Ohio History Journal

THE OPENING SCENES OF THE REBELLION.

 

BY COLONEL S. K. DONAVIN.

In the spring of 1861 I was a reporter and traveling cor-

respondent on the Daily Exchange newspaper, of the City of

Baltimore. When the telegraph announced that Mr. Lincoln

had reached Pittsburg, en route for Washington City, to be

inaugurated President of the United States, I left Baltimore by

the Northern Central Railway for the purpose of meeting him

and noting the incidents of his journey.

When I reached Altoona I received information that Mr.

Lincoln had started from Pittsburg for Harrisburgh. I left my

train, which was carrying me west, and took another train for

the east. A few hours after I arrived there Mr. Lincoln's

train came in. There was an immense number of people- in

and about the depot, and it was with some difficulty that Mr.

Lincoln could be taken to his hotel. I did not see him that

night, and when I arose in the morning, to a late breakfast,

I was informed that Mr. Lincoln had gone on to Washington,

going from Harrisburgh to Philadelphia, and from that point

to Washington City, and that he had already arrived there.

Of course I was much annoyed at my failure in getting

news, except of a general character, for my paper. In search

for the particulars of his leaving, I discovered that an extra

train would leave Harrisburgh for Washington City. The ob-

ject of this train was to convey Mrs. Lincoln and her children,

Robert and Thad, and the company that was with her to the

National Capital. I determined if possible to get on that train

and go as far as Baltimore, at least. I lingered around the

depot until the train was made up and the party had arrived to

occupy it. There were two coaches to the train, and I con-

cluded I would take the first coach, believing that the pass

which I had would carry me. As I was about to step upon

the train a gentleman, whom I afterward learned was Mr. Jud,

of Illinois, inquired of me what my business was. I explained

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to him I was a Baltimore newspaper man and that I had started

to meet Mr. Lincoln, but, as the President-elect was already in

Washington, I was of the opinion that my duty called me there

and I wanted to get there as soon as possible. He politely but

very firmly told me I could not travel on that train, as it was

a special and for the benefit of Mrs. Lincoln, her family and her

friends.

Mr. John S. Gittings, a banker and very prominent in busi-

ness affairs in the City of Baltimore, was president of the

Northern Central Railway Company. I learned that he had

come from Baltimore, and had ordered that special train, and

that he was going to return on it. I sought Mr. Gittings, ex-

plained to him my situation, and expressed my anxiety to get

to Baltimore or further, and asked him if it were not possible

for me to go forward on that train. His reply was, "Certainly,

Mr. Donavin, I will see that you are permitted to travel on this

train," and taking me by the arm he led me to the coaches.

There again we met Mr. Jud, whereupon, Mr. Gittings in-

formed him who I was, claiming me as his friend, and ex-

pressed a desire that I should be permitted to ride on the train.

Mr. Jud remarked: "With your assurances, Mr. Gittings, I

waive any objection I have to Mr. Donavin traveling with the

party." Accordingly I took a seat in the forward coach. There

was no other occupant when I entered it. Two youths came

into that car just after it started, and in reply to an inquiry

they informed me that they were Robert and Thad Lincoln;

and so I had the pleasure of the company of these two boys

from Harrisburgh to Baltimore, with the exception of short

visits they made to the rear car.

At the City of York there was an immense outpouring of

the people. Thousands of people, a majority of whom were

women, filled the space around the depot and the adjacent

streets. Several brass bands played, and men who seemed to

be managers of the demonstration rode to and fro, at times en-

dangering human life. The people could not be made to be-

lieve that Mr. Lincoln was not on board. They, in vehement

voice, demanded that the "old rail-splitter be trotted out." A stop

of a few minutes, and the train sped onward. After crossing

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the line into Maryland a great change presented itself. There

were no vast crowds-no cheers-no bands. The people at the

depots were sullen, and showed nothing but a curious disposi-

tion. On reaching Baltimore the train stopped at the Charles

street crossing, where Mrs. Lincoln and the sons entered the

private carriage of Mr. John S. Gittings, which was in wait-

ing, and were driven to the residence of Mr. Gittings, on Charles

street, where they remained his guests for a. few hours. They

proceeded to Washington over the Baltimore and Ohio Railway.

