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    352 Results in the "Biography & Memoir" category


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      Yard Sale

      Yard Sale Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Yard Sale preparations began on February 9, 1861, as Abraham Lincoln faced the emotional and logistical challenges of leaving his longtime home in Springfield for the uncertainty of Washington. In a modest yet telling moment, Lincoln sold several pieces of household furniture to help cover travel costs. Among the buyers was Samuel H. Melvin, a local dealer in medicinal goods, who paid a total of $82.25—a considerable sum at the time but one that underscored Lincoln's pragmatic approach to change. A…
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      Under Fire

      Under Fire Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Under Fire, the Star of the West found itself in a dire situation as it approached Fort Sumter, coming under fire from a hidden battery positioned on the shoreline. Captain McGowan, stationed aboard the ship, meticulously documented the dangerous circumstances, noting the way cannonballs ricocheted off the vessel's hull. One shot narrowly missed the pilot-house, while another struck the side of the ship, intensifying the growing threat to the vessel. Given the ship's large size and lack of experienced…
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      Turmoil

      Turmoil Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Turmoil in Charleston began on December 27, 1860, when Major Anderson took control of Fort Sumter, prompting Governor Francis W. Pickens to act swiftly. Despite the largely ceremonial nature of the governorship, Pickens disregarded objections from the state legislature and ordered the South Carolina militia to seize all remaining federal properties in Charleston Harbor. The first target was Castle Pinckney, which was overtaken by around 150 militia members who scaled the fort’s walls to find it nearly…
    • To Sell or Collide Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin To Sell or Collide, South Carolina was finalizing its plans to attack Fort Sumter in early February, with construction nearly completed at Cummings Point. Major Anderson, stationed at the fort, shared his concerns with Adjutant Cooper, hoping the state would reconsider the attack that had been long anticipated. At the same time, the Hall-Hayne mission to Washington faced challenges due to misunderstandings about the strategic value of the fort. Hayne, the South Carolina Attorney General, arrived at the…
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      To Dare

      To Dare Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin To Dare, the political climate in South Carolina grew increasingly volatile in December 1860. A convention of 169 prominent figures, including former congressmen, governors, and senators, gathered in Columbia to address the growing issue of secession. These delegates, most of whom were wealthy slave owners, were deeply concerned about the national debate surrounding slavery and the election of Abraham Lincoln. As South Carolina’s secession seemed inevitable, the atmosphere in the room was one of palpable…
    • The Vile Wretch in Petticoats Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Vile Wretch in Petticoats became a significant source of controversy in the South after Uncle Tom’s Cabin was serialized in the National Era, an abolitionist newspaper, beginning on June 5, 1851. The novel, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, provided a stark and emotional portrayal of the brutality of slavery, which resonated deeply with Northern audiences. Its vivid depictions of violence and human suffering, particularly through characters like Haley, the unscrupulous slave trader, and Simon Legree,…
    • The Unfairness of It All Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Unfairness of It All captures the deepening frustrations and political turmoil experienced by President James Buchanan during the final stages of his presidency, as he navigated the ever-worsening divisions in the United States. Buchanan had entered office in 1857 with a sense of optimism and a desire to restore peace to a nation increasingly divided over the issue of slavery. However, by the end of his term, he found himself overwhelmed by the escalating conflict, particularly the political battle…
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      The True Enemy

      The True Enemy Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The True Enemy emerges in the early days of the Civil War, highlighted by Mississippi's decision to secede from the Union on January 9, 1861. Following in South Carolina's footsteps, Mississippi's secession convention unanimously voted to leave, driven by the belief that slavery was essential to their way of life. The delegates saw the institution of slavery as crucial for their economy, with its preservation seen as a moral and economic necessity. In their declaration of secession, they emphasized a sharp…
    • The Time Will Come Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Time Will Come, and it begins with Orville Browning writing to Abraham Lincoln concerning the upcoming inaugural address. Browning was deeply concerned about the tone of Lincoln's speech, particularly a passage regarding the reclamation of public properties. He feared that such a statement could provoke the secessionists and escalate tensions with the Southern states. In his letter, Browning emphasized the importance of framing the secessionists as the aggressors, a strategy he believed would help…
    • The Silence Breaks Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Silence Breaks as Abraham Lincoln embarks on his long-awaited journey toward his inauguration. On February 11 and 12, he begins his travels on the Great Western Railroad, passing through various towns in Illinois. As Lincoln makes his way through towns like Illiopolis, Niantic, and Danville, he takes brief moments to step onto the rear platform of his train, offering the public a chance to catch a glimpse of their president-elect. His presence stirs a mix of excitement and curiosity, drawing crowds who…
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