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(To request Lesson plans in PDF format please send us an
Email.
Please note that a few graphical exhibits have been omitted
in this version for space reasons. Please request the PDF version by
Email if you intend to
work with them at school.
Organization and purpose of these Lesson
Plans
The purpose of these plans is to provide the teacher with
background information to the book as well as ideas for pre-teaching and
extension activities. Included is also a set of questions for each Chapter
and a resources page with web sites and books listed. We will begin with a
brief education behind the ideas in the book, recommendations for teaching
with it, specific questions and finally ideas for further research.
How does Off to Fight tie
into Books One and Two of the Young Heroes of History Series?
First of all, let us remember that all of the Young
Heroes of History books are designed to be used either as stand alone
books or as part of a ten volume family saga. It is not necessary to
purchase other books if a teacher only wants to focus on the issues in Off
to Fight.
In Book One, Send ‘Em South, we are
introduced to David and George Adams. They are two young Irish boys who
live in Boston at a time when the Irish were severely mistreated and
abused by the people of Boston. Fortunately for David, his father married
a relatively wealthy Abolitionist woman. This allowed the family to move
out of the slums. The entire Irish family, including George and his
father, were allowed to rent a house from David’s grandfather even
though he openly dislikes the Irish.
Years later, David’s parents have left him in Boston to
move to the dangerous Kansas territory. As avid abolitionists, they hope
to help make the newly forming state slave free. While they are gone,
David and George discover Lisa, a fugitive slave girl trying to escape the
slave catchers who have come to find her. Although George does not really
want to help, David brings him along in his attempt to help Lisa remain
free. By the end of the book, David has apparently failed and Lisa is
returned to the plantation in Georgia.
In Book Two, On the Trail of John Brown’s Body
we see the two cousins, David and George desperately trying to remain
best friends despite the split that is going on in their family and in the
country over the slavery issue. Unfortunately for them both, David’s
father and grandfather are deeply involved in a secret plot with the
mysterious John Brown. When David unwittingly steals money from his
grandfather and runs away to Kansas, he sets in motion a series of events
that will imperil the entire family.
David’s grandfather sends George after David. Then he
hires a mysterious stranger to follow them. Throughout George’s travels
and even in Kansas, this stranger becomes a constant threat. Once in
Kansas, the boys experience first hand the danger and violence of
"Bleeding Kansas." To make matters worse David’s mother is ill
and his father keeps disappearing for days at a time. The only time things
seem normal is when David, George, their new friend Charles and their
fathers play a friendly game of baseball.
When the mystery finally begins to make itself known,
things only get worse. David’s father is involved with John Brown and
has gone off to Harper’s Ferry to end slavery forever! Only George and
David can stop him but they don’t know whether they should! George ends
up kidnapped by Brown’s men and it looks like he might even die when
Brown attacks the town and makes George and other citizens his hostages!
What is Off to Fight about?
Off to Fight is about growing up
and belonging. George Adams, a 13 year old Irish Bostonian has moved to
Virginia. He and his father have made the state their home after the John
Brown raid made them fear and despise the extremes of the abolitionist
movement.
George’s priorities however are simply to be a 13 year
old boy, have fun and hang out with the guys. He finds that the only way
he can make friends in Richmond, Virginia is to join a gang. Things go
well for George and his new found friends until the state of Virginia
secedes from the Union and calls for volunteers.
Hoping to join his older friends, George joins up as a
drummer boy and is eventually promoted. Unfortunately, war is not the fun
adventure George thought it would be. When the Federals attack
Fredericksburg and destroy the town George sees firsthand the devastation
of war.
A young girl living in Fredericksburg becomes victim to
the Union bombardment as her house is destroyed and her parents killed.
Hiding in the woods, trying to survive, Allison is discovered by George
and eventually learns to trust him. The only problem is that George is a
soldier and he must go off to fight and leave Allison all alone!
What are the Objectives of Off
to Fight?
To provide background information on the Civil War as
part of the everyday descriptions.
To introduce major characters and places such as
Richmond and Fredericksburg, Virginia; General Robert E. Lee, and
Abraham Lincoln and portray them as they appeared to the people of the
times.
To portray the horror of war as seen through the eyes of
civilians.
To portray the Southern view of the war as seen through
its soldiers and civilians.
To portray the time period through the eyes of the
people who lived it.
To portray the events in a non-biased way in order to
allow the reader to evaluate and judge.
