Shady acts on a dark road
It was just after dark in Washington DC and the streets were mostly deserted. The three men, with stealth. You must not be detected. When she entered the house with two lamps in the window, one of them rapped out the signal. Soon the door opened and a wizened face with a mustache, a pointed beard and reading glasses on his nose, behind him. The crack expands and reaches the people and took his arm to make them quickly in. He led the three men by the DIM-house lit and with a study by the blind. A large bulb has plenty of light for them to see. One of them was the little man's hand and gripped it warmly.
"It was good of you to see us, Secretary Seward. We are very connected." Secretary Seward smiled weakly and waved the three men in chairs. Secretary Seward tried, solid and professional company, but the emotion and fear in his voice could not disguise. "I understand that the commissioners, the president of Davis with a proposal for the president," he said, his voice cracking a little. "May I please know what that message is?"
The Spokesman for the group is uncomfortable. "Our instructions are only to be delivered to the President." Seward sighed and turned his palms.
"The president will not see you, gentlemen. That is final." There was anger, disappointment and resentment in his voice, the second of the three men who have responded. "Thus, Lincoln has no intention to act in good faith to do something or to try to turn this crisis to overcome. He thinks goad President Davis into the war by insulting us." Seward, an astute man who saw the weakness in the position to his visitors and he acted quickly to ensure control over the situation.
"No, no, gentlemen," he said mildly scolded, "There is no requirement to know that President Lincoln is an honorable man, and I can assure you he does not want war." The visitors were only slightly mollified.
"Why is he not, that we are then," asked the officer cold. Seward leaned his elbows on his desk, as he said, firmly: "Because he is afraid that the stamp of official recognition to each factor in the rebel south. If that happens, it would be no one to speak for the South as a whole and the situation is deteriorating rapidly, without any structure, in which possible solutions to channel it. "The speaker looked surprised.
"And why are we here if it was not a clandestine meeting with the president." Seward smiled an oily smile.
"You have to send the message to me, gentlemen, and I will raise him to the President." The man shook his head sceptically.
"We understand from Judge Campbell that they were forbidden to see us officially, and that you have no authority in this matter." Seward had no doubts about the perversion of the truth as long as he thought he was in control, where things and that it is in the best interest of all. "This is simply not true, gentlemen. I have full confidence the president. And of course, I would not be here when he opposed President." The men were in Seward again.
"Are we to understand that you speak for the president?" Seward tried for a false modesty.
"You have to understand, gentlemen, that I am a professional politician in the Cabinet, and I can completely control President Lincoln to these questions. What I say has the weight of the authorities at the highest level."
Commissioners with each other for confirmation. Can this man possibly lie about anything important? Indeed, no State would have to face, in such matters. Finally, the speaker turned to Seward.
"And what is it that you assure us, Sir?" Seward grinned broadly. He had them where he wanted it.
"I can assure you that there are no further provocation directed against the South by this administration or this president." The men transferred briefly hushed tones.
"Very good Sir, our message to the President, this is. The South opened the Mississippi to the north, travel, and guarantee the safety of ships, when the president will abandon Fort Sumter." Seward, expressed both surprise and delight.
"I am sure, gentlemen, that this will only do what I just said, you even more secure."
The men and bowed slightly to Seward, they left with the same silence and secrecy with which they had come. Seward watched them go. Then he wagged his head and sighed again. "How easy it all would," he murmured to himself, "if only Lincoln would have, and let me handle it."
A Bridge to Nowhere
Secretary Seward returned to his office in the late afternoon from a meeting with the President and his advisers to find Supreme Court Chief Justice John A. Campbell waiting for him. Seward shook his hand warmly.
"Good to see you, John," he said.
"It is good for you to see me, Seward," said the judge tired: "I know how things are in this city, and I know you are risking your political neck." Seward enjoyed, as if he thought important things, but only minor. He had the misconception that, in its mystique as a great man in the world. The truth was, everyone knew it was a pose, and most of them think less of him.
"matters of the state, Judge Campbell," he said casually, "Only my duty, as I see it. It is regrettable that we must fulfill as conspirators." He showed, Supreme Court Judge John A. Campbell to a chair and took his coat and hat. The judge in the chair, leaned back and relaxed a little bit some of the tension in his back and legs.
"Lincoln would be difficult for you, Seward, if he knew about this." Seward looked at the ceiling as sighed.
