1861 April-August

To Conduct War -Needs $400 Million

Washington D. C. July 4 – President Lincoln called Congress into special session today. In one of the most stirring speeches heard on an Independence Day, Abe Lincoln mor than sold the United States legislature on the need for immediate action in the form of appropriations and military buildup to bring the South back into the Union. He called for 400,00 troops and the staggering sum of 400 million dollars to conduct the war.

In explaining to Congress the necessity for this great sum, the President rationalized the amount this way: ” A debt of 600 million dollars now is a less sum per head than was the debt of the Revolution when we came out of that struggle.”

In calling for Congressional action, he said “this issue embraces more than the fate of these United States. It presents to the whole family of man the question, whether a constitutional democracy – a government of the people by the same people – can or cannot maintain its territorial integrity against its own domestic foes. It presents the question whether discontented individuals, too few in numbers to control administration, according to organic law, can always, upon pretenses, or arbitrarily, without any pretense, break up their government, and thus practically put an end to free government upon the earth. It forces us to ask, “Is there, in all republics this inherent and fatal weakness? Must a government of necessity be too strong for the liberties of its own people or too weak to maintain its own existence?”

The joint session and the packed galleries cheered the President for more than 20 minutes as ended his speech today. Then the legislators approved unanimously all that Lincoln had said was needed.

Victoria Says ‘Neutral’

London, England, July 5 – Her Majesty Queen Victoria proclaimed today that Great Britain is a neutral in the war in America. However, the queen qualified the neutrality by stating that Britain recognized the Confederacy as a belligerent.

Rebs Forced from W. VA.

Carricks Ford, Western Virgina, July 13 – Three days of battling here in the mountains has forced the withdrawal of all Confederate forces. Gen. George B McClellan’s Union troops routed a smaller Rebal force here this afternoon to give the Federals undisputed possession of all Western Virginia.

Confederate Gen. Robert Garnett, a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, was killed in the fighting today. He is the first general officer to fall in the war.

Union troops under the field command of Gen. W.S. Rosecrans encircled Rebel entrenchments at Rich Mountain yesterday, eight miles west of Beverly. Col. John Pegram, another West Pointer fighting for the Rebel cause, was captured with more than 600 men after a sharp encounter on the steep mountain slopes in a drenching rain.

The fall of Col. Pegram’s position left Gen. Garnett’s troops open to a flank attack from the south. Fighting a rear guard action while withdrawing his Confederate force, Garnett led one of his Georgia regiments in a counter-attack here this afternoon. The attack was met and smashed by two Indiana regiments. Garnett was shot from his horse, fatally wounded.

The Rebel force has retreated towards Harrisonburg, VA and left Western Virginia in complete control of the Federals. The loss of this territory is a blow to the Confederacy. Richmond newspapers carried the story tonight as news “which stirred this community more deeply than any we have ever known.” The Richmond Dispatch said “People on every corner discussed the bad news from Western Virginia.”

Gen Garnett, an army friend of Gen. McClellan’s was given full military honors by the Federals. His body was escorted under a flag of truce to the Confederate lines. McClellan, who reached the battle scene shortly after the fighting, knelt beside the body of his old friend, Garnett. As he laid his coat over the dead Rebel general he said, “Has it come to this?”

Gen. Jackson Earns ‘Stonewall’ Title

Manassas, VA July 21 – Reports from today’s battlefield reflect high praise for one Confederate officer. Gen Thomas J Jackson, whose troops held against the vicious Federal attacks this afternoon, has been mentioned in nearly every dispatch from the field.

Jackson’s Virginia brigades arrived on the field as other Confederate units were streaming to rear before the Union assault on the Henry House Hill.

Gen. Bernard Bee, trying to rally his routed troops shouted “There stands Jackson like a stone wall! Rally behind the Virginians.”

Jackson’s brigade halted the Union advance and turned the tide of battle. Gen. Jackson is being referred to tonight as “Stonewall”, Jackson and his brigade as the “Stonewall Brigade”.

