[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.

[Non-Sequitur]

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.

According to accounts at the time there were civilian structures right up to the walls of the fort. Sand dunes had been allowed to build up to the point where they were overlooking the walls. Anderson didn't have the time or men to correct those problems. Sumter was the only solution.