Lincoln, Davis and the Fort Sumter Episode Historians agree on the events from March to April 1861, disagree on responsibility.

Both Lincoln and Davis faced similar problems. Lincoln’s policy is cleared by his inaugural address-use force if necessary. Would possess federal property and collect tariff (not sure how to do it). Knows it is a delicate position. If he appears indecisive or to aggressive, the remaining slave states (Upper South and Border States) may join the Confederacy. North is not totally united. Unsure of loyalty from Democrats (they blame Republicans for secession. Some Democrats are anti-coercionists Some still support State’s Rights. Some believe that secession is a “Black Republican” trick to abolish slavery.

Davis faced similar problems. Confederacy only made up of 7 states, he wants the allegiance of the Upper South and Border States. If to aggressive or indecisive, he will lose them. The Confederacy was not a united nation. Some old Union and Cotton Whigs had questionable loyalty. Both wait for the other to fire the first shot and believe that they have the time to allow things to come into focus.

Forts Sumter and Pickens Both Lincoln and Davis share problem of control of the forts and remaining federal authority. These 2 forts were exceptions to the CSA taking over federal installations when states seceded. For Lincoln, Pickens was easier to reinforce because it was outside the range of Confederate batteries. Lincoln used fort to maintain control. A thorn to Davis.

Fort Sumter was a sticker problem. Was located in the “home of secession”. December 26, 1860; Col. Robert Anderson moved troops from Fort Moultrie to unfinished Sumter. Anderson sent note to Buchanan for supplies. Relief ship Star of the West sent. South Carolina militia prevents ship from landing. Buchanan turns problem over to Lincoln.

March 5, 1861; Anderson informs Lincoln he has only 4-6 weeks supplies left. Lincoln forced to reconsider “Masterly Inactivity”-time running out. Lincoln needs to maintain federal authority or at least create the illusion. (Maintain by resupply, create by collecting tariffs) Seward wants to shift focus to Pickens, can’t because of symbolism of Sumter. Lincoln turns to General Winfield Scott, he believed Sumter was impossible to defend and recommends evacuation. Seward agrees as long as in return the Border States would give binding pledge to remain in the Union.

Jefferson Davis on Pickens and Sumter CSA claim to nationhood is invalidated with 2 federal installations remaining, must get by diplomacy or force. Early March 1861, Davis sent 3 person peace commission to negotiate with Seward for evacuation. If negotiations fail, Davis tells Confederate forces to be ready to attack. Neither Lincoln or Davis see consequences of their actions, they are only dealing with events as they happen.

William Seward Viewed Lincoln as a “country bumpkin”needing guidance from a “prime minister”. Passed word to Confederate commissioners that Lincoln was ready to evacuate Fort Sumter. Also met in secret with Virginia Secessionists Convention; to appease non-coercionists he tells them Sumter will be evacuated. As days passed with no evacuation, they feel Seward lied to them. Meanwhile Lincoln convinced to resupply the fort by Gustavus Fox as a humanitarian mission. Lincoln announced plan at March 29th cabinet meeting, Seward disagreed.

Seward sent Lincoln memo recommending immediate evacuation and suggested the US declare war on some European aggressor to rekindle Southern patriotism and reuniting the U.S. Lincoln bluntly and tactfully replied thanking Seward and reminding him he was President. Seward offered to resign, Lincoln refused, Seward becomes Lincoln’s biggest supporter. April 8, 1861; Lincoln notified governor of South Carolina that the U.S. was sending a ship to resupply the fort with provisions only. April 10, 1861, Davis informed, ordered P.G.T. Beauregard to demand fort’s surrender, if not, to open fire. Lincoln figured he couldn’t lose, could resupply if they don’t. If they do he can claim that they are the aggressors.

April 12, 1861, 4:30 A.M.-Confederates open fire. Honor of first shot goes to Edmund Ruffin. Anderson forced to surrender the fort on April 14. No one killed. Reaction. Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteers to serve for 90 days. Caused escalation into full-fledged war.

Who was guilty of aggression? Confederates said North, Anderson’s move was aggressive, firing was self-defense. Union said South was the aggressor because it did not exist when it fired on the fort. Both sides were sincere in thoughts of peace (Lincoln- united nation; Davis-2 nations). (Lincoln quote) Neither side understood the fundamental risks they were dealing with. Attack meant no political compromise was possible. Both had no concept of total war. They only had Mexican War legacy to go by-limited, short and self-righteousness of both sides. Technological developments.

Immediate Winners and Losers U.S. lost key states in Upper South, particularly Virginia. The western counties of Virginia stay in the Union and are occupied by U.S. forces. Later in 1863, area is illegally admitted as a state. Border States remain loyal. Maryland because of Federal occupation, probably would have seceded. Missouri stayed loyal to U.S. because of an internal civil war which was won by pro-Union forces. Kentucky is sharply divided and declares itself neutral. By the end of May, both sides began equipping volunteers for swelling armies.