[Illustration: SEC. OF THE INTERIOR CALEB B. SMITH SECRETARY OF STATE
WILLIAM H. SEWARD SEC. OF THE TREASURY SALMON P. CHASE SECRETARY OF THE
NAVY GIDEON WELLES PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ABRAHAM LINCOLN
SECRETARY OF WAR EDWIN M. STANTON ATTORNEY GENERAL EDWARD BATES VICE
PRESIDENT HANNIBAL HAMLIN POSTMASTER-GENERAL MONTGOMERY BLAIR]
[Illustration: PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE WAR FOR THE UNION BY Mrs. ANN S.
STEPHENS]
PICTORIAL HISTORY
OF THE
WAR FOR THE UNION.
A COMPLETE AND RELIABLE
=History of the War=
FROM ITS
COMMENCEMENT TO ITS CLOSE:
GIVING A GRAPHIC PICTURE OF ITS ENCOUNTERS, THRILLING INCIDENTS,
FRIGHTFUL SCENES, HAIRBREADTH ESCAPES, INDIVIDUAL DARING, DESPERATE
CHARGES, PERSONAL ANECDOTES, ETC., GLEANED FROM EYE-WITNESSES OF, AND
PARTICIPANTS IN, THE TERRIBLE SCENES DESCRIBED—A TRUTHFUL LIVING REFLEX
OF ALL MATTERS OF INTEREST CONNECTED WITH THIS THE MOST GIGANTIC OF
HUMAN STRUGGLES.
TOGETHER WITH A COMPLETE CHRONOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WAR.
BY MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS.
EMBELLISHED WITH OVER TWO HUNDRED ILLUSTRATIONS.
TWO VOLUMES.
VOL I.
CINCINNATI:
JAMES R. HAWLEY, 164 VINE STREET,
PUBLISHER OF SUBSCRIPTION BOOKS.
1863.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862,
BY JOHN G. WELLS,
In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Southern District of New York.
EDWARD O. JENKINS,
=Printer & Stereotyper,=
NO. 20 NORTH WILLIAM ST.
INTRODUCTION.
The most difficult tusk, perhaps, known to literature, is to write a
history of events as they transpire—to arrange facts before the hand of
time has given them just position and importance. In writing a history
of the Civil War which is now raging in the land—the most gigantic and
stupendous rebellion yet known to the world—the magnitude of the task,
and the difficulties that present themselves, challenge a degree of
moral courage almost equal to that physical bravery which has been so
conspicuous in the war. But if an honest intention to be just—a thorough
desire for truth, and a determination to discard all personal
prejudices, can produce a faithful history, this work has a right to
claim acceptance.
The political history of a nation, when it merges into armed strife, is
generally a record of prejudices and of passion: civil war is the
result. In this work the author deals not with causes, but with the
terrible events that spring out of them; avoiding so far as possible the
threatening clouds of political dissension that preceded and still
follow the tempest. Time, which will clear up obscurities and remove
passion, and the intellect of a great statesman, are necessary, before
the political and military history of this war can be fittingly united.
In this book there is a positive rejection of those partizan dissensions
which have burst asunder the sacred ties of the greatest nation on
earth, and deluged the soil trodden by millions of happy men with the
blood of as brave a soldiery as ever drew breath. This history of the
War for the Union is written for no faction—no party—no combination of
men, but for the people of every portion of the Union. Political
passions die—History lives; and in an enlightened age like this, it must
be written in simple truth, or the clear-sighted generations that follow
us will detect the sophistry and falsehood. Impartial history demands
honest facts. The opinions of an historian are but the assumptions of
one mind attempting to control multitudes. The author’s duty is to give
details, allowing the intelligent reader to draw his own conclusions
unembarrassed by obtrusive opinions, which are in all cases liable to be
influenced by prejudices.
The History of the War for the Union is a record of stupendous events
which have given grandeur to the American arms and sorrow to every good
American heart. Taking up the thread of events where the political
history of the nation left them on the fourth of March, eighteen hundred
and sixty-one, the author has followed the ensanguined track, giving to
every battle-field its place, and every heroic act its record. The
sources of information in which the work has found its existence, have
been authentic reports from the War Department, the official statements
of commandants on the battle-field, and the many thrilling and graphic
descriptions furnished by eye-witnesses.
In giving due credit to those persons who have aided her in the rapid
completion of her first volume, the author acknowledges her great
obligation to WM. OLAND BOURNE, Esq., who has devoted much time to the
work, and whose ample collection of material for history has been freely
used in its preparation; and to J. J. GOLDER, Esq., whose research and
clear judgment in sifting truth from error, arranging facts, and
superintending the work in its progress through the press, has enabled
her to place it before the public in less than three months from its
commencement. To Mr. Golder’s critical care the reader is indebted for
the compact and excellent Chronology attached to this volume, in which
all the historical events of the war are placed in their order of
succession.
In the mechanical and artistic execution of the work, the publisher has
evinced an enthusiasm which corresponds nobly with the great subject of
the history, and has been even lavish in pictorial embellishments. These
have been all drawn and engraved expressly for this work, at great cost;
and in the truthfulness and beauty of their execution, add to the high
reputation already attained by the artists, Messrs. WATERS and SON.
NEW YORK, _October 1, 1862_. ANN S. STEPHENS.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Introduction 7
Inauguration of President Lincoln 17
The coming tempest—The national forbearance—Mustering of rebel
troops—Efforts for conciliation—The Border States—South
Carolina—Investment of Fort Sumter—The Star of the West—Gen.
Beauregard.
Fortifications in Charleston Harbor 25
The iron floating battery—Cummings Point battery—Castle
Pinckney.
Bombardment of Fort Sumter 28
Storming of Fort Sumter, viewed from the land—Naval expedition
for the relief of Fort Sumter.
