Über dieses Buch
Meine Mediathek
Bücher bei Google Play
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTION.
Origin of the Southern Rebellion-Classification of its several causes-The Act
of 1816 respecting a tariff-Agency of Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams—
Position of John C. Calhoun-He first conceives his project of Nullification-
His memorial to Governor Hamilton-The operation of a High Tariff-The
Legislature of South Carolina-Outbreak of the Nullification movement-
Vigorous measures of President Jackson--Mr. Calhoun in the United States
Senate A memorable debate-Final settlement of the difficulty-American
slavery-Its origin-The proposition of Thomas Jefferson-Slavery in the
Territories-The Compact of 1787-Compromise of Henry Clay-Annexation
of Texas-The Wilmot proviso-Compromise of 1850-Slavery in Kansas-
Rise of the Republican Party-Its principles and policy-Administration of
James Buchanan-Treason in the Federal Cabinet-Preliminary operations of
the Conspirators-Policy of Mr. Buchanan respecting Secession-Presidential
Campaign of 1860-Election of Mr. Lincoln-The doctrine of State Sovereignty
as opposed to Federal centralization-Discussion of the subject......
33
CHAPTER I.
Effect of Mr. Lincoln's election in the South-Political movements in South
Carolina and Georgia-Excitement in Charleston-Preliminary acts and events
-Resignation of Federal officers-Election of members to the State Conven-
tion-Opponents of Secession-Alexander H. Stephens-Federal property
seized in Charleston-Conventions summoned in Georgia and Alabama-As-
sembling of the Convention of South Carolina-The first act of Secession from
the Union passed-A pathetic statement of grievances-Secession logic-Re-
flections on the result-Popular feelings at this time in Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi and Florida-Levity and recklessness of the Secession leaders............. 57
CHAPTER II.
Treasonable Proclamation of Governor Pickens-Resignation of the Representa-
tives of South Carolina in Congress-The Crittenden propositions of Com-
promise Their provisions-Scramble for Federal property-Commissioners of
South Carolina to the Federal Government-Major Anderson-The removal of
his command to Fort Sumter-Mr. Secretary Floyd-His resignation-De-
meanor of the Rebel Commissioners at Washington-The Convention of the
Slaveholding States-Important events at Savannah-Secession of Mississippi
-Pernicious influence of Jefferson Davis-Resignation of his seat in the United
States Senate The secession of Alabama-Of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and
Texas..
(7)
68
CHAPTER III.
Various efforts made for compromise and settlement-Conciliatory meetings held
in the Northern States-Their ultimate failure-Apostacy of Alexander H.
Stephens Resignation of the Southern Representatives in the Federal Con-
gress-The Rebel Congress convened at Montgomery-Its organization—
Adoption of a Provisional Constitution-The organization of the Southern
Confederacy-Jefferson Davis elected President-A. H. Stephens chosen Vice
President-Prophecies of Senator Wigfall-Biographical sketches of Jefferson
Davis, of Stephens, of the Cabinet Ministers of the Southern Confederacy,
Memminger, Toombs, Mallory, Walker, Benjamin-The personal qualities and
characteristics of these officers....
75
CHAPTER IV.
Assembling of the Peace Congress at Washington-Their proposals of com-
promise Their rejection and failure-Attitude of President Buchanan-
Public sentiment respecting Fort Sumter--Mission of the "Star of the West"—
Final establishment of the Confederate Government at Montgomery-Inaugu-
ration of Jefferson Davis as President-His address-Inauguration of President
Lincoln-His address-His Cabinet Officers-The famous oration of A. H.
Stephens at Savannah-Its historical importance-His first position-He refutes
Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison-His second position-The foundation stone
of the Southern Confederacy-Absurdity and fallacy of that foundation-The
future condition and destiny of the negro race..........
83
CHAPTER V.
The mission of Mr. Yancey and his associates to Europe-Their representations
to the French and English people-Events at Charleston-The Rebel Commis-
sioners at Washington-Their absurd deportment-General Beauregard de-
mands the surrender of Fort Sumter-Major Anderson respectfully declines-
Preparations for the bombardment of the fort-Size and strength of the works
-Sketch of Major Anderson-Sketch of General Beauregard-Commencement
of the bombardment-Heroism of the garrison-Incidents of the first day's
attack-Events of the ensuing night-The continuance of the bombardment
during the next day-Sufferings of the garrison-Ex-Senator Wigfall-A
deputation from General Beauregard-Propositions of surrender-They are
accepted by Major Anderson-Exultation of the Rebels-Why the garrison
was not reinforced-Proclamation of Governor Letcher-Proclamation of
President Lincoln.....
