The American Annual Cyclopaedia and Register of Important Events of the Year, 1861-1865, vols. 1-5. New York: Appleton & Co., 1868.

Union States in 1861, Part 4: New Hampshire through New York

NEW HAMPSHIRE is one of the New England States, and one of the original members of the Confederation. It is situated between lat. 42° 41' and 45° 11' N, and long. 70° 40' and 72° 28' W. from Greenwich. Its length from north to south is 176 miles; extreme breadth, 90 miles; average breadth, 45 miles; area, 9,280 square miles, or 5,939,200 acres. The population in 1860 was—whites, 325,622; free colored, 450; total, 326,072. It is bounded north by Lower Canada, east by Maine and the Atlantic, south by Massachusetts, and west by Vermont, from which it is separated by the Connecticut River. It is divided into ten counties.

The valuation of the real and personal property of its citizens in 1850, was$103,652,835; in 1860, $156,310,860. The vote at the presidential election in the same year was as follows: Lincoln, 37,519; Douglas, 25,881; Breckinridge 2,112; Bell, 441. At the presidential election in 1856 the vote was as follows: Fremont, 88,345; Buchanan, 32,789; Fillmore, 422.

The State had, on the 1st of January, 1862, 684 miles of railway completed and in progress, of which 658 miles, constructed and equipped at a cost of $22,676,234, were open for traffic. The State responded promptly to the call for troops in April, and the Governor issued the following proclamation:—

Concord, April 16, 1861.

Sir: The President of the United States baring, in pursuance of the act of Congress approved February 28, 1795, called upon the State or New Hampshire for a regiment of militia, consisting of ten companies of infantry, to be held in readiness to be mustered into the service of the United States for the purpose of quelling an insurrection and supporting the Government, I, Ichabod Goodwin, Governor of New Hampshire, command you to make proclamation, calling for volunteers from the enrolled militia of this State to the number required, and to issue from time to time all necessary orders and instructions for enrolling and holding in readiness to be mustered into service said volunteer corps, agreeable to the aforesaid requisition.

ICHABOD GOODWIN.

To the Adjutant-General N. H. Militia.

On the 8th of May the first regiment was ready, and it left Concord for the seat of war on the 25th of May.

The election for State officers had taken place on the second Tuesday of March, and the republican candidate, Nathaniel S. Berry, was elected, receiving a majority of 4,496 votes over his opponent, George Stark. The new Governor was not inaugurated till the session of the Legislature on the 5th of June. In his Message delivered the next day, he urged immediate attention to such measures as were necessary to aid the General Government in the war which was made upon it by a portion of the States, and trusted that New Hampshire would be behind none of her sister States in the appropriation of men and money for the purpose. He recommended the organization of at least one regiment for every county in the State, to be thoroughly drilled and equipped for service at the call of the Legislature.

To these recommendations the Legislature responded most cordially. During the session of thirty days, resolutions were reported declaring the war now in progress to be solely for the maintenance of the Government and the suppression of rebellion; declaring against the right of secession; asserting that neither the President nor Congress can constitutionally entertain any proposition which had for its object the dismemberment of the Government or the dissolution of the Union; and finally declaring that the State of New Hampshire pledged her resources for the integrity of the Union, the support of the Constitution, and the enforcement of the laws of the General Government. "When these resolutions were put to the vote, the members all rose and gave a unanimous aye. A militia bill was passed, authorizing the Governor to raise three regiments, to each of which he might add a company of artillery, cavalry, and riflemen. One million of dollars was also appropriated for recruiting, arming, and equipping troops for the service of the United States. Eight regiments were raised and sent forward during the year: one for three months, mustered into service on the 7th of May, 1861; which returned and was mustered out of the service on the 9th of August, 1861; and seven regiments for three years or during the war; and one battery of artillery, three companies of sharpshooters, and four companies of cavalry. The whole number of enlistments, since the first requisition by the President, was 9,197 men. The sums paid for recruiting and equipping the several regiments and companies amounted to $893,333 26.

In November, the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Chase, wrote to the Governor as follows:

Will you inform me, at the earliest practicable period, whether the authorities of New Hampshire will assume and pay the amount of direct tax apportioned to that State by the existing law; and also whether, in case of any change in the law by which a different and perhaps larger amount shall be apportioned to the State, the authorities will probably assume and par it? I am, very respectfully,

             S. P. CHASE, Sec. of the Treasury.

                Nathaniel S. Berry, Governor, &c.

To this inquiry the Governor replied as follows:

In answer, I would say that, in order that our State may avail itself of the advantages of said act, you are hereby notified and assured that it is the intention of the authorities of this State to assume and pay such direct tax into the Treasury of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of said act. And, in case of any change by which even a larger amount shall be apportioned to this State, it will probably be assumed and paid, as aforesaid.

I respectfully suggest that it may be the wish of our State, if agreeable to the Department, to allow, in the form of a just and reasonable set-off against said tax, such just debts and claims as may be due and owing from the General Government to the Treasurer of this State, lawfully created and advanced, to furnish troops, agreeably to the acts of Congress on that subject. We also with pleasure assure you that New Hampshire will, by her men and money, furnish her full proportion of the means requisite to crush out this unholy rebellion, at such times and occasions as the General Government shall demand. Very respectfully,

           NATHANIEL S. BERRY.

      To S. P. Chase, Secretary of Treasury.

The banking capital in the State is $5,131,000, which was reduced during the year by $102,000, on the part of some of the banks. There are twenty-seven savings institutions in the State, with an aggregate of assets amounting to $5,860,229; the amount due to depositors was $5,653,585, and the surplus $206,943. The State debt on the 1st of June, 1861, was $31,668, which was considerably reduced during the remainder of the year.

NEW JERSEY.  The State of New Jersey was one of the original thirteen, and is one of the Middle States. It is almost entirely surrounded by navigable waters, being separated from Pennsylvania and Delaware on the west and south by the river and bay of Delaware, and on the east having the Atlantic Ocean, Staten Island Sound, the Kills, and the Hudson River. The northeastern boundary, which separates it from New York, is a line drawn from 40° on the Hudson, to a point on the Delaware 41° 21' north latitude. The greatest length of the State, from Cape May to Carpenter's Point, is 166 miles. Its breadth varies from 40 to 75 miles, and the surface is 7,276 square miles.

The population of the State of New Jersey is, by the census of 1660, 672,024. In 1850, it was 489,319 whites, and 236 slaves. A number of legal slaves still exist in the State; but being mostly the attached servants of old families, are not regarded in the light of slaves. The progress of population in the State has been very rapid in the last ten years by accessions from New York. The soil of New Jersey is good, and, by the valuation of the census, it ranks higher than that of any other State.

The number of the electoral votes of the State is seven, and it was the only Northern vote not given entirely to Mr. Lincoln. There were cast three for Mr. Douglas.

The Governor is elected for three years. The Senate consists of twenty-one members, elected for three years; and the House of sixty, elected for one year. The Governor is Chas. S. Olden.

The city of Newark has a population of 72,000; and the census shows its annual manufactures at $23,264,313, of which $18,000,000 found a market at the South.

The people of New Jersey were apparently alive to the dangers which threatened the country through the course of events. A State Union Convention was called to meet at Trenton on the 11th of December, 1860, the same day on which the South Carolina Senators withdrew from Congress.

The following is the call for the Convention:

The undersigned respectfully invite the people of New Jersey to assemble in mass Convention  at Trenton on Tuesday, the 11th instant, at 12 o'clock, at the State House, to consider the condition of national affairs, and to concert such measures as may be deemed advisable under the present crisis of our Republic. All national men in favor of constitutional Union measures are invited to attend.

The call was signed by representatives of all the national parties in the State by thousands.

The Convention assembled on the day appointed, amidst a vast concourse of people at Trenton.

The following preamble and resolutions were adopted:

Whereas, history records that to New Jersey is due the credit of having given such instructions to her Commissioners, which met at Annapolis in 1786, to adopt measures for a more perfect union of the States, which led to the assembling of the Convention of 1787, which formed that admirable Constitution that, under the blessing of God, has conferred such inestimable benefits on the people of the United States; and whereas, New Jersey has always faithfully abided by the compacts and agreements to which she assented when she accepted and adopted the Constitution of the United States; and whereas, that Constitution was the result of generous and magnanimous concession and compromise, and New Jersey is now, as formerly, willing to make any proper concession, or give any proper additional guarantees which wisdom and patriotism may require for its promotion; and whereas, from the foregoing consideration, it is evidently proper that New Jersey should interpose, and by her conservative voice invite her sister States, as well as all extremists of all parties and sections, to pause and deliberate, and consent to make one more patriotic effort in the preservation of the Union which Washington pronounced the "palladium of our liberty;" therefore be it

Resolved, That there is imminent danger of the dissolution of the United States.

Resolved, That the cause of the present portentous crisis is the actual and threatened interference on the part of the Northern agitators with the rights and property of the people of fifteen States of this Union.

Resolved, That we see no remedy for this deplorable state of public affairs unless the North; in the most prompt and explicit manner, shall avow its determination to remove all political agitation for the abolition of slavery: shall repeal all acts designed to nullify or embarrass the faithful execution of the fugitive slave law; shall consent to the citizen of the South enjoying the services of his domestic while temporarily sojourning here on business or pleasure; and shall accord to the South all the rights of property guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws, and "the decisions of the Supreme Court in pursuance thereof.

Resolved, That it is no valid objection to the concession or compromises which we have suggested that they are compromises of political principles; for the Constitution was only made by concession and compromise of political principles, and in all its parts we trace the evidence of the mutual surrender and compromise of political principles.

Resolved, That five delegates from this Convention be appointed to confer with our sister States, and urge upon them the necessity of the measures which we have suggested as indispensable to the restoration of amity between the States and the preservation of the Union. The following extracts, from letters addressed to friends in Washington, by two among the distinguished Jerseymen who participated in the proceedings of the Convention, give an idea of the prevailing sentiment:

From, Commodore Stockton.—If the South will only give us time, we will bring the North in entire and honorable fraternity with the South. We will save the Union if they (the South) will postpone action until the spring. I have no doubt that the sentiment of the North will be practically in accord with our address.

From Samuel J. Bayard.—We had a great Convention yesterday in Trenton. A more respectable or imposing body of men for character, property, gravity, and every element of importance, never assembled in New Jersey. The public mind is becoming much alarmed in New Jersey in spite of all attempts to make light of current events.

The Legislature assembled January 8th, and the conservative feeling was strong. A spirit of conciliation and compromise, blended with anxiety for the Union and national honor, was paramount among the people of the State, and was strongly reflected in the tone of the Message of the Governor. He remarked: "Unwilling to abandon the cause, and clinging to the hope that the Committee of Congress, appointed for that purpose, will agree on measures of compromise, Page 515 we anxiously await the result. If it should appear that their views cannot be harmonized, then I earnestly recommend that (unless some more approved plan is proposed) without delay you adopt a resolution inviting all the States to appoint delegates, in such manner as can be most speedily and satisfactorily done, who shall meet and endeavor to agree upon terms by which our Union may he saved. We cannot believe it possible that such a Convention would fail to agree on terms acceptable to a majority in all sections of the country, and these terms could be presented to Congress as the united wish of the people of the States."

