Under the one that says the People are sovereign, but governments aren't.
Around here, every government is just a glorified water boy.
Sumter was the property of the U.S. government, built on property deeded to it free and clear by the South Carolina legislature.
Which was good as long as South Carolina did not resume its sovereignty, remained under the United States Constitution, and continued as a party to its compact. The State had, however, seceded, resumed full sovereignty, and exercised its sovereign power to demand the return of the property in question, which Lincoln continued to hold in adverse possession by main force.
They had no legal claim to it whatsoever, regardless of what ever legal sounding terminology you make up trying to justify the southern actions.
Sure they did, unless you think the United States Government was and is God Almighty, to whom nobody can ever say "no".
Sumter was the property of the U.S. Army. The troops stationed there were there legally. It was well within the rights of the federal government to send food to its troops stationed in its fort.
All true, true, and true -- until South Carolina left the Union, and demanded return of its property.
You're making this up as you go along, aren't you? Can I make up a law that says that I am sovereign and therefore can take your house from you?
Which was good as long as South Carolina did not resume its sovereignty, remained under the United States Constitution, and continued as a party to its compact. The State had, however, seceded, resumed full sovereignty, and exercised its sovereign power to demand the return of the property in question...
And what rule of law gave them the right to do so? Does any nation have that power? Can Cuba demand the return of Gitmo and legally shell it into surrender if we refuse to turn it over?
Sure they did, unless you think the United States Government was and is God Almighty, to whom nobody can ever say "no".
Actions are legal because you say they are, is that it? By what right could South Carolina demand something that did not belong to it?
All true, true, and true -- until South Carolina left the Union, and demanded return of its property.
But Sumter was not it's property and South Carolina had no legal claim to it, and no right to demand it be turned over to them.