On the arrival of the train at Calvert street station, thousands

of people were in attendance. The air was weighted with

cries for "Jeff Davis," "the rebels," and some other persons

anathematized "Lincoln." As I stepped from the train I was

besieged with questions, as to "Where is Lincoln?" "Is he in

Washington?" "How did he get there?" Notwithstanding the

telegraph news published confirmed the story of his trip via

Philadelphia, the people, or a least a large majority of them,

did not believe it. Hundreds of men called on me to find out

all about Mr. Lincoln. But I was destitute of news, and could

only reply, "You know as much about him as I do." No in-

cident of moment took place after Mrs. Lincoln reached the

residence of Mr. Gittings. She was lunched, and then care-

fully guarded she and the children were taken to the Camden

street station of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

On the 5th of March, after I had reported the inaugura-

tion of Mr. Lincoln, I was ordered to proceed to Richmond,

and report the Virginia State Convention, which had been as-

sembled for the purpose of determining the relation which the

State of Virginia should hold to the Federal Government. I

stopped a number of times on my way for the purpose of getting

a correct estimate of the sentiment of the people of the state on

the question of secession from the Federal Union. I found

much difference of opinion among the people, the old Whig

element being (generally) opposed to severing the relations

with the Union, while the Democratic element was a unit for

joining the Southern Confederacy. I became satisfied that a

majority of the people had determined that it was the duty of the

state to cast her fortunes with the southern people.

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The proceedings of the convention grew in interest and

intensity each day. Much ill-feeling prevailed between the

Unionists and Secessionists, and at times this bitterness reached

the verge of violence. John Baldwin, of Staunton, was lead-

ing the Unionists. He was a man of great intellectual power,

personal magnetism and undoubted courage. His great speech

in opposition to the secession ordinance was replete with argu-

ment and eloquence, and was effective so far as solidifying

the Union men, members of the convention. To this speech

Henry A. Wise, who led the secession force, made reply. Wise

was at his best, though trammelled slightly by his course in

1838 and 1854, in his discussion of the "mixed basis" and

"white basis" agitations. But he had with him his sarcasm,

his satire, his vehemence, his force of manner, and above all

the curl of his upper lip, with which he enforced his assaults

with the most effective sneer I have ever seen. When he closed,

though the debate had not, it was evident that the ordinance

would be enacted. The wildest tumult followed his perora-

tion. The streets took up the excitement. Men met each other

with congratulations or engaged in violent discussion. The

hotel corridors were rank with anathemas of northern people,

and laudations of the "Chivalric South" filled the ears with ful-

some and constantly reiterated glorification.

On the Tuesday evening following the delivery of Mr.

Wise's speech, Alfred Barbour, brother of James and John

Barbour, representing, with a Mr. Osborne, the county of Jef-

ferson, in response to a question for news replied to me:

"If you want news, go to Charleston. You will get plenty

there within a day or two."

"What will I get? Tell me; what will take place ?" I asked.

"I have said all to you I can say. Go to Charleston, and

get there quick," he replied.

I concluded to take his advice. Before midnight I had

packed my valise, and was on a train for Charleston, South

Carolina. It was just sunrise when I reached Wilmington,

North Carolina. Breakfast was taken, and then, over a railroad

which ran on tressel-work for many miles, I started to reach

Florence Junction, to run down to Charleston. When our train

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stopped at the junction I was surprised to see a hundred or

more soldiers, most of whom were lying around "kind of loose,"

with here and there among them an officer who seemed very

busy. On getting from the train I was informed that I was

in a "foreign land," and that Florence was a "custom house."

