Chapter XXIV: First Phase of the War

Each side hesitated to strike the first blow; but the South, being best prepared, and to end a suspense that threatened to be hurtful to their cause, opened the conflict by the bombardment of Ft. Sumter. Each now hastened preparations with vigor. Yet so long had been the intimate, friendly relations, that neither could believe in a long, deadly struggle. More than three months passed, during which frequent skirmishes occurred; but the leaders avoided bringing on a general battle. The Southern forces advanced toward Washington, but stopped short of an attack, sending out small bodies to make trial efforts, and get possession of important points.

The battle of Bull Run was the first great, serious combat. The brilliant bravery of Southern troops would have been overcome but for an opportune reinforcement at the decisive moment. The leaders did not feel it safe to pursue the vanquished Federals to Washington. There was a large reserve force there. Thus, if they won a battle they lost the object sought—the capture of the national Capital—and the Union forces, though defeated, gained the most important point—the protection of Washington.

Both sides now recognized the magnitude of the undertaking; the indomitable resolution of their opponents; and the need of thoroughly disciplining their troops, of organizing all branches of the military and naval service, and gathering stores, and distributing forces in accordance with the plan proposed by each.

This period continued until Feb., 1862. The U. S. Navy was increased from 42 vessels at the beginning of the war to about 300 at the close of this preparatory period. These blockaded the South and served for transport and attack. Two series of operations were planned by the U. S. government for the land forces: one in the Mississippi Valley and one in Virginia. In the meantime the Confederate leaders saw that it was impossible to invade the North as they had proposed without long preparation and large armies. They organized with speed but were thrown on the defensive.

1861.

Apr. 7—Steamer Atlantic, with troops and supplies for Ft.
Sumter, sailed from New York.

” 8—The Federal Government notified South Carolina that
provisions would be sent to Maj. Anderson, by force, if
necessary. U. S. State Department refused to recognize the
Commissioners from the Confederate States.

” 11—Troops are gathered in Washington, and oath of
allegiance administered. Confederate Commissioners leave
Washington.

Gen. Beauregard demands the surrender of Ft. Sumter. Maj.
Anderson refuses.

BOMBARDMENT OF FT. SUMTER.

” 12—This was the real commencement of the Civil War.
Batteries were constructed on Morris and Sullivan islands,
and Cumming’s Point. The Confederate forces employ Ft.
Moultrie, and a floating battery, in addition, against Ft.
Sumter.

The South Carolina Legislature appropriate $500,000 to arm
the State.

Ft. Pickens is reinforced by the U. S. government.

” 14—Fort Sumter was reduced to a mass of ruins, its fire
silenced, and Maj. Anderson capitulated with the honors of
war, and evacuated the fort, sailing for New York.

Gov. Yates, of Illinois, called an extra session of
Legislature to meet April 22.

” 15—The President issues a proclamation commanding all in
arms against the government to disperse in 20 days; calling
also for 75,000 volunteers to defend Washington; and the New
York Legislature authorizes the raising of $3,000,000 for
their equipment and support.

The President calls an extra session of Congress, for July 4.

” 16—The governors of Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, and
Missouri refuse to furnish troops, under the President’s
proclamation.

The Confederate government calls for 32,000 men.

” 17—The Virginia Convention, in secret session, adopt a
Secession Ordinance, to be submitted to the people in May.
The vote was 60 to 53.

Virginia forces sent to seize U. S. Arsenal at Harper’s
Ferry, and Gosport Navy Yard, at Portsmouth.

All the military power of the State of Virginia placed under
the control of President Davis.

Jefferson Davis issues a proclamation offering Letters of
Marque and Reprisal to privateers against Federal commerce.

” 18—U. S. Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry destroyed by Federal
troops, to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy.

Col. Coke, with 400 of 25th Penn. regiment, arrives in
Washington for its defense.

” 19—U. S. steamer Star of the West seized at Indianola,
Texas.

Massachusetts troops on the way to Washington, attacked by a
mob in Baltimore. Troops fired on the mob. Blood shed on both
sides.

President issues a proclamation declaring the coast from
North Carolina to Texas in a state of blockade.

Military department of Washington covering Maryland,
Delaware, and Pennsylvania, put under command of Gen.
Patterson.

