That's funny, because the only reason they attacked Sumter was because Lincoln sent a fleet of warships to attack them. It was the arrival of the "Harriet Lane" that made General Beauregard realize the telegrams he had received about the coming of the warships was true.
He knew that if he didn't neutralize the fort before the fleet arrived, he would have to face attack from both land and sea.
Every member of Lincoln's cabinet told him that if he sent that fleet, it would start a war. He may have fooled the public as to his intent, but his own cabinet knew he was deliberately starting a war.
The ships given orders to engage in this mission were the
Pocahontas, the Pawnee, the Powhatan, the Yankee, the Harriet Lane, and the "Baltic" was used as a troop and munitions carrier. Three tugboats were also sent. Captain Mercer was to lead the force.
Thanks for the rest of the story. This is why I like discussion boards becaaue I love haring from people who know stuff that I dont :-)