44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
Rumor and Cannon Fire
On April 9, Mary Chesnut, despite suffering from a bad cold, was getting ready to head back to Mulberry plantation. Initially reluctant to leave her home, a visit from her friend Robert Gourdin prompted her to change her mind. During their conversation, John Manning entered dramatically, proclaiming, “Madam your country is invaded.” He claimed that six warships were lurking outside the bar, while messengers Talbot and Chew brought news of imminent war. However, this alarming announcement regarding the…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Preparations
On Wednesday, April 10, the primary concern for Major Anderson at Fort Sumter was food supply. He instituted half rations for the garrison, predicting they would last only two more days, until dinnertime on April 12. The men made do with rice scavenged from broken window glass left over from earlier. Assistant Surgeon Crawford documented this dire situation in his journal, noting Anderson's strict management of the limited resources. The officers became adept at salvaging crumbs from their meals, and…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Fatal Error
On April 5, Lincoln faced the ramifications of a critical error: assigning the same warship, the Powhatan, to two separate relief expeditions. Late at night, he welcomed Secretary of State Seward and Navy Secretary Gideon Welles, who had hurriedly come after receiving a distressing telegram from New York. Upon reading the telegram, Lincoln expressed disbelief and took full responsibility for what he deemed carelessness and heedlessness on his part. He insisted to Seward that the Powhatan must accompany the…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Four Telegrams
The chapter titled "Four Telegrams" presents a critical communication dated April 10, 1861, during the lead-up to the Civil War, involving key figures General Beauregard and L. P. Walker. The correspondence begins with a telegram from Montgomery directed to General Beauregard in Charleston, urging immediate action regarding Fort Sumter. Walker, as the Confederate Secretary of War, emphasizes the necessity of demanding the evacuation of the fort if Beauregard confirms the Washington Government's intent to…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Confusion
In the chapter titled "Confusion," set in Charleston on April 11, Beauregard faced significant challenges as he prepared for an imminent conflict against Fort Sumter. Despite the excitement, he was unprepared for war, hindered by a shortage of gunpowder after recent vigorous displays. With only enough powder to sustain a few hours of fire, he awaited a fresh supply due that night from Augusta, Georgia, which required careful transport through an area vulnerable to enemy fire. Beauregard's difficulties…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Correspondent
On Thursday, April 11, William Russell of the London Times dined at the modest residence of General Winfield Scott, the commander of military forces in Washington. Upon arrival, he was greeted by soldiers on horseback patrolling the street. Inside, he joined a gathering that included notable figures like William Seward and Attorney General Bates, as well as Major George W. Cullum, a stern Army engineer known for his past construction of fortifications, including Fort Sumter. The dinner was remarkable,…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Angel of Death
**Summary of "The Angel of Death, The Demon of Unrest" Chapter** On April 12, 1861, Captain Gustavus Fox aboard the *Baltic* arrived at his fleet’s rendezvous point off Charleston in treacherous weather. He was expecting to see lights from the other ships, especially the *Powhatan*, but it was still too dark, and there was no sign of them. During his search, the *Baltic* was nearly grounded on Rattlesnake Shoal but managed to break free. Only one ship, the *Harriet Lane*, was present, and it faced crew…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Sunrise
**Sunrise, The Demon of Unrest - Chapter Summary** On the morning of April 12, Captain Doubleday commenced his day at Fort Sumter with breakfast alongside other officers. Following a meager meal of salt pork, farina, and rice salvaged from the fort, they readied themselves for the day’s imminent conflict. The officers organized the garrison into gunnery squads to ensure a sustained firing effort once fatigue set in. Doubleday led the first group to the guns facing the Iron Battery on Morris Island. He…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Sumter Expedition
On a Friday morning at seven a.m., the warship *Pawnee* arrived near Charleston, joining the *Harriet Lane* and Captain Fox's ship, the *Baltic*. They were still awaiting the arrival of tugboats and the warships *Powhatan* and *Pocahontas*, which contained soldiers and heavy artillery. Despite the absence of these vessels, Captain Fox decided to proceed with the first phase of his mission: delivering provisions to Fort Sumter peacefully. As *Baltic* raised steam and sailed towards Charleston, accompanied…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
The Great Darkness
The chapter titled "The Great Darkness" takes place on Friday, April 12, during a significant moment in the history of Fort Sumter. At midday, Private Thompson of Fort Sumter observes a third steamship joining two others that have been present since dawn. This raises the hopes of the men stationed at the fort, as they believed these vessels were part of an expedition to relieve them. However, as time passes, the ships remain stationary, leading Thompson to anticipate that they would wait until nightfall to…-
261.4 K • Ongoing
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