City Council of Philadelphia appropriate $1,000,000 to equip
volunteers, and support their families.

” 20—Governor of North Carolina seizes U. S. Branch Mint, at
Charlotte.

Bridges and railroads in Maryland destroyed by Secessionists,
to prevent passage of troops to Washington.

U. S. Navy Yard, at Gosport, and property worth $25,000,000,
destroyed by the Federals in charge, to prevent their falling
into the hands of the enemy. Eight vessels of war were
destroyed, and one, the Cumberland, was towed out.

Massachusetts troops arrive at Fortress Monroe.

Gov. Curtin calls special meeting of Penn. Legislature, for
April 30th.

” 21—Federal government takes possession of Philadelphia and
Baltimore railroad.

Senator Andrew Johnson mobbed at Lynchburg, Va.

” 22—U. S. Arsenals in North Carolina and Arkansas seized.

” 24—Fort Smith Arkansas, seized. Cairo, Ill., occupied by
Union troops.

Maj. Sibley surrenders 450 U. S. troops to Col. Van Dorn, in
Texas.

” 26—Gov. Brown, of Geo., forbids payment of debts to
Northern people.

” 27—A steamer at Cairo, loaded with military stores for the
South, seized.

Blockade extended to ports of Virginia and North Carolina.

” 29—The Maryland House of Delegates votes against secession,
63 to 13.

Governors Harris of Tennessee and Moore of Louisiana seize
government property.

May 1—The Legislature of N. C. and Tenn. prepare for formal
secession.

” 3—President Lincoln calls for 82,714 additional troops.

Fourteen companies of Kentucky troops offer themselves to the
government, though the Governor had refused a levy.

” 4—Gen. McClellan takes command of the department of the
Ohio.

” 6—Virginia admitted into the Confederacy. Tennessee and
Arkansas pass Ordinances of Secession.

” 10—A rebel force in St. Louis surrenders to Capt. Lyon.

Gen. R. E. Lee takes command of Southern troops in Virginia.

” 13—Convention called at Wheeling to organize a new State.

” 14—Vessels with stores and property for the South seized at
Baltimore.

” 15—Massachusetts offers U.S. Government $7,000,000 to carry
on the war.

” 16—Gen. Scott orders the fortification of Arlington Heights.

” 17—Confederates commence fortifying Harpers Ferry.

” 18—Gen. Butler takes command of Department of Virginia.

” 19—Sewalls Pt. attacked by U S. steamers. Two schooners,
with Southern troops, captured.

” 20—North Carolina formally secedes. Kentucky proclaimed
neutral.

” 21—Southerners blockade the Mississippi at Memphis.

” 24—Alexandria and Arlington Heights occupied by Union
troops.

” 26—Western Virginia voted largely in favor of the Union.

” 27—One hundred slaves fled to Fortress Monroe. Gen. Butler
declared them “contraband” of war.

” ”—Two steamers engage the rebel batteries at Acquia Creek.

June 1—Various skirmishes between parties of the hostile
armies.

” 3—Senator S. A. Douglas, of Illinois, died.

Battle of Philippi, Va. Union Col. Kelly wounded but
victorious. Gen. Beauregard assumed command of Confederate
forces at Manassas Junction. Voluntary contributions of
northern States in aid of the Government over $32,000,000.

BATTLE OF BIG BETHEL.

” 10—Three Federal regiments defeated. 16 killed, 41 wounded.

” 11—Skirmish at Romney. Wheeling Convention meets.

” 14—Harper’s Ferry evacuated and burnt by Southern forces.

” 15—Confederate privateer, Savannah, brought, a prize, to
New York.

” 17—Wheeling Convention of Unionists determine to make West
Virginia an independent State.

” 18—Battle of Booneville, Mo. Gen. Lyon defeats Confederate
Gen. Price.

” 20—At Cole Camp, Mo., Union men defeated; at Liberty, Mo.,
Southerners overcome.

” 23—Forty-eight locomotives of Baltimore and Ohio R. R.
destroyed by Southern forces; value, $400,000.

” 26—President Lincoln recognizes the Wheeling government as
that of Virginia.

” 29—Southern privateer, Sumter, escapes through blockade at
New Orleans.

