During these efforts at compromise, the conspirators proceeded
in their work. South Carolina took the lead, adopted an
Ordinance of Secession December 20, 1860, and shortly
thereafter raised the Palmetto flag over the custom-house
and post-office at Charleston. Mississippi followed, January
9, 1861; Florida, January 10; Alabama, January 11; Georgia,
January 19; and Louisiana, January 26. January 21st the
Senators of seceding States withdrew from the Senate. Texas
was not declared out of the Union until March 4th, when her
Senators withdrew.
Another event will properly close this sketch. At the end of
December, 1860, Commissioners from South Carolina arrived at
Washington, in order to obtain the complete withdrawal of the
national troops. Major Anderson, by a sudden movement, had
transferred his command from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter,
which was much easier to hold. Fort Moultrie and Castle
Pinckney were at once occupied by the Rebels. The country was
aroused, and insisted that Fort Sumter should not be abandoned.
It was held, until, after a bombardment of thirty-four hours,
it yielded, April 13, 1861.