Then just a mere eight weeks later, he instructed the Commandant of the Navy Yard in Brooklyn to outfit ships and under no circumstances communicate to the Navy Department the fact that the ships are fitting out."
Lincoln's intention to hold on to property belonging to the United States was no secret. He had promised to do so in the speech at Indianapolis, in his inaugural address, and elsewhere.
Lincoln’s note was not signed, nor did the courier carry any orders for receiving a reply from the Governor.
The message was verbal, not written. Chew identified who it was from. And no, he was not authorized to accept a reply. What reply was necessary?
Lincoln did not say he would land men if opposed. Nor did he say that he would fight his way in if opposed, though those are the exact orders he gave to his fleet.
Don't you read your own posts? He said no attempt would be made to land men or munitions unless the resupply was opposed. The exact words were, "...an attempt will be made to supply Fort Sumter with provisions only, and that if such attempt be not resisted, no effort to throw in men, arms, or ammunition, will be made, without further notice, or in case of attack." It's right there.
His memo to Pickens was a carefully phrased message designed to deceive and provoke.
His message was crystal clear. Peaceful resupply is possible, reinforcement if Davis chose war. Davis chose war.
Even if Lincoln said he was not going to land men both his manner of delivery and past experience gave Pickens more than ample reason to oppose it.
But no right. Sumter was a federal post. Lincoln, as commander in chief, was well within his authority to send supplies to the garrison. If anything, the South had given him ample reason to go in with guns blazing. But he was trying to avoid a war. A war that Davis was anxious to start.
as a docent at Manassas Battlefield said on the recent anniversary of the battle:
president lincoln & his cabinet figured that calling up troops, "showing the flag" & perhaps one battle would COW the secessionists into "turning tail & returning to the union". as a result of this MIScalculation a MILLION Americans on both sides NEEDLESSLY died for NOTHING of REAL value. (emphasis: MINE)
fyi, i've never heard it said better.
free dixie,sw
Why don’t you include the complete story:
You said of Lincoln’s intent:
“He said no attempt would be made to land men or munitions unless the resupply was opposed. The exact words were, ‘...an attempt will be made to supply Fort Sumter with provisions only, and that if such attempt be not resisted, no effort to throw in men, arms, or ammunition, will be made, without further notice, or in case of attack.” It’s right there.
Well, here is Lincoln’s order. The difference between his carefully worded message to Pickens, and the direct orders to the Naval command was that there was no question they were on the way to land in force.
April 4, 1861
To: Lieut. Col. H.L. Scott, Aide de Camp
This will be handed to you by Captain G.V. Fox, an ex-officer of the Navy. He is charged by authority here, with the command of an expedition (under cover of certain ships of war) whose object is, to reinforce Fort Sumter.
To embark with Captain Fox, you will cause a detachment of recruits, say about 200, to be immediately organized at fort Columbus, with competent number of officers, arms, ammunition, and subsistence, with other necessaries needed for the augmented garrison at Fort Sumter.
Signed: Winfield Scott