In accordance with this disposition, January 15th, the Committee on National Affairs in the Legislature reported joint resolutions, endorsing the Crittenden compromise, and instructing Senators, and requesting Representatives to support them in Congress, also to call upon Congress for a National Convention. The resolutions were adopted by the Legislature and laid before Congress. They were as follows:

Joint Resolutions on the state of the Union, passed by the Legislature of New Jersey.

Whereas the people of New Jersey, conforming to the opinion of "the Father of his Country," consider the unity of the Government, which constitutes the people of the United States one people, ft main pillar in the edifice of their independence, the support of their tranquillity at home and peace abroad, of their prosperity, and of that liberty which they so highly prize; and properly estimating the immense value of their national Union to their individual happiness, they cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it as the palladium of their political safety and prosperity; therefore,

1. Be it resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, That it is the duty of every food citizen, in all suitable and proper ways, to stand y and sustain the Union of the States as transmitted to us by our fathers.

2. And be it resolved. That the Government of the United States is a National Government, and the union it was designed to perfect is not a mere compact or league; and that the Constitution was adopted in a spirit of mutual compromise and concession by the people of the United States, and can only be preserved by the constant recognition of that spirit.

3. And be it resolved. That however undoubted may be the right of the General Government to maintain its authority and enforce its laws over all parts of the country, it is equally certain that forbearance and compromise are indispensable at this crisis to the perpetuity of the Union; and that it is the dictate of reason, wisdom, and patriotism, peacefully to adjust whatever differences exist between the different sections of our country.

4. And be it resolved, That the resolutions and propositions submitted to the Senate of the United States by Hon. John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, for the compromise of the question in dispute between the people of the Northern and of the Southern States, or any other constitutional method of settling the slave question permanently, will be acceptable to the people of the State of New Jersey, and the Senators and Representatives in Congress from New Jersey be requested and earnestly urged to support these resolutions and propositions.

5. And be it resolved. That as the union of these States is in imminent danger, unless the remedies before suggested be speedily adopted, then, as a last resort, the State of New Jersey hereby makes application, according to the terms of the Constitution, to the Congress of the United States, to call a Convention (of the States) to propose amendments to said Constitution.

6. And be it resolved. That such of the States as hare in force laws which interfere with the constitutional rights of citizens of the other States either in regard to their persons or property, or which militate against the just construction of that part of the Constitution that provides that the "citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States," are earnestly urged and requested, for the sake of peace and the Union, to repeal all such laws.

7. And be it resolved. That his Excellency, Charles S. Olden, Peter D. Vroom, Robert F. Stockton, Benjamin Williamson, Joseph F. Randolph, Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, Rodman M. Price, Thomas J. Stryker, and William C. Alexander, be appointed commissioners to confer with Congress and our sister States, and urge upon them the importance of carrying into effect the principles and objects of the foregoing resolutions.

8. And be it resolved. That the commissioners above named, in addition to their other powers, be authorized to meet with those now or hereafter to be appointed by our sister State of Virginia, and such commissioners of other States as have been or may hereafter be appointed, to meet at Washington on the 4th-of February next.

On the 24th of January these resolutions passed the Senate, 11 to 6. The affirmative being 10 Democrats and 1 National Union. On the 25th they passed the House, 31 to 11.

Those Republican members who supported Mr. Lincoln adopted the following preamble and resolutions:

Resolutions of the Republican members of the New Jersey Legislature, on the present state of the Union.

Whereas the Democratic majority of the Legislature of New Jersey, now in session, hare, by a strictly party rote, passed certain resolutions, indorsing the Crittenden compromise resolutions and propositions, and declaring the same to be acceptable to the people of New Jersey, and we, the friends and supporters of Lincoln and Hamlin, representing in said Legislature one-half of the people of New Jersey, totally dissent from the resolutions passed by the Democratic majority, and it is proper that the views of ourselves and our constituents should be formally made known to the whole country; therefore,

Resolved, That we adhere to the following resolutions, presented in our behalf and supported by us unanimously in our respective places in the Senate and General Assembly of New Jersey, to wit:

1. Be it resolved. That the Constitution of the United States was ordained and established, as set forth in the preamble, by the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity ; and if the people of any State in the Union are not in the full enjoyment of all the benefits intended to be secured to them by the said Constitution; if their rights under it are disregarded, their tranquillity disturbed, their prosperity retarded, or their liberties imperilled, by the people of any other State, full and adequate redress can, and ought to be, provided for such grievances through the action of Congress, and the other proper departments of the National Government.

2. And be it resolved. That while the people of New Jersey can make no concessions to, or compromise with traitors, levying war against the Government, seizing its fortresses and revenues, and firing upon its flag, yet they admire the patriotic fidelity of those true friends of the Union who are fighting an unequal battle in the Southern States, and they pledge them their cooperation in all measures needful lor their welfare, security, and happiness within the Page 516 Union and under the Constitution; that they cannot surrender their love of liberty and their cherished principles, yet they are willing, if acceptable to them, to unite in establishing a policy which shall be final and conclusive in its settlement of existing difficulties, upon the basis of the following propositions:

I. A sacred guarantee that neither Congress nor any branch of the Federal Government shall interfere in any manner with the peculiar systems of labor or domestic institutions of any of the States.

II. A prompt repression of all armed invasions of any State or Territory, and the speedy and sure punishment of all persons engaged in such lawless attempts.

III. A faithful execution of that clause of the Constitution which provides "that no person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on the claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due," and all laws passed in pursuance thereof, and the repeal of all State laws, the purpose and intent of which are to prevent their faithful execution, and also the faithful execution of those equally important clauses of the Constitution which requires that "the citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several States," that" the rights of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, una effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated," and that "no person shall be deprived of life or property, without due process of law.''

IV. An enabling act, providing that all that portion of the territory of the United States in which slavery Was not prohibited by the Missouri compromise, passed in 1820, comprising all south of the parallel of 86° SC north latitude, and now constituting the Territory of New Mexico, shall be formed into a State which shall be admitted into the Union upon an equal footing with the other States, with or without slavery as the people shall decide: Provided, That in all the territory belonging to the United States, -north of the parallel aforesaid, slavery or involuntary servitude, except for crime, shall be forever prohibited.

3. And be it resolved, That the Government of the United States is a National Government; and the Union it was designed to create is not a mere compact or league, but is indissoluble by any authority except the whole people of the United States; and the Government and the Union thus established it is the duty of every good citizen to maintain and defend at all hazards.

4. And be it resolved, That the Constitution of the United States contains all the powers necessary to the maintenance of its authority, and it is the solemn and most imperative duty of the Government to adopt and carry into effect whatever measures may be necessary to that end; and the faith and the power of New Jersey are hereby pledged to the support of such measures, in any manner and to any extent that may be required by her by the constituted authorities of the United States.

The first sentence in this preamble is hardly explicit. The Republicans had ten members in the Senate, yet only six voted against the resolution. In the House there were 24 Republicans, 13 of whom did not oppose the resolutions adopted by the Legislature; nevertheless their action would have been of a soothing character, had it not had an appearance of factions dissent from the majority of the Legislature.

On the 27th of January a joint committee was appointed to reconstruct the legislative districts in accordance with the new census.

Much of the session was passed in discussion upon railroad bills, that were respectively urged by the Camden and Amboy Railroad, and by the N. J. Railroad. Just previous to the adjournment all those desired by the former company were passed.

The Legislature having adjourned, the people waited with anxiety for the result of affairs at the South, when, on the 15th of April, they were startled by the news of the fall of Fort Sumter.

The military board immediately assembled at Trenton. On the arrival of the detailed call for troops from Washington, orders were issued to the major-generals at the head of the four military divisions of the State to raise in each division one regiment. The uniformed companies, called by law the active militia, in the several divisions, were first enrolled, and the residue filled up from the reserve militia.

The city of Trenton was quite excited. Governor Olden ordered Company A of the City Battalion to the State arsenal, under apprehensions that the arms would be taken away, although such apprehensions were utterly groundless.

Meanwhile tenders of services were made from all quarters of the State.

On the 17th of April Governor Olden issued a formal proclamation, calling for the four militia regiments, one from each division, to number 780 men each, and Ordering them to rendezvous at Trenton, the capital of the State.

The enthusiasm was now great, although many Unionists were annoyed by parties who sought to fasten unpopular suspicions on them by compelling them to make public demonstration of sentiments from which they had never wavered.

The Trenton Bank and the Mechanics' Bank, tendered loans of $25,000 each to the Governor to aid the regiments. A national salute was fired from the State arsenal in honor of the Boston troops passing through. Meetings and assemblages were common in all parts of the State.

April 20. Gen Runyon's regiment at Newark was nearly ready to move, and the Common Council of Newark voted $100,000 to provide for the families of volunteers, and $5,000 for their equipment.

Governor Olden culled an extra session of the Legislature of the State, to meet on Tuesday, April 30, at 12 o'clock noon, at the State House in Trenton, to provide means for the exigencies of the future, and manifest their patriotic devotion to the Federal Government.

Major-General Theodore Runyon was appointed commander of the New Jersey forces, and the movement of troops began. They started in 12 propellers by canal to Bordentown, thence down the Delaware to land at Annapolis. The whole brigade, armed with. Minie muskets, with its four pieces of artillery, arrived at Annapolis May 5. The 14 transports with a strong convoy, made a splendid appearance steaming in two lines down the Chesapeake.

The extra session of the Legislature convened by the Governor to prepare for the crisis, met at Trenton, April 80. All the Senators were Page 517 present, but seven members of the House were absent.

The Governor's Message was received and read. lie recommended a loan of $2,000,000 at 7 per cent., and a State tax of $100,000; also the repair of State arms, the purchase of 10,000 stand of arms, field-pieces and munitions, also the raising of four regiments for State service, to be held subject to the call of the General Government; also provision for the defence of the southern part of the State by fortified posts or an intrenched camp.

The Legislature immediately proceeded to work and, having completed their business, adjourned May 10. The bills passed were to authorize the four regiments for State service, asked for by the Governor; an act appropriating to the families of married volunteers $6 a month, and to unmarried volunteers $4 a month ; to authorize the city of Newark to borrow money to aid the families of volunteers mustered into the service of the United States; similar bills for Trenton, Jersey City, Rah way, Camden, and Bordentown; also to authorize a loan of $2,000,000 and a State tax of $100,000; (the bonds were to be of the denomination of $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000, bearing 6 per cent, interest, payable semi-annually, and exempt from taxation. They are reimbursable to the amount of $100,000 in January of each year from 1865 to 1869, and issued of the denomination and time of payment, as far as practicable, to suit the purchasers.) Bills were also passed, as requested by the Governor, authorizing the purchase of 10,000 stand of arms, artillery, and munitions of war, and equalizing the military divisions of the State.

