54 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category


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      Preparations

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Preparations for the looming conflict were at the forefront of Major Robert Anderson's mind on Wednesday, April 10, as the situation at Fort Sumter became increasingly dire. The primary concern was the dwindling food supply, which had forced Anderson to implement half rations for the garrison. These rations, he predicted, would only last two more days, barely covering the period until dinnertime on April 12. The soldiers, in an effort to conserve what little they had, resorted to scavenging rice from…
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      Perfidy

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Perfidy marked a pivotal moment on April 9, when Governor Pickens, General Beauregard, and former federal judge Andrew G. Magrath gathered in Pickens's office at the Charleston Hotel to discuss a sensitive matter. The delivery of mail addressed to Fort Sumter had been halted by Beauregard’s order, sparking a tense conversation among the three men. They were acutely aware of the gravity of the situation, with the looming conflict with the Union putting them in a difficult moral position. While the…
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      Confession

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Confession plays a significant role in understanding Major Anderson’s emotional turmoil as he faced pivotal decisions during the lead-up to the Civil War. While stationed at Fort Sumter, Anderson’s efforts to communicate were hindered by prolonged mail delivery delays of three to four days, which deepened his sense of isolation. With distrust surrounding the telegraph system due to fears of interception, the mail became the only reliable means of communication for both Union and Confederate forces,…
    • Dismay and Dishonor Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Dismay and dishonor unfolded in the tense chapter of "The Demon of Unrest" on April 8, as Southern commissioners and Secretary of State William Seward engaged in a heated exchange. Seward, writing in the third person, framed his perspective on the unfolding events, firmly stating that he did not view the Southern movement as a legitimate revolution or a foundation for an independent nation. Instead, he dismissed it as a passing partisan excitement, emphasizing his belief that it was not worthy of formal…
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      Suspicion

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Suspicion was palpable on Tuesday, April 9, as Edmund Ruffin prepared to leave his hotel and make his way to the Charleston wharf. With a small carpet bag and a borrowed musket from the Citadel Military Academy in hand, Ruffin boarded a steamer bound for Morris Island, where he intended to take part in its defense. Known for his strong pro-secessionist views, Ruffin enjoyed the attention he received upon arrival, which ranged from admiration to praise. Though the recognition seemed excessive for what he…
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      Fatal Error

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Fatal error marked a pivotal moment on April 5, when President Lincoln found himself grappling with the consequences of a critical mistake. He had assigned the same warship, the Powhatan, to two separate relief expeditions. Late that night, after receiving a troubling telegram from New York, Lincoln quickly convened with Secretary of State William Seward and Navy Secretary Gideon Welles. Upon reading the telegram, Lincoln expressed his disbelief and took full responsibility for the mishap, acknowledging…
    • The Petrel’s Delight Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Petrel’s Delight reflected the tension that gripped Charleston in early April 1861, as both military forces and enslaved individuals in Confederate batteries prepared for an imminent confrontation. The anticipated evacuation of Fort Sumter, which many had hoped for, never occurred, raising the stakes for both sides. Cold temperatures and relentless winds plagued the region, with heavy rain throughout the weekend forcing many indoors, adding to the already uneasy atmosphere. The weather mirrored the…
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      Storm

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Storm clouds loomed on April 8 as Captain Fox set out to lead his fleet, confident that the presence of the Powhatan would guarantee a successful mission to Charleston. Having transitioned from Navy service to overseeing a critical military operation, Fox was optimistic that his fleet would soon rendezvous off the coast of Charleston. The tug Uncle Ben departed New York that evening, followed by Fox aboard the Baltic the next morning, expecting to meet up with the rest of the fleet two days later. Fox’s…
    • The Correspondent Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Correspondent, William Russell, found himself increasingly skeptical about the possibility of restoring the Union during his April 3 meeting with Southern commissioners Martin Crawford and John Forsyth. As he noted in his diary, the commissioners conveyed an air of entitlement, believing they were representatives of a foreign nation engaged in negotiations with "Yankeedom." Their indignation was palpable, as they expressed frustration over the government’s refusal to engage with them on matters…
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      Conflict

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Conflict brewed in early April as Major Anderson, typically known for his composed demeanor, became increasingly frustrated with the inaction from Washington regarding Fort Sumter. The catalyst for his growing discontent was the revelation of a telegram sent by Confederate Commissioner Crawford to General Beauregard. The telegram warned that President Lincoln might not order the evacuation of Fort Sumter, instead leaving the decision to Anderson, effectively putting him in the position of being “starved…
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