April 11, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
MONTGOMERY, April 8, 1861.
Several important items have been received today from New York, which have caused some excitement in this city. The most absurd rumors are afloat, and men are leaving for Pensacola on the strength of them. No important orders have been sent from the War Department to General BRAGG, neither has anything of a positive nature been received from Washington, unless it be in the despatches which came this evening, and upon which a Cabinet meeting was called. The result of this meeting is not known; but, of course, the surmises as to its import are many. There is little talked of here but Pensacola, and the prospects there.
The Georgia and Florida troops are <!–more–>passing through here at the rate of four hundred a day. They are all fine, noble looking men, and avow their anxiety to be in the field in the service of their country. They expect work at Pensacola and look forward with eagerness for the ball to open.
The offers of volunteers continue to pour in daily, and I am creditably informed that more than forty thousand men have offered themselves to the War Department as ready and willing to enter into the service of the Confederate States, or the Provisional Army. Since the result of the Connecticut election has been known, and the probability that the coercionists would prevail in the Government at Washington, a large number of companies have offered themselves from the Border States. No less than seven thousand men from these States have tendered their services during the last few days. In addition to these, two thousand Indian warriors, living on the border, have signified their intention of fighting against the United States army, and in favor of the Confederate States. The offers from the Confederate States is legion, and the department is overwhelmed with them. This is a voice direct from the people, and in case of the Border States, shows they are still with us in heart and feeling, though their politicians have forced them to occupy a false position.
But two appointments have been made since I wrote you before. A. J. CLARKE, of Mississippi, has been appointed Chief Clerk in the Comptroller’s Office, and Mr. JOHN L. HURRELL, Chief Clerk in the Finance Bureau in the Postoffice Department.
The duel between Messrs. MOSES, of South Carolina, and BANKS, editor of the Confederation, came off this morning at Pensacola. MOSES’ pistol snapped and his opponent’s ball passed through the collar of his coat. The affair was then settled satisfactorily, I believe, to all parties.
In view of the increased number of strangers in this city since it has become the seat of Provisional Government, and of the anticipated necessity for ample accommodations arising from the strong probability that it will be the permanent Capital, it has been projected by some of our most wealthy and enterprising citizens to erect a splendid hotel, which shall be an ornament and an honor to the city. The location selected is on the corner of Bibb and Commerce streets. It is intended that the building shall be the largest and most magnificent structure in the Southern States. I have not seen the plans, but doubt not it will be worthy the enterprise, wealth and liberality of this city, in the elegance of its design and the magnificence of its proportions.
TROUP