Resolutions thanking the Governor for the energy and activity he had displayed in raising the quota of troops for the State, pledging New Jersey to use all her power to maintain the Union and Constitution, and thanking the President for the energy displayed in defence of the Union, passed the Senate by a unanimous vote, and also passed the House.

The mustering of troops, and the issuing of contracts for the supplies now proceeded with the utmost vigor.

The dulness of business, and the large pay of the soldiers stimulated patriotism, and volunteers were offered in large numbers.

Governor Olden issued a proclamation, commanding all persons holding official positions, and all citizens of the State, to be on the alert "for the detection of any violation of the laws against treason or misprision of treason, and to take measures to bring to justice any person who shall be concerned in enlisting men, or providing arms or munitions for the enemy.

There remained in the service at the close of the year eight regiments of infantry, one of riflemen, and two artillery companies, numbering 9,850 men holding their organization from the State; and two regiments, one of cavalry and one of infantry, raised independently of it. These, with those who have joined military organizations in other States, show a total of at least 17,000 Jerseymen enlisted in the cause of the Union.

The amount expended in equipping the 18 regiments furnished for the war is $665,803.81. Of this there was expended in the first requisition for four regiments of militia—three-months men—$167,817.21. On the second requisition for three regiments for the war— $170,015.40, and on the third requisition, also for three-years regiments—$318,417.20. Besides this, the State has furnished extra clothing to her men, amounting to $18,914.09—making the total $685,217.90. The amount is leas than is allowed by the Government contracts by $30,000.

NEW YORK, one of the Middle States of the Union, and the most populous, is bounded on the north by Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence and Canada East; on the east by Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut; on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; west by Pennsylvania, Lake Erie, and Niagara River. Its extreme length from east to west is about 335 miles, and' its greatest breadth from north to south about 308 miles, containing an area of 47,000 square miles. The population in 1860 was 8,838,457 whites,-49,080 free colored; total, 3,887,542. The increase in the white population during the previous ten years was 25.69 per cent. (See New American Cyclopedia.)

The situation of the State of New York in respect of the Western States, has had a great influence upon its prosperity. With the completion, in the year 1824, of the Erie Canal which opened the navigation of the lakes to tide water, a great impetus was given to the trade of the cities. The competition of the rich lands of the west with those of the river counties caused a migration to the more fertile sections of the Genesee valley and the west, and improved the aggregate wealth of the State through a greater yield for the same amount of labor bestowed. As the States that border the great western waters began to develop their resources, and pour upon the bosom of the lakes their annually increasing produce, the prosperity of New York received a new impulse, and its wealth accumulated more rapidly. The construction of the great lines of railroads, the Erie and the Central, was followed by a more rapid increase of population and of wealth. This is manifest in the taxable valuations for each county in 1846, when the through lines Page 518 began to operate, and in the present year, from the official returns, as follows: Taxable Valuation of the Stale of New York. […]

The increase in valuation is $824,922,475, or 133 per cent, more than the whole valuation in 1846; of this increase $372,000,000 is in the city of New York. The whole presents a most unexampled development of wealth. A large portion of it is due to the operation of the railroads, the business of which has greatly increased within a few years. The number of tons freight carried on the Erie and Central railroads, and on the canals, for a number of years, is as follows: […]

The increase has been large, or 30 per cent, in quantity, mostly on vegetable food, coming from other States. The freights paid to the railroads, and the tolls and freight on the canals have been as follows: […]

These figures show the amount of charge on merchandise, east and west, for transportation, and indicate the progress of business. In the last year the rise of freights consequent upon the sudden increase of produce sent east through the closing of the western rivers, added much to the cost of transportation. The great lines of through travel are marked by the most rapid growth of wealth and population. The latter has uniformly a western tendency. The natives of New York would seem to move west, and their places to some extent be supplied with immigrants. The nativities of the population of the State were reported as follows by the census of 1855:

New York State 1,925,156

New York County 297,164

Other United States. 806,423

England 102,286

Wales 8,557

Scotland 27,628

Ireland 469,753

France 18,366

Germany 218,997 Switzerland 8,493

Other European countries 40,946

Canada 47,842

Total 8,466,212

The number of votes cast in 1860 was 675,156, or an increase of 178,670 over 1856, when, as appears from the census, there were 651,000 voters in the State.

The vote of the State of New York has been generally democratic, having been as follows for several presidential elections: Year. 1844. 1843. 1852. 1850. 1860. […]

Clay 232.482 Taylor 218,551 Scott 234,382 Fillmore 124,604 Polk 237.58 Cass 114.692 Pierce 262.088 Buchanan 195.873 Douglas. 803,329 Birney 15.812 Van Buren 123.519 Hale 25,829 Fremont. 276,004 Lincoln 363,804

The result of the presidential election in 1860 was followed by the action which the Southern leaders had determined on as soon as, the sentiment of the North should have been shown by an election to be, as they conceived, abidingly hostile to the South. The Northern vote was 1,831,180 for Mr. Lincoln, and 1,564,151 for the other candidates, and secession was at once inaugurated.

The Legislature of the State of New York was convened amidst considerable alarm for the safety of the Union on the part of all, except the leaders of the Republican party, who truly declared that nothing had as yet been done inimical to the rights of the South. The overtures of the Border States for settlement were regarded by some as political tricks, and not serious efforts to avert a real danger.

The State election had resulted as follows:  Senate...Republicans, 23: Democrats, 9. The Legislature: Democrats; 35, Republicans 98.

The Governor, however, in his Message to the Legislature, which met on the 2d of January, urged the duty of all national Legislatures to act with moderation and conciliation, saying:

"Let New York set an example in this respect; let her oppose no barrier, but let her Representatives in Congress give ready support to any just and honorable settlement; let her stand in hostility to none, but extend the hand of friendship to all; live up to the strict letter of the Constitution, cordially unite with the other members of the Confederacy in proclaiming and enforcing a determination, that the Constitution shall be honored and the Union of the States be preserved." He recommended the repeal of the personal liberty bill, and also suggested that other States should repeal their similar laws.

These views of the Governor were not responded to by the members. They were , on the other hand, disposed to be defiant.

In the Assembly on the 3d January, Mr. Robinson introduced a resolution to the effect, that all the territories should be divided into two' States, and that the question of slavery should be left with the people. The Democrats, so largely in the minority in the House, held a caucus, and agreed warmly to support the resolution. The majority of the House had, however, widely different views.

On January 11 a series of resolutions was prepared and passed. There was but one negative vote in the Senate, and two in the lower House. The spirit animating them is manifested in the preamble and first resolution:

Whereas the insurgent State of South Carolina, after seizing the post-offices, custom-house, moneys, and fortifications of the Federal Government, has, by firing into a vessel ordered by the Government to convey troops and provisions to Fort Sumter, virtually declared war; and, whereas the forts and property of the United States Government in Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana have been unlawfully seized, with hostile intentions; and, whereas their Senators in Congress avow and maintain their treasonable acts; therefore—

Resolved, That the Legislature of New York is profoundly impressed with the value of the Union, and determined to preserve it unimpaired; that it greets with joy the recent firm, dignified, and patriotic special Message of the President of the United States, and that we tender him, through the Chief Magistrate of our own State whatever aid in men and money may be required to enable him to enforce the laws and uphold the authority of the Federal Government; and that, in the defence of the Union, which has conferred prosperity and happiness upon the American people, renewing the pledge given and redeemed by our fathers, we are ready to devote our fortunes, our lives, and our sacred honor. The following despatch was immediately sent; to the President:

Albany, January 11, 1861.

To His Excellency, James Buchanan, President of the United States, Washington City:

Sir: In obedience to the request of the Legislature of the State, 1 transmit herewith a copy of the concurrent resolutions of that body adopted this day, tendering the aid of the State to the President of the United States, to enable him to enforce the laws, and to uphold the authority of the Federal Government.

         I have the honor to be

       Your Excellency's obedient servant,

(Signed) EDWIN D. MORGAN.

The resolution was ordered to bo communicated to the Governors of each of the States. The defiant tone of the resolution was very unfavorable in its effects. The tender of men and money to the Administration was received with great indignation in Virginia and Georgia. The formidable nature of this tender was subsequently shown in a report of the Senate Committee on Military and Public Defence. This certainly could not have flattered the State pride, and, compared with the resolution, at the time, must have occasioned many a quiet smile. It appeared that the twenty thousand men in the State who were uniformed, well drilled, and nominally equipped, had only eight thousand muskets or rifles fit for immediate service. The remaining twelve thousand, if called into action at once, would not have been prepared to go. The State was nearly as destitute of cannon as of muskets. About one hundred and fifty field-pieces were all she could command. But New York has since vindicated her military reputation.

The alarm in the public mind was daily becoming more intense. The fact that the resolutions of the Legislature were received as defiant, induced more conciliatory action on the part of the people, and a compromising memorial received an immense number of signatures, without distinction of party, and was forwarded on January 12 to Congress. The following is an extract containing its sentiment:

We judge, that an agreed explanation of any uncertain provisions of the Constitution, a clearer definition of the powers of the Government on disputed questions, and an adaptation of it, in its original spirit, to the enlarged dimensions of the country, would satisfy all the honest differences among our countrymen.

Therefore, we pray leave to suggest, that the assurance coupled with any required guarantees, of the rights of the States to regulate, without interference from any quarter, the matter of slavery in their borders, of the rights secured by the Constitution to the delivery of fugitives, the readjustment of the laws bearing on these subjects, which are in possible conflict Page 520 with it, and some adjustment of the rights of all the States of the Union in the new territory acquired bv the blood and treasure of all, by an equitable division, in the immediate organization of it into States, with a suitable provision for the formation of new States in their limits, or otherwise, would embrace all that is claimed on any part, and could be arranged without concession of principle on any part. Your memorialists humbly pray, that such measures, either of direct legislation or of amendment of the Constitution, may be speedily adopted, as will accomplish the objects above stated—which they are assured will restore peace to their agitated country.

This memorial, carrying with it the names of the leading capitalists of the country, as well as the State, the men on whom ultimately the Government was to depend for its means and support, was forwarded to Washington by a large delegation.

Immediately following this memorial, was a call of the merchants to meet at the Chamber of Commerce on the 18th January. The meeting took place according to the call, was very largely attended, and the following memorial to Congress was almost unanimously adopted:

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in. Congress:

The memorial of the subscribers, citizens of the State of New York, respectfully showeth: That, while sharing in common with our fellow-citizens, the general solicitude at the dangers which are now threatening the peace and unity of our country, they desire to give their urgent and emphatic expression of the necessity which seems to exist for mutual conciliation and compromise, and without discussion as to the merits of the various questions at issue, believing that the perpetuity of the Union of the United States as one nation is of vastly more importance than the establishment or rejection of this or that subject of controversy, and that the people of the North will approve of the general outline of the plan of compromise agreed upon by the Senators and Representatives of the Border States:

Your memorialists humbly pray that such measures may be speedily adopted by Congress, for the settlement of our present difficulties, as will embrace substantially the plan of compromise so recommended by the Representatives of the Border States, and which, they believe, will restore tranquillity and peace to our own distracted country.

The following resolutions were then offered and unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to circulate the foregoing memorial for signatures, and to have the city, and as far as practicable, the State canvassed for that purpose.

