[Non-Sequitur]

That's the problem - Lincoln's unconstitutional call for troops and authorization of funding can only be done by Congress.

PeaRidge would disagree with you. His own source posted in reply 82 points out that Lincoln had the authority to call out troops to suppress rebellion under the authority of the Militia Act. Lincoln's call-up complied with the law in effect in every respect.

Virginia was the lynchpin - the South desparately needed her for political and strategic reasons.

Hence Davis's need for a war to get Virginia off the fence, and his likely reason for initiating the conflict at Sumter.

He tried to pull of Gus Fox's stupid plan without Congressional approval and got caught.

Why was congressional approval needed?

[PeaRidge]

Not so fast there pal. No disagreement with stainlessbanner. And it was Lincoln who needed the war, and he brought forth the US Navy to do so....led by that civilian Hothead G. Fox.