They had no armed force except some military companies in the larger cities, organized long before secession was contemplated.

They had not the pretense of a navy, or any power apparently to create one.

While the administration of Mr.Lincoln, therefore, was disappointing great numbers in the North by its failure to do something decisive towards re-establishing the National authority in the rebellious States, the inhabitants of those States were becoming daily dissatisfied with the fact that the administration of Mr.Davis was doing nothing to consolidate and protect the Confederacy.
DISSATISFACTION WITH THE CONFEDERACY.
Ever since the inauguration of Jefferson Davis, the flag of the United States had been flying over the strongest fortress in the Confederacy, and no forcible effort had been made to displace it.
The first flush of joy and congratulation was over, and re-action had begun throughout the revolting States.

The Confederate Government was reminded by many of the leading newspapers of the South that unless some decisive step were taken to assert its authority and establish its prestige, it would quietly crumble to pieces.

The apparent non-resistance of Mr.Lincoln's administration had, in many minds, the effect of casting contempt upon the whole Southern movement, and the refusal to recognize or receive commissioners of Mr.Davis's appointment was regarded as a direct insult to their government, which, unless met by some decisive step, would subject the leaders to the derision of public opinion throughout the new Confederacy.