150 Years Ago in Charleson, South Carolina

[PetePaolillo]

November 11th 1860

Great information, thanks for posting!

It's my pleasure.
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To JOHN FORSYTH,
Mobile Ala.

New York, November 11, 1860
My Dear Sir,
—I have followed, with the most intense anxiety, the events which the election of Lincoln has called forth at the South. While I fully appreciate the legitimate grievances of your section of the country, I deprecate sincerely the means which a large portion of your citizens seem-determined to adopt for their redress.

Nobody can regret more than I do the election of Lincoln, and I certainly need not tell you how earnestly I strove to prevent that calamity; but now that we are defeated, I think that it behooves every good Democrat, North and South, to reflect calmly upon what course it will be most wise and patriotic to pursue, in order to guard against the evils with which a Republican administration threatens our country. I take it for granted that a large majority of our Southern brethren are in favor of the Union, provided they can have their rights secured under the Constitution, and their property protected against the inroads of Northern Abolitionism. I hope and trust that the disunionists per se stand alone in their conspiracy against the Union, which they have labored to undermine for the last twenty years. Unfortunately, they have been able to bring a large number of the patriotic men of the South to the belief that Lincoln’s election is a convincing proof of an overwhelming anti-slavery feeling at the North; but this is by no means the case, and it is evident that the unfortunate result of the late election was mainly owing to other causes.

The country at large had become disgusted with the misrule of Mr. Buchanan, and the corruption which disgraced his administration. The Democratic party was made answerable for his misdeeds, and a change was ardently desired by thousands of conservative men out of politics. This feeling was particularly strong in the rural districts, and did us infinite harm there.

Had we made an unanimous nomination at Charleston, we should most probably have overcome our opponents; though, for the reason just named, our struggle must have, in any event, been a severe one. But unfortunate dissensions paralyzed our forces at the very outset. When the delegates of the cotton States, under the leadership of Yancey, seceded at Charleston, breaking up the National Convention, they sealed the doom of the Democratic partv, and elected Mr. Lincoln. Will the people of the South now allow these very men to reap the fruits of their reckless course by aiding and sustaining them in their efforts to shatter the magnificent fabric of our Union, which has blessed until now this vast Republic with never-equalled greatness and prosperity? Is Mr. Yancey’s programme to precipitate the South into a revolution, to be carried out by those patriots who, with you, have thus far so nobly fought against him and his nefarious doctrines ? Is it statesmanlike, is it manly, to withdraw from the contest when it becomes most fierce, and when victory (not of an ephemeral power and patronage, but of lasting guaranties and principles) is within our grasp? Is it generous and kind to leave the brave and loyal men of the North, who have stood by you and your rights, and have led a forlorn hope against the most fearful odds—is it right and just, I say, to forsake them in the hour of need, and doom them to a hopeless minority ?

If the Southern character is prominent for any qualities more than others, it is for unflinching courage and noble generosity. These virtues have taught me to cherish and honor the chivalrous South, and I appeal through you to those sentiments, that our Southern friends may pause before leaving the field to their enemies, and abandoning their faithful allies to the mercy of a ruthless victor.

But while I implore them to pause, I am far from wishing them to retrace their steps. A firm, uncompromising, and united position must secure to them their rights and equality under the Constitution. The conservative mind at the North is anxious and ready to co-operate with them, and the reaction which has already taken place among thousands who voted for Lincoln, promises most conclusively a satisfactory solution of our troubles. Only, do not allow the violent men among you to force the Southern people under the whip of packed conventions, into any hasty and inconsiderate steps. No convention should be formed unless by a direct appeal to the people, and in such a convention every slave holding State should be represented. This, I am sure, would, under the recommendation of Congress and local legislatures, soon be followed by a general convention of all the States of the Union.

The faithful enforcement of the fugitive-slave law, and the equal rights of the States in the Territories, must, and will, be guaranteed to the South,—not by any enactments and compromises of Congress, which might at any time be repealed and tampered with, but by amendments to the Constitution of such a nature as to silence forever the just apprehensions of the South.

Upon the leading national men of the South devolves now the sacred duty of stemming the torrent of terrorism, conjured up by rash politicians. The time for a satisfactory settlement of these vital questions has never been more propitious. We have both houses of Congress on our side, and the conservative spirit of the country is appalled at the contemplation of our portentous future.

Already, now, the more moderate organs of the Republican party give strong evidence of this feeling. I hand you inclosed an extract from the New York Times, of yesterday, recommending measures of compromise and justice to the South. The article receives additional importance from the fact that the editor of the Times is one of the leading lights among the Republicans.

