Mar. 3—Congress appropriates $30,000 for building Morse’s electric telegraph from Washington to Baltimore. It was the beginning of that magnificent enterprise.Com. Porter, minister to Turkey, dies in Constantinople.Apr. 18—Commences “Dorr’s rebellion” in Rhode Island.Aug. 26—The U. S. frigate Missouri burned, at Gibraltar, Spain.
Mar. 3—Congress appropriates $30,000 for building Morse’s electric telegraph from Washington to Baltimore. It was the beginning of that magnificent enterprise.
Com. Porter, minister to Turkey, dies in Constantinople.
Apr. 18—Commences “Dorr’s rebellion” in Rhode Island.
Aug. 26—The U. S. frigate Missouri burned, at Gibraltar, Spain.
Feb. 28—A large cannon on board the war steamer Princeton, bursts while the President and others are visiting the vessel, killing Messrs. Upshur and Gilmer, secretaries of war and navy, and others.May 6—The “Know-nothing” or American excitement produces a serious riot in Philadelphia.July 7—Jo. Smith, the originator of the Mormons, killed at Carthage, Ill.Nov.—The Democratic party elected James K. Polk for President. The chief question entering into the election was on the annexation of Texas. It had been sought for some years but had been declined as certain to bring on a war with Mexico, which, as asister republic, and much weaker than ourselves, had been considered to be an unworthy act. The Whigs, with Henry Clay as their candidate for President, opposed it. It was carried, in great part as a pro-slavery measure, although the bitter and barbarous conduct of the Mexicans toward Texans and American citizens had something to do with it.
Feb. 28—A large cannon on board the war steamer Princeton, bursts while the President and others are visiting the vessel, killing Messrs. Upshur and Gilmer, secretaries of war and navy, and others.
May 6—The “Know-nothing” or American excitement produces a serious riot in Philadelphia.
July 7—Jo. Smith, the originator of the Mormons, killed at Carthage, Ill.
Nov.—The Democratic party elected James K. Polk for President. The chief question entering into the election was on the annexation of Texas. It had been sought for some years but had been declined as certain to bring on a war with Mexico, which, as asister republic, and much weaker than ourselves, had been considered to be an unworthy act. The Whigs, with Henry Clay as their candidate for President, opposed it. It was carried, in great part as a pro-slavery measure, although the bitter and barbarous conduct of the Mexicans toward Texans and American citizens had something to do with it.
Jan. 16—A treaty made with China, ratified by the U. S. Senate.” 23—An act of Congress orders presidential elections to be held in all the States on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.Feb. 28—Congress annexes Texas to the Union, by a joint resolution of both Houses.Mar. 3—Florida admitted into the Union.” 4—Mr. Polk inaugurated the tenth President.June 18—Andrew Jackson died.The Congress of Texas accepted the conditions of the U. S. and it became a State in the American Union.July 30—Gen. Taylor ordered to the frontier of Texas.Sept. 10—Judge Joseph Story, of the U. S. Supreme Court, died, aged 66.Dec. 15—A misunderstanding had long existed between the U. S. and England as to the northern boundary of Oregon. Much excitement is now produced by a speech and resolution of Mr. Cass, which seemed the prelude to war with Great Britain.
Jan. 16—A treaty made with China, ratified by the U. S. Senate.
” 23—An act of Congress orders presidential elections to be held in all the States on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Feb. 28—Congress annexes Texas to the Union, by a joint resolution of both Houses.
Mar. 3—Florida admitted into the Union.
” 4—Mr. Polk inaugurated the tenth President.
June 18—Andrew Jackson died.
The Congress of Texas accepted the conditions of the U. S. and it became a State in the American Union.
July 30—Gen. Taylor ordered to the frontier of Texas.
Sept. 10—Judge Joseph Story, of the U. S. Supreme Court, died, aged 66.
Dec. 15—A misunderstanding had long existed between the U. S. and England as to the northern boundary of Oregon. Much excitement is now produced by a speech and resolution of Mr. Cass, which seemed the prelude to war with Great Britain.
June 18—A treaty was negotiated by Mr. Packenham and Mr. Buchanan settling the northwest boundary satisfactorily.
June 18—A treaty was negotiated by Mr. Packenham and Mr. Buchanan settling the northwest boundary satisfactorily.
Texas was a nearly uninhabited part of Mexico, lying between Louisiana and the Rio Grande river. It was a fertile region, with a fine climate. The Spanish possessors of Mexico, in the bigoted and bitter spirit that was traditional with the Spaniards toward protestants, and deeply hostile in feeling from the rather high-handed and vigorous proceedings of Gen. Jackson before and after the cession of Florida, did not encourage the settlement of Texas; preferring to be separated by a wilderness from the United States. In 1821 the Mexicans finally threw off the Spanish yoke and established an independent government.
About this time the Americans, and especially those of the South, foreseeing the probable spread of the northern part of the Republic to the Pacific, began to look with covetous eyes on the fine Savannas of Texas, asan excellent field for land speculations, and also for extending the Southern area, so as to keep its balance in the number of slave States equal to the free States of the North, as they had been provided for by the Missouri Compromise. It was believed to be the plan of Mr. Calhoun, an able and far-seeing statesman, thoroughly in earnest in the maintenance of slavery, and the political equality of the slave with the free States. A settlement was made by people from the United States. In a few years they grew to be numerous, and came in conflict with the rigid Spanish Catholic laws, still maintained by the Mexicans. The United States government made advances toward purchasing Texas, but the Mexicans were resolute in their purpose to hold it, and bring its people under the dominion of strict Mexican law. The Americans resisted this with the settled determination of ultimate separation from Mexico, and probable annexation to the United States.
The Mexicans undertook to reduce them to submission. The Texans, supported by bold and fearless adventurers from the Southern States, resisted. The war commenced Oct. 2d, 1835, by a battle at Gonzalez, followed by various others. March 2d, 1836, the Texans formally declared Independence, which they maintained by force of arms. March 3d, 1837, the United States government recognized the Independence of Texas. England did the same in 1842. Propositions of annexation had been made to Presidents Jackson, Van Buren, and Tyler, successively, by the Texas government, but as often rejected by them as tending necessarily to a war with Mexico; that power having distinctly and repeatedly declared that she should regard such a step as a declaration of war.
The Democratic party regaining the ascendency in the election of 1844, made this annexation the issue of the presidential campaign. A majority of the people were in favor of it.