To describe the issues of the times in contemporary
terms.
To include the everyday concerns of people of the time
period in order to put the larger issues into perspective.
To portray the individuals as people similar to
ourselves that the reader can relate to.
To instill an appreciation of history.
To provide the reader with questions and issues for
debate and discussion.
What are the Critical Issues presented in Off
to Fight?
Most people, teenagers especially, view war as a battle
between armies. While most of us today recognize the death and carnage
that war brings, we still find it hard to learn and understand how the
people in the countryside are effected. This is certainly true of the
South during the Civil War. In reading this book, students will see what
happens to the town of Fredericksburg and its inhabitants through the eyes
of a young girl.
The main issue that can be discussed in classrooms is the
issue of who are the legitimate targets in a war. Is it alright to attack
towns? Are there innocent civilians in a war? Who can and cannot be
considered an enemy in a war? What truly does war mean? All of these
complex decisions can be discussed even at younger levels.
Who is the target audience for Off
to Fight?
The quick answer to this question is middle level readers,
usually around the age of 11-15. However, understanding the uniqueness of
individuals, there are of course many ways to adapt the reading level for
different needs. The book is appropriate for younger readers who read
above level or have an interest in the civil war or history. Finally, it
can also be used with younger learners in a group reading where an adult
is present. The book may also be used by older students and indeed has
been used in grades as high as 11.
What are the important vocabulary and
concepts that a reader should be aware of?
The answer to this question of course depends on to what
degree the teacher wants to cover material. A basic understanding of the
causes of the war is a good starting point. Expanding this to discuss how
the war progressed and definition of secession is the next logical area to
discuss. At minimum, students should be aware of the following:
Secession: The act of leaving a group. In this case, the
declarations of Independence that the Southern States declare when leaving
the United States of America.
The Confederacy: The term used to describe the group of
states that secede and form a new government based upon a confederation
style as seen in the original Articles of Confederation.
Union: Term used to apply to the Northern government; the
United States of America.
Abolitionism: The idea and active desire to end slavery.
The Election of 1860: The Presidential election that
brought Abraham Lincoln into office and caused 7 Southern States to
instantly secede.
Suggested pre-activities:
**Special Note: Much of the information
needed to cover these topics can be found on the various web sites listed
at the end of these plans.
Discuss the history of slavery and its conditions.
Study the rights of slave owners in the South
Examine the expansion of Slavery by looking at the various
compromises: 3/5; Missouri; 1850.
Review and/or debate the Dred Scott case.
Examine the Geography of the United States at the time.
Identify Southern and Northern states as well as the territories.
Review the election of 1860. What states voted for
Lincoln?
Read the reasons for secession given by Southern States in
their declarations of Independence.
Review the early battles of the war such as Bull Run, the
Peninsula Campaign and Antietam.
Discuss the advantages that each side had in the war; The
North: more men, a navy, industry, railroads. The South: more experienced
Generals, the home front, defensive.
Specific Questions for Off to Fight:
These questions are designed to be used by many levels of
students. They are broken down in to simple recall and understanding,
in-depth and critical thinking questions, and extension/discussion
questions. Feel free to use whatever questions meet the needs of the age
group you are using.
CHAPTER 1
Recall:
1. What was the name of George’s gang?
2. What did George have to do to join the gang?
3. What gang’s territory were they going to visit?
4. Why did George want to get ice cream?
5. What did the young boy from the candy store do when he
left?
6. What money did George use to pay for the candy?
Critical Thinking:
1. Why did George feel the need to join a gang?
2. Why didn’t George want to tell the boys he grew up in
Boston?
Discussion:
1. Why do boys join gangs? What is good about them? What
is bad?
Research:
1. What kind of candy and ice cream did they have in the
United States in the 1800’s?
CHAPTER 2
Recall:
1. Who is Sallie?
2. What was George’s punishment?
3. What is the Convention doing?
4. List the different opinions the boys have about Lincoln
and the North.
Understanding:
1. Why does Bobby want to egg the Convention?
2. Why did Kevin help the gang get away?
CHAPTER 3
Recall :
1. What does George think of his step-mother?
2. Who are Martha and Jerry?
3. What is the reaction of the Richmond citizens to the
fall of Fort Sumter?
4. What did George say that hurt his father so?
Critical Thinking:
1. Why won’t Sean go to war?
In Depth:
1. What does Sean mean when he says that they must do what
is best for Virginia and not
follow others?
