Historical Sketch of the War of the Rebellion, From 1861 to 1865 - Movements of the Federal and Confederate Armies; Chronological List of Engagements; Reconstruction Proceedings; Proclamations, Statistical Tables, Etc #251078

During all this time the General Government remained passive. The President (james Buchanan) claimed that he had no power to resist the rebellion, while Secretary Floyd used the War De partment for the benefit of treason, and Secretary Thompson held the position of an acknowledged spy. The accession of Messrs. Dix and Holt to the places made vacant by the resigna tion of those disloyal Cabinet officers, imparted new vigor to the Federal arm; but the conspiracy had obtained such headway, that they were comparatively powerless. The steamship Star of the West, with reinforcements for Major Anderson, was fired upon from Fort Moultrie and the battery at Morris Island, on the 9th of January, and compelled to put out to sea. Major Anderson demanded explanations, and was informed that the act had the sanction of the government of South Carolina.