The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1861-07-04
wnif. from the Bay SInIe.

NESTBORO May 4, 1901.
My DEAR COMMERCIAL The "irrepressIble con-
fict" between the friends and the foes of free institu-
tions is at last inaugurated, and this hitherto pros
porous nation is now plunged in the horrors of civil
war. The attack on Fort Sumpter by the rebels has
reused the dormant energies of the friends of order
and government, and the proclamation of the Presi-
dent, calling for 10 200 volunteers, has been promptly
and cheerfully responded to by the loyal States. The
fears that have been expressed by many intelligent
and thinking men, that our unexampled prosperity
had weakened the sentiment of patriotism in the
Free States, have been scattered to the winds by the
glorious and spontaneous uprising of the whole peo-
pie, eagerly rushing to the defense Of the loved free
institutions. Party strife is hushed, party lines
obliterated, and but one sentiment ~pervades the
entire community, which is, "IHE UNION it must
be preserved.
1t is utterly impossible TO give you any idea of
the fearful excitement which prevails. Everywhere
the people are rushing to arms the streets echo the
tread of armed men our railroads are covered with
trains h~urrying troops, arms, cavalry and munitions
Of war, 10 the scene of conflict every village is rails
ing and drilling companies of recruits and the zeal
everywhere exhibited shows the deep feeling which
prevails, and the determination to crush out this
desperate conspiracy to overturn the government.
Nor are the ladies n whit behind the Steiner sex in
their patriotism. Halls and churches are everywhere
thrown open, and converted into sewing rooms, where
garments for soldiers wear are made up, lint and
bandages prepared and thousands of noble women
all over the land, among whom are those who have
been nurtured in luxury and refinement, are ear
nestly preparing themselves to act as nurses 10 the
sick and wounded soldiers. On the first Sabbath
after the call for troops, in many of the churches, the
ladies brought their work and busily piled the needle
for the soldiers who were ordered away, while the
pastor, from the pulpit draped with the star-spanglel
banner, addressed the congregation upon the theme
which filled all hearts. In this little village, a fine
company Of stalwart men has been raised, of which
our Methodist clergyman has been chosen commander,
and our Unitarian clergyman, who has had some
experience in his younger days, Is 10 drill them ,
Such is the spirit which everywhere prevails. \
man Of 65 years, with white flowing locks and beard.
in one Of the western cities anxious to enlist, was
rejected on account Of his age he was not 10 be
deferred from his plan, however, and going to a bar
Der had his hair cropped and dyed black. Returning
TO the recruiting officer, he was not recognized, and,
after being asked his age, 10 which he replied - rising
thirty FIVE was readily accepted.
For several days after the surrender of Fort Stump
ter, the Capitol Of our country seemed in imminent
peril, which the secession Of Virginia greatly increas-
Ell. The promptitude Of our volunteer troops in
rushing TO the rescue, and the destruction of the
arsenal at Harper's Ferry and the Navy Yard at
Norfolk, sverted the threatened attack. Massachu-
setts was the first IL the field, and her praise IS on
every lip. In four days from the receipt Of the tele-
gram from Washington, and before the Official requi-
sition had been received, she had four regiments, a
company of flying artillery and a battalion Of rifles, on
the way to the Capitol. Her troops. in passing
through bloody Baltimore were the first TO shed
their blood for their country, and their bravery and
forbearance on that occasion IS the theme Of univer-
sal commentator.
There is no doubt that a deep laid plan had been
devised for the capture Of Washington. The secession
Of Virginia, which had been resolved upon in secret
session, was not 10 be promulgated till the time for
action had arrivel-Shent the Navy Yard at Norfolk,
with its splendid armament and munitions Of war.
and its fine feet Of men-of-war, and the arsenal at
Harper's Ferry, (the scene of the John Brown inva-
sion.) were to be seized, and Washington to be
be attacked and taken before the Northern troops
could come 10 the rescue. The attack on the troops
in Baltimore, and the closing Of that route to the
Northern army, were also parts of this bold and
nearly successful game. The destruction of the
Navy Yard and ships at Norfolk, the order for which
was entrusted 70 Capt. James Alden. late of the sur
veying steamer -4ctirc, at San Francisco, and the
gallant action Of Lieut.. Jones Mt Hlrper's Ferry, in
destroying the arsenal in the face Of a large force,
and successfully retreating with his band Of ~torty-hve
men into Pennsylvania, blocked the game Of the
rebels, and before they could provide themselves with
he needed arms. the Northern troops had forced
heir way 20 Washington, and the Capitol was saved.
army is row assembled, and as the twenty
,ne expire to-day. We shall prof