter's) evacuation, and if this is refused, proceed in such manner as you may determine, to reduce it." (In Charleston, tension, poor discipline, bickering generals troubled Beauregard; Virginia's ex-Rep. Roger Pryor delivered a fiery speech, promising his state's secession, saying, "Give the old lady time.......she is a little rheumatic," and urging, "Strike a blow!") Thursday (3:30 P.M.): Three Beauregard aides arrived at Sumter, demanded its evacuation and promised safe conduct; Anderson refused adding: "If you do not batter us to pieces, we shall be starved out in a few days." This was relayed to Montgomery; Walker telegraphed Beauregard; "Do not desire needlessly to bombard Ft. Sumter" and asked when Anderson promised to evacuate; Confederates burned ship hulks east of Sumter to prevent entry of vessels. Friday (12:45 A.M.): Beauregard's aides asked Anderson when his food shortage would force him to evacuate; hoping the relief expedition would arrive before noon Monday, he said he would evacuate by then, unless hostilities began or he received other instructions. At 3:20 A.M. (Friday), one aide, Col. James Chestnut, wrote Anderson: "We have the honor to notify you that he (Beauregard) will open the fire of his batteries on Ft. Sumter in one hour from this time." At 3:30 the aides left, rowed to Ft. Johnson (west of Cummings Point), ordered Capt. G.S. James to fire a signal shot at 4:30 A.M. Capt. James offered Mr. Pryor the opportunity, Mr. Pryor who had been urging "Strike a blow!" declined saying, "I could not fire the first gun of the war." Friday (4:30 A.M.): The shot was fired, followed by other batteries (fiery secessionist and agriculturalist Edmund Ruffin reportedly shot the first shell from Cummings Point), There were no batteries at Charleston--but its wharves, streets and rooftops were immediately thronged with people, some praying, some jubilant. Sumter's guns did not immediately respond; the men ate breakfast about 6 a.m. Friday (fat pork and water) as bombs fell in their midst. Capt. Abner Doubleday, just before 7 a.m., fired the first retort; Sumters 32-pound cannon, used almost wholly since its heavier guns were to exposed to the enemy, did little damage (most of it at Ft. Moultrie). Confederate shells tore away upper wall sections, set some fires, most of them quickly extinguished; some hardy secessionists rowed out to get a better view; a shell cut Sumter's flag halyards and the emblem was stuck at half mast. Friday evening's rain helped snuff out a barracks blaze. As Union ships waited outside the harbor (watched by torch-bearing Confederates in boats Friday night), Confederate mortars kept up their fire. Yesterday: Charleston's business was suspended (one furniture merchant announced that his promised "sale will.....take place as soon as Ft. Sumter is taken"). As rain diminished about 8 a.m. Confederate fire was increased; thousands watched as Sumter appeared to be an inferno; inside Sumter was a nightmare, the blaze causing shells and grenades to explode, but the fort continued to fire an occasional shell. When the flagstaff was decapitated (12:48 p.m.), fire singed men replaced it with a spar. Suddenly Texas Col. L.T. Wigfall appeared at Sumter. Though unauthorized to do so, he told Anderson that Beauregard "wishes to stop this and to set upon what terms you will evacuate this work." Anderson said: "Instead of noon on the 15th, I will go now." They worked out the terms of evacuation about 1:30 p.m. yesterday and the Union flag was hauled down. Shortly thereafter, aides of Beauregard, seeing the flag down, arrived, learned of Wigfall's maneuver and told Anderson he came without authority. Anderson threatened to resume the conflict but negoitiations were begun. (As they did, Mr. Pryor took a drink from a Sumter bottle, mistakenly inbibing some dangerous iodide of potassium. Hearing his agonized cries, a Union surgeon pumped out his stomach.) Total casualties of the war's first battle: Four Confederates (not including Pryor) slightly wounded, four Union men injured, one secessionist horse killed. Charleston was untouched (Sumter was struck 600 times). The secessionists are jubliant; their hero Beauregard. Gov. Pickens in a victory speech last night, exaulted: "We have met them......and we have conquered. We have defeated their 20 millions." U.S. REINFORCES FT. PICKENS Penscola, Fla.