Beauregard, Johnston Combo Halts Union Army at Bull Run

Manassas, VA, July 21 – The Confederacy is aglow with victory tonight as the remnants of Gen. Irvin McDowell’s Union army stream towards Washington. In the first big battle of the war, Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard’s Confederate troops have routed the Federal force sent against them, and Washington itself fears invasion by the Southern army.

The Federal high command attributes the Rebel victory to the arrival of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s Confederate army from Winchester, VA. These troops arrived at mid-afternoon as the Confederate lines were breaking under the Yankee assault. Their counterattacks staggered the Federal lines, which wavered, broke and fled under the relentless attack.

Crowds of Washington spectators who had followed the Union army to the front to see the battle that was to “end the war” were caught in the panic of the Union rout late this afternoon.

Casualty lists from both armies are growing by the hour. First reports indicate that more than 2800 Union troops fell in the fighting while the Confederate losses were nearly 2000. Col J.E.B. Stuart, commander of the Rebel calvary on the field, has urged an immediate advance on Washington. However, a late staff meeting in the Confederate camp has overruled the aggressive horseman.

President Davis and his advisor, Gen. Robert E. Lee, were present for today’s battle and have issued special orders of congratulations to the army tonight.

Fighting opened early this morning when McDowell’s leading units advanced from Centerville to Bull Run. Heavy shelling broke out near Blackburn’s Ford as the Union commander attempted a feint near the center of the Rebel line. While this raged, the main Federal force of 13,000 men moved by a circuitous back road to the right, crossed Bull Run at Sudley Ford and prepared to hit the Confederate left flank. Howver, the noonday sun shining on the Federal bayonets gave the move away.

There was little time for a change of troop positions, but Rebel Generals Bee and Bartow moved their North Carolina brigades to meet the attack. The blue Yankee lines formed and went forward. The two Confederate brigades seemed to melt under the advance of the Union force. The Federal lines swept down the Sudley-Manassas Road, across Warrenton Turnpike, sweeping all before them. Gen. W.T. Sherman advanced his troops across the Stone Bridge at Bull Run to join the attack. As the Union force waded across Young’s Branch and ascended the Henry hill, a second Rebel line under the command of Gen. T.J. Jackson appeared on the crest of the hill and opened fire. The Federal line was halted. Artillery came forward. At ranges less than 200 yards batteries dueled in the brutal July sun.

For more than three hours attacks and counterattacks streamed up and down the hillside. Green, untrained troops on both sides fought and died as veterans.

At one point this afternoon a Rebel regiment outfitted in blue uniforms was mistaken by Ricketts’s and Griffin’s Union batteries for Federals. At 70 yards the regiment fired on the Union gunners, killing 54 men and 104 horses. The Union line sagged, but reformed and advanced to recapture its lost guns.

But time was on the side of the Confederacy today. As Beauregard rushed his last reserves forward, the remaining units of Johnston’s army arrived. The Confederate line was extended until it overlapped the Yankee right flank. As a regiment of Federal Fire Zouaves moved forward, Stuart’s calvary charged. Teh Zouave regiment was mangled by the flying hooves and cutlasses of the Rebel horsemen. The unit broke and Beauregard ordered the entire Rebel line foward.

The Union brigades of Sherman, Porter, and Franklin were shattered from their attacks on Henry hill. Unprepared for the counterattack, the broke and fled. The entire union line disintegrated. Except for Sykes’ battalion of regulars which covered the retreat, McDowell’s Union army was routed. Efforts by officers to halt the troops were futile. Rebel artillery shelled the roads and bridges taken by the fleeing Federals. All organization was lost in most units.

Horseless artillery pieces, caissons, wagons, guns, knapsacks, coats and blankets mark the path tonight of the Federal army.

Many society people from Washington who had journeyed forth this morning to see the battle were caught in the rout. One congressman, Alfred Ely of New York, was taken prisoner by the Confederates.

Casualties were high among senior officers on both sides today. To keep their green troops up to the bloody work, the highest officers of both armies exposed themselves recklessly. Generals Hunter and Heintzelman were among the Union wounded. Gen. Wilcox was wounded and captured. Both Gen. Bee and Gen. Bartow, whose troops met the initial Federal advance were killed.

