James Buchanan is still president - with only a few weeks remaining of his term. Folks are gearing up and excited but at the same time worried about what will happen when Lincoln takes office.
From Louisiana we have news of that Forts Jackson and Phillips....have been seized by New Orleans Troops.
Along with South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi have voted to leave the Union.
Also - during the week - more news about the rebel leaders from South Carolina getting ready to attack Fort Sumter. Along with them gaining control of three others: Fort Monroe, Fort Washington on the Potomac and Fort McHenry. Besides digging in for the fight. 
But crowd mentality is beginning to overtake the plans of the rebel leaders and they are worried things will get out of hand before they are ready to properly strike.
Virginia State Lawmakers passing their own set of amendments and treasury notes to help in the protection of the state itself. Also in Richmond on January 19, the following resolution was passed by the Legislature: "Resolved, That if all efforts to reconcile the unhappy differences between the sections of the country shall prove abortive, then every consideration of honor and interests demands that Virginia shall unite with her destinies with her sister slaveholding states"
More talk on what is happening as the Union is dissolving before their eyes.
Treason and what it means to folks...January 19, 1861 - Georgia passes the ordinance of succession from the United States by a vote of 298 yes to 89 no. The succession vote in Louisiana is on the table for next week.
Postal Service in the south starting to shutdown in certain sections.
Most northern states beginning to figure out and gearing up for a possible war. It's all basically armory talk at this point.
Pittsburgh ramping up cannon castings.
Worries about things getting out of hand in Charleston, South Carolina.
Very first mention of local troops getting ready:
The Johnstown Zouaves have tendered their services to the Governor to aid in the sustaining the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Government.
The Juniata Rifles, of Hollidaysburg, adopted a resolution at a late meeting tendering their services for the support of the flag of the Union.