---The union has been successful in its second effort to get reinforcements into Ft. Pickens on Santa Rosa Island. Although some 5,000 Confederate soldiers are encamped in the area, there have been no hostilities. On Friday night, While Ft. Sumter was under fire at Charleston, 200 troops and a battalion of Marines were landed at Pickens--heretofore held by a force of only 81 men--from U.S. vessels which have been waiting in the harbor. Orders to put the troops ashore were delivered by Navy Lt. John Lorimer Worden, who reached Pensacola after a five-day overland journey from Washington, during which he was stopped twice for questioning by Confederate authorities. At the suggestion of Navy Secretary Gideon Welles, Lt. Worden had memorized the orders he was to deliver, and did not carry a copy of them. He put them in writing upon reaching the flagship Wyandote--after first obtaining a pass to the ship from the Confederate commander here, Brig. Gen. Braxton Bragg. Lt Worden told Gen. Bragg he had no orders to deliver. MERRIMACK TO BE MOVED Washington--As a precaution, Navy Secretary Gideon Welles Thursday ordered the man-o-war Merrimack, which is awaiting engine repairs at Norfolk, put in order and transferred to Philadelphia. =============== From The Atlanta-Journal Constitution Sunday, May 12, 1861. BRAGG NEEDS MUNITIONS. Pensacola, Fla.---The Commander of the Confederate forces here, Brig. Gen. Braxton Bragg, has reported to Montgomery that he lacks essential munitions and therefore is powerless to stop Union operations in and around Ft. Pickens. In a letter to Secretary of War Walker, he declared Monday: "Five thousand sets of infantry accouterments are necessary for the preservation of our ammunition. It is now carried by the men in their pockets, and one day's hard service would destroy it all. A supply of musket cartridges is also a first necessity. The present supply here would last me in an engagement about 30 minutes. Our best defense against the (U.S.) fleet-- shells--cannot be used for want of fuses. Not one has yet reached me. These items are not mentioned by way of complaint, for I know full well the difficulties and embarassments which surrounded the (War) Department, but simply to show how utterly impossible it is to check the enemy in his operations." TWO MORE SECEDE. The legislatures of Tennesee and Arkansas voted Monday to join the Confederacy. Although the Tennessee action is subject to ratification by popular vote June 8, anti union sentiment has grown so strong that the state will certainly go over. Curiously, in votes taken previous to the firing on Ft. Sumter and Pres. Lincoln's first call for volunteers, both Tennessee and Arkansas rejected secession overwhelmingly. Now they have rejected the Union similarly. The additions will bring the number of Confederate states to 10, assuming Virginia's voters also ratify secession May 23, which like Tennessee's voters, they are certain to do. At any rate, the Confederate Congress is certain of it; that body voted Tuesday to admit Virginia as the eighth state. North Carolina also is moving closer to secession. Her voters will choose delegates to a secession convention tomorrow. Meanwhile Kentucky is still split over the entire question, Maryland moved closer to the Union side and citizens of western Virginia continued to agitate for withdrawal from the state because they disapprove of disunion. Arkansas' ordinance of secession was passed by a state convention with only one dissenting vote. The convention has full legislative power. After the Tennessee General Assembly had acted Monday, Gov. Isham G. Harris chose three commissioners "to enter into military a military league with the authorities of the Confederate states......." Tennessee also passed a bill to raise a "provisional force of volunteers" consisting of 55,000 men, and to allow Gov. Harris to sell $5,000,000 in bonds to equip them. Among other things, the bill also provides that soldiers shall be allowed 40 cents a day for the use and risk of their horses. In North Carolina, the first regiment raised by the state elected officers yesterday--D.H. Hill,colonel; C.C. Lee, lieutenant colonel; J.H. Lane, major. In Kentucky, Gov. Beriah Magoffin urged the legislature to call a state convention to decide whether that state shall secede. In Maryland, now occupied by Union troops, the legislature was urged to unite for the protection of the state. Significantly, a union recruiting office was opened in Baltimore. In Wheeling, Va., a center of dissatisfaction with Virginia's secession, it was reported that 2,000 stands of arms had arrived. Speakers favoring separation from eastern Virginia were applauded last night. Two companies of Wheeling militia went into Union service. HOUSTON JOINS SOUTH. Independence, Texas---Gen. Sam Houston, deposed as governor of Texas because he opposed secession and would not swear allegiance to the Confederacy, has now taken a stand for the South. "Sectional prejudices, sectional aggrandizement and sectional pride stimulate the North in prosecuting this war," he said in a speech here. "The trouble is upon us, and no matter how it came or who brought it on, we have to meet it. Whether we have opposed this secession movement of favored it, we must alike meet the consequences." The time has come, he said, when a man's section is his country. "I stand by mine." =========== From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, August 11, 1861. ACTIVITY IN FLORIDA Union-Held Ft. Pickens Is Aided; Confederates Seize ships. Pensacola Fla.