The Southern view, however, was not alone in its influence on this decision. Indignities and injuries had been inflicted by the Mexicans on American citizens in that country; its haughty, exclusive, and unfriendly spirit awakened strong indignation; and the Pacific coast of California, with the mining regions of the northern interior of Mexico, both nearly uninhabited, were objects of desire to the American people. Thus a wish to extend the bounds of the Republic, and to chastise an insolent neighbor, combined with the ardent wishes of the pro-slavery interest, to lead the nation to determine on a war, somewhat ungenerously, with a neighbor notoriously too weak and disorganized for effectual resistance to the whole strength of the United States. The whole plan, as afterward carried out, was arranged in the cabinet at Washington almost before hostilities had actually commenced.
Mar. 28—Gen. Taylor takes position with a small army at the mouth of the Rio Grande opposite Matamoras. This the Mexican government regard as a declaration of war, for which they had prepared and were waiting.Apr. 24—Hostilities commence by an attack on Capt. Thornton. He loses 16 men out of 63, and surrenders.May 8—The battle of Palo Alto. Gen. Taylor with 2,300 men defeats 6,000 Mexicans. Mexican loss 100 killed, 300 wounded; American 4 killed, 40 wounded.” 9—The battle of Resaca de la Palma. The Mexicans are totally defeated with a loss of about 600; the Americans lose about 160. Gen. La Vega, (Mexican,) taken prisoner. The Mexicans fled in total rout across the Rio Grande. The object of the war, so far as Texas was concerned, was gained; but the Mexicans were still spirited, and California, Utah, and New Mexico were not gained. An invasion and march on the city of Mexico were the next steps.” 12—Congress ordered the raising of 50,000 men, and voted $10,000,000 to carry on the war.July 6—Monterey, on the California coast is taken by the American navy under Com. Sloat.” 9—Congress re-cedes the Virginia portion of the District of Columbia to that State.” 30—The tariff on imported goods is reduced.Aug. 3—President Polk vetoes the River and Harbor Bill.” 8—He vetoes the French Spoliation Bill.” 18—Gen. Kearney takes possession of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and declared the U. S. authority established over the people.” 22—California is at this time entirely in the possession of U. S. forces.Sept. 5—Gen. Taylor, with 6,000 men, commences his march on Monterey.” 21—Gen. Worth, with 650 men, fights the Mexicans near Monterey.” 22—The “Bishops Palace,” strongly fortified, is stormed and taken.The previous attacks were directed on the rear of Monterey. An advance is now made in front with success.” 23—The defenses are assaulted in front and rear. The city surrenders. Gen. Ampudia, the Mexican commander, had about 10,000 men and very strong fortifications. A truce of some weeks was agreed upon. Gen. Santa Anna having recently come into power, it was thought peace would be made. This proved delusive.Oct. 25—Tobasco bombarded by the U. S. fleet, and the Mexican vessels in the port taken or destroyed.Nov. 14—Tampico surrenders to Com. Connor.Dec. 25—Battle of Bracito. Col. Doniphan, with 500 men, defeats a Mexican force of 1,200. Mexican loss 200, American but 7 wounded, none killed.
Mar. 28—Gen. Taylor takes position with a small army at the mouth of the Rio Grande opposite Matamoras. This the Mexican government regard as a declaration of war, for which they had prepared and were waiting.
Apr. 24—Hostilities commence by an attack on Capt. Thornton. He loses 16 men out of 63, and surrenders.
May 8—The battle of Palo Alto. Gen. Taylor with 2,300 men defeats 6,000 Mexicans. Mexican loss 100 killed, 300 wounded; American 4 killed, 40 wounded.
” 9—The battle of Resaca de la Palma. The Mexicans are totally defeated with a loss of about 600; the Americans lose about 160. Gen. La Vega, (Mexican,) taken prisoner. The Mexicans fled in total rout across the Rio Grande. The object of the war, so far as Texas was concerned, was gained; but the Mexicans were still spirited, and California, Utah, and New Mexico were not gained. An invasion and march on the city of Mexico were the next steps.
” 12—Congress ordered the raising of 50,000 men, and voted $10,000,000 to carry on the war.
July 6—Monterey, on the California coast is taken by the American navy under Com. Sloat.
” 9—Congress re-cedes the Virginia portion of the District of Columbia to that State.
” 30—The tariff on imported goods is reduced.
Aug. 3—President Polk vetoes the River and Harbor Bill.
” 8—He vetoes the French Spoliation Bill.
” 18—Gen. Kearney takes possession of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and declared the U. S. authority established over the people.
” 22—California is at this time entirely in the possession of U. S. forces.
Sept. 5—Gen. Taylor, with 6,000 men, commences his march on Monterey.
” 21—Gen. Worth, with 650 men, fights the Mexicans near Monterey.
” 22—The “Bishops Palace,” strongly fortified, is stormed and taken.
The previous attacks were directed on the rear of Monterey. An advance is now made in front with success.
” 23—The defenses are assaulted in front and rear. The city surrenders. Gen. Ampudia, the Mexican commander, had about 10,000 men and very strong fortifications. A truce of some weeks was agreed upon. Gen. Santa Anna having recently come into power, it was thought peace would be made. This proved delusive.
Oct. 25—Tobasco bombarded by the U. S. fleet, and the Mexican vessels in the port taken or destroyed.
Nov. 14—Tampico surrenders to Com. Connor.
Dec. 25—Battle of Bracito. Col. Doniphan, with 500 men, defeats a Mexican force of 1,200. Mexican loss 200, American but 7 wounded, none killed.
