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    456 Results with the "Biography" genre


    • Chapter

      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…
    • 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…
    • 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…
    • 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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      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…
    • 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…
    • 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 vivid glimpse into the complexities of life during the early days of the Confederacy. Starting on February 23, 1861, Mary arrived in Montgomery with her husband, James, who was a delegate at the Confederacy's founding convention. Although the journey was taxing and left Mary feeling unwell, her mood improved upon reuniting with James, who was deeply engrossed in his work. After attending church, Mary hosted a dinner for relatives and influential figures, including Judge…
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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…
    • 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…
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