The Nation’s Response 40
Startling effect of the news of the attack on Sumter—The
President’s Proclamation—Departure of troops for
Washington—Enthusiasm of the people—Their devotion to the
national Union—Large contributions to aid the Government.
Reinforcement of Fort Pickens 46
The harbor of Pensacola—Forts McRae and Barrancas—Description
of Fort Pickens—Its investment by rebel troops under Gen.
Bragg—The Federal fleet in the harbor—Successful landing of
troops and supplies.
Burning of Harper’s Ferry Arsenal 49
Through Baltimore 50
Arrival of the Massachusetts Sixth, Col. Jones, in
Baltimore—Blockade of the streets—Attack by the mob—Defence
of the military—Terrible results—The regimental band—The
city authorities—Intense excitement of the
citizens—Pennsylvania troops—Mayor Brown and Marshal Kane.
Military Occupation of Annapolis, Md. 61
The Eighth Massachusetts and the Seventh New York—Gen.
Butler—Gov. Hicks—the frigate Constitution—the Naval
Academy—March to the Junction.
Maryland 66
Efforts of secessionists to involve the State in
rebellion—Patriotic devotion of loyal citizens—Gov.
Hicks—The State Legislature—Gen. Butler in Maryland—Gen.
Cadwallader—The _habeas corpus_ act—Chief-Justice Taney.
Destruction of Gosport Navy Yard 73
The State of the Nation before its Troops entered Virginia 76
Response of the Governors of Maryland, Delaware, North
Carolina, Kentucky, and Missouri, to the President’s
Proclamation—The position of Virginia—The Confederate
Congress, at Montgomery—Jefferson Davis—The Confederate
army—Letters of Marque—Postal communication—Tennessee and
Arkansas—Border States Convention—Position of Missouri.
Occupation of Alexandria, Va. 83
Assassination of Col. Ellsworth—The Marshall House—J. W.
Jackson—Brownell Sketch of Ellsworth—Defection of Gen.
Lee—Lieut. Tompkins’ scout to Fairfax Court House.
Battle of Great Bethel 88
Death of Major Winthrop and Lieut. Greble.
The Ambuscade at Vienna, Va. 91
Review at Washington 93
Advance of the Grand Army 94
Position of the belligerent forces—Gen. McDowell—Gen.
Patterson—Gen. Johnston—Gen. Beauregard—Advance to Fairfax
and Centreville—Battle of Blackburn’s Ford.
The Battle of Bull Run 98
The Federal Commanders and the movements of their forces—The
engagement—Arrival of rebel reinforcements—The climax and
the retreat—The battle on the left wing—The battle-field at
night.
Western Virginia 129
Battle of Phillipi, Va. 131
Destruction of Railroad Property 133
Gen. McClellan in Western Virginia 133
Battle of Scareytown 134
Battle of Rich Mountain 135
Battle of Carrick’s Ford 137
Gen. Rosecrans and Col. Lander—Gen. Morris—Capt. Benham—Defeat
of the rebel forces and death of Gen. Garnett.
The West 141
Missouri 143
Capture of Camp Jackson 144
Decisive action of Capt. Lyon—Gen. Frost—The Missouri
Legislature—Gov. Jackson—Gen. Harney—Gen. Price—Gen. Lyon
appointed to command the Department.
Cairo 150
Battle of Booneville 151
Battle of Carthage 152
Battle of Monroe, Mo. 154
Guerrilla Bands in Missouri 155
Gen. Pope in Northern Missouri—State Convention at Jefferson
City—Gen. Fremont at St. Louis—Invasion of the State by
Gens. Pillow and Jeff. Thompson—Address of the State
Convention.
Battle of Dug Springs 156
Skirmish at Athens, Mo. 157
Battle of Wilson’s Creek 159
Gen. Lyon at Springfield—Gens. Price and McCulloch—Critical
position of the Federal army—The battle—The death of Gen
Lyon—Retreat of the Union army.
Kentucky 164
The neutrality of the State—Position of Gov. Magoffin—Gen.
Buckner—Gen. McClellan—The State Legislature—Decisive Union
measures.
The Occupation of Paducah 168
Rebel troops ordered to withdraw from Kentucky—Attempt to form
a revolutionary government in the State—Military movements
of the rebels in Kentucky—The loyal State government.
Naval Operations 175
The Expedition to Cape Hatteras 177
Capture of Forts Hatteras and Clark 180
Western Virginia 182
Surprise at Cross Lanes 183
Battle of Carnifex Ferry 183
Battle of Cheat Mountain Pass 186
Engagement at Chapmansville 188
Reconnaissance at Green Brier, Western Virginia 190
Defence of Lexington, Mo. 193
The Federal forces for the defence of the town—Col. Mulligan
and the Chicago brigade—Cols. Marshall and Peabody—Advance
of Gen. Price’s army—The investment—The attack—Bravery of
the Federal garrison—Their endurance and privations—The
surrender.
Attack on Santa Rosa Island, Fla. 199
Battle of Ball’s Bluff, Va. 200
Position of the Federal forces on the Potomac—Gen. Stone—Col.
Baker—The proposed reconnoissance—Transportation of the
troops—The topography of the Virginia shore—The
engagement—Death of Col. Baker—Defeat of the Federal
troops—Disastrous retreat—Gens. McClellan and Banks at
Edwards Ferry—Sketch of Col. Baker.
Battle at Camp Wild Cat, Ky. 210
Battle of Romney, Va. 212
Battle of Frederickton, Mo. 213
Charge of Fremont’s Body-Guard at Springfield, Mo. 217
The Department of Missouri 220
General review of the Department—Gen. Lyon—Gen. Fremont—His
proclamation and its modification by the
President—Organization of the Federal forces—Their
advance—Negotiations with Gen. Price—Gen. Fremont
removed—Appointment of Gen. Hunter—Retreat of the Federal
army—The disloyal Legislature—Advance of the rebel
forces—Recruiting—Gen. Halleck.
