DiogenesLamp: "Because Lincoln sent a fleet of warships to attack them. Tell the whole truth."
The whole truth is, it didn't matter to Jefferson Davis if Lincoln sent only a rowboat, manned by missionaries, Davis would demand Fort Sumter's surrender and "reduce" it if Major Anderson refused:
- "It is scarcely to be doubted that for political reasons the U.S. govt. will avoid making an attack so long as the hope of retaining the border states remains.
There would be to us an advantage in so placing them that an attack by them would be a necessity, but when we are ready to relieve our territory and jurisdiction of the presence of a foreign garrison that advantage is overbalanced by other considerations."
[Jefferson Davis to Braxton Bragg, 3 Apr 1861]
- "Virginian Roger Pryor, who, speaking to a Charleston audience on April 10, 1861, said,
- 'But I assure you that just as certain as tomorrow's sun will rise upon us, just so certain will Virginia be a member of the Southern Confederacy; and I will tell your Governor what will put her in the Southern Confederacy in less than an hour by Shrewsbury clock. Strike a blow!'
[W. A. Swanberg, _First Blood: The Story of Fort Sumter,_ p. 289]"
- "The case of Pensacola then is reduced [to] the more palpable elements of a military problem and your measures may without disturbing views be directed to the capture of Fort Pickens and the defence of the harbor. You will soon have I hope a force sufficient to occupy all the points necessary for that end. As many additional troops as may be required can be promptly furnished."
[Jefferson Davis to Braxton Bragg, 3 Apr 1861]"