Resolved, That a committee of our most influential citizens, irrespective of party, be appointed, with power to add to their number, to take charge of the memorial when signed, and forward or present the same at Washington, in such manner as they may deem most judicious, using their influence for the settlement of the existing national difficulties.

Resolved, That a copy of this call and the proceedings of this meeting be forwarded to each of the Senators and Representatives of this State in Congress, and also to each of the Senators and Representatives in our State Legislature.

These endeavors, added to demonstrations in other parts of the State, with those of the citizens of other States, produced many and earnest efforts at compromise at the seat of Government. Among the efforts was that of the Border States for a Peace Convention.

On the 24th January, the Governor of New York received resolutions passed by the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting such States as would "unite with her in the earnest effort to adjust the unhappy controversies, in the spirit in which the Constitution was originally formed, and consistently with its principles, so as to afford adequate guarantees to the slave States for the security of their rights, to appoint commissioners to meet hers on the 4th of the following month, in Washington, to consider and agree, if practicable, upon some suitable adjustment."

The Governor accordingly recommended the appointment of five citizens of the State, to meet those of Virginia and other States. On February 1, the Legislature, after many discussions and delays, selected commissioners to the Peace Conference, but they were required to take no part in the proceedings unless a majority of the non-slaveholding States were represented.

The Convention met February 4, at Washington, and on the 1st March agreed to a plan of compromise. (See Peace Conference.)

The news of the result of the deliberations of the Peace Conference at Washington created much excitement at Albany. Despatches were received, announcing the result, and saying that a general feeling of joy and satisfaction existed in Washington. This feeling was, however, not participated in by the Legislature at Albany, and one of the delegates, Mr. Field, was much blamed for not being present, and giving the casting vote of the delegation against the measure.

While the debates in relation to the appointment of commissioners to the Peace Convention were proceeding, an immense Union meeting was held January 28, at the Cooper Institute, New York. The speakers were among the most eminent orators of both parties, and resolutions were passed as follows:

Resolved, That the people of New York send three Commissioners to the Conventions of the people of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi; and that such commissioners be instructed to proceed immediately to such States, and to confer with the delegates of the people of said States in regard to the measures best calculated to restore the peace and integrity of this Union. And to report to the people of this city at the earliest practicable moment.

The question was loudly called for and carried unanimously. The following gentlemen were then named as Commissioners, and ratified by the unanimous cheers of the audience: James T. Brady, Cornelius K. Garrison, Appleton Oaksmith.

At nearly the same time, when all parties were striving to do something to avert the evils that were impending over the country, a call was made by the Democratic State Central Committee for a Convention, of four delegates from each Assembly, to be held at Albany on the 31st of January.

The Convention met pursuant to the call, on Page 521 the 31st of January, at 11 a. m., in Albany, and was very fully attended. The Chairman, in the course of his remarks on the objects of the meeting, said: "The people of the State demand the peaceful settlement of the questions that have led to disunion. They have a right to insist that there shall be conciliation, concession, compromise. While yet the pillars of our political temple lie scattered on the ground, let them be used to reconstruct the edifice. The popular sentiment is daily gathering strength, and will overwhelm in its progress alike those who seek to stem it on the frail plank of party platforms, and those who labor to pervert it to mere party advantage.

"If those who are intrusted with political power will not act in accordance with this pervading public sentiment, let them, at least, submit the question to a direct vote of the people. Their voice will be omnipotent here, and if it be raised in time it may be effectual elsewhere."

The meeting was addressed by the venerable ex-Chancellor Walworth, ex-Governor Seymour, A. Belmont, late U. S. Minister to the Hague, and other most noted public men of the State. The following were some of the resolutions unanimously approved:

1. Resolved, That the crisis into which the country has been thrown by the conflict of sectional passions, and which has already resulted in the declared secession of six States, and the threatened cooperation of nearly all the other States of the South with them, the seizure of Government property and of the Federal defences—the confronting of the disaffected States and of the Federal Government in the attitude and with the armament of Civil War—is of such a nature as, raising all patriotic citizens above the considerations of party, should impel them to the sacrifices by which alone these calamities may be averted or their further progress arrested.

2. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Convention, the worst and most ineffective argument that can be addressed by the Confederacy or its adhering members to the seceding States, is civil war. Civil war will not restore the Union, but will defeat, forever, its reconstruction.

3. Resolved, That we can look for the restoration of the Union, and the reinvigoration of the Constitution, only to the continuance of that spirit of conciliation and concession in which they were founded; and that there is nothing in the nature of pending difficulties which does not render it proper to adjust them by compromises such as, by the practice of our Government, have been resorted to in the settlement of disputed claims, even with foreign nations. That while our Government, believing its title to the territories in the northeastern and northwestern portions of the Union, which were given up to Great Britain, was clear and unquestionable, yet for the purpose of saving the people from the evils of war, surrendered a portion of our original territory and also a part of the Louisiana purchase, exceeding in value all the domain which the South demands, in joint occupation—having conceded thus much to a foreign nation in the interest of peace—it would be monstrous to refuse to settle claims between the people of our own land, and avert destruction from our common country by a similar compromise.

4. Resolved, That, whereas it is obvious that the dissolution of this Union can only be prevented by the adoption of a policy which shall be satisfactory to the Border States, it is our duty to support them in their patriotic efforts to adjust those controversies. And inasmuch as these questions grow out of the acquisition of territories not provided for by the Constitution; and in regard to which the people of the South believe that they are entitled to a joint occupancy, in person and property, under the Constitution and by the decision of the Courts; while on the other hand, the dominant party at the North claim that they should be excluded therefrom, it is eminently fit that we should listen to the appeals of loyal men in the Border States, to dispose of this question by one of those measures of compromise in the spirit of which the Constitution was founded, and by which all territorial .questions have from time to time been settled.

5. Resolved, That inasmuch as the political convulsions which threaten the destruction of the country, were not contemplated at the time of the last election, and their continuance will be more disastrous to the interests of our citizens, involving the ruin of our commercial and laboring classes, and possibly carrying the desolation of civil war into the homes of our citizens, we hold that it is their right to be heard in regard to the adjustment of these difficulties, (which, in our opinion, can at present best be settled by the adoption of the Crittenden proposition or some other measure acceptable to the Border States,) and that a committee of five be appointed, to prepare, in behalf of this Convention, a suitable memorial to the Legislature, urging them to submit the Crittenden compromise to a vote of the electors of the State, at the earliest practicable day.

Early in February, the delegation appointed at the merchants' meeting, January 17, proceeded to Washington, with a monster petition from New York, with 40,000 signatures, praying for a settlement of the difficulties, and in a number of ways the people manifested their earnest anxiety for peace.

The desire to avoid every semblance of irritation and ill-feeling was manifested in an extraordinary manner in several parts of the country. This was by discountenancing those persons through whose agency the Northern sentiment had acquired the appearance of a hostility to the South, incompatible with its continuance in the Union.

At Syracuse, January 30, a meeting was held in Convention Hall to denounce slavery, but was turned into a Union meeting for the support of the Constitution and the Government, expressing the opinion that by peace only the Union could be preserved, and the Abolitionists were driven from the Hall.

On the 3d of February, the Hon. Ira Harris was elected United States Senator, in place of Mr. Seward, who was appointed to the Cabinet.

On the 21st of March, the Governor received from the President an authenticated copy of the joint resolution adopted by Congress proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which, when ratified by three-fourths of the State Legislatures, should become a part of that instrument, in the following language: "No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will authorize or give to Congress the power to abolish or interfere, within any State, with the domestic institutions thereof, including that of persons held to labor or service, by the laws of said State."

This amendment, if it had been cordially adopted by three-fourths of the States, would have shown a desire to conciliate, although it was of no practical value whatever.

Inasmuch, however, as no State passed it at that time, it rather confirmed the sentiment of hostility than modified it. Public feeling was, however, in favor of some mode of compromise.

On the 22d of March the police of New York seized 88 boxes of muskets, shipped for Savannah on the steamer Monticello, in New York, and deposited them in the State arsenal in New York City. On Saturday, the 2d of February, Messrs. D. C. Hodgkins & Sons, of Macon, citizens of Georgia, produced at the Executive office satisfactory evidence that 200 of said guns belonged to them as their individual property, (the others were said to belong to Alabama,) and claimed of Governor Brown the protection of the State, of which they were citizens, against the seizure. The Governor immediately wrote to Governor Morgan, and telegraphed the letter, demanding the immediate delivery of the guns thus seized to G. B. Lamar, of New York, whom he named as his agent to receive them. The Governor waited till the following Monday evening, and still received no reply to his demand. He then telegraphed the operator of the line at Albany, New York, to know whether his despatch to Governor Morgan had been received and delivered to him. The operator replied that it had. Governor Brown then waited till half-past nine o'clock Tuesday night, and still received no response from Governor Morgan.

He then determined upon reprisals, and therefore issued to Colonel Jackson the following order, directing the seizure of the vessels named:

Executive Department,;

MILLEDVILLE, Ga., February 9. 9 ½ P. M. 

I have demanded of the Governor of New York the prompt delivery to my agent, for D. C. Hodgkins & Sons, citizens of this State, of their guns, seized by the police of New York, on board the Monticello, and deposited in the arsenal of that State. The demand has been delivered to him. He has had a reasonable time and has made no reply. I am determined to protect the persons and property of the citizens of this State against all such lawless violence.at all hazards. In doing so I will, if necessary, meet force by force. I feel it my duty in this case to order a reprisal. You will therefore direct Colonel Lawton to order out sufficient military force and seize and hold, subject to my order, every ship now in the harbor of Savannah, belonging to citizens of New York. When the property of which our citizens have been robbed is returned to them, then the ships will be delivered to the citizens of New York, who own them.

JOSEPH E. BROWN.

Colonel H. K. Jackson, Aide-de-Camp, Savannah, Go.

In obedience to this order there were seized the barks Adjuster and D. Colden Murray; brigs W. R. Kibby and Golden Lead, and schooner Julia A. Hallock.

A reply, sent by Governor Morgan, was received by Governor Brown after the seizure of the vessels. Meantime the owners of the ships seized made application to Governor Morgan for redress. He replied as follows:

State of New York, Executive Department, 

Albany, February 9, 1861. 

Gentlemen: I received, this morning, a telegraphic despatch from you, stating that your "barque Adjuster had been seized in Savannah by order of the Government of Georgia, on account of arms detained in New York," and asking to be informed "how to proceed, under the circumstances, in order to avoid loss and detention." In answer to your inquiry, I can only say that your remedy is through the United States Courts, or, if you so elect, through the Courts of the State of Georgia, within whose limits the offence of which you complain, is stated to have been committed. In a case of this kind the executive authority of New York can render you no assistance, for the obvious reason that no law of this State has been infringed; and because the wrong was not perpetrated within its jurisdiction. If, as you state, officials or citizens of Georgia have detained your vessels as a measure of retaliation for the alleged seizure of certain arms by the officers of the police of New York, the tribunals of that State, or of the United States, it must be presumed, will determine the acts as entirely unjustifiable, and will afford you ample redress for any loss by detention or otherwise which you may suffer. If your vessel is delayed for any other reason than that suspected by you, it is but fair to assume that the Courts of Savannah will examine into the facts with that impartiality which should characterize all judicial proceedings. It is but proper to add that if the detention of the Adjuster is the deliberate act of the constituted authorities of Georgia, it is equally unjustifiable, and there can be no doubt that, at no distant day, the Federal authorities will obtain full reparation for you for any damages you mar sustain; if not, then the General Government itself, which owes you protection in return for your allegiance, is thereby under the fullest obligation to indemnify you. Very respectfully yours,

E. D. MORGAN.

Messrs. Finch & Meidche, New York.