Jan. 8—The Mexican Congress votes $15,000,000 to carry on the war, to be raised on the property of the church.Feb. 23—The larger part of Gen. Taylor’s army was withdrawn from him to support Gen. Scott in his march from Vera Cruz on the city ofMexico. Gen. Taylor, with only 4,500 men, is attacked by Santa Anna with 20,000 men. Santa Anna is completely defeated with a loss in killed and wounded of 2,000. American loss 264 killed, 450 wounded, 26 missing.Mar. 1—Gen. Kearney proclaims California annexed to the United States.” 3—A bill admitting Wisconsin into the Union passed.” 9—Gen. Scott landed 12,000 men at Vera Cruz.” 18—The cannonade of Vera Cruz commences.” 26—Vera Cruz capitulates to Gen. Scott.Apr. 18—The battle of Cerro Gordo. Santa Anna is defeated. He had 12,000 men. Gen. Scott 8,500. The Mexicans lost 1,100 in killed and wounded, and 3,000 prisoners. Gen. Scott lost in killed and wounded, 430. The Mexicans were vigorously pursued April 19, and the city of Jalapa taken possession of.” 22—Gen. Worth takes possession of the town and castle of Perote.May 15—Puebla is entered. It is the second city in Mexico. Offers of peace were now made by the Americans but rejected by the Mexicans.Aug. 11—The army advances to the neighborhood of the city of Mexico.” 19—The battle of Contreras. Americans successful in cutting the enemy’s communications. The Americans march in the night to attack a fortified camp which is carried at sunrise. American force 4,500, Mexican 7,000. Mexican loss in killed, wounded and prisoners, about 4,000; American, 66.” 20—Cherubusco, a fortified hill, stormed and taken by Gen. Worth with 9,000 men. An armistice is now agreed on, and peace offered, but the Mexicans still hold to their first terms, and refuse to give up territory.Sept. 8—The Mexicans determine to yield only to absolute force, and the American army again advances. Battles of Molinos del Rey, and Casa Mata. The Mexicans are largely superior in numbers and fight with determined valor, but are overcome. American loss 800.” 13—Battle of Chapultepec. This fortress was the last exterior defense to the City of Mexico. It was once the site of the “Palace of the Montezumas.” The Mexican force within and outside the fortress 20,000. The American force 7,180. Mexican loss in killed, wounded, prisoners and deserted, about 14,000; American, 900. A part of the army gained a foothold in the City of Mexico.” 14—Gen. Scott enters Mexico in triumph.Oct. 9—Battle of Huamantla. Santa Anna again defeated.” 18—Again at Attixco, with heavy loss. Santa Anna is now deserted by his troops, and resigns his office.Nov. 11—The Mexican Congress assembles, and appoints commissioners to treat for peace.
Jan. 8—The Mexican Congress votes $15,000,000 to carry on the war, to be raised on the property of the church.
Feb. 23—The larger part of Gen. Taylor’s army was withdrawn from him to support Gen. Scott in his march from Vera Cruz on the city ofMexico. Gen. Taylor, with only 4,500 men, is attacked by Santa Anna with 20,000 men. Santa Anna is completely defeated with a loss in killed and wounded of 2,000. American loss 264 killed, 450 wounded, 26 missing.
Mar. 1—Gen. Kearney proclaims California annexed to the United States.
” 3—A bill admitting Wisconsin into the Union passed.
” 9—Gen. Scott landed 12,000 men at Vera Cruz.
” 18—The cannonade of Vera Cruz commences.
” 26—Vera Cruz capitulates to Gen. Scott.
Apr. 18—The battle of Cerro Gordo. Santa Anna is defeated. He had 12,000 men. Gen. Scott 8,500. The Mexicans lost 1,100 in killed and wounded, and 3,000 prisoners. Gen. Scott lost in killed and wounded, 430. The Mexicans were vigorously pursued April 19, and the city of Jalapa taken possession of.
” 22—Gen. Worth takes possession of the town and castle of Perote.
May 15—Puebla is entered. It is the second city in Mexico. Offers of peace were now made by the Americans but rejected by the Mexicans.
Aug. 11—The army advances to the neighborhood of the city of Mexico.
” 19—The battle of Contreras. Americans successful in cutting the enemy’s communications. The Americans march in the night to attack a fortified camp which is carried at sunrise. American force 4,500, Mexican 7,000. Mexican loss in killed, wounded and prisoners, about 4,000; American, 66.
” 20—Cherubusco, a fortified hill, stormed and taken by Gen. Worth with 9,000 men. An armistice is now agreed on, and peace offered, but the Mexicans still hold to their first terms, and refuse to give up territory.
Sept. 8—The Mexicans determine to yield only to absolute force, and the American army again advances. Battles of Molinos del Rey, and Casa Mata. The Mexicans are largely superior in numbers and fight with determined valor, but are overcome. American loss 800.
” 13—Battle of Chapultepec. This fortress was the last exterior defense to the City of Mexico. It was once the site of the “Palace of the Montezumas.” The Mexican force within and outside the fortress 20,000. The American force 7,180. Mexican loss in killed, wounded, prisoners and deserted, about 14,000; American, 900. A part of the army gained a foothold in the City of Mexico.
” 14—Gen. Scott enters Mexico in triumph.
Oct. 9—Battle of Huamantla. Santa Anna again defeated.
” 18—Again at Attixco, with heavy loss. Santa Anna is now deserted by his troops, and resigns his office.
Nov. 11—The Mexican Congress assembles, and appoints commissioners to treat for peace.
Feb. 2—A treaty of peace signed at Guadalupe Hidalgo (a town four miles from Mexico).” 23—John Quincy Adams expires at Washington.May 20—The treaty having been ratified by the President and Senate of the U. S., March 10, it was followed by that of the Mexican government on this day.” 23—Peace was proclaimed in the American camp.The war was now over. The Mexicans relinquished all claim to Texas, and ceded Upper California and New Mexico to the United States. In return the United States gave them $18,500,000 of which $3,500,000 was due by a former treaty to citizens of this country and paid them by our government.It will not be easy for an American to wholly condemn an act that gave us California and the fertile valleys and vast mining territory of the Pacific slope as well as New Mexico, or the chastisement which the Mexicans had merited for their barbarity; though he may blame the eagerness for the acquisition of territory and the support of slavery that led us to invade another country and humble her pride. The ability of Americans as soldiers would appear by this war to be unrivalled, and, in that view arouses our pride. The moral sense of the world must ever be shocked by war, though there seem many cases in which it is far the least of two evils. Our government was fairly generous so far as it dared be in dealing with the vanquished, as soon as its demands for territory were satisfied. It is also evident that this territory will be better developed and governed than would have been the case under Mexican rule.Aug. 14—Oregon receives a Territorial government.Nov.—Gen. Taylor was elected President this month and Millard Fillmore Vice President.
Feb. 2—A treaty of peace signed at Guadalupe Hidalgo (a town four miles from Mexico).
” 23—John Quincy Adams expires at Washington.
May 20—The treaty having been ratified by the President and Senate of the U. S., March 10, it was followed by that of the Mexican government on this day.
” 23—Peace was proclaimed in the American camp.
The war was now over. The Mexicans relinquished all claim to Texas, and ceded Upper California and New Mexico to the United States. In return the United States gave them $18,500,000 of which $3,500,000 was due by a former treaty to citizens of this country and paid them by our government.
