Their spirits bolstered by victory at the skirmish known as the Battle of Blackburn’s Ford, Confederate forces, anticipating a clash with U.S. Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell’s 35,000 troops, begin consolidating in preparation. Some troops arrive in the Manassas area by train, the first time in history for troops to be transported by train. Meanwhile, in…
Tension is felt both North and South. Soldiers and civilians alike realize a major battle is at hand in Virginia. Yet the tension is only partially expressed in fear. Many are in a celebratory mood, as North and South are both convinced that God is on their side and victory nigh. Tens of thousands…
Not all white Baptists of the South are enamored with the war. An anonymous editorial in Georgia Baptist’s Christian Index pleads with pastors to keep war and pulpit separate: “Brethren of the ministry, we earnestly exhort you not to let your minds be diverted from your legitimate business by the excitements of the day. The…