The Stone Fleet 225
Battle of Camp Alleghany, Western Virginia 228
Battle of Munfordsville, Ky. 230
Capture of Rebel Recruits at Milford, Mo. 232
Battle of Dranesville, Va. 238
Expedition to Ship Island 241
Engagement at Mount Zion, Mo. 242
Arkansas and the Indians 243
Bombardment at Fort Pickens 245
Rout of Gen. Marshall at Paintsville, Ky. 247
Battle of Middle Creek, Ky. 248
Battle of Silver Creek, Mo. 251
Battle of Mill Spring, Ky. 255
Investment of Fort Pulaski, Ga. 262
New Mexico and Arizona 266
Battle of Valvende, N. M. 267
Battle of Apache Cañon 270
Fight at Blooming Gap, Va. 273
East Tennessee under Confederate rule 275
The loyalty and devotion of the people—Despotism of the rebel
leaders—Parson Brownlow—Sufferings of the Unionists—General
Zollicoffer—Andrew Johnson—Horace Maynard—Bridge-burning.
Capture of Fort Henry, Tenn. 281
Gen. Grant’s army—Gen. C. F. Smith—Com. Foote and the naval
flotilla—Sailing of the expedition—Names of the vessels and
officers—The attack and surrender—The rebel camp—Advance of
the national gunboats up the Tennessee river.
The Burnside Expedition 290
Sailing of the expedition from Hampton Roads—Com.
Goldsborough—The naval forces—Gen. Burnside and the
troops—Severe storm—The fleet at Hatteras Inlet.
Capture of Roanoke Island 292
Evacuation of Bowling Green, Ky. 296
Capture of Fort Donelson 298
Advance of the Federal land and naval forces from Fort Henry
and Cairo—Description of Fort Donelson—The naval
attack—Retreat of the gunboats—The army—The land attack—The
severity of the engagement—Sufferings of the Federal
soldiers—Their courage and endurance—Protracted defence—The
surrender.
The Occupation of Nashville 317
Fort Clinch and Fernandina, Fla. 321
The Merrimac and the Monitor 322
Capture of Jacksonville, Fla. 330
Occupation of Columbus, Ky. 332
Battle of Pea Ridge, Ark. 334
Battle of Newbern, N. C. 342
Capture of New Madrid, Mo. 351
Island No. 10 356
Capture of Island No. 10 and the Rebel army 358
Battle of Winchester, Va. 362
Position of Gen. Shield’s command—The rebel force under Gen.
Jackson—Plans of the Confederate leaders—Strategy of Gen.
Shields—Attack by Gen. Jackson—The rebels reinforced—Bravery
of the Federal troops—Charge of Gen. Tyler’s brigade—Defeat
of the rebels.
Battle of Pittsburg Landing 367
Topography of the country—Corinth—Pittsburg—Savannah—Position
of the Federal troops—The rebel army and its commanders—The
battle of Sunday, March 8—Hurlbut’s division—McClernand’s
division—Desperate hand-to-hand fighting—Perilous position
of the national troops—Wallace’s division.
Gen. Sherman’s Reconnoissance toward Corinth 403
Occupation of Huntsville, Ala. 404
Capture of Fort Pulaski, Ga. 408
Battle of South Mills, N. C. 414
Capture of Fort Macon 418
Siege of Yorktown, Va. 424
Retreat of the rebel army from Centreville and Manassas,
toward Richmond—Advance of Gen. McClellan’s army—Events of
March, 1862—The Federal army at Old Point—Advance toward
Yorktown—The Investment—Offensive and defensive
operations—Labors and sufferings of the Federal soldiers.
Battle of Lee’s Mills, Va. 427
Capture of New Orleans 429
Bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip—The Federal
fleet—The mortar boats—Coms. Farragut, Porter, and
Bailey—Stupendous naval engagement—The surrender of the
forts—The occupation of New Orleans—Capt. Bailey—Gen.
Lovell—J. T. Monroe—Pierre Soulé—Gen. Butler.
The Evacuation of Yorktown 448
The Battle of Williamsburg, Va. 450
Advance of Gen. Stoneman’s cavalry from Yorktown—Gen. Hooker’s
division—Gen. Kearney—Gen. Sumner—Gens. Smith and Couch—Gen.
Hooker’s attack and protracted contest with superior
numbers—Gen. Heintzelman—Gen. Hancock’s brilliant
charge—Arrival of Gen. McClellan—Retreat of the rebels.
Battle of West Point, Va. 462
Chronology 465
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND HIS CABINET 2
ILLUSTRATED TITLE 3
INITIAL LETTER, WITH BATTLE ILLUSTRATIONS 7
THE CAPITOL, AT WASHINGTON 17
FORT SUMTER 21
BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER 29
ATTACK ON THE MASSACHUSETTS SIXTH IN BALTIMORE 53
ASSASSINATION OF COL. ELLSWORTH 86
MAP OF VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND, WEST OF WASHINGTON 96
„ „ „ EAST „ 97
BRILLIANT CHARGE ON A REBEL BATTERY AT BULL RUN 108
CLOSING ENGAGEMENT AT BULL RUN 115
BATTLE OF RICH MOUNTAIN 136
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 5 148
„ „ „ „ „ 6 149
DEATH OF GEN. LYON 162
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 2 166
„ „ „ „ „ 3 167
MAP OF ATLANTIC COAST FROM FORTRESS MONROE TO FORT MACON 178
THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON, MO. 191
THE DEATH OF COL. BAKER, AT BALL’S BLUFF 206
DESPERATE CHARGE OF FREMONT’S BODY-GUARD, AT SPRINGFIELD, MO. 219
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 1 221
BATTLE OF MILL SPRING 260
BOMBARDMENT OF FORT HENRY 279
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 4 289
ATTACK ON FORT DONELSON, BY THE GUNBOATS 299
SURRENDER OF FORT DONELSON 299
MAP OF THE CUMBERLAND AND TENNESSEE RIVERS, &C. 305
BIRDS’-EYE VIEW OF HAMPTON ROADS, VA. 323
CAVALRY CHARGE AT THE BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE 339
BATTLE OF NEWBERN, N. C. 343
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 7 352
„ „ „ „ „ 8 353
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10 359
BAYONET CHARGE AT THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER 365
DEFENCE OF A FEDERAL BATTERY AT PITTSBURG LANDING 377
BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING 387
MAP OF VIRGINIA, SOUTHERN SECTION 422
„ „ „ „ 423
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 21 430
BOMBARDMENT OF FORTS JACKSON AND ST. PHILIP 439
MAP OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, SECTION 20 446
BIRDS’-EYE VIEW OF THE COUNTRY FROM RICHMOND TO YORKTOWN, VA. 451
BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG, VA. 455
REBEL CAVALRY CHARGE AT THE BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG, VA. 460
PORTRAITS.
