So they were there to present an ultimatum. The only possible outcome was their's, Lincoln's preferences weren't open for discussion. So where was that an honest attempt on the part of the confederates to negotiate in good faith? And since Lincoln's only choice was to surrender to their demands then why should he be criticized for not surrendering?
No...he could have recognized the Confederacy, and the CSA would have PAID for Ft. Sumter, etc., OR He could have simply withdrawn from Ft. Sumter, NOT recognized the Confederacy, and could have allowed for a "cooling off" period of time. On the other hand, the Confederate Government could have simply closed the port and starved out the garrison, and avoided any acts of violence for a period of time, to allow Lincoln to consider other options. The stickler is that Lincoln refused to even MEET with any commissioners.