Georgia delegation resigns US Congress

Georgia Secession Flag

• In Washington, the Georgia delegation in the US House of Representatives resigns following the secession of that state on January 19^th./1861.

• Back in Georgia, Governor Joseph E. Brown demands surrender of the Federal Arsenal at Augusta. The commander of the state militia writes US Captain Arnold Elzey, “Sir -- I am instructed by his Excellency, Governor Brown, to say to you that Georgia, having seceded from the United States of America, and resumed exclusive sovereignty over her soil, it has become my duty to require you to withdraw the troops under your command at the earliest practicable moment, from the limits of this state. "He proposes to take possession of the Arsenal, and to receipt for all public property under your charge, which will hereafter be accounted for, on adjustment between the State of Georgia and the United States of America. "He begs to refer you to the fact that the retention of foreign troops upon the soil of Georgia, after remonstrance is, under the laws of nations, an act of hostility; and he claims that the State is not only at peace, but anxious to cultivate the most amicable relations with the United States Government. "I am further instructed to say that an answer will be expected by tomorrow morning, at nine o'clock."/1861  
  

• In Louisiana, a State Convention to consider secession convenes at Baton Rouge. /1861

• Through the political influence of his brother-in-law, US Senator John Slidell (D-Louisiana), P. Gustave Toutant Beauregard is appointed superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York/1861