American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

April 9, 1861 Tuesday

Steamer Baltic, with naval agent Gustavus V. Fox aboard, sailed from New York for Fort Sumter. In Washington, despite the increasingly tense situation regarding the forts, President Lincoln devoted time to political appointments. At Charleston the newspaper Mercury proclaimed that the resupplying of Fort Sumter would mean war.

On behalf of:

Lt Gen Ned Simms
USA Eastern Theater Commander
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

_________________
General Cam McOmish

Brigade Commander
Alabama State Volunteers
Cleburne's Division
Hardee's Corps
(1/1/1)
Army of Tennessee
Confederate States of America

April 10, 1861 Wednesday

From Montgomery Sec. of War Walker telegraphed Confederate commander Beauregard at Charleston that if he were certain Fort Sumter was to be supplied “you will at once demand its evacuation, and if this is refused proceed, in such manner as you may determine, to reduce it.” U.S.S. Pawnee left Hampton Roads for relief of Fort Sumter.

President Lincoln conferred with a representative of the Chiriqui Improvement Company with land in Granadian Confederation regarding colonization of Negroes and coal supply of navy. Chiriqui was a prospective coal mining area in what is now Panama, near the Costa Rican border.

At Charleston military preparations continued with the newly constructed Confederate floating battery moved out of dock and anchored near Sullivan’s Island. Troops were moving into the various forts, batteries, and earthworks virtually surrounding Fort Sumter. Lieut. Worden had arrived at Pensacola, Fla., with his message from President Lincoln to land troops to reinforce Fort Pickens. He obtained permission from Gen. Bragg to visit the fort.


On behalf of:

Lt Gen Ned Simms
USA Eastern Theater Commander
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

_________________
General Cam McOmish

Brigade Commander
Alabama State Volunteers
Cleburne's Division
Hardee's Corps
(1/1/1)
Army of Tennessee
Confederate States of America

April 11, 1861 Thursday

A small boat with a white flag pushed off from a Charleston wharf and proceeded to Fort Sumter. Three men were aboard – Col. James Chestnut, until recently a U.S. senator; Capt. Stephen D. Lee, who had resigned from the U.S. Army; and Lieut. Col. A.R. Chisolm, representative of South Carolina’s Gov. Pickens. In midafternoon these officers delivered to Maj. Robert Anderson a message from Gen. Beauregard that the Confederate states “can no longer delay assuming actual possession of a fortification commanding the entrance of one of their harbors, and necessary to its defense and security. I am ordered by the Government of the Confederate States to demand the evacuation of Fort Sumter …” For an hour Anderson discussed the situation with his officers, and then replied to Beauregard that he refused to evacuate. As the representatives of Beauregard left, Maj. Anderson asked if there would be any further notice before opening fire. Col. Chestnut said there would probably be such notice. Anderson said that he would be starved out in a few days if not battered to pieces. Receiving the report of his emissaries, Beauregard wired Sec. of War Walker at Montgomery, giving Anderson’s reply. Walker wired back, “Do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumter. If Anderson will state the time at which, as indicated by him, he will evacuate, and agree that in the mean time he will not use his guns against us unless ours should be employed against Fort Sumter, you are authorized thus to avoid the effusion of blood …”

In Washington President Lincoln conferred with Gov. Thomas H. Hicks of Maryland regarding the uncertain condition of his state. Mr. Lincoln interviews Carl Schurz regarding appointment to command of four regiments. Meanwhile, guards in Washington were increased and a company of troops paraded at the Capitol. The three Confederate commissioners left Washington, satisfied that they could do little more, and feeling they had been falsely led by Seward and the Federal government


On behalf of:

Lt Gen Ned Simms
USA Eastern Theater Commander
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '0

_________________
General Cam McOmish

Brigade Commander
Alabama State Volunteers
Cleburne's Division
Hardee's Corps
(1/1/1)
Army of Tennessee
Confederate States of America

April 12, 1861 Friday

At 11 PM the night of April 11 Beauregard’s messengers, Chestnut, S.D. Lee, and Chisolm, returned to Maj. Anderson at Fort Sumter, prompted by the telegram of Confederate Sec. of War Walker expressing a wish to avoid firing if Anderson would state time at which, due to lack of supplies, he would have to evacuate. They reached Fort Sumter at 12:45 AM, April 12, and at 3:15 AM received Anderson’s reply. The major said he would evacuate on the fifteenth at noon if he did not receive additional supplies or further orders from his government. Anderson added that he would not fire unless fired upon. These terms were obviously unsatisfactory to the Confederates as it was common knowledge supplies and possibly reinforcements were coming, probably along with further orders. The officers had to refuse Anderson’s proposal and notified him in writing that Confederate batteries would open in an hour’s time. They proceeded to Fort Johnson, arriving at 4 AM.

