44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
The Old Gentlemen Pay a Call
On February 23, the day Lincoln arrived in Washington, he invited the delegates of the Washington Peace Convention to a reception in his parlor suite at the Willard Hotel. Among these delegates was William Cabell Rives, a former congressman and senator from Virginia, who, despite owning almost one hundred slaves, was a staunch unionist. Rives, along with other delegates, attended the Peace Convention, which had become deadlocked as both sides clung to their beliefs. Fueled by frustration, Rives delivered a…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Mary Chesnut’s Diary
In Montgomery, beginning February 23, 1861, Mary Chesnut joined her husband, James, a delegate at the Confederacy's founding convention. Their arrival was marked by a difficult journey, which left Mary feeling unwell, but her spirits lifted upon meeting James. He was immersed in his work, diligently writing away. After attending church, Mary hosted a dinner with relatives and influential visitors, including Judge Thomas Jefferson Withers and the wealthy John L. Manning, introducing a blend of social…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Premier’s Advice
In the chapter titled "The Premier’s Advice," the ongoing preparations for Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address are detailed. As Lincoln refines his speech, he seeks insights from notable figures, including Francis P. Blair, Sr., and William Seward, who embody contrasting perspectives on the nation’s crisis. Blair wholeheartedly approves of Lincoln’s draft, while Seward brings a more critical eye, emphasizing his own understanding of the perilous situation the nation faces. Seward sends Lincoln an…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Query
On February 28, Major Anderson sought his officers' assessments on the required personnel and ships to reinforce Fort Sumter for submission to the War Department and President Lincoln. He instructed each officer to provide their estimates autonomously, hoping that the daunting realities of reinforcement would dissuade the government from pursuing aggressive action. Captain Foster, the chief engineer, reported the highest estimate: landing and securing the batteries at Cummings Point and Morris Island…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
On the Scent
In the chapter titled "On the Scent," dated March 3, John Delane, the editor of the *Times* of London, perceives that political tension in America is escalating to a point where violence might erupt. This conflict, particularly between the Southern States and the Union following Lincoln’s election, could make for captivating news for his readership, particularly those in England who might take some satisfaction in America's strife. To grasp the situation firsthand, he decides to send Sir William Howard…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
A Ball at Sunrise
**Summary of "A Ball at Sunrise"** On the morning of March 8, Confederate artillery stationed at Fort Moultrie and Cummings Point initiated fire, seemingly as a practice drill. Initially, the first three shots fired were blank, followed by additional blank discharges until an unexpected real shot soared through the air, landing dangerously close to Fort Sumter. This cannonball struck the water about thirty yards from the fort, ricocheting and damaging Sumter’s wharf, which led to a swift response from…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Seward’s Trick
In the backdrop of a looming Inauguration Day, only two days away, President-elect Abraham Lincoln found himself still finalizing his cabinet. The process had been marred by political infighting, particularly concerning the selection of key positions. William Seward had already accepted the role of Secretary of State; however, other cabinet appointments were still under heated debate. Lincoln appeared inclined to choose Salmon Chase, a fervent abolitionist, for the Secretary of the Treasury role. This…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Interesting News
In the chapter titled "Interesting News," dated March 1-3, the narrative unfolds from Fort Sumter, where Private Millens updates his father about the heightened military activity in Charleston. He observes that the surrounding fortifications are nearing completion, particularly noting the transformation of Morris Island into a formidable defensive structure made up of numerous batteries. Millens mentions a new weapon, the floating battery, believed to be near completion, describing it as both formidable…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Mystic Chords
The chapter "Mystic Chords" opens with a reflection on Washington, noting its unusual quietness and somber atmosphere on Inauguration Day, March 4. Journalist Henry Villard comments on the city's transformation into a Southern-centric locale despite the federal ban on commercial slave trading. With a significant but decreasing enslaved population, tensions were palpable, tipping the city into a state of unrest, as General Scott remarked on the fragile situation. Lincoln, struggling with anxiety about his…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Sickened
In Charleston, on March 4, Edmund Ruffin read the inaugural address, which was delivered via telegraph to the office of the *Mercury*. As the crowd gathered to follow along, Ruffin noted in his diary that the address confirmed his belief that war was imminent. He looked forward to Confederate General Beauregard taking action against Fort Sumter and anticipated that Lincoln might provoke an immediate conflict by trying to reinforce the fort. The excitement in the air was palpable, as Ruffin observed no…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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