It will not be easy for an American to wholly condemn an act that gave us California and the fertile valleys and vast mining territory of the Pacific slope as well as New Mexico, or the chastisement which the Mexicans had merited for their barbarity; though he may blame the eagerness for the acquisition of territory and the support of slavery that led us to invade another country and humble her pride. The ability of Americans as soldiers would appear by this war to be unrivalled, and, in that view arouses our pride. The moral sense of the world must ever be shocked by war, though there seem many cases in which it is far the least of two evils. Our government was fairly generous so far as it dared be in dealing with the vanquished, as soon as its demands for territory were satisfied. It is also evident that this territory will be better developed and governed than would have been the case under Mexican rule.
Aug. 14—Oregon receives a Territorial government.
Nov.—Gen. Taylor was elected President this month and Millard Fillmore Vice President.
Jan. 26—Postal treaty with England concluded.Mar. 3—Minnesota receives a Territorial government.” 4—Gen. Taylor inaugurated President.May 7—Gen. Worth, a very gallant officer of the Mexican war, died.Sept.—A State Constitution is formed by the people of California, which excludes slavery.Dec. 31—The House of Representatives ballots 63 times for a speaker, and now elects Howell Cobb, of Geo.Gold was discovered in California, in Feb. 1848, and through 1849 emigrants—gold seekers—were arriving there by tens of thousands. By the end of this year it was a populous region. The mass of American immigrants were from the northern States, and disapproved of slavery, while the special end of the Mexicanwar was to procure more territory for that institution. At this time a violent contest was waged in Congress over that admission. It was not ended until late in the following year.
Jan. 26—Postal treaty with England concluded.
Mar. 3—Minnesota receives a Territorial government.
” 4—Gen. Taylor inaugurated President.
May 7—Gen. Worth, a very gallant officer of the Mexican war, died.
Sept.—A State Constitution is formed by the people of California, which excludes slavery.
Dec. 31—The House of Representatives ballots 63 times for a speaker, and now elects Howell Cobb, of Geo.
Gold was discovered in California, in Feb. 1848, and through 1849 emigrants—gold seekers—were arriving there by tens of thousands. By the end of this year it was a populous region. The mass of American immigrants were from the northern States, and disapproved of slavery, while the special end of the Mexicanwar was to procure more territory for that institution. At this time a violent contest was waged in Congress over that admission. It was not ended until late in the following year.
Jan.—Gen. Twiggs obtains the consent of the Seminoles of Florida to emigrate to the Indian Territory.Feb. 13—President Taylor sends the constitution of California to Congress. There were many threats of secession in case California was admitted free.Mar. 7—Mr. Webster’s great speech for the Union.May 8—The “Omnibus Bill” reported by Henry Clay.” 18—A private expedition from the south under command of Lopez invades Cuba. They are driven off with a loss of 30 killed and executed as pirates, on the 19th. The remainder returned to Key West on the 22d of the same month.July 9—Death of President Taylor. Fillmore becomes acting President.Sept. 9-20—A committee of thirteen, of which Henry Clay was chairman, had been appointed Apr. 19th, and they had prepared four measures forming a compromise between the North and South as to slavery, which were debated and passed into laws, receiving the concurrence of the President: First, the South conceded to the North the admission of California as a free State, and the abolition of the slave trade in the District of Columbia; Second, the North conceded to the South a stringent Fugitive Slave Law, and the organization of Territorial Governments in New Mexico and Utah without mention of slavery, but in the understanding that they were finally to form slave States. The real gain was to the North, as anti-slavery was advanced two steps, while the Fugitive Law could not be generally enforced in the North from the invincible aversion of the people to it, and the Southern people were not sufficiently migratory in their habits to introduce slavery into distant regions not naturally adapted to that institution. Still the question was laid aside for the present.Nov. 19—Richard M. Johnson, a former Vice-President of the U. S., died.Dec. 16—A treaty of Amity and Commerce ratified with Switzerland.
Jan.—Gen. Twiggs obtains the consent of the Seminoles of Florida to emigrate to the Indian Territory.
Feb. 13—President Taylor sends the constitution of California to Congress. There were many threats of secession in case California was admitted free.
Mar. 7—Mr. Webster’s great speech for the Union.
May 8—The “Omnibus Bill” reported by Henry Clay.
” 18—A private expedition from the south under command of Lopez invades Cuba. They are driven off with a loss of 30 killed and executed as pirates, on the 19th. The remainder returned to Key West on the 22d of the same month.
July 9—Death of President Taylor. Fillmore becomes acting President.
Sept. 9-20—A committee of thirteen, of which Henry Clay was chairman, had been appointed Apr. 19th, and they had prepared four measures forming a compromise between the North and South as to slavery, which were debated and passed into laws, receiving the concurrence of the President: First, the South conceded to the North the admission of California as a free State, and the abolition of the slave trade in the District of Columbia; Second, the North conceded to the South a stringent Fugitive Slave Law, and the organization of Territorial Governments in New Mexico and Utah without mention of slavery, but in the understanding that they were finally to form slave States. The real gain was to the North, as anti-slavery was advanced two steps, while the Fugitive Law could not be generally enforced in the North from the invincible aversion of the people to it, and the Southern people were not sufficiently migratory in their habits to introduce slavery into distant regions not naturally adapted to that institution. Still the question was laid aside for the present.
Nov. 19—Richard M. Johnson, a former Vice-President of the U. S., died.
Dec. 16—A treaty of Amity and Commerce ratified with Switzerland.
Mar. 3—A cheap postage law passed by Congress.John C. Calhoun, the most eminent of Southern Statesmen, died.
Mar. 3—A cheap postage law passed by Congress.
John C. Calhoun, the most eminent of Southern Statesmen, died.
June 28—Henry Clay, orator and Statesman, died.July 3—A branch mint established at San Francisco, Cal.Oct. 24—Daniel Webster died. These three were the ablest and most esteemed statesmen of their day.Nov.—The seventeenth presidential election occurred. Franklin Pierce was elected. He was the Democratic nominee. Gen. Scott, Whig, was defeated.
June 28—Henry Clay, orator and Statesman, died.
July 3—A branch mint established at San Francisco, Cal.
Oct. 24—Daniel Webster died. These three were the ablest and most esteemed statesmen of their day.
Nov.—The seventeenth presidential election occurred. Franklin Pierce was elected. He was the Democratic nominee. Gen. Scott, Whig, was defeated.
Mar. 4—Pierce inaugurated President.Aug. 11—Proclamation of President Pierce against the invasion of Cuba by armed Americans.
Mar. 4—Pierce inaugurated President.
Aug. 11—Proclamation of President Pierce against the invasion of Cuba by armed Americans.
