190 Eclectic
Primary History.
3. South Carolina was the leader in the secession
movement. A convention voted in favor of secession, and the
legislature, December 20, 1860, passed an ordinance declaring
the Union dissolved.
4. Major Robert Anderson at that time was in command of
the government troops in Charleston harbor. He had only eighty
men, and was short of supplies. President
Buchanan sent a steamer to his relief in January,
1861, but she was fired upon by the South Carolina troops, and
compelled to return.
5. In the month of January, Kansas was admitted into the
Union, and Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and
Louisiana seceded. Texas followed, February I. Three days
later, delegates from six of the states met in Montgomery,
Alabama, and organized the " Confederate
192 Eclectic Primary
History.
States of America." Jefferson Davis, of
Mississippi, was chosen President, and Alexander H. Stephens,
of Georgia, Vice-president.
6. Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated President of the
United States, March 4, 1861, while one third of the country
was arrayed against him. If you will look on the map, you will
see how
extensive
was the territory in rebellion. It numbered among its citizens
some of the most skillful soldiers and statesmen of the
age.
7. The Confederates in Charleston demanded the surrender
of Fort Sumter, but Major Anderson refused, and fire was opened
upon him. He defended the fort as long as possible, but was
forced at last to surrender, April 13. The news was flashed
over the country, and caused an excitement beyond description.
Both the North and the South were roused to the highest point
of enthusiasm.
8. Presidents Lincoln and Davis called for volunteers,
and they crowded forward by thousands. Virginia, Arkansas, and
North Carolina speedily joined the Confederacy, of which
Richmond was then made the capital. The Southern troops hurried
thither, where the Confederate Congress was called to meet in
July.
Events of 1860-1861.
193
9. "On to Richmond!" was the cry raised in the North, and
as fast as the soldiers could be equipped they were hurried to
Washington. An army of nearly thirty thousand men, under
General Irwin McDowell, marched against the Confederate
general, Beauregard (bõ'ra-gard), who had about the same
number of troops, at Manassas Junction.
10. This battle, known as that of Bull Run, was favorable
at first to the Union forces, but the Confederates, being
re-enforced, defeated the Unionists, July 21, 1861, who fled in
wild disorder to the intrenchments
(sic) of Washington. The
Union loss was three thousand in killed and wounded, while that
of the Confederates was about half as great.
11. This crushing defeat helped the North and harmed the
South. It showed the Unionists the great work before them, and
gave too great confidence to the Confederates.
E. P. H.--13.
194 Eclectic Primary
History.
Many of the latter believed the war was over, and
went home.
12. General George B. McClellan drew attention by good
service in western Virginia. He was made commander of the Army
of the Potomac, and, when the aged General Scott retired,
McClellan was placed at the head of the army of the United
States.
QUESTIONS.
1. What was the belief of the Southern States? What
did they determine to do? --2. What else did they believe? What
is meant by the doctrine of states' rights? --3. What is said
of South Caroline? When did her legislature pass the ordinance
of secession? -- 4. Who was in command of the government troops
in Charleston harbor? What is said of him? What did President
Buchanan attempt to do, and with what result? --5. What state
was admitted in January, 1861? What states seceded? Under what
circumstances were the "Confederate States of America"
organized? Who were chosen President and Vice-president? --6.
When was President Lincoln inaugurated? What part of the
country was in rebellion?
7. Describe the capture of Fort Sumter. What was the
effect north and south? --8. What was done by Presidents
Lincoln and Davis? What other states joined the Confederacy?
What city was made the capital? When were the Confederate,
Congress to meet there? --9. What was the cry of the North?
What of General Irwin McDowell? --10.. Give an account of the
battle of Bull Run. --11. Explain how the defeat helped the
North and harmed the South. --12. What of General
McClellan?
© 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 for the NEGenWeb
Project by Ted & Carole Miller
President would endanger states' rights and the existence of negro slavery. They had other complaints against the North, and, now that Abraham Lincoln had been elected, they resolved to secede from the Union.
