Soon after this, and when it was apparent that war would come, General Scott’s first care was to provide for the safety of the city, the Capitol, and public buildings.  He caused large quantities of army supplies, flour, provisions, etc., to be stored in the Capitol building, and quartered companies in the public buildings with stores and ammunition.  A signal was agreed upon at sound of which the troops could assemble.  These companies were all put under command of regular officers.  There was a company of citizens from different States organized, and quartered at night at the President’s house, under command of General Cassius M. Clay, of Kentucky.  By the action of the seceded States the war was commenced by firing on the steamer Star of the West, January 13, 1861, in an effort to re-enforce Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, and subsequently bombarding that fort April 12, 1861.  On April 15th the President issued his proclamation calling on the governors of the States for seventy-five thousand volunteers for three months.  Troops soon began to assemble at the national capital.  The first to arrive was the famous New York Seventh Regiment.  There was also a Massachusetts and Rhode Island regiment present, when, on April 26th, General Orders No. 4 were issued from Headquarters of the army at Washington.  It was as follows: 

“I.  From the known assemblage near this city of numerous hostile bodies of troops, it is evident that an attack upon it may be soon expected.  In such an event, to meet and repel the enemy, it is necessary that some plan of harmonious co-operation should be adopted on the part of all the forces, regular and volunteer, present for the defense of the capital—­that is, for the defense of the Government, the peaceable inhabitants of the city, their property, the public buildings and public archives.

“II.  At the first moment of attack every regiment, battalion, squadron, and independent company will promptly assemble at its established rendezvous (in or out of the public buildings), ready for battle and wait for orders.

“III.  The pickets (or advance guards) will stand fast until driven in by overwhelming forces; but it is expected that those stationed to defend the bridges, having every advantage of position, will not give way till actually pushed by the bayonet.  Such obstinacy on the part of pickets so stationed is absolutely necessary, to give time for the troops in the rear to assemble at their places of rendezvous.

“IV.  All advance guards and pickets driven in will fall back slowly, to delay the advance of the enemy as much as possible, 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 their defense respectively, unless specially ordered elsewhere, with the exception that the Seventh New York Regiment and Massachusetts regiment will march rapidly toward the President’s Square for its defense; and the Rhode Island regiment (in the Department of the Interior), when full, will make a diversion by detachment, to assist in the defense of the General Post-Office Building, if necessary.”