Mar. 23—An important treaty of commerce negotiated with the empire of Japan by Com. Perry, which opened a new era in the progress of that country, and of United States commerce and influence in Asia.May 30—The failure of the compromise measures of 1850 to realize the hopes of the South from the rapid development of anti-slavery views in the North caused the subject to be again agitated, and the Missouri Compromise, which stopped the formation of slave States north of its south boundary line, was repealed; the question of the admission of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska, both being north of that line, being referred by the famous “Kansas-Nebraska Bill” to the “squatters,” or first settlers. This was called “squatter sovereignty.” This measure gave satisfaction to the South, but was strongly reprobated by many of the Northern people. Both sides prepared to renew the contest there, and civil war raged in Kansas for near three years. Each side sought to secure its end which terminated in favor of the North. The South could not compete with it in numbers nor drive the extra numbers away. This was the last hope of the South for preserving equilibrium in the general government.The Democratic party in the North, anxious to soothe and conciliate the South, and not holding so advanced opinions against slavery, was still strong enough to maintain itself in power in the administration; but the Republican party, formed about this time by the dissolution of the Whig party, constantly grew in numbers and influence, and, by the end of the next administration its numbers were so large and the ultimate result so certain that the South resolved on secession rather than give up their favorite institution.
Mar. 23—An important treaty of commerce negotiated with the empire of Japan by Com. Perry, which opened a new era in the progress of that country, and of United States commerce and influence in Asia.
May 30—The failure of the compromise measures of 1850 to realize the hopes of the South from the rapid development of anti-slavery views in the North caused the subject to be again agitated, and the Missouri Compromise, which stopped the formation of slave States north of its south boundary line, was repealed; the question of the admission of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska, both being north of that line, being referred by the famous “Kansas-Nebraska Bill” to the “squatters,” or first settlers. This was called “squatter sovereignty.” This measure gave satisfaction to the South, but was strongly reprobated by many of the Northern people. Both sides prepared to renew the contest there, and civil war raged in Kansas for near three years. Each side sought to secure its end which terminated in favor of the North. The South could not compete with it in numbers nor drive the extra numbers away. This was the last hope of the South for preserving equilibrium in the general government.
The Democratic party in the North, anxious to soothe and conciliate the South, and not holding so advanced opinions against slavery, was still strong enough to maintain itself in power in the administration; but the Republican party, formed about this time by the dissolution of the Whig party, constantly grew in numbers and influence, and, by the end of the next administration its numbers were so large and the ultimate result so certain that the South resolved on secession rather than give up their favorite institution.
Feb. 24—The Court of Claims, an important relief to Congress and to claimants against the government, was established in Washington, by Congress.
Feb. 24—The Court of Claims, an important relief to Congress and to claimants against the government, was established in Washington, by Congress.
Mar. 4—A Free State Legislature assembles in Kansas. It adopted a constitution and prepared to apply for admission into the Union.Nov.—The eighteenth presidential election took place. James Buchanan was elected against J. C. Fremont and Millard Fillmore. Buchanan was the Democratic candidate; Fremont, Republican, and Fillmore, American, or “know nothing” candidate.
Mar. 4—A Free State Legislature assembles in Kansas. It adopted a constitution and prepared to apply for admission into the Union.
Nov.—The eighteenth presidential election took place. James Buchanan was elected against J. C. Fremont and Millard Fillmore. Buchanan was the Democratic candidate; Fremont, Republican, and Fillmore, American, or “know nothing” candidate.
Feb. 2—Nathaniel Banks of Mass., a Republican, is elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. It had required two months and 133 ballotings to settle this point; indicating the nearly equal balance of parties, and the final success of the Republican element in the popular branch of Congress.Mar. 4—Buchanan inaugurated President.The next three years (after the decision of the Kansas troubles) were marked by the unnatural quiet that forebodes the storm. Anti-slavery feeling was maturing in the North, and discontent and secession tendencies in the South.
Feb. 2—Nathaniel Banks of Mass., a Republican, is elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. It had required two months and 133 ballotings to settle this point; indicating the nearly equal balance of parties, and the final success of the Republican element in the popular branch of Congress.
Mar. 4—Buchanan inaugurated President.
The next three years (after the decision of the Kansas troubles) were marked by the unnatural quiet that forebodes the storm. Anti-slavery feeling was maturing in the North, and discontent and secession tendencies in the South.
May 11—Minnesota admitted into the Union as a State.
May 11—Minnesota admitted into the Union as a State.
Feb. 14—Oregon admitted into the Union as a State. The admission of these two without any corresponding ones in the South indicated the strength of Northern sentiment, and that the South had given up the struggle in that way. John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry, in this year, as showing the tone of Northern feeling, still further estranged the South from the Union.
Feb. 14—Oregon admitted into the Union as a State. The admission of these two without any corresponding ones in the South indicated the strength of Northern sentiment, and that the South had given up the struggle in that way. John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry, in this year, as showing the tone of Northern feeling, still further estranged the South from the Union.
Was the inevitable result of an antagonism of interests, sentiments, and social structure in the two great sections of the Union—the North and the South. The foundation of these tendencies was laid before the formation of the Union, in early colonial times. The conflict commenced as soon as a close union was attempted, and the Constitution was adopted only through the personal influence of Washington and other statesmen of that time, and from the general conviction that it was essential to the protection of the new nation from England and other European powers. Some provisions of the Constitution involved a compromise between the North and the South; and a constant series of compromises was required to be arranged from time to time, down to this period.
The institution of slavery it was believed by many of the revolutionary fathers, would expire of itself at no distant time; but the value of the cotton cultivated at the South, and the intimate relations that slavery bore to the social life, made it profitable and agreeable to that section, and they held to it with great tenacity. Meanwhile the compromises of the Constitution grew more and more disagreeable to the North. The requirement of that instrument—that persons held to service in the South,and becoming fugitives in the North, should be returned by them—was objected to on humane and religious grounds, and they found slavery an industrial embarrassment. The enterprise and vigor of the northern population gave their section a more rapid growth, and its political power became continually greater.