CHAPTER 4
Recall:
1. How did the Richmond citizens react to the call for
secession?
2. How old do you need to be to sign up? How will the boys
do it then?
3. Why is Jason signing up?
In Depth:
1. What reasons might boys and men in Virginia have for
going off to war?
CHAPTER 5
Recall:
1. Who is John Webb?
2. Who is Charles Webb?
3. What is Sallie’s reaction to George’s decision to
sign up?
Critical Thinking:
1. Why doesn’t Charles Webb set his family free?
2. What reason does George give to John for Virginia’s
secession?
3. Why does John think the country is at war? Explain in
detail what he means.
Research:
1. Investigate the life of Free Blacks in the south. What
kind of restrictions were put on them?
CHAPTER 6
Recall:
1. Who sent George the package?
2. What was in it?
3. What does Sallie say is happening to Richmond?
4. How will George share the food with his friends?
5. Who will be George’s new division commander?
EXTENSION:
1. Write a letter to a soldier at the front. Include a
list of what you might send them.
CHAPTER 7
Recall:
1. What made Peter join the army?
2. Finish the phrase, "Rich man’s war,
___________________________.
3. What prank did the boys pull on the sergeant?
Critical Thinking:
1. Why are all of George’s friends in his company?
2. If Peter didn’t want to fight, how could he have
avoided it?
3. What does the phrase in #2 "RECALL" mean?
RESEARCH / EXTENSION:
Using the internet:
1. Find out what regiments and/or companies in your home
town were involved in the war. What were the men’s names? What happened
to them?
CHAPTER 8
Recall:
1. Where does Allison live?
2. What army or armies are nearby?
3. What is happening to the town?
4. What happened to Allison’s mother?
CHAPTER 9
Recall:
1. Where did Allison’s daddy go?
2. What happened to him?
3. What were the Union soldiers doing in the town?
CHAPTER 10
Recall:
1. Where was George and the army camping?
2. Where were the Federals camping before the battle
began?
3. Describe what happened to the Federals trying to attack
George?
Critical Thinking:
1. Why did the Federal’s shoot cannons at the city?
2. Why was the position at Marye’s Heights so good?
CHAPTER 11
Recall:
1. What is bothering George about his role in the battle?
2. Who was Sgt. Richard Kirkland?
Critical Thinking:
1. Why do you think Kirkland did what he did?
2. Who did George and his friends help?
Discussion:
1. Is George a murderer? Are soldiers in general murders?
Defend your answer.
2. How should enemy wounded be treated? Explain.
CHAPTER 12
Recall:
1. What was the Emancipation Proclamation?
2. Who was attacking who in the snowball fight?
3. What happened to Eric?
4. How did George try to save him?
5. What did he find in the woods?
Critical Thinking:
1. Why do George’s friends claim the Emancipation
Proclamation is useless?
CHAPTER 13
Recall:
1. What happened to Allison’s ear?
2. What else is wrong with her?
3. Who is chosen to look after Allison and why?
Critical Thinking:
1. Why do you think Allison isn’t talking?
CHAPTER 14
Recall:
1. Where is George taking Allison?
2. How does George cheer her up?
3. Describe the place George takes Allison.
EXTENSION:
1. Research refugees from other wars or conduct a news
search on the many refugees around the world today.
CHAPTER 15
Recall:
1. What news did George miss?
2. How did George describe the refugee station to Eric?
3. Who surprises George and Eric?
4. What does George plan to do with her?
CHAPTER 16
Recall:
1. How did they get to Richmond and why was it so
difficult?
2. How had Richmond changed?
3. What is wrong with Allison?
CHAPTER 17
Recall:
1. Why is John there?
CHAPTER 18
Recall:
1. What is the real reason John has spent time at George’s
house?
2. Why was the Emancipation Proclamation important to
John?
3. Why does George have to leave?
4. Who does he ask to take care of Allison?
5. What did Allison suddenly do?
CHAPTER 19
Recall:
1. How has George changed?
2. What do you think he has learned?
Summary:
-
What did George learn about himself and about warfare?
-
Is Allison an innocent victim in this war? Why or why
not?
-
What kind of a soldier do you expect George to be now?
-
How do you think the south will continue its fight
against the North? For example do you think they will continue and play
the defensive, waiting for the North to strike or will they go out on
their own? What art the advantages and disadvantages to the different
options.
Suggested Post Activities:
*Define war. Discuss the different aspects of it.