On the same day, however, the following despatch was sent: New York, February 9,1861.

To his Excellency, Governor Brown: The arms have been put at the command of the owners here; please release all vessels.

G. B. LAMAR. Upon the receipt of the above despatch the Governor immediately issued the following order to Colonel Jackson:

Executive Department,

Milledgeville, February 9, 9 p. m. 

I have just received a despatch from G. B. Lamar, my agent in New York, stating that the arms have been put at the commands of the owners. The object fur which the seizure was made having been accomplished, and the rights of the citizens of this State laving been vindicated, you will order the vessels seized to be immediately released.

JOSEPH E. BROWN.

To Colonel Henry R. Jackson, Savannah, Ga. Governor Brown then returned to Mr. Lamar, at New York, the following despatch:

Executive Department,  Milledgeville, February 9, 9 P. M.

The object of the seizure having been accomplished, and the rights of our citizens having been vindicated, I have ordered the release of the vessels.

JOSEPH E. BROWN.

To G. B. Lamar, New York.

The crisis was now at hand. The new Administration at Washington had been five weeks in power, and had made no movement. The congressional elections of Connecticut and Rhode Island had taken place on the 1st of April, and the Democrats had gained four members. The elections elsewhere were giving indications of reaction. The garrison at Fort Sumter was nearly exhausted of supplies, and a surrender, until the national affairs should be adjusted, or forcible reinforcement Page 523  could no longer be deferred. An armament left New York early in April, and the crisis came on the 15th.

On the fall of Fort Sumter the Governor received the proclamation of the President, calling for 75,000 militia. The quota of New York was 18,000. He immediately communicated it to the Legislature, and in a few hours an act was passed, which conferred large powers on the Governor, and authorized the enrolment of 30,000 men, for two years instead of three months, and appropriated $3,000,000.

The Governor issued a proclamation for the troops to rendezvous at Elmira and New York City. One of the board of officers went to Washington, and obtained the acceptance of the surplus 21 regiments, and marching orders were sent on the 16th to the regiments in New York to proceed to Washington. Largo contracts were immediately made for supplies.

April 24, an agent of the State left for Europe with a letter of credit for $500,000, with which to purchase arms. 19,000 Enfield rifles were landed in New York at a cost of $375,000. On the 25th of May the authorized 30,000 men had been raised, and by the 12th of July they had been organized into 38 regiments, officered, and despatched to the seat of war.

Orders and rules were immediately issued, placing under the control of the military board of the State the regimental and field-officers, and parts of regiments were thereby consolidated, or transferred to complete the commands of officers by whom they had not been raised.

There were accepted, in addition, from the Union Defence Committee in New York, 10 regiments. By the 1st of July, the New York troops in the field numbered as follows:

Three-months Militia 8,300

Three-years Militia 3,400

Two-years Volunteers 30,000

Three-years Volunteers 6,000

Total Now York troops 46,700

The battle of Bull Run gave a new impetus to the demand for troops, and the Governor, without additional authority from the Legislature, which was not in session, issued a proclamation for 25,000 three-years troops. The Federal Government was to supply the money necessary to raise and equip them. October 1, the quota of the State was raised to 100,000, and November 6 to 120,000 men. September 7, there was paid by the State Paymaster. General Van Buren, to 40 regiments, $287,490.63 for services between the mustering of the regiments into the State service and their transfer to that of the United States.

It is due to the State of New York, and also to the city of New York, to say there was no relaxation in their efforts to meet the necessities of the Government. The civil authorities, private associations, and individuals were as ready and prompt in their measures at the close of the year as when the war commenced. The drain upon their resources for men and money had apparently made no diminution.

The aggregate number of volunteers furnished up to January 1, 1862.

Total. 9 batteries 4 battalions 112 regiments total strength 120,361

The following is a statement of the ordnance and small-arms in the hands of the troops, and in the arsenals of the State, on the 1st day of January, 1862: […]

Of the New York troops who entered the Arid, there were killed in battle up to January, 1862.. 270 D'crt from natural causes 350 Made prisoners of war WB Honorably discharged 2,700 Discharged by error in United States muster 1,600 Discharge by court-martial M0 Absent without leave, and desertions 3,300 Unaccounted for W0 Discharged by expiration of three of service (three months militia) 7,344

In the field December 31,1861 89,034

If there be added to the latter the volunteers Page 524 still in the State, an available force of 103,307 is shown.

It was estimated that, in addition to the foregoing aggregate, at least 2,500 men were drawn from New York and mustered into organizations not enumerated above.

This force was scattered over nine States, in 43 different brigades, and under 12 generals of division.

The New York troops have taken part in every engagement on land during the year, east of the Alleghanies and south of Washington. They have enriched the soil of six States with their blood.

To aid the immense work of organizing and forwarding the troops, General Wool moved his head-quarters, April 21, from Troy to the Astor House. On the 28th of April he was peremptorily ordered back to Troy, on the singular plea of his infirmities, although he held official command at Fortress Monroe long afterwards.

May 8, General J. A. Dix was appointed major-general, and May 15 James S. Wadsworth, of Genesee, was appointed major-general—a gentleman of large wealth, great public spirit and energy, but without military experience. He had been, in July, 1860, tendered the nomination as Governor of New York, but declined in favor of Governor Morgan, and he was made one of the two major-generals of New York.

At the close of the year it became apparent, that, although all the States had been very active in mustering troops into the service of the Government, the means of payment must come from New York. In making requisitions for the men, the calls were necessarily proportioned to the population or number of fighting men in each State. In this number are comprised all between the ages of 18 and 45. The census compiled at Washington furnished the number of the people, and also the number of those of the military age. If the whole is compared with the number in service reported by the Secretary of War, the result is as follows: population 18—45 In Arms. New York 3.887,542 706.344 113,027 Other States north 15,435,138 3,033,656 527,610 Total 19,322,080 3,800,000 640,637

This levy is a very large one, no less than every sixth able-bodied man. The mustering of men was, however, but a small part of the undertaking, since it is very evident, where the population is composed in great numbers of mechanics and manufacturers, who are thrown out of employment by the fact of war, that to employ these is a great advantage, and no real hardship beyond the cost of blood. Tito pay in the army, $13 per month, in addition to the allowance to families, and other provisions by States, towns, and counties, was such as to make it a change for the better in a pecuniary sense for a considerable number of the men. In some cases, the pay over rations amounted to more than $20 per month. It is evident, that where a State has a large number of men in the field, drawing pay from the Federal Government, which pay is remitted to the families and friends, that it becomes a source of wealth, although not so beneficial as when those persons are actually producing wealth at home. The great question was the means of payment. Who was to advance the money to pay all these troops? these $2,000,000 per day estimated by the department? At the close of the year the Secretary reported that he had borrowed in the course of the year: Loans $200,000,000 Advanced by New York 210,000,000

Without this advance of the capitalists of New York, there had been no movements of troops or purchase of arms. The perils of the operation were well appreciated. Foreign capitalists withdrew their confidence on the ground that the future payment of the debt was doubtful. If, said they, the Union is dissolved, who is to pay? If it is restored, will the ten millions southern and the eight millions western farmers vote to tax themselves and their children forever to repay this money to certain capitalists?

Boston reduced the quota of its advance from 80 to 20 per cent. New York had no doubts or hesitation. Its devotion was superior to all, and it took not only its own, but that which Boston had rejected.

On the 14th of October, the nation was startled and surprised at the receipt of a circular from the Secretary of State, advising the placing of New York in a state of defence against foreign enemies. Governor Morgan immediately responded, and was referred to the Chief of Engineers, with whom a correspondence on the subject was opened.

In October, the Bark Helen Augusta sailed from New York for Hayti with 113 black emigrants, of whom one half had been born in the States. Their object was to become cotton cultivators there.

 The Fall elections of the State of New York presented no very animated feeling. The one absorbing sentiment of the public was in relation to the war, in the prosecution of which there was no division of opinion. But the public displeasure was manifest against the most demonstrative of those who opposed all settlement.

The vote for State officers was as follows in November, 1861: State Officers […]

NEW YORK CITY. The city of New York, which mainly through its geographical position has become trite metropolis of the country, has risen to be the first city of the New World, and has developed a growth more rapid than even Page 525 the marvellous increase of the whole nation. The population of the city proper has quadrupled in thirty years, and in so doing has spread northerly upon Manhattan Island. The POPULATION OF NEW YORK CITY. numbers in each ward, by the National census for each decade, and by the State census for each five intermediate years, have been as follows: The following table gives the population of the city embracing Brooklyn, as compared with the numbers of the whole white population of the Union during the present century, from official returns: […]

The influence of railroads has been to cause the extension of dwellings very rapidly into the surrounding counties during the past ten years; hence great numbers who are daily engaged in business in New York, and form part of its commercial activity, are carried to their homes within a circle of thirty miles' radius, and are, consequently, not numbered in the city population. Nevertheless, the proportion that does reside in the city has been carried up from one-seventieth of all the white population in the Union to one-twenty-fifth in 1860. This increase of population is an index to the great increase of wealth in the city, which, according to the official returns for 1860, holds the following proportion to the whole wealth of the country and State: Ratio or Assessments.  […]Total. $37,006,756,555

The proportion of wealth in the city is thus larger than the proportion of population, which has undergone so great an increase in the last ten years.

The progress of the wealth and population of the city up to 1830 was such as to make it evident, with the large command of business which the city possessed, and the abundant supplies of water, fuel, and food which were cheaply brought to it, that it must soon occupy the whole of the island.