Excuse this lengthy epistle ; but the subject is fraught with such deep interest that volumes would not exhaust it. I hope you will find a few moments of leisure to let me hear from you, and I trust that you may, by God’s blessing, be able to give me cheerful tidings.

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printed in the New York Times on November 12, 1860
The Prospect of Disunion Daily Diminishing.; Probable Action of South Carolina and Georgia. Resignation of Senators Chesnut and Toombs. LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS, Dispatches from Washington, Baltimore, Richmond, Columbia, Charleston, Augusta, & 6. VIEWS FROM THE PULPIT.
Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.

WASHINGTON, Sunday, Nov. 11.
The spasmodic excitement in our community received a new impulse, yesterday, with the news of the resignation of Senators CHESNUT and TOOMBS, but this soon gave way to a feeling of gratification at the prospect of getting rid of Mr. TOOMBS. It is well known that he had contemplated resignation, whether LINCOLN was elected or not. Every one expresses the hope that the report is true, although his family is now here making arrangements for the Winter. Mr. CHESNUT's resignation would be a necessity, if South Carolina should secede, of which there seems to be some doubt, if the Convention be postponed till January.

I have alluded to the regret felt at Mr. LINCOLN's silence when called on for a speech; but his friends here justify it, on the ground that he is not yet elected, and a speech might damage him in the Electoral College.

Gov. CORWIN reached here yesterday, and is looking remarkably well. He believes LINCOLN's Administration will be highly national and conservative; but yet thinks a little fear will be the best nostrum which can in the meantime be administered to the Southern extremists. He does not think it advisable for Mr. LINCOLN to give any expression to his views until after the Electoral College shall have met, as such an expression would only be construed into an evidence of alarm on his part, and would do no good.

The action of South Carolina merchants, in refusing to pay their honest debts in the North, is severely condemned here. One agent for New-York houses passed through here yesterday on his return home, with $700,000 worth of claims, without having collected a dollar. His employers had telegraphed him to return.

Speculations as to Mr. LINCOLN's Cabinet are rife in political circles. Information has been received here that RIVES would decline if office were tendered him. Hon. GEORGE W. SOMERS, of Virginia, and Gov. HOUSTON, of Texas, are named by prominent Republicans as likely to be tendered Cabinet appointments. It is said that the Senate would refuse to confirm either HENRY WINTER DAVIS or JOHN MINOR BOTTS as Cabinet officers.

The resignations of Southern gentlemen in office here do not come in as fast as promised; only one -- a Mr. ALLEN, of Georgia -- has yet made good his threat. On the fourth of March, no doubt, many will follow suit to avoid removal. Q.

[PetePaolillo]

November 12 1860



Great mass meeting to endorse the call of the Legislature of South Carolina for a state convention to discuss the question of secession from the Union, held at Institute Hall, Charleston, S.C., on Monday, Nov. 12, 1860.

Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper

Excerpt taken from The Richmond Dispatch.
Thursday morning......Nov. 15, 1860, look here for the entire article.
As announced by telegraph, the Legislature of South Carolina has adjourned, after passing a bill authorizing the Banks of that State to suspend specie payment, and calling a State Convention on the 17th of December. In Charleston, Monday night [Nov. 12], a large secession meeting was held, at which resolutions were adopted pledging the participators to place the State, “at the earliest practicable moment, in a position of political independence of the present Federal Government.” A testimonial is being prepared by the ladies of South Carolina to be presented to Hon. Caleb Cushing, of Mass. The Charleston First Regiment of Artillery has tendered its services to the Governor.

[PetePaolillo]

November 17, 1860

Fort Moultrie (Sullivan’s Island). Charleston, South Carolina in the Distance – as it appeared in Harper’s Weekly, on November 17, 1860

[PetePaolillo]

November 18, 1860

A letter written by Ulysses Doubleday purpoting President Buchanan's alleged treason
Ulysses Doubleday was the brother of Abner Doubleday, a captain in the U. S. Army who was stationed at Charleston Harbor. Ulysses was a member of the New York Stock Exchange. Doubleday sent copies of his brother’s letters to Lincoln through John Nicolay, who was Lincoln's private Secretary.


From Ulysses Doubleday to John G. Nicolay

Bank of North America

New York Nov 18. 1860
Dear Sir.

