Language. A telegram in 1861 and an IM in 2010

     Here's a challenge for young visitors, or the children (Grandchildren???) of visitors to this blog. The following sign on Dexter Avenue in Montgomery shows the wording of the telegram authorizing Confederate forces to fire on Ft. Sumter, 149 years ago today.
     If you were the person writing the message today...what would you write in a tweet or an IM to get the same message across. Does the language of the telegram make sense to you?
     Remember, this message is about starting a war that would end with 620,000 Americans killed and and almost equal number wounded. What you send must be clearly written so as not to be misunderstood!

SUGGESTION: Do you know any English or History teachers who might find this an interesting exercise for their classes? Send a link to them...and please let me know if you hear of it being used! timothylennox@charter.net