The dwellings of the population spread towards the upper wards, while the lower were more devoted to business purposes. What were formerly the aristocratic resting places of the Knickerbockers, have become occupied by substantial warehouses, and the farms and country seats of these old residents have become sites for blocks of palaces, the centres of fashion and display. By this process, the owners of moderate farms became the* landed millionaires of the city. This evident tendency promoted attention to "up-town" lots, and in 1830 there commenced that season of real estate speculation Page 526 which carried property in the upper part of the island to exorbitant prices in 1836. The reaction then commenced, and the year 1843 gave the lowest point for real estate values. The general business of the city then began to recover, and the course was upwards with a steady progress. The foreign famine of 1847-48 gave a great impulse to business, and was followed by a large immigration and the successive opening of railroads, each adding to the commerce, which new lines of steamboats still further helped to concentrate in New York. With the growth of business the population overflowed into Brooklyn, Williamsburgh, New Jersey, and the river counties. By this operation, the value of personal property in the city was checked, since persons living out of its limits were not easily reached. The gold discoveries gave a new impulse to business, and the Crystal Palace of 1858 also lent its aid; while, in the same year, the introduction of railroads in the streets at once, as it were, gave the means of spreading up town, and the upper part of the island was rapidly peopled. The Central Park added to the attraction in that direction. The dwellings of the wealthy portion of the population have migrated as regularly as the means of doing so have been extended. Thirty years ago only 11,000 persons were to be found above Fourteenth street, and the real estate valuation above that line was but $3,664,980. If we now divide the island into three districts, viz.: below Canal street; between Canal and Fourteenth street  and above Fourteenth street, and take the population and valuation of each district, we have results as follows for many periods: […]

With the year 1836, as above stated, the values of real estate culminated, and then declined over the whole island to 1843. From that time improvement again was manifest. The immigration from abroad rapidly increased, filling the up-town wards. In the five years ending with 1855 a remarkable change took place in the population. Below Fourteenth street, and above Canal, there was a reduction of 31,458 in the population, which, facilitated by the railroads, went up town. Below Canal street there was a reduction of 13,000, attracted to Brooklyn, Staten Island, New Jersey, and other neighboring localities. In the five years up to 1860, in which immigration continued large, the numbers have again increased in all the sections, but mostly above Fourteenth street. The railroads have continued the facilities for cheap and prompt transportation, as well in the city as in Brooklyn. The number of passengers carried on these roads was as follows: […]

Thus there were in round numbers 25,000,000 people conveyed to and from their business in New York by the railroads in 1861, in addition to the transportation by the omnibuses. These large numbers of the people have not yet covered half the area of the island. The official reports give the following. (See table A.) The construction of the Central Park, magnificent ornament as it is to the city, took from the supply of house-lots a space equal to the occupation of 72,000 persons, according to the density of the population between Canal and Fourteenth streets. The density of that section in a belt crossing the island from North to East rivers, has been largely increased, and tenement houses there abound, some on improved plans, by which all "the modern improvements" are supplied to the occupants of rooms on reasonable terms. A late report of the Sanitary Association gives the following facts in relation to the occupancy of houses: • "Three years since, (1857,) the number of buildings of all descriptions in this city was some 53,000. The city is divided into twenty-two wards. In 1856, nineteen of these wards contained a population of 536,027 inhabitants, divided into 112,833 families, averaging a little less than five souls iu each family. For the accommodation of these 112,833 families, residing in nineteen wards, there were 86,088 dwellings, averaging about three and one-half families occupying an entire house. There are but 12,717 of these families occupying an entire house; 7,148 of these dwellings contain two families; 4,600 contain each three families. Thus while 24,465 of these dwellings shelter but 86,213 Page 527

A. Table showing the number of Lott improved and unimproved in the deferent Wards, daring the years 1860 and 1861. […]

families, the remaining 13,623 houses have to cover 76,020 families, averaging nearly six families to each house, showing that about three-fourths of the whole population of New York live, averaging but a fraction less than six families iu a house, while only about one family in ten occupy a whole house. The following table will show how the families are apportioned to these dwellings:" […]

There are many single blocks of dwellings containing twice the number of families residing on the whole of Fifth Avenue, or than a continuous row of dwellings similar to those on the Fifth Avenue three or four miles in length. There is a multitude of these squares, any of which contains a larger population than the whole city of Hartford, Conn., which covers an area of seven miles.

There are in Brooklyn 4,483 houses, which, according to the report of the Superintendent of the Police, have from three to one hundred persons each.

The increase of the population of the city in the last ten years, and the rise which has simultaneously taken place in the value of the land, combined with the influx of foreigners who were, to some extent, accustomed to the crowded condition of foreign cities, led to the construction of the tenement houses on more extended scales. The more so, that it was found that capital so invested paid enormously. In many cases not less than 35 per cent. Some idea of the magnitude of these dwellings may be gathered from one, which is 50 feet front by 250 feet deep. It has an alley running the whole depth on each side of it. These alleyways are excavated to the depth of the cellars, arched over, and covered with flag stoops, in which, at intervals, are open gratings to give light below; the whole length of which space is occupied by water-closets, without doors, and under which are open drains communicating with the street sewer.

This building is occupied mostly by foreigners. It is calculated for 126 families, each having a room in which they cook, eat, sleep, and sit. The only ventilation is by a window which opens against a dead wall eight feet distant, and to which rises the vapor from the vault below. Such buildings are, many of them, provided with gas and water, and they vary in the degree of ventilation and sanitary regulation. The importance they occupy in this metropolis is manifest in the fact, that the population of the city of Now York was, in 1861, 810,000; of which one-half lived in tenement houses.

The whole number of dwellings of all descriptions in the city is 55,000, which includes stores, churches, &c. In 18C0, the population was 805,000, or 161,000 families. Of these, 15,000 only occupy entire houses; 9,120 dwellings contain two families; and 6,100 contain three families. Thus 30,200 dwellings contain 71,540 families.

The supervision of the police has gone a great way towards improving the condition of these houses, and consequently the health of the people.

The number of aliens is large, and it is this population that swells so largely the number of occupants of tenement houses, particularly in the Tenth, Eleventh, and Seventeenth wards. It is not to be inferred, however, that it is poverty only that causes such dense settlement, since a spirit of economy and frugality manifests itself among these people, which forbids too much expenditure for the high rents charged in the city or for much riding on railroads. The rapid increase of the population in the city not only caused a progressive rise in the value of laud, hut also raised rents through the demand that existed for houses, requiring large capital to be invested in them; and also through the increase of taxes, which have nearly doubled every five years, and have fallen mostly upon real property, to be repaid in rents. That large class of population, therefore, which is engaged in manufacturing operations, and which can spare the time less than the money, requisite to go long distances between their homes and their occupations, necessarily diminish their rents by occupying less room. The economy in this respect adds to their comforts in others.

Page 528 The evidence of this is found in the savings banks, the deposits in which have shown such marvellous increase.

The savings in these institutions underwent a rapid increase—in the aggregate, twenty millions in four years. The return for 1858 does not, however, show an increase; neither does it show a reduction. The fact that no increase of deposits is apparent, is due to the panic of 1857, which threw such large numbers out of employ in the winter of 1857-58, and compelled them to resort to their savings for support. The war in 1861 was still more disastrous. In New York and Brooklyn more than one-fourth of the whole population are depositors in the savings banks, being nearly half the adult population. The terrible effects of the war are manifest in the operations of the banks of New York State for the year 1861: […]

Thus there were nearly 7 ½  millions less added to the savings, and $5,369,659 more drawn upon for necessities. This reduction appears to have taken place in the first half of the year to a greater extent than subsequently, since up to July the deposits declined $2,267,353. It was inferred that the deposits were withdrawn to invest in Government securities. But inasmuch as the Government had not issued its small denominations of notes until after the deposits had been withdrawn, that reason is not very tenable. It is probable, however, that in the eagerness with which the people of New York responded to the call of the President for troops, much was withdrawn from the savings banks to aid their departure. The seven largest of the city institutions reduced their deposits $4,137,077; some of the smaller ones, and those of the interior towns, increased their deposits. There suit, however, shows how fearfully the war has told upon the producing classes of the metropolis, even in its first year, and before the taxes which the expenditure makes necessary fall upon the real estate and consumable articles, to swell their expenses while it destroys their incomes. By this double process those large saving accumulations may gradually melt before the exigencies of the Government. The aggregate property of the city, and the rate of taxation for a series of years, are represented in the following table:

[…]

The progress of taxation is large. In 1826 it was $2} per head; in 18-16, $6 per head; in 1856, $10i per head; in 1861, $13 per head. On the other hand, the value of property per head has not increased. It was $700 average in 1827, and is about the same now. The taxes imposed for the year 1861 were not, however, all for city purposes, but were composed as follows: […]

Page 529

[…]

Over the State tax—$2,108,635 32—the local authorities have no control whatever, although the quota of State tax imposed upon the city has increased during the past ten years from $160,000 to more than $2,000,000. It is alleged, however, that great injustice is done to the city of New York by the system which prevails of undervaluing property in the agricultural districts of the State, by means of which a disproportionate burden is thrown upon the large cities; and through the exaction of large sums of money yearly from the city for the benefit of the schools of the interior of the State, in view of the fact that $1,300,000 are annually required for the public schools of the city.

County Tax — $2,675,059. — The principal item of expenditure for county purposes is that for the Metropolitan Police, amounting to about $1,700,000.

City Tax—$6,297,230.—It has been customary for the Board of Supervisors to levy such amounts for the use of the corporation of the city as is suggested by the Common Council, and sanctioned and directed by the Legislature of the State. Of the amount, $1,000,000 is for salaries, and $1,012,000 for interest on the debt; $1,300,000 for schools.

The war taxes are still to come, and under the direct tax law will be nearly $1,500,000 for New York City. Inasmuch as the population of the city is one-twentieth of that of the Northern States, it must pay that proportion of the proceeds of the new tax bills, which are estimated to give $160,000,000, which will give a proportion of $8,000,000 per annum for New York, or, with the local taxes, $19,400,000, being nearly $20 per head. The debt of the city is as follows: […]

In the past year the city contracted two loans for war purposes. When the fall of Fort Sumter startled the North and aroused it to action, previous to the resolutions of the great meeting at Union Square, the Common Council, April 22, passed an ordinance, entitled, "An ordinance making an appropriation in aid of the defence of the National Union, and authorizing the borrowing of money for that purpose," approved April 26, 1861, in pursuance of which the "Union Defence Fund Bonds," $1,000,000, payable May 1, 1862, were issued. Subsequently, and in order to aid the families of volunteers, a loan of $500,000 was made, payable July 1, 1862.

The population of the city of New York, which numbers one-twentieth of the whole population of the free States, has politically been largely democratic. This is expressed in its vote for presidential electors in a series of periods: Whigs Democrats. Republicans. 1840 Harrison, 20.958 V. Buren, 21.9S. Birney, 1844 Clay, 26.885 Polk, S3.296I" 1848 Taylor, 29.056 Cass, 19.198 V. Buren, 1S52 Scott 23.115 Pierce, 84.22 Hale, 1856 Fillmore, 19,922 Buchanan, 41.9181 Fremont, 1860 Douglas, 62,293,Lincoln, Total votes, 119.4301 207.8111 ins 11T 5.160 500 17.771 33,290 57.008

The election of General Taylor, a Mexican soldier and Southern slaveholder, was less a party vote than a tribute to a military hero, and ho was nominated not as representing any of the old principles which had so long divided the great parties of the country, but on the mere ground of availability. So little then remained of old party animosities against persons, since the principles contended for had been settled, that the possible nomination of Clay by the Democrats was much discussed. The nomination of Mr. Cass, however, led t6 the separation of the Free Soil element, which had lain dormant since the Missouri Compromise, as a means of defeating Mr. Cass by dividing the vote of New York. The plan was successful, although the city of New York lent but little support to the movement. The example, however, was not lost upon parties, and the question then inaugurated became the basis of a new party.

