Charleston Mercury
April 29, 1861
MONTGOMERY, April 25, 1861.
The crew of the steamship Star of the West arrived in this city last night, and will leave in the evening train for New York. They are very communicative, and manifest pleasure at the manner they have been treated during their journey through the Confederate States. Not a single unpleasant thing has occurred, nor a single indignity been offered them. They say the capture was effected on the 17th by a Texan force of ninety men under Capt. VAN BUREN, who came upon the steamer Rusk. After being taken on board their errand was made known to the astonished Captain, who submitted gracefully to a matter of necessity. The Captain of the Rusk then took command, and run the captured vessel into the harbor of Galveston, and from thence to New Orleans. The wages of the seamen, amounting in the aggregate to near $1800, have been paid by our Government, and the amazed but delighted seamen sent on their way rejoicing.
The difficulties in the Second Volunteer Regiment of this State have been adjusted. The companies from Mobile have been added to it, which make the regiment better than before, as the new companies are among the best in the State. One of them (the Mobile Cadets) arrived this evening, and will go into camp here. The whole of the regiment are now prepared to march on Sunday morning for Lynchburg, Virginia.
Gov. MOORE, who has been some days away, has now returned. It is rumored that he has a little matter of reprisal on hand which will attract some attention. Some time ago Gov. MOORE purchased a quantity of muskets in New York, to be paid for on delivery here, which were seized by the authorities North. Although there was no pecuniary loss, the detention of the arms was a matter of serious injury, and was, at the time, a procedure entirely uncalled for. Now it has been ascertained that there are four hundred bags of cotton in a warehouse in this city, belonging to parties in New York, and it is rumored these will be detained for the present.
Last night a large crowd collected in front of the Exchange and commenced calling loudly for Mr. WIGFALL. It was sometime before he responded, but finally appeared, and instead of a speech, related the story of the Battle of Fort Sumter. Throughout the recital the vast crowd were perfectly silent and listened with almost breathless attention, except when they burst into hearty cheers at the mention of some gallant deed. The tale of the first battle was very interesting to us, and with hearts swelling with emotion, we listened to how the federal flag was lowered in the presence of State sovereignty.
I have positive information that vessels ladened exclusively with cotton will be exempt from seizure, and that this rule will be maintained by our Government. A large revenue being derived from the export of cotton, it will be the policy of the Government to protect the exportation, and encourage it as far as possible. If any other articles of commerce are found on board, the vessel will be liable to seizure.
The Hon. HENRY. W. HILLIARD goes to Tennessee tonight, as Commissioner to that State from our Government. A young artillery officer, lately from West Point, goes with him to organize artillery regiments for the Confederate Army.
The ‘Tigh Block,’ which I wrote you some time ago had been selected for the Postoffice Department, is now finished, and has been taken possession of today. Judge REAGAN has worked away industriously, and now has the department so organized that no serious inconvenience would be experienced, should the mails be cut off by the present contractors. Circulars are prepared, which will be issued to postmasters, route agents and others, connected with the transportation of mails, as soon as necessary.
In view of the convening of Congress on the 29th the city is again filling with strangers and the hotels crowded with guests. Unless already engaged, it will be almost impossible to obtain desirable lodgings in town. The strong probability that the Capital will be removed to Richmond, Virginia, or a least to some place further North than this, will, I presume, prevent the erection of the mammoth hotel which has already been planned and projected.
As I predicted some time ago, when speaking of postal affairs, a Convention of railroad presidents has been called, who meet in this city tomorrow. They will take into consideration the transportation of mails and of troops. Three from South Carolina arrived today.
Lieut. WILLIS WILKINSON, of the South Carolina Army, has been appointed Second Lieutenant of Artillery in the Confederate Army, and JOHN ALEXANDER KEITT, Second Lieutenant in Infantry. Both these gentlemen are from South Carolina.
It is rumored here that Gen. BRAGG has asked for two thousand additional men to guard the city of Pensacola. It is feared an effort may be made to land men there to attack Gen. BRAGG’S force in the rear. The movements of the Flying Artillery now on Santa Rosa Island indicate this. I give it as a rumor.
TROUP.