July 2—Battle near Martinsburg, Va., Gen. Patterson, Union,
and Gen. Jackson, Confederate.

” 3—Southern men captured at Neosho, Mo. Consisted of 94 men.

” 4—Southern forces seize Louisville and Nashville railroad.

” 5—Congress assemble at Washington. President calls for
400,000 volunteers, and $400,000,000 to put down the
rebellion.

Battle of Carthage, between Sigel, Union, and Gen. Jackson,
Southern. Gen. Sigel retreated.

” 11—Nine Southern Senators expelled from U. S. Congress.

” 12—Battle of Rich Mountain, Va. Col. Rosecrans, Union,
defeated Col. Pegram, taking 800 prisoners and his camp
stores.

” 13—Confederates under Gen. Garnett, defeated at Carrick’s
Ford, by Gen. Morris. Gen. Garnett killed.

” 15—Col. Stuart, commanding Confederate cavalry, attacks
Union forces at Bunker Hill, Va., and is defeated.

” 16—Skirmishes at Millville, Mo., and Barboursville, Va.

” 18—Outposts of the two armies fight at Blackburn’s Ford,
on Bull Run, some 20 miles from Washington. Southern troops
withdraw.

BATTLE OF BULL RUN.

” 21—This was the first great battle. The Confederate
government aims at the capture of Washington. Their forces,
under Gen. Beauregard, about 22,000, afterwards strengthened
by 6,000, are attacked by Union army under Gen. McDowell,
with 28,000 men. It turns in favor of McDowell until arrival
of Confederate reinforcement of 6,000, when Union army was
totally defeated, the fugitives flying in great disorder
to the defenses of Washington. Yet Confederates lost more
in wounded, and failed to take the National Capital, the
preservation of which was the supreme point to the Union
forces. The South gained the _battle_, and the Union gained
the _cause_.

” 25—Gen. McClellan takes command of the Army of the Potomac.

Aug. 1—Confederate forces at Harpers Ferry retreat to
Leesburg.

” 2—Congress authorized the raising of 500,000 men and
$500,000,000 to suppress the insurrection, providing for the
last by tax and tariff.

Gen. Lyon repulses the Confederates at Dug Spring, Mo.

” 5—Commodore Allen bombarded Galveston, Texas.

” 7—Hampton, Va., burned by Southern forces.

BATTLE OF WILSON’S CREEK, MO.

” 10—Gen. Lyon, (Union,) with about 5,000 men, attacked
Gen. McCullough, (Confederate,) with over 10,000. Gen. Lyon
killed. Federal losses in killed, wounded, and missing,
1,211; Southern losses over 1,600. Union forces retreated to
Springfield. McCullough too much shattered to follow.

” 12—President Lincoln proclaimed Sept. 30, a Fast Day.

” 14—Gen. Fremont declared martial law in St. Louis.

” 15—President Davis ordered all northern men to leave the
South in 40 days.

” 16—President Lincoln forbids commercial intercourse with
the South.

” 23—Cherokee Indians take part with the South.

” 28—Capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark, N. C., by Gen.
Butler and Com. Stringham.

” 31—Gen. Fremont proclaims freedom of slaves and confiscates
property of disunionists in Missouri. President Lincoln
countermands it.

Sept. 1—Southerners defeated at Boonville, Va., and town
destroyed.

” 4—Confederate Gen. Polk occupies Columbus, Ky. Southern
forces, attempting to cross Potomac at Great Falls, repulsed.

” 10—Gen. Banks attacks Confederate Gen. Floyd, in intrenched
camp, at Carnifex Ferry. Gen. Floyd retreats in the night.

” 12—Battle of Cheat Mountain, a Union victory. Col. J. A.
Washington killed.

” 18—Secession members of Maryland Legislature imprisoned.

” 19—Arrest of Gov. Morehead and others for treason, in
Louisville, Ky.

” 20—Col. Morehead, Union, besieged, at Lexington, Mo., and
compelled to surrender with over 2,000 men, after a fight of
four days.

Oct. 2—Battle of Chapmanville, Va. Confederates defeated.

” 3—Battle of Greenbriar, Va. Federal success.

” 4—Confederate success at Chicamacomico, Va. Federals
retreated.