The news of the victory has brought great rejoicing in the South. Many here believe that the war is now over, and the Lincoln government will acknowledge the secession. In the North a stunned, unbelieving silence has fallen.

The torn and beaten Union Army is slowly gathering tonight in the fortifications along the Potomac.

General McClellan Brings New Hope to Federal Army

Washington, D.C. July 27 – The badly defeated Federal army is talking shape again in the fortifications around Washington. The Confederates have not followed up their victory at Bull Run as so many had expected they would after routing the Union army there last week. The Rebel advance has been limited to calvary reconnaissance.

The arrival today of Gen. George B. McClellan seems to have brought new hope to the Union troops stationed here. Although McClellan has never commanded in this area, his victoried in western Virginia have brough him some fame in the North. President Lincoln has given the 35-year-0ld former railroad President “full authority” i the reorganization of the Union army. “little Mac,” as he is already being called by the troops, replaces Gen. Irvin McDowell.

The losses in equipment in last week’s battle have staggered the North. More than 40 artillery pieces fell to the Rebels along with a hundred wagons and more than 2000 stacks of small arms. This, plus vast quantities of food and supplies at Centerville and Fairfax Courthouse, has fallen to the Confederate army.

Enlistments of many of the 90-day volunteers are running out. In some cases, whole Union regiments have left the army as terms expire. Lincoln himself was confronted personally this week by an outraged officer from the brigade of Gen. W. T. Sherman. The officer told Lincoln that when he advised Sherman that he was going home because his enlistment was up, Sherman had threatened to shoot him. The President confided in the young man with: “Sir, if I were you and Gen. Sherman threatened to shoot, I would not trust him, for by Heaven, I believe he’d do it.”

Confederates Claim Victory in First Clash Width Federals

by civilwarchronicle Leave a Comment

Big Bethel, VA June 10 – Outnumbered Confederate troops smashed an attacking Union force here today in the first field battle of the War Between the States. Entrenched Southern troops, backed by artillery, repulsed all attempts made this morning by a Federal force from Ft. Monroe to dislodge them from their fortifications along the Black River.

Early reports indicated that the Federals suffered more than 100 casualties in assaulting the works, while the Confederates lost only 11.

Big Bethel Church, a crossroads and Baptist house of worship eight miles west of Hampton, VA was the scene of today’s battle. Confederate soldiers under the filed command of Col. Danile H. Hill, occupied and strengthened the entrenchments along the Black River last week. Forage parties tangled several times the past few days with Federal outposts.

Early this morning a column of blue uniformed men moved out of Ft. Monroe toward the Confederate works. Another Union column moved toward Big Bethel from Newport News. Poor planning and coordination cost the Northerners their first casualties.

In the darkness before dawn the two columns mistook the other for the enemy and exchanged volleys. When the melee was over several Union soldiers were dead including Maj. Theodore Winthrop, plans officer of the operation.

The first attack on Confederate positions was made at 10 a.m. The Rebels outposts were driven in and the Union force charged the fortifications. Musket and artillery fire shattered the attacking columns.

Two more attempts were made by the Federals to seize the works, one charge mounting the entrenchments, before the attack was called off.

Col. Hill notified Confederate headquarters in Yorktown and Richmond of the “magnificent victory” as the battered Federal column withdrew to Ft. Monroe this afternoon. Hill’s troops, numbering some 1800, were part of the North Carolina contingent that arrived in the area last week. The Union force included brigades from New York and Vermont assigned to Fen. Ben Butler’s command at Ft. Monroe. They numbered 4400

It’ll Never Sell

Washington, D.C. June 17 – A new and revolutionary method of reconnaissance was introduced into warfare today. It has been received with abounding praise and the same degree of skepticism.

Professor T.S.C. Lowe, operating a gas-filled balloon connected by telegraph to the War Department building. was lifted several hundred feet over Washinton this afternoon.

His first wire reported that his point of observation commanded nearly 50 miles in diameter.

