Dr. John Fiske delivered the first of his series of lectures on the Civil War last evening in Sanders Theatre. A very large audience was present and heard a most interesting account of a period which is always of absorbing interest.

Dr. Fiske traced the development of the war from its beginning in the western border states to Grant's great victories on the Mississippi, and pointed out the logical order of the events which finally culminated in his triumph over Lee in the east. There, it was largely through Lee's personal ability that the Union advance was so long checked, but in the course of western events the true balance between the resources and the energy of either side can be observed.

At the outbreak of hostilities, two important states wavered between the opposing ideas of duty which were then prevalent, and to the final adherence of Missouri and Kentucky the Union was greatly indebted for its early success.

In Missouri the untiring efforts of Francis P. Blair, who afterwards served with honor as major general, defeated the secret attempts of the Governor to secure the state for the confederacy. Blair seized a camp of the rebels before their plans were matured, acting with Nathaniel Lyon. Lyon boldly disguised himself in the dress of an old lady well known in the locality and was driven all through the camp in her victoria, getting all the information required for success. Lyon and Blair continued their prompt action and drove the confederates to the southwest corner ot the state. There the Southerners rallied and in the drawn battle of Wilson's Creek, Lyon was killed at the head of his troops. His death was a great loss to the cause. His coolness. skill, and precision of movement were qualities which might have placed him in the front rank of commanders.

At this time Halleck, an astute cabinet soldier, but unpractical, succeeded Fremont in command in the West. The power of the Confederates was finally broken by the battle of Pea Ridge, in March, 1862.

Kentucky, after much indecision, finally declared in favor of the Union. Here Lincoln's tact was sharply contrasted with the overbearing action of the Southern leaders. The result was in fact chiefly due to the President's delicate handling of the matter.

The Confederates at once determined to invade the state. Gen Leonidas Polk entered at the west, and established himself in a strongly fortified position at Columbus. The Confederate line extended from here to the Cumberland Gap, far to the east, under the command of Gen. A. S. Johnston.

Polk had attempted to get control of the Ohio river, but here Grant made his first appearance, and with characteristic promptness, occupied Cairo and Poducale, effectually keeping control of the Ohio and also of the Tennessee and the Cumberland. These two rivers made aneasy point of attack upon the Confederate line, as Grant was soon to show.

Ordered to keep Polk occupied, Grant made a dash upon Belmont, just across the Mississippi from Columbus, and defeated Gen, Pillow decisively. His raw, troops became unmanageable, however, and delayed so long looting the camp, that the Confederates returned and almost cut off Grant's retreat.

More important events followed. Grant, Sherman and Buell were soon advancing upon Fort Henry, which guarded the Tennessee river. Halleck, as usual, was afrald and undecided, but Grant with 17,000 men, aided by Commodore Foote with seven gun-boats, swooped down on Foote with seven gun-boats, swooped down on Fort Henry. The surprise was complete. Gillman, who commanded the fort, saw he could not hold out, and sending most of his garrison to reinforce Fort Donelson, he surrendered.

Vigorous as ever, Grant hurried on to take the opportunity and capture Fort Donelson as well; but the roads were bad, and he took several days on the way. At length, on Feb. 12, 1862, he appeared before this second stronghold. The fort was built on a bluff near the Cumberland river, and protected behind by a series of ridges, separated by mashes and creeks. John Floyd and Pillow, in command, had a force of 18,000, quite equal to Grant's, but they seem to have been paralyzed. They did nothing whatever to hinder the Union advance, and Grant seemed to know their incapacity, and count upon it.

Foote attacked the water front. He was repulsed, and the Union outlook was dark indeed. But Pillow was timid, and resolved to cut his way out. During Grant's absence the sortie was made with unexpected success. McClernand was rolled back upon Lew. Wallace's division and the way of escape was clear. Pillow became over confident with success, and attempted to rout Wallace too.

At this crisis Grant appeared on the scene and ordered a general attack. The veteran Gen. C. G. Smith led in person a gallant charge and won the first ridge with a rush. Pillow's attention was thus distracted and McClernand and Wallace assaulted in their turn. Pillow was again shut in and his escape cut off.

That night Pillow and Floyd deserted their post and the place surrendered, with 15,000 prisoners. The result was the fall of Nashville and Columbus. It was so far the greatest achievement of the war and established, once for all, public confidence in Grant.

In the advance upon Corinth, which, by its position as a railroad centre, was a vital point in the line to which Johnston bad retreated, Grant took up a position at Pittsburg Landing, on the Tennessee. Here he awaited the arrival of Buell with strong re-enforcements. The position was easy to defend, and favored further advance. Johnson saw the opportunity and tried to surprise Grant on April 5. But he arrived late at night and had to wait till morning. At day-break he made a furious attack, massing 40,000 men on the Union left, the only exposed point. Again Grant was absent.

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