January 19, 1861, Harper’s Weekly
The Baton Rouge arsenal (Louisiana) was taken possession of by the State troops on 11th. All the fortifications are now in possession of the Louisiana troops. The United States arsenal at Baton Rouge, in command of Major Haskins and two companies, refused to surrender. The arsenal was surrounded by six hundred State troops, and a parley was held between Governor Moore and Major Haskins, which finally resulted in the surrender of the garrison. There was no opposition in taking the other forts.
The State of Georgia has seized Fort Pulaski, in the Savannah River.
A private dispatch to the Courier says that the Federal troops have abandoned all the forts in Pensacola harbor, except Fort Pickens, where they are concentrated, and that three hundred men have left Mobile to surprise Fort Pickens.
A telegram, dated Wilmington, North Carolina, January 10, says : Forts Johnson and Caswell were taken possession of on the night of the 8th by the Smithville Guard.