Crawford, Samuel W. (1829-1892) [Copy of Crawford's notes regarding surrender of Fort Sumter]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01127.01 Author/Creator: Crawford, Samuel W. (1829-1892) Place Written: Fort Sumter, South Carolina Type: Manuscript document Date: 13 April 1861 Pagination: 4 p. ; 22 x 14 cm. Order a Copy
Walker's "true copy" of Crawford and Seymour's first hand account of the meeting between Colonel Louis Wigfall and Major Robert Anderson, during which Fort Sumter was surrendered. Walker copied, in pencil, Crawford and Seymour's written account which details the conversation between Wigfall, Anderson, and other officers. Wigfall tells Anderson "You have defended your flag nobly, Sir. You have done all that can be done.Your fort is on fire. Let us stop this, Sir." Anderson agrees to surrender the fort under the conditions he proposed earlier to General Beauregard, to which Wigfall accepts. Wigfall made this mission without Beauregard's authorization, which would cause minor confusion, but in the end a peace is worked out on grounds similar to those listed in this document. Walker signs as"1st Lt. 3rd Infantry." Copy probably made soon after the surrender of the fort.
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.
Louis Wigfall served as a Senator from Texas before withdrawing from the Senate. Then served in the Confederate Army and the Confederate Congress.
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