44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
Practice Makes Perfect
**Summary of Chapter: Practice Makes Perfect** In the chapter titled "Practice Makes Perfect," the atmosphere at Fort Sumter is dominated by the sound of cannon fire as Confederate artillery crews engage in practice sessions. This practice is vital, as the firing of heavy guns is both an art and a dangerous endeavor, requiring precision and coordination among the crew, typically consisting of seven men. The term 'gunner' commonly refers to all crew members, but specifically, it is the chief directing the…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Commissioners
On March 15, 1861, two prominent figures, Justice Samuel Nelson from New York and Justice John A. Campbell from Alabama, visited Secretary of State Seward to discuss the status of the Confederate commissioners amid rising tensions. They wished to facilitate a peaceful negotiation to avert war. However, Seward, despite his political savvy, informed them he could not arrange an interview with President Lincoln due to opposition within the Cabinet. Instead, he attempted to calm both sides by suggesting that…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Trust
In the chapter titled "Trust," the narrative unfolds during a tumultuous time in early spring of 1861, particularly focusing on the fate of Fort Sumter. Secretary of State Seward had assured Confederate commissioners that the Fort would be evacuated within five days; however, as March 20 rolled around—the supposed evacuation day—Fort Sumter remained under federal control. Meanwhile, Washington was grappling with an unexpected and brutal cold snap, deepening the sense of urgency for a…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Some Good Thing in the Wind
In the chapter "Some Good Thing in the Wind," occurring between March 24-27, Lincoln sought to gauge the extent of pro-Union sentiment in South Carolina, particularly Charleston. He dispatched two emissaries, Stephen A. Hurlbut and Ward Lamon, to ascertain the local mood following Captain Fox’s assessment of Fort Sumter. Hurlbut, a former resident with a dubious past, traveled under the guise of visiting family but reported back to Lincoln about the heightened war preparations in the region, including…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Firewood
**Summary of "Firewood, The Demon of Unrest"** In the cold days and nights at Fort Sumter, a storm loomed on the horizon. On March 26, Chief Engineer Foster reported the demolition of the last temporary building on the parade, as the fort resorted to burning lumber and one condemned gun carriage for fuel. Outsiders tended to romanticize the situation, focusing on the heroism surrounding Major Anderson and his vastly outnumbered garrison, which was often depicted as a classic David versus Goliath tale,…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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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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