His caution was not in vain. That day the rulers of Charleston received
a message from Abraham Lincoln that Sumter would be revictualled,
whether Charleston consented or not. The news was spread instantly
through the city and fire sprang up in the South Carolina heart.
The population, increased far beyond its normal numbers by the influx
from the country, talked of nothing else. Beauregard was everywhere
giving quick, nervous orders, and always strengthening the already
powerful batteries that threatened Sumter.
CHAPTER VI
SUMTER
Harry saw an increase of energy after the arrival of Beauregard.
There were fresh rumors about the great fleet the North was going to
send down for the relief of Sumter. Major Anderson, the commander in
the fort, steadily refused all demands for surrender. It was said
freely that the Northern States did not intend to let their Southern
sisters go in peace. The Mercury, with all the power and fire of the
Rhett family behind it, thundered continually for action. Sumter with
its guns menacing the city should not be allowed to remain under the
hostile flag.
It seemed to Harry afterward that he was in a sort of fever, not a fever
that parched and burned, but a fever that made his pulse leap faster,
and his heart long for the thrill of conflict.
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