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 small, leaky boat, undeterred by the risks posed by treacherous waters and the looming threat of enemy fire. This audacious act was driven not only by his belief in the righteousness of the South’s cause but also by his need to prove himself as a significant figure in the war’s unfolding drama.

Wigfall’s decision to proceed without a formal flag of truce created immediate complications, but his quick thinking led him to fashion a makeshift flag using a handkerchief and a piece of his companion’s shirt. This impromptu solution added to the dramatic nature of his mission, as he proudly raised the makeshift truce flag and signaled his approach. The rowboat’s progress was painfully slow, and the vessel began to take on water, further escalating the danger of their mission. Despite the ongoing artillery fire from Fort Moultrie, which seemed to disregard their status as bearers of a flag of truce, Wigfall remained resolute, pushing forward in an attempt to fulfill his task, which he saw as integral to the Southern war effort.

Upon nearing Fort Sumter, the reality of the destruction was stark. The fort, once a symbol of American unity, had been reduced to ruins, with the main gate completely burned away and debris scattered across the area. The landscape around the fort appeared desolate, adding to the somber atmosphere that enveloped the scene. As they navigated the remains of the fort’s entrance, the mood shifted from one of urgency to quiet reflection on the enormous toll the war had already taken. Young, Wigfall’s companion, grew anxious about their safety, especially as the oarsmen became increasingly nervous, unsure whether to stay and complete the mission or attempt to flee in the confusion of the moment.

The arrival of Major Robert Anderson, the Union commander at Fort Sumter, marked a crucial turning point. Anderson, initially confused and wary of the Confederates’ intentions, had no choice but to hear Wigfall out, given the dire circumstances of his position. Wigfall, eager to present himself as the messenger of the Confederacy, assured Anderson that the South was seeking an honorable surrender, hoping to spare the fort from further destruction. Anderson, faced with a dire shortage of supplies, recognized the reality of his situation and began to consider the offer. This moment of hesitant negotiation between the two men would set the stage for the eventual surrender of Fort Sumter, marking the beginning of the Civil War.

Despite Anderson’s pragmatic consideration of Wigfall’s offer, the decision was far from easy. Anderson’s troops, who had endured days of bombardment and deprivation, were in no position to continue fighting. However, the complexities of the situation weighed heavily on Anderson, as he had to weigh the honor of surrender against the political ramifications of such an act. In the midst of this, Wigfall’s boldness and dramatic approach to diplomacy created a sense of urgency that pushed Anderson toward a decision. Ultimately, despite the overwhelming pressure, Anderson agreed to surrender the fort, but the tension of the moment was not lost on either man.

As the meeting concluded, Young’s attention remained fixed on the boat, watching the enslaved oarsmen, who were unsure of whether to remain or flee, an indication of the ongoing complexities surrounding the conflict. Their anxiety mirrored the sense of uncertainty that pervaded the region. Back in Charleston, Confederate leaders were anxiously awaiting news from Wigfall, hoping that his negotiation skills could bring about the desired outcome, but they too were unsure of what would unfold next. The uncertainty of the moment, coupled with the growing animosity between the North and South, added to the volatile nature of the situation.

Wigfall’s actions would eventually be hailed as a significant moment in the early days of the Civil War. His bold, almost reckless approach to negotiating with Anderson would become part of the mythology surrounding Fort Sumter’s fall. The Confederate victory, while symbolic, was short-lived, and it marked the beginning of open hostilities between the Union and the Confederacy. The chapter reveals not only the dramatic events surrounding the fall of Fort Sumter but also the personal complexities of those involved in the early stages of the conflict. For Wigfall, his desire to play a central role in the war’s development was fulfilled, but it also highlighted the growing divide that would ultimately lead to the war’s devastating consequences.