Several officials saw an immediate value for this new but unorthodox way of gaining battlefield information through aerial reconnaissance.

One army skeptic, however, had this to say of the new method: “It will never replace the calvary.”

Rails Have Vital Role

Washington, D. C. June 17 – It is becoming more evident each day that the nations modern transportation systems will play a role in the war now looming before the nation. The seizing of key rail heads in West Virginia by Union forces and the Confederates initial occupation of the railroad center at Harper’s Ferry indicate that both sides realize the importance of those routes and facilities.

Today a Union regiment was moved out of Alexandria on the Leesburg Railroad. The train consisted of one passenger car and four flatcars pushed by a locomotive. Fifteen miles out, near the village of Vienna VA, Rebe artillery opened fire on the train. The regiment, the 1st Ohio Infantry, suffered casualties when the Confederate shells destroyed a section of track and several cars were derailed.

The Union troops were soon reorganized and under their commander, Gen. R.C. Schenk, forced the Rebel battery to retire.

A shell from a Confederate gun disconnected the engine from the train during the skirmish and the engineer immediately retired. He returned later with another train and reinforcements. The Confederate troops, it was discovered, were an advanced, South Carolina Battery, which had taken position near Vienna this morning after moving its guns and caissons from Leesburg by the same railroad.

The Federal dead and wounded were evacuated to Washington tonight by train.

Reports from Richmond tell of the arrival daily of troops from the south by rail. Here in Washington, the words “On to Richmond” are scrawled on nearly every troop train that arrives from the north.

South Declares War

by civilwarchronicle Leave a Comment

Montgomery, AL., May 7 – The Confederate Congress made official today what has been known throughout the South for nearly a month. The lawmakers recognized and declared the existence of war with the United States.”

VMI Prof Gets Strategic Post

Harpers Ferry, VA., May 7 – This strategic Potamac River town, which was evacuated by a Union garrison two weeks ago has been occupied by confederate troops. The Rebel force is under the command of a young Virginia Military Institute professor, a former captain at a western outpost in Utah, is Lt. Col. Thomas J. Jackson. Reports also reached Washington this week that a former U.S. army officer and West Point grad is training Confederate cavalry troopers at Harpers Ferry. The officer, a former captain at a western outpost in Utah, is Lt. Col. James E.B. Stuart.

War Brings Mardi Gras to South

Montgomery, AL., May 12 – While the South rushed deeper into its preparations for war this week, all was not gloom and shadow here in the Confederate capital. Quite to the contrary, gay parties and nighty formal balls have given the city and air of mardi gras.

Newly formed regiments from all over Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana pass through the city daily on their way north. Officers and men alike receive great acclaim from the people here.

Special canteens have been inaugurated throughout the city. And Montgomery’s loveliest belles serve the troops refreshments during their stop-over. One young lady when asked if she enjoyed her work replied, “I just don’t know what I’d do without the war to look forward to.”

This seems to be the attitude throughout much of the South. Although the long hours put in daily by President Jefferson Davis and his advisors, and the trainloads of troops moving northward attest to the seriousness of the times, it is also a big festival, a mammoth picnic for the great majority.

Bands and musical organizations of all kinds are in great demand. Oddly enough, the song hit that is sweeping the South was written by a Yankee in New York. The song was heard for the first time here in the capital on the day of President Davis’ inauguration last February 18.

A member of one of the bands on that day had formerly played with Bryant’s Minstrels in New York City and had arranged the number for the inauguration band. Since then the tune and words have swept the Confederacy. Marching troops sing it, dance orchestras swing it, and one Montgomery church organist played it as a hymn last Sunday. The tune is called “Dixie,” and was written by Yankee D. D. Emmet.

Navy to Block All Rebel Ports

Washinton, D.C., May 12 – The role of the United States Navy in the war against the South has been announced. Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles told Washington newsmen today that the navy has been given the responsibility for “closing all Rebel ports”.

With only 70 plus seaworthy ships “the Navy has been given one of the most responsible roles in the war against secession,” said Welles.

Bemoaning the lack of naval craft, Welles asserted that this arm of the service would require a tremendous build-up to accomplish the mission before it.

