Stand by the South: Daily Civil War Observations from Rolla

By Ryan Reed

Rolla Express
January 6, 1861
Vol. 1 No. 25

Southern Excitement

“The news, within the past day or two has been of a more pacific nature though the excitement at the South and at Washington, has not abated, by any means.  The secession convention sent delegates to Washington on the 28^th ult. for the purpose of treating with the general government for a peaceable secession, the acknowledgement of the independence of the republic of S. Carolina, the withdrawl of the U.S. troops from Charleston and the surrender of government fortifications within her limits and for carrying the mails.*  While the conference news was received that Maj. Anderson had spiked the guns and burned the gun-carriages of Fort Moultrie, evacuated that fort and strengthened Fort Sumpter, which is said to be a very strong position, and where, with a mere handful of men he can defend himself against a great odds.**  It is said that troops are pouring into Charleston from all quarters and that Fort Moulrie and castle Pinkney have been possessed by the Carolinians.

Governor Claiborne Jackson

A large number of S.C. post masters have resigned and the post master general, Mr. Holt had demanded of the sub-treasurer at Charleston to remit $75,000 on the post office account in his possession.  It is said Secretary Floyd, of the war department resigned because of the refusal or delay of the president in withdrawing the troops from Fort Sumpter.***  Post master general Holt has been appointed Secretary of war in place of Floyd.  It is also rumored that a new collector of customs has been appointed for Charleston, and one or two war vessels commanded to take stations outside of the harbor to enforce the revenue laws.  It is also said that the citizens and militia of S.C. had besieged Fort Sumpter and cut off all communication.

The St. Louis Republican, of the 3d inst. published a dispatch from a Baltimore correspondent of the 1^st inst., as follows:

“Henry Winter Davis writes to friend Trumball, of Baltimore stating that the Committee of thirty-three has cordially agreed on a basis for settlement for all national difficulties.****  Republicans yielded all the points demanded.”

It is reported that this news has caused great rejoicing"

While South Carolina was demanding the Federal government remove itself from their borders, Missouri was swearing in a new governor.  During the campaign for Governor, Claiborne Jackson cast himself as a middle of the road Democrat on the issues of slavery.  After the election, Jackson let it be known that while he supported the preservation of the Union, he could only do so if the North and South had equal input in determining whether slavery would be allowed in new territories.  In his inaugural address, Jackson said that he believed Missouri’s interests were best served by supporting the South.  He stated:

“Missouri will not be found to shrink from the duty, which her position of the border imposes; her honor, interests, and her sympathies point alike in one direction, and determine her to stand by the South.”

During his inaugural address he further called for a state convention to decide if Missouri should follow South Carolina and secede from the Union. 

Local items

The New Year’s Party

“Lovers of fun and frolic had a good time on New Year’s evening at the Tiffany House, which has recently been re-opened under the auspices of its old proprietor, E. Tiffany.  It is needless for us to say anything about the affair, because everybody was there, and know just as well as we do that the music was good, the party merry, the supper amply discussed, and until the break of day through this house each fairy stray.

Tiffany Hotel.  At currently location of Brown Veterinary Clinic.

Indeed, "Tiff" has a reputation which always ensures him a benefit when a party is given at his house, because he spares neither pains or expense to render his entertainment agreeable."

Hurrah for the Railroad!

“Last Monday evening about 5 1-2 o’clock, the citizens of Rolla were greeted by the arrival of the first passenger train of cars at the snug little depot which has, within a short time, been erected at this place.  

This is now the terminous of the South-west branch of the Pacific Railroad, and the point where all the South and South-western trade of this State, Northern Arkansas, Southern Kansas Territory and even some portions of Northern Texas must necessarily centre, for some time to come.  Our Dillon, James town, Knobview and other friends on the road have, each in their turn, derived a benefit from having a large share of this business which has been instrumental in establishing a certain amount of local trade at each of these respective points and tho’ it may seem a little dull, for a while, since these points have ceased to be the terminous of the road, they have no good reason to complain, because on the whole, they have all been materially benefitted by the completion of the road and will continue to derive a benefit from an increase of business as these places become settled and the resources of the country are developed.

Of course the citizens of Rolla are glad that their turn has come to be benefited by the trade which will naturally [tear in newspaper]  We are thankful for favors and we trust our neighbors and such strangers as bring this trade will see that we appreciate their favors by providing to meet the demands made upon us. 

Among the persons on the first train we noticed Thos. McKissock Esq., Superintendant of the road, making his review for the purpose of adjusting the time table &c.

We notice that already quite a number of good buildings are being erected about the depot.  Messrs. Faulkner & Graves, Campbell & Co, and others who follow the road have already commenced moving their goods to this point.  Business houses about the depot are growing more numerous every day.  It a season, now, when business on the road is always light, but the preparations are being made for a large increase.” 

*South Carolina commissioners were received by President Buchanan on December 28, 1860 as “private gentlemen”, since he could not recognize them as representatives of a sovereign power.  The commissioners wanted Federal troops withdrawn from Fort Sumter and Fort Pickens.  On December 31, 1860, President Buchanan finally replies to the South Carolina commissioners that he cannot and will not withdraw Federal troops from Charleston.

**On December 26, 1860, Union Major Robert Anderson moved his garrison from Fort Moultrie to the stronger Fort Sumter.

***Secretary of War, John B. Floyd, resigned from his position at the request of President Buchanan on December 29, 1860.  This event was precipitated by Buchanan’s refusal to order Major Robert Anderson to abandon Fort Sumter.  Floyd was a former Governor of Virginia with strong southern sympathies.

****The Committee of Thirty-Three was composed of one member from each state in the House of Representatives. The committee was led by Ohio Republican, Thomas Corwin, and was formed to reach a compromise to preserve the Union.  Hopes were high, especially in the Border States, that Congress could reach a resolution before Abraham Lincoln took office.