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Chapter 5: Baltimore and Fortress Monroe.

  • Condition of affairs in Washington at the beginning of the war
  • -- Scott's farcical parade of strength -- Davis might easily have captured the city -- taking a position at the Relay House -- finds it desirable to enter Baltimore -- capture of Ross Winans -- marching up Federal Hill in a storm -- a scare and its explanation -- indignant communication from General Scott -- why he was mad -- promoted to be Major-General and ordered to Fortress Monroe -- gives “Fuss and Feathers” a piece of his mind -- interview with President Lincoln -- condition of Fortress Monroe -- plenty of oysters, but no water -- building a Railway in the sand -- fortifying Newport News


I had nothing further to do with Annapolis or its concerns subsequent to the 5th of May. It was on that day I marched for the purpose of cutting off railroad passage between Harper's Ferry and Washington, for at Harper's Ferry a very considerable body of rebel troops was gathering for an attack on Washington.

It may be well to take a little time just here in doing what has not been done, namely, giving some account of the condition of things in Washington, as to the state of mind and action of the executive and military officers there.

In the winter of 1861, President Buchanan had thought it necessary to reorganize his cabinet, in whole or in part, in view of the threatened secession of the Southern States, as fears were entertained that there might be an early resort to arms in support of that secession. Consequently Lieutenant-General Scott, commanding the armies of the United States, was called to Washington to consult with the President, and to take charge of any military preparation that might be needed.

Rumors also were rife that the advent of Mr. Lincoln in Washington might be opposed and hindered in every way possible, and that there would be an open outbreak against his inauguration on the 4th of March. That probability was so serious that Scott advised that all the available troops of the United States army which could be spared from other posts of duty should be assembled at Washington. A considerable number were brought there, and by way of exhibiting to the country. a state of preparation, Scott ordered a review and parade of all the troops assembled there, on the 22d of February.

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