[rockrr]

Except that niggling over what "was allowed to proceed" constituted is irrelevant.

What is relevant is covered by your own post 1880: "A vessel suddenly appeared through the mist from behind the Bar, a passenger steamer, which was made out to be the Nashville. She had no colors set, and as she approached the fleet she refused to show them. Captain Faunce ordered one of the guns manned, and as she came still nearer turned to the gunner. 'Stop her!' he said, and a shot went skipping across her bows. Immediately the United States ensign went to her gaff end, and she was allowed to proceed.

The 'Harriett Lane' fired a warning shot at an unflagged vessel. The vessel complied with colors and was allowed to proceed. To call that the "first act of war" borders on hysterical.