44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
The Handsomest Man
**Chapter Summary: The Handsomest Man** In Charleston, life continued seamlessly despite the looming civil war. The Battery's vibrant atmosphere included carriages, elegantly dressed men and women, and the occasional cannon blast signaling military preparations. Mary Chesnut, a prominent figure among the local elite, became the center of attention with her flirtation involving former Governor Manning, a wealthy man known for his handsome looks, who was also married. This playful engagement, termed a…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Change of Heart
In "Change of Heart," the events unfold on March 28, shortly before Lincoln's first state dinner. General Winfield Scott's memo deeply disturbs Lincoln as it presents a grim assessment of Fort Sumter's situation. Scott emphasizes that Anderson's position at Sumter is more untenable due to Beauregard’s artillery installations, predicting that a full-scale invasion to relieve the fort would require ten months to organize, during which time Union forces would likely suffer defeat. He advises that evacuation…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Flirtation
On March 30, James Chesnut embarked on a journey with fellow men to explore the forts in Charleston Harbor, while Mary chose to stay back, concerned about the strong wind and dust on the islands. She received a bouquet of roses from friends upon returning to her rooms, anticipating a peaceful Saturday, which was soon interrupted by a loud knock at her door. When she opened it, she found John Manning, who had mistakenly knocked on the wrong door. He invited her to join their gathering at Quinby’s, a…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Seward’s Play
**Summary of Seward’s Play, The Demon of Unrest - Chapter Overview** On April 1, 1861, Justice Campbell visited the State Department to discuss Governor Pickens's telegram regarding the evacuation of Fort Sumter. Secretary Seward drafted a statement for Campbell, indicating that while President Lincoln may want to supply Fort Sumter, he would inform Governor Pickens first. This announcement startled Campbell, who questioned the implications of Seward's latter. Contrary to Seward’s optimistic…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Any Minute Now
In "Any Minute Now, The Demon of Unrest," we find ourselves situated at Fort Sumter during early April. The atmosphere is fraught with tension as Major Robert Anderson anticipates an order from Washington to vacate the fort. While he is prepared to engage in battle if necessary, he has also come to the reluctant conclusion that abandoning the fort might be the best way to prevent violence. However, Anderson feels he lacks the authority to make that decision alone, fearing that a surrender could impugn his…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Correspondent
On April 3, William Russell of the London Times met the Southern commissioners Martin Crawford and John Forsyth, which led him to question the viability of restoring the Union. He noted in his diary their sense of entitlement, believing they were representatives of a foreign nation negotiating with “Yankeedom,” expressing indignation over the government’s refusal to engage them in discussions about separation-related matters. Two days later, he met with all three commissioners, including André Roman…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Conflict
In early April, Major Anderson, known for his composure, expressed growing frustration with Washington's inaction regarding Fort Sumter. The catalyst for his discontent was learning of a telegram from Confederate Commissioner Crawford to General Beauregard, warning that President Lincoln might not order an evacuation, instead leaving the decision to Anderson, effectively letting him be “starved out.” Upon receiving the news three days later, Anderson felt compelled to voice his concerns in a letter to…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Suspense
In the chapter titled "Montgomery and Richmond," the tension mounts in early April as Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet grow increasingly anxious about the situation. Their confidence relies solely on the assurances from their intermediary, Justice Campbell. The Confederate commissioners in Washington—who were accustomed to power and command—struggle with feelings of disrespect, particularly due to Secretary of State Seward's refusal to meet them. They anticipated being treated as…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Petrel’s Delight
**The Petrel’s Delight, The Demon of Unrest** In early April 1861, Charleston found itself enveloped in a mix of tension and oppressive weather as the workers at Sumter and enslaved individuals in Confederate batteries prepared for an imminent battle. The anticipated evacuation of Fort Sumter never occurred, raising the stakes for both sides. Cold temperatures and high winds plagued the region, and heavy rain throughout the weekend forced many indoors, creating an uneasy atmosphere. Keziah Brevard, a…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Storm
On April 8, Captain Fox prepared to launch his fleet with pride, having transitioned from a Navy man to leading a significant military expedition to Charleston, confident that the presence of the **Powhatan** meant victory. The tug **Uncle Ben** departed New York that evening, followed by Fox aboard the **Baltic** the next morning, expecting a successful rendezvous with his fleet off Charleston two days later. However, as the **Baltic** navigated out of New York Harbor, it faced a fierce Atlantic gale…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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