The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-04-30

great sacrifice of human life-including
that of the Commander-in-C Chief of the
Army and Navy-aside from a debt Of
S2,71S.656, 1913 incident to and arising
from the war.
Early in the struggle, the question was
not: What will it cost? but, Can the Gov
eminent he saved, at any cost?
Powerless. however. as the Government:
then was to overcome the gigantic attack,
there was. fortunately, a grand latent
power. awaiting for its development only
the demand of the National heart and the
Regular Army TO educate it and prepare
it for service. After seven months of prep
aration that power was manifest, under
an organization numbering 640,631 officers
and enlisted men-the Volunteer Army of
the United States, with its elements of
patriotism, wisdom, courage and modera-
ton.
MOBILIZATION, 1861.
On Jan. ]. the authorized Army of the
United States consisted of two regiments
of dragons; two regiments of cavalry;
one regiment of mounted rifie!nen; four
regiments of artillery; and 10 regiments
of Misunderstanding. present and alb
sent 16,402 commissioned officers and en-
listed men. inclusive of the general Off
GERS and general staff.
On April IA it was officially promul-
gated by the President of the United
States that revolutionary combinations ez-
listed in certain States. and $1,000 militia,
for three months service, were called to
suppress said combinations and to cause
the laws TO he duly executed. In addition,
all loyal citizens were appealed to that
they might favor. facilitate, and aid the
effort to maintain the honor. the integri-
ty. and the existence of our National
Union and the pcrpetuity of popular Gov
eminent, and to redress wrongs already
long enough endured" The President
deemed it proper to add that the first ser
vice of the forces would, probably, be to
repossess the forts. places and property
which had been seized from the Union,
and directed that in every event, con-
sstently with the objects he had referred
to, care should be taken to avoid ANY
devastation, any destruction of or inter
ference with property. or any disturbance
of peaceful citizens in any part of the
country"
When the President took this
FIRST DECIDED ACTION
against the rebellion, the danger threaten
ing the seat of Government will be indi-
Gated in the following:
Headquarters of the Army,
Washington, April PC, 1861.
"General Orders
mo. 1.
81. From the known assemblage. near
this city, of numerous hostile bodies OF
troops, it is evident that an attack upon il
may soon be cXpectc1- In such an event,
to meet and repel the enemy, it is neces-
sary that some plan of harmonious CO.
operation should be adopted on the part of
all the forces regular and volunteer, pres
emf for the defense of the Capital-that
is, for tie defense Of the Government, the
peaceable inhabitants of the city. their
property, the public buildings, and public
archives.
I'll. At the first moment of attack every
regiment, battalion, squadron, and indie
pendent company will promptly assemble
at its established rendezvous Tin or out
VI lut iNdbs Ava baStiN
md wait for orders.
iii. The piqucts Tor advanced guards
will stand fast till driven in by Overwhelm.
ing forces; but il is expected that those
stationed to defend brdges-having every
advantage of position-will not give way
till actually pushed by the bayonet. Such
obstinacy on the parts of piquets so sta
toned is absolutely necessary TO give time
for the troops in the rear to assemble al
their DlaceS of rendezvous.
Nv. All advance guards and piquets
driven in, will fall back slowly to delay
the advance Of the enemy as much rs pos
sible, before repairing to their proper
rendezvous.
'V. On the happening of an attack, the
troops lodged in the public buildings, and
in the Navy Yard, will remain for theil
defense, respectively, unless specially or
dered elsewhere; with the exceptions that
the 9TH n. Y. regiment and the Mas
sachusctts regiment will march rapidly to
ward the Presidents Square for its de
Tense; and the Rhode Island regiment Cir
the Department of the INTERIOR when full
will make a diversion, by detachment, te
assist in the defense Of the General Post
Office Building, if necessary.
'WINFIELp ScoTT."