• The Man in the Felt Hat Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter titled "The Man in the Felt Hat," the narrative unfolds the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s secretive journey to Washington, D.C., during a time fraught with tension just prior to his inauguration. On February 22-23, Lincoln donned a worn overcoat and a newly fashionable “kossuth” hat, which had symbolized democratic ideals and was made popular by Hungarian politician Louis Kossuth. This disguise, along with his slouched posture, helped Lincoln avoid recognition despite his height…
    • A Rumor of Plaid Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter "A Rumor of Plaid" from *The Demon of Unrest*, the secretive arrival of President-elect Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C., captivates the city. A reporter from the *New-York Times* describes Lincoln's unexpected entrance, likening it to magic, noting, "the whole city has been agreeably surprised." The article on February 25 famously depicts Lincoln in a Scotch plaid cap and a long military cloak, making him unrecognizable. This imagery incites cartoonists to humorously portray Lincoln…
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      Change of Plan

      Change of Plan Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin On the morning of February 22 in Philadelphia, Lincoln arrived at Independence Hall for a ceremonial event, feeling rejuvenated after a good night's rest. Despite his original plan to simply raise the flag, a large crowd demanded he deliver a speech. He hesitantly obliged, speaking in a nearly inaudible tone, yet his words moved the audience profoundly. Standing in a place that symbolized the nation's inception, Lincoln expressed the political sentiments rooted in the Declaration of Independence. He…
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      Salute

      Salute Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter titled "Salute," the situation at Fort Sumter is portrayed as increasingly difficult for the soldiers stationed there. Asst. Surgeon Crawford, who had previously been in good health, expresses concern about his deteriorating condition, feeling the toll of stress and fatigue. He writes to his brother, longing for a break and lamenting the state of the country, indicating a bleak outlook for the future. The pervasive fear of an impending attack weighs heavily on the troops, with Crawford…
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      Dual Warning

      Dual Warning Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter titled "Dual Warning," dated February 21, significant events unfold in Washington and Philadelphia surrounding a potential assassination threat against President-elect Abraham Lincoln. General Winfield Scott, after receiving alerts about the threat from Dorothea Dix via railroad executive Samuel Felton, initiates an investigation. He enlists the help of John A. Kennedy, the head of New York City police, who has already dispatched detectives to scrutinize the situation. Scott offers Kennedy…
    • The Silence Breaks Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In "The Silence Breaks, The Demon of Unrest," the narrative unfolds on February 11 and 12, marking the start of Lincoln’s journey on the Great Western Railroad through various towns in Illinois toward his inauguration. As he traverses towns like Illiopolis, Niantic, and Danville, Lincoln takes time to stand on the rear platform, allowing the public to see him. His presence stirs significant curiosity and excitement as citizens gather in crowds anxious to catch a glimpse of the man whose election has…
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      “Pimp!”

      “Pimp!” Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin On February 13, Lincoln’s train, known as Lincoln’s Special, arrived in Columbus, Ohio, amid considerable political tension. It was the day Congress was set to certify the electoral vote, coinciding with Virginia's decision to start its secession convention. Lincoln's entourage, including Larz Anderson, Major Anderson's brother, journeyed in a specially expanded train of three cars. Journalist Villard noted that the weather was "magnificent." Upon arrival, Lincoln was received with artillery salutes…
    • The Time Will Come Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter titled "The Time Will Come" begins with Orville Browning's letter to Abraham Lincoln regarding his inaugural address. Browning, reflecting on Lincoln’s speech, voices concern over a passage he finds excessively aggressive, specifically Lincoln's assertion to reclaim public properties and duties, which he fears may antagonize secessionists. Browning emphasizes that the administration should present secessionists as the aggressors in any potential conflict, urging Lincoln to revise his language…
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      Race Week

      Race Week Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter titled "Race Week" from "The Demon of Unrest," we delve into a vibrant yet tumultuous period in Charleston, timed with the social spectacle of Race Week. Governor Pickens, looking to avoid conflict with Fort Sumter, embraced the occasion as ordinary life halted—schools, courts, and many businesses closed. Witnesses noted that Charleston was abuzz with discussions about horses, as breeders and spectators flocked from around the South and even as far as New York, arriving on chartered…
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      Yard Sale

      Yard Sale Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin **Yard Sale** On February 9, 1861, to finance his trip to Washington, Lincoln sold furniture from his home in Springfield. One of the buyers was Samuel H. Melvin, a local dealer in medicinal drugs and supplies. A receipt, personally signed by Lincoln, detailed the sale which totaled $82.25. This included: - 6 chairs - 1 spring mattress - 1 wardrobe - 1 whatnot (a cabinet with open shelves) - 1 stand - 9.5 yards of stair carpet - 4 comforters Faced with the impending move and new responsibilities,…
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