Since I last wrote, enclosing letters from my brother, I have received many others from him, which, coupled with other information in my possession, left no doubt in my mind of the complicity of the President with the designs of the secessionists. I took my proofs, when the election was over, to the editor of the Evening Post, in which a series of articles has been commenced, exposing Mr. Buchanan’s treason, with the hope that the publicity thus given to it, may force him to do at least part of his duty. These articles have been brought to Mr. Buchanan’s personal notice, and both he and Secretary Floyd have denied their truth. As they are true, this looks as if they were becoming frightened, and the superseding of Col. Gardner, an avowed secessionist, by Maj. Anderson a loyal Kentuckian, seems still further to confirm this idea. My brother writes that a settled determination to have the forts, as a necessity of their positions, is evinced by the South Carolinians, who begin to ask why the President does not keep his promise to withdraw the troops. I think he is afraid, and, by directing public attention to these disclosures, hope to force him to send more troops. This would greatly simplify Mr Lincoln’s position after the 4th of March. The present aspect of financial affairs here, though gloomy, is not nearly so bad as in 1857. The simple fact that our exports largely exceed our imports is a proof that in a very short time gold must flow this way from Europe in large amounts. I look to a decided and permanent improvement in less than thirty days. I do not expect any answer to this letter.

Respy Yours

U. Doubleday

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Re: November 5th 1860

Thanks Brother... I knew asking you to cull and post pertinent first hand accounts would be helpful and informative. Keep 'em coming... I got logistics to work on and this helps our participants a great deal.

[PetePaolillo]

November 23, 1860

You are more than welcome! Thanks for helping me out as well!:)

FORT MOULTRIE, S.C., November 23, 1860.

Col. S. COOPER,

Adjutant-General, U. S. Army:

COLONEL: In compliance with verbal instructions from the honorable Secretary of War, I have the honor to report that I have inspected the forts of this harbor. As Major Porter has recently made a report in relation to them, I shall confine my remarks mainly to other matters, of great importance, if the Government intends holding them. At Fort Moultrie the Engineer, Captain Foster, is working very energetically on the outer defenses, which will, should nothing unforseen occur to prevent, be finished and the guns mounted in two weeks. There are several sand hillocks within four hundred yards of our eastern wall, which offer admirable cover to approaching parties, and would be formidable points for sharpshooters. Two of them command our work. These I shall be compelled to level, at least sufficiently to render our position less insecure than it now is. When the outworks are completed, this fort, with its appropriate war garrison, will be capable of making a very handsome defense. It is so small that we shall have little space for storing our provisions, wood, &c. The garrison now in it is so weak as to invite an attack, which is openly and publicly threatened. We are about sixty, and have a line of rampart of 1,500 feet in length to defend. If beleaguered, as every man of the command must be either engaged or held on the alert, they will be exhausted and worn down in a few days and nights of such service as they would then have to undergo.

At Fort Sumter the guns of the lower tier of casemates will be mounted, the Engineer estimates, in about seventeen days. That fort is now ready for the comfortable accommodation of one company, and, indeed, for the temporary reception of its proper garrison.

Captain Foster states that the magazines (4) are done, and in excellent condition; that they now contain 40,000 pounds of cannon powder and a full supply of ammunition for one tier of guns. This work is the key to the entrance of this harbor; its guns command this work, and could soon drive out its occupants. It should be garrisoned at once. Castle Pinckney, a small casemated work, perfectly commanding the city of Charleston, is in excellent condition, with the exception of a few repairs, which will require the expenditure of about $500. They are–1st, replacing three water Casks and the old banquette on the gorge; 2d, repairing one of the cisterns and the old palisading, which, though much rotten, may at a trifling expense be made to answer for the present; 3d, making six shutters for the embrasures and doing some slight work to the main gates. Two mortars and a few other articles belonging to this work were taken to the United States Arsenal in Charleston some months since for repair. They are still there. I shall ask the officer in charge to return them as soon as he can. The magazine is not a very good one; it contains some rifle and musket powder, said to be good, and also some cannon powder reported damaged. The powder belongs to the arsenal. It is, in my opinion, essentially important that this castle should be immediately occupied by a garrison, say, of two officers and thirty men. The safety of our little garrison would be rendered more certain, and our fort would be more secure from an attack by such a holding of Castle Pinckney than it would be from quadrupling our force. The Charlestonians would not venture to attack this place when they knew that their city was at the mercy of the commander of Castle Pinckney. So important do I consider the holding of Castle Pinckney by the Government that I recommend, if the troops asked for cannot be sent at once, that I be authorized to place an Engineer detachment, consisting, say, of one officer, two masons, two carpenters, and twenty-six laborers, to make the repairs needed there. They might be sent without any opposition or suspicion, and would in a short time be sufficiently instructed in the use of the guns in the castle to enable their commander to hold the castle against any force that could be sent against it. If my force was not so very small I would not hesitate to send a detachment at once to garrison that work. Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney must be garrisoned immediately if the Government determines to keep command of this harbor.