"Lincoln! Oh, poor, bumbling, ignorant, overwhelmed President Lincoln. But you know, John, I think he is a good man who means well." Judge Campbell shook his head negatively in a pensive manner.
"Have you, Seward Now, Davis is not, and I fear, not even I. What will he do about Sumter, Secretary Seward? There will be a war if efforts are made to supply." Seward had on the ceiling. Now he has his elbows on his knees and began nervously smacking one of his fists in the other hand. It was the evening of the 15th March 1961.
"The president convened a meeting today about you and the Sumter situation, you know." Judge Campbell straight and leaned toward Seward.
"Yes, I know," he said bitterly. "What was decided? Am I remove?" Seward was evasive, that was one of the things he was very good.
"If Jefferson Davis had the state of things here, he would never have the commissioners." Judge Campbell promoted.
"You have a positive development to report, then." Seward sighed frustrated to be in such a way as if the admission were embarrassing him.
"Nothing official John." Judge Campbell's frustration turned to fear.
"I came here believing they had messages for me and now I have learned that nothing is more encouraging to know." Seward saw the crisis coming and put them on the tip.
"No, no, no, John. I did not say. I said nothing" official ". I can not the words of Lincoln in the mouth, John. That will simply not work. But I think I have some positive news for you to take to President Davis. You have to understand, John, Davis, that it is not about anything he wants from Lincoln, or from me and the others. The evacuation of Sumter is about as much as they can manage or bear at this time. "
Judge Campbell almost jumped out of his chair. This was the most important concession to Davis and the Commissioners, which had come. Now Secretary of State Seward was to ensure that it be done. He tried to stress in his voice. "And what can I say, especially about President Davis Sumter? Seward looked satisfied. He answered very articulately.
" You can say that before writing to it, how far is it from here Montgomery. "
" Three days. "
" You can say that before writing to it, the telegraph is informed that his Sumter were evacuated. "
Judge Campbell left with a light heart. On the street, he knocked with his stick and began to whistle. Seward watched him from the office windows. "Ja, ja," he said aloud. "It would be all so simple if I President."
a high-risk Game
John Lamon, a law partner of Lincoln of the old company, was in the White House and led to the President of the Office. Lincoln smiled and looked at his hand.
"Lamon Ah! Glad you come. "Lamon was relieved. Devious Lincoln was not a man and his mood was evident.
" The glory is me, Mr. President. How can I be sure of you and my country? "Lincoln laughed.
"You are before me, as usual, Lamon, that's what I want to talk to you. Your feelings are with the South, you are born and southern They are known to believe that I have all the wrong moves and that Reconciliation is possible. Lamon, I want you to go to Charleston and to explore matters as good as you can. If you believe that the situation requires, can you say you are on an official mission for me. Take me back a useful report to you immediately. "Lamon was embarrassed and began to grope.
"Mr President, I ... I hope you do not know that .." Lincoln held his hand, while at the papers on his desk and not on the face Lamon.
"It's all right, John, it's okay. This is America. Criticism of the president is allowed. I have you here because of these disagreements, and my confidence in your integrity and our friendship. I need the information that you can me, Lamon. Now stop worrying and go. "
Lincoln went to the door with his arm around Lamon. He saw Lamon from the eyes. Was this a mistake? Lamon would impart weakness and indecision? He would soon know. He went in, sat down at his desk and mused a little.
The Gathering Storm
Lincoln had little office, where the swirling vapors began to decline and the roiling waters noted that a cooking pot was only moments away. The situation was very unsettled. On the south side, Davis has been the issue of esoteric explanations. "Our employees are united by a goal of high resolve." But Davis, like the spirit and soul of the South, was impatient at a time when patience was required, and the majority. He sighed and told of his "tired heart", and spoke in poetic, but smaller sounds of "difficulties and thorns innumerable." In the north, there was confusion on every hand. New Jersey was considering Secession.
California and Oregon were talking pulling out of the Union and the formation of a new Pacific nation. New York, in south-esteem, saw much to gain by their own nation. Moderates gave Lincoln amounts of unsolicited advice. "Let the mistaken sisters go in peace." Extremists have opted for a division: "No union with slave holders! Away with this foul thing ... The Union was not through violence, nor can it be with violence." The economy was not in favor of a North-South divide. Without a strong, protective tariffs, the manufacturers would be the southern markets to England. The North Sea and west of the Mississippi were strongly pro-union, do not want to lose access to the Mississippi and the foreign ships in the Gulf region.
