54 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category


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      Sickened

      Sickened Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Sickened by the unfolding events in Charleston, Edmund Ruffin read Lincoln’s inaugural address, which had been telegraphed to the Mercury on March 4. As the public gathered to listen to Lincoln’s address, Ruffin found his belief in the inevitability of war becoming even stronger. The speech, he believed, only confirmed what he had long suspected—that a direct confrontation was imminent. The possibility that Confederate General Beauregard might move to strike Fort Sumter soon felt like an unavoidable…
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      First Day

      First Day Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin On March 5, the first day of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, he was immediately thrust into the turbulent realities of leading a deeply divided nation. He received a letter from William Seward, who had agreed to serve as Secretary of State, confirming his acceptance of the position. Seward reflected on his resignation from Congress, acknowledging the delicate political landscape and how fortunate he felt to have avoided major fallout from his decision. Despite their past rivalry during the Republican…
    • Seward’s Trick Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Seward’s trick, a politically calculated maneuver, unfolded just days before Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration, revealing the intricate webs of political rivalry and strategy that permeated the formation of the new administration. At the heart of the tension was the heated debate surrounding Lincoln’s cabinet, a process marred by various political factions vying for power and influence. While Lincoln had already secured William Seward’s agreement to serve as Secretary of State, other crucial…
    • Interesting News Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Interesting news was circulating around Fort Sumter as Private Millens wrote to his father about the increasing military presence in Charleston between March 1 and 3. He observed that fortifications around the area were nearing completion, and Morris Island had been transformed into a highly fortified position with multiple batteries. Millens also mentioned a new weapon under development, a floating battery, which was nearing readiness but was also cumbersome. This new addition to the Confederate arsenal…
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      On the Scent

      On the Scent Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin On the scent of impending conflict, John Delane, the editor of the Times in London, grew increasingly concerned about the escalating political tensions in the United States. Following Abraham Lincoln’s election, the conflict between the Southern states and the Union intensified, raising the possibility of violence breaking out. Delane recognized that the situation in America could be an engaging topic for his British readers, many of whom might find some measure of satisfaction in witnessing the turmoil…
    • The Old Gentlemen Pay a Call Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Old Gentlemen Pay a Call begins with an important and symbolic moment on February 23, when President-elect Abraham Lincoln, newly arrived in Washington, hosted a reception at the Willard Hotel for delegates of the Washington Peace Convention. Among the distinguished guests was William Cabell Rives, a former congressman and senator from Virginia, known for his unionist beliefs despite being a slave owner with nearly a hundred slaves. Rives had long supported the preservation of the Union and believed…
    • Mary Chesnut’s Diary Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Mary Chesnut’s Diary offers a deeply insightful and vivid portrayal of the intricacies of life during the early days of the Confederacy. The narrative begins on February 23, 1861, when Mary arrives in Montgomery with her husband, James, who is attending the founding convention of the Confederacy. While the long journey has left Mary feeling ill and drained, she finds solace in being reunited with James, who is fully absorbed in his political role. The atmosphere of Montgomery, with its blend of charm and…
    • The Premier’s Advice Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Premier’s Advice delves into the final stages of Abraham Lincoln’s preparations for his inaugural address, a pivotal moment in American history. As tensions between the Union and the Southern states intensify, Lincoln seeks the counsel of key figures, including Francis P. Blair, Sr., and William Seward, who offer differing perspectives on the nation’s crisis. Blair is wholeheartedly supportive of Lincoln’s draft, believing it holds the potential to heal the nation’s divisions. However, Seward…
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      Query

      Query Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Query surrounding the fort's reinforcement prompted Major Anderson to seek out comprehensive assessments from his officers regarding the necessary personnel and ships to ensure Fort Sumter’s defense. On February 28, Anderson requested individual reports from his officers, hoping their evaluations of the daunting task of reinforcing the fort would highlight the immense logistical challenges involved. By collecting these assessments, Anderson sought to emphasize the severity of the situation, thereby…
    • One Very Dark Night Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin One very dark night in late February, a significant, albeit unsettling, series of events unfolded. On February 22, as President-elect Abraham Lincoln made a brief stop in Leaman Place, Pennsylvania, en route to Harrisburg, he was met by an enthusiastic crowd eager to hear from him. Although Lincoln’s voice was hoarse, he managed to humorously introduce his wife, sparking laughter from the audience, which lightened the mood for a brief moment. This public appearance, being his last before his secretive…
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