I need not say how anxious I am–indeed, determined, so far as honor will permit–to avoid collision with the citizens of South Carolina. Nothing, however, will be better calculated to prevent bloodshed than our being found in such an attitude that it would be madness and folly to attack us. There is not so much of feverish excitement as there was last week, but that there is a settled determination to leave the Union, and to obtain possession of this work, is apparent to all. Castle Pinckney, being so near the city, and having no one in it but an ordnance sergeant, they regard as already in their possession. The clouds are threatening, and the storm may break upon us at any moment. I do, then, most earnestly entreat that a re-enforcement be immediately sent to this garrison, and that at least two companies be sent at the same time to Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney–half a company, under a judicious commander, sufficing, I think, for the latter work. I feel the full responsibility of making the above suggestions, because I firmly believe that as soon as the people of South Carolina learn that I have demanded re-enforcements, and that they have been ordered, they will occupy Castle Pinckney and attack this fort. It is therefore of vital importance that the troops embarked (say in war steamers) shall be designated for other duty. As we have no men who know anything about preparing ammunition, and our officers will be too much occupied to instruct them, I respectfully request that about half a dozen ordnance men, accustomed to the work of preparing fixed ammunition, be sent here, to be distributed at these forts.

Two of my best officers, Captain Seymour and Lieutenant Talbot, are delicate, and will, I fear, not be able to undergo much fatigue.

With these three works garrisoned as requested, and with a supply of ordnance stores, for which I shall send requisitions in a few days, I shall feel that, by the blessing of God, there may be a hope that no blood will be shed, and that South Carolina will not attempt to take these forts by force, but will resort to diplomacy to secure them. If we neglect, however, to strengthen ourselves, she will, unless these works are surrendered on their first demand, most assuredly immediately attack us. I will thank the Department to give me special instructions, as my position here is rather a politico-military than a military one.

I presume, also, that the President ought to take some action in reference to my being a member of the Military Academy Commission, which is to reconvene in the city of Washington in a few days.

Unless otherwise specially directed, I shall make future communications through the ordinary channels.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT ANDERSON,

Major, First Artillery, Commanding.

[PetePaolillo]

November 24, 1860

Below is a signifigant article regarding secession. Chesterfield County South Carolina was the first County in South Carolina to vote in favor of secession. the Secession meeting transcript held in Chesterfield SC on Nov 19th 1860 was found in the Charleston Mercury on Nov 24th 1860. It was filed in the Public Library in Washington, D. C. and below is the account of that historic meeting as it appeared in the newspaper.

Charleston Mercury, Nov. 24, 1860

"The State of Public Feeling in Chesterfield" (Our Cheraw Correspondence) Cheraw, SC Nov. 19, 1860

"Knowing the deep solicitude you and many of your readers feel in the movements of the people of the State ??? this momentous period. I have ??? inform you and them of the events in Chesterfield in the last few days. Last Thursday there was a parade for the upper battalion, there was quite a large turnout. After the parade the people were addressed by the Hon. J. W. Blakeney, our Senator and our Representatives Colonels MacFarlan and Prince, and also by Col. S. Jackson. At the close of Col. Jackson’s speech he submitted the question of submission, or resistance by immediate Secession to a vote of the battalion, and requested all in favor of the latter to advance four paces, the whole battalion advanced four paces leaving not a solitary man for submission. The course of our Senator and Representatives was unanimously and most enthusiastically endorsed. Saturday last was parade day for the lower battalion. I had the pleasure of being present. The same speakers with Major A. McQueen and F. M. McIver, Esq., addressed the people. The addresses were received with enthusiastic applause. After the speaking the military spectators were requested, if they approved the action of the Legislature in calling a convention, to make their approbation known by advancing four paces to the front, a unanimous forward movement was the response. Immediate separate Secession, and a Southern Confederacy were vociferously demanded. At both the upper and lower battalion the lone star flag graced the fields.

