May 5, 1861

Raleigh, North Carolina is alive with soldiers, who have been pouring in....Ten companies have been selected by the Governor to constitute the "First Regiment of North Carolina Volunteers," and an election of field officers has taken place, resulting int he selection of D.H. Hill. O.C. Lee, and J.H. Lane, respectively, to the offices of Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Major.

May 4, 1861

Lee moves into western Virginia, recognizing the importance of maintaining B&O Line.

May 3, 1861

The Southern Congress approves a bill installing chaplains in the Confederate army.

May 2, 1861

Elmer Ellsworth and the Fire Zouaves arrive in Washington to fight for the Union. Ellsworth will shortly be killed in Alexandria, VA, and as such will be the first Union casualty of the war.

May 1, 1861

Robert E. Lee orders Stonewall Jackson to remove the weapons and equipment from the arsenal at Harpers Ferry.

April 30, 1861

Colonel Thomas Jackson arrives in Harpers Ferry.

April 29, 1861

Jefferson Davis gives his "all we ask is to be let alone" speech to Confederate Congress. He announces that the Confederate Constitution has been ratified by all Confederate states.