MOUNT VERNON ARSENAL, January 4, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that this arsenal was taken possession of by four companies of volunteers from Mobile at daylight this morning. I did not make, nor could I have made, any resistance, as they had scaled the walls and taken possession before I knew anything about the movement.
The governor has demanded all the public property, and his men now have entire possession of the arsenal.
I telegraphed to you today for orders as to what disposition is to be made of the enlisted men and of myself. If, unfortunately, my telegram should not be answered, I will wait here a few days in hopes of hearing from you; but in the event the mails should be stopped, I will discharge all those that desire it, and bring the others with me to Washington.
The men have not been paid, and I fear that now there is no prospect of it at present.
I shall probably leave here by the 11th instant, unless I should receive other orders. As it was impossible for me to hold this place with my seventeen men, I trust that the Department will not hold me responsible for this unexpected catastrophe.
……….Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. L. RENO,
Captain, Ordnance.
Capt. WM MAYNADIER, Ordnance Office.