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between them. Notwithstanding the fact that on account of his age andinfirmities he was soon overwhelmed by the rnsh of events, General Scott'slaurels had not withered at the outbreak of the war, and he brought to theemergency ability, experience, and prestige. A high light in the whole mili-tary world, he towered above the rest of our army at that time profession-ally as he did physically. As the effect of his unusual stature was increasedby contrast with a short aide-de-camp (purposely chosen, it was suspected),so was his exalted character marked byone or two conspicuous but not veryharmful foibles. With much learning,great military ability, a strict sense ofjustice, and a kind heart, he was vainand somewhat petulant. He loved theUnion and hated Jefferson Davis .
By authority of President Buchanan ,
Scott assembled a small force of regularsin the capital, and for the first time inthe history of the country the electoralcount was made and a President was in-augurated under the protection of sol-diery. But before the inauguration ofLincoln, March 4th, the secession move-ment had spread through the “cotton-belt” and delegates from the secessionStates had met as a congress at Mont-gomery, Alabama , February 4th. On the8th they had organized the “ ProvisionalGovernment of the Confederate States ofAmerica,” and on the 9th had elected Jefferson Davis President and Alex-ander H. Stephens Vice-President.
When the news of the firing upon Sumter reached Washington, PresidentLincoln prepared a proclamation, and issued it April 15th, convening Con-gress and calling forth 75,000 three-months militia to suppress combinationsagainst the Government. The Federal situation was alarming. Sumter fell onthe 13th of April, and was evacuated on the 14th. Virginia seceded on the 17th,and seized Harper’s Ferry on the 18th and the Norfolk Navy Yard on the 20th.On the 19th a mob in Baltimore assaulted the 6th Massachusetts volunteersas it passed through to Washington, and at once bridges were burned andrailway communication was cut off between Washington and the North.
Lincoln had had no experience as a party leader or executive officer, andwas without knowledge of military affairs or acquaintance with military men.Davis at the head of the Confederacy was an experienced and acknowledgedSouthern leader; he was a graduate of the Military Academy ; had commandeda regiment in the Mexican war; had been Secretary of War under Presi-dent Pierce, and had been chairman of the Military Committee in the UnitedStates Senate up to the time he left Congress to take part with the South.