ANDERSON, ROBERT, BRIG.-GEN. 253
BANKS, NATHANIEL P., MAJ.-GEN. 405
BATES, EDWARD, ATTORNEY-GEN. 2
BLAIR, MONTGOMERY, POSTMASTER-GEN. 2
BURNSIDE, AMBROSE E., MAJ.-GEN. 67
BUTTERFIELD, DAN., MAJ.-GEN. 15
BUTLER, BENJ. F., MAJ.-GEN. 67
BUELL, DON CARLOS, MAJ.-GEN. 215
CASEY, SILAS, BRIG.-GEN. 15
COUCH, DARIUS N., MAJ.-GEN. 15
CORCORAN, MICHAEL, BRIG.-GEN. 253
CHASE, SALMON P., SEC. OF TREASURY 2
CLAY, CASSIUS M., MAJ.-GEN. 315
DIX, JOHN A., MAJ.-GEN. 405
DOUBLEDAY, ABNER, BRIG.-GEN. 253
DURYEA, ABEAM, BRIG.-GEN. 253
DUPONT, S. F., REAR-ADMIRAL 271
ELLSWORTH, ELMER E., COL. 315
FARRAGUT, D. G., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
FOOTE, D. G., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
FREMONT, JOHN C., MAJ.-GEN. 315
FRANKLIN, WM. B., MAJ.-GEN. 271
GOLDSBOROUGH, L. M., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
GRANT, ULYSSES S., MAJ.-GEN. 215
HALLECK, HENRY W., MAJ.-GEN. 233
HANCOCK, WINFIELD S., BRIG.-GEN. 15
HAMLIN, HANNIBAL, V. PRES. OF U. S. 2
HOOKER, JOSEPH, MAJ.-GEN. 253
HEINTZELMAN, SAML. P., MAJ.-GEN. 67
HUNTER, DAVID, MAJ.-GEN. 315
KENLY, J. R., BRIG.-GEN. 315
KELLEY, BRIG.-GEN. 15
KEARNEY, PHILIP, MAJ.-GEN. 253
LANDER, FRED. W., BRIG.-GEN. 253
LYON, NATHANIEL, BRIG.-GEN. 315
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM, PRES. U. S. 2
MANSFIELD, J. K. F., BRIG.-GEN. 15
MCCOOK, ALEX. MCD., BRIG.-GEN. 315
MCCLELLAN, GEO. B., MAJ.-GEN. 197
MCDOWELL, IRWIN, MAJ.-GEN. 405
MCCALL, GEO. A., MAJ.-GEN. 67
MCCLERNAND, JOHN A., MAJ.-GEN. 271
POPE, JOHN, MAJ.-GEN. 215
PORTER, D. D., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
RENO, JESSE L., MAJ.-GEN. 271
ROSECRANS, W. S., BRIG.-GEN. 15
RICHARDSON, ISRAEL B., BRIG.-GEN. 15
SICKLES, DANIEL E., MAJ.-GEN. 405
SEDGWICK, MAJ.-GEN. 315
SPRAGUE, WM., GOV. OF R. I. 253
STRINGHAM, S. H., REAR-ADMIRAL 173
STEVENS, ISAAC I., BRIG.-GEN. 15
SCHURTZ, CARL, BRIG.-GEN. 15
SHIELDS, JAMES, BRIG.-GEN. 405
SMITH, CALEB B., SEC. OF THE INTERIOR 2
SEWARD, WM. H., SEC. OF STATE 2
STANTON, EDWIN M., SEC. OF WAR 2
SIGEL, FRANZ, MAJ.-GEN. 215
SCOTT, WINFIELD, LIEUT.-GEN. 127
VIELE, E. L., BRIG.-GEN. 253
WALLACE, LEWIS, MAJ.-GEN. 215
WOOL, JOHN E., MAJ.-GEN. 67
WELLES, GIDEON, SEC. OF NAVY 2
WINTHROP, THEODORE, MAJ. 253
WILKES, CHARLES, COM. 271
WEBER, MAX, BRIG.-GEN. 313
WADSWORTH, JAMES S., BRIG.-GEN. 315
[Illustration: UNION HEROES]
[Illustration: [Capitol]]
WAR FOR THE UNION.
On the 4th of March, 1861, when Abraham Lincoln took the inaugural oath
in front of the National Capitol, his footprints upon the marble marked
the great and terrible epoch in the history of our government. The scene
was imbued with a grandeur undiscovered and without acknowledgment from
the thousands and thousands of freemen who crowded and surged like an
ocean at his feet.
