How the Civil War Began, an April 1861 Timeline – April 4

On the critical issue of Fort Sumter, President Abraham Lincoln convened with Republican governors who had been vocal about the ongoing tensions. Although no notes from this pivotal meeting exist, historian Robert Rosen suggests that the discussions likely included Lincoln warning them to prepare for war.

Following his discussions with the governors, Lincoln held a secretive meeting with naval Capt. Gustavus V. Fox. While the details of this meeting remain undisclosed, Lincoln subsequently announced his decision to send an expedition to relieve Maj. Anderson at Fort Sumter within two days. He also indicated that he would notify South Carolina Governor Francis Pickens of the expedition’s arrival in advance. Despite objections from Cabinet members regarding this notification, Lincoln remained resolute. Unbeknownst to them, this decision was crucial to his overall strategy—a plan that you can learn more about by checking in tomorrow.

Sources

Rosen, Robert. A Short History of Charleston, 3rd edition. Columbia, S.C.: University of South Carolina Press, May 2021