Reminiscences of Forts Sumter and Moultrie in 1860-'61

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24972

Title

Reminiscences of Forts Sumter and Moultrie in 1860-'61

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Brevet Major-General Abner Doubleday recounts the tense final days at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie in 1860–61. This memoir captures the loyalty crisis, the bombardment, and the evacuation of the fort, offering a firsthand perspective on the Rebellion's first conflict.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Reminiscences of Forts Sumter and Moultrie in 1860–'61*, Brevet Major-General Abner Doubleday provides a firsthand account of the turbulent events leading to the American Civil War, focusing on the defense of federal forts in Charleston Harbor. Written with the urgency of a dying memory, Doubleday details the deteriorating conditions at Fort Moultrie, where crumbling palmetto walls and sand-dominating sea breeches rendered the structure untenable against a determined militia. The narrative highlights the treachery of Secretary of War John B. Floyd, who, despite his nominal loyalty, secretly supplied arms and munitions to secessionists, effectively disarming the Union government in the South. The story follows the arrival of Major Robert Anderson at Fort Sumter and the subsequent diplomatic maneuvering that delayed federal reinforcements. Doubleday vividly recounts the firing upon the *Star of the West*, an attempt to resupply the fort, which was met with hostile fire from rebel batteries. The text emphasizes the strategic paralysis caused by South Carolina's refusal to allow Union warships into the harbor, leaving Anderson's garrison to rely on dwindling supplies while the enemy stockpiled resources. Doubleday captures the intense partisan atmosphere, describing the mob mentality in Charleston and the fanaticism of leaders like Edmund Ruffin and Robert Barnwell Rhett. He notes the personal sacrifices of Union officers, including the defection of Lieutenant Meade and the eventual bombardment of Fort Sumter. The memoir concludes with the evacuation of the garrison after the fort fell, a moment marked by the solemn salute to the flag before the Union troops departed. Through letters, memoranda, and personal recollection, Doubleday preserves the emotional thrill and sympathy felt by those who witnessed the first conflict of the Rebellion, offering a detailed history that bridges the gap between partisan bitterness and historical fact.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History
• Civil War