North and South, Sumter is the talk of the American nations. Widespread is the anticipation of a Confederate attack upon Fort Sumter, located off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. Even as the North celebrates Lincoln‘s election, and with the gaiety of his inaugural ball yet lingering, the president ponders his options.
Sumter, commanded by Major Robert Anderson, is running low on provisions. Lincoln seeks details of the situation and prepares a plan to resupply the fort. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard has just arrived in Charleston to assume command of forces there, with orders not to allow Sumter to be resupplied. Lincoln is aware of the significance of firing the first shot in the impending sectional war. His design is to proceed cautiously for the moment, and to avoid having the Union fire the war’s first shot.
Meanwhile, Georgia Baptist Martin Crawford (illustration), an official Confederate Commissioner to the United States, remains in Washington, D.C., seeking a formal audience with the Lincoln administration. Through an intermediary, he corresponds with Secretary of State William H. Seward regarding Fort Sumter. Crawford seeks a temporary truce; Seward tries to assess the real situation at Sumter.
In the coming days and weeks, it becomes apparent that Sumter is the powder keg between North and South. Recognizing this, both sides fervently jockey for the high ground.
