Category Archives: South Carolina

October 25, 1862: Big sale of “Negroes”

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Allen Gathman

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch, it appears that despite the war and the increased chance of escape, at least in South Carolina the trade of human beings was still going strong, and quite lucrative. The Inflation Calculator, using data from … Continue reading →

Posted in Slavery, South Carolina | Leave a comment

June 9, 1862: Congress investigates Hunter arming slaves

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Allen Gathman

As we’ve seen, David Hunter already had gotten himself in a bit of hot water by acts of unilateral abolition at Fort Pulaski. Lincoln revoked Hunter’s emancipation proclamation in Georgia. Here we see Congress looking into reports that Hunter had … Continue reading →

Posted in Abolitionism, David Hunter, South Carolina | Leave a comment

December 18, 1861: Contrabands at Port Royal

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Sea Island Cotton Some 10,000 slaves were freed by the Union capture of Port Royal. They became part of a great experiment in Reconstruction, in which the Sea Islands were farmed by freedmen, and various philanthropic organizations sent teachers south … Continue reading →

Posted in Abolitionism, Slavery, South Carolina | Leave a comment

April 14, 1861: Surrender of Fort Sumter

Posted on April 14, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Anderson’s telegram After 34 hours of bombardment, Major Robert Anderson surrendered Fort Sumter at 2:30 PM on Sunday, April 14, 1861. S.S.BALTIC.OFF SANDY HOOK APR.EIGHTEENTH.TEN THIRTY A.M. .VIA NEW YORK. . HON.S.CAMERON. SECY.WAR. WASHN. HAVING DEFENDED FORT SUMTER FOR THIRTY … Continue reading →

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April 13, 1861: Richmond Daily Dispatch — justifying the attack on Ft. Sumter

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Allen Gathman

The Richmond Daily Dispatch, the day after the attack on Fort Sumter, published this justification for it, and a call to war. The War Began. It will be seen that, under the military compulsion of the immense fleet and army* … Continue reading →

Posted in Fort Sumter, Virginia | 2 Comments

April 12, 1861: WAR!!!

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Bombardment of Fort Sumter Fort Sumter viewed from Fort Johnson At 4:30 AM on April 12, 1861, the Confederate forces under the command of Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard opened fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Here’s a short account … Continue reading →

Posted in Edmund Ruffin, Fort Sumter, Pierre G.T. Beauregard, Robert Anderson, South Carolina | Leave a comment

April 11, 1861: Beauregard demands the surrender of Sumter

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Allen Gathman

P.G.T. Beauregard From the Official Record: HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S. A., Charleston, S. C., April 11, 1861. SIR: The Government of the Confederate States has hitherto forborne from any hostile demonstration against Fort Sumter, in the hope that the … Continue reading →

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April 10, 1861: Beauregard is ordered to attack

Posted on April 10, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Secretary of War L.P. Walker As reported earlier, Beauregard and Pickens had been notified of Lincoln’s intent to provision Sumter peacefully, or by force if necessary. MONTGOMERY, April 10, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: If you have no doubt of the … Continue reading →

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April 9, 1861: Provisions sent to Sumter

Posted on April 9, 2011 by Allen Gathman

The Baltic From the New York Times, dated April 9, 1861, a report that the Baltic is headed for Sumter. I have information to-night, entirely satisfying me that the steamer Baltic has gone to Fort Sumpter, where she will land … Continue reading →

Posted in Abraham Lincoln, Fort Sumter, South Carolina | 1 Comment

April 8, 1861: Lincoln notifies Governor Pickens

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Allen Gathman

The New York Times reiterates Lincoln’s position on Sumter. He’s not evacuating, and will send provisions. If the South attacks, Americans and Europeans alike will blame them for starting the war. Lieut. TALBOT, who returned to Fort Sumpter with instructions … Continue reading →

Posted in Abraham Lincoln, Causes of the war, South Carolina | 5 Comments