the northwestern states, they might be detached from the
Union. The hope, however, proved to be delusive.

So far as the possession of Federal property was concerned,
Mississippi was less fortunate than some of her sister states.
There was not a Federal arsenal in the state, and no fort
except a small one at Ship Island, which had been neglected,
and was, at the time of secession, unprepared for defence.
There were some lighthouses, one or two marine hospitals,
and possibly a small custom house on the coast. After the
organization of the Confederate government, the title to this
property, as well as that of waste and unappropriated land be-
longing to the United States, was vested by the state in that
government. As soon as the governor was informed of the
seizure of the arsenal at Baton Rouge, he sent a messenger to
request the governor of Louisiana to divide the spoils. The
latter responded by sending eight thousand muskets, one thou-
sand rifles, six 24-pound guns, and a considerable amount
of ammunition. ¹ The post offices, with their funds and other
property, were transferred to the service of the Confederacy.
In some instances the funds were retained by the postmas-
ters, but upon the establishment of the power of the United
States in Mississippi, in 1865, they were compelled to account
for all moneys appropriated to their own personal uses, or
turned over to the Confederate government. ²

The secession convention created the office of postmaster
general, and provided for a postal system by reënacting all
laws, contracts, and regulations of the United States for carry-
ing the mail. ³ It does not appear, however, that a postmaster
general for the state was ever appointed. The United States
postal service was withdrawn on the 4th of February, it being
impossible to continue it longer.

During the first year of the war Mississippi was free from
the presence of the Union army, but with the beginning of
1862 the scene of the conflict shifted to the northern part of
the state. From first to last forty-seven engagements were
fought on Mississippi soil. The most noteworthy military
operation was of course the siege of Vicksburg, which lasted
for a period of forty-seven days. During these memorable
days both citizens and soldiers were reduced to the most
desperate straits for food. Mule meat was a delicacy, and
was in great demand at a dollar per pound. ⁴

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