Seeking ways to supply Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln explores a plan devised by Gustavus V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Fox proposes to send an ocean-going steamer south to Charleston (illustrated), accompanied by three warships, tugboats, and launches for ferrying supplies from the steamer to the Fort. Not all Washington officials are keen on…
In Washington, D.C., U.S. President Abraham Lincoln ponders his options regarding Fort Sumter, now surrounded by Confederate guns. Knowing that the fate of the nation hinges on how he handles this thorny issue, Lincoln (a former Baptist) asks his Cabinet members for their input: “Assuming it to be possible to now provision Fort Sumter, under…
The jockeying over Fort Sumter continues. Guarding the entrance to Charleston Harbor, the Fort is critical to the South. Rumors swirl that Union forces will abandon the Fort, but the momentary excitement soon subsides as the news proves baseless. The real question is when and how U. S. President Abraham Lincoln will attempt to send…