Crawford, Samuel W. (1829-1892) [Account of the surrender of Fort Sumter]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01127.03 Author/Creator: Crawford, Samuel W. (1829-1892) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph document signed Date: 13 May 1861 Pagination: 3 p. ; 21 x 26 cm. Order a Copy
Firsthand account of the negotiations for the surrender of Fort Sumter. Details conversation between Major Robert Anderson and Captain Lee negotiating terms of surrender. Finishes Crawford's narrative begun in GLC01127.01. Recounts the conversation between Captain Lee and Major Anderson. Anderson had already told Louis Wigfall he would surrender, but Wigfall was not actually sent by Beauregard. Lee was Beauregard's true emissary, and he and Anderson agreed on the official terms of surrender. Also lists men wounded on 13 April as Thomas Kernin, James Hays, and Edward Galloway, here spelled Galway, who it notes is now dead. These men were injured in an accident during the salute to the American flag. No one was killed during the actual battle over Fort Sumter. Signed by Crawford for himself and Captain Truman Seymour authenticating that this is a true account of events they witnessed. Collateral contains report relating to the authenticity of the handwriting.
Samuel Crawford was an assistant surgeon and battery commander at Fort Sumter. Later rose to the rank of Major General.
Truman Seymour served as a captain of the field artillery during the bombardment of Fort Sumter. Later breveted Major General.
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