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In any case, the response was massively disproportionate.

From our historical viewpoint or from their "right then and right now" viewpoint. We have 200 years of hindsight to look back on, Lincoln had the then and there decision making of what to do.

As for conspiracy theories of Lincoln trying to foment war, how hard is it to start a war with belligerents who desperately want it. I guess if someone starts screaming in my face about wanting a fight, and I raise my fists, is it my fault if the fight starts?

Are you saying Lincoln should have abandoned Federal property to keep the Peace? Should police in Ferguson abandon the streets to keep the peace?

As for conspiracy theories of Lincoln trying to foment war, how hard is it to start a war with belligerents who desperately want it. I guess if someone starts screaming in my face about wanting a fight, and I raise my fists, is it my fault if the fight starts?

The Washington Post is considered to be a fairly prominent newspaper with a respected reputation albeit quite Liberal. Here is an article I found previously regarding the Ft. Sumter incident. Here is an excerpt.

In March, 1861, a group of Southern commissioners went to Washington to negotiate a peaceful settlement of all questions arising from secession, to pay for federal property and to arrange for the removal of the garrison in Charleston Harbor. Lincoln refused to meet with them. He employed Secretary of State William Seward to obfuscate the situation by maintaining that cooler heads would prevail, Fort Sumter would be abandoned and that he was working towards a peaceful reconstruction of the Union. Seward continued the deception until April 7, 1861.

The article makes for interesting reading and it does flesh out a bit the history of how it started. (Presuming the facts outlined within are correct.)

Are you saying Lincoln should have abandoned Federal property to keep the Peace?

Perhaps not all is according to what you have been led to believe? Read the article if you will.