I this evening returned from our Court House where one of the largest meetings ever assembled in the District was held today. The object of the meeting was to nominate candidates for delegate to the convention. The meeting was organized by the appointment of Hon. J. W. Blakeney, Chairman, a committee of twenty-four, three from each beat, were appointed to nominate a ticket, the committee retired, and after due deliberation returned having unanimously agreed upon a ticket, and reported the following ticket: Hon. John A. Inglis, Col. Stephen Jackson, Henry McIver, Esq. During the absence of the committee the meeting was most ably addressed by Cols. Prince and Macfarlan. At the conclusion of Col. Macfarlan’s remarks, the committee made their report, whereupon the nominees were severally called out in the following order: Col. Jackson, H. McIver and Chancellor Inglis. All the nominees in the most emphatic language declared themselves in favor of immediate separated Secession. The whole question was fully discussed in a clear and forcible manner, and with a clear and forcible manner, and with a fervency and eloquence that could only have been inspired by a due sense of its vast importance. At the conclusion of the speeches of the nominees, the nominations were submitted to a vote of the meeting, and it was unanimously concurred in. The Honorable J. W. Blakeney, Col. A. M. Lowery, and Gen. E. B.C. Cash were then called upon to address the meeting. Their remarks though brief were to the point. They fully endorsed the action of the Legislature in calling a convention, believing the immediate separate Secession was the only remedy, and that nothing short of that could save the honor, and protect the rights and interests of the State. The meeting was not only the largest and most enthusiastic, but also one of the most harmonious ever held in the District. The people, including beardless youths and grayheaded grandfathers, were eager and interested listeners from an early hour in the day ‘till a late hour in the evening, and for the first time in my recollection, a goodly number of the fair sex graced with their interesting presence, and encouraging smiles, a political meeting in Chesterfield District. The ticket nominated will certainly be elected without opposition. For talent, integrity and firmness of purpose it will not be surpassed by that of any other District. Our delegates will represent a District that is a unit in opposition to Black Republican domination, and in favor of immediate State Secession. Indeed we have but one party in the District. Ex-Senator Chesnut and Mr. Mullins of Marion among others were invited to attend and address the meeting, and our people were greatly disappointed that neither attended. A neatly gotten up flag of medium size, having on it a Palmetto tree with a rattlesnake curled around it, with its rattles sprung and in the attitude of striking, a lone star in one corner, and the inscription, "Immediate State Action," floated over the public square. After the adjournment of the meeting the whole concourse of ladies and gentlemen assembled under it and saluted it with three deafening cheers. Altogether it was one of Chesterfield’s most glorious days. Her citizens a unit in their stern resolve to resist to the death the domination of Black Republican fanaticism - to die free rather than to live slaves"

[PetePaolillo]

November 24, 1860

Editorial Appearing on the Front page of the November 24th 1860 edition of Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. Featured illustrations show the Palmetto flag of South Carolina and the crowd outside of Charleston City Hall during a secession speech with this caption - Secession orators addressing the people outside the city hall, Charleston, S.C. – from a sketch by our special artist.



Our Position
On our pages this week, we illustrate passing events of great and stirring interest, both in the South and in the North – the Seceding movements in the South and the Presidential campaign in the North. We claim to be strictly and entirely neutral in our course of Journalism, chronicleing events as they transpire in every section of the country, without bias, and without feeling; adhering closely to facts, but advocating neither one side nor the other of the disturbing element of partisan politics.

In pursuing this course we do not bate one jot of our independence; we truckle to neither party, nor do we ask favors of any party. The necessity of our position is, that our circulation must be universal – our expenses are so vast that the patronage of one class, however liberal, would be but a drop in the bucket in the way of enumerating our outlay.

Our aim is to produce a paper which shall be entirely free from objectionable opinions or partizan views of national policy, that it can be circulated in every section of the union and be receive in every family as a truthful exponent of facts as they occur, and a reliable Illustrated History of the time in which we live.

Bearing this aim steadily in view, we do not swerve from our design. Our Artists and Correspondents furnish us with illustrations and descriptive matter of every event of importance, which we transfer to our pages, and we must not be held responsible if our pages illustrate scenes of which the actors therein are ashamed. We are Historians, and represent the World as we find it, without fear, favor, or prejudice, confident that, while we persevere in that course, Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper will be welcomed in every section and in every home in the United States.

[PetePaolillo]

November 28, 1860

FORT MOULTRIE, S.C., November 28, 1860.

Col. S. COOPER,

Adjutant-General U. S. A.:

COLONEL:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 24th instant. I presume that my letter of the 23d has been received, and that the Department is now in possession of my views in reference to the measures I deem advisable and necessary for keeping this work and this harbor. Your letter confines my answer to what refers to the work under my charge. I cannot but remark that I think its security from attack would be more greatly increased by throwing garrisons into Castle Pinckney and Fort Sumter than by anything that can be done in strengthening the defenses of this work. There are several intelligent and efficient men in this community, who, by intimate intercourse with our Army officers, have become perfectly well acquainted with this fort, its weak points, and the best means of attack. There appears to be a romantic desire urging the South Carolinians to have possession of this work, which was so nobly defended by their ancestors in 1776; and the State, if she determines to act on the aggressive, will exert herself to take this work. The accompanying report exhibits the present state of my command. I think I can rely upon their doing their duty, but you will see how sadly deficient we are in numbers, whether to repel a coup de main or to maintain a siege. We finished mounting our guns this morning, and I shall soon commence drilling and exercising my men in firing with muskets and cannon. I find that in consequence of sickness, &c., very little military duty has been attended to here for a long time; we shall try, and I hope to succeed in regaining the lost ground. This work, when Captain Foster finishes the ditch, counterscarp, and bastionettes on which he is now at work, and executes the addition of a half battery at the northwest angle of the fort, which I have urged him to commence immediately, will be in good condition. I would have preferred having a ditch (wet), but the captain informs me that he could not make it, in consequence of the quicksand. I will send a requisition in a few days (I am very constantly occupied now) for certain ordnance stores. Among them I shall embrace a couple of Coehorns, say four mountain howitzers and twenty of the heaviest revolvers, with a supply of ammunition. I believe that we have no muskets for firing several charges. I would have been pleased to get four of them for the half bastion, but if there are none I will replace them by something else. I would like to get these articles as soon as possible, as I wish to practice our men with the different arms I may have to use. God forbid, though, that I should do so. Colonel Huger has just left me; he came down stating that there was the greatest excitement in the city on account of a rumor that the Adger was bringing out four companies. Some of the gentlemen were in favor of taking steamers and going out to intercept the Adger. He has just returned. I told him that I had no intelligence of anything of the kind.

