In response to Lincoln's threats in his first inaugural speech (which was, as you know, widely viewed as a declaration of war), the Confederate Congress passed the following on March 6, 1861 (my emphasis below):
The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That in order to provide speedily forces to repel invasion, maintain the rightful possession of the Confederate States of America in every portion of territory belonging to each State, and to secure the public tranquility and independence against threatened assault, the President be, and he is hereby authorized to employ the militia, military and naval forces of the Confederate States of America, and to ask for and accept the services of any number of volunteers, not exceeding one hundred thousand, who may offer their services, either as cavalry, mounted riflemen, artillery or infantry, in such proportion of these several arms as he may deem expedient, to serve for twelve months after they shall be mustered into service, unless sooner discharged.
Only portions of that number were called up before Lincoln's battlefleet reached South Carolina's waters.
I'm off for the rest of the day, non-seq, heading out to enjoy barbeque and country music among the cowboys and bikers at Luckenbach. God bless Texas!
May God bless TX indeed!
Only portions of that number were called up before Lincoln's battlefleet reached South Carolina's waters.
"The aggressor in war is not the first who uses force, but the first who renders force necessary," isn't that what you posted before? In the face of the rebel buildup then wouldn't the actions Lincoln took to preserve federal facilities and property be justified?