[Non-Sequitur]

However, I must submit to you that the move of Federal Troops to a "blocking point" in Charleston Harbor was a provocative move, in the mind of the South Carolina G'vmt

With virtually all of his garrison in Fort Moultrie, totally indefensible from the landward side, in a city filled with rumors of an impending attack on his garrison, what choice did Anderson have but to shift his forces to the most defensible post under his command?

[Robe]

what choice did Anderson have but to shift his forces to the most defensible post under his command?

A most prudent military move indeed, however he WAS NOT UNDER ATTACK, and moved into the most provocative position in the area. Maybe he should have folded his banners and moved his Garrison elsewhere, Or was that a not so honorable move and that macho-ism prevailed?

[smug]

With virtually all of his garrison in Fort Moultrie, totally indefensible from the landward side,

Having lived right their I think it would have been far easier to defend Fort Moultrie. I know all it's gun emplacements face the sea. But, Sullivan's Island would have been one tough nut to crack. You hunker down for the cannonade and then blast the little boats out of the water as they tried to cross. I think reinforcement would have even been easier.