At 4:30 AM the signal shot was fired from the post of Capt. George S. James at Fort Johnson, with other batteries opening according to previous orders, Capt. James gave the order and, probably, one Henry S. Farley actually fired the signal shot that arched in the night sky over Charleston Harbor. Edmund Ruffin, Virginia agriculturalist and fiery Confederate, did not, apparently, fire the first real shot, despite the legend. He did fire the first shell from columbiad No. 1 of the iron battery at Cummings Point on Morris Island. The rotation of fire, which was followed, brought this battery into action late. But it matters little; the signal shot did it and the war guns spoke.

For a while, until near 7 AM, the forty-eight guns of Fort Sumter were silent, and then some of them replied, manned by eighty-five officers and men and some of the forty-three workmen employed in the fort. Opposing the Federal garrison were well over four thousand Confederates and seventy or more guns. Of course, only part of the Union guns could be handled at once due to the small garrison. Three times, at least, the barracks of the fort caught fire, throwing thick black clouds of smoke skyward, but the fires were extinguished each time. The men at the guns suffered little from the Confederate fire, but could not man the open top tier due to the accurate vertical fire of the enemy. All day the Confederate bombardment was constant and heavy. The issue was never in doubt. By night rain and darkness closed in on the beleaguered fort. Only a few minor injuries had been suffered by the men.

For the Confederates it was said a thrill went through the city of Charleston – the issue had been met. Crowds of people watched from the battery and many others perched on rooftops for a better view. A teenager said, “a perfect sheer of flame flashed out, a deafening roar, a rumbling deadening sound, and the war was on.” Out at sea the vessels of the Federal relieving fleet could be seen. Would they attempt to come in? While some cheered, others prayed, and some did both.

Miles away at Fort Pickens, Fla., Federal troops were landed on Santa Rosa Island to reinforce the garrison of the fort at the entrance to Pensacola Bay. The Navy carried out the mission after being given special orders by Lieut. Worden, who had come from Washington. Due to the location of Fort Pickens, the Confederates in Pensacola were unable to prevent the landings. The issue there had now been solved and Fort Pickens was to remain in Northern hands, a constant threat to the South on the Gulf Coast.

Lincoln appoints W. H. Lamon marshal for District of Columbia. Cabinet discusses general matters in short session.



On behalf of:

Lt Gen Ned Simms
USA Eastern Theater Commander
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '0

_________________
General Cam McOmish

Brigade Commander
Alabama State Volunteers
Cleburne's Division
Hardee's Corps
(1/1/1)
Army of Tennessee
Confederate States of America

April 13, 1861 Saturday

After thirty-four hours of bombardment Fort Sumter was forced to surrender to the Confederates. There was hope by some and fear by others that the Federal squadron offshore would enter into the fray, land troops and supplies and that Fort Sumter would remain in Federal hands. While U.S.S. Baltic, U.S.S. Pawnee, and Harriet Lane had arrived, they found the war had begun and were unable to complete their mission of rescue.

Inside Fort Sumter on the morning of April 13 the last rice was cooked and served with pork, and fire reopened. But the supply of artillery cartridges was severely limited. A few minor wounds occurred and again the barracks and officers’ quarters were ablaze. This time the fire was unextinguishable and the powder magazine was threatened. Artillery fire from the fort was cut down due to lack of cartridges. At one o’clock the flagstaff fell, but amid the storm of shot the Union banner was replaced. Inexplicably former U.S. senator Louis T. Wigfall of Texas appeared at the fort with a white flag and unofficially discussed surrender. Maj. Anderson agreed that the time for surrender had come and the white flag replaced the Stars and Stripes on the battered flagstaff. Aides of Beauregard arrived and stated that Wigfall’s visit was unofficial, but after some discussion the surrender stood, occurring about two-thirty in the afternoon.

The Confederate fire on this second day of bombardment had been more accurate than on the twelfth. While injury to the fort was considerable, it was not yet undefendable. But the lack of men and want of provisions, artillery cartridges, and supplies forced the decision. Maj. Anderson felt, correctly, that his men had done their duty and that he had followed orders, for without relief there was no hope.

Offshore the Federal fleet had made no movement and Maj. Anderson at Fort Sumter had been unable to communicate even with flags due to the lack of the proper code. Onshore the Confederates at the guns and the citizen observers were cheered by their success, and sympathy was openly expressed for Maj. Anderson and his gallant garrison. One observer wrote, “Thank God the day has come – thank God the war is open, and we will conquer or perish.” The cheers of the Southern soldiers and citizens were loud – victory was theirs.

The human cost had been light indeed. Some four thousand shells had been fired in Charleston Harbor and not a human being killed. Only a few were slightly injured, mainly by falling bricks. The only known fatality was one horse – Confederate. But a New York paper later put it soberly, “The curtain has fallen upon the first act of the great tragedy of our age.” One source for a more detailed account of the events at Fort Sumter can be found at http://www.civilwarhome.com/ftsumter.htm .