But three ways of peacefully avoiding the conflict were open: the North must fully carry out the spirit of concession that gave birth to the Union, the South must consent, sooner or later, to abolish its peculiar institutions, or they must agree to separate. Interest, habit, and the aristocratic pride of the South forbade the second; while, in the North, interest, religious sentiment, and the workingman’s pride as decidedly forbade the first. The natural relation of the two sections, especially by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, so essential to the commercial interests of the Western States: the improbability of maintaining amicable intercourse, with slavery in the South, and fugitives from it to produce constant irritation; the apparent probability that, if the right of dissolution were conceded, the West, and the Pacific States would follow this example; and the conviction that the true interests of the whole country, internal and external, required an indissoluble Union, inspired the majority of the northern people to resist disunion at every cost. On the other hand, the South claimed the right to depart in peace. Thus, war was inevitable; nor can it be correctly affirmed that any party, or any generation, or either section of the Union, was properly responsible for so lamentable a result. Each section, generation, and party follows the line of its own interest, ideas, and habits. It is a law of humanity, and each sees therein its duty and pleasure. While interests do not clash very seriously, while ideas are not sharply and clearly defined, and while habits are yet unsettled, compromises may be readily effected. Humanity, taken together, in the most advanced society heretofore known to men, is not yet capable of views so high, liberal, and far-seeing as to free it from the possibility of such conflicts. It will, however, reach that height, in the course of time.
We could not reasonably have expected either the North or the South to have acted differently from what they did. While so gigantic a war was an immense evil; to allow the right of peaceable secession would have been ruin to the enterprise and thrift of the industrious laborer, and keen-eyed business man of the North. It would have been the greatest calamity of the age. War was less to be feared.
The Southerner, generous, warm blooded, accustomed to rule and make his own will the law of others in his home, courageous and fiery, could not give way. Besides secession would be less damaging to him. He would own the outlets to much of Northern commerce, he had a bond of union of the Southern States in the common institution of slavery, and a monopoly of the world’s cotton that must soon secure profitable alliances in Europe. Secession was commenced peaceably, and the Southern government fairly consolidated before the trumpet sounded to battle. TheDemocratic party, then in possession of the administration of the general government, had long been in close relations with the South. It was impossible for it to realize the momentous character of the crisis, or to help sympathizing more or less with the views and feelings of the South; it was near the close of its period of rule; and it left the active management of the herculean difficulties of the situation to the incoming administration of the Republican party. The whole country was quiet, failing, perhaps, as well as the Democrats, to realize the significance of the events taking place. It was a period of breathless waiting for what would come next. The signal was given by the South. Fort Sumpter in South Carolina, a national fort, was bombarded April 12th, 1861. It was an electric shock. The North answered the summons by a note of defiance, and mustered for war.
The South was better prepared, more alert, more accustomed to arms, and secured, at first, many advantages. She also had the advantage of being on the defensive when the contest became close. But, as the months ran into years, the courage and iron resolution of the North did not falter. She had the advantage of numbers, of the general government, of wealth, and of naval force. Step by step she conquered, holding all she gained, grew skillful and wise by defeat, and, April 8th, 1865, the main army of the Confederates surrendered, and the war was over; the gallant South succumbed to the plucky North. It was a predestined conclusion. The free States were necessarily the strongest, and their strength was supported and inspired by religious sentiment and enthusiasm. The Union, so important to the world and to civil liberty, was preserved, but at fearful cost.
Probably 500,000 lives were sacrificed altogether, on both sides; and eight or nine billions of dollars. The desolation of the South, which had been mainly the theater of these mighty conflicts; the extreme change in pecuniary circumstances and social life there; the affliction, to freemen, of the subjection, however mild and temperate, necessary under the circumstances to be imposed, for the time, by the federal government; the great loss of valuable life to both sides; the immense debt of the government, with the unavoidable demoralization of certain parts of society, everywhere, by the license of war, and many other evils form the dark side of the picture.
Yet, nothing could outweigh the value of the Union especially when freed from the discordant element that now disappeared. It must be long before all wounds can be healed. When that time shall come both North and South will be recompensed for all they have suffered.
Nov. 6—Four parties contested this election: the Republicans voted for Abraham Lincoln—the Democrats for Stephen A. Douglas and J. C. Breckenridge. The old Whigs or Peace party, ignoring the dangerous political strife, voted for John Bell. Lincoln waselected. A simple majority of electoral votes would have been 157. He received 180.” 7—News of Lincoln’s election received in South Carolina with cheers for a Southern Confederacy.” 9—An attempt made to seize the arms in Ft. Moultrie.” 10—South Carolina Legislature propose to raise 10,000 men.Election of convention to consider secession ordered.Jas. Chester, U. S. Senator from South Carolina, resigned.” 11—Senator Hammond, of South Carolina, resigned.” 15—Governor Letcher, of Virginia, calls an extra session of the Legislature.” 18—Georgia Legislature appropriate $1,000,000 to arm the State.Major Anderson sent to Ft. Moultrie to relieve Col. Gardiner.” 19—Gov. Moore calls an extra session of Louisiana Legislature.Dec. 1—Florida Legislature order the election of a convention.Great secession meeting in Memphis, Tennessee.” 3—Congress assembles. President Buchanan denies the right of a State to secede, and asserts the propriety of coercion.” 5—Election of secession delegates to South Carolina Convention.” 10—Howell Cobb, U. S. Sec. of Treasury, resigned; P. F. Thomas, of Maryland, appointed in his place. Senator Clay, of Ala., resigned. Louisiana Legislature orders the election of a Convention, and appropriates $500,000 to arm the State.” 13—Extra session of the Cabinet held to consider if Ft. Moultrie shall be reinforced. President opposed, and reinforcements not sent.” 14—Gen. Lewis Cass, U. S. Sec. of State, resigns. J. S. Black, of Pa., appointed.” 17—South Carolina Convention assembles.” 18—Crittenden Compromise proposed in U. S. Senate.” 19—Gov. Hicks, of Maryland, refuses to receive Mississippi Commissioners.” 20—South Carolina Convention unanimously adopts a Secession Ordinance.” 22—Crittenden Compromise rejected in Senate Committee.” 24—People of Pittsburg, Pa., stop shipment of military stores, from the arsenal there, to Southern forts.Gov. Moore calls extra session of Alabama Legislature. Election to Alabama Convention; secession majority over 50,000.South Carolina Members of U. S. House of Representatives resign.” 25—Maj. Anderson abandons Ft. Moultrie for Ft. Sumter, Charleston Harbor. He has only 111 men.South Carolina Commissioners arrive in Washington. President Buchanan declines to receive them.” 28—South Carolina authorities seize Castle Pinckney, Ft. Moultrie, U. S. Custom-House, and other government property; at Charleston.” 29—John B. Floyd, U. S. Sec. of War, resigns. Joseph Holt, of Ky., appointed.” 31—South Carolina sends Commissioners to Slave States to arrange the organization of a Southern Confederacy.
