April 22, 1861 (Monday)

Tacking in a New Direction

Narrative of the Day -- Civil War Daily Gazette:  Washington Cut Off and Surrounded by Rebels, Foiling the Plot to Steal the USS Constitution, More Troops Through Baltimore, Arkansas Finally Responds, Joseph Johnston Resigns, New Arrivals in Richmond.


Fascinating story today about the turn around of the New York Herald -- when it threw its support for President Lincoln.  The New York Herald, according to some, was the most widely-read newspaper in the country.  James Gordon Bennett, who owned and edited the New York Herald, was the last man anyone expected to reach out to Lincoln.  In addition to his support, he, also, offered his yacht for use in the Navy.  Read the whole story at the link below: 
"Yacht for Sale," by Ted Widmer, Disunion--New York Times, April 21, 2011.


Another tack today, a letter written by a son to his father -- asking for permission to leave the University of North Carolina and join the Confederate Army.  "Dear Pa," The American Civil War, April 21, 1861.    Read the letter at the link provided.


In financial news...more tacking:  from The Long Recall, April 22, 1861: 

"In financial news, the stocks of the Border States fell dramatically yesterday, a plunge so great it had 'never been witnessed...Upwards of three hundred thousand dollars of the stocks of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri, were rushed off at almost any price that could be obtained.'"


More tacking:  from West Virginia Division of Culture and History, Clarksburg Convention.

"Throughout western Virginia, citizens met in support of or opposition to the action taken by the delegates at the Richmond Convention.  The majority of westerners opposed the Ordinance of Secession.  In response to a call issued two days prior, on Monday, April 22, 1861, nearly twelve hundred Harrison County citizens gathered...and resolutions submitted for a call of delegates...to gather at Wheeling on May 13th for a larger convention."

And finally, "When the Telegraph Won't Do -- Impersonate a Methodist Preacher," Blue Gray Review, April 22, 2011.