[Charlotte Corday]

We have no doubt Mr. Lincoln wants the Cabinet at Montgomery to take the initiative by capturing the two forts in its waters, for it would give him the opportunity of throwing upon the Southern Confederacy the responsibility of commencing hostilities.

And the CSA did just as Lincoln desired. In heaven's name, why?

I recall reading somewhere to the effect that it was the Charleston politicians and local militia leaders who took it upon themselves to fire on Sumter, perhaps we can't lay that mistake at Jeff Davis. door.

[r9etb]

I recall reading somewhere to the effect that it was the Charleston politicians and local militia leaders who took it upon themselves to fire on Sumter

See above -- the Virginian Edmund Ruffin made a special trip to Charleston specifically to help provoke an incident.

[Non-Sequitur]

By the time the first shot was fired at Sumter, P.G.T. Beauregard had been placed in command by Davis and he was in constant communication with the confederate government. Davis knew exactly what was going on and he authorized Beauregard to open fire.