NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
... attack (Hutchinson Encyclopedia). Repeated demands were made upon Major Anderson, and upon the President, for the relinquishment of Fort Sumter. All demands were refused. Finally, Major Anderson was summoned to evacuate the fort, for the last time. The Hutchnison Encyclopedia explains that, accordingly, on April 11 th, General Beauregard sent him the following communication: Sir: The government of the Confederate States has hitherto forborne from any hostile demonstrations against Fort Sumter, in hope that the government of the United States, with a view to the amicable adjustment of all questions between the two governments, and to avert the calamities of war, would voluntarily evacuate it.
There was reason at one time to believe that such would be the course pursued by the government of the United States, and under that impression my government has refrained from making any demand for the surrender of the fort. But the Confederate States can no longer delay assuming actual possession of a fortification commanding the entrance of one of their harbors and necessary to its defense and security. I am ordered by the government of the Confederate States to demand the evacuation of Fort Sumter. My aides, Colonel Chestnut and Captain Lee, are authorized to make such demand of you.
All proper facilities will be afforded for the removal of yourself and command, together with company arms and property, and all private property, to any post in the United States which you may select. The flag which you have upheld so long and with so much fortitude, under the most trying circumstances, may be saluted by you on taking it down. Colonel Chestnut and Captain Lee will, for a reasonable time, await your answer. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General Commanding.
At 3: 20 a. m. , April 12, the South informed Anderson that their batteries would open fire in one hour. At ten minutes past the allotted hour, Capt. George S. James ordered the firing of a signal shell. Within moments Edmund Ruffin of Virginia fired off a gun from Cummings Point.
By daybreak batteries at Forts Johnson, Moultrie, and Cummings Point were assailing Sumter. For thirty-four hours they assaulted Sumter with an unceasing bombardment, before its brave defenders agreed to give it up, and not then until the condition of the fort made it impossible to continue the defense. Port Moultrie alone fired nearly 2, 490 shots and shells. General S. W.
Crawford describes the condition of Sumter when Anderson agreed to its surrender: "It was a scene of ruin and destruction. The quarters and barracks were in ruins. The main gates and the planking of the windows on the gorge were gone; the magazines closed and surrounded by smoldering flames and burning ashes; the provisions exhausted; much of the engineering work destroyed; and with only four barrels of powder available. Major Anderson withheld his fire until 7 o'clock. Though some 60 guns stood ready for action, most never got into the fight. Nine or ten guns returned fire, but by noon only six remained in action.
At no time during the battle did the guns of Fort Sumter greatly damage Confederate positions. And, sheltered in Sumter's brick caverns, only five Federal soldiers suffered injuries. The battle continued through that that night and that evening Major Anderson gave up the hopeless contest and reluctantly accepted the inevitable. Ironically, no one on either side had been killed during the engagement. On Sunday, April 14, Major Anderson and his garrison marched out of the fort and boarded ship for transport to New York. They had defended Sumter for 34 hours.
Civil war, so long dreaded, had begun. The Confederate firing on Fort Sumter and Lincoln's response in calling for 75, 000 volunteers to put down the rebellion did have the effect of galvanizing the South. Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and crucial Virginia seceded and joined the Confederacy shortly afterwards. Yet it also rallied the loyal states in a way that probably nothing else could have done. The flag had been dishonored and war had been initiated by Southern aggression.
A patriotic enthusiasm feeling swept the North. Ultimately, Lincoln's course must appear wiser. In the end, Lincoln reluctantly sent the Sumter expedition only after learning that the reinforcement of Fort Pickens had not taken place. Since Pickens could not provide a symbol of the Union's permanency, the abandonment of Sumter was now unacceptable. Even in these circumstances, Lincoln took the most peaceable course possible. He adopted a plan to re-supply rather than reinforce the fort, and informed South Carolina officials of his intention.
Although fighting broke out as a result of his decision, Lincoln did not deliberately choose war. Instead, he opted for a course whose consequences were unknown, and which offered at least a possibility of avoiding war. Davis, by initiating the conflict had given the North a strength and unity without which it probably could not have won the war that followed. Yet in fairness it must be noted that for the Confederate president there were no easy alternatives. Each leader acted on their own knowledge and did what they thought wisest.
The attack on Fort Sumter is not, nor probably ever will be known for its heroic sacrifices or significant accomplishments. It is Sumter's association with the Civil War, one of the great shaping events of the American experience, which gives it a symbolic dimension far outweighing its military significance. The attack on Sumter was the first notable clash of arms between the newly formed Confederacy and the Union. The battle marked a transition from the period of uncertain peace that accompanied the initial secession of seven Southern states from the Union to the four years of bloodshed and devastation of the Civil War.
The sacrifices made in this war are a testimony that will forever be enjoyed by Americans... The memorable and momentous attack upon Fort Sumter will endure forever for its inspirational deposition. Bibliography: Works Cited Davis, William C. First Blood. Alexandria: Time-Life Books, 1983.
Fort Sumter Confederate Military History. 2 Feb. 2000. McPherson, James M. Battle Cry of Freedom. New York: Ballantine Books, 1988. Hutchnison Encyclopedia. 1999. 18 February 2000 United States History. New York: Bowie, 1997.
Free research essays on topics related to: government of the united states, civil war, fort sumter, confederate states, sumter
Research essay sample on Government Of The United States Fort Sumter
