March 22, 1861 (Friday)

An extreme winter snowstorm has covered
the Northeast for the past few days

Hat tip The American Civil War, March 22, 1861:  "Fort Sumter" in Charleston Mercury.  "On March 22, 1861 the Charleston Mercury reacted to the news that Fort Sumter had received a visitor from the North the evening before.  The fire-eating editors of the Charleston Mercury could only guess at the reasons for the visit by Gustavus V. Fox."   Excerpt below:

"Now as the communication between Fort Sumter and Washington is open to the garrison of the former, are we to believe the object of Mr. Fox's excursion was simply to ascertain whether Major Anderson was in a temper to have his military prestige sacrificed upon the alter of Black Republicanism?  By this we would inquire whether it is the intention of Lincoln and his pack to leave him to eat his last ounce of bread, and then to let loose the Northern howl, which has already commenced, again him for retiring?  So far as South Carolina is concerned, we believe that Major Anderson will be permitted to salute his flag on hauling it down, and to march out of the fort with his side arms, leaving the property intact."


Hat tip Civil War Daily Gazette:  "By Jing!  I'll Risk Him!  The Journey of Harlbut and Lamon, March 22, 1861.    More Lincoln anecdotes and the journey of Hurlbut and Lamon who also were in Charleston at the time of Fox's visit.  Also, some information about General Beauregard, head of the Confederate forces in Charleston. 

"Captain Abner Doubleday, in his book of 'remembrances' states that it was on this date that they learned about General Beauregard being in command of the rebel forces in Charleston.  Fox must have delivered the news.  'It is said,' wrote Doubleday, 'he displayed a good deal of feeling at finding himself opposed to the flag under which he had served so long.'

Beauregard had been a student and then assistant of Major Anderson's at West Point.  Fox must have related that Beauregard 'expressed much sympathy for his old friend, Anderson, who, he stated, was merely fulfilling his duty as a soldier in fighting for his own Government, and asserted that he would not attack us, even if we withdrew all our sentinels, but would force us to surrender by cutting off our supplies.' "

From The Lincoln Log:  President and Mrs. Lincoln greet guests attending the second White House reception of the season.  More details at the link.