April 11, 1861; The New York Herald
WASHINGTON, April 10, 1861.
Washington bore a highly warlike aspect all day. Troops kept constantly marching through the streets, and drums and fifes were heard in every direction.
Intense commotion was produced this morning by the promulgation of an order calling out the entire militia of this district. A raid upon the federal capital by Virginia and Maryland filibusters was forthwith believed to be impending. It was soon ascertained, however, that the movement arose from precaution, and from the immediate necessity of means of defence.
The government is in possession of positive information, to the effect that there is a secret understanding between the disunion leaders and the revolutionary authorities at Montgomery, aiming at a demonstration against the federal capital in case of the secession of Virginia, and hence deemed it a duty to provide additional guaranties for the personal security of officials and citizens, and the protection of the public property in general, and more particularly of the treasury and the naval and military stores.
Some twenty companies were inspected at noon. At the parade it was announced that volunteers for the formation of seven companies would be called for, to enter the service of the United States for an indefinite period of time. Several hundred men were mustered into service in the course of the afternoon.
The government is in possession of positive information, to the effect that there is a secret understanding between the disunion leaders and the revolutionary authorities at Montgomery, aiming at a demonstration against the federal capital in case of the secession of Virginia, and hence deemed it a duty to provide additional guaranties for the personal security of officials and citizens, and the protection of the public property in general, and more particularly of the treasury and the naval and military stores.
Some twenty companies were inspected at noon. At the parade it was announced that volunteers for the formation of seven companies would be called for, to enter the service of the United States for an indefinite period of time. Several hundred men were mustered into service in the course of the afternoon.
The troops will be employed to guard the public buildings. The report that they will be sent to garrison Fort Monroe is unfounded.
It is understood that Governor Curtin will order out Pennsylvania volunteers for the occupation of the capital upon the first sign of danger.
A leading Ohio democrat despatches today to the President as follows: – ‘We are for you to the death if you will hold Fort Sumter, the necessity of holding it is absolute.’
It is understood that Governor Curtin will order out Pennsylvania volunteers for the occupation of the capital upon the first sign of danger.
A leading Ohio democrat despatches today to the President as follows: – ‘We are for you to the death if you will hold Fort Sumter, the necessity of holding it is absolute.’
The warlike demonstrations in Washington today, consequent upon the mustering of ten of the volunteer companies of the District into the actual service of the United States, not only increased the general excitement, but gives confidence to the permanent residents and property holders of the federal capital in the government. The majority of the men composing the volunteers who have so gallantly entered the regular service are property holders in this district, and will prove loyal to the Union and the flag. Thirty two members of the national Rifles resigned, rather than remain in the ranks of the corps under the flag of the Union in the present emergency. They mostly, if not all, belong to Southern States.