Nov. 6—Four parties contested this election: the Republicans voted for Abraham Lincoln—the Democrats for Stephen A. Douglas and J. C. Breckenridge. The old Whigs or Peace party, ignoring the dangerous political strife, voted for John Bell. Lincoln waselected. A simple majority of electoral votes would have been 157. He received 180.
” 7—News of Lincoln’s election received in South Carolina with cheers for a Southern Confederacy.
” 9—An attempt made to seize the arms in Ft. Moultrie.
” 10—South Carolina Legislature propose to raise 10,000 men.
Election of convention to consider secession ordered.
Jas. Chester, U. S. Senator from South Carolina, resigned.
” 11—Senator Hammond, of South Carolina, resigned.
” 15—Governor Letcher, of Virginia, calls an extra session of the Legislature.
” 18—Georgia Legislature appropriate $1,000,000 to arm the State.
Major Anderson sent to Ft. Moultrie to relieve Col. Gardiner.
” 19—Gov. Moore calls an extra session of Louisiana Legislature.
Dec. 1—Florida Legislature order the election of a convention.
Great secession meeting in Memphis, Tennessee.
” 3—Congress assembles. President Buchanan denies the right of a State to secede, and asserts the propriety of coercion.
” 5—Election of secession delegates to South Carolina Convention.
” 10—Howell Cobb, U. S. Sec. of Treasury, resigned; P. F. Thomas, of Maryland, appointed in his place. Senator Clay, of Ala., resigned. Louisiana Legislature orders the election of a Convention, and appropriates $500,000 to arm the State.
” 13—Extra session of the Cabinet held to consider if Ft. Moultrie shall be reinforced. President opposed, and reinforcements not sent.
” 14—Gen. Lewis Cass, U. S. Sec. of State, resigns. J. S. Black, of Pa., appointed.
” 17—South Carolina Convention assembles.
” 18—Crittenden Compromise proposed in U. S. Senate.
” 19—Gov. Hicks, of Maryland, refuses to receive Mississippi Commissioners.
” 20—South Carolina Convention unanimously adopts a Secession Ordinance.
” 22—Crittenden Compromise rejected in Senate Committee.
” 24—People of Pittsburg, Pa., stop shipment of military stores, from the arsenal there, to Southern forts.
Gov. Moore calls extra session of Alabama Legislature. Election to Alabama Convention; secession majority over 50,000.
South Carolina Members of U. S. House of Representatives resign.
” 25—Maj. Anderson abandons Ft. Moultrie for Ft. Sumter, Charleston Harbor. He has only 111 men.
South Carolina Commissioners arrive in Washington. President Buchanan declines to receive them.
” 28—South Carolina authorities seize Castle Pinckney, Ft. Moultrie, U. S. Custom-House, and other government property; at Charleston.
” 29—John B. Floyd, U. S. Sec. of War, resigns. Joseph Holt, of Ky., appointed.
” 31—South Carolina sends Commissioners to Slave States to arrange the organization of a Southern Confederacy.
Jan. 2—Gov. Ellis, of North Carolina, takes possession of Ft. Macon.Georgia troops seize Fts. Pulaski and Jackson, and U. S. Arsenal, at Savannah.” 4—Gov. Moore, of Ala., seizes Ft. Morgan, and U. S. Arsenal at Mobile.Fast Day by proclamation of President.” 7—State Conventions of Alabama and Mississippi, and State Legislatures of Virginia and Tennessee assemble.” 8—Jacob Thompson, U. S. Sec. of Interior, resigns. Fts. Johnson and Caswell, North Carolina, seized by State authorities.” 9—U. S. steamer, Star of the West, fired on in Charleston Harbor and driven away.Mississippi Convention adopt Secession Ordinance. Vote 84 to 15.” 10—Florida Convention secedes by vote of 62 to 7. Florida authorities seize Ft. McRae.” 11—Alabama secedes by vote in Convention of 61 to 39. P. F. Thomas, U. S. Sec. of Treasury, resigns. John A. Dix appointed. The Governor of Mississippi seizes Forts Philip and Jackson, on the Mississippi river; Forts Pike and Macomb, on Lake Pontchartrain; and U. S. Arsenal at Baton Rouge.” 13—Florida takes possession of Pensacola Navy Yard and Ft. Barrancas. Lieut. Slemmer, in command of Ft. Pickens, ordered by Com. Armstrong to deliver the Fort to Florida, refuses, and preserves that important post to the government of the Union.” 16—Legislature of Arkansas calls a Convention. Col. Hayne, of South Carolina, demands of the President the surrender of Ft. Sumter, and is refused. Missouri Legislature order a convention to consider secession.” 18—The Legislature of Virginia appropriate $1,000,000 for the defense of the State.” 19—Georgia adopts Secession Ordinance by vote of 208 to 89.” 21—Members of Congress from Alabama resign.” ”—Jefferson Davis resigns his seat in the U. S. Senate.” 23—Georgia members of Congress resign.” 24—U. S. Arsenal, Augusta, Geo., seized.” 26—Louisiana Legislature passes Secession Ordinance. Vote 113 to 17.” 29—Kansas, the thirty-fourth State, admitted into the Union.” 30—North Carolina Legislature submits the question of calling a Convention to the people.” ”—Revenue cutters Cass, at Mobile, and McClelland, at New Orleans, surrendered to Southern authorities.Feb. 1—Texas Convention passes Secession Ordinance, to be submitted to the people. Vote, 166 to 7. Louisiana government seize the U. S. Mint and Custom House, at New Orleans.” 4—Peace Convention of Delegates from eighteen States, assembles at Washington; ex-President Tyler presides.” ”—Delegates from seceded States meet at Montgomery, Ala., to organize a Confederate Government.” ”—John Slidell and Judah P. Benjamin, U. S. Senators from Louisiana, resign their seats.” 9—Jefferson Davis and Alexander H. Stevens elected provisional President and Vice-President of Confederate States, for one year.” 13—Electoral vote counted. Abraham Lincoln received 180 votes; S. A. Douglas, 12; J. C. Breckenridge, 72; John Bell, 39. Majority required to elect, 157.” 18—Ft. Kearney, Kansas, seized by Southern forces.” 23—Gen. Twiggs, U. S. commander in Texas, delivered his army prisoners of war, and U. S. property valued at $1,200,000 to Confederate authorities.” 28—Territorial Government organized in Colorado.Mar. 1—Gen. Twiggs expelled from the army. Peace Congress adjourned.” 2—Territorial government organized in Dacotah and Nevada.” ”—Revenue cutter Dodge surrendered to the South, at Galveston, Texas.” 4—Abraham Lincoln inaugurated 14th regular President of the United States.” ”—The people of Texas having voted for the Secession Ordinance by 40,000 majority, the Convention declared the State out of the Union.” 5—Gen. Beauregard takes command of Southern forces, at Charleston.” 6—Ft. Brown, on the Rio Grande, surrenders to Confederate troops. Federal troops evacuated the fort and sailed for Key West, Florida.” ”—Confederate Senate confirm nominations of President Davis to his Cabinet, viz.: R. Toombs, of Geo., Sec. of State; C. S. Memminger, of South Carolina, Sec. of Treasury; L. P. Walker, of Ala., Sec. of War; S. R. Mallory, of Fla., Sec. of Navy; J. H. Reagan, of Texas, Postmaster Gen.; J. P. Benjamin, of La., Attorney General.” 11—The Constitution of Confederate States adopted in convention at Montgomery, Ala.; afterwards ratified by the several States.” 28—Vote of Louisiana on secession—20,448 for, 17,926 against—made public.” 30—Mississippi Convention ratifies the Confederate Constitution, by 78 to 70.Apr. 3—South Carolina Convention ratifies Confederate Constitution, by 114 to 6.Apr. 4—Virginia Convention refuse to present a Secession Ordinance to the people, by a vote of 89 to 45.” 7—Intercourse between Ft. Sumter and Charleston stopped by order of Gen. Beauregard.
