January 14, 1861, The Charleston Mercury
THE FORTS OCCUPIED BY THE STATE TROOPS–THE PELICAN FLAG FLOATING OVER THEM–SECESSION CERTAIN, ETC.
All the troops in New Orleans were under arms last night, by order of Governor Moore. Five companies embarked this morning at two o’ to seize the Arsenal at Baton Rouge. The Orleans Battalion Artillery and four companies embarked at eleven for Forts Jackson and St. Philip, forty miles below, on the Mississippi, commanding the approach of New Orleans. The wharf was crowded with citizens, who vociferously, cheered the departure of the steamer. Three companies left this afternoon on a steamer to seize Fort Pike, on Lake Pontchartrain. New regiments of troops are being organized. A rumor prevails that the war steamer Crusader is coming up the river, and the highest excitement prevails. Texas and Florida will also seize their fortifications. The troops in Tennessee and Mississippi are arming.
Eight hundred thousand dollars in specie arrived today from New York….