Chapter 9

THE NEW ADMINISTRATION AND THE WAR. Visit to Mr. Lincoln--Closing Months of Mr. Buchanan's Administration --Efforts to avoid War--Character of Buchanan--Lincoln's Inauguration --His War Policy--The Grand Army of Office-seekers--The July Session of Congress--The Atmosphere of Washington--Battle of Bull Run-- Apologetic Resolve of Congress--First Confiscation Act--Gen. Fremont's Proclamation and its Effect--Its Revocation--Regular Session of Congress--Secretary Cameron--Committee on the Conduct of the War--Its Conference with the President and his Cabinet-- Secretary Stanton and General McClellan--Order to march upon Manassas.