” 18—Outposts of the two armies fight at Blackburn’s Ford, on Bull Run, some 20 miles from Washington. Southern troops withdraw.
Battle of Bull Run.
” 21—This was the first great battle. The Confederate government aims at the capture of Washington. Their forces, under Gen. Beauregard, about 22,000, afterwards strengthened by 6,000, are attacked by Union army under Gen. McDowell, with 28,000 men. It turns in favor of McDowell until arrival of Confederate reinforcement of 6,000, when Union army was totally defeated, the fugitives flying in great disorder to the defenses of Washington. Yet Confederates lost more in wounded, and failed to take the National Capital, the preservation of which was the supreme point to the Union forces. The South gained the battle, and the Union gained the cause.
” 25—Gen. McClellan takes command of the Army of the Potomac.
Aug. 1—Confederate forces at Harpers Ferry retreat to Leesburg.
” 2—Congress authorized the raising of 500,000 men and $500,000,000 to suppress the insurrection, providing for the last by tax and tariff.
Gen. Lyon repulses the Confederates at Dug Spring, Mo.
” 5—Commodore Allen bombarded Galveston, Texas.
” 7—Hampton, Va., burned by Southern forces.