Elsewhere, Lieut. Worden, who had carried the orders to the U.S. Navy to land Federal troops at Fort Pickens at Pensacola, Fla., was seized by Confederate authorities near Montgomery, Ala., on his way back to Washington. But Fort Pickens had been reinforced and the harbor was now blockaded. Lieut. Worden was exchanged about seven months later and next year assumed command of a ship called the Monitor.

In Washington there was no confirmed report yet from Charleston but it was believed shots had been fired. President Lincoln told a group of Virginia commissioners that he considered it his duty to “hold, occupy, and possess, the property, and places belonging to the Government,” but beyond that there would no invasion or use of force against the people. However, he said, “I shall hold myself at liberty to re-possess, if I can,” places like Fort Sumter if taken from Federal control. In far-off Texas, Fort Davis was abandoned by Federal troops.

On behalf of:

Lt Gen Ned Simms
USA Eastern Theater Commander
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '0

_________________
General Cam McOmish

Brigade Commander
Alabama State Volunteers
Cleburne's Division
Hardee's Corps
(1/1/1)
Army of Tennessee
Confederate States of America

April 14, 1861 Sunday

With colors flying, drums beating, and fifty guns firing in salute, the sturdy, fatigued, and defeated garrison of Fort Sumter marched out of their bastion and boarded vessels which would take them north. But the scene of victory and defeat was marred at the surrender ceremony by the accidental explosion of a pile of cartridges. The blast killed one Federal private outright, another was mortally wounded, and four others injured, one seriously. A large crowd aboard various small and large vessels watched the ceremony at the fort in the excitement of victory. Throughout Charleston it was a holiday to celebrate the evacuation and in the churches special services of thanksgiving were held. Gov. Pickens of South Carolina told a crowd, “We have met them and we have conquered.”

The news was now spreading over the land, uniting hearts and making those uncertain declare themselves. The sides had been chosen and the issue joined; it was time now for fresh decisions and preparation for action. In Washington President Lincoln officially heard the news. The Cabinet approved his call for 75,000 militia and a special session of Congress to meet July 4. Sen. Stephen A. Douglas conferred with Mr. Lincoln and pledged his support of the Union despite political differences. The Cabinet and Mr. Lincoln met for a long night session. In Montgomery Jefferson Davis and his Cabinet were slowly getting the news and were likewise deliberating as to their next moves. President Davis expressed thankfulness that no blood had been shed, and stated that separation was not yet necessarily final. The wild rejoicing in the South culminated at Charleston and Montgomery. Some felt that this victory would prevent further war; others feared the real struggle had not yet begun.

Maj. Robert Anderson was to say, “Our Southern brethren have done grievously wrong, they have rebelled and have attacked their father’s house and their loyal brothers. They must be punished and brought back, but this necessity breaks my heart.”

On Van Dusen’s Creek, near Mad River, Calif., Federal troops skirmished with Indians.



On behalf of:

Lt Gen Ned Simms
USA Eastern Theater Commander
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '0

_________________
General Cam McOmish

Brigade Commander
Alabama State Volunteers
Cleburne's Division
Hardee's Corps
(1/1/1)
Army of Tennessee
Confederate States of America

April 15, 1861 Monday

As excitement increased among the peoples of the now warring nations, President Lincoln at Washington publicly issued a proclamation declaring that an insurrection existed, calling out seventy-five thousand militia from the various Northern states and convening Congress in special session. Immediately the strongly Northern states wired back their acceptance of the call for troops; Kentucky and North Carolina as quickly refused. In North Carolina state troops seized Fort Macon, an unmanned Federal fort. The President’s proclamation excited much ill feeling in the border areas of Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, as well as some support.

Throughout North and South papers continued to scream the news, writers penned flaming editorials, and public gatherings sang patriotic songs, heard flamboyant speakers. All the same, it was hard to comprehend that war had actually begun.


On behalf of:

Lt Gen Ned Simms
USA Eastern Theater Commander
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '0

_________________
General Cam McOmish

Brigade Commander
Alabama State Volunteers
Cleburne's Division
Hardee's Corps
(1/1/1)
Army of Tennessee
Confederate States of America

April 16, 1861 Tuesday

As more Northern states responded to President Lincoln’s call for militia, Virginia officially refused. North Carolina state troops seized Forts Caswell and Johnston. In the Indian Territory Federal troops were converging on Fort Washita near the Texas line from other frontier posts. The main question for the immediate future seemed to be the border and upper South slave states that were still officially in the Union – Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Maryland, and Delaware. The action at Fort Sumter would certainly cause several of these states to make their decision; perhaps four or more would go with the South. After all, Gov. John Letcher of Virginia had told President Lincoln that his state would not furnish troops “for any such use or purpose as they have in view.” The governor was opposed to what he called the subjugation of the Southern states.

Delayed by heavy weather and by stops to help secure Union fortifications at Key West, Florida, the Atlantic, with Colonel Harvey Brown and Captain M. C. Meigs aboard, arrived off Fort Pickens the evening of April 16.

