Baltimore

Well, as some of you know, no one was killed in the bombardment of Ft. Sumter on the 12th. The events in Baltimore then became the catalyst for the first casualties of the war. Lincoln had called for volunteers, and Northern troops had started pouring into Maryland from the north. Baltimore was the sight of a major rail hub, and therefore a destination for many of these troops. The city had many residents that were fervently Southern leaning. Remember, at this time the legislature was still debating whether to secede or not. Maryland's place as a border state between North and South led to many divided loyalties within the state. This is illustrated in my own family's story, but more on that later in the war.

On April 19th, (tomorrow), a mob attacked one of the train cars carrying soldiers through the city. In those days, they had to move the trains through part of the city hooked to horses. In the ensuing melee, a dozen civilians were killed. The southern papers played up the massacre angle, while the northern papers used this as further proof of Southern radicalism in the state.

I visited the President Street station, where it all started. This is now the Baltimore Civil War museum. (Didn't know there was one until now. ) Lot of info about prominent citizens of Baltimore who were detained as disloyal, and the story about how the Union Army basically occupied the city for the balance of the war. Just next to the Inner Harbor, a few blocks from the corner of Pratt and President streets.

Oh yeah, Virginia seceded yesterday. No chance now to hang on to Robert E Lee for the Union Army. He was offered command of it, but resigned to follow his state in case you didn't know.

(Hoped to have some pics, maybe on next one)