As a rule, after Lincoln's inaugural speech, it was a conviction that the separation does not solve the underlying problems and would invite unwanted and dangerous foreign intervention. Walking away from the problem by peaceful division was a mirage that quickly evaporate, if such a separation is a reality. In April 1861 by the New York Times ran an article stating the situation, as most people saw it this way: "If the two parts is no longer live together, they can no longer live in quiet, until it is established is a master . No two cultures have always done, or may come into contact, such as the North and the South threatens to do, without a trial of strength in which the weaker goes to the wall ... We must remain master of the occasion and the dominant power in this continent. "
But Lincoln had in his mind. "The Union is unbroken," he said. He knew that the best way to end the confusion in the north and unite all parties, it was just wait for the South to act. He knew Davis from his years in Congress, and he knew that they are doing, and soon. He had good reason to believe that he had not long to wait. The reason sat in Charleston Bay, and it was Fort Sumter . Most of his advisors were against rearmament and supply Fort Sumter, the choice not to leave. They have five to two up. "Suppose it is possible to now provision Fort Sumter, under all circumstances, it makes sense to try it?" The army, had indicated that Sumter abandoned. It estimates that the 20,000 soldiers in order to secure, and that was far beyond the ability of the army to be. The Navy alone seemed to hold the benefit of training and care. Although Lincoln said in his inaugural speech that he "hold and occupy the property and places the government," he had a tough time making up his mind about Sumter.
Three southern Italy in Washington to discuss the matter. Even if the President had refused to see it, he knew what was their message. Seward had found out somehow. He denied after Lincoln, but with them was not sure he believed him. He had heard that Seward had with them and told them that he could control the President and a concession of Sumter. Seward thought Lincoln confronted, but decided on another plan. He would not give up Sumter, if there were any hope of rescuing the fortress and the supply is. This would increase the supply of Secretary Seward.
The message was that the Confederate Congress had the opening of the Mississippi to the north Shipping. With this concession and act of friendship, they hoped to hold the government to leave Fort Sumter, which it describes as a real threat, but rather a symbolic issue. It was a union bastion in the middle of the southern area. It was a big map in Lincoln's hand. With him he could the war, or ensure that the South would start. Many people feel that the war should be prevented at any price, but Lincoln was not so sure. Was perhaps the only solution to the problem.
betrayal at the highest level
John Lamon was off the train in Charleston and went directly to the office the Governor Pickens. The President stood up and rushed to John, as found in the massive door.
"John Lamon - Lamon lawyer John now, id'n it? My, I'm glad that you are at home, son. Are you here to stay, I suppose?" John was flattered.
"No, Governor Pickens to tell the truth I am here on a mission for the President. The Governor on his laughter almost masked its alarm.
" And what Mr. Lincoln would be wantin 'you to find out by myself , son? "John has decided to play it straight.
"He wants to know how serious the situation is and what are the chances to avoid war." The governor saw, heard, and thought the establishment but to recognize.
"Well, John, my boy, the answer is very simple. Parts of the President to forget supplyin again" and give up Sumter. That will keep the tension out and give us a little time to review some of the things out. "John was the desire, instinct, and the cheek that makes a good lawyer.
" Governor Pickens, let me assure you that the President has no intention to supply Sumter. "The governor did not laugh, as it his habit, or in any way respond. He sat there and stared at John Lamon. Finally he spoke.
"Mr. Lamon is a kind of joke? Surely you do not have the authority to speak for President Lincoln. "John suddenly realized what he had done and he's breathing. He could not return if he wanted.
" Governor Pickens, the president sent me here to him a report. I have his confidence and his support. I tell you that the President has no intention of re-supply Sumter. No, this is not official. But you have my word, the word of a Southern gentlemen, that what I say is true. "
The Governor round Saturday in a quiet meditation. Finally he stood up and motioned for John to rise. He put his arm around him and gave him a big hug.
" John, my boy, the governor is right for you at the palace and buy the best steaks and everything you want to drink. You have a miserable time in my life in happiness. I want you around. "John Lamon head was racing. Surely he was safe to leave the city. Lincoln would not have the time to know what he had done and a denial for at least several days.