Secretary of the Navy Welles wrote Flag Officer Garrett J. Pendergrast, commanding U.S.S. Cumberland at Norfolk: "Until further orders the departure of the Cumberland to Vera Cruz will be deferred. In the meantime you will lend your assistance, and that of your command, towards putting the vessels now in the Yard in condition to be moved, placing the ordnance and ordnance stores on board for moving, and, in case of invasion, insurrection, or violence of any kind, to suppress it, repelling assault by force, if necessary."

An example of the Northern response for 75,000 volunteers which also gives the organization of a company and regiment:

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 2.
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS,
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
SPRINGFIELD, ILL., April 16, 1861.
The Secretary of War, under and by direction of the President of the United States, having called upon the Executive of this State for the immediate organization of six regiments of volunteer militia to aid in the enforcement of the laws of the United States, and to protect the public property; therefore, I, Richard Yates, Governor of the State of Illinois, and Commander-in-Chief of the militia thereof, do call upon the commandants of divisions, brigades, regiments and independent companies to aid in raising and organizing the same immediately, and if there be no such officers, then the sheriff of each county.
By the instruction of the War Department, each company will consist of one captain, one first lieutenant. one second lieutenant, four sergeants, four corporals, two musicians, and eighty men.
Each regiment will be composed of one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, one major, one adjutant (a lieutenant of one of the companies, but not in addition), one sergeant-major, one quartermaster-sergeant, two principal musicians, and ten companies.
Each company will elect its own officers, and when the several companies shall meet at the place of rendezvous, they will be formed into regiments, and will elect their own regimental officers. As fast as the companies are formed the commanding officer will make a return to the office of the Adjutant General, stating the names of the officers and number of men in each company. No person, under the rank of a commissioned officer, will be received who is apparently over the age of forty-five, or under the age of eighteen years.
Springfield is appointed the place of rendezvous, to which place each company or regiment will repair, at the earliest practicable period-where tents, and such other conveniences as can be procured, will be furnished.
Companies will be received in the order in which their services are offered.
(Signed.) RICHARD YATES, Commander-in-Chief
THOMAS S. MATHER, Adjutant General Illinois Militia.


On behalf of:

Lt Gen Ned Simms
USA Eastern Theater Commander
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '0

_________________
General Cam McOmish

Brigade Commander
Alabama State Volunteers
Cleburne's Division
Hardee's Corps
(1/1/1)
Army of Tennessee
Confederate States of America

April 17, 1861 Wednesday
VIRGINIA CONVENTION VOTES FOR SECESSION.

Militia and volunteers were being raised in Northern states in response to the President’s call and in reaction to Fort Sumter. Steps were taken in Washington to protect the Federal capital. But in Baltimore, Md., secessionists held a large meeting, and both Missouri and Tennessee refused to furnish their quotas of militia to the United States. At the same time all the non-slaveholding states had responded. President Lincoln conferred with Gen. Winfield Scott regarding Harper’s Ferry, Va., the defenses of Washington, and the Gosport Navy Yard near Norfolk, Va. He interviews George T. Whittington of Alexandria, Va., and recommends that Sec. Seward send him to Richmond to "make observations for us."

In Richmond the Virginia State Convention adopted an ordinance of secession by the vote of 88 to 55 (but once the issue was decided, a second vote was taken which yielded a margin of 103-46 in favor of joining the Confederacy), providing for a popular referendum on the issue May 23. The action of the convention, however, virtually put Virginia in the Confederacy. The convention also instructed the governor to call out as many volunteers as might be necessary to protect Virginia from Federal encroachment. While strong pro-Union sentiment still existed in Virginia, particularly in the western counties, the firing at Fort Sumter had clearly swung many Virginians and delegates to the convention to the side of secession.

At Montgomery President Davis invited applications for letters of marque and reprisal, which permitted privateering on the high seas, most particularly upon the commerce of the United States (http://hd.housedivided.dickinson.edu/node/36001).

Star of the West, involved in the January incident at Fort Sumter, was taken near Indianola, Tex., by the Galveston Volunteers, a Confederate militia unit that had been aboard the Confederate Army steamer General Rusk off the coast of Texas.

I have two versions of what happened at Fort Pickens on this day so take your pick until someone tells us which one is accurate.

Version 1: U.S.S. Powhatan, commanded by Lieutenant D. D. Porter, arrived off Pensacola. Under her protecting guns, 600 troops on board steamer Atlantic were landed at Fort Pickens to complete its reinforcement. President Lincoln had stated "I want that fort saved at all hazards." The President's wish was fulfilled, and use of the best harbor on the Gulf was denied the Confederacy for the entire war, while serving the Union indispensably in the blockade and the series of devastating assaults from the sea that divided and destroyed the South.

