Reminiscences of Forts Sumter and Moultrie in 1860-'61

A first-person officer's account recalls the tense months around the opening hostilities at two coastal forts, detailing garrison life, rising secessionist agitation, and local political pressures. It traces efforts to reinforce and supply the forts, movements of troops between positions, the attempted relief by a government vessel, subsequent bombardment and damage, negotiated evacuation terms, and occupation by opposing forces. The narrative combines tactical and logistical detail with personal observation, and includes maps and an appendix to clarify dispositions and events that led a sequence of diplomatic and military decisions to culminate in the initial armed clash.