CHAPTER VI.
Enthusiasm of the Rebel States-Projected conquest of Washington-Proofs
that it was contemplated-Why it was not accomplished-Seventy-five thousand
Federal troops ordered out-Davis issues letters of marque and reprisal-Pro-
clamation of Governor Letcher-Secession of Virginia-Blockade of the
Southern ports-Aspect of the loyal States-First in the field-The attack on
Federal troops in Baltimore-Fury of the Rebel mob-Results of the attack-
89
Its infamy-The Federal Forts are garrisoned-Secession of Missouri-Rapid
march of Federal troops to Washington-The Chicago Zouaves-The gallant
Ellsworth-Origin of the term Zouave-History of the French Zouaves in
Algeria, in the Crimea, in Italy-Their peculiar characteristics-American
Zouaves..
98
CHAPTER VII.
The Secession of Tennessee-Parson Brownlow-Declaration of War by the
Confederate Congress-Skirmish near St. Louis-Secession element in Balti-
more-Fort McHenry-Secession of North Carolina-Adjournment of the
Rebel Congress to convene at Richmond-Assembly of Federal troops at
Washington-The occupation of Alexandria-Assassination of Colonel Ells-
worth-Sketch of his career-His life in Chicago-Famous tour of the Chicago
Zouaves-Ellsworth's military tastes and talents-His personal appearance
and characteristics-His peculiarities as a speaker-He organizes the New
York Fire Zouaves-His death a loss to the cause of the Union-General
Robert Patterson's campaign in Virginia-Crossing the Potomac at Williains-
port-Battle of Falling Waters-Pursuit of the enemy to Hainsville-To
Martinsburg-The march to Bunker Hill-To Charlestown-Occupation of
Harper's Ferry-Results of the Campaign....
106
CHAPTER VIII.
The encounters with the Rebel troops at Fairfax Court House, at Aquia Creek,
at Romney, at Phillippi-Gallantry of Colonel Kelley-Battle of Great
Bethel-Causes of the disaster-General Pierce-Death of Lieutenant Greble-
Sketch of his career-Union sentiment in Western Virginia-The new State of
West Virginia Harper's Ferry devastated by the Rebels-The Ohio troops
fired on near Vienna-Results of the attack-Operations of General McClellan
in Western Virginia-His admirable plans-The Battle of Rich Mountain-
General Garnett-Colonel Rosecrans-Results of the engagement-Sketch of
General McClellan-His conduct during the Mexican War-His reconnoissance
of the Cascade Mountains--His secret mission to the West Indies-His journey
to the Crimea-His official report as commissioner-His subsequent move-
ments-He becomes Commander of the Department of Ohio......
115
CHAPTER IX.
The extraordinary Session of Congress in July, 1861-Message of President
Lincoln-Its characteristics-Its demands-Sketch of Thaddeus Stevens-His
political career-His personal qualities-His action as chairman of the Com-
mittee of Ways and Means-Important bills passed by Congress-Opposition
of Messrs Vallandigham and Burnett to the policy of the Administration—
The civil war in Missouri-The Grand Army equipped at Washington-Com-
plaints of its prolonged inactivity-Order given to General McDowell to
advance toward Manassas-Arrangement of the Army-The advance reach
Bull Run-The preliminary conflict at that place-Repulse of General Tyler's
division-Position of the Rebel Army at Manassas-General Beauregard―The
impending contest-Temper of the Rebel troops-The arts employed to inflame
them....
123
CHAPTER X.
The Federal Army at Centreville-General McDowell's plan of attack-The
Divisions of Generals Tyler, Hunter and Heintzelman-Their several duties-
The March from Centreville-Interesting spectacle-General Tyler first reaches
the Battle-field-He commences the engagement-Movements of Generals
Hunter and Heintzelman-The gallant Sixty-ninth New York-The engage-
ment becomes general-Vigorous cannonading-The Rebels gradually over-
powered-The Federals victorious at mid-day-Rebel admissions to that effect—
General Johnston's troops from Winchester arrive on the battle-field-They
reverse the tide of victory-Sudden panic in the Federal Army-A general
retreat ensues-Incidents of the flight-Individual instances of heroism—
Results of the battle-Failure of the Rebel commanders to improve their
victory-Ultimate consequences..
131
CHAPTER XI.
The impression produced on the public by the Battle of Manassas-Various
causes of the Federal defeat-The preceding march-Inferiority of numbers—
Effect of masked batteries-Incompetent or inexperienced officers-Remote
position of the Reserves-Pernicious presence of spectators The coup-de-
grace-Arrival of General Johnston's troops on the field-Immense losses of
the Rebel Army-Was the defeat in reality a misfortune to the Union-Its
immediate effects-Its influence on the Army-Its influence on the Adminis-
tration-It became the means of averting greater calamities—It was the cause
of subsequent successes to the Federal forces.....
