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    44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category


    • 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

      Conflict Cover
      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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      Suspense

      Suspense Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Suspense grips both sides of the conflict as early April unfolds, with Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet becoming increasingly uneasy about the situation. Their confidence relies heavily on the reassurances of their intermediary, Justice Campbell, whose promises are beginning to feel less reliable as tensions escalate. Meanwhile, the Confederate commissioners in Washington, who are used to positions of power, feel disrespected by Secretary of State Seward’s refusal to meet with them.…
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      The Flirtation

      The Flirtation Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The flirtation between Mary Chesnut and John Manning began on March 30, when James Chesnut, accompanied by fellow men, ventured out to explore the forts in Charleston Harbor. Mary decided to remain behind, troubled by the strong winds and dust on the islands. Upon returning to her rooms, she was greeted with a bouquet of roses from friends and anticipated a peaceful Saturday. However, her quiet afternoon was disrupted by a loud knock at the door. When she opened it, she was met by John Manning, who had…
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      Seward’s Play

      Seward’s Play Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Seward’s play on April 1, 1861, involved a private meeting with Justice Campbell, who visited the State Department to discuss Governor Pickens’s telegram about the evacuation of Fort Sumter. In this meeting, Secretary Seward prepared a statement for Campbell, revealing that while President Lincoln might consider supplying Fort Sumter, he would first notify Governor Pickens. This announcement left Campbell startled, as he questioned the implications of Seward's wording, which seemed to suggest a level…
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      Any Minute Now

      Any Minute Now Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Any Minute Now, the growing tensions at Fort Sumter marked a critical period in early April, as Major Robert Anderson found himself grappling with the weight of an uncertain fate. Anderson, a composed military leader, was awaiting a possible order from Washington to vacate the fort, but the possibility of military action loomed over him. While he had mentally prepared to fight if necessary, he also began to see surrender as the best means of avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. However, Anderson's concerns ran…
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      Firewood

      Firewood Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Firewood became a symbol of the harsh realities faced by Major Anderson and his garrison at Fort Sumter during the cold days and nights of late March 1861. As the storm clouds loomed over Charleston, both literally and metaphorically, the fort’s defenses were being pushed to their limits. On March 26, Chief Engineer Foster reported that the last of the temporary buildings on the parade ground had been demolished, and the soldiers were resorting to burning lumber and even a condemned gun carriage to fuel…
    • The Handsomest Man Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin **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…
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      Change of Heart

      Change of Heart Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Change of heart occurred for President Lincoln on March 28, just before his first state dinner, when General Winfield Scott's memo landed on his desk. The memo painted a grim picture of Fort Sumter’s situation, noting that Anderson’s position was becoming increasingly untenable due to Beauregard’s artillery installations. Scott predicted that any effort to relieve the fort would take at least ten months to organize, during which Union forces would likely be defeated. This grim assessment suggested…
    • Russell, of the Times Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Russell, of the Times, arrived in New York City on March 17, eager to observe the contrasts that the city presented. As he walked through the bustling streets, he was struck by the sight of forty or fifty Irishmen in green sashes marching towards mass, a sharp contrast to the more fashionable attire of domestics and free Blacks that he saw around him. The streets were crowded with people, and though there was much activity, the remnants of winter were still clear to see—dirty snow and slush covered…
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