Now we are arriving at the truth.
As of 4/7/1861, News of Lincoln’s decision to send the naval task force to Sumter was published in the Northern newspapers. Charleston, South Carolina newspapers picked up the story that a US fleet was sailing for Charleston and Florida.
The “relief” squadron consisted of 10 ships, 1400 soldiers, and 285 cannon on the way south.
Therefore, Charleston authorities had hard evidence of impending action.
It is fact that they knew this. It is fact that Lincoln was ordering action.
It is fact that Charleston defended itself.
Your attempt to mitigate these hard facts via word games reveals your unwillingness to live in truth. Denying truth is irrational.
Perhaps you simply do not know what you do not know. Either way, you are unqualified for further discussion.
Which is it PeaBrain? Before you said it was 3 sloops and some transports that you listed by name. Plus 200 soldiers. Even if it was what you’re now saying, that’s just enough force to fully garrison Fort Sumter. Not mount a serious invasion. Give it up. The CSA started the firing first. That’s all that counted, whatever the excuse it put the onus of aggression on them.