January 19, 1861, The Charleston Mercury
The Commissioner who has been appointed by the State of Georgia to proceed to Europe, for the purpose of making commercial arrangements with European Governments for direct commerce with the Southern States, and with Savannah, especially, is now in correspondence with diplomatic individuals here, and gathering all necessary information to facillitate his objects. One of his main objects is to procure the establishment of a line of freight, passenger and mail steamers, between the ports of Antwerp and Savannah. Though Georgia has not yet formally seceded, she is evidently acting in view of its speedy accomplishment. Charleston Courier, 15th.