Exerpts from the Journal of Horace Purdy, Danbury, December 29-31, 1860

Saturday December 29th 1860 Danbury

“ The news from the revolutionists in South Carolina and the traitors at the seat of government in Washington are more alarming every day.”

Sunday December 30th 1860 Danbury

“A proclamation was read from our Governor ([William] Buckingham) in perseverance of one from the President ([James] Buchanan) (traitor as he is showing himself to be to the country) for Friday the 4th of January 1861 to be set apart for fasting and prayer. Our Governor has made some suitable amendments to it and out of respect for him it will undoubtedly be observed.”

Monday December 31st 1860 Danbury

“I rose and went to the shop rather earlier than usual. I finished two hats which I had left over from Saturday and then had to wait until after 2 o’clock pm before I could get anymore. I went to teachers meeting in the eve. ------ news reach us again today. It is reported that the President has consented to surrender the forts in Charleston Harbor to the Carolinians (Traitors and Revolutionists) and recall Major Anderson from Fort Sumter. General [Winfield] Scott has written to Anderson and tells him that he did right and to hold his position and he will bear him out in it by heading the Northern Army and putting down treason and rebellion. At least this is the report.

It is reported here this eve that a telegraphic dispatch states that Buchanan has resigned his office as President of the United States. I hope it is true for it may prevent a collision between the South Carolina and Federal troops.”

Excerpts from the Journal of Horace Purdy, Danbury, December 17-28, 1860

Monday December 17th 1860 Danbury

“Today is the day for the succession convention in South Carolina. I have had work in the shop. I went to market in the eve and called with Gussie at the church where the Sunday School were met for the anniversary.”

Friday December 21st 1860 Danbury

“Pleasant and warm with some mud. No work in the shop. The daily papers brings us news today that South Carolina passed her secession ordinance on [space left blank]. I went to drill in the eve. The company adjourned until the first Friday in April with the exception of the January general meeting.” [South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860].

Thursday December 27th 1860 Danbury

“It was reported when the evening train came in that Fort Moultry [sic] at Chareleston South Carolina was on fire, the guns spiked, and a train laid to blow it up.” .” [Fort Moultrie was abandoned by Federal troops on January 26th].

Friday December 28th 1860 Danbury

“A pleasant day. The report which we had last night is corroborated in the papers today. Major [Robert] Anderson spiked the guns and burned the gun carriages and retreated to Fort Sumter to strengthen his position. It would now be impossible for any force however large to take Sumter even with the Major’s small force. The Carolinians are very indignant at the movements of Anderson for they calculated to take Fort Sumter from the Government themselves.”