Operation “Anaconda,” the name given to the task of closing the ports, will attempt to seal the Southern harbors from all trade. If successful; the operation could have an important bearing on the war, since nearly all of the Confederate fighting equipment must come from abroad.

There is skepticism even in the Lincoln cabinet concerning “Anaconda.” Secretary of State Seward fears international complications with France and England if these nations refuse to recognize the blockade. Both have shown interest in the rebel cause.

Lincoln has approved the strategic concept of the operation and ordered round-the-clock work at all navy yards.

The President also issued a call this week for 42,000 volunteers for the regular army and navy. This was the first official act to indicate that the government might be in doubt as to the length of the war. All other volunteers were recruited for three months. This week’s call was for three-year enlistments.

Touche, Abe

Washington, D.C., May 12 – Kentucky, another of the states torn by secession and union sympathies, was heard from this week. An outspoken Rebel and senator from the state wrote to President Lincon violently protesting the movement of Federal troops to Cairo, Ill.

Lincoln answered with another of his short, terse notes: “Your letter received and duly considered. In reply I can only say to you, a senator from Kentucky, that had I known Cairo, Ill., was in your senatorial district, I would not have sent any soldiers within a hundred miles of that point.”

North Carolina Out

Raleigh, N.C.; May 19 – There is great rejoicing here tonight. The state legislature passed with an overwhelming majority, this afternoon a resolution to withdraw from the Union. Two volunteer regiments were recruited in the capital within one hour after the announcement of secession.

Claims Neutrality

Louisville, KY., May 19 – The Kentucky legislature has resolved to keep neutral in the war looming between the North and South. Factions for both the Union and Confederacy, however, are actively engaged in recruiting state regiments.

‘Tracks’ to ‘Stars’

St. Louis, MO., May 26 – Capt. Nathaniel Lyon, who last week forced the surrender of Confederate militia at Camp Jackson, MO., was promoted today to brigadier general.

Capital Moves

Richmond, VA., May 30 – All official government correspondence of the Confederacy comes from Richmond now. The seat of the Confederate movement was moved from Montgomery, Ala., this week. President Jefferson Davis and his lawmakers will meet in the Virginia capitol building for all future sessions.

Cadets Divide Allegiance at West Point Finals

Ceremony Was Solemn

West Point, N.Y., June 2 – There was none of the traditional graduation festivities here at the U.S. Military Academy today. The ceremony was a solemn affair. Thirty-four cadets were in this year’s senior class. A third of these refused their commissions in the U.S. army and will side with the Confederacy when they return to their homes in the South.

Many southern states cadets had left the academy prior to graduation. Eleven today failed to step forward and accept their U.S. Army lieutenant’s commissions. These formed a line, passed in review and received the salute of the entire cadet corps before leaving the field. It was a solemn occasion.

Many of the young cadets whose loyalties placed them on different sides have been roommates during their four years at the academy. The farewell handshakes and goodbyes were without the usual gay and carefree back-slapping of past graduations.

Gets Top Post

Richmond, VA., June 2 – Gen Pierre G. T. Beauregard, hero of Fort Sumpter, arrived at Richmond this week to take over command of Confederate forces in the east. Throngs greeted the outspoken and aggressive Southern general when his train pulled in the Confederate capital.

Battle Flash!

Wheeling, VA., June 3 – Word was received here tonight that a Confederate force has been “met and defeated” in the mountains south of here by troops of Gen. G.B. McClellan’s Ohio Command. The Federal field commander was Gen. Wiliam Rosecrans. The skirmish took place today in the pro-union country of Western Virginia near Philippi Races.

State is Born

Wheeling, W. Va., June 10 – At a convention here today of delegates from the western counties of Virginia, a motion was made to form a new state. The loyal Union elements of this area have seeded from the state of Virginia and formed the new state of West Virginia.

