434 Results in the "Biography & Memoir" category


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      The Awakening

      The Awakening Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Awakening of James Henry Hammond was marked by a unique journey through the socio-political landscape of 19th-century South Carolina, shaped by his early life experiences. Born in 1807 to a failed father, Hammond was raised with a burning desire for recognition and ambition. Despite being born into a family with financial struggles, his father’s association with South Carolina College allowed him to attend the institution. The college environment, known for its rigorous discipline and the cultivation…
    • The Angel of Death Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Angel of Death seemed to hang over Charleston on the morning of April 12, 1861, as Captain Gustavus Fox aboard the Baltic struggled to find his fellow Union ships. Despite the treacherous weather, Fox searched the dark waters for any sign of the expected Powhatan, but all he could find were the stormy seas and the uncertainty of the situation. The Baltic was dangerously close to Rattlesnake Shoal, nearly running aground, but with quick maneuvering, the ship was freed. It was then that Fox spotted the…
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      That Girl

      That Girl Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin That Girl captures the humorous and tumultuous early days of a young couple’s marriage, blending romance, challenges, and growth in a way that is both heartwarming and relatable. The chapter opens with the couple's excitement for their honeymoon in the Bahamas, anticipating a perfect getaway. However, their plans are quickly thrown into disarray when their luggage gets lost upon arrival in Nassau. Left with only winter clothes and the tropical heat, Jeffrey, the groom, urgently approaches the airport…
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      Thank You!

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Thank You! The memoir begins with the author extending heartfelt appreciation to all those who played a significant role in bringing this book to life. The first mention is of Deborah Davis, a trusted collaborator, researcher, and friend who provided unwavering support throughout the writing process. The author credits her not only for her research skills but also for her patience and encouragement during moments of doubt. The journey of writing this memoir was not an easy one, and without Deborah’s keen…
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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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      Suspicion

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      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…
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      Suspense

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Suspense grips both sides of the conflict as early April unfolds, with Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet becoming increasingly uneasy about the situation. Their confidence relies heavily on the reassurances of their intermediary, Justice Campbell, whose promises are beginning to feel less reliable as tensions escalate. Meanwhile, the Confederate commissioners in Washington, who are used to positions of power, feel disrespected by Secretary of State Seward’s refusal to meet with them.…
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      Sunrise

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      by testsuphomeAdmin As the first light of Sunrise illuminated the battered walls of Fort Sumter on April 12, Captain Doubleday and his fellow officers braced themselves for the long-awaited confrontation. The men gathered in the mess hall, hastily consuming a meager breakfast of salt pork, farina, and rice, knowing it might be their last meal before exhaustion took over. Despite the tension, a quiet sense of duty filled the room as the officers finalized their strategies and prepared their men for the barrage that was sure to…
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      Subterfuge

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Subterfuge was at play as Major Anderson devised a cunning strategy to occupy Fort Sumter amidst the rising tensions with South Carolina’s forces. Recognizing the imminent threat to Fort Sumter, Anderson made the decision to evacuate the families of twenty women and twenty-five children from Fort Moultrie to Fort Johnson, presenting this move as a precaution against potential violence. Under the guise of ensuring their safety, Anderson chartered three schooners, intending to mislead observers about his…
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      Strange News

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Strange News reached Edmund Ruffin as his steamer neared Fernandina, Florida, in late December 1860. Ruffin, eager to influence Florida's legislature toward secession, planned to travel by train to Gainesville and then visit his friend William Owens’ plantation in Marion County before attending the secession convention in Tallahassee on January 3. While en route, Ruffin received several telegrams, one of which informed him that the garrison at Fort Moultrie had been moved to Fort Sumter. This startling…
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