John was wine , dined, roasted, and praised as never before in his life. The governor ordered him into the small hours to say he would be for him in the early afternoon and would have a way for him that he was happy with. Reluctantly John stubbornly refused the company had about one of the governor of the beautiful chaperon for Guests celebrated. Once the governor of the carriage was out of sight, John Lamon was the back door of his hotel room and on the first train to Washington. As he rode along in the car Rocking mused it is about his journey. It had sounded and felt much different from it in his head as he once said, and he repeated it as a practical and Eid. Of course, Lincoln would not re-supply Sumter. Still, Lamon was aware that he not know that for certain, and he had heard the rumors that this is what Lincoln would. How could someone of his position and training, a fool? He tried not to think about it, but it was hard.
a small boat over Troubled Waters
The Fortress of lantern light flickered in the choppy waters of the bay and a path for the wrinkled and Dory to follow. The night was cold and the air had that wonderful smell of salt and sea weed. Two non-commissioned naval volunteers took on the helm as commander sat on a 2 "x12" wooden bench in the rear part of the boat. Robert Collier of Vermont, the helmsman, shivered from the cold wind is blowing gently on the ocean. As she moved toward the pier at the fort, a guard called out.
"Who's there?" The commander reached us and clamped a hand on the shoulder Collier.
"Let me out of here, sailor," he said quietly. Then he called in the fortress. "I'm Commander Robinson on a mission from President Lincoln. I come to talk with Major Anderson. "Silence followed, then, during a command.
" Bring them on in.
Major Anderson was the officer in the fortress on. He and the commander shook hands. The commander explained.
"Lincoln wants to assess the feasibility of re-supply and conservation of the fort. Off the Record, the President did not feel he can trust either Seward or Lamon. I was chosen to avoid the report, and I think who come here talking face to face with you and to see how the situation at first hand is the one important aspect, that is. "Major Anderson and Commander Robinson conversed for several hours that night and most of the following morning. The two officers went to the pier. A mist still hung in the water and HID Charleston from the fortress. Anderson broke the silence.
"Commander Robinson, there is no doubt in my mind, as I already said that we return to this stronghold and keep for a long time, unless war breaks out, and we are attacked by heavy weapons. But why want to Lincoln Re-supply? This fortress is the source of the trouble. It is possible that the war could be avoided. "The commander looked over the water and did not answer for a few minutes. Finally, he turned and spoke to the gravity.
"Major Anderson, as an officer in the service of our country we do what we said and we do politics. But we are still entitled to our opinion. For what it is worth, I think the President wants this fortress to goad into war from Davis. His lawyer friend Lamon is good here in Charleston now says the president what he wants to hear - what Lamon does not consider Lincoln wants to tell him what the Governor and Lincoln, which is smarter than the whole pack of them, knows very well that he tell him. The President does not have the support to take the initiative and Davis and the South is again a lot of water before firing the first shot. But this is another fortress thing. It is in their garden, and it is a threat for them, politically if not militarily. You can get it here. "Major Anderson nodded.
"I wish I had not asked," he said sadly. "It is hard enough for an old Southern boy like me, as it is."
Commander Robinson and seemed a bit guilty.
"Now Anderson, this is only my idea. I could also be wrong you know." Anderson sighed.
"Yes, Commander, you are not only the first person to develop that argument. Others have thought in this direction, even me." Robinson was a long time, stared at the gray water of the harbor.
Then he turned to Anderson with a weak smile.
"Well, time for me to be heading back, Major. Thanks for everything." Major Anderson took his hand warmly.
a fateful decision
It was now the 6th April and Lincoln had in his head. He had waited a few days after his last meeting with Commander Robinson to the military department. He now ordered to proceed with the re-supply and the defense of Fort Sumter.
8, an emissary of the government before the Governor Pickens and read him this message: "I am the President of the United States, in order to expect an attempt will be made to Fort Sumter with provisions only, and that if such an attempt not resisted, no effort to throw in men, weapons, ammunition or without further notice, or in the event of an attack on the fortress. "Pickens, the message to Montgomery. Davis immediately went into the meeting with his Cabinet. As in the north, the reaction to Lincoln's message to Governor Pickens was varied. Robert Toombs was openly and loudly of itself:
"The fire on the fortress opened a civil war more than anyone in the world has not seen, and I do not feel that you advise." He began to pace the floor. "Mr. President, at this juncture, it is suicide, murder, and you will lose us every friend in the north. It is a wanton Wespennest, stretching from the mountains to the sea. Legions now quiet will swarm our state and sting us to death. It is not necessary. It puts us in the wrong. It is fatal. "However, Davis does not agree.
