434 Results in the "Biography & Memoir" category


    • The Correspondent Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Correspondent, William Russell of the London Times, found himself in the midst of a historic and tense moment on Thursday, April 11, when he dined at the home of General Winfield Scott, who commanded the military forces in Washington. Upon his arrival, Russell was greeted by soldiers on horseback patrolling the streets, setting the tone for what would be an evening of considerable political and military significance. Inside, the dinner was attended by influential figures, including William Seward, the…
    • Chapter

      Perfidy

      Perfidy Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Perfidy marked a pivotal moment on April 9, when Governor Pickens, General Beauregard, and former federal judge Andrew G. Magrath gathered in Pickens's office at the Charleston Hotel to discuss a sensitive matter. The delivery of mail addressed to Fort Sumter had been halted by Beauregard’s order, sparking a tense conversation among the three men. They were acutely aware of the gravity of the situation, with the looming conflict with the Union putting them in a difficult moral position. While the…
    • Rumor and Cannon Fire Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Rumor and cannon fire swept through Charleston on April 9, as Mary Chesnut, despite battling a bad cold, was preparing to return to her Mulberry plantation. Initially hesitant to leave, a visit from her friend Robert Gourdin persuaded her to change her mind. Their conversation took an unexpected turn when John Manning entered the room with dramatic news, declaring that "your country is invaded." He claimed that six warships were positioned off the coast, and messengers Talbot and Chew brought more…
    • Chapter

      Preparations

      Preparations Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Preparations for the looming conflict were at the forefront of Major Robert Anderson's mind on Wednesday, April 10, as the situation at Fort Sumter became increasingly dire. The primary concern was the dwindling food supply, which had forced Anderson to implement half rations for the garrison. These rations, he predicted, would only last two more days, barely covering the period until dinnertime on April 12. The soldiers, in an effort to conserve what little they had, resorted to scavenging rice from…
    • Chapter

      Confession

      Confession Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Confession plays a significant role in understanding Major Anderson’s emotional turmoil as he faced pivotal decisions during the lead-up to the Civil War. While stationed at Fort Sumter, Anderson’s efforts to communicate were hindered by prolonged mail delivery delays of three to four days, which deepened his sense of isolation. With distrust surrounding the telegraph system due to fears of interception, the mail became the only reliable means of communication for both Union and Confederate forces,…
    • Dismay and Dishonor Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Dismay and dishonor unfolded in the tense chapter of "The Demon of Unrest" on April 8, as Southern commissioners and Secretary of State William Seward engaged in a heated exchange. Seward, writing in the third person, framed his perspective on the unfolding events, firmly stating that he did not view the Southern movement as a legitimate revolution or a foundation for an independent nation. Instead, he dismissed it as a passing partisan excitement, emphasizing his belief that it was not worthy of formal…
    • Chapter

      Suspicion

      Suspicion Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Suspicion was palpable on Tuesday, April 9, as Edmund Ruffin prepared to leave his hotel and make his way to the Charleston wharf. With a small carpet bag and a borrowed musket from the Citadel Military Academy in hand, Ruffin boarded a steamer bound for Morris Island, where he intended to take part in its defense. Known for his strong pro-secessionist views, Ruffin enjoyed the attention he received upon arrival, which ranged from admiration to praise. Though the recognition seemed excessive for what he…
    • Chapter

      Fatal Error

      Fatal Error Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Fatal error marked a pivotal moment on April 5, when President Lincoln found himself grappling with the consequences of a critical mistake. He had assigned the same warship, the Powhatan, to two separate relief expeditions. Late that night, after receiving a troubling telegram from New York, Lincoln quickly convened with Secretary of State William Seward and Navy Secretary Gideon Welles. Upon reading the telegram, Lincoln expressed his disbelief and took full responsibility for the mishap, acknowledging…
    • The Petrel’s Delight Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Petrel’s Delight reflected the tension that gripped Charleston in early April 1861, as both military forces and enslaved individuals in Confederate batteries prepared for an imminent confrontation. The anticipated evacuation of Fort Sumter, which many had hoped for, never occurred, raising the stakes for both sides. Cold temperatures and relentless winds plagued the region, with heavy rain throughout the weekend forcing many indoors, adding to the already uneasy atmosphere. The weather mirrored the…
    • Chapter

      Storm

      Storm Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Storm clouds loomed on April 8 as Captain Fox set out to lead his fleet, confident that the presence of the Powhatan would guarantee a successful mission to Charleston. Having transitioned from Navy service to overseeing a critical military operation, Fox was optimistic that his fleet would soon rendezvous off the coast of Charleston. The tug Uncle Ben departed New York that evening, followed by Fox aboard the Baltic the next morning, expecting to meet up with the rest of the fleet two days later. Fox’s…
    Note