CHAPTER II.

OPENING EVENTS OF THE WAR.

CAPTURE OF FORT SUMTER, APRIL 13, 1861.-The seceding States at once began to seize all forts, arsenals, and national property of every description for the use of the Confederacy. Major Anderson, of the U. S. Army, was occupying Fort Moultrie with a force of but ten men. Fearing an attack by the secessionists in Charleston, he withdrew his command, on the night of December 26, 1860, to Fort Sumter, situated on an island in the harbor, a stronger position than the one which he had abandoned. Fort Moultrie was immediately occupied by the authorities of Charleston. The fort was strengthened and batteries erected, and preparations begun for the reduction of Fort Sumter. The national authorities instructed Major Anderson not to interfere with this hostile proceeding. Early in January, an unarmed vessel, the Star of the West, carried troops and supplies to reinforce Fort Sumter. When within sight of the fort it was fired upon from the Confederate batteries, and was obliged to turn back. No effort was made by the Government to avenge this insult to the national flag. The Confederates organized an army, most of whose officers had abandoned the Federal service. Gen. Beauregard was placed in command of their forces at Charleston. All supplies of food from Charleston were cut off from Major Anderson by the Confederates. The National Government began to make prepara

tions to replenish the supply of food, without which the fort would soon have been starved into capitulation. Gen. Beauregard was instructed to demand the surrender of Sumter, and in case of refusal, to reduce it.

The powerful batteries which had been thrown up all around it, opened fire upon the fort. The bombardment continued thirty-four hours. Anderson made a spirited defense, but was compelled to surrender after his ammunition was nearly expended, provisions consumed, magazine surrounded by flames, and other damage wrought to the fort. The surrender was made on the 13th day of April.

The next day the fort was evacuated, and the troops embarked for New York.

Not a man was killed on either side during the engagement. But while preparing to salute the lowered flag, as the garrison took its departure, a premature explosion occurred, which killed one Federal soldier and wounded three others. The joy of the South was complete, on receiving the news of the surrender of Fort Sumter.

CALL FOR TROOPS, APRIL 15, 1861.-News of the attack upon Fort Sumter dispelled all hopes for peaceful solution of the slavery question. Hitherto the President had hoped for reconciliation. War was commenced by the military seizure of the national fort. Lincoln accepted the issue of war thus forced upon the country. On April 15th he issued a call for 75,000 troops, to serve for three months, and summoned Congress to assemble July 4th in extra session. News of the fall of Sumter

awakened sentiments of the most enthusiastic loyalty in the Northern States, and the response to the President's call was prompt and patriotic. Within two weeks, 300,000 men offered themselves to preserve the Union and defend the flag. The whole North became a great camp of preparation. The loyal States made liberal appropriations for the public defense. Before the lapse of forty-eight hours, a Massachusetts regiment, armed and equipped, was on its way to Washington. Pennsylvania volunteers reached that city on the 18th, and soon troops were on their way to the capital from all Northern States.

The authorities at Montgomery were no less active. The call for additional troops was responded to with great enthusiasm. Only seven of the Southern States had seceded before Lincoln's call for troops. After this, Virginia, North Carolina, Arkansas and Tennessee cast their fortunes with the Confederacy. The Confederate capital was moved to Richmond, as soon as Virginia seceded from the Union.

On the 19th of April, the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, as the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment was on its way through Baltimore, it was attacked by a mob, which killed three soldiers and wounded others. The troops fired into the mob, killing eleven and wounding several. Intense excitement prevailed. Other troops, yet unarmed, were assailed. Baltimore was virtually in control of the secessionists, but the approach of General Butler's command, and the gathering courage of Unionists brought the rebellious city to its senses.

Col. Ellsworth, in command of the New York Fire Zouaves,

moved down the Potomac to Alexandria. No resistance was met at this point. Seeing a Confederate flag waving from the Marshall House in Alexandria, he stepped in with four of his men and took it down. Passing down stairs, he was met by Jackson, the hotel-keeper, who shot Ellsworth dead on the spot. Jackson suffered a like fate, for he was instantly shot by one of Ellsworth's men.

EVENTS IN WEST VIRGINIA.-The northwestern part of the State of Virginia, comprising one-third of its area, had for many years been at variance with the rest of the State on questions arising from the institution of slavery. When Virginia seceded, an opportunity was afforded this portion of the State to separate itself from the dominating influence of slavery. Accordingly, the people of that section called a convention, disavowed the act of secession, established a loyal government, and took steps to be admitted to the Union as a separate State called West Virginia.

Movements were at once set on foot to protect the new-born State in her efforts to aid the Union. Gen. George B. McClellan was placed in command of a Federal force, with Gen. W. S. Rosecrans as his second. The Confederates were defeated at Philippi and at Rich Mountain, and practically lost all power in the State. These events, though at the time important, must be regarded as merely a prelude to the first great battle, which was soon to be fought.

After these successes in West Virginia and the Union defeat at Bull Run, Gen. McClellan was promoted to the command of

the Army of the Potomac, and Rosecrans left to confront Robert E. Lee, who was sent to retrieve Confederate losses in that State. Great results had been expected from Lee's presence, but after several minor engagements in which he exhibited none of that vigor which characterized his later campaigns, he was transferred to other fields.

BATTLE OF BULL RUN, JULY 21, 1861.-The South prepared to prevent the advance of the Union troops into Virginia. General Beauregard, fresh from his glories at Fort Sumter, led a strong Confederate column to Manassas Junction, and posted it behind Bull Run creek. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, retreating from Harper's Ferry, took a position at Winchester, ready to coöperate with Gen. Beauregard. This line of defense was extended to the Potomac.

Gen. Winfield Scott, the hero of the Mexican War, was General-in-chief of the Union forces. He was too old and infirm to take the field for active service. Gen. Irwin McDowell was placed in command of the army, which commenced the forward movement. The Union General Robert Patterson confronted Johnston. Arlington Heights, Lee's old home, opposite Washington, was seized by the Union troops and strongly fortified. The armies of both sides consisted of raw militia and volunteers, hastily brought together and without military experience. Gen. Scott argued for time to drill the new recruits before attempting an advance. Northern newspapers were impatiently calling for the movement of the army. The cry, "On to Richmond!" was taken up by Congressmen and Senators. The