February 22, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
MONTGOMERY, ALA., February 18, 1861.
The great event of the nineteenth century, initiated on the 20th day of December, 1860, has this day been consummated, and the last act necessary in its fulfillment is concluded. The Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS, of the State of Mississippi, was this day, the 18th of February, 1861, inaugurated, at 1 o’clock, President of THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.
The end has come at last. And, whether in war or peace, the people of the Cotton States under one Government have achieved their independence, now and forever, of the people of the Northern States of America. The seal is set. The decree has gone forth from four millions of burning hearts. Today the grand fact was realized, and sunk deep into the hearts of all present. To see it was to feel it.
At 10 o’clock in the morning the military began their proceedings. At 12 o’clock Congress met, as usual. At 12 1/2 o’clock the procession began to move, headed by the military, with the President in their midst, drawn in a coach, with six white horses. Next came the line of vehicles; then those on foot. A little before 1 o’clock they arrived at the Capitol. The President then alighted, and with the Committee appointed by Congress, leaning upon the arm of Mr. RHETT, of South Carolina, on the left, and Mr. CHILTON, of Alabama, proceeded, amidst the enthusiastic greetings of the assembled multitude, through the grounds to the Capitol, and thence to the Hall of Congress. Mr. DAVIS was then introduced by Mr. RHETT to the Congress, in a short and graceful speech. The members then formed in line, and leaving the hall, advanced to the portico, where their seats were arranged – those of the President, Vice-President and the President of the Congress being elevated, so as to be conspicuous to all assembled. Prayer being offered up by the Rev. Dr. MANLY, the President of the Congress, Mr. COBB, announced the election of Messrs. DAVIS and STEPHENS as President and Vice-President of the Confederate States of America, by the Congress assembled.
The President was greeted with the deepest enthusiasm. His speech will be before your readers ere this will reach you. It needs few comments here. Brief, clear, pointed, firm, explicit. It is all that could be desired by a bold and patriotic people, resolved upon their freedom and independence under a new and permanent form of government. Some six or eight thousand persons must have been present. The ladies greeted his appearance with garlands, bouquets and waving of their handkerchiefs attached to their parasols. At every emphatic utterance of the President, a burst of applause followed.
The President concluded with saying he was ready to take the oath. The oath was administered, and, amidst profound silence, with great solemnity and deliberation of utterance, the President pronounced the words of office.
The Congress then proceeded again to their hall, accompanied by the President and Vice-President, who took seats on the right of the President of the Convention.
A little business was transacted, and they then adjourned.
At eight o’clock tonight the President holds a levee, to receive the cordial congratulations and good wishes of the people. Smiles are upon every countenance, and bright, resolute, enthusiastic faces meet you every where.
The United States of America are dissolved forever. ‘Alas! poor Yorick! I knew him well.’ But a sad rogue he was.
The windows of the whole city are illuminated tonight, skyrockets are shooting up, and crackers firing off, amidst joy and laughter, and shouts. Men feel as if a great weight was taken from their hearts, and the women are foremost in enthusiasm.
You will perceive by the Act passed by Congress on Saturday, the 16th, that the same duties are levied on articles coming from the Government of the Northern States, as upon articles coming from any other foreign Government. A few exceptions are made, of such articles as are useful to us, and it is desirable should come in without a tax. This is the first practical step of importance taken by Congress. Immediate war, or a recognition of this Government, must ensue at once. The authorities of the Government of the Northern States must take their choice. The duties will be collected by the Confederate States.
Things here have now a very practical appearance. In the evening you might almost imagine yourself in WILLARD’S Hotel – the same talk – men in the same groups, and many of them the same men.
It is not yet known who will form the Cabinet. Of course there are a great many rumors.
REVIEWER.