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    392 Results with the "Biography" genre


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      Suspicion

      Suspicion Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Suspicion was palpable on Tuesday, April 9, as Edmund Ruffin prepared to leave his hotel and make his way to the Charleston wharf. With a small carpet bag and a borrowed musket from the Citadel Military Academy in hand, Ruffin boarded a steamer bound for Morris Island, where he intended to take part in its defense. Known for his strong pro-secessionist views, Ruffin enjoyed the attention he received upon arrival, which ranged from admiration to praise. Though the recognition seemed excessive for what he…
    • The Petrel’s Delight Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The Petrel’s Delight reflected the tension that gripped Charleston in early April 1861, as both military forces and enslaved individuals in Confederate batteries prepared for an imminent confrontation. The anticipated evacuation of Fort Sumter, which many had hoped for, never occurred, raising the stakes for both sides. Cold temperatures and relentless winds plagued the region, with heavy rain throughout the weekend forcing many indoors, adding to the already uneasy atmosphere. The weather mirrored the…
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      Storm

      Storm Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Storm clouds loomed on April 8 as Captain Fox set out to lead his fleet, confident that the presence of the Powhatan would guarantee a successful mission to Charleston. Having transitioned from Navy service to overseeing a critical military operation, Fox was optimistic that his fleet would soon rendezvous off the coast of Charleston. The tug Uncle Ben departed New York that evening, followed by Fox aboard the Baltic the next morning, expecting to meet up with the rest of the fleet two days later. Fox’s…
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      Fatal Error

      Fatal Error Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Fatal error marked a pivotal moment on April 5, when President Lincoln found himself grappling with the consequences of a critical mistake. He had assigned the same warship, the Powhatan, to two separate relief expeditions. Late that night, after receiving a troubling telegram from New York, Lincoln quickly convened with Secretary of State William Seward and Navy Secretary Gideon Welles. Upon reading the telegram, Lincoln expressed his disbelief and took full responsibility for the mishap, acknowledging…
    • 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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