Sumter was being worked on— one poor laggard and some workmen-— then brought to strength. Point of this was it WAS calculated, and started w/ Buchanan, not Lincoln. The memory of it is not pleasant example of being forced to remain in the “union” (like healthcare... or else— same kind of logic), and nothing to do with freedom.
Oh, it (settlement) was discussed. The oligarchs would have their war, sacred to the abolitionists who anointed it. It was coming no matter what. Compensation and liberation— was never going to be borne, by the North or the South. Neither side gave a damn or were too dug in with disparate interests. A sad wasteful story. And the circles discussing were extra political people of reason— builders not destroyers or men of greed.
Actually it was Anderson. Buchanan didn't know he was moving until after he did it.
Oh, it (settlement) was discussed.
Really? When.