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    456 Results with the "Biography" genre


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      The Worst Fear

      The Worst Fear Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Worst Fear intensified on April 13 as Fort Sumter faced relentless Confederate bombardment, with each volley becoming more precise and devastating. Captain Foster, the chief engineer, observed the worsening situation and recorded it in his engineering journal, describing how Confederate artillery had begun using "hot shot," incendiary cannonballs designed to ignite structures inside the fort. The Union soldiers inside the fort initially believed they could maintain their defenses, but as the…
    • The Great Darkness Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Great Darkness takes place on the afternoon of April 12, as Private Thompson, stationed at Fort Sumter, observes the arrival of a third steamship joining the two that had been anchored off the coast since the early hours of the morning. This sight initially raises the spirits of the fort's garrison, as they are hopeful that the ships are part of a much-needed relief expedition. However, as time passes and the ships remain unmoving, their initial hopes begin to wane, leading Thompson to believe that the…
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      Tea and Angst

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Tea and Angst were pervasive throughout Charleston on April 13, as the city grappled with the heavy tension in the air. Despite the relief experienced the previous evening when it was reported that no Confederate troops had been injured during the bombardment, the reality of the ongoing conflict remained undeniable. The day began with a burst of sunlight after the morning rain, which only illuminated the rising columns of black smoke from Fort Sumter. The Union fleet’s inaction, with ships stationed just…
    • Doubleday’s Revenge Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter titled "Doubleday’s Revenge", the events of April 13, 1861, play a crucial role in the early stages of the Civil War. This day was marked by the ongoing bombardment of Fort Sumter by Confederate forces, beginning a violent chapter that would deeply shape the nation's future. Major Robert Anderson, who commanded the Union garrison at the fort, found himself facing overwhelming odds, with the Confederate forces relentlessly shelling the fort. During this bombardment, the Union flag at the…
    • The Sumter Expedition Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Sumter Expedition unfolded on April 13, with Captain Fox and his crew preparing their commandeered schooner for a crucial operation near the Charleston Bar. The morning air was filled with tension as they assessed their position, knowing that their actions could influence the unfolding battle at Fort Sumter. The weather, though clear, presented its own challenges, with strong winds making maneuverability difficult. As the crew remained on high alert, a thick column of black smoke suddenly appeared on…
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      Bloody Sunday

      Bloody Sunday Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin On Bloody Sunday, April 14, 1861, the weather was warm and bright, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in American history—the evacuation of Fort Sumter. The anticipation was palpable as the Palmetto Guard, led by Edmund Ruffin, boarded a steamer, joining a large crowd of spectators who had gathered along the harbor to witness the departure of Major Anderson and his garrison. The originally planned 9 a.m. evacuation was delayed, extending the wait into the afternoon. As the clock…
    • Peculiar Circumstances Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Peculiar circumstances surrounded the events of April 13, as Private Young, stationed at Fort Sumter, noticed a sudden lull in the barrage from Confederate batteries around 1:00 PM. This unexpected quiet unsettled the oarsmen, who, fearing the worst, began to voice their concerns and express a desire to leave, anxious for their safety. Meanwhile, Louis T. Wigfall, a prominent Confederate figure, arrived at the fort, despite lacking the official orders that would have made his negotiation legitimate.…
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      Wigfall

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Wigfall’s daring journey to Fort Sumter on April 13 marked a pivotal moment in the early stages of the Civil War, driven by his desire to be part of history. The ex-senator from Texas, known for his passionate speeches, fiery rhetoric, and a reputation for heavy drinking, was determined to ensure that the Confederate cause was represented in the tense negotiations with the Union forces. With the direct authorization from Brigadier General James Simons, Wigfall and three enslaved oarsmen set out in a…
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      Ovation

      Ovation Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Ovation greeted the end of the Union’s attempt to hold Fort Sumter as its surrender echoed through the nation, symbolizing a significant turning point. On the morning of April 18, Captain Gustavus Fox and Major Robert Anderson, aboard the Baltic, reflected on the traumatic events that had unfolded. As the Baltic neared Sandy Hook, Anderson, with a heavy heart, dictated a message to Simon Cameron, the Secretary of War, recounting the fort’s destruction after enduring a 34-hour bombardment. Anderson’s…
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      Acclaim

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Acclaim for the Confederacy echoed loudly in the southern states as the news of the bombardment and fall of Fort Sumter reached Norfolk. Russell, a journalist traveling aboard the steamer Georgiana, initially failed to grasp the enormity of the event. The previous night had been restless for him, as he struggled with distractions and discomfort, watching other passengers indulge in early morning cocktails. The atmosphere on the ship contrasted sharply with the gravity of what was unfolding, highlighting…
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