*Lecture and/or conduct research on other wars that saw
large numbers of civilian deaths. Trace how war targets changed from the
professional wars of the 19th century to the all out wars of
today. (It is even possible to make an analogy to the atomic bomb dropping
on Hiroshima.)
*Debate whether civilians are legitimate targets in war.
*Research the origins of the civil war. Debate whether it
could have been avoided.
*Research the battle of Fredericksburg. Why was it fought
and what implications did it have?
*Use the enclosed primary source document The Diary of
Horatio Nelson Taft to analyze how Northern attitudes towards the
start of war evolved. As a diary entry is a great tool to see how the day
by day attitudes changed.
For more ideas or background information, consult the
following web-sites:
United States Civil War Center
http://www.cwc.lsu.edu/cwc/civlink.htm
**Journals of the Confederate Congress. Primary source
giving the reasons for secession and organization for the new Confederate
Government.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwcc.html
Home Page of the National Park Service at the Battle of
Fredericksburg
http://www.nps.gov/frsp/fburg.htm
Literature of the Civil War Lesson Plans
http://7-12educators.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yale.edu%2Fynhti%2Fcurriculum%2Funits%2F1997%2F2%2F97.02.02.x.html
Lesson Plans on the Civil War itself
http://7-12educators.miningco.com/cs/historycwlessons/index.htm
Lessons plans and info on slavery and black history
http://7-12educators.miningco.com/cs/slavery/index.htm
Remembering Slavery Voices and text of slaves
http://www.uncg.edu/~jpbrewer/remember/
American Civil War Timeline
http://www.americancivilwar.com/tl/timeline.html
Fredericksburg Order of Battle, Army of Northern Virgina
http://civilwarhome.com/anvfredericksburg.htm, 9/13/99.
The Longstreet Chronicles
http://www.chickasaw.com/~rainbow/m_sdoc31.htm, 12/6/99.
Marye =s
Heights
http://www.civilwar.org/maryes.htm: The Civil War Trust,
1999.
Richmond =s
History
http://saturn.vcu.edu/~mebell/richmond/index.html,
10/28/99.
Longstreet, Lieut. General James. Battle of
Fredericksburg Virginia. Report of Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet,
Http://www.civilwarhome.com/longfredericksburg.htm,
9/13/99.
Or, consult these sources used in the
research of Off to Fight
Beale, Jane Howison. The Journal Of Jane Howison Beale Fredericksburg:
Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, 1995.
History and Cultural Center of Virginia. Handout on
Mary Bowser Richmond, 1999.
Bowen, John. Civil War Days Chartwell Books:
London, 1987.
Boyer, Paul S.; Clark Clifford E. Jr., et al. The
Enduring Vision: A History of the American People. Lexington, Mass.:
D.C. Heath, 1990.
Catton, Bruce. Hayfoot, Strawfoot: The Civil War
Soldier American Heritage. New York: American Heritage, April
1957.
Channing, Steven A. Confederate Ordeal: The Civil War
Series Alexandria: Time Life Books, 1984.
Dabney, Virginius. Richmond, The Story of a City
Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 1990.
Editors of Time Life Books. Voices of the Civil War:
Fredericksburg Alexandria: Time Life Books, 1984.
Furgurson, Ernest B. Ashes of Glory; Richmond at War.
New York: Vintage Books, 1996.
Good, Jim. A Telephone Conversation between the
Historian at the National Park Service and Alan Kay regarding the Battle
of Fredericksburg 1999.
Goolrick, John T. Historic Fredericksburg Richmond:
Whittet & Shepperson, 1922.
Goolrick, William K. Rebels Resurgent: The Civil War
Series Alexandria: Time Life Books, 1984.
Gordon, Lesley J. General George E. Pickett in Life and
Legend Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 1998.
Hart, Albert Bushnell. American History told by
Contemporaries, Volume IV. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1964.
Horrocks, Thomas. AThe
Know Nothings.@
American History Volume I, Article 25. Guilford, Conn.: The Dushkin
Publishing Group Inc., 1987.
Light, Rebecca Campbell. War at Our Doors: The Civil
War Diaries of the Bernard Sisters of Virginia Fredericksburg: The
American History Company, 1998.
Massey, Mary Elizabeth. Refugee Life in the Confederacy
Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1964.
McCutcheon, Marc. Everyday Life in the 1800s
Cincinnati: Writer =s
Digest Books, 1993.
McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom New York:
Oxford University Press, 1988.
Murphy, Jim. The Boys =
War New York: Clarion Books, 1990.
O =Shea
Richard, Greenspan, David. American Heritage: Battle Maps of the Civil
War New York: Smithmark, 1992.
Putnam, Sallie B. Richmond During the War; Four years
of Personal Observation New York: G.W. Carleton & Co., 1883.
Robertson, James I. Tenting Tonight: The Civil War
Series Alexandria: Time Life Books, 1984.
Stevens, Joseph E. 1863 The Rebirth of a Nation New
York: Bantam Books, 1999.
Wallace, Charles M. Boy Gangs of Old Richmond in the
Dear Old Days Publisher Unknown; supplied to author by The Valentine
Museum, Richmond Va. 1938.
Wallace, Lee A. A Guide to Virginia Military
Organizations 1861-1865 Lynchburg, Va.: H.E. Howard, 1986.
Primary Source Document:
The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft
The Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft is
housed in the Manuscript Division at the Library of Congress. Mrs.
Willoughby Davis, a Taft descendant, donated the diary's three volumes as
a gift to the Library in 2000.
The diary documents Taft's life in Washington, D. C.,
where he worked as an examiner in the U.S. Patent Office. It is especially
significant because of his connection to the Abraham Lincoln family and
because of his descriptions of daily life in Washington during the Civil
War. Its contents provide details about Taft's family life and various
events in Washington, including descriptions of the arrival and quartering
of regiments, hospitals, and the daily news reports (sometimes inaccurate)
of battles.
Below is a selection of his entries chosen by the author.
They are designed to be used to help the student understand how the early
days of the war began and to provide a Northern perspective. Special
attention should be paid to how the attitudes towards the development of
war change over time. The full diary can be found at
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/tafthtml/tafthome.html
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1861.
Another wet misty day. Splashy sidewalks and mudy
crossings. Letter from Frank today through Chas dated Fort Kearney, N.T.,
attached to the U.S. Army acting as comdt clerk, well & healthy. The
"Secession fever" seems to me to be rather subsiding. The
"Secession" Clerks in the Census Bureau
were notified today that they could resign, otherwise they would be
dismissed. The same thing should be done in all the Departments of
the Govt. Went to the Assemblys church tonight to hear Mr. Collins
Lecture on Japan, but the Lecture was on So. America. It was not
uninteresting. There was also a Lecture at the "Smithsonian" on
the Polarization of light, but it is too far off and the walking was too
bad for wife.
THURSDAY 17 January
There has been no startling News today, but the right
of Secession is contested by all northern men who with the
president consider it Revolution. I have not hesitated to call it Treason.
I was at Willards this evening. People generaly are less excited than they
were a week ago, and since the Cabinet has been purged of Secessionists
and the President has taken a stand for the Union and the
Constitution we all feel much better. It is now thought that "secession"
will be at a discount soon even in the South. Became acquainted with Mr
Fitman (Sigma), Mr Cluskey &c.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1861.
The fact there exists an extensive conspiracy to break up
the Government, one of long standing, is growing more apparent every day.
The Secession of Virginia and Maryland is a part of the program and
the securing of this City accomplishes the desired end. Nothing but
concessions on the part of the north will prevent the secession of
those States. If no compromise is made, then nothing but a large force
will ensure the Inauguration of Mr Lincoln on the 4th March. The next
month must settle a great question for this country.
TUESDAY 29 January 1861
There are indications today that the Republicans are
"coming down" from the Chicago Platform and that something like
the Crittenden proposition will be accepted by them. Secession
seems to be now a fixed fact and we have to look Disunion in the
face, while a subversion of the Government is threatened. This City is
still considered in danger. There is a thousand U.S. Soldiers now
quartered here. An armed guard now tramps through the Halls of the Patent
Office every night and the other Public Buildings are guarded in the same
way. Warm & pleasant today.
TUESDAY 5 February
The Unionists carried the State Virginia yesterday
by a large majority and everyone has felt better today. I think the Secession
Movement has reached its climax and a re-action will now take place, but
perhaps the wish is Father to the thought. The Chief
Engineer of U.S. Navy was with me an hour or two today in the office, had
long conversation upon Steam and Steam Engines. He is a knowing
man. Bot H N Jr suit of clothes tonight. Was in at Willards and saw
numerous friends and almost innumerable strangers. Weather
pleasant.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1861.
