Get this book in print
About this book
My library
Books on Google Play
policy. How over-censured by the North.-Gen. Scott's intermeddling. His im-
practicable advice.-President Buchanan's perfidy in the Moultrie-Sumter affair.-
His interview with the South Carolina delegation.-A second deception.-The "Star
of the West" affair.-The situation at the close of Buchanan's administration.—
The country waiting for the Signal of Combat.
CHAPTER VI.
82
Character of Abraham Lincoln in history.-Absurd panegyric.-The personal and
political life of the new President.-His journey to Washington.-His speech at
Philadelphia.—The flight from Harrisburg.-Alarm in Washington.-Military dis-
play in the capital.-Ceremony of inauguration.-Criticism of Lincoln's address.-
What the Republican party thought of it.-Serious pause at Washington.-State-
ment of Horace Greeley.-How the Inaugural Address was received in the Seceded
States.-Visit of Confederate Commissioners to Washington.-Seward's pledge to
Judge Campbell.-The Commissioners deceived.-Military and Naval expeditions
from New York.-Consultation of the Cabinet on the Sumter question.--Capt.
Fox's visit to Charleston.-His project.-Objections of Gen. Scott.-Singular article
in a New York journal.-Lincoln's hesitation.-His final device.-Seward's game
with the Commissioners.-The reduction of Fort Sumter.-Description of the Con-
federate works for the reduction of Sumter. -Beauregard demands the surrender
of the Fort. The bombardment.-The fort on fire.-The Federal fleet takes no
part in the fight.-The surrender.-Great excitement in the North.-Its true
meaning.-The crusade against the South.-Dr. Tyng's exhortation.-Conduct of
Northern Democrats.-Dickinson, Everett, and Cochrane.-President Lincoln's
Proclamation. His pacific protests to the Virginia Commissioners.-Secession of
Virginia. Discontent in the Western counties.-Second secessionary movement of
the Southern States.-Violent acts of the Washington Administration.-Prepara-
tions of the Confederate Government for War.-Rush of volunteers to arms.-Pre-
sident Davis' estimate of the military necessity.-Removal of the seat of govern-
ment to Richmond.-Activity of Virginia.-Robert E. Lee.-His attachment to the
Union.-Why he joined the Confederate cause.-His speech in the State House at
Richmond.—His organization of the military force of Virginia.-Military council
in Richmond.-The early reputation of Lee.. 100
CHAPTER VII.
In what sense Virginia seceded from the Union.-A new interpretation of the war of
the Confederates.--Influence of Virginia on the other Border States.-Replies of
these States to Lincoln's requisition for troops.-Secession of Tennessee, Arkansas,
and North Carolina.-Seizure of Federal forts in North Carolina.-Movements in
Virginia to secure the Gosport navy-yard and Harper's Ferry.-Their success.--
Burning of Federal ships.-Attitude of Maryland.-The Baltimore riot.--Chase of
Massachusetts soldiers.-Excitement in Baltimore.-Timid action of the Maryland
Legislature.-Military despotism in Maryland.-Arrests in Baltimore.—A Reign of
Terrour.-Light estimation of the war in the North.-Why the Federal Government
sought to belittle the contest.-Lincoln's view of the war as a riot.-Seward's
Letter to the European Governments.-Early action of England and France with
respect to the war.-Mr. Gregory's letter to the London Times.-Northern conceit
about the war.-Prophecies of Northern journals.-A "Three months' war."-Ells-
worth and Billy Wilson.-Martial rage in the North.-Imperfect appreciation of the
·Crisis in the South.-Early ideas of the war at Montgomery.-Secret history of the
Confederate Constitution.-Southern opinion of Yankee soldiers.-What was
thought of "King Cotton."-Absurd theories about European recognition.-Lost
Opportunities of the Confederate Government.—Blindness and littleness of mind
North and South.-Reflection on public men in America.-Comparison of the re-
sources of the Northern and Southern States.-The Census of 1860.-Material ad-
vantages of the North in the war.—The question of subsistence.-Poverty of the
South in the material and means of war.-How the Confederacy was supplied with
small arms.-Peculiar advantages of the South in the war.-The military value
of space.-Lessons of history.-The success of the Southern Confederacy, a question
only of resolution and endurance.-Only two possible causes of failure. ..120
CHAPTER VIII.
Mr. Lincoln's remark about the wolf.-His designs upon Virginia.-Federal occupation
of Alexandria.-Tragedy at the Marshall House.-Jackson, the martyr.-The affair
of Great Bethel.-Easy victory of the Confederates.-Exaggerations of Southern
newspapers.-Apparent lull of hostilities.-New demonstrations of public opinion
in the North.-Financial difficulties at Washington.-Popular clamour against
President Lincoln and Gen. Scott.-Early indications of the real objects of the war.