---Vessels of both North and South continue to ply the waters off Florida, those of the former taking supplies to Ft. Pickens and those of the latter searching for Union merchant ships to plunder. Both have been successful. The garrison of Ft. Pickens (on Santa Rosa Island near here) has built a hospital in part from lumber brought to the island by the steam transport Vanderbuilt (given to the U.S. government by the shipping magnate, Mr. Cornelius Vanderbuilt). Still another Union vessel, the Illinois has taken to Pickens 28 nine inch Dahlgren guns. (However the guns were not found suitable for service ashore and much of the ammunition was unusable because of poor fusing.) Meanwhile the privateer Jefferson Davis, whose base is Charleston, S.C., has captured two merchant ships, the john Carver and the Alvarado, off Florida. There is some indication, however, that the Union's costal blockade is causing shortages. Owning to a lack of paper, the St. John's Mirror of Jacksonville recently published an issue on paper one-fourth the regular size. UNION ARMY COURT PROBES WHETHER COLONEL WAS DRUNK IN BATTLE. Washington--An Army court of inquiry was convened yesterday at the request of Union Col. D.S. Miles, to examine "into certain allegations made against him" by Gen I.B. Richardson. Gen. Richardson charged that Col. Miles was drunk during the battle of Bull Run. The colonel, put in charge of a battlefield area by Gen. I. McDowell (an area in which was located Gen. Richardson's command), had given Gen. Richardson some orders, changing disposition of troops. When the general refused to obey the colonel's orders, the colonel threatened to have him arrested. Following this, the general leveled the charge of drunkeness. McCLELLAN SITS FOR BRADY. Washington--Union General George B. McClellan and his staff visited Mathew Brady's photographic gallery Monday to sit for portraits. Many residents visited the galley Wednesday to see the finished photographs. FEMALE SPY TAKEN Alexandria, Va.---A woman dressed in the uniform of the 25th N.Y. Regiment, detected by her effeminate voice, was seized as a spy as she strolled near Union camps here. Letters addressed to Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard were taken from her. From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, September 8, 1861 ACTION IN FLORIDA Pensacola, Fla.---Union Col. Har??? Brown on Monday night sent a boat with 11 men to destroy a Confederate drydock which he suspected the enemy was going to sink to block the channel approaching Union-held Ft. Pickens. COLONEL DEAD OF WOUND Orange Court House, Va.--Col. Egbert J. Jones, commander of the Fourth Alabama Infantry, died here Thursday of a wound sustained over six weeks ago, at the Battle of Bull Run. Col. Jones, an Alabama native who practiced law in Athens (Ala.) and served in the Mexican War, had been requested by some of his men and officers to resign (for "petty charges") before the Battle of Bull Run. He had promised to do so after the battle, if the men still desired his resignation. FREE NEGROES DONATE Charleston, S.C.--Free Negroes here have contributed $450 to the Confederate war effort. "The zealous and unfailing alacrity with which this class of our population has always devoted their means to promote the safety of our state," said the Charleston Mercury, " is alike honorable to themselves and gratyfying to the community." THE WAR DIARY New York--The Union ship Northern Light brought 30,000 stand of arms from California. Augusta, Ga.--The Constitutionalist on Friday again requested donations of blankets and clothing for the soldiers who will need them this winter. Cleveland, Ohio--A young woman has been discovered in the guise of a soldier at Camp Wood. She gives her name as Mary Smith , from Dayton, and said that she wanted to go to war to avenge the death of her only brother. This is the second time, she said, she has been discovered. It was her ability at sewing and the way she handled a dishcloth in the kitchen that first made others suspicious. New Orleans, La.--Some 450 Texas volunteers arrived here yesterday enroute to join Confederate forces in Virginia. ========================= From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, October 13, 1861 CONFEDERATES RAID FLORIDA CAMP Overrun U.S. Post But Take Losses While Departing Pensacola, Fla.