A massive storm played havoc along the east coast of the United States.  In Baltimore and Philadelphia gales toppled structures, trees, and telegraph lines  while in upstate New York, in Boston, and as far north as Toronto very heavy snow falls were reported with disruptions of travel and the closing of railway lines.  (By John Osborne) 

In the State House in Boston, the Massachusetts legislature amended the state's Militia Act to allow units to be liable, when the President of the United States requires, to marched outside of the state's borders.  Massachusetts troops would be in Washington DC in April within days of  the firing on Fort Sumter.  (By John Osborne)

Republicans in the New York legislature had met three days before to met to choose a successor to William H. Seward as United States Senator. On the tenth ballot Harris gained a majority over Horace Greeley, and was nominated in the end unanimously. Three days later the full Senate voted 22-9 and the Assembly 88-31 for him over the Democrats' nominee Horatio Seymour.  Harris served a single term.  (By John Osborne)

Republicans in the New York legislature met to choose a successor to William H. Seward as United States Senator. Among the candidates were William M. Evarts, who led on the first ballot, and Horace Greeley, who led on the second. These two exchanged the lead until the ninth ballot when Harris led narrowly for the first time.  On the tenth ballot Harris gained a majority over Greeley, and was nominated in the end unanimously. The full legislature elected him three days later over Democrat Horatio Seymour.  Harris served a single term.  (By John Osborne)

Abraham Lincoln had left Springfield, Illinois on February 11, 1861 for his eleven-day journey to Washington DC.  His party had reached Columbus in Ohio the day before and went on to cross Ohio, with the now customary small stops along the way, to reach a rainswept Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that evening. Lodging at the Monongahela House Hotel, he pleaded tiredness and went to bed soon after. (By John Osborne)