" 'The steamer, "Star of the West," with
two hundred and fifty United States troops on board for Fort
Sumter, was fired into' (I forget the day) 'by the batteries
near Charleston.' Young ladies, do you hear that? The steamer
was fired into. That is the beginning."
We looked at each other, we girls; startled, sorry, awed, with
a strange glance of defiance from some eyes, while some flowed
over with tears, and some were eager with a feeling that was
not displeasure. All were silent at first. Then whispers
began.
"I told you so," said Sally.
"Well, _they_ have begun it," said Macy, who was a new York
girl.
"Of course. What business had the 'Star of the West' to be
carrying those troops there? South Carolina can take care of
her own forts."
"Daisy Randolph, you look as solemn as a preacher," said
another. "Which side are you on?"
"She is on the right side," said another.
"Of course," said Sally. "She is the daughter of a Southern
gentleman!"
"I am not on the side of those who fire the first shot," I
said.
Pages:
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563