An old man, bowed both by responsibility and years, stood by his side,
then and there to render up his august position over a great country, at
the very moment struggling with the first throes of civil war. How weary
he had become, and how gladly he laid down the burden of his power, no
heart save his own can tell. But the darkness and the thunders of coming
strife followed alike James Buchanan in his retirement and Abraham
Lincoln into the thorny splendors of the White House. Solemn and very
sad were these two men as they stood for a brief space before the
people. The splendor of power brought no happiness either in the giving
or receiving. No two men upon the face of the earth ever stood before a
people in an attitude so imposing, so fraught with terrible events. When
they shook hands peace veiled her face, and, shuddering, shrunk away
into the shadows which have darkened around her closer and thicker, till
she is now buried so deep beneath the gathered death-palls that no one
can tell where she is hidden. For months and even years she had been
threatened by factions, disturbed by reckless speech and still more
reckless pens, but now, behind all these, warcries swelled, and bayonets
glistened in the distance, bloodless as yet, but threatening storms of
crimson rain.
There, upon the verge of this coming tempest, the two Presidents parted,
one for the solitude of a peaceful home, the other outward bound into
the wild turmoil of contesting thoughts and heroic deeds. As I have
said, no one fully realized the coming terror, or thought how easy a
thing it is for a war of passions to verge into a war of blood. Still
the signs of the last three months had been painfully ominous. The
strife of opinions and clash of factions, which had been waxing deeper
and stronger between the North and the South, concentrated after
Lincoln’s election, and the heart of the nation was almost rent in twain
before he took the inaugural oath. When he stood up, the central figure
of the imposing picture presented to the nation on the fourth of March,
a southern government had already been organized at Montgomery, and
Jefferson Davis had been sworn in as its president, while the men who
had abandoned their seats in the United States Senate now held place in
the Confederate Cabinet.
Between the time of President Lincoln’s election and his inauguration,
five States had followed the lead of South Carolina and declared
themselves out of the Union. One by one the representatives of these
States had left Congress, some in sullen silence, others eloquent with
passion and sophistry.
The nation saw all this, but would not comprehend the imminence of its
danger. At a New England dinner, given in New York, December 22d, 1860,
one of the most astute statesmen of the country had prophesied, in words
that amounted to a promise, that sixty days would be sufficient time in
which to tranquilize all this turbulent discontent, and the people
believed him; but the sixty days had long since passed, and instead of
peace a Confederate government had planted itself on the Alabama river;
secession flags floated over more than one of our forts, and another
fort in Charleston harbor had only been preserved by the forethought and
bravery of Major Anderson, who was then engirdled by hostile batteries,
and half-starving from lack of supplies. In the North also the spirit of
sedition was abroad. Southern travellers still lingered in our great
cities, and conspiracies grew up like nightshade in the
dark—conspiracies that threatened not only the government, but the very
life of its elected President.
Even on his way to the Capitol Lincoln had been called from his bed at
Harrisburg and hurried forward to Washington in the night, thus, without
a shadow of doubt, escaping the assassination that awaited him in
Baltimore. Still so blind were the people, and so resolute to believe
that nothing serious could result from a rebellion that had been
preceded by so much bravado, that even the President’s preservation from
the death prepared for him was taken up by the press and echoed by the
people as a clever joke, calculated to bring out a Scotch cap and long
cloak in strong relief, but of doubtful origin. Yet the absolute danger
in this case might have been demonstrated to a certainty had any one
possessing authority cared to investigate the facts. But the nation had
not yet recovered from the excitement of a popular election, and
everything was submerged in the wild rush of politicians that always
follows close on an inauguration.
In this whirlpool of political turmoil rebellion had time to grow and
thrive in its southern strongholds, for its imminence could not be
forced upon the cool consideration of a people whose traditions had so
long been those of prosperous peace. The idea of a civil war, in which
thousands on thousands of brave Americans would redden the soil but just
denuded of its primeval timber, was an idea so horrible that the most
iron-hearted man failed to recognize it as a possibility. That the
revolt of these Southern States would in less than a year fill the whole
length and breadth of the land with widows and orphans—that American
brothers could ever be brought to stand face to face in mortal strife as
they have done—that women, so lately looked on with love and reverence,
should grow coarse and fiendish from a scent of kindred blood, mocking
at the dead and sending victims into a death-snare by their smiles,
alas! alas! who could have foreseen it? The very angels of Heaven must
have turned away from the suggestion in unbelief.
Never on the face of the earth has a war so terrible been waged on so
little cause. The French Revolution—whose atrocities we have not yet
emulated, thank God—was the frenzied outbreak of a nation trodden under
foot and writhing in the grasp of tyranny such as no American ever
dreamed of. If the people became fiends in their revenge, it was the
outgrowth of fearful wrongs. But where is the man North or South in our
land who had been subject to tyranny or aggression from its government
when this war commenced?
No wonder the government looked upon the rebellion with forbearance. No
wonder it waited for the sober second thought which it was hoped would
bring its leaders back to the old flag, under which the contending
parties might reason together. But no, the first step, which ever counts
most fatally, was taken, and every footprint that followed it is now red
with American blood.
A month passed. President Lincoln was in the White House, besieged by
office-seekers almost as closely as Major Anderson was surrounded in
Fort Sumter. Ambassadors, consuls, postmasters, collectors, and all the
host of placemen that belong to the machinery of a great nation, made
their camping ground in Washington, and their point of attack the White
House. But amid all this excitement, great national events would force
themselves into consideration. News that Jefferson Davis was mustering
troops, and that rebellion was making steady strides in the disaffected
States, broke through the turmoil of political struggles.
