54 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category


    • The Man in the Felt Hat Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Man in the Felt Hat offers a compelling look at Abraham Lincoln's secretive journey to Washington, D.C., during a time of rising tension. As his inauguration approached, Lincoln was aware of the political unrest and increasing threats against him. To safeguard his arrival, he decided to travel in disguise, wearing a worn overcoat and a "kossuth" hat—a symbol of democratic ideals that had been popularized by Hungarian revolutionary Louis Kossuth. The combination of the hat and his slouched posture…
    • A Rumor of Plaid Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin A Rumor of Plaid captures the dramatic and secretive journey of President-elect Abraham Lincoln to Washington, D.C., on the eve of his inauguration, setting the stage for the turbulence that would soon grip the nation. A New-York Times reporter described Lincoln's arrival on February 25 as nothing short of magical, noting that the city was "agreeably surprised" by his unexpected and stealthy entrance. The president-elect, wearing a Scotch plaid cap and a long military cloak, appeared unrecognizable, which…
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      Dual Warning

      Dual Warning Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Dual Warning captures the critical days surrounding President-elect Abraham Lincoln’s journey to Washington, D.C. on February 21, amidst mounting threats to his safety. The news of an assassination plot against him had reached the ears of several key figures, with General Winfield Scott acting swiftly on the reports he received from Dorothea Dix, who was connected to the railroad executive Samuel Felton. The threat was deemed credible enough for Scott to call upon the expertise of John A. Kennedy, head…
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      Change of Plan

      Change of Plan Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Change of Plan marked a pivotal moment in President-elect Abraham Lincoln’s journey toward Washington, D.C., on February 22. Upon arriving at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Lincoln had initially planned only to raise the flag, an act symbolic of the nation’s unity. However, as he stepped out in front of the gathering crowd, his presence sparked enthusiasm, compelling him to deliver a speech. Despite struggling with a hoarse voice, Lincoln gave a heartfelt speech, barely audible at times, yet deeply…
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      Salute

      Salute Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Salute marked a turning point in morale and symbolism for the besieged soldiers inside Fort Sumter. The atmosphere inside the fort had grown increasingly grim, not just because of dwindling supplies but also from emotional and psychological exhaustion. Asst. Surgeon Samuel Crawford, who had once maintained an optimistic tone in his letters, now confessed to his brother that he felt physically and mentally drained. The intense stress and constant anticipation of attack weighed on every man stationed within…
    • The Silence Breaks Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Silence Breaks as Abraham Lincoln embarks on his long-awaited journey toward his inauguration. On February 11 and 12, he begins his travels on the Great Western Railroad, passing through various towns in Illinois. As Lincoln makes his way through towns like Illiopolis, Niantic, and Danville, he takes brief moments to step onto the rear platform of his train, offering the public a chance to catch a glimpse of their president-elect. His presence stirs a mix of excitement and curiosity, drawing crowds who…
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      “Pimp!”

      “Pimp!” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin “Pimp!” Lincoln’s Special Train arrived in Columbus, Ohio, on February 13, amid a highly charged political atmosphere. This date coincided with the day Congress was scheduled to certify the electoral votes, marking a critical moment in American history. At the same time, Virginia’s secession convention convened, adding to the tension. Lincoln’s entourage, including Major Anderson’s brother, Larz Anderson, traveled in an expanded train composed of three cars. The weather was remarkably clear, as…
    • The Time Will Come Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Time Will Come, and it begins with Orville Browning writing to Abraham Lincoln concerning the upcoming inaugural address. Browning was deeply concerned about the tone of Lincoln's speech, particularly a passage regarding the reclamation of public properties. He feared that such a statement could provoke the secessionists and escalate tensions with the Southern states. In his letter, Browning emphasized the importance of framing the secessionists as the aggressors, a strategy he believed would help…
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      Race Week

      Race Week Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Race Week in Charleston, as depicted in The Demon of Unrest, highlights a period of both festivity and underlying tension. On February 6, 1861, the city’s social calendar was dominated by this grand event, which was met with a mix of excitement and fear as the nation teetered on the brink of war. Governor Pickens, aware of the delicate situation, chose to avoid direct confrontation with Fort Sumter, allowing the celebrations to unfold with little interference. The entire city seemed to halt its routine,…
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      Yard Sale

      Yard Sale Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Yard Sale preparations began on February 9, 1861, as Abraham Lincoln faced the emotional and logistical challenges of leaving his longtime home in Springfield for the uncertainty of Washington. In a modest yet telling moment, Lincoln sold several pieces of household furniture to help cover travel costs. Among the buyers was Samuel H. Melvin, a local dealer in medicinal goods, who paid a total of $82.25—a considerable sum at the time but one that underscored Lincoln's pragmatic approach to change. A…
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