War Cancels Exhibition Game

by civilwarchronicle Leave a Comment

Charleston, S.C., April 12 – The new game called “baseball”, which was to be demonstrated by Capt. Abner Doubleday and men of his command on Wednesday at Charleston’s Palmetto Park, has been cancelled. Capt. Doubleday, of the U.S. Army, and his command are returning to New York tonight after evacuating Fort Sumpter to Confederate forces this morning.

Lincoln Calls 75,000

Washington, D.C., April 14 – Word was received just prior to press time that President Lincoln will issue a call tomorrow for 75,000 troops to “restore the Union.” He reiterated a portion of his last month’s inaugural address to the people of the South. Lincoln said: “In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine is the momentous issue of civil war.”

Final Salute Kills Soldier

Charleston, S.C., April 14 – The only casualties reported by either side in the artillery battle for Ft. Sumpter came, ironically, after the cease-fire order.

An accidental explosion of a powder magazine while U.S. troops were firing the 50-round salute before surrendering. took the life of Pvt. Daniel Hough. Two other Federal soldiers were seriously injured.

No Confederate casualties have been reported.

CSA Needs Ships

Mongomery, AL April 17 – President Jefferson Davis has asked shipowners in the Confederacy to apply for letters for marque to operate as privateers on the high seas. Davis, aware of the critical shortage of ships in the South, plans to build a large fleet of privately owned merchant ships to support the war effort.

Lee in C.S. Army

Arlington, VA, April 20 -Word has just been received that Col. Robert E. Lee, who last week was offered command of all U.S. forces, has today resigned his commission in the Federal army and cast his lot with his native state, Virginia. It was Col. Lee and tropps of his command that subdued the fanatical John Brown and his followers two years ago at Harpers Ferry, VA.

The 54-year-old Lee, us a 36-year U.S. army veteran. He is a considerable loss to the Union army.

Confederates Seize Federal Arsenal, Mint – U.S. Troops Mobbed

Washington, D.C., April 21 – This city is virtually cut off from the rest of the Union tonight. President Lincoln’s call for troops last week has enraged the South. Word from Richmond tells of Confederate “regiments arriving hourly” in that city. Union troops which have occupied Arlington Heights across the river from Washington report “much activity to the south”.

Federal soldiers are bivouacked tonight on the White House grounds. Leroy P. Walker, Secretary of Ware in the newly formed Rebel government in Montgomery, AL announced that “the flag of the Southern Confederacy” will float in splendor over the capitol at Washington before the first day of May.

All this plus the seizing of the Federal arsenal in Fayetteville, NC and the U.S. Mint in Charlotte, NC, the capture of Ft. Smith, AR, by Rebel troops and the surrender of U.S. steamship Catawba in New Orleans has left the nation’s capital a tense and anxious city.

But an even greater threat came to Washington this week from the north. Maryland, one of the states torn by inner conflict in this struggle between North and South, openly defied the Federal government last Friday when mobs in Baltimore attacked troops enroute to Washington. The 60th Massachusetts Infantry, one of the first units to answer Lincoln’s call for volunteers, arrived in Baltimore Friday morning by train. They were an ill-clad outfit, many without uniforms or weapons. It was expected they would be outfitted and armed on arrival here.

During the transfer from the Philadelphia station to the Washington station it is necessary for the cars of the train to be horse drawn through the streets of Baltimore. It was at this part of the journey that the regiment was attacked.

A street mob, estimated at 7000, swarmed over the last two cars of the train as they were being drawn along Pratt Street. The regiment attempted to form in the street but was battered and stoned by the mob. Several of the troops lost their rifles in the melee and an open gun battle threatened between troops and rioters.

Capt. John Dike, of Stoneham, Mass., managed to form a line of troops who, with fixed bayonets, fought their way through the mob. During the street fighting Dike was shot down, more than a score of the soldiers were wounded and two privates – Luther Ladd and A.O. Whitney – were killed. “Seven of the rioters were killed and many more wounded,” sain an eye-witness who arrived here today.

Tonight, all communications between Washington and the outside world have been severed. Telegraph lines between here and Baltimore have been cut and there has been no liaison to the south since Virginia joined the growing list of Confederate states last Wednesday.

