When the silence could no longer
be endured the anguish of his heart broke forth in impassioned protest:
"Great God! Why don't they come? Why don't they come! Is our Nation a
myth? Is there no North?"
And then the tide turned and the troops poured into the city.
His patient, careful and friendly treatment of the Marylanders quickly
proved its wisdom. A reaction in favor of the Union set in and the State
remained loyal to the flag. The importance of this fact could not be
exaggerated. Without Maryland, Washington could not have been held. And
the moment the Capital should fall Europe would recognize the
Confederacy.
The saving of Maryland for the Union, in fact, established Washington as
the real seat of Government, though it was destined to remain for years
but an armed fortress on the frontiers of a new Nation.
The stirring events at Sumter and Baltimore brought more than one family
to the grief and horror of brother against brother and father against
son.
John Vaughan stood in his room livid with rage confronting Ned on the
first day that communication was opened with the outside world.
"You are not going to do this insane thing I tell you, Ned!"
The boyish figure stiffened:
"I am going home to Missouri on the first train out of Washington, raise
a company and fight for the South.
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