Each side hesitated to strike the first blow; but the South, being best prepared, and to end a suspense that threatened to be hurtful to their cause, opened the conflict by the bombardment of Ft. Sumter. Each now hastened preparations with vigor. Yet so long had been the intimate, friendly relations, that neither could believe in a long, deadly struggle. More than three months passed, during which frequent skirmishes occurred; but the leaders avoided bringing on a general battle. The Southern forces advanced toward Washington, but stopped short of an attack, sending out small bodies to make trial efforts, and get possession of important points. The battle of Bull Run was the first great, serious combat. The brilliant bravery of Southern troops would have been overcome but for an opportune reinforcement at the decisive moment. The leaders did not feel it safe to pursue the vanquished Federals to Washington. There was a large reserve force there. Thus, if they won a battle they lost the object sought—the capture of the national Capital—and the union forces, though defeated, gained the most important point—the protection of Washington.
Both sides now recognized the magnitude of the undertaking; the indomitable resolution of their opponents; and the need of thoroughly disciplining their troops, of organizing all branches of the military and naval service, and gathering stores, and distributing forces in accordance with the plan proposed by each.
This period continued until Feb., 1862. The U. S. Navy was increased from 42 vessels at the beginning of the war to about 300 at the close of this preparatory period. These blockaded the South and served for transport and attack. Two series of operations were planned by the U. S. government for the land forces: one in the Mississippi Valley and one in Virginia. In the meantime the Confederate leaders saw that it was impossible to invade the North as they had proposed without long preparation and large armies. They organized with speed but were thrown on the defensive.
1861.
 
Apr. 7—Steamer Atlantic, with troops and supplies for Ft. Sumter, sailed from New York.
” 8—The Federal Government notified South Carolina that provisions would be sent to Maj. Anderson, by force, if necessary.[652] U. S. State Department refused to recognize the Commissioners from the Confederate States.
” 11—Troops are gathered in Washington, and oath of allegiance administered. Confederate Commissioners leave Washington.
Gen. Beauregard demands the surrender of Ft. Sumter. Maj. Anderson refuses.
Bombardment of Ft. Sumter.
 
” 12—This was the real commencement of the Civil War. Batteries were constructed on Morris and Sullivan islands, and Cumming’s Point. The Confederate forces employ Ft. Moultrie, and a floating battery, in addition, against Ft. Sumter.
The South Carolina Legislature appropriate $500,000 to arm the State.
Ft. Pickens is reinforced by the U. S. government.
” 14—Fort Sumter was reduced to a mass of ruins, its fire silenced, and Maj. Anderson capitulated with the honors of war, and evacuated the fort, sailing for New York.
Gov. Yates, of Illinois, called an extra session of Legislature to meet April 22.
” 15—The President issues a proclamation commanding all in arms against the government to disperse in 20 days; calling also for 75,000 volunteers to defend Washington; and the New York Legislature authorizes the raising of $3,000,000 for their equipment and support.
The President calls an extra session of Congress, for July 4.
” 16—The governors of Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri refuse to furnish troops, under the President’s proclamation.
The Confederate government calls for 32,000 men.
” 17—The Virginia Convention, in secret session, adopt a Secession Ordinance, to be submitted to the people in May. The vote was 60 to 53.
Virginia forces sent to seize U. S. Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, and Gosport Navy Yard, at Portsmouth.
All the military power of the State of Virginia placed under the control of President Davis.
Jefferson Davis issues a proclamation offering Letters of Marque and Reprisal to privateers against Federal commerce.
” 18—U. S. Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry destroyed by Federal troops, to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy.
Col. Coke, with 400 of 25th Penn. regiment, arrives in Washington for its defense.
” 19—U. S. steamer Star of the West seized at Indianola, Texas.
Massachusetts troops on the way to Washington, attacked by a mob in Baltimore. Troops fired on the mob. Blood shed on both sides.
[653]
President issues a proclamation declaring the coast from North Carolina to Texas in a state of blockade.
Military department of Washington covering Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, put under command of Gen. Patterson.
City Council of Philadelphia appropriate $1,000,000 to equip volunteers, and support their families.
” 20—Governor of North Carolina seizes U. S. Branch Mint, at Charlotte.
Bridges and railroads in Maryland destroyed by Secessionists, to prevent passage of troops to Washington.
U. S. Navy Yard, at Gosport, and property worth $25,000,000, destroyed by the Federals in charge, to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. Eight vessels of war were destroyed, and one, the Cumberland, was towed out.
Massachusetts troops arrive at Fortress Monroe.
Gov. Curtin calls special meeting of Penn. Legislature, for April 30th.
” 21—Federal government takes possession of Philadelphia and Baltimore railroad.
Senator Andrew Johnson mobbed at Lynchburg, Va.
” 22—U. S. Arsenals in North Carolina and Arkansas seized.
” 24—Fort Smith Arkansas, seized. Cairo, Ill., occupied by union troops.
Maj. Sibley surrenders 450 U. S. troops to Col. Van Dorn, in Texas.
” 26—Gov. Brown, of Geo., forbids payment of debts to Northern people.
” 27—A steamer at Cairo, loaded with military stores for the South, seized.
Blockade extended to ports of Virginia and North Carolina.
” 29—The Maryland House of Delegates votes against secession, 63 to 13.
Governors Harris of Tennessee and Moore of Louisiana seize government property.
May 1—The Legislature of N. C. and Tenn. prepare for formal secession.
” 3—President Lincoln calls for 82,714 additional troops.
Fourteen companies of Kentucky troops offer themselves to the government, though the Governor had refused a levy.
” 4—Gen. McClellan takes command of the department of the Ohio.
” 6—Virginia admitted into the Confederacy. Tennessee and Arkansas pass Ordinances of Secession.
” 10—A rebel force in St. Louis surrenders to Capt. Lyon.
Gen. R. E. Lee takes command of Southern troops in Virginia.
” 13—Convention called at Wheeling to organize a new State.
” 14—Vessels with stores and property for the South seized at Baltimore.
” 15—Massachusetts offers U.S. Government $7,000,000 to carry on the war.
” 16—Gen. Scott orders the fortification of Arlington Heights.
” 17—Confederates commence fortifying Harpers Ferry.
” 18—Gen. Butler takes command of Department of Virginia.
[654]
” 19—Sewalls Pt. attacked by U S. steamers. Two schooners, with Southern troops, captured.
” 20—North Carolina formally secedes. Kentucky proclaimed neutral.
” 21—Southerners blockade the Mississippi at Memphis.
” 24—Alexandria and Arlington Heights occupied by union troops.
” 26—Western Virginia voted largely in favor of the union.
” 27—One hundred slaves fled to Fortress Monroe. Gen. Butler declared them “contraband” of war.
” ”—Two steamers engage the rebel batteries at Acquia Creek.
June 1—Various skirmishes between parties of the hostile armies.
” 3—Senator S. A. Douglas, of Illinois, died.
Battle of Philippi, Va. union Col. Kelly wounded but victorious. Gen. Beauregard assumed command of Confederate forces at Manassas Junction. Voluntary contributions of northern States in aid of the Government over $32,000,000.
Battle of Big Bethel.
 
” 10—Three Federal regiments defeated. 16 killed, 41 wounded.
” 11—Skirmish at Romney. Wheeling Convention meets.
” 14—Harper’s Ferry evacuated and burnt by Southern forces.
” 15—Confederate privateer, Savannah, brought, a prize, to New York.
” 17—Wheeling Convention of unionists determine to make West Virginia an independent State.
” 18—Battle ............