44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
A Little Treason
Edmund Ruffin was in Tallahassee observing Florida's secession convention when the news broke on January 9 that the *Star of the West* attempted to reinforce Fort Sumter. This event had a significant impact on the delegates; those previously opposed to secession began to support it fervently. The following morning, the convention voted overwhelmingly in favor of secession, with a tally of 62 to 7. Ruffin eagerly telegraphed the news to Governor Pickens in Charleston and editors of the *Richmond Enquirer*,…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
A Rumor of Plaid
In the chapter "A Rumor of Plaid" from *The Demon of Unrest*, the secretive arrival of President-elect Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C., captivates the city. A reporter from the *New-York Times* describes Lincoln's unexpected entrance, likening it to magic, noting, "the whole city has been agreeably surprised." The article on February 25 famously depicts Lincoln in a Scotch plaid cap and a long military cloak, making him unrecognizable. This imagery incites cartoonists to humorously portray Lincoln…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Lethal Secrets
**Chapter Summary: Lethal Secrets** In January, Lieutenant Talbot returned from Washington, bringing news and a letter from Secretary of War Joseph Holt, who had just been confirmed in office. The situation surrounding Fort Sumter was tense, with local civilians expressing their anger toward Captain Doubleday, known for his abolitionist views. Doubleday learned he was viewed as a target, reputedly warned of plans to harm him should he venture into Charleston. Despite Major Anderson hoping for clear…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Dread
In the chapter titled "Dread," the atmosphere in Washington is tense as the city prepares for the electoral count and certification of Lincoln's election scheduled for February 13. General Scott's troops and artillery are positioned throughout the city, symbolizing the Army's determination to safeguard the electoral process against any potential disruptions. Speculation swirls around Baltimore, where it is rumored that six thousand armed men might pose a significant threat to the peace of Washington. In…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
A Solemn Council
In the chapter "A Solemn Council," dated February 4, Lincoln's preparations for his journey to Washington coincide with significant political activity regarding secession in Virginia. A recent election showed that the majority of Virginia's delegates favored staying in the Union, bolstered by the guidance of Lincoln's designee, Seward, who believed further concessions would be necessary to maintain this support. This optimistic sentiment was affirmed by the results from Tennessee, where voters declined to…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
To Sell or Collide
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…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Race Week
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…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Yard Sale
**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,…-
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
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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