Pickens was advised of a resupply by a low level clerk with no written evidence. Lincoln ordered reinforcement.
April 4, 1861
To: Lieut. Col. H.L. Scott, Aide de Camp
This will be handed to you by Captain G.V. Fox, an ex-officer of the Navy. He is charged by authority here, with the command of an expedition (under cover of certain ships of war) whose object is, to reinforce Fort Sumter.
Winfield Scott
Approved by A. Lincoln
So, you're going to blame Jefferson Davis' order to start Civil War on a "low level clerk"?
The fact is that Lincoln's message to Governor Pickens said the same thing as his orders to his ship captains.
PeaBrain: "April 4, 1861...object is, to reinforce Fort Sumter.
Winfield Scott, Approved by A. Lincoln"
Lincoln's final orders to Fox and all ship captains came through Secretary of War Cameron or Secretary of Navy Wells and are dated April 6.
They all say the same thing Lincoln told SC Governor Pickens: resupply-only, if not resisted.