In reply to the suggestion of the honorable Secretary about the expediency of employing reliable persons not connected with the military service, for purposes of fatigue and police, I must say that I doubt whether such could be obtained here. They would certainly be of great assistance to us. The excitement here is too great. Captain Foster informs me that an adjutant of a South Carolina regiment applied to him for his rolls, stating that he wished to enroll the men for military duty. The captain told him that they had no right to do it, as the men were in the pay of the United States Government. I presume that every able-bodied man in this part Of the State, not in the service of the General Government, is now being or has been enrolled.

I will thank the Government to give me special instructions in reference to a question which may arise in these cases:

What shall I do if the State authorities demand from Captain Foster men who they may aver have been enrolled into the State service? Captain Foster will probably send such cases to me; what shall I do with them?

I hope that my command will very soon be strengthened, so far at the least as filling up these companies to the legal standard. This would enable me, at all events, to have our proper garrison military duties properly attended to.

I am inclined to think that if I had been here before the commencement of expenditures on this work, and supposed that this garrison would not be increased, I should have advised its withdrawal, with the exception of a small guard, and its removal to Fort Sumter, which so perfectly commands the harbor and this fort.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT ANDERSON,

Major, First Regiment Artillery, Commanding.

[PetePaolillo]

November 29, 1860

The below letter was written by Wm. H. Gist Governor of Soth Carolina. It was written to William Henry Trescot. Mr Trescot a Charleston native who was assistant Secretary of State at the time. He was the only South Carolinian holding any High official rank, and because of his intimacy with President James Buchanan, and his close relations with the secession leaders in South Carolina, He was sent many letters in favor of Secession.


Executive Office, Columbia, S. C,
November 29, 1860.
Mr. Wm. Henry Trescot.

Dear Sir: Although South Carolina is determined to secede from the Federal Union very soon after her Convention meets, yet the desire of her constituted authorities is, not to do anything that will bring on a collision before the ordinance of secession has been passed and notice has been given to the President of the fact; and not then, unless compelled to do so by the refusal of the President to recognize our right to secede, by attempting to interfere with our exports or imports, or by refusal to surrender the forts and arsenals in our limits. I have found great difficulty in restraining the people of Charleston from seizing the forts, and have only been able to restrain them by the assurance that no additional troops would be sent to the forts, or any munitions of war. Everything is now quiet, and will remain so until the ordinance is passed, if no more soldiers or munitions of war are sent on. That is to say, I will use my utmost efforts to effect that object, and believe I will succeed; but the Legislature and myself would be powerless to prevent a collision if a single soldier or another gun or ammunition is sent on to be placed in the forts. If President Buchanan takes a course different from the one indicated and sends on a reinforcement, the responsibility will rest on him of lighting the torch of discord, which will only be quenched in blood. I am under a pledge to sanction resistance, and to use all the military power of the State to prevent any increase of troops in these garrisons, and had to make the pledge to restrain the people, who are restive, and hope no necessity will arise to compel me to redeem the pledge. I write to you knowing that, while you will be faithful to the Government of the United States as long as you hold office under it, yet you are also a South Carolinian, and would desire, by all means, to avoid the needless shedding of blood. If you think there is no impropriety in showing this letter to the President you are at liberty to do so, for I do not wish him to be mistaken and act in such a way as to bring upon the country a bloody war, without the most imperious necessity.

Very truly yours,

Wm. H. Gist.

_____

The Genesis of the Civil War: The Story of Sumter, 1860-1861; Samuel Wylie Crawford; C. L. Webster & Company, 1887; p. 31.

[PetePaolillo]

November 29, 1860

Appearing in the New York Times on this day 150 years ago.


