The tension at last became unbearable. The giant figure stood for hours alone before his window in the White House, his sombre hazel-grey eyes fixed on the hills beyond the Potomac. When the silence could no longer be endured the anguish of his heart broke forth in impassioned protest:
"Great God! Why don't they come? Why don't they come! Is our Nation a myth? Is there no North?"
And then the tide turned and the troops poured into the city.
His patient, careful and friendly treatment of the Marylanders quickly proved its wisdom. A reaction in favor of the Union set in and the State remained loyal to the flag. The importance of this fact could not be exaggerated. Without Maryland, Washington could not have been held. And the moment the Capital should fall Europe would recognize the Confederacy.
The saving of Maryland for the Union, in fact, established Washington as the real seat of Government, though it was destined to remain for years but an armed fortress on the frontiers of a new Nation.
The stirring events at Sumter and Baltimore brought more than one family to the grief and horror of brother against brother and father against son.
John Vaughan stood in his room livid with rage confronting Ned on the first day that communication was opened with the outside world.
"You are not going to do this insane thing I tell you, Ned!"
The boyish figure stiffened:
"I am going home to Missouri on the first train out of Washington, raise a company and fight for the South."