---Both sides are claiming victory in a fierce encounter which took place on Santa Rosa Island when a Confederate force landed, raided and destroyed a Union camp near here. The mission of the Condfederates was fulfilled: the 1090 Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Georgia troops overran the camp of the 6th New York Zouaves in the predawn darkness of Wednesday morning. The surprized Zouaves fled to the safety of Ft. Pickens, the union installation on the island. The Confederates beat off one counterattack, but, tarying to plunder the enemy camp, were set upon by a strong Union force, armed with long range enfield rifles, before they departed by boat for the mainland. Their departure was delayed when the propeller of a steamer, which was towing open barges of troops became entangled in a cable. While the steamer and barges drifted, Federal soldiers on the beaches poured rifle fire into the barges. With their shorter- range guns, the Confederates could not return an effective fire. Fourteen Union troops were killed. 29 were wounded and 24 were captured or are missing. The Confederates lost 18 killed, 39 wounded and 30 captured. Confederate killed included Capt. R.H. Bradford (of Madison, Fla.). Among those captured by the Confederates is Capt. Israel Vodges. In the meantime, it was learned that Gen. Edmind K. Smith has been named to replace Gen. John B. Grayson as commander of the middle and Eastern Florida Department. And on Wednesday and Thursday, Confederates at Tampa seized two sloops, the William Batty and the Lyman Dudley (both out of Key West with liscenses to fish along the coast). Thirteen prisoners were taken. UNION FLEET SCATTERED AT NEW ORLEANS "Turtle" Rams Ship But Is Disabled. New Orleans, La.---A Confederate flotilla led by an ironclad (a former ice-breaker to which a cast iron ram had been fixed) attacked and scattered the federal fleet at the mouth of the Mississippi yesterday morning. The Confederates claim to have sunk one ship. The Union version is that, while one vessel was damaged and an attempt was made to scuttle another, all its vessels escaped. The ironclad ram which spearheaded the Confederate attack is the "Manassas," known here as the "Turtle" because of the leveling of the superstructure. Built by private capital and subsequently seized by Confederate authorities, it rammed the side of a Union vessel in the predawn darkness and its crew left the fight believing had inflicted a mortal blow on the Union sloop-of-war Preble. But Union accounts say the ship was the sloop-of-war Richmond and that while she was damaged and later went temporarily aground, she did not sink. The "Turtle," commanded by Flag Officer Charles Austin, led the "mosquito fleet" of small boats collected at New Orleans by Commander George N. Hollins into the midst of four Union blockading vessels before the presence of the Confederates was discovered. It struck one ship at a speed of 10 knots, withdrew and struck again. Flag Officer Austin ordered "The Turtle" after another vessel, but the impact of the ramming had broken a condenser, putting one of the ironclads two engines out of commission. The ironclad sailed away as the Union vessels began to open fire, shooting away onr of the "Turtle's" smokestacks and toppling the other into the vent of the first. Dense smoke choked the crew until Engineer William Hardy, held held on the sloping deck by Flag Officer Austin as shells rained all about, cut the stack wreckage away. Meanwhile a signal for the other Confederate vessels to come into the fight has misfired, and it was not until well after daylight that Commodore Hollins was able to send the rest of litlle fleet after the Union ships. The gunboats Ivy, McRae, and Tuscarora then engaged the Union vessels in a furious cannonade that did not significant damage to either side. However the Richmond and Vincennes went aground and in a mixup of signals Vincennes Commander Robert Handy, received wht he took to be a signal from the Richmond to abandon ship. He ordered a slow match ignited to fire the magazine and took off the crew. Then he learned to his amazement that the Richmond had signaled "get under way," and a party was put back aboard the Vincennes to put out the slow mathch. Only afterward was it learned that the seaman who lit the fuse, not taking his commander seriously, had cut off the burning end and thrown it overboard to prevent the ship's destruction. The Vincennes was freed after 32 cannon and all shot were tossed overboard. Lightened and humiliated, it along with the other Union vessels, departed. RUM TRIGGERS FRACAS Dranesville, Va.