SUSPENSION OF THE CHARLESTON BANKS.
CHARLESTON, Wednesday Nov. 28.

A meeting of the Directors of the several banks of this city was held this morning. The subject of suspension was agitated. Finally the Bank of the State, the Bank of South Carolina, Southwestern Railroad Bank, and the State Bank, resolved to suspend and accordingly suspended. The four others, the Bank of Charleston, the Union Bank, People's Bank, Planters' and Mechanics', determined to still hold out. It is generally supposed they will all suspend to-morrow, except the Bank of Charleston. There is great rejoicing among the community at suspension.

A rumor that six hundred Government troops were coming on the steamer James Adger to man the harbor forthwith, created a feverish excitement throughout the city to-day. Knots were gathered on every corner discussing what should be done. On the receipt of a telegraphic contradiction of the rumor the excitement subsided.

The Cadets of the Kentucky Military Academy have unanimously tendered their services to Gov. GIST.

Several candidates for the Convention of South Carolina, over their signatures, repudiate the idea of any Free State joining the Southern Confederacy.

[PetePaolillo]

December 1, 1860

FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., December 1, 1860.

Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, and regret that I have to report that things look more gloomy than the day at the date of my last communication. Captain Seymour, just returned from the city, reports that, the excitement there is very great. Col. E. B. White and other gentlemen, with whom be conversed, stated that the people of Charleston would not allow another man or any kind of stores to be landed at or for these forts. They say that anything which indicates a determination on the part of the General Government to act with an unusual degree of vigor in putting these works in a better state of defense will be regarded as an act of aggression, and will, as well as either of the other acts mentioned above, cause an attack to be made on this fort.

Two Charlestonians who were down here, to-day remarked to me that as soon as the State seceded she would demand the surrender of the forts, and that if not given up, they would be taken; but that this would not be done sooner unless some action on the part of the Government proved that it was preparing to hold possession of them.

The agent of the boat which brought the 24-pounder howitzer and ammunition is severely censured for having brought them, and the agent of the steamer James Adger was told that any vessel bringing troops here would not be safe in this harbor. Since writing the above I have seen Assistant Surgeon Crawford, who has also been in the city. He says that never until to-day did he believe that our position was critical. One of his friends told him that we would have trouble in less than fifteen days. He thinks that they will first attempt to take Fort Sumter, which they (justly) say will control this work. Castle Pinckney they regard as theirs already. Mr. King, the intendant of this island, told the doctor that as soon as the act of secession was passed a demand would be made on me to surrender this fort. All these remarks lead to the same conclusion-a fixed purpose, to have these works. The question for the Government to decide-and the sooner it is done the better-is, {p.82} whether, when South Carolina secedes, these forts are to be surrendered or not. If the former, I must be informed of it, and instructed what course I am to pursue. If the latter be the determination, no time is to be lost in either sending troops, as already suggested, or vessels of war to this harbor. Either of these courses may cause some of the doubting States to join South Carolina.

I shall go steadily on, preparing for the worst, trusting hopefully in the God of Battles to guard and guide me in my course. I think it probable that in the present highly excited state of these people, the sending of the detachment of Engineer laborers to Castle Pinckney may bring on that collision which we are so anxious to avoid. I shall consult with Captain Foster on his return to the island, and if convinced that it will lead to that result, will assume the responsibility of suspending the execution of that plan for the present. This fort, in consequence of the unfinished state of our repairs, &c., is not in a condition for inviting an attack. Captain Seymour says that he is satisfied they intend erecting a battery on the upper end of this island, to command the inner channel. I do not know what course to advise. They are making every preparation (drilling nightly, &c.) for the fight which they say must take place, and insist on our not doing anything. We are now certainly too weak to fight. Were we to guard against a surprise, our men, if surrounded by only an undisciplined mob, would soon be worn out by fatigue.

I learn from Captain Ord that attempts have been made, by offers of heavy sums, to induce men at Old Point to join a Southern army. I have not heard that any attempts have been made to tamper with our men, who thus far cheerfully perform the arduous and ceaseless duties imposed upon them in consequence of the smallness of the command.

I ought, perhaps, to mention, as an indication of the expectation of the citizens of Charleston, that three friends of the ladies of our officers have within a day or two been pressed most urgently to go to the city to stay with them there.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
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ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE,
December 1, 1860.
Maj. R. ANDERSON:
SIR: Your letter of November 28 has been received. The Secretary of War has directed Brevet Colonel Huger to repair to this city, as soon as he can safely leave his post, to return there in a short time. He desires you to see Colonel Huger, and confer with him prior to his departure on the matters which have been confided to each of you.

