Today in History:

128 Series I Volume LIII- Serial 111 - Supplements

Page 128 S. C., GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. Chapter LXV.

WASHINGTON, March 2, 1861.

His Excellency Honorable JEFFERSON DAVIS,

President of the Confederate States of America:

The inaugural will be pacific, followed by conciliatory policy. This is certain.

WILLIAM M. GWIN.

[1.]

NEW YORK, March 3, 1861.

FRIEND SERVICE: I have positive information this evening that a plan has been fixed up by the incoming administration and Commodore Breese (who has returned from Washington) to re-enforce Sumter immediately and secretly. Application was made to Captain Fauntleroy, of Virginia, U. S. Navy, to conduct the expedition, but he declined the honor, remaking that the administration could take his ship, &c., first, or words to that effect. An order was given yesterday to ship 125 men. They intend to ship them on the Cruasder (which draws seven feet of water), and run into harbor at night under steam. She carries but four guns, and cannot fire over two rounds, as the recoil would knock her sides out, she being naught save a demned coal-boat. The above information is correct and reliable, and is far in advance of the act and the local press; communicate it to headquarters at once. The order is not excepted to be given to sail are Tuesday, but it may come Monday night. She cannot get there are Wednesday night anyway, and by that time you will have this and can defeat her purpose if you aim well, as it is calculated it will take her forty-five minutes to round the point. To-morrow I know what to do; for the future we look for coercion. Would telegraph above, but it would not reach you, I know. May be with you next week; do not know as yet.

Yours,

GEO. T. ATKINS.

[1.]

WASHINGTON, March 4, 1861.

Honorable JEFFERSON DAVIS,

President of the Confederate States of America:

Brewster's telegraph just received. Have urged action as far as prudent. Further time asked. Answer promised in a few days; probably Tuesday. Cabinet formed to-day means war. Be not deceived by abandonment of force bill. Will explain in letter.

LOUIS T. WIGFALL.

[1.]

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Montgomery, Ala., March 4, 1861.

Captain D. R. JONES,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

SIR: You will proceed without delay to Charleston, S. C., and reporte to Brigadier-General Beuaregard for duty as assistant adjutant-general.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. P. WALKER,

[1.] Secretary of War.


Page 128 S. C., GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. Chapter LXV.