” 28—Vote of Louisiana on secession—20,448 for, 17,926 against—made public.
” 30—Mississippi Convention ratifies the Confederate Constitution, by 78 to 70.
Apr. 3—South Carolina Convention ratifies Confederate Constitution, by 114 to 6.
Apr. 4—Virginia Convention refuse to present a Secession Ordinance to the people, by a vote of 89 to 45.
” 7—Intercourse between Ft. Sumter and Charleston stopped by order of Gen. Beauregard.
CHAPTER XXIV.
FIRST PHASE OF THE WAR.
Each side hesitated to strike the first blow; but the South, being best prepared, and to end a suspense that threatened to be hurtful to their cause, opened the conflict by the bombardment of Ft. Sumter. Each now hastened preparations with vigor. Yet so long had been the intimate, friendly relations, that neither could believe in a long, deadly struggle. More than three months passed, during which frequent skirmishes occurred; but the leaders avoided bringing on a general battle. The Southern forces advanced toward Washington, but stopped short of an attack, sending out small bodies to make trial efforts, and get possession of important points.
The battle of Bull Run was the first great, serious combat. The brilliant bravery of Southern troops would have been overcome but for an opportune reinforcement at the decisive moment. The leaders did not feel it safe to pursue the vanquished Federals to Washington. There was a large reserve force there. Thus, if they won a battle they lost the object sought—the capture of the national Capital—and the Union forces, though defeated, gained the most important point—the protection of Washington.