---"Demon Rum" precipitated a tragic affair Monday night at the temporary of the Union's 50th Cinnecticut Regiment. During the turmoil of pitching tents and preparing supper in the midst of a terrific storm, an unprincipled spectator smuggled a hogshead of liquor into the lines, and before detected by the officers, enough had been disposed of to create the great disturbance. An affray occurred, in which one citizen was killed, two or three wounded and several horses and cattle shot. Gen. N. Banks then issued an order that all liquor within the limits of the pickets be destroyed, and those found selling it be arrested. ============ From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, October 27 1861. PENSACOLA FORT HIT. Gen. Bragg Considers Abandoning It. Pensacola, Fla.---Union forces have subjected Ft. McRae to such a heavy bombardment that Gen. Braxton Bragg, the Confederate commander here is considering abandoning the installation. The guns of Ft. Pickens, on Santa Rosa Island, and of the ships Niagara and Richmond brought the fort under fire Tuesday and Wednesday. The Confederate steamer Time also was attacked by the Union ships as she entered Pensacola Harbor. The shelling intensified hostillities between the two camps. They enjoyed rather placid relations until a few weeks ago when Union troops destroyed the Confederate-held dry dock and fired a ship. The Confederates retaliated by landing a force on Santa Rosa Island and overrunning a Union Camp last week. Meanwhile Florida Gov. John Milton reported to the War Department in Richmond that at St. Marks, on the Gulf of Mexico, there are "howitzers and empty shells. No powder or fuse to prepare them." He announced he would not appoint a surgeon general for Florida troops until absolutely necessary, since he feels the state cannot afford the $3000 salary of the position. Orders assigning Confederate Gen. E. Kirby Smith to the Florida command were revoked this week by the adjutant general's office. Reportedly Gen Smith will be assigned to duty in Virginia. The Florida commander will be Brig. Gen. James H. Trapier, now in South Carolina. Gen. Trapier is to replace Gen John B. Grayson who died at Tallahassee Monday after an extended illness. NAVY ASSAULT SET Union Ships With 13,000 Troops Massed At Hampton Roads. Attack Point Still Secret; Departure in Days. Forterss Monroe, Va.---The Union's huge naval expedition, whose assault point is still a military secret, is expected to leave from near this point within days. Many vessels of all types are massed here, some carrying 13,000 troops, artillery and hundreds of horses required for the land assault. (The "Great Republic" has 900 horses aboard, for example.) Ships came to Hampton Roads, near here, from New York and Annapolis mainly. Among those sailing from Annapolis last Sunday were the Atlantic, Daniel Webster, Roanoke, Empire City, Ariel, Ocean Queen, Vanderbilt, Baltic, Marion, Parkersburgh, Illinois, and the Coatzacoalcos. Commadore Samuel F. DuPont is the naval commander of the expedition, with Gen. Thomas W. Sherman in charge of the land forces. Various newspapers have conjectured that the assault will be made between Port Royal, S.C. and Brunswick, Ga. Purpose of the assault is to drive a wedge in the side of the Confederacy and to strengthen the union blockade of Southern ports. A UNION DEFEAT The Federals Ambused at Ball's Bluff Leesburg, Va.---What was intended to be a "slight demonstration" by which Union troops (were) to force the Confederates out of this town on the Potomac River ended Monday in diaster for the Federals. Ambushed by a strong Confederate force and driven down the steep sides of Ball's Bluff with no possible means of escape, the Union Union forces lost 921 men, including their commander, Col Edward D. Baker, former U.S. Congressman and friend of Pres. Lincoln. Union Gen. G.B. McClellan had ordered the "slight demonstration" 40 miles from Washington and Brig. Gen. Charles F. Stone began to execute it Sunday. Under Col. Baker, troops crossed the river in few boats and scaled the 70-foot high bluff. (McClellan had not ordered a crossing.) They inched forward about a mile, expecting to sight a Confederate camp reportedly in the vicinity. Instead they found a strong Confederate unit under Col. Nathan G. (Shanks) Evans. Quite unprepared for this, Union officers fed their men into the battle on a piecemeal basis and receiving heavy fire, were compelled to retreat. At the river, the troops had the choice of swimming, surrendering or being killed. When the fighting ended, 49 Union troops were dead, 158 were wounded and 714 were missing or captured. The Confederate estimate is that 650 were captured. In fact, 525 already have been marched into Richmond. The Confederates lost 149 men--33 killed, 115 wounded, and one missing. Col. Baker died on the field of battle. With nearly his last breath he declared: ".....let us do all we can and die bravely." The Union wounded include Lt. Col. Paul J. Revere, grandson of the Revolutionary War's Paul Revere; Lt. Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., son of the poet; and Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Lander, a well-known railroad surveyor in prewar years. The defeat, while on a much smaller scale, is the most irritating turn of events to the North since the rout at Manassas. In particular, the death of Col. Baker has angered many congressmen. The defeat is being compared with the rout of the federals at Bull Run. The setback Monday, being in such proximity to Washington, is also prompting talk of an official investigation into the diaster. >From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, November 24, 1861 UNION BATTERS FLORIDA FORT Pensacola, Fla.---Union and Confederate batteries roared at each other for the second consecutive day yesterday, and by nightfall the Confederacy's Ft. McRae had been reduced to such a state that Gen. Braxton Bragg is considering abandoning it. In the largest engagement here to date, an observer estimated 2500 shells were fired by the batteries of the opposiong forts. The guns of the Union's Ft. Pickens, on Santa Rosa Island, are much superior to those of the Confederate batteries, however, and evidently the Union gunners have a superior quantity of ammunition, for the Confederacy was unable to match shot for shot. The Union gunners used 50,000 pounds of powder and kept three guns firing every minute for two days. The men of war, Niagara and Richmond also took part in the bombardment. In addition to damaging Ft. McRae heavily, the Union battered the Confederate supply steamer Time so badly that she will evidently be useless. The town of Warrington, near Pensacola, was about two thirds destroyed by fire and the village of Woolsey, north of the Pensacola Navy Yard, also was heavily damaged. Casualties on both sides are light. The Union lost one private killed and six wounded. One Confederate was killed by a shell and six were smothered when a powder magazine caved in. Three times fires were strated in Ft. McRae, but the powder magazines of the fort were not exploded. Both McRae and Barrancas lost their flagstaffs to Union shells. Gov. John MIlton complained to Richmond about the arms situation Tuesday. Brig. Gen. J.H. Trapier, named several weeks ago as commander of the defenses of Florida, still has not arrived, Gov. Milton wrote Pres. Davis. Yet when the state makes a plea for arms it is told the "requisition should be made to the officer in command," he said. Gov. Milton added this acid comment: "It would have been almost as reasonable to have referred me to the emporer of China." If not promptly aided by men munitions and trained officers, Gov. Milton warned, "Florida may be lost.......Her citizens have almost despaired of protection from the Confederate government--will lose confidence in it." POSTAL AFFAIRS: GOOD AND BAD Stamps are in the news this week- -North and South. Statistics for the Union post office department show that for the year ending June 30, income will be nearer by $2,500,000 paying expenses than in a number of years past. The reason, says the New York Times "is the abolishment of extended and profitless routes in the southern states. Postal matters in the Confederacy, however are glum. The Atlanta Intelligencer complained Thursday: "What is the reason the post office department does not furnish the public with postage stamps?..........The complaints have been growing louder and more general for several months.........In no department of the public service have there been such gross inefficiencies and neglect as in the post office." The reason may lie in the fact that virtually all the stamps printed thus far have been distributed to postal stations situated near large bodies of troops. NEW YORK---A fleet of old Union ships loaded with stone and scheduled to be sunk in the channels of Savannah and Charleston, left eastern ports Wednesday. There are 25 aged vessels---whalers with double decks---loaded with stone and fitted with a special valve placed in a hole bored in the bottoms. When each reaches it's destination, the valve will be opened. MOBILE---The Confederate gunboat Tuscarora was burned to the water's edge yesterday but he crew is safely ashore. The fire's origin is unknown. MISSISSIPPI---The Vicksburg Sun says it has been informed that large quantities of flour are stored in the city and "The holders say they will not sell until they can get $20 per barrel. Comments on these fellows' principles is unnecessary. Desperate measures require desparate remedies, and we hope that the flour will be taken, and the men paid a fair market valuation for it and receive a strong hint to leave the country for the country's good....." ================== From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday, Dec. 8, 1861 Penscaola, Fla.---Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg reports he has about 3,000 men here---but "only about 600 efficient arms between them." He notes that he sent a 100-man company of Marines to Virginia, at Navy Secretary Mallory's request, but said he (Bragg) can no longer send arms: "It is a depleting process I cannot stand." Yesterday, Gen R.E. Lee ordered medical officers in Florida to take every precaution for troops, including locating camp sites on high ground and daily removal of garbage. Gov. John Milton on Friday signed a bill changing the name if New River County to Bradford as a memorial to the late Capt. Richard Bradford, killed in the Battle of Santa Rosa Island, Oct. 9. Milledgeville, Ga.---Over the objection of Gov. Joseph E. Brown, the Georgia House of Representatives Friday proposed that the state troops called to duty on the coast be disbanded if the Confederacy won't take them into it's own army. With a Federal force already landed at Tybee Island, near the mouth of the Savannah River, the action of the legislatures shocked the state. Ostensibly, the aim of the measure is to rid the state of the expense of maintaing troops. But many believe the bill is intended to embarass Gov. Brown, who controls the state forces. So pronounced is the breach between the governor and the legislature that the Atlanta Intelligencer declared that the state is now witnessing two wars--one between the North and the South, the other between the Legislature and Gov. Brown. Indeed Gov. Brown thundered his protest to the House Thursday, and the House thundered back. "I will be responsible for none of the consequences," warned the governor. The destruction of property on an invasion would be 10 times the cost of maintaining troops for defense, he said. He questioned wheteher the state troops could be transferred to the Confederate Army without their consent and whether the Confederate government could accept their brigade and company organizations and the unit-elected officers. (There are conflicts between state laws under which the troops enlisted and the Confederate laws on army organization.) If the state units are disbanded, Gov. Brown warned in a message to the House, "it will become my duty, as the Executive of the State, to proclaim to her people that while the enemy is thundering at her gates, her representatives have left me powerless for her defense." The governor was denounced on the floor of the House for what was described as an unwarranted interferrence in the House's business. Speaker Warren Akin said the governor had offered "the grossest indignity" to the House, and that the governor and his troops would not acquiesce to the House's action, "let them come with bayonets in their hands and drive us from these halls." On Tybee Island, meanwhile, the U.S. Marines landed last week, continued to prepare defenses, amid growing concern that they will shortly bombard nearby Ft. Pulaski, which guards the Savannah Riover's mouth. NEW POLITICAL UNIT IS DESIGNATED AS "WESTERN VIRGINIA" Wheeling, Western Virginia---The convention of delegates from pro-union areas voted here Tuesday to change the name of this newly formed state from Kanawha to Western Virginia. It has not yet been admitted to the Union. Western Virginia--as a politcal entity--has been seeking to split away from Virginia for months--shortly after Virginia aligned herself with the Cinfederacy. Union Gen. W.S. Rosecrans, commander of the Department of Western Virginia, arrived here Wednesday with his staff to make this his winter headquarters. ================ >From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday February 23, 1862 C.S.A. IS PULLING TROOPS FROM FLORIDA TO AIDE TENNESSEE FORCES Tallahassee, Fla.---Because of Confederate defeats in Tennessee, Florida will be stripped of some troops to bolster Gen. A.S. Johnston south of Nashville. Confederate War Secretary Benjamin has informed Gen. Robert E. Lee, commander of the coastal areas of Georgia, South Carolina and east Florida, that troops must be withdrawn into more defensible limits. Benjamin said the Memphis-Richmond railroad must be held at any price and that the only troops to be retained in east Florida would be for the defense of the Appalachicola River. Troops are also being diverted from Gen. Braxton Bragg's command at Pensacola. The decision lays bare an area of east Florida which is expected to be under attack soon. The Union's navy and army campaign against Fernandina, Fla.---near the Georgia-Florida line---is ready to move. COL. FORREST IS TRYING TO SAVE SUPPLIES Nashville, Tenn.