[PeaRidge]

So, you would agree it was a fact that the residents of Charleston were correct in their knowledge that a Union fleet was arriving, and that they had stated their intent to enter the harbor, by force if necessary.

[Non-Sequitur]

So, you would agree it was a fact that the residents of Charleston were correct in their knowledge that a Union fleet was arriving, and that they had stated their intent to enter the harbor, by force if necessary.

I would agree that the Southern leaders knew the fleet was coming and that they knew the intent was to maintain the status quo. And that they weren't prepared to allow that to happen.

[Maelstrom]

And that was the act of war that began the War of Northern Aggression.

Firing on Ft. Sumter was prompted by that act, and was, in this light, defensive.