Baltimore Mob Attack Angers Northern States

Baltimore, MD, April 21 – An angered North is rallying tonight to the Union cause. The Baltimore riot has enraged the country north of the Potomac. The governors of Vermont, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania immediately issued proclamations censuring the South and calling for more troops.

Counties in western Virginia have defied their state capital in Richmond. Virginis’s governor, John Letcher, wired the mayor of Wheeling yesterday to “take possession of all public buildings and documents in the name of Virginia.” Mayor Andrew Sweeney answered, “I have taken possession of all public buildings and property in the name of the President of the United States, whose property they are.”

Scuttled Yard Falls to Rebels

Norfolk, VA, April 22 – Explosions shook this city shortly after midnight last night as Federal demolition crews systematically destroyed the U.S. Navy Yard before evacuating it to the Confederates.

Virginia troops have seized the yard. All Union personnel escaped by ship to Ft. Monroe. Several large U.S. warships were scuttled by the Federals before they departed. Confederate authorities believe that a least one of these, the USS Merrimac, can be salvaged.

To Stay Neutral

Louisville, KY, April 27 – The Kentucky legislature has resolved to keep neutral in the war looming between North and South. Factions for both the Union and Confederacy, however , are actively engaged in recruiting state regiments.

Most Promising

Washington DC, April 28 – President of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, George B. McClellan, has been named as commander of all Federal troops in the state of Ohio. The 35-year-old McClellan is a West Point graduate and one of the most promising Union commanders now in uniform.

Lincoln Confers with General Scott

Washington, D.C., April 28 – President Lincoln and Army Chief of Staff Winfield Scott spent much of this week in conference discussing the Baltimore riot crisis and mobilization problems. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler and his brigade of New York and Massachusetts regiments moved into Baltimore on Wednesday from Annapolis and placed the city under martial law. No opposition has been made to the occupation force, and troop movements to Washington are proceeding on schedule.

The city is feeling the first effects of the mobilization. Few arrangements had been made for their coming. The lack of tents, rifles, and uniforms has left Washington’s streets crowded with aimless, wandering soldiers awaiting orders. Hotel accommodations are next to impossible to get, and the bars from the Navy Yard to Tenth Street are filled.

Despite the idleness on the streets, work the White House continues around the clock. Courriers and staff officers gallop to and from the Presidential mansion at all hours of the day and night. The strain of the past week has been too much for the 75-year-old Gen. Scott. The aging chief of staff has been confined to his bed with gout since Thursday.

Across the Potomac on Arlington Heights all is quiet. The stately mansion of Col. Robert E. Lee is deserted. The colonel and his family left their home earlier in the week after his decision to side with the Confederacy.

NORTH, SOUTH AT WAR !

by civilwarchronicle Leave a Comment

Charleston, S.C., April 14 – The long awaited war is here! The breach between the North and South has widened to a mighty canyon in the last 72 hours. The Federal garrison at Ft. Sumter in Charleston harbor has surrendered and evacuated the U.S. fort to South Carolina troops.

For two days Charleston has shaken with the boom of heavy artillery. More than 3000 Confederate shells have pounded the U.S. fort and its 85-man garrison. Return fire from Ft. Sumter has been light, and little damage has been done to Southern batteries.

Townspeople thronged the roofs of buildings along the waterfront here today and cheered as the Stars and Stripes came down on the harbor installation of Ft. Sumter.

Maj. Robert Anderson and his garrison of canoneers marched out of the fortress this morning under a white flag of surrender. The surrender came after 34 hours of relentless shelling from the harbor batteries commanded by Gen. Pierre G. T. Beauregard. Governor Pickets, who has been here throughout the bombardment said “The first blow for freedom has struck”

South Carolina is the first of the Southern States to contend its right to secede from the Union. Word of pledged support from the Confederacy’s President Jefferson Davis, in Montgomery, Ala., indicates that the Southern states are solidly unified in their defiance of the Federal government.

Gen. Beauregard is the toast of the South tonight. The vivacious Mexican War hero will undoubtedly be called upon to lead the forces of the Southern Confederacy should the North and President Lincoln interfere with the secessionists.

