CHAPTER II.. Preparations for Defense.

PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENSE.

Defeat of Captain Seymour's Expedition on the Ashley.--Mayor Macbeth's Explanation.--Captain Foster's Work on Fort Moultrie.--Governor Gist convenes the South Carolina Legislature.--Creation of a Standing Army.--Arrival of Masons from Baltimore.--Situation of Fort Sumter.--A Dramatic Incident.--Secretary Floyd's Action.--Horace Greeley's Advocacy of the Right of Secession.--The Situation November 18th. 30