April 9, 1861 (Tuesday)

New leaves and sunshine....

Hat tip The American Civil War, "Our Policy for the Future," April 9, 1861:

"We have seen many arguments of secession advanced by different Southerners.  What we haven't seen much of are Northern voices explaining why the Union had to be preserved, voices explaining why it may be necessary to fight the South.  On April 9, 1861 the editors of the New York Times dropped the pretense of conciliation. If Southerns thought that the North wouldn't fight, they were greatly mistaken."  (Read the article at the link above.)


The news of the day, hat tip Civil War Daily Gazette, "The Treachery of Mr. Fox," April 9, 1861.

"The Confederate chorus swells in full debate.  News of the plan to resupply Fort Sumter had reached them, but there was no clear idea of what to do.  President Davis had warned against firing upon Fort Sumter, but that was back in January.  The chorus was swelling for attack and Davis was found at its head.  Secretary of State Robert Toombs (Confederacy) was the sole voice against it.

'The firing upon that fort will inaugurate a civil war greater than any the world has yet seen...at this time, it is suicide, murder and will lose us every friend at the North.  You will wantonly strike a hornet's nest which extends from mountains to ocean, the legions, now quiet, will swarm out and sting us to death.' "

Hat tip The American Interest -- The Long Recall, April 9, 1861:

"Business in Charleston is at a standstill as the city prepares for a confrontation at Fort Sumter.  The famed floating battery is in place, 5,000 additional troops have been ordered to Charleston, and communication between city officials and Major Anderson has been suspended on orders from General Beauregard.  However, in a response that will surely disappoint pugnacious South Carolinians, the New York Times correspondent in Washington confirms that, rather than reinforcing Fort Sumter militarily, the government will 'attempt to send supplies of provisions by means of an unarmed vessel' -- although he admits, 'If Charlestonians choose to fire upon her, they will thus render themselves responsible for all disasters which must necessarily follow."


Finally... from Daily Observations from The Civil War:  two links...

Confederate Messages and Directives -- On the Brink of War, April 9, 1861

"...by God's providence we will, I trust, be prepared for them; and if they approach with war vessels also I think you will hear of as bloody a fight as ever occurred."

A Diary From Dixie:  "The air is too full of war news, and we are all so restless."   (very good read....)