March 28, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
MONTGOMERY, March 25.
It is a matter of some pride her, at the capitol, to know that the new government loan of five million dollars has been taken, or at least the money has already been tendered, and is now waiting the time when the bonds can be issued from the Treasury Department. Although Congress authorized a loan of $15,000,000, if that sum was needed, early in the session, it was only last week that proposals were advertised for, to raise one third that amount, enough for present wants. The advertisement asked for $5,000,000; giving, as security, the bonds of the Confederates States, bearing interest at ten per cent. and payable in ten years; and, at the same time, briefly stated the means of obtaining the money for the ultimate payment of this debt. Notwithstanding the loan has been only a few days before the public, more than double the required sum has been tendered to the Secretary of the Treasury, and offers are continually coming in from all sections. Hardly a day passes but letters are received by editors and others, asking for information on the subject; the writer stating invariably that he has a few thousand dollars which he wishes to place at the disposal of the Confederate States. I have a case in memory now which illustrates the popular feeling in regard to this matter. When the announcement was first made that Congress had authorised a loan, and before proposals were solicited, a Mississippian placed $5000 in the hands of his bankers, made subject to the draft of the Treasurer of the Confederacy. This gentleman was not alone in his patriotic tender of money at the time it was supposed the Government was in need of it; for similar offers came from other States. I learn today that one man has offered $200,000 and another $80,000, to Mr. MEMMINGER, for which sum no interest is required. It is well known here that offers of money have been received from New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and other cities in the United States and in the Confederate States, to an amount that would cover the entire authorized loan. Mr. MEMMINGER has concluded–and very wisely too–that the citizens of the Confederates States are entitled to the preference in this investment, and the bonds will be scattered among the, as equally as possible. When it is remembered that the bonds of the old United States have been for some time a dead weight in the market, the facts above states will be rather surprising, even when we know the investment to be as good as any that could be offered. As I have said before, it is very gratifying to us here to see how rapidly the credit of the new government is rising in the financial world, and I hope the Republican prophets, who croaked so dismally of our bankruptcy a short time ago, will put the fact in their pipes.
We are looking daily toward Pensacola with great anxiety, and news is eagerly sought for, but as there are no professional letter writers at that point, we get but little of general interest except the items in the local papers. I am informed by a gentleman who returned from there on Saturday, that Gen. BRAGG is very industrious, and is now engaged in erecting batteries to bear upon the weak points of Pickens. Upon these batteries the guns from Fort McRee are to be mounted, as it is well known that fortress is in poor condition to withstand a heavy fire. Three ten inch columbiads have been already put in position, and ten more of the same caliber will be mounted next week. Lieut. SLEMMER is also engaged in putting his barbette guns in order, and seems to be preparing for a desperate defence. Since the order issued to the citizens of Warrington, preventing them from sending supplies to the fleet or to the fort, increased vigilance is being used to prevent any communication with the shore. This looks a little more warlike, and quite in contrast with the free and easy two months ago. The Wyandotte is no longer allowed to go up to the Navy Yard, or even to run under the guns of Barrancas, but is kept outside the harbor. She generally lies in her old anchorage, just beyond the point of Santa Rosa island, and close under the guns of the fort. Gen. BRAGG thinks he now has increased facilities for an attack, and wishes to make one as soon as the troops ordered there shall arrive. Companies of the Provisional army go through this city every day or two, and it is supposed that in a few weeks five thousand men will be concentrated at Pensacola.
There are but few items of interest to write you from this city. The Departments are still busy organizing, and I believe are getting along more rapidly than was anticipated. The Government has procured a suitable building for the Postoffice Department, and I am informed by Mr. REAGAN, it will be taken about the 15th of next month. This will obviate one difficulty he now has to contend with – that is want of room. The new building… is situated on Bibb street, and will be capacious enough for the purposes of the Department. The “White House” is now nearly ready for the President and it is expected that he will take possession early next month. It is situated upon the brow of the hill opposite the Capitol, and from the terrace around it a most delightful birdeye view of the city is obtained.
Mr. OLNEY, one of the editors of the New York Day book, is in this city, but whether on business or as a correspondent for his paper, I am unable to say. He is a Carolinian, and is exceedingly well informed upon all matters relating to our new government, both political and statistical. He will meet with a good reception from the members of the press here.
The weather for the past few days has been delightful, beautiful summer like days and dreamy moonlight nights. For sometimes hardly a cloud has dimmed the sky, except a few small spots here and there which hang from the heavens lie the lichens from the old elms and cypresses in our Southern swamps. Under the bright sunlight the deciduous trees are rapidly putting for their leaves and buds, and all nature seems anxious to proclaim the genesis of summer.
TROUT.