140
CHAPTER XII
Increased energy of the Federal Government-Events in Missouri-Important
battle at Carthage-Retrograde movement of General Lyon to Springfield-
Pursuit of the Rebels under Generals McCullough and Price-Condition of
their Army-Reasons why General Lyon engaged the enemy-The great
Battle of Wilson's Creek-Disposition of the Federal forces-Temporary suc-
cess of the Rebels-Incidents of the contest-Heroism of General Lyon-His
last effort against the enemy-Its success-General Lyon's death-Discomfiture
of Colonel Sigel-Results of the Battle-Sketch of General Lyon-His rare
merits-General Fremont made Commandant of the Department of Missouri-
His policy and measures-His Anti-Slavery Proclamation-It is modified by
President Lincoln-The war against Secession not a war against Slavery..... 147
CHAPTER XIII.
The Federal expeditions against the Rebel forts at Hatteras-The forces appro-
priated to this enterprise-Importance of Hatteras and its possession-Sailing
of the expedition-The bombardment-The surrender of the forts-Commo-
dore Barron-Commodore Stringham-Sketch of his career-Results of the
victory at Hatteras-Operations of Rosecrans in Western Virginia-Battle at
Carnifex Ferry-Defeat and flight of Floyd-Results of the victory--Events
in Missouri--Colonel Mulligan's forces at Lexington-He is attacked by General
Price-Incidents of the Battle of Lexington-Surrender of Colonel Mulligan-
Sketch of his career-Battle on Bolivar Heights-Sketch of its hero, Colonel
Geary-The Battle of Ball's Bluff-General Stone-Apprehensions of Colonel
Baker-Incidents of the engagement-Defeat and rout of the Federal troops-
Death of Colonel Baker-National sorrow at his fate-Sketch of his remarkable
career-Results of the disaster at Ball's Bluff...
11
155
CHAPTER XIV.
Peculiarities of the war against Secession-Federal expedition under Commodore
Dupont and General Sherman-Its departure from Annapolis-Its destination
-Terrible storm near Cape Hatteras--The expedition reaches Port Royal-
Rebel forts on Bay Point and Hilton Head-Their bombardment—Their
strength-Incidents of the attack-Surrender of the forts-Results of the en-
gagement Sketch of its hero, Commodore Dupont-Naval disaster below New
Orleans-Captain John Pope-Events in Missouri-Bold achievement of Col-
onel Zagonyi near Springfield-The battle of Belmont-General U. S. Grant-
Incidents of the engagement at Belmont-Its results-Dismissal of General
Fremont from his Department of the West-Causes of his removal-His
admirable demeanor on this occasion-His subsequent appointment as com-
mander of the Mountain Department of Virginia and Tennessee..
165
CHAPTER XV.
European recognition of the Southern Confederacy-Efforts made to obtain it-
Mission of Messrs. Mason and Slidell Their arrest on board the Trent-Legality
of that arrest-The British Government demand them-They are surrendered-
Reasons of their surrender-Diplomatic note of Mr. Seward on the subject—
Argument of Mr. Sumner in the Senate-The battle of Dranesville-Incidents
of the engagement-Its results-General McCall-Sketch of his career-Dis-
missal of Mr. Cameron from the Federal Cabinet-The war in Kentucky-The
battle of Mill Springs-Incidents of the conflict-Bayonet charge of the ninth
Ohio regiment-Defeat of the Rebels-Death of General Feliz Zollicoffer-His
character-Results of the battle of Mill Springs-Subsequent flight and dis-
persion of the Rebel troops......
173
CHAPTER XVI.
The Burnside expedition-Its strength and secret destination-Its departure from
Annapolis-It reaches Fortress Monroe-Another gale off Cape Hatteras-Its
results-Loss of the steamer City of New York-Heroism of General Burn-
side-The expedition enters Pamlico Sound-It steers for Roanoke Island-
Rebel works erected on that Island-The Federal troops disembark-Plan of
the attack-Incidents of the engagement-The final charge-Defeat and flight
of the Rebels-Capture of their forts-Their strength-Results of the victory—
Death of Colonel De Montreuil-Sketch of General Burnside-Attack on Fort
Henry-Strength of the fort-Number of the Federal gunboats-Incidents of
the bombardment-Surrender of the Rebel works-Trophies of the victory-
Loss on both sides-Skill and heroism of Commodore Foote-Sketch of his
career-Further operations of the Burnside expedition...
181