April 19, 1861 (Friday)

...a pleasant day, as Spring unfolds.
                                                          Photo -- Amy Matsen

Troops were coming to Washington and had to stop and change stations as they entered Baltimore.  On this day there was a riot...  the following links bring the news of what happened in the streets of Baltimore. 


The narrative of the day by Civil War Daily Gazette, Blood and Death in the Streets of Baltimore.


The Battle of Baltimore, by Richard J. Tofel, Disunion--New York Times, April 18, 2011.


The story of a black servant to Capt. James Wren, Nick Biddle,  who went through Baltimore and faced the angry mob...excellent article and a good read...  "Nick Biddle and the First Defenders,"  by Ronald Coddington, Disunion--New York Times, April 18, 2011.


More news on the "Rousing of the Nation" from A Diary of American Events, April 19, 1861.


From the Lincoln Log, Lincoln orders a blockade of the ports in the seceded states of the Confederacy.


 Diary of Rutherford B. Hayes:  "A sharp experience for tenderly reared boys."
Daily Observations from the Civil War, April 19, 1861.

"At the first, I put down my foot that I would not think of going into this first movement.  This, of course, I shall stick to; but if this war is [to] go on, it is obvious that sooner or later thousands will be dragged into it who would now not contemplate doing so.  Platt enjoys it hugely.  So do all the old-style people who like a strong government.  It took a great many delicate youngsters from our neighborhood; almost every other family on our street sent somebody...a sharp experience for tenderly reared boys."