Jan. 2—Gov. Ellis, of North Carolina, takes possession of Ft. Macon.
Georgia troops seize Fts. Pulaski and Jackson, and U. S. Arsenal, at Savannah.
” 4—Gov. Moore, of Ala., seizes Ft. Morgan, and U. S. Arsenal at Mobile.
Fast Day by proclamation of President.
” 7—State Conventions of Alabama and Mississippi, and State Legislatures of Virginia and Tennessee assemble.
” 8—Jacob Thompson, U. S. Sec. of Interior, resigns. Fts. Johnson and Caswell, North Carolina, seized by State authorities.
” 9—U. S. steamer, Star of the West, fired on in Charleston Harbor and driven away.
Mississippi Convention adopt Secession Ordinance. Vote 84 to 15.
” 10—Florida Convention secedes by vote of 62 to 7. Florida authorities seize Ft. McRae.
” 11—Alabama secedes by vote in Convention of 61 to 39. P. F. Thomas, U. S. Sec. of Treasury, resigns. John A. Dix appointed. The Governor of Mississippi seizes Forts Philip and Jackson, on the Mississippi river; Forts Pike and Macomb, on Lake Pontchartrain; and U. S. Arsenal at Baton Rouge.
” 13—Florida takes possession of Pensacola Navy Yard and Ft. Barrancas. Lieut. Slemmer, in command of Ft. Pickens, ordered by Com. Armstrong to deliver the Fort to Florida, refuses, and preserves that important post to the government of the Union.
” 16—Legislature of Arkansas calls a Convention. Col. Hayne, of South Carolina, demands of the President the surrender of Ft. Sumter, and is refused. Missouri Legislature order a convention to consider secession.
” 18—The Legislature of Virginia appropriate $1,000,000 for the defense of the State.
” 19—Georgia adopts Secession Ordinance by vote of 208 to 89.
” 21—Members of Congress from Alabama resign.
” ”—Jefferson Davis resigns his seat in the U. S. Senate.
” 23—Georgia members of Congress resign.
” 24—U. S. Arsenal, Augusta, Geo., seized.
” 26—Louisiana Legislature passes Secession Ordinance. Vote 113 to 17.
” 29—Kansas, the thirty-fourth State, admitted into the Union.
” 30—North Carolina Legislature submits the question of calling a Convention to the people.
” ”—Revenue cutters Cass, at Mobile, and McClelland, at New Orleans, surrendered to Southern authorities.
Feb. 1—Texas Convention passes Secession Ordinance, to be submitted to the people. Vote, 166 to 7. Louisiana government seize the U. S. Mint and Custom House, at New Orleans.
” 4—Peace Convention of Delegates from eighteen States, assembles at Washington; ex-President Tyler presides.
” ”—Delegates from seceded States meet at Montgomery, Ala., to organize a Confederate Government.
” ”—John Slidell and Judah P. Benjamin, U. S. Senators from Louisiana, resign their seats.
” 9—Jefferson Davis and Alexander H. Stevens elected provisional President and Vice-President of Confederate States, for one year.
” 13—Electoral vote counted. Abraham Lincoln received 180 votes; S. A. Douglas, 12; J. C. Breckenridge, 72; John Bell, 39. Majority required to elect, 157.
” 18—Ft. Kearney, Kansas, seized by Southern forces.
” 23—Gen. Twiggs, U. S. commander in Texas, delivered his army prisoners of war, and U. S. property valued at $1,200,000 to Confederate authorities.
” 28—Territorial Government organized in Colorado.
Mar. 1—Gen. Twiggs expelled from the army. Peace Congress adjourned.
” 2—Territorial government organized in Dacotah and Nevada.
” ”—Revenue cutter Dodge surrendered to the South, at Galveston, Texas.
” 4—Abraham Lincoln inaugurated 14th regular President of the United States.
” ”—The people of Texas having voted for the Secession Ordinance by 40,000 majority, the Convention declared the State out of the Union.
” 5—Gen. Beauregard takes command of Southern forces, at Charleston.
” 6—Ft. Brown, on the Rio Grande, surrenders to Confederate troops. Federal troops evacuated the fort and sailed for Key West, Florida.
” ”—Confederate Senate confirm nominations of President Davis to his Cabinet, viz.: R. Toombs, of Geo., Sec. of State; C. S. Memminger, of South Carolina, Sec. of Treasury; L. P. Walker, of Ala., Sec. of War; S. R. Mallory, of Fla., Sec. of Navy; J. H. Reagan, of Texas, Postmaster Gen.; J. P. Benjamin, of La., Attorney General.
” 11—The Constitution of Confederate States adopted in convention at Montgomery, Ala.; afterwards ratified by the several States.
” 28—Vote of Louisiana on secession—20,448 for, 17,926 against—made public.
” 30—Mississippi Convention ratifies the Confederate Constitution, by 78 to 70.
Apr. 3—South Carolina Convention ratifies Confederate Constitution, by 114 to 6.
Apr. 4—Virginia Convention refuse to present a Secession Ordinance to the people, by a vote of 89 to 45.
” 7—Intercourse between Ft. Sumter and Charleston stopped by order of Gen. Beauregard.
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.
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.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.
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.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.
” 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.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.” 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.
” 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.
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.
” 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.