When my trunk was put from the baggage car I was respectfully

requested to open it, that it might be examined for "contraband

articles." I unlocked the trunk. The first thing in sight was

three hundred Principee segars, lying in bunches in the top

drawer. I disclaimed being in the segar trade, and then handed

them my correspondence card, and also a letter of introduction

to President Davis. This assured me large consideration. The

examination of my trunk ceased and kind regrets were expressed

that I had not shown them my credentials, such they considered

my letter to Mr. Davis. It took urging on my part to get them

to help themselves, moderately, to my segars.

An Irish woman who was bound for Charleston, her home,

refused to unlock her trunk or give up her keys. She had a

witty and glib tongue, and commenced a tirade, which soon

settled the question of search. The officers slipped aside and

talked quietly a few moments, when one of them remarked to

the woman, "You can proceed to Charleston."

"Of course I can. The likes of you can't stop me. Twenty-

six years I've lived in Charleston. My husband and my babies

are there. You'd have a heap of trouble if you were down

there, and I could stop long enough from kissing Mike to tell

him of your interference. I couldn't go up to bid my old mother

good-by in Petersburg unless you made me a foreigner. Think

of it-going to Mike and the children, and you want to make

a foreigner of me. Bad cess to ye."

I got to Charleston Wednesday, where I met several Vir-

ginians whom I knew when I lived in the old state. These ac-

quaintances assured me respectful treatment. Newspaper men

were not so inquisitive then as now. I remained in my hotel

without molestation or visitors.

At day dawn on Friday morning I waked with the roar of

cannon in my ears. The attack had commenced on Sumpter.

 

Vol. IX-9.

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As I sprang from my bed, the first thought I had was-"The

ball has started. Now, for the fulfillment of the prophecies of

the old man in Charleston jail, John Brown." I dressed rapidly

and proceeded to the lower floor. Reaching the foot of the

staircase, I met ex-United States Senator Louis A. Wigfall, of

Texas; Patrick Henry Aylott, a Mr. Yancey, but not William

L., and a Mr. Rhett, but not Barnwell, whom I knew, as I also

did William L. Yancey. These gentlemen were much excited,

and Mr. Wigfall remarked;

"Well, we have started the ball."

"Yes," I replied, "to my sorrow, at least."

A disposition was shown to discuss the situation, when I

said:

"Gentlemen, I do not seek discussion this morning. Neither

will I avoid it. But I would like to close the talk with a pre-

diction."

"Let us hear the prophet," remarked Mr. Wigfall.

The eyes of all the company turned to me as an invitation

to proceed, when I said:

"Gentlemen, the northern people have never believed that

you would do this thing. But, as you say, you have started the

ball. You are much better prepared for fight than is the north.

It will take some time to arouse their people, but they will be

aroused, and when they are, like all large bodies which get their

momentum, they will roll over this southland and crush you

all into the earth."

There was a loud laugh in response to this, and one of

them suggested that we close the discussion by taking a drink,

which we did.

The assault on Sumpter has been so often and so well told

that it is not necessary for me to describe. General Anderson,

the commander, was compelled to surrender, and Sunday after-

noon the Union troops were transferred to the shore and

marched through the streets of Charleston as prisoners of war.

Sunday night I left the city for Augusta, where I remained a

day. No division of sentiment could be noticed. Everybody

was for secession. The people were under great excitement,

and men were enlisting, while organized companies, with drum

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The Opening Scenes of the Rebellion.       131

 

and fife, were parading the streets. I went on to Atlanta. The

same conditions prevailed. President Lincoln had issued a call

for 75,000 men, and the south was awakening to the fact that

there would be war. There was no despondency. Everybody

seemed glad that there would be fighting. It was forty-eight

hours before I reached Montgomery. The scenes in that city

beggar description. The Confederate Government was located

there. It did not occupy the capitol building, nor indeed any of

the state buildings, but occupied rented quarters, a building

which had been recently erected was taken, and the president's

office and cabinet departments were located in it.

I had a letter of introduction from ex-Governor Pratt, of

Maryland, an intimate of President Davis. When I called at

the state buildings (such was the name of the Confederate

Government quarters) I found the stairway and the rotunda

thronged with people. It was with much difficulty that I

reached the door opening to the president's room. A youth of

seventeen was acting as door-keeper. Handing him the letter

of introduction and my card I requested him to take them to

President Davis. He refused to accept them, remarking: "The

president is not receiving this morning."

