The obstacles in his way were colossal; but we have learnt that obstacles do not appal his indomitable genius.

On the 14th February, 1861, Captain Semmes, being then at his residence in the city of Washington, a Commander in the Federal navy, received the following telegram from Montgomery:-- SIR,--On behalf of the Committee on Naval Affairs, I beg leave to request that you will repair to this place at your earliest convenience.
Your obedient servant, C.M.CONRAD, _Chairman_.
The selection of Captain Semmes for the first hazardous service, whatsoever it might be, was due to his reputation and patriotism, as well as to the sagacity of the Confederate chief.

He had already, in a letter to the Hon.

Alexander H.Stephens, expressed his willingness to fight for the South: "his judgment, his inclinations, and his affections," all hurrying him, as he says, to link his fate with the first movement of the South.

"My fate," he pursues, "is cast with the South; but I should be unwilling, unless invited, to appear to thrust myself upon the new Government _until my own State_ has moved." This was at that time the feeling of many border statesmen.