NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
January/February 1861
From The Missouri Democrat, Monday, January 21, 1861.
BY TELEGRAPH.
SUNDAY NIGHT DISPATCHES.
IMPORTANT FROM THE SOUTH.
THE NAVY YARD AT PENSACOLA IN POSSESSION OF FLORIDA TROOPS.
United States Gunboat Not Permitted to Enter the Harbor.
FORT PICKENS THREATENED WITH ASSAULT.
NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 19.—The steamer Atlantic, from Pensacola yesterday afternoon, reports the navy yard in possession of 2,000 men, and that troops were arriving from all directions.
The United States steam gunboat Wyandotte was lying at the entrance of the harbor communicating with Fort Pickens, having the families of the officers of the fort on board. She was out of coal and supplies, but was not permitted to enter the harbor. Opinion seemed to be divided as to resisting an attack on the fort by the Florida troops.
The Mexican prize steamers Gen. Miramon and Marquis de la Habana were sold this morning. The former brought $12,500, and the latter $20,000.
Further Consultation Before a Surrender of Sumter is Demanded.
MORE HOPEFUL STATE OF FEELING IN WASHINGTON.
NEW YORK, Jan. 20.—A special dispatch to the Commercial Advertiser says: Col. Huger, of the army, and Com. Shubrick, of the navy, have had an interview with Col. Hayne, in which they advised him to consult further with Gov. Pickens before making any demand upon the President for the surrender of Fort Sumter, and it is understood that he has taken their advice. The previous report that he had already made such demand are, therefore, entirely without foundation.
Hon. Mr. Ries has left Washington for Virginia, and professed himself to be greatly encouraged after interviews with prominent Northern politicians at the prospect of an adjustment, at least so far as to retain the border States in the Union. He was also very hopeful of a final pacific settlement of the controversy that has so nearly rent us in twain.
GEORGIA SECEDES.
DEMONSTRATIONS OF JOY THEREAT.
MILLEDGEVILLE, GA., Jan. 20.—The ordinance declaring the secession of Georgia from the United States passed the State Convention at 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon, by yeas 208, nays 89.
MILLEDGEVILLE, GA., Jan. 19, P. M.—The Convention has been in secret session nearly all day. Ben. Hall introduced a substitute for the benefit of all the secessionists, but it was lost. Subsequently he voted for the ordinance, declaring, as he did so, that as Georgia had determined for secession, he would share her fate for weal or woe.
Judge Linton said that while he approved of the ordinance, he saw no reason for its adoption now; he, therefore, would not vote for or sign it.
A motion to postpone the operations of the ordinance until the 3d of March, was lost by about 30 majority.
Alex. H. Stephens and Herschel V. Johnson, are among those who voted against the ordinance.
A resolution was adopted to continue the present postal and revenue system, until it shall be ordered otherwise, also to continue all civil federal officers.
The ordinance of secession was ordered to be engrossed on parchment, to be signed on Monday noon.
10 P. M.—Unusual demonstrations of approbation are being made here to-night in honor of the adoption of the ordinance of secession, including the firing of cannons, and the letting off of sky rockets, the burning of torches, music and speeches.
SECESSION A KNOTTY QUESTION.
Gov. Pickens and Cabinet in Session at Night.
CHARLESTON, Jan. 19.—Lieut. Talbot arrived here last night with gloomy tidings. The Government and members of his Cabinet were in consultation the greater part of last night, on the intelligence communicated by Lieut. Talbot.
A white flag came from Fort Sumter this morning. The object of it is said to be that South Carolina cease erecting fortifications.