"I do not expect to be received," I replied, "but it is nec-

essary that the president should receive this letter immediately.

Take it to him."

The youth looked at the superscription, and then at my

card, and with apparent reluctance took them inside. He re-

turned almost instantly, without an answer, and I stepped to

the rear a few paces. There was the tinkling of a bell, and

the youth entered the president's room. In a few seconds he

returned, and called my name aloud. I answered and was

soon in the presence of the president. Mr. Davis received me,

giving me his right hand and placing his left on my shoulder,

saying:

"I am very glad to meet you. Before being seated permit

me to introduce to you these gentlemen, members of my cabi-

net."

I was introduced to Secretary of War Walker, Secretary

of the Navy Mallory, Attorney General Benjamin and Assistant

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Secretary of State Browne. President Davis pointed to a chair

at his side and I was seated. With the exception of questions

on ordinary affairs, President Davis did the talking.

"When did you leave Baltimore?"' he asked.

"On the 5th day of March," I replied.

"Oh! you have not been in Maryland for weeks?"

"No, sir. I have been in Virginia and South Carolina,

except a few days I spent in Georgia, as I came hither," I an-

swered.

"You have been away from Maryland so long that you

are destitute of news," said Mr. Davis.

"Not entirely destitute. I think I know much of the senti-

ment of Maryland. I have reported every notable gathering

in the state, which convened to discuss the present political

situation, and I am familiar with the temper and intentions of the

people of the state," I answered.

"What is your opinion as to the sentiment of the state?"

he asked.

"It is adverse to the movement of the southern states. Do

not misunderstand me. There is a large sympathy with the

Confederate movement, but it is not strong enough to control

the action of the state. Many of the leading men of the state,

who are in complete accord with the secession movement, are

opposed to the withdrawal of the State of Maryland. They are

of opinion that it is best that the state should remain neutral-

be considered neutral ground, and thus be spared the horrors

of war."

President Davis interrupted me with:

"What particular facilities did you have for acquiring your

information ?"

"Reporting the bodies which convened to discuss the situa-

tion," I replied. "The most important gathering was that

which was held in the Universalist Church, corner of Saratoga

and Calvert streets. It was composed of the representative

men of every part of Maryland. While there were heated dis-

cussions the burden of sentiment was conservative. I paid

marked attention to that convention, and when it was over,

I came to the conclusion that the Maryland people would not

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The Opening Scenes of the Rebellion.       133

 

consent that their state should be made the battlefield. They

want to remain neutral. A large number of Marylanders will

come south and join actively in military operations, but those

who remain will do their utmost to prevent their state from

withdrawing."

"I think, Mr. Donavin, we have got later information of

the intentions of the Maryland people than you bring," the presi-

dent remarked.

"That is possible, Mr. President. I have given you my

opinion after the closest observation, for months. It is pos-

sible the temper of the people of Maryland has changed," I

replied.

"In all probability, Mr. Donavin, within twenty-four hours

the Federal Government will attempt to march Massachusetts

troops through Baltimore. What will be the effect of such a

move and what will be the result?"

"Mr. President," I replied, "the Federal Government will

march troops through the City of Baltimore."

President Davis smiled at my reply and shook his head,

when I continued:

"Yes, sir; they will be marched through. They may be

assaulted by a mob, but there will not be organized military

brought against them. The efforts of a mob will amount to

but little. A thousand armed men, well officered, will march

through the streets of Baltimore, or through the streets of any

city, where organized military are not used to prevent."

Again the president shook his head, when I continued:

"Mr. President, a thousand armed men are a terrible force.

They must be met by a force of similar character before they

can be overcome. Within eighteen months I have witnessed

the effectiveness of organized men, well armed. I reported

the capture of John Brown."

A strange intelligence came into his eyes. After a few

minutes more talk, which was not of moment, I retired.

