General Wool pledges "my heart, my hand, all my energies" to the Union (LOC - LC-USZ62-110101)
A sampling of reaction to the surrender of Fort Sumter and President Lincoln’s call for 75,000 troops to put down the insurrection as reported in the April 17, 1861 edition of The New-York Times:
NEW-YORK.
TROY, N.Y., Tuesday, April 16.
At the immense demonstration in this city last evening in favor of the Stars and Stripes, a motion was made to adjourn in a body to the residence of Gen. WOOL, where, on behalf of the citizens, an address was made by MARTIN J. TOWNSEND, to which Gen. WOOL responded that his heart was rejoiced at this glorious demonstration of patriotism. Never, by any former compliment bestowed upon him, had he been thrilled by such a measure of joy. It is true that he had fought under the old flag, but he had done no more than his duty towards the best Government that ever existed. He had fought under the Stars and Stripes that were carried in triumph by WASHINGTON and under which JACKSON closed the second war for independence at New-Orleans in a halo of glory. Will you permit that flag to be desecrated and trampled in the duet by traitors now? Will You permit our noble Government to be destroyed by rebels in order that they may advance their schemes of political ambition and extend the area of Slavery? No, indeed, it cannot be done. The spirit of the age forbids it. Humanity and manhood forbid it, and the sentiments of the civilized world forbid it. My friend, that flag must be lifted up from the dust into which it has been trampled, placed in its proper position and again set floating in triumph to the breeze. I pledge you my heart, my hand, all my energies to the cause. The Union shall be maintained. I am prepared to devote my life to the work and to lead you in the struggle. [Deafening applause, cheers for the Union and Gen. WOOL.]
ALBANY, Tuesday, April 16.
The excitement about war continues to-day, although a heavy rain-storm prevails. …
B.Cash Flowing in the Nutmeg State
CONNECTICUT.
… NEW-HAVEN, Tuesday, April 16.
The Directors of the Mechanics’ Bank of this city this morning unanimously voted to offer $25,000 to the Governor of the State to aid him in equipping and moving any forces he may be called upon to furnish in defence of the Government.
Bankers offer cash, much cash, to Governor Buckingham (LOC - LC-DIG-cwpbh-00288)
The Elm City Bank has this day telegraphed to Gov. BUCKINGHAM to draw at sight on them for $50,000 for the same purpose.
The Fairfield County Bank has offered $20,000, and a private gentleman $50,000.
NORWICH, Conn., Tuesday, April 16.
Gov. BUCKINGHAM has issued a proclamation calling for volunteers, to rendezvous at Hartford. The Thames Bank, of this city, have just voted to tender $100,000 to Gov. BUCKINGHAM, to assist in equipping the troops in support of the Government.
NORWALK, Monday, April 16.
The Fairfield County Bank has offered $50,000 to Gov. BUCKINGHAM.
Confederate cabinet: Lincoln's proclamation a real knee-slapper (LOC - LC-USZ62-132563)
LATEST DISPATCHES FROM MONTGOMERY
MONTGOMERY, Tuesday, April 16.
The Cabinet were in council this morning. Mr. LINCOLN’s proclamation was read amid bursts of laughter.
The Secretary of War authorises the statement that 32,000 more troops were called out to-day to meet LINCOLN’s men.
MONTGOMERY, Tuesday, April 16.
Gen. PILLOW guarantees to raise 10,000 men in Tennessee, in twenty days, if President DAVIS will accept of them, and there is no doubt expressed but what he will accept of the offer.
VP Stephens: 75 X 75,000 won't intimidate South (LOC - LC-DIG-cwpbh-04224)
Hon. A.H. STEVENS, in Atlanta, Ga., last night said that it would require seventy-five times seventy-five thousand men to intimidate the Confederate States and then it could not be done.
Of the 32,000 troops called out to-day, 5,000 are from each State except Florida, the number from that State being 2,000.
The Southern people say that they will suppress LINCOLN and SEWARD’s combination, which is less of a Government than our’s, and drive LINCOLN back to his abode in a quicker style than he came through Maryland.
There is perfect confidence expressed here that we can, with DAVIS, PILLOW, BRECKINRIDGE and BEAUREGARD, wipe out LINCOLN’s 75,000 men. Our munitions of war will hold out longer than LINCOLN’s money.
Gen. PILLOW’s Division of Tennessee troops has been accepted by Mr. DAVIS. Gen. PILLOW returned to Tennessee immediately.
We have no controversy but with the Black Re-publicans.
John Ellis Wool began his career as a U.S. Army officer in the War of 1812. “He was the oldest general on either side of the [Civil] war.”
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