January 25, 1861, The New York Herald
Governor Brown, of Georgia, backed by seven hundred State troops, yesterday morning demanded the surrender of the United States Arsenal at Augusta. At noon the demand was complied with. The federal troops saluted their flag and retired. The arsenal, at the time of the surrender, was occupied by a company of United States soldiers, who had, it is reported, been sent to Augusta at the solicitation of the citizens, who desired to protect the property from apprehended attack by a mob.
The Louisiana State convention met on Wednesday, and after organizing, adopted a resolution providing for the appointment of a committee which reported an ordinance of secession yesterday. Entire unanimity prevailed throughout the proceedings. The Legislature of Louisiana has endorsed the action of the Governor with reference to the capture of the fortifications.
Our Washington despatches state that news had reached there that the Legislature of Kentucky had decided against calling a State Convention. This is considered as equivalent to a declaration against secession.
Ex-President Tyler, the Virginia Commissioner appointed to wait upon the President and urge the avoidance of a collision with the secessionists, had an interview with Mr. Buchanan yesterday. It is believed that the only danger of a collision rests with the secessionists themselves. If they remain peaceable there will be no trouble.
Captain Doubleday, writing from Fort Sumter on the 20th inst., denies the report put in circulation by Charleston papers that disaffection exists among the garrison. He represents the troop as in cheerful spirits, and prepared to defend the fort to the last. He also states that mortars have been placed by the South Carolinians on the land nearest the fort, and that two steamers watched the fort all night on the 19th inst.
Just previous to the sailing of the steamship Montgomery for Savannah yesterday afternoon, a posse of the steamboat squad of police went on board for the purpose of examining the freight put on board by Adam’s Express Company. Capt. Berry notified them he was just ready to leave, and to prove the act to them ordered the fasts to be cut (having been previously singled), at the same time starting the engine ahead, when, to avoid a trip to sea, the police hastily scrambled ashore and the steamer shot out into the North river amid the cheers of the crowd assembled on the dock, who gave three cheers for Capt. Berry and three more for Capt. Fletcher.