This has been a peculiar day as regards the weather.
Sunshine and rain alternating all day with high wind and threatening Cloud
occasionaly. No particular news. The Peace convention will not I fear
amount to much in the end. As it regards the question of Slavery, I
think, it & Congress may agree upon terms of settlement. But as
regards what the south Claims viz the right of
Secession the north will never agree with the south. Hon M
Butterfield M.C. from NY, wife & daughter, Doct Everitt, wife &
Brother, spent the evening with us. All very pleasant. Bed 111/2
o'clock.
TUESDAY 12 March
Fine day and quite warm tonight. The streets are quite
dry. The City is quite full of strangers yet mostly office seekers I
suppose. Not many removals have as yet been made in any of the Deptts. It
is understood that Fort Sumpter is to be evacuated. It may be policy
to do so if it is not a matter of Necessity. Went with C R to
Georgetown after dinner. Visited the Aqueduct Bridge, the High Resivoir,
and the Oak Hill Cemetery. Went with Julia this evening to the National to
see one of her friends and from there to Willards to meet Bro. C. R. &
all came home.
TUESDAY 19 March
Another cold day. M. 19 early this morning, but the
sun took the snow off before night. There does not seem to be any news in
particular afloat but Warlike rumors are in the secession papers.
The Cabinet does not seem to be a unit upon all questions and it may
not hold together long. Sent packages of seeds from the Agriclt Room to
both the Editors at Lyons, Tinsley & Van Camp. Went down to the Ave
with Juliet. Called upon Miss Douglas on H Street. She commences school
with Miss D. tomorrow. 11 o'clock.
THURSDAY 21 March
It has been a cold windy day. It snowed some last night,
and we are now having about as much Winter as we have had. The
indications are now that Fort Sumpter will be evacuated and perhaps
the other Forts in the seceded states, and that there will be no War.
But in my opinion a peaceable separation will ultimately be brought about
(probably with all the Slave States) and two confederacys be formed. Went
with Julia (after calling on our neighbor Mr Douglass with my wife) to the
Raven Club at Prof Whitakers, heard Doct Chesney discuss the
Character of Queen Elizabeth.
WEDNESDAY 27 March
A rainy morning, but pleasant by noon. It rained nearly
all last night. We have at last got a Comr of Patents. Mr Holloway of I.A.
was confirmed by the Senate today. Went down to the Hotels this evening.
Strange and anxious faces yet crowd them. Called at the
"National" upon Judge Ira Harris NY Senator. Had a pleasant
"call," conversed upon various subjects. He thinks the Secession
Movement will die out if it is let alone. Got the NY "Times" and
came home 1/2 past 9 & read it. Got letter today from Prest Cowles of
Elmira Female College. Clock has just struck 11.
FRIDAY 12 April
It has been rainy the latter part of the day and rains
hard tonight. Went with Juliet and the boys to see the soldiers over to
the Long Bridge. Nothing but the guard there. Visited the City Armory, a
company of U.S. Artillery stationed there. The Military companies are now
divided and stationed at various points all over the City. Treason
is in our midst. One hardly knows whom to trust. But I speak my own
sentiments freely as I have all the time and denounce "seceders"
as Traitors. Went down to the Ave & got the NY papers. It is said
today that Fort Sumpter has been provisioned without bloodshed.
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 1861.
This has been the most exciting day yet. The last report
about the provisioning Ft Sumpter was untrue and today or early this
morning news came that the Rebels were bombarding it and tonight the
report is that Maj Anderson has surrendered, it being on fire. The last
report is not generaly credited. Even if true, it is not astonishing. The
Rebels have ten thousand men & nineteen Batteries. Anderson had 70 men
only. I went on to the Ave after 3 o'clock, a great crowd round all the
Printing or News paper offices. Everybody much excited, and all will soon
be compelled to "show their hands," for or against
the Union.
SUNDAY 14 April 1861
A fine cool day. Went to church in the morning with all
the children, wife staid at home and went in the afternoon. The excitement
in the City increases all the time now the war has begun. But the
reports from Charleston are mostly "bogus." Maj Anderson has
probably not surrendered, but there is fighting there. I
left Willards about 1/2 past 10 this evening, never saw a more excited
crowd. It is said that Martial law will be proclaimed tomorrow morning,
and that the Prest has made requisition upon the States for 75,000 men or
Volunteers to defend the Government. Think of sending my family out of the
City immediately.
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