But the state of the country gave painful apprehension to men who stood
aloof from the struggles for place going on at Washington, and those who
had time for thought saw that the rebellion was making steady
progression. The Border States—Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and
Missouri—with the non-slaveholding States verging upon them, had made a
desperate effort to unite on some plan of pacification, but in vain. The
border slave States, being in close neighborhood with the North,
hesitated in joining the cotton States already in revolt. But
disaffection was strong even there, and no great mind, either in
Congress or out of it, had arisen strong enough to check the spirit of
revolution. Before Lincoln’s inauguration Governor Letcher had declared
that any attempt of the United States government to march troops across
the State of Virginia, for the purpose of enforcing the Federal
authority anywhere, would be considered “an invasion, which must be
repelled by force.” Never was the government placed in a more
humiliating position. President Buchanan was surrounded by advisers,
many of whom were secretly implicated in the rebellion, and felt himself
powerless to act in this emergency, while leading officers of the
Federal government were daily making use of their high powers to
consummate the designs of the conspirators.
Immediately after the act of secession of South Carolina, Governor
Pickens had commenced the organization of an army. Commissioners had
appeared in Washington to demand the surrender of the fortifications in
Charleston harbor, and the recognition of the State as a distinct
nationality. Castle Pinckney, Forts Moultrie and Sumter were the
government fortifications in the harbor. Fort Moultrie was garrisoned by
a small force, which had been reduced far below the ordinary peace
complement, under the command of Major Anderson, a noble and brave man.
On the night of December 26, in order to place his command in a more
secure fortification, Major Anderson had removed his men and material to
Fort Sumter, where, from its isolated position, he had nothing to fear,
for a time at least, from the armed masses that were gathering about
him. This movement, peaceable in itself, placed his little band in a
position where it could inflict no injury on the inhabitants of
Charleston. The city was thus placed beyond the range of his guns. But
the movement was received with outbursts of indignation from the people
of South Carolina.
The then Secretary of War, John B. Floyd, of Virginia, had promised the
South Carolina seceders that everything in the harbor of Charleston
should be left undisturbed. But of this promise both President Buchanan
and Major Anderson were ignorant. In making a movement of signal
importance, that resulted in a terrible inauguration of war, the Major
had exercised an undoubted right, conferred by his position as an
independent commander.
President Buchanan, when called upon to interfere, repudiated the pledge
made by his Secretary, and peremptorily refused to sanction it in any
way.
[Illustration:
FORT SUMTER.
]
This threw the people of Charleston into a fever of indignation. The
Charleston _Courier_ denounced Major Anderson in the most cutting terms.
“He has achieved,” said that journal, “the unenviable distinction of
opening civil war between American citizens, by a gross breach of faith.
He has, under counsel of a panic, deserted his post at Fort Moultrie,
and by false pretexts has transferred his garrison and military stores
to Fort Sumter.” The _Mercury_, still more imperative, insisted, “that
it was due to South Carolina and good faith, that Major Anderson’s act
should be repudiated by his government, and himself removed forthwith
from Fort Sumter.”
Meantime Castle Pinckney and Fort Moultrie were occupied and garrisoned
by the troops of South Carolina. The small guard left in charge of these
posts by Major Anderson were disarmed and kept by force from joining
their commander.
That day the Palmetto flag was hoisted over the Custom House and Post
Office of Charleston. That day, also, Captain L. N. Costa, commander of
the revenue cutter William Aiken, betrayed his government and delivered
his vessel over to the State authorities, carrying with him a majority
of his men.
These proceedings at Fort Sumter resulted in the withdrawal of John B.
Floyd, of Virginia, from Mr. Buchanan’s counsellors, and ultimately in
breaking up his cabinet only a few weeks before his term of office
expired; for there, as elsewhere, arose a conflict of opinion, northern
members taking one side and Southern members another. Howell Cobb, of
Georgia, Secretary of the Treasury, and Jacob Thompson, of the Interior,
soon followed Floyd, and after them went General Cass, of Michigan.
Their places were supplied for the brief time of Buchanan’s term by
Holt, of Kentucky, Stanton, of Pennsylvania, Dix, of New York, and
Horatio King, who had been a leading mind in the Post Office Department
for twenty years.
The military authorities of South Carolina, strengthened by volunteers
and contributions from other States, commenced the siege of Fort Sumter
in earnest. They planted heavy batteries on James Island, Morris Island,
and Cummings Point. In every spot where guns could be brought to bear on
the fort, powerful earthworks were erected, and an immense floating
battery of unexampled construction was planned. This, anchored within
short range when the day of attack should arrive, was expected to work
terrible execution.
Thus encircled by bristling guns at every point, forbidden all
intercourse beyond the walls, and denied the privilege of procuring
fresh provisions almost entirely, Major Anderson and his noble band
could only wait for the help which was slow in coming.
Thus day by day the isolated fort stood like a solitary rock, against
which the angry surges of an ocean were stormfully mustering. Girdled in
by an army that grew stronger every moment, its noble commander and his
scarcely less heroic men, stood firmly by the flag that floated above
its battlements, the only stars and stripes now visible from horizon to
horizon.
The God of heaven, and that small handful of men, only know the
anxieties that beset them. With no means of intelligence, no certainty
of support, if an emergency arose demanding an assumption of prompt
responsibility, with nothing but gloom landward or seaward, Anderson and
his little forces stood at bay. Every hour, every moment, restricted
their privileges and consumed their stores; they began to look forward
to a lack of food, and many an anxious eye was turned toward the ocean,
in a wistful search after the succor that did not come.
The government in Washington was painfully aware of the peril which hung
over these brave men. Still, some hope of an amicable adjustment
lingered, and President Buchanan hesitated in taking measures that might
inaugurate a civil war. But his obligations to these suffering men were
imperative. The heroic band, so faithful to their trust, so true to
their national honor, must not be left to starve or fall for lack of
food and re-enforcements.