The following morning, just after breakfast, I went into

Dent's billiard hall to play billiards. When in the third game,

a man entered under great excitement, and declared, with an

oath:

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134       Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.

 

"The         Yankees attempted to march a regiment of

Massachusetts soldiers through Baltimore. Our people at-

tacked them, and killed them in the streets. They are still

killing them."

I laid down my cue, paid for the games and went to the

state buildings. There was an immense crowd surrounding

them, and the stairs were impassable. After a continuous fight

I succeeded in reaching the president's room, but could not

gain admittance. I went to the office of the secretary of war,

where they read me a telegram corroborating the story of the

butchery. Several times during the day I endeavored to reach

President Davis, but was not successful. The next morning

the president was early at his room, and when announced he

admitted me. His face showed care and anxiety. He was

pleasant, but to some degree absent minded. In a few min-

utes he turned to me and said:

"Mr. Donavin, your information was better than that which

we received from other sources. The Massachusetts troops

marched through Baltimore yesterday afternoon and are now

in Washington."

While he spoke he tapped the table at which he sat with

the fingers of his right hand. I replied:

"Mr. President, I am not surprised. A thousand armed

men, properly officered, is a great force."

"Yes, yes," he replied, and raising his eyes and looking

at the ceiling, he seemed absorbed in thought. The silence was

becoming painful to me, when he turned to me and said:

"I would have given ten years of my life to have been in

Baltimore City night before last."

He then relapsed into his meditative mood, when I arose,

thanked him for his courtesy, and bade him good morning.

Going back to my hotel, I witnessed a scene of excitement and

dissipation such as I had never seen before. Men were mad

with delirium, which was increased by the intoxicants they

were pouring down their throats. Ladies in fine equipages

were riding through the streets, bowing to friends, or stopping

to get the particulars of the Baltimore tragedy. As the day

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The Opening Scenes of the Rebellion.       135

 

advanced the excitement increased, so that when night came

there was a saturnalia.

The city was covered with flags. From staffs and windows,

and all conceivable places from which the Confederate emblem

could fly it was displayed. Public and private vehicles were

adorned with the flag, which consisted of the bars, and in the

blue field there was a circle of stars. Everybody was impa-

tiently waiting the action of the Virginia Convention. When

the telegraph announced that the secession ordinance had been

enacted shouts and huzzahs filled the air. Men, and indeed

women, embraced each other on the streets, and congratula-

tions reached the utmost profusion which enthusiasm and emo-

tion could prompt. Within a few minutes the flags had nearly

all disappeared, and in a few minutes more they reappeared with

a large star in the center of the ring of stars. These stars had

been prepared and a few stitches sewed them to their place.

With the reappearance of the flags the excitement was intensi-

fied, and the shouting and cheering fairly split the air. Ele-

gant carriages sought the public square, near the Exchange

Hotel, and richly-dressed ladies, old and young, not only added

their presence to the wild furor, but joined in the demonstra-

tion, by clapping their hands, waving their handkerchiefs and

parasols, and at times joining the acclaims.

In the Exchange Hotel the feeling exhibited was intense.

Men were frenzied and there was no exuberance in which they

did not indulge. There was an exception. A man, a Vir-

ginian, was in tears. His sobs could be heard yards away from

him. In reply to some friends who were attempting to cheer

him, he said:

"Yes, you have got old Virginia out. You had to have her.

You realized that your movement would have collapsed with-

out old Virginia. She was necessary to you and you have

forced her out. You want her blood, her treasure and her

history, and you have them. God pity the old Mother, for she

will be harrowed over, and blood and death will possess her."

He was led away by friends.

I remained in Montgomery, with the exception of a few

trips out into other parts of the state, until the Confederate Gov-

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136      Ohio Arch. and His. Society Publications.   ernment moved to Richmond. I was permitted to ride on the train which took it north. I ran out to Gordonsville, and merely glanced at the soldiers. Returned to Richmond and took the South Side Railroad for Norfolk, and thence to Balti- more, on the Bay Line steamer. The following day the rebels destroyed the Norfolk Navy Yard.

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