Version 2: During the early morning hours of April 17, while the reinforcement of Fort Pickens was underway, the Powhatan arrived on the scene. It had been delayed by "heavy gales, head winds, and defective boilers." Lieutenant Porter disguised his vessel as an English steamer and, flying English colors and burning English coal, determined to "run the gantlet" into Pensacola Harbor. Colonel Brown, recognizing the Powhatan, sent Meigs to stop Porter, whose mission now interfered with the reinforcement of the fort and might even precipitate an unwanted battle. With Porter ignoring signals obviously intended for him, Meigs placed a ship in Porter's path and blocked his entry into the harbor. Informing Porter that present circumstances rendered it imperative that he discontinue his course, Meigs brought the Powhatan to anchor near the Atlantic. In this manner, Meigs wrote, "I stopped this gallant officer, bent on a desperate deed of self-sacrifice and devotion to his country." A few days later, Porter sent a letter to Washington explaining that he had been prevented from carrying out his orders. The letter was addressed, not to the secretary of the navy, but to Secretary of State Seward, who was requested to place the information before President Lincoln.

Nicholas Biddle, a colored man from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, joins the Washington artillerists, and becomes the first Negro volunteer for the Union.

Confederates placed obstacles in the channel at Norfolk, attempting to prevent the sailing of U.S. naval vessels. The subsequent passage of the obstructions by Pawnee and Cumberland proved the effort ineffective.

In Cincinnati, Ohio, a mob of citizens boarded two steamboats and seized 23 boxes of war material they believed was destined for Arkansas. The boxes contained a wide variety of items including training
manuals for drilling trips. Perhaps most importantly, however, the shipment included cannon that had been ordered by the State of Arkansas from a foundry in New York. Of little consequence to the members of the mob was the fact that Arkansas had not seceded from the Union. In fact, it was still somewhat questionable whether the Natural State would leave the Union at all. Residents in the southern half of the state
generally favored such a move, while those in the mountains by and large opposed it.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

April 18, 1861 Thursday
Five companies of Pennsylvania troops reached Washington, the first to arrive (http://48thpennsylvania.blogspot.com/20 ... t-val.html contains an interesting diary account of life in one of these companies during their stay in Washington). In New York the 6th Massachusetts made a triumphal march, setting a pattern to be followed for some time to come. The U.S. Armory at Harper’s Ferry, Va., at the confluence of the Potomac and the Shenandoah, was abandoned and burned by its garrison, although much of the machinery was left intact. At Pine Bluff, Ark., pro-secessionists seized the U.S. Army Subsistence Stores. In Richmond, Va., the U.S. Custom House and Post Office was taken over by state troops on order of the governor and two vessels seized in the James River. A pro-secession flag was raised on Federal Hill in Baltimore. At New York Maj. Robert Anderson and his men from Fort Sumter disembarked as heroes. Virginia was rapidly arming and organizing its state troops to defend its territory, even though not yet officially a part of the Confederacy. President Davis told Gov. Letcher that the Confederacy would furnish whatever aid it could. Confederate attempts to bribe the Federal troops at Fort Pickens into surrendering was foiled because of the alertness of the fort’s commander, Colonel Harvey Brown.

President Lincoln received eyewitness reports of what had happened at Charleston from Mr. Wiley of New York, quartered a group known as the “Frontier Guards” composed of 600 Kansas men under Jim Lane in the East Room of the White House, and reportedly had politician F.P. Blair, Sr., approach Col. Robert E. Lee regarding command of the Union Army, which he allegedly turned down. The Cabinet met to discuss such problems at Norfolk, Harper’s Ferry, and the possibility of an attack on the Washington Navy Yard. Lincoln retires early, but is awakened by John Hay, assistant secretary to President, bearing warning of possible plot against his life; merely grins.

While both Northern and Southern shades of opinion were being expressed in the border and upper South states, there were some who were calling for neutrality or independence from either side. Various cities of the North were contributing money to aid volunteers enlisting in the Federal Army.

Telegram from Maj. Anderson to Sec. of War Cameron:

Steamship Baltic, off Sandy Hook,
Thursday, April 18, 1861.
Hon. S. Cameron, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C:

Sir: - Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, the main gates destroyed by fire, the gorge wall seriously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames, and its door closed from the effect of the heat, four barrels and three cartridges of powder only being available, and no provisions but pork remaining, I accepted terms of evacuation, offered by General Beauregard, being the same offered by him on the 11th instant, prior to the commencement of hostilities, and marched out of the fort, Sunday afternoon, the 14th instant, with colors flying and drums beating, bringing away company and private property, and saluting my flag with fifty guns.

Robert Anderson,
Major First Artillery.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

April 19, 1861 Friday
“Whereas an insurrection against the Government of the United States has broken out in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas,” therefore a blockade of the ports of those states was declared by President Lincoln in a proclamation. Later the blockade was extended to Virginia and North Carolina. While not immediately very effective, the blockade in time became a major instrument of war and for nearly four years was to make its impression upon the outcome of many events. Even at first, merely on paper, it did to some extent defer foreign shippers. Later, while blockade-runners continued to get through, the risks grew greater and greater. Historians have argued over the effectiveness of the Federal blockade, some claiming that at its best a few blockade-runners, at least, always got through, while others point out that the mere declaration of a blockade prevented many ships from sailing which otherwise would have taken advantage of the Southern need for both military and civilian supplies. The Federal Navy Department went to work rapidly to pull in its far-flung vessels and get them on blockading stations at major ports, meanwhile buying, building, and equipping new vessels for similar duty. On the other hand, both Southern and foreign vessels soon became adept at evading the naval blockaders. While events were sporadic in other fields of war, the blockade went on relentlessly, day after day, off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, making its partly unsung contribution to the results of the conflict.

