THE STORY OF THE CIVIL WAR

As soon as the election of Abraham Lincoln was definitely ascertained, the legislature of South Carolina summoned a sovereign convention of the people of that state, which met December 17, 1860. Three days later this convention adopted an ordinance of secession, which declared the state no longer a member of the union. Mississippi seceded January 9, 1861 ; Florida, January 10; Alabama, January 11 ; Georgia, January 19 ; Louisiana, January 26; Texas, February 1. The forts, arsenals and other federal property within the limits of these states were seized by the authorities thereof, with the exceptions of Forts Moultrie and Sumter.

Delegates from the seceding states met at Montgomery, Alabama, February 4, 1861, and proceeded at once to organize a new republic, with the name of the Confederate States of America. February 8th a provisional government was declared, with Jefferson Davis as president. April 8th Governor Pickens, of South Carolina, was notified by the general government of its intention to relieve Fort Sumter at all hazards. Governor Pickens at once informed General Beauregard of this official notification, and the news was sent by him to the Confederate government at Montgomery. Its secretary of war there upon ordered General Beauregard to demand the immediate surrender of Fort Sumter.

On Friday morning, April 12th, the Confederate batteries opened fire upon the fort. The bombardment lasted thirty-two hours. Late in the afternoon of the 13th Major Anderson, in command of the fort, agreed to capitulate, and the firing ceased. On the morning of Sunday, April 14th, Fort Sumter was surrendered to the Confederate forces, and Major Anderson and his garrison sailed at once for New York. Treason had struck the decisive blow ; war was inevitable.

 

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