” 5—Steamer Monticello drives Southern forces from
Chicamacomico.

” 7—Confederate Iron Clad Merrimac appears at Fortress Monroe.

” 11—Confederate Commissioners Slidell and Mason escape from
Charleston, S. C.

” 16—U. S. troops recapture Lexington, Mo. Battle of Pilot
Knob, Mo. Unionists successful.

” 21—Battle of Balls Bluff. U. S. forces under Col. Baker,
member of Congress, 1,900 strong, defeated with loss of 918
men. Col. Baker killed.

Gen. Zollicoffer defeated by U. S. troops at Camp Wild Cat,
Ky.

” 25—Gen. Kelly gains a battle against Confederates at
Romney, Va.

” 29—U. S. naval and military force of 27,000 men and 75
vessels leave Fortress Monroe for the South.

Nov. 1—Gen. Scott retires from command of the Union army.
Gen. McClellan appointed Gen. in Chief. Gen. Floyd fails in
his attack on Gen. Rosencranz, at Gauley, Va.

” 2—Gen. Fremont superseded by Gen. Hunter in Mo.

” 4—Houston, Mo., taken by Union troops.

” 7—Com. Dupont and Gen. Sherman capture Forts Walker and
Beauregard, S. C., and occupy Beaufort and Hilton Island.

Gen. Grant captured Confederate camp at Belmont, Mo.,
opposite Columbus. Reinforcements arriving he retired.

” 8—Mason and Slidell, Confederate Commissioners to Europe,
were taken from British steamer Trent, by U. S. ship San
Jacinto. On subsequent demand of the English government they
were given up.

” 10—Union soldiers having been killed by inhabitants of
Guyandotte, Va., the town was burnt in retaliation.

” 15—The San Jacinto arrived at Fortress Monroe with Slidell
and Mason.

” 28—Bombardment of Pensacola, Fla., by Ft. Pickens and U. S.
war vessels.

” 27—Gen. McClellan orders observance of the Sabbath in the
army.

” 29—Skirmish at Warsaw, Mo. Town partly destroyed.

” 30—Fight at Salem, Mo. Southern forces defeated.

Dec. 3—Congress met at Washington.

” 4—Two Congressmen and Senator Breckenridge of Ky., expelled
for treason.

” 5—Naval engagement at Cape Hatteras.

Forces of U. S. army and navy reported very near 700,000 men.

” 9—Confederate Congress declares Kentucky a State in the
Southern Confederacy.

” 13—Gen. Milroy defeats Confederate Col. Johnson, at Camp
Alleghany.

” 16—Platte City, Mo., burnt by Southern forces.

” 17—More than 20 vessels, filled with stone, sunk at the
entrance of Charleston and Savannah harbors.

” 18—Gen. Pope captured 1,300 Southerners and 1,000 stand of
arms at Millford, Mo.

” 31—U. S. navy increased from 42 vessels at beginning of the
war to 246, of all kinds, up to this date.

1862.

Jan. 1—Mason and Slidell leave Ft. Warren, Boston Harbor, for
England.

” 2—Success of Unionists on Port Royal Island, near
Charleston, S. C.

” 4—Gen. Milroy defeats Confederates at Huntersville, Va.

” 7—Confederate defeat at Romney. U. S. troops capture stores
in Tucker Co., Va.

” 8—Union victory by Gen. Palmer at Silver Creek, Mo.

” 10—Humphrey Marshall defeated by Union troops in Kentucky.

Senators Johnson and Polk of Mo., expelled from the U. S.
Senate.

” 11—Simon Cameron, U. S. Sec. of War, resigned; E. M.
Stanton appointed.

Naval engagement on the Mississippi near the mouth of the
Ohio; Union vessels superior.

” 12—125 vessels and 15,000 troops, under Gen. Burnside, sail
for the South.

” 18—Ex-President Tyler dies.

” 19—Union victory at Mill Spring, Ky., by Gen. Shoepf over
Gen. Zollicoffer and Gen. Crittenden. Much spoil taken; Gen.
Zollicoffer killed.

” 27—Bishop Ames and Gov. Fish of New York appointed to visit
prisons in the South, to look after the interests of Union
prisoners. Confederate authorities refuse to receive them.