More dramatic in these early days of the Civil War was the clash of soldiers and civilians in Baltimore. In response to the call of President Lincoln, the 6th Massachusetts had left home, moved through New York toward Washington. At Baltimore it had to detrain partially to transfer to the Washington depot. There had been talk of trouble from pro-secessionists in Baltimore for some days and the Federal government was faced not only with the defense of Washington, but with keeping touchy Maryland in the Union. In Washington politicians as well as military men were organizing companies, patrolling streets, and guarding Federal buildings. Harper’s Ferry, evacuated by the Federals, had been taken during the morning by Virginia troops, and now a fracas in Baltimore. There were even fears of an attack on the capital. Baltimore was the major eastern rail center near Washington and with it cut off, Washington could well be in danger. Mayor George W. Brown of Baltimore said no notice of the coming of the troops was given him or the police. The crowd of bystanders grew as the rail cars were dragged by horses between stations. An angry crowd of secessionists tried to keep the regiment from reaching Washington, blocking several of the transports, breaking windows, and, finally, forcing the soldiers to get out and march through the streets. The throng followed in close pursuit. What had now become a mob surrounded and jeered the regiment, then started throwing bricks and stones. Panicking, several soldiers fired randomly into the crowd, and mayhem ensued as the regiment scrambled to the railroad station. The police managed to hold the crowd back at the terminal, allowing the infantrymen to board their train and escape, leaving behind much of their equipment as well as their marching band. Four soldiers and twelve civilians were killed, and scores were injured (for an excellent account of the first soldiers to die and what happened to them, see http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_17867658?source=rss_viewed particularly if you are from Mass, NH, or Me). Maryland officials demanded that no more Federal troops be sent through the state, while Baltimore's mayor and police chief authorized the destruction of key rail bridges to prevent Union troops from entering the city. Secessionist groups, meanwhile, tore down telegraph wires to Washington, temporarily cutting the capital off from the rest of the nation. The North was outraged; New York Tribune editor Horace Greeley even called for Baltimore to be burned to the ground. Upon arrival in Washington the 6th Massachusetts was quartered in the Senate Chamber at the Capitol. Miss Clara Barton finds them temporarily quartered in the Senate Chamber of the U. S. Capitol and provides supplies from her own household for their comfort. An overwhelming response to her request for additional supplies for the troops marks the start of her legacy as one who receives, stores, and distributes supplies during the Civil War. With the Baltimore riot, rumors flew thicker than ever. Washington was in effect cut off from the north via the railroad. See http://readme.readmedia.com/Seventh-Reg ... 61/2258444 for an excellent account of a Northern militia regiment mobilizing but keep in mind that this one had its act together and was not typical of all regiments that mobilized. For a Southern perspective of the militia see http://www.stonewallbrigade.com/article ... ssion.html .

As the troops of Virginia moved into Harper’s Ferry, aging Maj. Gen. Robert Patterson was assigned Federal command over Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. More Federal troops were leaving New York for Washington; merchants of New York pledged their loyalty to the Union. With Baltimore cut off, naval officers immediately began embarking troops at Philadelphia and the head of Chesapeake Bay to bring them to Annapolis by water and then to Washington by rail. Capt. David G. Farragut, a Southerner living in Norfolk, Va., left his home for New York City and eventual service with the Union.


Townsend's Account of Robert E. Lee's Interview with Scott,

E. D. Townsend was assistant adjutant general of the U.S. Army at the time.

General Scott knew that he [Lee] was at Arlington Heights, at the house of his father-in law, Mr. Custis, and one day asked me if I had seen or heard of him lately. I replied in the negative, except that he was on leave and at Arlington Heights. Said the general, "It is time he should show his hand and if he remains loyal should take an important command." I then suggested that I should write a note to Lee and ask him to call at the general's headquarters. "I wish you would," replied the general. The note was written and the next day, April 19, 1861, Colonel Lee came to the office. The general's was the front room of the second story. His round table stood in the centre of the room and I had a desk in one corner. The aides were in an adjoining room with a door opening into the general's. When Lee came in, I was alone in the room with the general and the door to the aides' room was closed. I quietly arose, keeping my eye on the general, for it seemed probable he might wish to be alone with Lee. He, however, secretly motioned me to keep my seat and I sat down without Lee having a chance to notice that I had risen. The general having invited Lee to be seated, the following conversation, as nearly as I can remember, took place. General Scott: "You are at present on leave of absence, Colonel Lee? Colonel Lee: "Yes, General, I am staying with my family at Arlington." General Scott: "These are times when every officer in the United States service should fully determine what course he will pursue and frankly declare it. No one should continue in government employ without being actively employed." (No response from Lee.) General Scott (after a pause): "Some of the Southern officers are resigning, possibility with the intention of taking part with their States. They make a fatal mistake. The contest may be long and severe, but eventually the issue must be in favor of the Union." (Another pause and no reply from Lee.) General Scott (seeing evidently that Lee showed no disposition to declare himself loyal or even in doubt): "I suppose you will go with the rest. If you purpose to resign, it is proper you should do so at once; your present attitude is an equivocal one." Colonel Lee: "The property belonging to my children, all they possess, lies in Virginia. They will be ruined, if they do not go with their State. I cannot raise my hand against my children."

