434 Results in the "Biography & Memoir" category


    • Blood Among the Tulip Trees Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Blood Among the Tulip Trees presents a harrowing narrative centered around Edmund Ruffin and the devastation his family faces during the Civil War. As Union forces took control of the Marlbourne and Beechwood plantations, Ruffin found himself personally targeted for his role in instigating secession and firing the first shot at Fort Sumter. Upon returning to Beechwood with his son, Edmund, Jr., they were greeted by a scene of destruction. The estate had been ransacked, with personal belongings stolen and…
    • Sources and Acknowledgments Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Sources and Acknowledgments is an important section of The Demon of Unrest, where the author delves into the research process and the individuals who contributed to the development of the book. The journey began in early 2020, amidst the global upheaval of the COVID pandemic. At this time, the author became deeply interested in the Civil War, especially the pivotal events at Fort Sumter. The social and political unrest caused by the pandemic made the author question the origins of the war and prompted a…
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      Bibliography

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Bibliography is a meticulously curated resource that serves as a detailed guide for anyone interested in exploring "The Demon of Unrest," with a focus on the Civil War and its historical context. The chapter begins with an extensive list of archives and document collections, offering critical resources housed in prominent institutions like the Library of Congress and Charleston historical societies. These include the papers of key figures such as Robert Anderson, Samuel Wylie Crawford, and Abraham Lincoln,…
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      Acclaim

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Acclaim for the Confederacy echoed loudly in the southern states as the news of the bombardment and fall of Fort Sumter reached Norfolk. Russell, a journalist traveling aboard the steamer Georgiana, initially failed to grasp the enormity of the event. The previous night had been restless for him, as he struggled with distractions and discomfort, watching other passengers indulge in early morning cocktails. The atmosphere on the ship contrasted sharply with the gravity of what was unfolding, highlighting…
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      Hot Oxygen

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Hot Oxygen enveloped the air as President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation on April 15, 1861, rang out, demanding the enlistment of 75,000 troops to suppress the rebellion that had begun to fracture the nation. This call for action came after months of tension and deepening divisions between the North and South, with Lincoln determined to preserve the Union at all costs. His directive was clear: suppress the secession of Southern states and restore federal authority, with a particular focus on ensuring…
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      Ovation

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Ovation greeted the end of the Union’s attempt to hold Fort Sumter as its surrender echoed through the nation, symbolizing a significant turning point. On the morning of April 18, Captain Gustavus Fox and Major Robert Anderson, aboard the Baltic, reflected on the traumatic events that had unfolded. As the Baltic neared Sandy Hook, Anderson, with a heavy heart, dictated a message to Simon Cameron, the Secretary of War, recounting the fort’s destruction after enduring a 34-hour bombardment. Anderson’s…
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      Wigfall

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Wigfall’s daring journey to Fort Sumter on April 13 marked a pivotal moment in the early stages of the Civil War, driven by his desire to be part of history. The ex-senator from Texas, known for his passionate speeches, fiery rhetoric, and a reputation for heavy drinking, was determined to ensure that the Confederate cause was represented in the tense negotiations with the Union forces. With the direct authorization from Brigadier General James Simons, Wigfall and three enslaved oarsmen set out in a…
    • Peculiar Circumstances Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Peculiar circumstances surrounded the events of April 13, as Private Young, stationed at Fort Sumter, noticed a sudden lull in the barrage from Confederate batteries around 1:00 PM. This unexpected quiet unsettled the oarsmen, who, fearing the worst, began to voice their concerns and express a desire to leave, anxious for their safety. Meanwhile, Louis T. Wigfall, a prominent Confederate figure, arrived at the fort, despite lacking the official orders that would have made his negotiation legitimate.…
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      Bloody Sunday

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      by testsuphomeAdmin On Bloody Sunday, April 14, 1861, the weather was warm and bright, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in American history—the evacuation of Fort Sumter. The anticipation was palpable as the Palmetto Guard, led by Edmund Ruffin, boarded a steamer, joining a large crowd of spectators who had gathered along the harbor to witness the departure of Major Anderson and his garrison. The originally planned 9 a.m. evacuation was delayed, extending the wait into the afternoon. As the clock…
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      Tea and Angst

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Tea and Angst were pervasive throughout Charleston on April 13, as the city grappled with the heavy tension in the air. Despite the relief experienced the previous evening when it was reported that no Confederate troops had been injured during the bombardment, the reality of the ongoing conflict remained undeniable. The day began with a burst of sunlight after the morning rain, which only illuminated the rising columns of black smoke from Fort Sumter. The Union fleet’s inaction, with ships stationed just…
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