The great city of New York, the centre of all the financial and commercial operations of the country; the point to which produce tends for sale directly, or if exported from other ports, to which the bills drawn against it come for negotiation; the great reservoir to which capital from every point comes for employment, and to which all securities, public and private, tend for negotiation; the fountain of capital which pours its vivifying stream into every and the remotest sections, animating industry, facilitating production, and cheapening transportation; which counts in every town and hamlet its debtors, and which is the agent, so to speak, of the national commerce in its foreign transactions, was preeminently conservative in its views, and patriotic in its sentiments. This great national heart throbbed with the utmost solicitude for the general welfare. It marked with earnest solicitude the gathering clouds which lowered over the political future; earnestly and actively urged compromise by every honorable means, which should allay surging passions, and restore the bonds of union while yet union was possible. When, however, the smoke of war enveloped the National flag, and the seat of Government resounded with the clang of arms, New York, holding the purse strings, without which no great movement can be undertaken, came forward promptly to save the Government from a fall.

The idea that the gathering difficulties were only a political threat, was by many circulated. On the 22d December a meeting in the city was addressed by Mr. Seward, Secretary of State, in which he remarked:

I need not say to you that I do not think it (secession of South Carolina) is likely to be followed by many other States on this continent, or to be persevered in long, because it is manifestly very much inferior to the system that already exists. The State of South Carolina desires to go out. Just at this moment I am going back to Washington for the purpose of admitting the State of Kansas in; and I venture to say that for every State on this continent that will go out of the Union, there stand already waiting at least two States that will be glad to come in, and take their place.

Let South Carolina, let Alabama, let Louisiana—let any other State go out, and while they are rushing out you will see Canada and all the Mexican States rushing in to till up the vacuum. It is the wisdom discovered by our fathers which is all concentrated in these three words of such pregnant meaning—E Pluribus Unum.

They do not humbug me with their secession; and I do not think they will humbug you. And I do not believe that, if they do not humbug you and me, they will much longer succeed in humbugging themselves. Now, fellow-citizens, this is the ultimate result of all this business. These States are always to be together—always shall. Talk of striking down a star from that constellation. It is a thing which cannot be done. I do not see any less stars to-day than I did a week ago, and I expect to see more all the while. The question then is, what in these times— when people are laboring under the delusion that they are going out of the Union, and going to set up fur themselves—ought we to do in order to hold them in. I do not know any better rule than the rule which every good father of a family observes. It is this: If a man wishes not to keep his family together, it is the easiest thing in the world to place them apart.

If we keep entirely cool, and entirely calm, and entirely kind, a debate will ensue which will be kindly in itself, and it will prove very soon either that we are wrong—and we shall concede to our offended brethren —or else that we are right, and they will acquiesce, and come back into fraternal relations with us.

I believe that secession was stronger on the night of the 6th of November last, when a President and Vice-president, who were unacceptable to the Slave States were elected, than it is now. That is now some fifty days since, and I believe that every day's sun which set since that time, has set on mollified passions and prejudices, and that if you will only give it time, sixty days' more suns will give you a much brighter and more cheerful atmosphere.

During the session of Congress which closed March 4, while State after State of the South was withdrawing its members from Congress and seceding from the Government, citizens of New York were exerting themselves to procure, through the aid of the Border States still represented, some plan of compromise which night be at least satisfactory to those States, thereby retaining them in the Union, and through their affinity with the extreme South ultimately bringing all again together in harmony and renewed national prosperity. The New York capitalists and merchants were particularly active. Monster petitions for the several plans of compromise proposed in Congress were opened, and circulated among all classes. These were forwarded in great numbers to "Washington, but without any effect on Congress. New York then foresaw and calmly awaited the coming storm, the burden of which was to fall upon her shoulders.

The States of the South continued to secede. The property of the Federal Government was seized, armies wore mustering at the South; a new Government forming, and every sign of approaching dissolution was manifest. Mr. Stanton, of Ohio, offered in the House a bill, granting the necessary powers for the Executive to use force in maintaining the authority of the Government; even this was not passed, and the Congress finally came to an end. The new President was inaugurated. No one could understand if coercion was to be used or not. But on the 1st of April, while the Government was making appeals to New York for money, an expedition was there fitted out to supply Fort Sumter peaceably or by force. The response to that expedition was the thunder of those guns which roused the North, and made plain the future. The reverberation had not died away, when the voice of the President in his proclamation was heard calling for 76,000 men to be sent "to recover and re-possess the property." The appeal went home to the heart of the people, and that New York which had so long striven against this policy, now threw itself upon the altar of the country, and offered up its vast wealth to sustain the Government.

The proclamation of the President and the news of the fall of Fort Sumter reached the city on the 15th of April, causing an intense excitement. All shades of opinion seemed to vanish before the ono great fact that the country was Page 531 in danger and must be saved. Citizens of all classes breathed but one spirit of patriotism, and the Mayor of the city issued the following:

Mayor's Office, New York, April 15,1861.

To the People of the City of New York: As Chief Magistrate, representing the whole people, I feel compelled at this crisis to call upon them to avoid excitement and turbulence. Whatever may be or may hare been individual positions or opinions on questions of public policy, let us remember that our country now trembles upon the brink of a precipice, and that it requires a patriotic and honest effort to prevent its final destruction. Let us ignore the past, rising superior to partisan considerations, and rally to the restoration of the Constitution and the Union, as they existed in the days and in the spirit of our fathers. Whether this is to be accomplished by fratricidal warfare, or by concession, conciliation, and sacrifice, men may differ; but all will admit that here at least harmony and peace should prevail. Thus may we, under the guidance of Divine Providence, set an example of peace and good will throughout our extended country. In this spirit and with this view, I call upon the people of New York, irrespective of all other considerations or prejudices, to unite in obedience to the laws, in support of the public peace, in the preservation of order, and in the protection of property.

FERNANDO WOOD, Mayor.

The allusions in this proclamation to mob violence were in consequence of persons seizing the moment of excitement to incite the mob to make many newspapers show the Union flag. All citizens were now decorated with the national emblem in every variety of form, while from store, dwelling, church, and public buildings, signs, and lamp posts fluttered the Stars and Stripes in every variety of form and in the greatest profusion.

Instantly the military were in motion; every drill room and armory was alive with active officers calling for and enrolling men. On the 16th several regiments wore already partly equipped. The 1st National Guard, Colonel Allen, the 7tli Regiment, 79th Highlanders, the 71st, the Fire Zouaves of Ellsworth, the 70th, the 55th, the 12th, and others were rapidly organizing to march. On the 17th the 6th Massachusetts, Colonel E. J. Jones, arrived in New York on its way to Washington, and met the most enthusiastic reception. It made a triumphal march through the city on the 17th of April.

The intelligence that the favorite New York regiment, the 7th, would leave for Washington on the 19th, created an immense excitement. Although it was announced that the departure would not be before 3 p. m., the streets were thronged at an early hour of that day. Lafayette Place, where the regiment was to form previous to marching, was very attractively dressed —a huge flag being displayed from the Astor Library, with many others from private buildings. The aspect of Broadway was very gay. The Stars and Stripes were floating everywhere, from the costliest silk, 20, 30, 40 feet in length, down to the homelier bunting, and the few inches of painted calico. But the gayest and, in this respect, the most remarkable thoroughfare was Cortlandt street, which showed a gathering of flags, a perfect army of them. They were not, in that comparatively brief space, from Broadway to the Jersey City Ferry, to be numbered by dozens or by scores: every building seemed like "Captains of Fifties," flag over flag waving. From every window, from the first floor to the roof, from every doorway, they waved responsive to the fluttering banners that were held in every hand.

Through this gay and expectant throng marched the 8th Massachusetts, Colonel Timothy Monroe, accompanied by General B. F. Butler, who had been the Breckinridge candidate for Governor at the election in November, and was now leading the Massachusetts troops. The regiment was presented with colors on the way. This, which would have been an absorbing ceremony at another time, merely filled a portion of the time until the 7th came.

They formed in Lafayette Place about 4 p. m., in the presence of an immense crowd, each window of each building being filled with applauders. Before moving, the excitement of the crowd was made wild by the news of the attack upon the 6th Massachusetts in Baltimore, and there were served out to the 7th forty-eight rounds of ball-cartridge. Once in line, they proceeded through Fourth street to Broadway, down that great thoroughfare to Cortlandt street, and across the ferry, in boats provided for the purpose, to Jersey City. The line of march was a perfect ovation. Thousands upon thousands stood on the sidewalks. The regiment was escorted by a band of Zouaves, who volunteered for the occasion. Their gay uniform and peculiar step revived the excitement that had begun somewhat to droop among the crowd that had waited for hours, as the regiment did not reach the Park till half-past five. After the Zouaves came a strong body of police, and after the police the regiment. The officers were Colonel M. Lefferts, Lieut.-Colonel W. A. Pond, Major A. Shaler.

The public bodies at once began to adopt measures to supply and move the troops. An immense mass meeting, without distinction of party, was called for, April 20, in Union Square. It proved one of the largest and most enthusiastic ever held. It was addressed by J. A. Dix, Secretary of the Treasury under Mr. Buchanan, D. S. Dickinson, Senator Baker of Oregon, Robert J. Walker, formerly Secretary of the Treasury, Mayor Wood, Ex-Governor Hunt, James T. Brady, John Cochrane, Hiram Ketchum, D. S. Coddington, Esq., and a number of Irish and German citizens, all breathing the one unanimous sentiment of ignoring the political opinions of the past, and standing by the Government with their whole heart, regardless of who might administer it for the time. The fortunes and lives of the citizens were pledged to that end.

A meeting of the merchants of New York city was held at the Chamber of Commerce, April 19th. The proceedings were characterized by the utmost harmony and unanimity.

Resolutions upholding the Federal Government, and urging a strict blockade of all ports in the secession States, were unanimously adopted. It being announced that several of the regiments needed assistance to enable them to leave—on motion, a committee was appointed to receive donations, and in ten minutes the subscription had reached over $21,000. What was still more important was the appointment of a large committee of the most influential capitalists, to use their exertions to secure an immediate taking of the $9,000,000 remaining of the Government loan.

On Monday, April 22, the Mayor of (he city of New York recommended, and the Board of Aldermen voted, $1,000,000 to aid in the defence of the Government.

At a meeting of the whole Now York Bar on the same afternoon, the announcement was received with enthusiastic cheers, and the Bar raised $25,000 on the spot.

Each day now presented its military pageant. The city appropriated the Park to the erection of extensive barracks for the entertainment of the troops, which from North and East made New York their halting place en route for the capital. The Worcester Rifles, the 1st Regiment of Rhode Island, per steamer Osceola, passed through on Sunday, the 21st, and on the same day departed the 6th, 12th, and 71st New York State Militia.

