January 27, 1861, The New York Herald
The State of Louisiana is now added to the list of seceding States. The ordinance of secession was passed in the State Convention yesterday by a vote of 113 to 17. A deathlike silence prevailed during the calling of the roll, and many members were in tears. When the vote was announced the President of the Convention declared Louisiana a free and sovereign republic. The Convention adopted a resolution guaranteeing the free navigation of the Mississippi river.
The chronological order of the secession movement is as follows:
1. Dec. 20. South Carolina.
2. Jan. 9 Mississippi..
3. Jan. 11 Florida.
4. Jan. 11 Alabama.
5. Jan. 19 Georgia
6. Jan. 26 Louisiana.
The secession junta at Washington, having learned the intention of the government to reinforce the forts on the gulf coast, have telegraphed to Charleston and Pensacola, advising the State authorities to be on the alert. Major Chase, the commander of the Florida forces at Pensacola, has been advised to seize upon Fort Pickens, and as the officer in command of the garrison is represented to be a man of spirit and determination, it is likely that we shall soon have news of a hostile collision between the opposing forces.
The State troops of Louisiana, on the 11th inst., seized upon the United States barracks, situated about two miles below New Orleans, which have been used as a marine hospital for the treatment of sick sailors. At the time of the seizure there were two hundred and sixteen invalids and convalescents in the hospital. The Collector of New Orleans was required to remove the convalescents immediately, and the sick as soon as practicable. The only reason assigned for this discreditable conduct on the part of the State authorities, is, that they wanted the buildings for quarters for their own troops. It is said the federal government has no authority nor means to make provision for the invalids, and they are consequently thrown upon the charity of persosn more merciful than the authorities of Louisiana.