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

April 20, 1861 Saturday
Several railroad bridges were burned to prevent passage of Union troops from Baltimore to Washington while rioting continued in the Maryland city. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler and the 8th Massachusetts arrived at Annapolis, Md., heading for Washington, but bypassing Baltimore. The 4th Massachusetts arrived at Fort Monroe to strengthen the garrison of that vital Federal enclave on Virginia soil. Many Southern merchants repudiated debts to the North until after the war. Pro-secessionists and state troops seized the U.S. Arsenal at Liberty, Mo. Col. Robert E. Lee formally resigned his commission in the U.S. Army. It is said by some that this step took much soul-searching, while other evidence seems to indicate that a decision to follow the fate of Virginia was never in doubt. Lee opposed secession, but he was a loyal son of Virginia. His official resignation was only one sentence, but he wrote a longer explanation to his friend and mentor, General Winfield Scott, later that day. Lee had fought under Scott during the Mexican War (1846-48), and he revealed to his former commander the depth of his struggle. Lee spoke with Scott on April 18, and explained that he would have resigned then "but for the struggle it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted the best years of my life and all the ability I possess." Lee expressed gratitude for the kindness shown him by all in the army during his 25-year service, but Lee was most grateful to Scott. "To no one, general, have I been as much indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration..." He concluded with this poignant sentiment: "Save in the defense of my native State, I never desire again to draw my sword." In Washington President Lincoln conferred with Gen. Scott and others over the Baltimore situation. Major Anderson, with the flag that had flown over the fort, appeared at a massive rally in New York City's Union Square. The New York Times estimated the crowd at more than 100,000 people, while at Louisville, Ky., former Vice-President John C. Breckinridge denounced Lincoln’s call for troops as illegal.

The night of April 20 the Federal Gosport Navy Yard near Norfolk, Va., was evacuated and partially burned by the garrison and several vessels scuttled. Commandant Charles S. McCauley had decided that the facility was threatened with capture. His decision was later censured by Federal authorities. Five vessels were burned to the water line (U.S.S. Pennsylvania, Germantown, Raritan, Columbia, and Dolphin). Four others, including U.S.S. Merrimack, later refloated as C.S.S. Virginia, (plus U.S.S. Delaware, Columbus, Plymouth) were sunk after burning. The ancient frigate United States was abandoned. Three vessels got away intact (U.S.S. Pawnee, Commodore Paulding, and tug Yankee, towing U.S.S. Cumberland, escaped; Pawnee returned to Washington to augment small defenses at the Capital). While many of the ships in the yard were old or in poor condition, others would have been of use in the blockade. Furthermore, the loss of Norfolk hampered Federal coastal operations and in turn gave the Confederates an important base. The South was able to make use of the dry dock, the industrial plant, and some of the vessels, and many of the thousand guns stored there furnished armament for Confederate defenses. At Annapolis the famed old U.S.S. Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides,” was towed out into Chesapeake Bay to prevent seizure by the South.

U.S.S. Anacostia, commanded by Lieutenant Thomas S. Fillebrown, was ordered to patrol off Kettle Bottom Shoals, Virginia, to prevent the obstruction of the channel at that point; the crew was augmented by 20 Marines from the Washington Navy Yard.

Cornelius Vanderbilt offered the government the fast steamer Vanderbilt. Eventually the Navy acquired many private ships by charter or purchase to strengthen its blockade fleets.

U.S. coast survey schooner Twilight, commanded by Andrew C. Mitchell, was seized at Aransas, Texas.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

April 21, 1861 Sunday
Washington was still isolated due to the riot in Baltimore; Harper’s Ferry and Norfolk had been lost to the Confederates or Virginians. The Federal situation in Washington looked particularly bleak at this time. But elsewhere in the North the parades, meetings, volunteering, and fund raising continued. President Lincoln conferred with Mayor Brown of Baltimore regarding the passage of troops. In western Virginia pro-Northern citizens of Monongahela County met to pass resolutions against secession. From pulpits North and South the clergy joined in the patriotic fervor of the day, pleading the justice of their causes.