The people were early astir on that day, and by 10 o'clock every available spot where a human being could stand, was occupied, through the entire length of Broadway; and from near Canal street to Grace Church, not only the sidewalks, but the whole of the street, was densely thronged. Every window, door, stoop, balcony, and housetop was alive with human beings, of every age, sex, and condition, in expectation of this most novel and exciting scene. From almost every housetop and store, from the windows of almost every private dwelling, from the masthead of every ship, from the flagstaff of every manufactory, from all the public buildings, from the Roman Catholic Cathedral, from the lofty spire of Trinity Church, from St. Paul's Church, the national ensign was flying. The other streets were thronged as on a gala day. On all coats were pinned the red, white, and blue cockade, and in every lady's bonnet ribbons of the, same colors were tastefully tied. In the Park, cannons were booming at different times during the day. At the arsenal, regiments, just raised, were formally organized and equipped.

At the armories of the 6th, 12th, and 71st, from early dawn all was bustle and animation, preparing for the afternoon departure.

At the rendezvous of the several regiments, the character of the day was ignored, and the maxim realized that in war times there are no Sundays. At the wharves great steamers were alive with the bustle of preparation for conveying large numbers of troops. In the stream at anchor was the steamer Osceola, with troops from Rhode Island. At the railroad depot in Jersey City the greatest activity prevailed, and means of transportation were being got in readiness for moving as many regiments as might present themselves.

Young men in uniforms, with knapsacks strapped, were seen leaving luxurious homes in aristocratic parts of the town, prepared to rough it with the roughs in defence of the country. Firemen were gathered at their engine-houses, and busy in doing what they could to help off companions who had enrolled themselves in Ellsworth's regiment of Firemen Zouaves.

At noon the 6th, 12th, and 7lst regiments, comprising 3,000 men, marched down Broadway, fully armed and equipped. The occasion was without hardly a parallel, and the march a complete ovation. The 6th embarked in the steamer Columbia, the 12th in the steamer Baltic, and the 71st on the steamer R. R. Schuyler. A Massachusetts battalion, and some regulars went on board the Ariel. As the fleet left, the harbor was a scene of great excitement. The piers, landings, and housetops of the city, Jersey City, Hoboken, and Brooklyn were crowded. The Battery was covered with people, and thousands of boats saluted the steamers crowded with the troops. Flags were dipped, cannons roared, bells rang, steam whistles shrilly saluted, and thousands upon thousands of people sent up cheers of parting.

On the same Sunday many congregations mingled practical patriotism with piety, and took occasion to make contributions for the outfit of volunteers, or for the support of their families. In a church in Brooklyn a letter was read from the 13th Regiment New York S. M., asking for uniforms for recruits, and the response was a collection of about $1,100 for that patriotic purpose. In the Broadway. Tabernacle, the pastor preached a sermon in the evening on "God's Time of Threshing." The choir performed "The Marseillaise" to a hymn composed for the occasion by the pastor. A collection was taken for the Volunteers' Home Fund amounting to $450, to which a member of the congregation afterwards added $100. Dr. Bethune's sermon was from the text: "In the name of our God wo will set up our banners." In Dr. Bellows' church the choir sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," which was vigorously applauded by the whole house. At Grace Church (Episcopal) Dr. Taylor began by saying, "The Star-Spangled Banner has been insulted." At Dr. McLane's Presbyterian church, Williamsburgh, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was sung. Dr. T. D. Wells (Old School Presbyterian) preached from the words: "He that hath no sword, let him buy one." Dr. Osgood's text was: "Lift up a standard to the people."

On Monday, the march of troops continued through the city, and on the 23d again New York was alive with excitement to witness the Page 533 departure of the 8th, 13th, and 69th regiments. The 8th, 1,000 strong, Colonel Geo. Lyon, formed in 10th street, and at 4 o'clock proceeded, amidst the cheering citizens, to pier No. 36, North River, where they embarked on board the steamer Alabama. The 69th Irish, Colonel Corcoran, assembled at their armory, No. 42 Prince street, at 3 o'clock. They received the order to march, and they proceeded down Broadway amidst such greetings as the excited Irish citizens alone could demonstrate. At 6J they left in the James Adger. The 13th, Colonel Abel Smith, left on board the Marion. Thus through more than two months the living stream of troops went out of New York to support the Government. The record was nearly as follows: […].

During that period of time New York continued to pour out an average, in round numbers, of 1,000 men per day at the call of the Government, not only supplying and equipping the men, but furnishing the money, and lending large sums to the Government in addition.

The action of New York in response to the call of the President may be thus summed up, showing the number of men and the amount of money furnished. The calls of the Government for loans were as follows:

Borrowed in February $7,243,500 April 7,814,690 ""May 7,310,000 July 12,1X10,000 New York City advanced in April 2,155,000 May 1,500,000 advanced by corporations and individuals 2,000,000 H Banks loaned in August, October, and December 105,000,000 Approximate sum advanced $145,023,390

Besides these sums, $1,000,000 more may be put down as the contribution made by families towards the more comfortable outfit and equipment of such of their members as took arms in defence of the National flag. Thus much for the supply of means, which comparatively could be obtained nowhere else, but which New York poured forth with such lavish hand. The calls for troops up to the meeting of Congress were as follows:

First call, Militia, 3 months 75,000

Second call, Volunteers, 3 years 42,000

Regulars for the Army 86,000

Navy 23,000

Total 176,000

New York contained 160,000 able-bodied men; of these, governmental departments estimate 60,000 as ordinary laborers; of whom 39,000 men marched with the city regiments, making nearly one-fourth of all the men summoned. New York thus, in three months, sent in round numbers 40,000 men and $150,000,000 to sustain the Government under the difficulties brought upon it.

The first difficulty encountered by the mustering troops was to obtain the means of moving. When this was understood, the purses of all parties were open; and on the 18th of April, thirty-seven gentlemen subscribed $3,100 to aid the Seventh Regiment, about to march, and the amount was raised to $6,140 on the following day. Numerous other offers were made, and $7,000 were subscribed for the fifth Regiment. The amount collected by the Chamber of Commerce Committee in a few days, was raised to $118,899. The patriotic citizens raised $11,110, and other committees obtained large sums. It was then determined to organize the Union Defence Committee, which was to take charge of the whole movement, the other committees being merged into it. April 23d, the Committee opened its offices at 30 Pine street— General John A. Dix, Chairman; Simeon Draper, Vice-President; J. Depan, Treasurer. The Common Council, April 23d, passed an ordinance appropriating $1,000,000, which was placed in the hands of this committee for disbursement, and they proceeded with their Page 534 trust, which was of great importance and well discharged. They equipped and forwarded troops, supplied guns, aided organizations, purchased arms and munitions, and extended aid to the families of the soldiers. The first ambulances sent to the seat of war were by this committee.

A very great decline took place in the number of passengers that arrived in this port in the past year, as follows:

Arrivals for the past eleven years.

The total number of butchers' animals sold in the city markets in eight years, has been:  […]

The increase of crime in the city is not so great as the circumstance of the continued flow of foreign population into it might indicate. Among the arrivals are large numbers of ignorant and vicious persons, who, in a strange country, are thrown upon evil courses as a matter of necessity to live. It is therefore not surprising that a considerable proportion of the arrests are among that class: The amount of property reported lost by robberies was $133,679 90 The amount recovered 79,822 11 Total loss $53,357 85

Among the incidental duties of the police, the following summary casts a singular light upon the transactions of a great city. The police find lodgings for such poor persons as fire houseless from any cause of vice or poverty: There were. In 1861, of each persons lodged 119.348 host children sent to central office 8,731  44 restored to parents 8.470 Pick and taken to hospital 1.336 Horses and cattle restored to owners 2,060 Horses and vehicles u" 247 Stores found open and closed. 1,723 Dwellings 1,181 Number of fires 408 ** "extinguished by police 144 Rescued from drowning 1*1 Foundlings sent to office. 104 Money restored to lodger and others $142,593 Violations of Sunday laws 24,370 The enormous quantity of butchers' meat stated in the annexed table, gives an average of 337 lbs. per head per annum to each individual in the city, or $25.27 per annum at the rate which the butchers pay the drovers; about $50 actually, at the retail prices.

Swine 8,089,618 9,061,566 Of the bullocks sold, 1,128,396 head have been at the regular weekly market, held every Tuesday and Wednesday. Prices have ranged in that time from 5 to 14 cents a pound for the meat, according to quality, but seldom below 8 cents a pound for such as is considered first quality. The sources of this large supply are indicated in the 191,684 head which were sold at the Forty-ninth street market-place, corner of Fifth Avenue. […]

The increase of railroad transportation has not only increased the quantity brought, but greatly improved the condition in which they arrive. They are no longer foot-sore and fevered from long journeys, but come in upon the railroads in good condition and healthy. In 1861 they were brought as follows: Erie Railroad Hudson River Railroad New Jersey Cen. Railroad. Harlem Railroad.. Camden and Amboy R. R.,

It is to be borne in mind, that while the supplies have been as large as ever, the number of consumers has been less. Fifty thousand able bodied men left the city at the call of the Government, and the effect upon consumption was material.

The consumption of flour in the city is about 1,000,000 barrels per annum. There are no means of ascertaining the quantity of form produce brought into the city from the surrounding country, and sold in the markets.

The deliveries in this city of some of the leading articles of domestic produce have been as follows:

Flour, bids. Wheat, bush Corn, hush Rye. bash Barley, &c, bush Oat8.^ush Reef, tierces and bbls. Fork, bbls Baron, Ac, packages.. Lard, packages. Cheese, packages Butter, packages

The quantities of unhealthy matter removed from the city limits during the year, under the action of the City Inspector, were as follows: Cheese, sound 24,666 Venison," 628 Sausages," 2,805 Tripe," 11,225," Poultry," 17,759 Fish," 48,000 Mutton,"Veal," 17.229 Beef, « 87,0*8 Other meats" 7,17-1 Offal, barrels, 61.828 Dogs, and small animals, No 15,055 Hogs, dead," 1.728 Goats,"" 59 Cows," " 247 Horses." " 2.765 Night soil, loads 45,260 Sinks, &c., cleaned, Na V.... 9,363 Nuisances abated,.." 6,188 The removal of these nuisances from the city is necessary in the highest degree to its health, and it is also an evidence of the waste which occurs in the sustaining a largo city. This cannot, however, be considered large, in view of the immense number of people to be fed, and also in view of the fact that the quantities brought in are not calculated nor governed by any red tape or protective principle, but are adjusted by the exercise of the free judgment of the sellers. It is a marvel that supplies of perishable matter are so closely applied to the wants of the people. The distress in which a large portion of the emigrants arrive in the city is a fruitful source of mortality, and this becomes conspicuous when the operations of the five dispensaries of the city are contemplated. These supplied in the year 135,235 persons, of .whom 60 per cent, were foreigners. The number of children that died in 1861 was 13,G14; the parentage of 9,437 was given, of whom 8,339 were of foreign parents. The marriages in the city of New York for the year 1861, distinguishing color and condition in life, were as follows: Monthly Return of Marriages in the City of Sew York for 1861. The births given monthly, distinguishing color, were as follows: […].


Source: The American Annual Cyclopaedia and Register of Important Events of the Year, 1861-1865, vols. 1-5. New York: Appleton & Co., 1868.