On the 5th of January the Star of the West set sail from New York, laden
with stores, ammunition, and two hundred and fifty men. Fort Sumter was
at length to be relieved. But the North abounded with secession
sympathizers, and in a few hours after the steamer sailed, the people of
Charleston were informed of her destination by telegraph. Preparations
were promptly made for her reception. Captain McGowan had intended to
enter Charleston harbor at night, hoping to veil himself in darkness,
and reach Fort Sumter undiscovered. But the buoys, sights and ranges had
been removed, and, thus baffled, he was compelled to lie outside the
harbor till daylight.
At half-past 7, A. M., January 9th, the Star of the West started for the
fort. A shot from Morris Island cut sharply across her bows. She run up
the stars and stripes, sending that first aggressive shot a noble
answer, in red, white and blue, but keeping steadily on her course.
Again and again the audacious guns on Morris Island ploughed up the
waters in her path, and, thus assailed, she slowly changed her course,
and left the besieged fort without succor.
The little garrison in Fort Sumter watched these proceedings with keen
anxiety; though ignorant of the nature and errand of the steamer, this
attack aroused the patriotism in every heart. They saw the stars and
stripes deliberately fired upon. Seventeen guns sent their iron messages
from Morris Island, and then, ignorant of the cause, ignorant of
everything, save that the old flag had been assaulted, the garrison fell
to work. The guns of Fort Sumter were run out ready for action, but just
then the steamer veered on her course and moved seaward.
Had Major Anderson known that the Star of the West was struggling to
give him succor, those seventeen shots would never have been fired with
impunity.
While the steamer was yet hovering on the horizon, Anderson sent a flag
to Governor Pickens, inquiring if a United States steamer had been fired
upon by his authority. Governor Pickens replied that it was by his
authority. Immediately on the receipt of this answer, Lieutenant Talbot
left Fort Sumter with despatches for Washington, asking for
instructions.
From that time the garrison remained in a state of siege, until the 5th
of April, one month after the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln as
President of the United States.
At this time the fort had become more closely besieged. The little
garrison was refused fresh provisions from the city, and its supplies by
the Government were almost consumed. Starvation or surrender lay before
Major Anderson and his handful of men.
Though cut off from communication with the fort, the Government was not
unmindful of its needs. From the 5th to the 11th of April three vessels
of war, three transports, and three steamers sailed from New York and
Norfolk, with men, horses, and munitions of war. The destination of
these vessels was kept secret, and public curiosity became intensely
excited. The Confederate Government, now assembled at Montgomery,
Alabama, was promptly notified, by its secret emissaries, of these
movements. Indeed, it is doubtful if Jefferson Davis was not better
informed, regarding the destination of this expedition, than the people
of the North. The result was, a formal demand on Major Anderson for the
surrender of Fort Sumter by General Beauregard, commander of the
Confederate forces investing the fort, which now numbered 7,000 men,
protected by batteries mounting 140 siege guns.
President Lincoln had notified Governor Pickens that provisions would be
sent to the garrison of Fort Sumter, peaceably, if possible, if
necessary, by force.
General Beauregard, commander of the Confederate forces, knew of the
succor at hand, but deeming Anderson ignorant of its coming, hoped that
the state of semi-starvation to which the garrison was reduced, might
enforce the surrender before help arrived. But the astute rebel found
himself matched by a soldier, cautious in negotiation as he afterwards
proved himself heroic in battle.
On Thursday, the 11th of April, a boat was seen approaching the work,
with Colonel Chesnut, Colonel Chisholm and Captain Lee, aids to General
Beauregard. They handed Major Anderson a communication from General
Beauregard, which was a summons to evacuate the fort. It was to this
effect: that the Confederate authorities had refrained from any hostile
act against Fort Sumter in anticipation that the government of the
United States would withdraw its troops from that fort; that it appeared
probable at one time that this would have been done, but that the
authorities of the Confederate States could no longer refrain from
taking possession of a fort that commanded the entrance to one of their
principal harbors, and that the order to evacuate the fort was now made
upon the following terms: The troops to be allowed to carry with them
their arms, all personal baggage and company property of every
description, and the flag which had been maintained with so much
fortitude, might be saluted when hauled down.
Major Anderson replied, that his word of honor, and the duty he owed to
his government, forbade his compliance with the demand.
These gentlemen then left the fort, displaying a _red_ flag.
At half-past 1 A. M., on Friday, a boat containing Colonel Chesnut,
Captain Lee and Colonel Roger A. Pryor, approached the work with a
communication from General Beauregard, making inquiry as to what day
Major Anderson would evacuate the work, and asking if he would agree not
to open his batteries unless Fort Sumter was fired upon. Suspecting from
the urgency of this midnight negotiation, some strong necessity on the
part of his opponent, but convinced that an evacuation would be
inevitable, Major Anderson made a written reply, stating that he would
evacuate the fort at noon, on the 15th, provided he did not receive
supplies or controlling instructions from his government to the
contrary. That he would not open his batteries unless the flag of his
country was fired upon, or unless some hostile intention on the part of
the Confederate forces should be manifested.
Being in hourly expectation of the arrival of a United States fleet with
reinforcements off the harbor, and urged to instant action by dispatches
from Montgomery, General Beauregard had prepared his messengers for this
answer. Anderson’s communication was handed to Colonel Chesnut shortly
after 3 o’clock, who, after a short consultation with the officers who
had accompanied him, handed a communication to Major Anderson, and said,
“General Beauregard will open his batteries in one hour from this time,
sir.”
Major Anderson looked at his watch, and said,
“It is half-past three. I understand you, sir, then, that your batteries
will open in an hour from this time?”
Colonel Chesnut replied, “Yes, sir, in one hour.”
They then retired.
FORTIFICATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR.
