44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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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
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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Chapter
First Day
On Tuesday, March 5, Lincoln began his tenure with a letter from William Seward, confirming his acceptance of the secretary of state position. Seward reflected on his resignation from Congress, feeling fortunate to have avoided any major fallout. He acknowledged Lincoln's ambition to form a diverse cabinet, one that would face their shared turbulent political climate together, despite many being his former rivals for the Republican nomination. Seward expressed hesitation but felt compelled by duty towards…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Activity and Determination
In the chapter titled "Activity and Determination," set on March 5, the atmosphere surrounding Fort Sumter reflects an increasing urgency and preparation amidst the escalating tensions of the Civil War. The men stationed at Fort Sumter, unable to access Lincoln's inaugural address for two days, observe a notable uptick in activity at the surrounding batteries in Charleston Harbor. This heightened activity is attributed to both the president's speech and the arrival of General Beauregard, who is tasked with…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Relief
The chapter titled "Relief" unfolds in the wake of Inauguration Day, a day previously fraught with tension and anxiety. Now that March 4 has passed without incident, a sense of relief permeates the atmosphere. Correspondence between Frances and William Seward reveals both personal and political concerns. Frances writes from freezing Auburn, New York, addressing the health of a family friend, Ethan Warden, whose illness she attributes to anxiety over the inauguration. Despite the grim circumstances, she…-
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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