-The rights of humanity.-Virginia the great theatre of the war.-The Grand
Army of the North.-Consultation of President Davis and Beauregard and Lee.—
Beauregard's line of defence in Northern Virginia.-Sketch of General Beauregard.
-His person and manners. His opinion of the Yankee.-The Army of the Potomac
and the Army of the Shenandoah.-Gen. Johnson's evacuation of Harper's Ferry.-
"Stonewall" Jackson's first affair with the enemy.-Johnston amusing the
enemy.-Affair of Rich Mountain.-McClellan's march into Northwestern Virginia.
-Rosecrans' capture of the Confederate force on Rich Mountain.-Retreat of the
Confederates from Laurel Hill.-Death of Gen. Garnett.-Extent of the disaster to
the Confederates.-The "Grand Army" advancing on Manassas.-Johnston's move-
́ment to Beauregard's line.-The Battle of Manassas.-The affair of 18th July.--
Longstreet's gallant defence.-Theatre of the great battle.-Beauregard's change
of purpose, and his plan of battle.-The Stone Bridge.—The “Big Forest.”—The
Confederates flanked. The day apparently lost for them.-The scene at the
Henry House.-Timely arrival of Jackson.-Gen. Beauregard disconcerted.-Ride
from the Hill to the Henry House.-The battle restored. The bloody plateau.—
Three stages in the battle.-The last effort of the enemy.-The strange flag.-
Arrival of Kirby Smith.-The grand and final Charge.-Rout and panic of the
enemy. The fearful race to the Potomac.-Scenes of the retreat.-Failure of the
Confederates to pursue, or to advance upon Washington.-A lost opportunity...134
CHAPTER IX.
The victory of Manassas, a misfortune for the Confederates.-Relaxation in Rich-
mond.-Plotting among Confederate leaders for the Presidential succession.—
Beauregard's political letter.-Active and elastic spirit of the North.-Resolution
of the Federal Congress.—Energy of the Washington Administration.-Its immense
preparations for the prosecution of the war.-The Missouri campaign.-The politics
of Missouri.-Sterling Price and his party.-Imprudence and violence of the Federal
authorities in Missouri.-Correspondence between Gens. Price and Harney.-Gov.
Jackson's proclamation.-Military condition of Missouri.-Her heroic choice.
Affair at Booneville.-Composition of the patriot army of Missouri.—Engagement
at Carthage.-Confederate reinforcements under McCulloch.-Disagreement be-
tween Price and McCulloch.-Noble conduct of Price.-The Battle of Oak Hill.—
McCulloch surprised.--A fierce fight.-Death of Gen. Lyon.-The Federals de-
feated. Withdrawal of McCulloch's forces into Arkansas.-Operations in Northern
Missouri.-Fremont in command of the Federal forces in Missouri.-His proclama-
tion emancipating the slaves.-Its novelty and brutality.-Repudiated at Washing-
ton.-The siege of Lexington.-Its surrender to Price.-Gallantry of Col. Mulligan.
-Critical position of Price.-His disappointment of Confederate succour.-His
adroit retreat.-Missouri's ordinance of secession.-Fremont superseded.-Three
military messengers in pursuit of him.-Excitement in his camp.-Price at Spring-
field. Close of the first campaign in Missouri. The campaign, a chapter of
wonders.--Missouri manhood.-The Western Virginia campaign.—Resources and
wealth of the Western section of Virginia.-Wise's command.-The enemy in the
Kanawha Valley.—Wise's retreat to Lewisburg.-The Floyd brigade.—Advance of
the joint forces towards the Gauley.-The affair at Cross Lanes.-Movement of
Rosecrans.-Affair of Carnifax Ferry.-Floyd and Wise fall back towards Sewell
Mountain.-An unfortunate Quarrel of Commanders.-Operations of Gen. Lee in
Northwestern Virginia.-His failure at Cheat Mountain.-Col. Rust's part, in the
affair.-Movement of Lee to the line of Lewisburg.-How Rosecrans escaped from
him.-Engagement of the Greenbrier River.-Gen. H. R. Jackson's success.
Failure of the Western Virginia campaign.-Gen. Lee's new command... .152
CHAPTER X.
The Congress in Washington.-New development of Northern policy.-Lincoln's po-
litical discovery.-His remarkable measures of War.-An era of despotism.—
Violent acts of Congress.-The seed of Abolition.-Suspension of the habeas
corpus.-Curious apology for it.-Military arrests.-A "Confidential" document
from McClellan.-Curious disposition of the Northern people to surrender their
liberties.-Conservatism of the Confederate cause.-Lincoln's view of State
"Neutrality” in the war.-Application of it to Kentucky.-The elections in Ken-
tucky.-The Confederates anticipate the Federal occupation of Kentucky.—Zolli-
coffer's command.-Polk's command.-Justification of the Confederate occupation.
