Excerpt from Journal of Theodore Upson
Written in April 1861; originally published in 1943

A family's reaction to the start of the Civil War

"'Oh to think that I should have lived to see the day when Brother should rise against Brother.'"

From Journal of Theodore Upson

The Confederate attack on the Federal stronghold of Fort Sumter in April 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War. The Confederate capture of Sumter made it clear that, after years of dark threats and bitter debate, the differences between the North and South would be settled on the battlefield.

At first, many people in both regions expressed great enthusiasm for the coming war. Big rallies and celebrations erupted in many major cities, as community leaders and ordinary citizens alike showed their patriotic spirit. This high level...