The firing on Ft. Sumter is the climax to months of tension and angry messages between officials of the Southern states and the Lincoln government. South Carolina demanded the evacuation of the fort by Federal troops.

Futile negotiations between Beauregard and Anderson have been going on for more than a week. But last Friday morning at 4:30 a shell fired from a Southern battery at Ft. Johnson arched across the sky and burst almost directly over Sumter. The tension was broken and war looks inevitable.

Within minutes after the first shell exploded, 43 batteries around Charleston harbor were pouring fire into Sumter. The guns of the Federal-held island fort withheld fire until 7 a.m., then opened on the Rebel batteries.

All Charleston has been on hand these three days watching the duel. King Street, the city’s main commercial artery, is deserted. Battery Point, the dock, every steeple and cupoia in the city have been crowded with spectators. Never before have such crowds of ladies without attendants visited the streets of Charleston.

As evening fell Friday the firing dwindled and finally ceased around 9 p.m. The streets of the city, however, were alive with activity; troops moving to shore points, State Militia batteries hurrying into position.

Field glasses reveal extensive damage to the walls of Sumter. On three separate occasions the barracks within the quadrangle have been seen in flames.

Guns from Sumter opened the firing early yesterday morning with increased vigor. Militia-manned batteries at Ft. Moultrie and Cummings Point were soon to reply. At mid-morning the Southerners’ fire increased and that from Fort Sumter slackened. It was evident that the Federals’ ammunition was running low.

A shot from a rifled gun at Ft. Johnson struck the flagstaff at Sumter about 1:30 p.m. yesterday, bringing the Stars and Stripes to the ground. Almost accidentally, this led to surrender.

A small party of Confederates left the shore and rowed to Sumter under a flag of truce when they saw the U.S. flag come down. After a brief discussion, Maj. Anderson accepted the terms of surrender presented by the truce party. The terms allowed the removal of all private property and safe conduct for the garrison to Union ships waiting outside the harbor. One stipulation of the terms which Anderson requested was the privilege of raising the Union flag for a final 50-gun salute before turning over the fort. This, Beauregard granted. The Confederate general also sent fire-fighting equipment to the island fort to extinguish the flames inside the bastion.

Maj. Anderson and his Federal troops filed out of the fortress this morning amid the beating of drums and with colors flying. They boarded ships and sailed out of the harbor as silent, Southern soldiers lined the beach with heads uncovered to watch the departing ships.

Events Leading to Today’s Attack

1860

Dec. 20 – South Carolina secedes from United States. First state to dissolve Union.
Dec. 26 – Maj. Robert Anderson, fearing attack from hostile South Carolina citizens, evacuates ft. Moultrie at Charleston. Removes U.S. garrison to island Ft. Sumpter with four months supplies.
Dec. 27 – South Carolina volunteers occupy FT. Moultrie. State demands surrender of all U.S. installations in Charleston Harbor.
Dec.30 – Maj. Anderson refuses South Carolina demands

1861

New Year’s Day – North exultant over Anderson’s stand. Cities resound with artillery salutes for Maj. Anderson.
Jan. 9 – Cadets from South Carolina Military Academy fire Cummings Point fun on U.S. merchant ship, Star of the West, enroute to re-supply Ft. Sumpter garrison. Ship withdraws to outside harbor.
Jan. 11 – Anderson refuses demand from South Carolina Governor Pickens for surrender of Ft. Sumpter.
Jan 15-31 – Anderson strengthens fort with emplacement of heavy guns.
Feb. 4 – Jefferson Davis elected President of Confederate States of America
Mar. 3 – Gen. Pierre Gustav Toutant Beuregard takes command of Confederate troops in Charleston area.
Mar. 4 – Abraham Lincoln inaugurated to Presidency of the United States in Washington.
April 4 – Lincoln advises Anderson attempt will be made to re-supply fort.
April 11 – Beauregard demands surrender of Ft. Sumpter, Anderson refuses.
April 12 – 4:30 a.m. – First Confederate shell bursts over Ft. Sumpter.