THE SECESSION REBELLION: Concentration of Troops at Fortress Monroe; GEN. SICKLES’ BRIGADE FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE; Condition of Affairs at Harper’s Ferry (5/20/1861)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 5/20/1861

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Sunday, May 19.

Gen. BUTLER is yet in Washington. He will not leave for Fort Monroe until about the time the nine regiments from New-York reach the Fort. His Massachusetts troops will precede him.

As Fort Monroe is now fully garrisoned, and in fact more than fully manned, it will be seen that Gen. BUTLER has at least fifteen regiments at his disposal for advancing operations. He will at once inaugurate aggressive movements, and probably set the polluting feet of his New-Englanders upon the sacred soil of Virginia in such a manner as to leave very distinct footprints of his march, unless Virginia is discreet, as Virginians are very apt to be when there is a prospect of a fair fight.

The forces at Harper's Ferry are manifesting decided alarm at the position in which they find themselves placed. Whisky and uncertainty have demoralized them, and insubordination is the rule rather than the exception. They are expecting an attack, and so doubtful as to whence it will be made that they cannot tell what points to fortify. They have changed some of their batteries as much as three times. If they have the guns they may as well prepare for all points of the compass, for they stand a good chance of an attack all round. Indeed, it is more than probable they will have a tremendous fire in the rear -- a fire from the ballot-box, that will prove more mighty than "an army with banners." JOHN JAUNCEY, the President of the Convention that resumed the sovereignty of Virginia, went to his home on the edge of London County and called a meeting of his constituents, to ascertain their views upon the question of secession.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1855-1860: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: Sometime in the future.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3960531/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Secession Rebellion: Highly Important News from the Federal Capital– 2-3
Important from Maryland: The Federal Camp at Baltimore – 3-4
Important from Norfolk: Outrages of the Virginia Secessionists – 4
Important from Missouri: The Military Expedition to Potosi – 4
Editorial: No British Interference –4-5
Editorial: The Blockade in Earnest – 5-6
Editorial: Biography Run Mad – 6
Editorial: The Havelock Cap-covers – 6-7
Editorial: A Halter with Two Nooses – 7