You obviously didn't read the messages Pea Ridge posted. One Officer was already making his attack run and was only stop because another officer imposed his ship into the path and forced him to desist. The message makes it clear that the one officer was going to start the fight, and was only prevented by the luck of the other officer stopping him before he could do it.
Now you may argue that all those ships, men and war material were simply brought along in case of need, but the statement of that one officer makes it clear that his orders were to start the conflict.
In other words, Lincoln lied. Deliberately, and with malice aforethought, or are you going to argue that the officer took it upon himself to do this against Lincoln's orders?
I'd say Occam's razor points towards Lincoln lying.
April 6, 1861
Lt. Porter took the Powhatan and sailed.
Seward sent a telegram to Porter: "Give the Powhatan up to Captain Mercer."
A dispatch boat caught up with Powhatan and delivered Seward's message.
Lt. Porter responded to Seward: "I received my orders from the President, and shall proceed and execute them.
Before leaving, Lt. Porter instructed the Navy Yard officials, "Detain all letters for five days."
Storms and boiler problems delayed Powhatan, but she arrived disguised and flying English colors.
Porter filed this report:
I had disguised the ship, so that she deceived those who had known her, and was standing in (unnoticed), when the Wyandotte commenced making signals, which I did not answer, but stood on.
The steamer then put herself in my way and Captain Meigs, who was aboard, hailed me and I stopped.
In twenty minutes more I should have been inside (Pensacola harbor) or sunk.
Signed: D.D. Porter
I'd say you see only what you want to see. You always have.