April 10, 1861 (Wednesday)

The Writing of History

C-SPAN has a video-interview with Shelby Foote who wrote the esteemed three-volume series on the Civil War entitled "The Civil War:  A Narrative in Three Volumes."  (Excellent interview of a writer of history, especially the Civil War...great anecdotes on writing, reading, and the meaning of words.)


A look at what was happening within Fort Sumter on April 9, 1861, as written by Adam Goodheart, "Upon the Points of Our Swords," Disunion--New York Times, April 9, 1861. 

"The most marked change to be observed on that dispiriting morning was in Sumter's commander himself.  The officers were not privy to his official correspondence with Washington, but for days they had noticed Anderson's usual stoicism sinking into depression.  He seemed even grayer and more melancholy than ever, as if oppressed by some new and secret care. 

Lincoln had sent a message through Cameron: 'It is not, however, the intention of the President to subject your command to any danger or hardship beyond what, in your judgment, would be usual in military life; and he (Lincoln) has entire confidence that you will act as becomes a patriot and soldier, under all circumstances."    At long last, the commander in the White House had made his wishes known to the commander at Fort Sumter.  What unfolded in the coming days would depend, more than anything else, on these two men."


Hat tip Tulane University, Department of History, "Davis Demands Withdrawal From Sumter," April 10, 1861.

"President Davis, interpreting the expedition as an attempt to supply Fort Sumter 'by force,' ordered Beauregard to demand 'at once' the evacuation of Fort Sumter.  If Anderson refused, he was to proceed to 'reduce it.'  General Beauregard replied that he would make his demand the next day at noon."

Also this... "Commentary on the Confederates Decision"

The news of the day from Civil War Daily Gazette, "You May Determine to Reduce It," April 10, 1861

"Confederate Secretary of War Walker, agreeing with President Jefferson Davis to bombard the fort, wired Beauregard ordering him...to demand the surrender of the fort....and if this is refused, proceed in such a manner as you may determine to reduce it."


Some interesting information from The American Civil War, "Toombs tries to warn Jefferson Davis," April 10, 1861.  (read at the link the two documents presented....)

"Documents related to the deliberations of Jefferson Davis and his cabinet on whether to launch an attack against the federal troops in Fort Sumter are scarce.  Meetings were conducted in private.  Records, if they were kept, were later lost in the chaos of the fall of Richmond.  All we have is what Jefferson Davis wrote after the war and an account from Robert Toombs' point of view that appeared in a biography of Toombs in 1892."