"Ah, Mr. Toomer. It is not me, the introduction of this war. Lincoln, the situation along. It is Lincoln, not me, who forced the issue and the world will see it that way. They will also take cognizance of the deception, the President has in the manipulation of mine in this corner. "Davis stopped to let his invective against Lincoln sink before you continue. "I have my decision, gentlemen. Today I am ordering the Secretary of War to receive the following message to General Beauregard, in command of the defense in Charleston harbor:
If you have no doubt that the authorized number of Agents involved in the intention of the government in Washington to Fort Sumter through the power, will at once demand its evacuation, and if this is refused, proceed in such a way that you can set to reduced.
Beauregard immediately contact Montgomery and Davis.
"Perhaps we should wait a few days, Mr. President." Davis shook his head emphatically.
"No, General. In these few days, "a naval expedition with the ship arrive mounted weapons. Except that General, the men in South Carolina are Fevered pitch and ready it upon himself to start firing at any time. "He sighed deeply and sad." But we will wait, Sir, to your old friend Anderson a certain time for the handover. Otherwise, General Beauregard, you are to the fortress. "Beauregard in the message to Anderson, who replied that he had the evacuation of Fort clock on the 15th, unless it is" the control of my Government's instructions, or additional supplies. "
The man dismounted cavalry, to the hills to the west of the fort and looked into the blue waters of the Atlantic. What he saw made him catch his breath. A fleet of a dozen ships at anchor horseback from the perspective of Charleston and just outside Charleston Harbor. The Husar ran to his horse and was in a race in the city, when he saw a meeting at the boat landing. He jerked his horse to a stop and ran to General Beauregard. The General was dictating a message:
"Major Anderson, we are willing to wait until noon, the fifteenth of the month to leave your word, that if you do not re-supplied. We ... "The cavalry man tried to break Customs
" General, sir, I think ... "The General snapped at him.
" You just wait, soldier. I am with the most serious business here. "
" But Sir, I must speak with you. "Beauregard was too excited with the cavalry man.
" Soldier, if you have any word for me, give it to your commander. We go through this command in the army. "The cavalry man began, and then seemed to be a desperate decision.
" I'm sorry, sir, and if you are looking for courts martial, I can not help, but you must listen to me. "The urgency of the moment was up to General.
" All right, soldier, but that was more important than, or ... "
" Sir, it is a fleet of twelve vessels Union west of the port. "General Beauregard eyes began to widen, as the words of the man cavalry began to take effect.
" Where? How many? You say you have it? When? "
" Now Sir. I have just come from there, just a few days. "Beauregard eyes of the cavalry man closely, as if this was some kind of Rouse.
" Can you tell me, soldier? How long will it take. "
" Yes, sir, it will not last long. "
" Can I have it in my rig? "The first soldier said yes, but then changed his mind.
" No, sir. I do not think so after all, Sir. They must be mounted. "Beauregard commandeered a horse and a detail, and they went to the top of the hill to the fleet. When they return, the General has been much changed.
" It is recommended for this, soldier, excellent work, indeed. "
Die Männer wieder Cummings Punkt Beauregard und gab den Befehl zu feuern. Eine der vier war ein Mann namens Roger Prior von Virginia. Nur zwei Tage, bevor er eine feurige Rede, in der er fordert seine Kollegen auf Süditalienern "ein Schlag!" Der Mann in sprach sich.
"Hier, Roger, erhalten Sie die Ehre der Entlassung der erste Schuss." Prior, wenn ein Mann feisty und sehr wütend und aufgeregt über den Konflikt , war fassungslos. In einer Stimme erstickte mit Emotion, erklärte er, "ich konnte nicht das erste Feuer Waffe des Krieges." Aber die alten, weißen Haaren Edmund Ruffin, eine Zeitung Editor und harte Linie sezessionistischen, ebenfalls aus Virginia, hatte keine wie sentimental hang-ups. Er war schriftlich Leitartikel über Lincoln, der Union und die Verringerung der Staaten und der individuellen Rechte für die Jahre. Alles, was er hatte für sie war die Verurteilung und der Ruf, ein Rührwerk. Für ihn war dies Entlastung. Andere als revolutionäre Krieg, als er eine der wichtigsten Wende der Ereignisse in der Geschichte der jungen Nation.
"Bei Gott, ich kann", sagte er mit Wut und Emotion. "Gebt mir, dass die Riemen!" Mit großer Entschlossenheit, düster Überzeugung, und ein gewisses Maß an Zufriedenheit rachsüchtiger, zog er ins Leben gerufen, dass die Verbindungsmittel des Bürgerkriegs.
Earl Cripe, Phd
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