44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
The True Enemy
The chapter titled "The True Enemy" discusses the pivotal events surrounding Mississippi's secession from the Union during the early days of the Civil War. On January 9, 1861, Mississippi’s secession convention unanimously favored leaving the Union, following South Carolina's lead. This decision was driven by a fervent belief in the necessity of protecting the institution of slavery, which the delegates viewed as vital to their economic interests. In their official declaration, the distinction between…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
One Very Dark Night
On February 22, Lincoln made a stop in Leaman Place, Pennsylvania, en route to Harrisburg, where a large crowd awaited him. Despite being too hoarse to speak, he humorously introduced his wife, triggering laughter from the audience. This last public appearance prior to Lincoln's secretive journey toward Washington heightened anxieties about his safety, especially regarding potential danger in Baltimore, which Secretary Hay ominously hinted at. The atmosphere was heavy with tension as people worried about…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Forbearance
In the chapter titled "Forbearance," dated January 9–12, Major Anderson and his men at Fort Sumter witness the departure of the ship, the *Star of the West*, after it is fired upon by Fort Moultrie. Despite the provocation, Anderson orders his gunners not to retaliate, which frustrates Captain Doubleday, who believes firing back was their duty to defend the American flag. Doubleday recalls that such inaction may have endangered their position and was shocking to Southern forces. Anderson convenes his…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Man in the Felt Hat
In the chapter titled "The Man in the Felt Hat," the narrative unfolds the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s secretive journey to Washington, D.C., during a time fraught with tension just prior to his inauguration. On February 22-23, Lincoln donned a worn overcoat and a newly fashionable “kossuth” hat, which had symbolized democratic ideals and was made popular by Hungarian politician Louis Kossuth. This disguise, along with his slouched posture, helped Lincoln avoid recognition despite his height…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
A Little Treason
Edmund Ruffin was in Tallahassee observing Florida's secession convention when the news broke on January 9 that the *Star of the West* attempted to reinforce Fort Sumter. This event had a significant impact on the delegates; those previously opposed to secession began to support it fervently. The following morning, the convention voted overwhelmingly in favor of secession, with a tally of 62 to 7. Ruffin eagerly telegraphed the news to Governor Pickens in Charleston and editors of the *Richmond Enquirer*,…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
A Rumor of Plaid
In the chapter "A Rumor of Plaid" from *The Demon of Unrest*, the secretive arrival of President-elect Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C., captivates the city. A reporter from the *New-York Times* describes Lincoln's unexpected entrance, likening it to magic, noting, "the whole city has been agreeably surprised." The article on February 25 famously depicts Lincoln in a Scotch plaid cap and a long military cloak, making him unrecognizable. This imagery incites cartoonists to humorously portray Lincoln…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Lethal Secrets
**Chapter Summary: Lethal Secrets** In January, Lieutenant Talbot returned from Washington, bringing news and a letter from Secretary of War Joseph Holt, who had just been confirmed in office. The situation surrounding Fort Sumter was tense, with local civilians expressing their anger toward Captain Doubleday, known for his abolitionist views. Doubleday learned he was viewed as a target, reputedly warned of plans to harm him should he venture into Charleston. Despite Major Anderson hoping for clear…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Dread
In the chapter titled "Dread," the atmosphere in Washington is tense as the city prepares for the electoral count and certification of Lincoln's election scheduled for February 13. General Scott's troops and artillery are positioned throughout the city, symbolizing the Army's determination to safeguard the electoral process against any potential disruptions. Speculation swirls around Baltimore, where it is rumored that six thousand armed men might pose a significant threat to the peace of Washington. In…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
A Solemn Council
In the chapter "A Solemn Council," dated February 4, Lincoln's preparations for his journey to Washington coincide with significant political activity regarding secession in Virginia. A recent election showed that the majority of Virginia's delegates favored staying in the Union, bolstered by the guidance of Lincoln's designee, Seward, who believed further concessions would be necessary to maintain this support. This optimistic sentiment was affirmed by the results from Tennessee, where voters declined to…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
To Sell or Collide
In early February, South Carolina was finalizing its plans for an assault on Fort Sumter, with construction at Cummings Point nearly complete. Major Anderson reported his concerns to Adjutant Cooper, hoping that South Carolina wouldn’t proceed with the long-threatened attack. Meanwhile, the Hall-Hayne mission to Washington faltered due to misunderstandings about the importance of Fort Sumter. Hayne, the South Carolina Attorney General, entered the White House with the expectation of easily negotiating…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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