How the Civil War Began, an April 1861 Timeline – April 8

Oct 10, 2024

1 min read

U.S. Maj. Robert Anderson and South Carolina Gov. Francis Pickens received a crucial message from President Abraham Lincoln regarding a significant naval expedition headed to Charleston. This operation aimed to resupply Fort Sumter with essential provisions, additional troops, and arms. In Lincoln's message, which we discussed in our April 6 entry, he stated:

“I am directed by the President of the United States to notify you to expect an attempt will be made to supply Fort Sumter with provisions only; and that, if such an attempt be not resisted, no effort to throw in men, arms, or ammunition will be made without further notice (except) in the case of attack on the fort.”

Confederate leaders were already aware, through intelligence and newspaper reports, that a substantial naval expedition had departed from New York, heading southward. In response, Confederate President Jefferson Davis instructed Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard to take measures to prevent these ships from entering Charleston Harbor.

Historian Robert Rosen, in his book "A Short History of Charleston," notes that while some warships were actually en route to Fort Pickens in Pensacola, Florida, this information was kept under wraps. As a result, Confederate leaders mistakenly believed the entire expedition was destined for Fort Sumter. Their heightened vigilance was undoubtedly a response to Lincoln’s notification about the incoming provisional ships, just as Lincoln had intended.