Ben McCulloch - on the way to DC?
For the past couple weeks Civil War Daily Gazette has done a great job focusing on the crisis over Fort Sumter. As can be seen the Lincoln administration has been working out its plan of action regarding the fort while rumors of a southern raid on Washington, D.C. are in the air. And some of the members of the militia would not fight against southerners.
From The New-York Times April 11, 1861:
THE IMPENDING WAR.; EXCITEMENT AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL Anticipated Raid of the Secessionists. THE DISTRICT MILITIA ORDERED OUT. …
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, April 10.
RUMORED PLOT TO SEIZE THE CAPITAL.
The officers of the District Militia were yesterday ordered to have a meeting at 10 o’clock this morning, in consequence of information relative to a contemplated movement for the seizure of this city by the Secessionists under McCULLOUGH. Near midnight, however, orders were issued for the assembling of the militia at their armories this morning, and officers have been engaged summoning the men ever since 5 A.M.
The armories are now all full of men. The understanding is that they are to be drafted for service at the different public buildings; but this is not yet definitely known.
There is much excitement and anxiety here, although it is not very apparent on the streets.
Among the troops ordered out is SCHAFFER’s National Rifles, which are believed to be Secessionists. The call for actual service will of course compel all the traitors to retire from the corps.
MORE ABOUT THE DEFENCE OF WASHINGTON.
Seven Militia Companies reported to Gen. SCOTT this morning, and between six and eight hundred of them volunteered for any service in which the President might desire them to act. Very many, however, refused to act. Out of seventy men among the National Rifles sixteen resigned. A large number will be drafted to make up the quota. Subsequently they repaired to the Commisary’s Department and received their equipments and rations for the night. They will be stationed about the several public buildings at night, and most of them will be relieved from duty during the day.
The city resounded throughout the day with martial music; and the tramp of soldiers about the streets, and movements of companies, added much to the excitement and made the day very lively. Among these troops are many of the ablest citizens of Washington. To-day’s work has proven that the Militia of the District is generally sound for the Union. …
THE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT.
While many Naval Officers express the belief that the attempt to provision Fort Sumpter will be successful, others of excellent judgment usually think otherwise; but the decision of the Administration in the matter was made independent of the question of probable success. The President considers it his duty to make the effort at all events. If successful resistance is made by the Charleston forces, then will arise the grave question whether the Government shall exert its whole power to reinforce and resupply the fort irrespective of cost.
There need be no doubt that the Government has the power, for the law gives the President full authority to summon the militia of all the States, if necessary, to suppress rebellion against the Federal Government. It has been contended that this power could only be exerted in support of judicial process. But that is clearly an error, as will be seen on examination. At all events, the Administration is satisfied of its power under that law and will not hesitate to exercise it if it is considered necessary. …
MATTERS IN MARYLAND.
Great excitement was caused in Baltimore to-day by a scorching Union article in the Baltimore Clipper, denouncing the Southern Confederacy and its acts. The article has provoked threats of an assault on the author.
Gov. HICKS and many prominent Marylanders assure the President that Maryland will be loyal if he does not provoke or commence the war, which he certainly will not do. …
DISPATCH TO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS.
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, April 10.
Ten companies, or about one-fourth of the volunteer militia of the District of Columbia, are mustering to day for inspection, the order having been issued from the Government head quarters last night. Several days ago the company officers were directed to immediately report the number of effective men. This unexpected movement has given rise to many surmises, especially as reports prevail, believed to be correct, that these ten companies are to be drafted into immediate service.
Much excitement everywhere exists, heightened in a great degree by bogus dispatches, professedly from Charleston, of a stirring battle in the vicinity of Fort Sumpter.
There is no doubt that the military movements here in progress are connected with precautionary measures for the defence of the Capital from an apprehended attack from the South.
The Federal forces in Washington are to be strengthened this week by at least one additional artillery company.
Irvin McDowell - in April 1861 inspecting the volunteer companies in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, April 10 — P.M.
During this afternoon various volunteer companies proceeded to the War Department, and were inspected by Assistant Adjutant General MCDOWELL. Several hundred men were mustered into service. Two or three broken companies were rejected, the number of each being below forty-two members.
An attempt is making to-night to bring them up to this minimum, in order to their acceptance.
Of the National Rifles, ever sixty members, only one half consented to be mustered in. The reason for this, as in other similar cases, was that some of the men were apprehensive they would be ordered to some point beyond the limits of the District of Columbia, while others were unwilling to take the oath, which they conceive, in the event of the secession of Maryland and Virginia, would compel them to fight against those States. It is said they were informed that the oath must be taken unconditionally, and the infraction of which would expose them to punishment under the rules and articles of war.
At a late hour of the afternoon two companies appeared at the War Department, some of the members without uniforms, but the Adjutant-General had retired for the day.
Capt. CARRINGTON’s Company, about 80, were mustered in to a man. The accepted companies have already been placed on duty, guarding their respective armories.
Immense crowds gathered in front of the War Department to witness the proceedings attendant on the inspection and mustering into service. …