-Claims and designs of the Federals in Kentucky.-Polk's occupation of Columbus.
-His proffer of withdrawal.-Arrests in Kentucky.-Despotic and brutal legisla-
tion.-Distinguished refugees.-Breckinridge's address.-Early military movements
in Kentucky.-Zollicoffer's operations.-Buckner's occupation of Bowling Green.-
The Battle of Belmont.-Movement of U. S. Grant.-Gen. Pillow's command en-
gaged at disadvantage.-The Confederates driven back.-Timely reinforcements.-
Sudden conversion of a defeat into a victory.-Retreat of Grant.-His official
misrepresentation of the day.-Prospect of the war in the West. .175
CHAPTER XI.
The fickle public of the North.-Gen. Scott.-The clamour for McClellan. His exalta-
tion in the newspapers.-The theatrical and sensational mind of the North.-
Advance of the Confederates towards the Potomac.-McClellan's designs.-The
Confederates fall back to Centreville.-The Battle of Leesburg.-McClellan's move-
ment on the Confederate left.-Evans' brigade.-Fortunate capture of a Federal
courier.-The Federals cross the Potomac and occupy Ball's Bluff.-Splendid
charge of the Confederates.-Death of Col. Baker.-The enemy driven into the
River. An appalling spectacle of death.-Misrepresentations in Washington.-
Morale of M'Clellan's army.-The affair at Dranesville.-Defeat of Stuart.-
"Stonewall" Jackson's new command.-His expedition from Winchester.—Ter-
rible sufferings of his command.-His demonstration at Bath.-His movement to
Romney, and return to Winchester.-Close of the First Year's Campaign in Vir-
ginia.-Naval operations in 1861.—The enemy's immense advantage in his navy.
Statistics of the Federal navy.-Improvidence of the Confederates in coast and
river defences.--Secretary Mallory.-The Confederacy to lose all her sea-ports.-
Two naval expeditions down the Carolina coast.-Engagement at Hatteras Inlet.—
An unequal combat.-The Port Royal expedition.-Capture of Port Royal.-Value
of this Federal success.-The "Trent" affair.-Capture of Commissioners Mason
and Slidell.—An English commander's protest.-Great indignation in England.—
Preparations there for war.-Conceit and exultation of the North.-Tributes and
attentions to Capt. Wilkes.-Concern among the Confederates.-What Richmond
orators said.-Seward's correspondence with the British Government. His col-
lapse.--The last resort of demagogueism.-Disappointment of the Confederates in
the termination of the "Trent" affair.-Earl Russell's declaration in Parliament.-
Mr. Gregory's reply.-The Treaty of Paris and the Federal blockade.
CHAPTER XII.
185
General character of the military events of the year 1862.-The Confederate situation
in Kentucky.—Gen. A. S. Johnston's command and position.--Battle of Fishing
Creek.-The Confederate right in Kentucky.-Gen. Crittenden's command in ex-
treme straits.-Difficulty in subsisting it.-The decision to give battle to the
enemy.-Zollicoffer's brigade.-The contested hill.-Death of Zollicoffer.--Defeat
of the Confederates.--Crittenden crosses the Cumberland.-His losses.-Import-
ance of the disaster.--Designs of the enemy in Western Kentucky.--Popular de-
lusion as to Johnston's strength.-Hopelessness of his defence.-Official apathy in
Richmond.-Beauregard's conference with Johnston.-The Tennessee and Cumber-
land rivers.--The avenue to Nashville.-Grant's ascent of the Tennessee.-Cap-
ture of Fort Henry.-Noble and gallant conduct of Gen. Tilghman.-Battle of Fort
Donelson.-Johnston's reasons for making a battle there.--Commands of Buckner,
Pillow, and Floyd.--Site and strength of the fort.-Battle of the trenches.--En-
gagement of the gunboats.-Two days' success of the Confederates.--Suffering of
the troops from cold.-Exposure of the wounded.--Federal reinforcements.-The
Confederate council of war.--Plan of attack, to extricate the garrison.-A fierce
and terrible conflict.-The Federals forced back towards the Wynn's Ferry Road.
