Thomas Aagaard
I'm not understanding why you are so shallow and pedantic on the Ft. Sumter events. Please show your sources on SC firing on ships sent by Buchanan.
The fact is, SC was independent by the time Lincoln snuck Robert Anderson into the Fort. He even ignored messages from Anderson requesting more supplies and help. The fact is, Lincoln wanted Sumter to prevent SC from trading because Charleston was the one of the most valuable ports in the south. He intended to collect the tariff.
Robert Anderson's former student, PGT Beauregard was the confederate commander outside the fort. They exchanged letters for days in friendly fashion, and neither intended to start a war. Anderson knew the exact hour the south would fire on him, and refused to leave because Lincoln needed some reason to instigate the war. This is why Lincoln did not respond to various messages from Anderson requesting aid.