Charleston Mercury
April 18, 1861
MONTGOMERY, April 15.
The excitement in this city since the first gun was fired at Fort Sumter, has been great, and every facility for obtaining news is grasped at eagerly. The bulletin boards at the newspaper offices are besieged at all hours of the day, and every despatch that leaves the telegraph office is watched with anxious eyes. On Sunday THE MERCURY was in great demand, and large sums were offered for a single copy containing the account of the battle. When a telegram announced that the Confederate flag was raised upon Sumter, a salute was fired, and amid the shouts of thousands, several flags were hoisted in various parts of the city. Never in our history has there been so much enthusiasm on one day; and never has the public mind been raised to such a pitch of excitement. One can imagine what a relief it was to hear that the gallant Carolinians were victorious, and the long pent up emotions burst forth in tumultuous cheers. This victory has given us additional confidence in the courage and patriotism of our brave volunteers who have so nobly come forward to drive the invaders from our shores.
Notwithstanding a thousand rumors all afloat in the street, there is very little of interest that I can get, which is well authenticated. The Commissioners came here this morning, and have been closeted with the President and Cabinet nearly all day. Mr. CRAWFORD is now at his home in Columbus, Georgia. The official correspondence between them and the Federal Government is expected here tonight by ADAMS’ Express. It will be published as soon as it comes to this city, as well as the Address of the Commissioners. Thus far nothing has been learned outside in regard to their acts, beyond that already known from Washington despatches.
Yesterday evening the steamer King came up the river, having on board Mrs. President DAVIS. Seven guns were fired from the King upon her arrival at the levee, in honor of the news from Fort Sumter. Mrs. DAVIS is now stopping at the Exchange Hotel, where she will remain until the White House is ready.
The Columbus Guards of Georgia, one of the best military companies in America, have tendered their services to the Confederate States. The roll numbers one hundred and thirty men, all well drilled in infantry and Zouave tactics. They have been ordered to Tybee, near Savannah. The Montgomery True Blues have also offered their services a second time to Governor MOORE. Since the call was issued for three thousand men from this State twenty one companies have responded, and are now ready to march at a moment’s warning. The Washington Artillery, from Augusta, passed through here yesterday evening on their way to Pensacola. This company has some reputation, I believe, as an artillery corps.
A man by the name of MATHEWS, the correspondent of the Pensacola Observer, under the signature of ‘Nemo,’ was arrested yesterday, and sent under guard to this city. The charge against him is furnishing information to the enemy. It was the intention of General BRAGG to make an attack upon Pickens on Friday night, according to this correspondent, and the information, after being published, was sent to the fort. Lieut. SLEMMER at once signalled the fleet, and during the day one hundred men were landed upon Santa Rosa Island, together with a large quantity of shot. Thus the plans of General BRAGG were frustrated. What will be done with this prisoner I am unable to say, but it does seem as if such important information ought to have been known only to the commander himself, until time to commence the attack. MATHEWS is now under examination at the War Department.
On account of the above, Lieut. REED WERDEN, of the United States Army, was arrested, while on his way to Washington. It was supposed that he was the means of having Pickens reinforced, but no important despatches were found upon him. He was guilty of a breach of faith in endeavoring to escape without reporting to Gen. BRAGG. He was arrested at Greenville, Alabama, by Major CHAMBERS, and is now in jail in this city. Lieut. REED WERDEN is a Pennsylvanian by birth, but was appointed to the Navy from Ohio, on the 9th of January, 1834. His present commission is dated February 21st, 1847. Under the rank of Lieutenant, he has seen over seven years’ sea service. If nothing further is preferred against him, and it transpires that he was not instrumental in having Pickens reinforced, he will be released in a short time.
Letters of marque and reprisal have already been granted, and those who wish to engage in the business of privateering can now begin at once. Our Government will soon issue commissions to meet the necessity which has been forced upon it by the United States Government.
TROUP.