---Confederate Lt. Col. Nathan B. Forrest's cavalry, having stopped looting by dint of sabers and gun butts brought down upon the heads of plunderers, strove to get the huge mountain of Confederate supplies out of this city yesterday. All availabe railroad rolling stock and every wagon that could be impressed was being loaded with ammunition, clothing, food and other supplies. Forrest, who early last Sunday succeeded in sneaking his men out of Ft. Donelson before it surrendered reached Nashville on Tuesday and was given command of the city by Gen. John B. Floyd, who fled the fort by boat. Forest found a civilian mob plundering both government and private property. No officials remained in the city to stop them. He stationed men about the public commisary and ordered he mob to disperse. When it did not, he rode with his men into the crowd. NEW ORLEANS NEARLY SET. UNION PREPARATIONS TO ASSAULT. Ship Island, Gulf of Mexico---Capt. David Glasgow Farragut, commander of the armada which is to attempt the capture of New Orleans, arrived here Thursday and immediately commenced preparations for the assault. Yesterday he ordered a survey team to go to the mouth of the Mississippi River, take soundings in the passes and mark the safest channels for his ships with buoys. He ordered also the U.S.S. Brooklyn to seize the telegraph station at Head of the Passes and cut the telegraph wire to New Orleans. In New Orleans, meanwhile, foreign nationals who had protested the prospect of being compelled to serve in the militia outside the city were told by Gov. A.B. Moore that he does not expect to order men from the city for defensive duty. Upriver from the city, Georgia brothers Asa and Nelson Tift are concerned because an engine shaft for their huge ironclad, the Mississippi has not arrived from Richmond, where it is being fabricated. Hoping to hurry things along, they wrote Navy Secretary Stephen R. Mallory yesterday: "It is unfortunate we have not the shaft, as we could put it on one of the engines at once." UNION PREPARING TO BOMB FT. PULASKI Lee Wants To Destroy "Indefensible" Brunswick. Tybee Island, Ga.---Spurred on by Gen. George B. McClellan, the Union army chief, preparations were begun this week for the bombardment of Ft. Pulaski. Capt. Quincey A. Gillmore, chief engineer for the Union expeditionary force operating from Hilton Head Island, S.C. was sent to Tybee Island, opposite Ft. Pulaski, Wednesday to take command. Heavy guns for the bombardment began to arrive at Tybee, Friday. The Cleveland, Ohio, Plain Dealer erroneously reported that Savannah was already "probably captured." Gillmore believes he can reduce the fort with rifled cannon, though many military men believe no cannon can bring down the thick walls of a masonry fort such as Pulaski. Meanwhile, the fort was cut off from communication with Savannah, up the Savannah River. This was accomplished by the removal of obstructions in the many island channels. These hitherto had kept Union vessels from getting between the fort (on Cockspur Island at the river's mouth) and the mainland. While this went on, Gen. Robert E. Lee, Confederate commander in this area, had batteries on St. Simon's Island and Jekyl Island removed and proposed to burn the town of Brunswick, down the coast from Savannah. Gen. Lee wrote Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper on Tuesday that Brunswick is indefensible and that, moreover, the enemy would be much benefitted if he could use it's many comfortable buildings. The town is predominantly a summer resort, he said, and is at this time mostly uninhabited. The men and guns from St. Simon's and Jekyl Islands are being sent to Savannah. To Gen. Roswell S. Ripley, the commander at Charleston, S.C., Lee wrote Wednesday to ask if exposed and isolated points around Charleston could be abandoned so the lines of defense could be contracted. "BATTLE HYMN" MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE New York---There has been favorable Northern reaction to Mrs. Julia Ward Howe's new five-stanza poem, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which appears on page one of the Atlantic Monthly for February. "We like this lyric very much," said the N.Y. Times. The poem--it's title given by the Atlantic's editor, it is said--is set to the tune of "John Brown's Body," a song favored by Northern soldiers. The music was actually composed about a decade ago by a Southerner, William Steffe, and first sung at Charleston, S.C., as a camp meeting hymn entitled "Say Brothers Will We Meet You Over On the Other Shore?" The first verse of Mrs. Howe's poem reads: "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on." Mrs. Howe--whose husband is Dr. S.G. Howe, reformer, abolitionist and director of the Perkins Institute for the Blind--is well known in society circles. Her first published book, "Passion Flowers," aroused staid Boston. A short-lived play of hers, produced in New York, caused gossip since it was about a fallen woman. Mrs. Howe wrote her five-stanza poem on Nov. 19 following a visit to Washington army camps. A friend, Rev. J.F. Clarke, suggested she write verses to the tune of "John Brown's Body." The Atlantic Monthly paid her $4 for the poem.