As both sides continued mobilizing for war, patriotism masked any deficiencies in the process. Volunteers flooded the militia rolls and state regiments were hastily organized and commanded. Those regiments were then hurried off to join the national forces gathering in Washington and Richmond.
Beauregard Assumes Command in Virginia
The Confederacy faced greater obstacles than the North because it had to raise both an army and navy from nothing. In addition, equipment such as arms, ammunition, uniforms and food had to be delivered to the troops through the Federal blockade. This proved an easy task at first, as blockade runners ran the gauntlet to make their deliveries. However the Federal Navy’s grip would soon tighten.
On the other hand, many experienced and talented military figures defected from the North to join the Confederate cause. General P.G.T. Beauregard, hero of Fort Sumter, was given command of the troops in northern Virginia. They were the first line of defense against the inevitable Federal invasion.
In Richmond, Confederate President Jefferson Davis denounced the North as an "ignorant usurper," declaring that the South was tasked with "preserving the constitutional liberty of a free government." While many acknowledged that defeating a more powerful Federal force would be very difficult, most southerners were eager for the challenge.
The Federal Blockade Tightens
The number of northerners hoping for a peaceful settlement dwindled as tens of thousands of men rushed to answer the call to arms. Federal troops poured into Washington throughout the month, and President Abraham Lincoln regularly visited the growing number of camps. Recruits spent long days drilling and following orders, which dispelled the notion of many that the war would be a fun adventure.
The Lincoln administration continued strengthening the Federal blockade of southern ports, and ground troops were gathering and training for a general invasion of Virginia. Meanwhile, smaller Federal forces began probing into the western part of the state.
Federals Win at Philippi
Federal forces began their invasion of Virginia by occupying Alexandria and moving into western Virginia where there was strong northern sentiment. The Federals surprised a Confederate camp at Philippi and sent the southern troops fleeing in what reporters called the "Philippi Races." Although this was a minor skirmish, it helped lead to the Federal conquest of western Virginia.
Federals Control Missouri
Clashes between Federal and Confederate sympathizers took place in various places throughout Missouri. Federal General Nathaniel Lyon was determined to suppress Confederate sympathy, but pro-Confederate Governor Claiborne Jackson was raising a militia force to oppose Lyon.
On June 15, Lyon’s Federals captured the state capital of Jefferson City and chased Jackson out of town. The Federals then defeated a pro-Confederate force defending Jackson at Boonville. This not only dispersed the pro-Confederate faction but also gave the Federals control of the Missouri River. For the time being, Missouri was under Federal control.
Confederates Win at Big Bethel
Confederate forces repulsed a Federal attack at Big Bethel on the Virginia peninsula between the York and James Rivers. This was considered the first major battle of the war, although it would be small in comparison to later battles. Big Bethel gave southerners confidence that they could repel the Federal invaders.
In Washington, the loss at Big Bethel caused concern. In a special cabinet meeting, General Irvin McDowell, commander of Federal forces in northern Virginia, unveiled a plan to capture Richmond by first attacking Manassas Junction. General Winfield Scott, overall commander of Federal armed forces, proposed an expedition down the Mississippi River. President Lincoln decided that Virginia should be dealt with first, and McDowell’s plan was adopted.
The Federal Invasion of Virginia
Federal troops continued pouring into Washington, where they were incorporated into McDowell’s main force. Lincoln urged McDowell to hurry his invasion before enthusiasm for the war waned and the 90-day enlistments expired. Both sides continued massing arms and men, preparing for the great battle that would supposedly decide the war.
Sources
Long, E.B. and Long, Barbara: The Civil War: Day by Day (New York, NY: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971)
Wallechinsky, David and Wallace, Irving: The People’s Almanac (Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1975)
Ward Geoffrey; Burns, Ric; Burns, Ken: The Civil War (New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1990)
Walter Coffey - Walter Coffey is a freelance writer who resides in Houston, Texas. Walter has written several works of historical fiction and non-fiction, ...
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