April 6, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
MONTGOMERY, April 3, 1861.
For the past few days we have been in a great state of uncertainty in this city, on account of the conflicting statements received by telegraph from all parts of the country. The State Department has received assurance from Washington that the forts will be given up; but, per contra, the indications in the War Department are that a fight will commence in a short time. At any rate, our people will be prepared for war if it come, for preparations are going on with great activity. I stepped into the Commissary’s Department this evening, and found there a large quantity of army stores and munitions of war. Among the stores were some two thousand barrels of flour, sacks of corn, barrels of meat, boxes of bread, and everything, in fact, necessary for the comfort of the soldiers who will soon be in the field. There are several army depots in the Confederacy, at each of which large quantities of stores are already deposited, and are being deposited daily.
There were rumors in this city yesterday, brought by a gentleman who came as bearer of despatches from Pensacola, that Lieut. SLEMMER had become alarmed at the number of men that are daily pouring into Warrington, and had demanded a reinforcement from the United States vessels in the harbor. He also reported that when the vessels arrived at Key West with the Texas troops who were under Gen. TWIGGS, they were immediately sent to sea with sealed orders, and it is thought highly probable these may be for Fort Pickens. Lieut. SLEMMER knows that if reinforcements are denied him a short time longer, it will be impossible to land them, as our forces are daily growing stronger, and will most certainly prevent the landing of any troops from the ships.
It is also rumored that the Spanish fleet has been seen at the Tortugas, bound westward, probably for Vera Cruz. I hardly think, however, an attack will be made upon that town at present, owing to St. Domingo difficulties, but it was supposed here a short time ago that the fleet sailed to the Gulf for the purpose of landing men at Vera Cruz, and taking possession of the city.
Our navy comes on slowly, but the time is not very far in the future when we shall have some men-of-war afloat. Officers and navy agents are now at the various seaports in this country, trying to negotiate for vessels to be immediately fitted up and put into service. A few officers are now recruiting for the naval service. RUEBEN THORN, Esq., of this city, and late a Captain in the Alabama army, has been appointed Captain of the Marines in the Confederate service. The following list gives the names of the clerks in the Navy Department.
E. M. TIDBALL, Virginia, Chief Clerk.
FRANCIS DOYLE, Georgia, Clerk.
WM. P. HILLIARD, Alabama, Clerk.
Z. P. MOSES, South Carolina, Clerk.
I send you a sketch of our Revenue Flag, which was adopted today. The colors are red, white and blue, and the flag consists of three broad bars, perpendicular, instead of horizontal, like the National flag. The first bar is blue, and contains seven stars; the second white and the third red. It was selected from the drawings sent in by Dr. H. D. CAPERS, of the Treasury Department. It resembles the French tricolor too much to please my fancy, and I think there were several designs from the same pencil far better than this. The following diagrams will give your readers an idea of its appearance:
[Diagram of Flag]
Several names have been mentioned as candidates for Governor in the next election. The most prominent among these are Gen. JEMISON, of Tuscaloosa, Judge JOHN E. MOORE, of Florence, and THOMAS J. JUDGE, Esq., of Montgomery. Gen. JEMISON was formerly a Union Whig, and was elected to the Convention of this State as a Cooperationist. His position is the Convention against immediate secession was bold and decided, though he has since signed the Ordinance, and has given his approbation to the measure. He is a man of decided ability. Judge MOORE’S claims are in some measure based upon the fact that he is a North Alabamian, the two sections of the State being often pitted against each other in elections of this kind. He was a staunch State Rights man, able, and a good Secessionist, and is generally very popular. Col. JUDGE is also prominent before the people. His firm and unflinching adhesion, latterly, to the doctrine of States’ Rights, his gallant bearing and his candor and political integrity, have endeared him seemingly to men of all parties and of every section. Should he consent to run, he will probably receive the support of a majority of those who originally advocated the secession of Alabama, as well as of those who have since become well affected toward the new government.
Manager CANNING, of the Montgomery Theatre, gave, night before last, a benefit to the ‘Orphan Asylum.’ The house was well filled, and the ladies composing the Board of the Asylum received the next day a check for one hundred and eighty-one dollars. This magnanimous spirit of liberality is appreciated by the citizens of the city, and the little beneficiaries especially return hearty thanks to Mr. CANNING.