‘But had the South not chosen to start the war, the fleet would have done nothing but land food and supplies, no reinforcements or munitions.’
please don’t confuse our Civil War genius with logical premises; he refuses to accept that the Southrons were spoiling for war...
They offered to do nothing if Anderson had agreed not to fire upon them when those Union ships arrived to force entry.
Doesn't sound like they were spoiling for war. In fact, if you read the messages between Beauregard and Anderson, you realize both men were horrified of the idea, and wanted to do anything Honor would permit to avoid it.
Anderson had in fact informed Beauregard that he would evacuate the fort if given a little more time. Beauregard was going to give him as much time as he wanted if that fleet of Warships hadn't shown up.
Anderson puts the blame on his government for starting the war.
I had the honor to receive by yesterday's mail the letter of the honorable Secretary of War, dated April 4, and confess that what he there states surprises me very greatly, following as it does and contradicting so positively the assurance Mr. Crawford telegraphed he was authorized to make. I trust that this matter w ill be at once put in a correct light, as a movement made now, when the South has been erroneously informed that none such will be attempted, would produce most disastrous results throughout our country.It is, of course, now too late for me to give any advice in reference to the proposed scheme of Captain Fox. I fear that its result cannot fail to be disastrous to all concerned. Even with his boat at our walls the loss of life (as I think I mentioned to Mr. Fox) in unloading her will more than pay for the good to be accomplished by the expedition, which keeps us, if I can maintain possession of this work, out of position, surrounded by strong works, which must be carried to make this fort of the least value to the United States Government.
We have not oil enough to keep a light in the lantern for one night. The boats will have, therefore, to rely at night entirely upon other marks. I ought to have been informed that this expedition was to come. Colonel Lamon's remark convinced me that the idea, merely hinted at to me by Captain Fox, would not be carried out. We shall strive to do our duty, though I frankly say that my heart is not in the war which I see is to be thus commenced. That God will still avert it, and cause us to resort to pacific measures to maintain our rights, is my ardent prayer.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.