I was merely providing information on the Baltimore Riots, as they are generally regarded as the the first bloodshed in the Civil War. Since you have asked, and for the benefit of our friends across the pond who might not be as familiar with the events as you and I are, I will relate what I understand of the matter.

There was an idea, held in many quarters, that Abraham Lincoln sent the troops into Baltimore as a deliberate provocation to the city, with the intent of escalating tensions to violence, and in that way justifying further military action. It immediately became a rallying point for secessionists. This belief was in fact immortalized in our state song, which was widely performed in to build support for the Southern cause. This, as you know, is somewhat ironic, since Maryland remained in the Union. Most of us here in Maryland have let this idea go, though there are a few hold outs.