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      The True Enemy

      The True Enemy Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin 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…
    • To Sell or Collide Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin 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…
    • Chapter

      Race Week

      Race Week Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter titled "Race Week" from "The Demon of Unrest," we delve into a vibrant yet tumultuous period in Charleston, timed with the social spectacle of Race Week. Governor Pickens, looking to avoid conflict with Fort Sumter, embraced the occasion as ordinary life halted—schools, courts, and many businesses closed. Witnesses noted that Charleston was abuzz with discussions about horses, as breeders and spectators flocked from around the South and even as far as New York, arriving on chartered…
    • Chapter

      Yard Sale

      Yard Sale Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin **Yard Sale** On February 9, 1861, to finance his trip to Washington, Lincoln sold furniture from his home in Springfield. One of the buyers was Samuel H. Melvin, a local dealer in medicinal drugs and supplies. A receipt, personally signed by Lincoln, detailed the sale which totaled $82.25. This included: - 6 chairs - 1 spring mattress - 1 wardrobe - 1 whatnot (a cabinet with open shelves) - 1 stand - 9.5 yards of stair carpet - 4 comforters Faced with the impending move and new responsibilities,…
    • Chapter

      Departure

      Departure Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin On February 11, 1861, the day of departure had finally arrived for Abraham Lincoln. He woke early and left his hotel at seven-thirty on a gloomy morning, characterized by a wet chill that enveloped Springfield. After boarding a carriage, he was taken to the Great Western Railroad depot - a modest one-story structure. A crowd had gathered, estimates varying wildly from a few hundred to over a thousand onlookers. Notable figures, including sculptor Thomas D. Jones, described Lincoln’s calm demeanor as he…
    • The Silence Breaks Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In "The Silence Breaks, The Demon of Unrest," the narrative unfolds on February 11 and 12, marking the start of Lincoln’s journey on the Great Western Railroad through various towns in Illinois toward his inauguration. As he traverses towns like Illiopolis, Niantic, and Danville, Lincoln takes time to stand on the rear platform, allowing the public to see him. His presence stirs significant curiosity and excitement as citizens gather in crowds anxious to catch a glimpse of the man whose election has…
    • Chapter

      “Pimp!”

      “Pimp!” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin On February 13, Lincoln’s train, known as Lincoln’s Special, arrived in Columbus, Ohio, amid considerable political tension. It was the day Congress was set to certify the electoral vote, coinciding with Virginia's decision to start its secession convention. Lincoln's entourage, including Larz Anderson, Major Anderson's brother, journeyed in a specially expanded train of three cars. Journalist Villard noted that the weather was "magnificent." Upon arrival, Lincoln was received with artillery salutes…
    • The Time Will Come Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter titled "The Time Will Come" begins with Orville Browning's letter to Abraham Lincoln regarding his inaugural address. Browning, reflecting on Lincoln’s speech, voices concern over a passage he finds excessively aggressive, specifically Lincoln's assertion to reclaim public properties and duties, which he fears may antagonize secessionists. Browning emphasizes that the administration should present secessionists as the aggressors in any potential conflict, urging Lincoln to revise his language…
    • Chapter

      Dual Warning

      Dual Warning Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter titled "Dual Warning," dated February 21, significant events unfold in Washington and Philadelphia surrounding a potential assassination threat against President-elect Abraham Lincoln. General Winfield Scott, after receiving alerts about the threat from Dorothea Dix via railroad executive Samuel Felton, initiates an investigation. He enlists the help of John A. Kennedy, the head of New York City police, who has already dispatched detectives to scrutinize the situation. Scott offers Kennedy…
    • Chapter

      Under Fire

      Under Fire Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter "Under Fire" from *Star of the West*, the tension surrounding the ship's approach to Fort Sumter escalates as it comes under fire from a hidden battery. Captain McGowan documents the precarious situation, noting how cannonballs ricochet around the vessel, with one narrowly missing the pilot-house and another striking the ship's hull. The *Star of the West*, being a large target, is an easy mark for the inexperience of the fifty cadets manning the cannons, who seem to fire wildly during the…
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