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In celebrating the attack and the fall of
Sumter at
Montgomery by a congratulatory speech and an official salute, the rebel
Secretary of War ventured to predict that the
Confederate flag would float over the
capitol at
Washington before the first of May.
Whether this was to be accomplished by plot, by open military campaign, or through mere insurrectionary reversion, he did not explain.
The idea, however, by long nursing and repeating, had become one of the fixed hopes of the rebellion.
When the news of the
Baltimore riot reached the
South, the fulfilment of the prophecy was believed to be at hand.
The revolt, which for a few days continually grew until it spread over all
Maryland, served to deepen the universal impression.
The
Baltimore conspirators themselves were animated to fresh daring by their flattering local prospects.
They sent at once to
Richmond for a supply of arms.
Governor Letcher responded with alacrity to their request.
Senator Mason hastened to
Baltimore to give them encouragement and advice.
Two thousand muskets were forwarded with all possible despatch for their use. Twenty heavy guns were also ordered to be sent them a few days later, though it does not appear that the order could be fully executed.
Meanwhile the
Virginia rebels had possessed themselves of
