CHAPTER XXIV.
FIRST PHASE OF THE WAR 651
Firing on Ft. Sumter—It electrifies the North—Call for troops—General mustering for war—Capture of Harper’s Ferry and Gosport Navy Yard, Fighting in the border States—Experience gained in the general skirmishing—Reluctance to join the great issue—Battle of Bull Run—Washington saved, if the battle is lost—Immense preparations by sea and land—Confederate government in Richmond.