Authoring, Researching, Reporting and other Work

A Learning On-Line Activity by Howard Taylor

Fort Sumter and Abraham Lincoln 

Decisions, T-Mails, Start of a War

Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. Transcribed and Annotated by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College. Galesburg, Illinois.

Abner Doubleday to Robert Anderson, Thursday, February 28, 1861 (Reinforcement of Fort Sumter)

From Abner Doubleday to Robert Anderson, February 28, 1861

Fort Sumter S. C.

Feb. 28. 1861

Major

You have requested my opinion as to the number of men required to relieve this Fort on the supposition that all the channels are closed against the entrance of war vessels

Having been on guard all night I am hardly in a condition this morning to give the problem the attention it deserves

The supplies which leave Charleston for Sullivans and Morris Island pass within range of our guns. If we could prevent hostile reinforcements from reaching these islands from 2000 to 3000 men might be sufficient to carry the Forts and batteries. Fully reinforced by the Southern Confederacy 10.000 men at least would be necessary. The relieving force would have the advantage of naval cutters with Dahlgren boat guns to flank the lines of operation and the further advantage of dividing the forces opposed to them by threatening one island and suddenly attacking the other

I am Major

Very Respectfully

Your obed Svt

A. Doubleday

Capt Arty