Washinton, D.C., May 12 – The role of the United States Navy in the war against the South has been announced. Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles told Washington newsmen today that the navy has been given the responsibility for “closing all Rebel ports”.
With only 70 plus seaworthy ships “the Navy has been given one of the most responsible roles in the war against secession,” said Welles.
Bemoaning the lack of naval craft, Welles asserted that this arm of the service would require a tremendous build-up to accomplish the mission before it.
Operation “Anaconda,” the name given to the task of closing the ports, will attempt to seal the Southern harbors from all trade. If successful; the operation could have an important bearing on the war, since nearly all of the Confederate fighting equipment must come from abroad.
There is skepticism even in the Lincoln cabinet concerning “Anaconda.” Secretary of State Seward fears international complications with France and England if these nations refuse to recognize the blockade. Both have shown interest in the rebel cause.
Lincoln has approved the strategic concept of the operation and ordered round-the-clock work at all navy yards.
The President also issued a call this week for 42,000 volunteers for the regular army and navy. This was the first official act to indicate that the government might be in doubt as to the length of the war. All other volunteers were recruited for three months. This week’s call was for three-year enlistments.
Touche, Abe
Washington, D.C., May 12 – Kentucky, another of the states torn by secession and union sympathies, was heard from this week. An outspoken Rebel and senator from the state wrote to President Lincon violently protesting the movement of Federal troops to Cairo, Ill.
Lincoln answered with another of his short, terse notes: “Your letter received and duly considered. In reply I can only say to you, a senator from Kentucky, that had I known Cairo, Ill., was in your senatorial district, I would not have sent any soldiers within a hundred miles of that point.”
North Carolina Out
Raleigh, N.C.; May 19 – There is great rejoicing here tonight. The state legislature passed with an overwhelming majority, this afternoon a resolution to withdraw from the Union. Two volunteer regiments were recruited in the capital within one hour after the announcement of secession.
Claims Neutrality
Louisville, KY., May 19 – The Kentucky legislature has resolved to keep neutral in the war looming between the North and South. Factions for both the Union and Confederacy, however, are actively engaged in recruiting state regiments.
‘Tracks’ to ‘Stars’
St. Louis, MO., May 26 – Capt. Nathaniel Lyon, who last week forced the surrender of Confederate militia at Camp Jackson, MO., was promoted today to brigadier general.
Capital Moves
Richmond, VA., May 30 – All official government correspondence of the Confederacy comes from Richmond now. The seat of the Confederate movement was moved from Montgomery, Ala., this week. President Jefferson Davis and his lawmakers will meet in the Virginia capitol building for all future sessions.
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