Fort Sumter

Certainly, the chain of events, that led up to, the south firing, on Fort Sumter, was an interesting one. After declaring, their independence, South Carolina, sent commissioners, to Washington, to negotiate, a deal for the forts, and the arsenal, with President Buchanan. At this time, Fort Sumter, was still just occupied by a crew of workmen, and the union garrison, commanded by Major Anderson, was still at Fort Moultrie. Not wanting any major troubles, until he got out of office, Pres. Buchanan, told the South Carolina congressmen, that he wouldn't send the reinforcements, that Anderson wanted, in exchange for South Carolina, not attacking Anderson's garrison. South Carolina, also left understanding, that the status, of the military, wouldn't change, while the negotiations were going on. After this, Major Anderson, received orders, that if he felt that it was necessary, to prevent an attack, to move his men, to Fort Sumter, which he did do, under the cover of darkness. This didn't help the tensions, that were going on, which led to the attempted supply of Sumter, with the Star of the West, which failed, then later on Pres. Lincoln, sent ships, of supplies for the Fort. South Carolina, was told, that these ships were going in, whether they liked it or not. It was up to South Carolina, whether it would be war or peace. South Carolina answered, before the ships arrived, by firing, on Fort Sumter. What if South Carolina, hadn't fired on Fort Sumter? What other events, do you think, may have taken place? Would Pres. Lincoln, have used other events, to go to war?

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