Winds of War (Part 3) January 1861

The Secession Movement

Chenango American, January 3, 1861

Dec. 28th--Intelligence from Charleston is of the highest importance, and is of a character little calculated to comfort those who may have cherished the expectation that the fortifications at that place would soon be in the hands of the South Carolinians.  Fort Moultrie was on Wednesday night evacuated by Major Anderson and his command, who have proceeded to Fort Sumter, after spiking the guns in Fort Moultrie and burning the gun-carriages and all other war material which could be made available in case the fortress should change possession.  This movement on the part of Major Anderson, of course, caused the most intense excitement in Charleston.  In Washington the news created the greatest consternation, in and out of Congress. The Cabinet was immediately called together, and were deliberating at 12 o'clock at night.  Gen. Scott, declared that the movement had been made without consultation with him, and whether in accordance with instructions from the President he could not say. He considered that in a strategical point of view, Major Anderson had done perfectly right, as he was now in a position which he could maintain, which was not the case at Fort Moultrie, where his small force could have been overcome in a short time.  it remains to be seen whether Major Anderson has acted under orders, or upon his own responsibility.

Dec. 29th--The news from Charleston continues to be of an exciting character, and indicates a determination on the part of the South Carolinians to precipitate a direct collision with the Federal Government.  In fact, they have already gone so far as to place themselves in an attitude of rebellion. The Palmetto flag was raised on Thursday afternoon on the Custom house and Post Office, and in the evening it was displayed on Castle Pinckney and Fort Moultrie, lately evacuated by Major Anderson and his command.  These two fortresses were occupied by the State troops, under the instructions of Gov. Pickens. They found in them only twelve men belonging to the Government forces, who, of course, quietly surrendered.

The news of the capture of Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney reached the Administration while in Cabinet meeting. The Commissioners from South Carolina are in conference with them.  The Commissioners demand that the troops withdraw immediately, or this shall be their last interview, and they will return to South Carolina and prepare for the worst.  Another statement which seems to be truthful is that the South Carolina Commissioners in view of the alleged stipulation on the part of the President that the garrisons of Charleston harbor should not be augmented nor the military status of the posts changed, requested the President to inform them whether major Anderson's movement was in consequence of any order issued by him, or from the War Department.  The President responded negatively, and added that Major Anderson had acted on his own responsibility. The Commissioners then requested the President to remand Major Anderson to Fort Moultrie, but on this point there was no conclusion when the Cabinet adjourned.

Dec. 31st--According to telegraphic accounts, Charleston at the present time must present a very warlike appearance. The place is filled with soldiers, and more are arriving every day. Volunteers are arriving every day. The Courier, in giving an account of the evacuation of Fort Moultrie by Major Anderson, says he has achieved the unenviable distinction of having opened a civil war between American citizens, by an act of gross breach of faith--that he has "violated a solemn pledge given by his chief and accepted by South Carolina."  The Courier intimates that the spiked and dismantled guns will soon be in a position to respond to any hostile demonstrations against the place.

In the South Carolina Convention on Saturday, a communication was received from the Collector of the Fort, giving information that all the officers of the Customs had entered into the service of the State, and that he had commenced receiving duties and transacting the other business of his office in accordance with the ordinance lately passed by the Convention. A resolution that the Collectors of the State be authorized to receive the bills of any bank in the State was passed, with an amendment providing that no bills should be received, the par value of which is below that of the Bank of South Carolina.

Jan. 1, 1861--The "Sovereign" Convention of South Carolina remained in secret session all day yesterday.  Notwithstanidng the reports which have reached us by telegraph, to the effect that the secession feeling was so strong in Alabama as to insure the election to the Convention of delegates almost unanimously in favor of immediate and separate State action, it now appears that the majority in the convention in favor of co-operation with the other Southern States, will be from ten to fifteen.