-The opportunity of exit lost.-Gen. Buckner's explanation.-A commentary
on military hesitation.-How the day was lost.-Nine hours of combat-Scenes
on the battle-field.--Council of Confederate generals.-Gen. Pillow's proposition.-
Literal report of the conversation of Gens. Floyd, Pillow, and Buckner.--A sur-
render determined.-Escape of Floyd and Pillow.-Buckner's letter to Grant.--
Johnston's movement to Nashville.-Excitement there.-Retreat of Johnston's
command to Murfreesboro'.-Panic in Nashville.--Capture of Roanoke Island by the
enemy.-Burnside's expedition.-Gen. Wise's estimate of the importance of Roan-
oke Island. His correspondence and interviews with Secretary Benjamin.-De-
fences of the Island.--Naval engagement.-Commodore Lynch's squadron.-Land-
ing of the enemy on the Island.--Defective reconnoissance of the Confederates.
Their works flanked.-The surrender.—Pursuit of the Confederate gunboats.—
Extent of the disaster.-Censure of the Richmond authorities.-Benjamin accused
by the Confederate Congress... 198
CHAPTER XIII.
True causes of the Confederate disasters in the second year of the war.-The enemy's
"Anaconda plan."-Rebukes to the vanity of the Confederates.-The sum of their
disasters.-Inauguration of the Permanent Government of the Confederate States.-
Gloomy scene in Capitol Square.-President Davis' speech.-Commentary of a
Richmond journal.-Causes of popular animation in the Confederacy.-Develop-
ment of the enemy's design upon slavery.-History of the Anti-slavery measures
of Lincoln's administration.-His early declaration of non-interference with sla-
very. Mr. Seward in 1860.-Lincoln's statement, March 4th, 1861.-Diplomatic
declaration, April, 1861.-Early affectations of Lincoln's Administration on the
subject of slavery.-M'Clellan's address.-M'Dowell's order.-Revocation of the
emancipation measures of Fremont and Hunter.-First act of Anti-slavery legisla-
tion at Washington.-Lovejoy's resolution.-The Anti-slavery clause in the Confis-
cation Act.-Three notable measures of anti-slavery legislation.-Commencement
of the Emancipation policy in the District of Columbia.—Explanation of the ascen-
dancy of the Abolition party during the war.-The new Confederate Congress.-
Its vigour. The old Provisional Congress.-Its measures.-Its echoes to Federal
legislation. The sequestration law.-Silly and demagogical military legislation.-
The "Sixty Days' furlough" law.-Alarm of Gen. Johnston.-Indisposition of
Confederate volunteers to re-enlist.-The Conscription law of the Confederate
States. Its timely passage.-Its provisions and effect. Other military acts of the
Confederate Congress.—Re-organization of the army.-Destruction of Southern
cotton and tobacco.-Authorization of partisan service.-Alternations of Confede-
rate victory and defeat.-The Trans-Mississippi.-Battle of Elk Horn.-Van Dorn's
command.-An obstinate fight.-Death of M'Culloch.-The Confederate success
indecisive and imperfect.-Reasons for Van Dorn's retreat.-Confederate designs
upon Missouri abandoned for the present.-Transfer of Van Dorn's and Price's
forces.-Naval fight in Hampton Roads.-The Virginia and the Monitor-Lack of
naval enterprise in the Confederacy.-The privateer service.-Construction of the
Virginia.-Confederate squadron in the James River.-Federal fleet off Fortress
Monroe.-Fearful enterprise of the Virginia.-Sinking of the Cumberland.- Gal-
lantry of her crew.-A thrilling ccene of heroic devotion.-Surrender of the Con-
gress.-Frightful scenes of carnage.-Perfidious conduct of the enemy.—The
Virginia engages the Minnesota.-Wonderful results of the first day's fight.-
Second day's fight.-Apparition of the Monitor.-A singular scene of naval com-
bat.-A drawn battle.-Excitement about iron vessels.-Discussion in the news-
papers.—Addition of Ironclads to the Federal navy.-What M'Clellan thought of
the Virginia.-Capture of Newbern, &c.-Objects of Burnside's expedition.—
Branch's command at Newbern.-The Confederate works on the Neuse River.—
Retreat of Branch.-Federal occupation of Newbern.-Capture of Fort Macon.-
The entire coast of North Carolina in possession of the enemy.-The sea-coast
an unimportant part of the Confederate defences..
214
The new line of Confederate defence south of Nashville.-Its objects.--Co-operation
of Johnston and Beauregard.-Capture of Island No. 10 by the enemy.-Gen.
Polk's evacuation of Columbus.--M'Cown's occupation of Island No. 10 and
New Madrid.-Condition of the defences at these places.-Pope moving on
New Madrid.-Smallness of M'Cown's force.-Pope's strength in artillery.-
His occupation of Point Pleasant.-A terrific bombardment.-Evacuation of New
Madrid.-Effect of this movement.-Bombardment of Island No. 10.-Gallant
defence of Rucker's battery.-Transfer of a portion of M'Cown's forces to Fort
Pillow. His preparations for retreat.-Gen. Mackall assigned to the defence of