Montgomery, AL., May 7 – The Confederate Congress made official today what has been known throughout the South for nearly a month. The lawmakers recognized and declared the existence of war with the United States.”
VMI Prof Gets Strategic Post
Harpers Ferry, VA., May 7 – This strategic Potamac River town, which was evacuated by a Union garrison two weeks ago has been occupied by confederate troops. The Rebel force is under the command of a young Virginia Military Institute professor, a former captain at a western outpost in Utah, is Lt. Col. Thomas J. Jackson. Reports also reached Washington this week that a former U.S. army officer and West Point grad is training Confederate cavalry troopers at Harpers Ferry. The officer, a former captain at a western outpost in Utah, is Lt. Col. James E.B. Stuart.
War Brings Mardi Gras to South
Montgomery, AL., May 12 – While the South rushed deeper into its preparations for war this week, all was not gloom and shadow here in the Confederate capital. Quite to the contrary, gay parties and nighty formal balls have given the city and air of mardi gras.
Newly formed regiments from all over Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana pass through the city daily on their way north. Officers and men alike receive great acclaim from the people here.
Special canteens have been inaugurated throughout the city. And Montgomery’s loveliest belles serve the troops refreshments during their stop-over. One young lady when asked if she enjoyed her work replied, “I just don’t know what I’d do without the war to look forward to.”
This seems to be the attitude throughout much of the South. Although the long hours put in daily by President Jefferson Davis and his advisors, and the trainloads of troops moving northward attest to the seriousness of the times, it is also a big festival, a mammoth picnic for the great majority.
Bands and musical organizations of all kinds are in great demand. Oddly enough, the song hit that is sweeping the South was written by a Yankee in New York. The song was heard for the first time here in the capital on the day of President Davis’ inauguration last February 18.
A member of one of the bands on that day had formerly played with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York City and had arranged the number for the inauguration band. Since then the tune and words have swept the Confederacy. Marching troops sing it, dance orchestras swing it, and one Montgomery church organist played it as a hymn last Sunday. The tune is called “Dixie,” and was written by Yankee D. D. Emmet.
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