The illegal slave ship Nightingale with 961 slaves was captured by U.S.S. Saratoga. Read her interesting story at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Nightingale_(1851) .

Colonel Earl Van Dorn, CSA, assumes command of Confederate forces in Texas.

Colonel Charles F. Smith, USA, reported to Secretary of the Navy Welles he had seized and placed under guard steamers Baltimore, Mount Vernon, Philadelphia, and Powhatan near Washington, D.C. Steamers plied between Aquia Creek and Washington; these were ordered to be outfitted at Washington Navy Yard for defense of the Capital. Aquia Creek, terminal point of railroad connection with Richmond, was the first location on the Potomac where Confederate naval officers erected batteries.

Maryland Governor Thomas H. Hicks writes to U. S. General Benjamin Butler advising that he not land his Federal troops at Annapolis, Maryland. Gen. Butler replied that he intended to land there and march then to Washington, D.C. Governor Hicks protested against this and also against having taken forcible possession of the Annapolis and Elkridge railroad.

Thomas J. Jackson was a professor at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. A devoutly religious man, his first concern for the cadets in his charge was to see that they attended chapel this Sunday morning. In the afternoon they turned to other matters and summoned stagecoaches. These they took to the nearest train station, as virtually the entire school was off to enlist for the defense of Virginia and the Confederacy.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

April 22, 1861 Monday
Gov. H.M. Rector of Arkansas turned down the Federal requisition for troops, stating their purpose was “to subjugate the Southern States.” State troops of North Carolina seized the U.S. Arsenal at Fayetteville. Florida ratified the Confederate Constitution, but had been part of the new nation since January.

President Davis told Gov. Letcher of Virginia that more troops were on the way and urged him to “Sustain Baltimore if practicable.” President Lincoln was still sorely concerned over the Baltimore situation and told a peace-seeking committee from the Baltimore YMCA, “You express great horror of bloodshed, and yet would not lay a straw in the way of those who are organizing in Virginia and elsewhere to capture this city.” He said he had no desire to invade the South but he must defend the capital, and added, “Keep your rowdies in Baltimore, and there will be no bloodshed.” Troops now had to march across Maryland. The commandant of the Washington Navy Yard, Capt. Franklin Buchanan, resigned to go South and was succeeded by Com. John A. Dahlgren. The steamer Boston brought the 7th New York to Annapolis. Gov. Hicks of Maryland urged the President to withdraw troops from Maryland and advocated cessation of hostilities with arbitrament by Lord Lyons, the British minister. Sec. of State Seward turned down these suggestions. Late at night Illinois troops arrived to garrison Cairo, Ill., which pointed like a sword at the heart of the South from its position at the junction of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. President Lincoln confers with Gen. Scott in driveway of Executive Mansion to save his gouty visitor pain of climbing stairs.

In Richmond Robert E. Lee was nominated by the governor and confirmed by the State Convention as commander of the forces of Virginia. Joseph E. Johnston was a Virginia native and West Pointer (1829), rated by many as more capable than Lee, and was the highest-ranking regular army officer to resign and join the Confederacy. With the staff rank of brigadier general, he had been the national army's quartermaster general for almost a year when he quit on April 22, 1861. President Lincoln was surprised at the resignation of Col. Magruder who three days ago had expressed loyalty.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00

April 23, 1861 Tuesday
Arkansas state troops seized Fort Smith, an important frontier post ( http://civilwararkansas.blogspot.com/20 ... il-23.html ). R.E. Lee, now a major general of Virginia, was formally assigned to command the forces of the state. Major General Joseph E. Johnston, Virginia Volunteers, is assigned to command of Virginia state forces in and around Richmond, Virginia and Major General Walter Gwynn, Virginia Volunteers, is assigned to command of Virginia state forces in and around Norfolk, Virginia. Virginia secessionist convention ratifies a temporary union with the Confederacy and accepts the Southern Constitution, subject to approval of the ordnance of secession.

U.S.S. Pawnee arrived in Washington from Norfolk, strengthening the defenses of the Federal capital. In Montgomery President Davis wrote Gov. Claiborne Jackson of Missouri that he had received his envoys and that the Confederacy would aid the Missouri secessionists in attacking the St. Louis Arsenal. John Bell of Tennessee, lately Constitutional Union candidate for President, told a Nashville meeting he was opposed to the attempted subjugation of the South. Meanwhile, political meetings for various causes continued in both countries. Troops, both CSA and USA, were moving toward Virginia and Washington. President Lincoln paces the floor awaiting troops for defense of Washington. and exclaimed, “Why don’t they come! Why don’t they come!” With the secession of Virginia accomplished, the focus of the struggle had shifted from Charleston northward. US officers at San Antonio, Tex., were captured as prisoners of war. George McClellan appointed Major General of the Ohio militia.

_________________
Gen Ned Simms
2/XVI Corps/AotT
Blood 'n Guts hisself, a land lovin' pirate. Show me some arty tubes and we'll charge 'em.
VMI Class of '00