Fort Sumter is a pentagonal structure, built upon an artificial island
at the mouth of Charleston harbor, three and three-eighths miles from
the city of Charleston. The island has for its base a sand and mud bank,
with a superstructure of the refuse chips from several northern granite
quarries. These rocks are firmly embedded in the sand, and upon them the
present fortification is reared. The island itself cost half a million
dollars, and was ten years in construction. The fortification cost
another half million dollars, and at the time of its occupancy by Major
Anderson, was so nearly completed as to admit the introduction of its
armament. The walls are of solid brick and concrete masonry, built close
to the edge of the water, and without a berme. They are sixty feet high,
and from eight to twelve feet in thickness, and are pierced for three
tiers of guns on the north, east and west exterior sides. Its weakest
point is on the south side, of which the masonry is not only weaker than
that of the other sides, but it is unprotected from a flank fire. The
wharf and entrance to the fort are on this side.
The work is designed for an armament of one hundred and forty pieces of
ordnance of all calibres. Two tiers of the guns are under bomb-proof
casements, and the third or upper tier is open, or, in military
parlance, _en barbette_; the lower tier for forty-two pounder paixhan
guns; the second tier for eight and ten-inch columbiads, for throwing
solid or hollow shot; and the upper tier for mortars and twenty-four
pound guns. The full armament of the fort, however, had not arrived when
Major Anderson took possession; but after its occupancy by him, no
efforts had been spared to place the work in an efficient state of
defence, by mounting all the available guns and placing them at salient
points. Only seventy-five of the guns were in position at the time of
the attack. Eleven paixhan guns were among that number, nine of them
commanding Fort Moultrie, which is within easy range, and the other two
pointing towards Castle Pinckney, which is well out of range. Some of
the columbiads, the most effective weapon for siege or defensive
operations, were not mounted. Four of the thirty-two pounder barbette
guns were on pivot carriages, which gave them the entire range of the
horizon, and others have a horizontal sweep of fire of one hundred and
eighty degrees. The magazine contained seven hundred barrels of
gunpowder, and an ample supply of shot, powder and shells for one year’s
siege, and a large amount of miscellaneous artillery stores. The work
was amply supplied with water from artificial wells. In a defensive or
strategical point of view, Fort Sumter radiates its fire through all the
channels from the sea approach to Charleston, and has a full sweep of
range in its rear or city side. The maximum range of the guns from
Sumter is three miles; but for accurate firing, sufficient to hull a
vessel, the distance would require to be reduced one-half of that
figure. The war garrison of the fort is six hundred men, but only
seventy-nine were within its walls at the time of the attack, exclusive
of laborers.
Fort Sumter is three and three-eighths miles from Charleston, one and
one-fourth mile from Fort Moultrie, three-fourths of a mile from
Cummings Point, one and three-eighths mile from Fort Johnson, and two
and five-eighths miles from Castle Pinckney. The city of Charleston is
entirely out of range of the guns of Fort Sumter.
The forts and batteries in the possession of the Confederate forces at
this time may be briefly described as follows:
FORT MOULTRIE.
Fort Moultrie, which first opened its batteries upon Major Anderson and
his command, is one of the sentinels that guard the principal entrance
of Charleston harbor. It is opposite to and distant from Fort Sumter
about one and a half miles. Its armament consists of eleven guns of
heavy calibre and several mortars. The outer and inner walls are of
brick, capped with stone and filled with earth, making a solid wall
fifteen or sixteen feet in thickness.
THE IRON FLOATING BATTERY.
This novel war machine, designed for harbor operations, was anchored
near Sullivan’s Island, commanding the barbette guns of Fort Sumter. It
was constructed of Palmetto logs, sheathed with plate iron, and supposed
to be impregnable against shot. It was embrasured for and mounted four
guns of heavy calibre, requiring sixty men to operate it. The outer or
gun side was covered with six plates of iron—two of them of the T
railroad pattern, placed horizontally, and the other four bolted one
over the other, in the strongest manner, and running vertically. The
wall of the gun side was full four feet thick, constructed of that
peculiar palmetto wood so full of fibrous material that sixty-four
pounders cannot pierce it. The main deck was wide and roomy, and kept in
place by four heavy wedges, driven down by a species of ram, which held
it fast, preventing any swaying around by the tide.
CUMMINGS POINT IRON BATTERY.
The nearest point of land to Fort Sumter is Cummings Point, distant
1,150 yards. On this point was the celebrated railroad iron battery,
having a heavy framework of yellow pine logs. The roof was of the same
material, over which dovetailed bars of railroad iron of the T pattern
were laid from top to bottom—all of which was riveted down in the most
secure manner. On the front it presented an angle of about thirty
degrees. There were three port-holes, which opened and closed with iron
shutters of the heaviest description. When open, the muzzles of the
columbiads filled up the space completely. The recoil of the gun enabled
the shutters to be closed instantly. The columbiad guns, with which this
novel battery was equipped bore on the south wall of Sumter, the line of
fire being at an angle of about thirty-five degrees.
The Fort Johnson batteries consist of two large sand works, containing
mortar and siege-gun batteries.
CASTLE PINCKNEY.
Castle Pinckney is a small work, situated on the southern extremity of
“Shute’s Folly Island,” between the Hog and Folly channels. Though in
itself not a very considerable military work, yet, from its position,
commanding as it does the whole line of the eastern wharves, it becomes
of the utmost importance. The height of the rampart is twenty, and the
width thirty-two feet. The width of the outer wall and of the parapet is
six feet; the depth of the casemates is twenty feet, height ten; the
diameter (east and west) of the castle is one hundred and seventy feet.
The entrance is on the northern side, on either side of which are the
officers and privates’ quarters, mess-room, &c. The armament of this
castle consists of about twenty-five pieces, 24 and 32-pounders, a few
sea-coast mortars and six columbiads.
BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER.
Major Anderson made good use of the hour awarded to him, that one solemn
hour which stood between a peaceful, happy country, so blessed that it
had forgotten to be grateful, and the most terrible war that ever,
without cause, deluged a free soil with the blood of its own sons. Were
ever sixty minutes, since the creation of time, so portentous with fate?