It is believed, from information thought to be reliable, that an attack will not be made on your command, and the Secretary has only to refer to his conversation with you, and to caution you that, should his convictions unhappily prove untrue, your actions must be such as to be free from the charge of initiating a collision. If attacked, you are, of course, expected to defend the trust committed to you to the best of your ability.

The increase of the force under your command, however much to be desired, would, the Secretary thinks, judging from the recent excitement produced on account of an anticipated increase, as mentioned in your letter, but add to that excitement, and might lead to serious results.

S. COOPER.

[PetePaolillo]

December 1, 1860

December 1, 1860

from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper
At this time, when the attention of the whole country is centered upon the gallant State of South Carolina, in speculation as to the course she will pursue, it will be both seasonable and interesting to present some views in the city of Charleston, where the secession seems to be vigorous and demonstrative. We have selected a few sketches of the prominent buildings, in advance of other illustrations of these stirring times of more vivid interest.


The Government Arsenal in in Charleston, S.C. – This extensive, handsome and important building, which we illustrate this week, is at the present time an object of peculiar interest. In the present state of popular excitement in Charleston, this great depot of arms and ammunition is watched with great care and peculiar jealousy. It was reported on the 10th, that an attempt had been to remove the arms, &c., to Fort Moultrie, but had been resisted by the people. A later report states that it had been seized by the people, but the report was entirely unfounded.



Secession Meeting at the Mills House. – We present in connection with the present secession movement in the South, a sketch of an enthusiastic meeting in favor of secession, held in front of the popular hotel, the Mills House. The speeches were decidedly in favor of immediate secession, and every Southern sentiment was cheered most vociferously.

[Foot-slogger1862]

Re: December 1, 1860

Pete, thank you for the continued chronology of events in Charleston 150 years ago. I enjoy reading your posts and dig the images.

Regards,
Ryan D. Kiesel
bmorebasschaser@verizon.net

[PetePaolillo]

December 2, 1860

Pete, thank you for the continued chronology of events in Charleston 150 years ago. I enjoy reading your posts and dig the images.

Ryan, I am enjoying finding them and learning as well.

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December 2, 1860


Secession Movement in South Carolina – Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper.

We publish in our present number the portraits of three of the leading spirits in the Secession movement in the South.

James Chesnut, Jun., of South Carolina.
Jas. Chesnut, Jr. Senator from Camden, S.C., was, we believe, the first who resigned his seat in obedience to what he deemed the call of honor and duty. His term of office does not expire until the year 1865.

Robert Toombs, of Georgia.
Robert Toombs, of Washington, Wilkes county, Georgia, has been for many years before the people in a public capacity. First in the Creek war, where he distinguished himself; afterwards in the Legislature of his State, and then from 1845 to 1853 in the House of Representatives. He was then elected to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate, and was re-elected at the expiration of the term. He only awaits the action of his State before resigning his seat; he is actuated by the same principles as Senator Chesnut, but less precipitate. He present term does not expire until 1865.

Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia.While the whole country is echoing with rumors and cries of secession, there is one man bold enough to stand forward and, in the height of a popular political excitement almost unprecedented, speak soothing words of peace, and endeavor, by all the power of his eloquence and all the weight of of his position, to throw oil upon the troubled waters, that discontent may vanish and harmony prevail. It is no common man who thus endeavors to stem the tide of public opinion, and takes the unpopular side at a moment when the ultra man is almost deified by the enthusiastic many. Alexander H. Stephens is the statesman who assumed this position, a position which cannot fail to have its weight with the thinking and wealthy men of the South. Mr. Stephens was invited to speak in the House of Representatives of Georgia, on Wednesday evening, the 14th inst. After reviewing the position of the country, he said – “The first question that presents itself is, shall the people of the South secede from the Union in consequence of the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency of the United States? My countrymen, I tell you frankly, candidly and earnestly of no man, constitutionally chosen to that high office, is sufficient cause for any State to separate from the Union. It ought to stand by and aid still in maintaining the constitution of the country. To make a point of resistance to the government – to withdraw from it because a man has been constitutionally elected – puts us in the wrong. We are pledged to maintain the constitution.”

He was decidedly in favor of remaining in the Union for strong and cogent reasons; he showed the strong opposing power to the coming President in the Senate, and also that the majority in the House of Representatives was against him, deducing from these facts that it was manifestly the interest of the South not to secede, but to fight the constitutional fight for the maintenance of their right in the National Legislative Halls. His speech throughout was eminently patriotic and practical, and frequently during the delivery and at the close Mr. Stephens was greeted with loud and enthusiastic cheering. We do not doubt Mr. Stephens’ speech in the Legislative Halls of Georgia will have a most soothing and tranquilizing effect upon the whole country.