A Confidential Visit unfolds between December 11 and 14, with Major Anderson at Fort Moultrie caught in the rising tensions that define the increasingly volatile political climate of Charleston Harbor. As tensions escalate and the threat of conflict looms, Captain Truman Seymour, a seasoned artillery officer with experience in combat, arrives at the fort to deliver a memorandum outlining a detailed defensive strategy. Seymour warns Anderson of the likelihood of deceptive tactics being used by the Carolinians, such as setting fire to nearby buildings to distract from a more significant assault on the fort. He underscores the importance of preparedness, advising that every measure should be taken to safeguard the fort’s honor, as it is one of the most significant Union military positions in the South. Seymour’s advice reflects not only the practical military concerns of the time but also the deeper sense of foreboding that hung over the men stationed there, aware that the next steps could either escalate or de-escalate a growing conflict.

Dr. Samuel Wylie Crawford, the only physician stationed at Fort Moultrie, writes a heartfelt letter to his brother, voicing concerns about the increasingly revolutionary sentiments circulating within South Carolina. As a newcomer to the fort, Crawford had quickly observed the growing hostility towards the Union, which he feared would soon lead to South Carolina’s secession from the Union, with the subsequent demand for the surrender of federal properties like Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie. Despite his relatively short tenure at the fort, Crawford’s observations were marked by a sense of deep sorrow as he witnessed the deepening divide between the North and South. His letter conveys a somber recognition of the inevitable path toward war, reflecting on how the escalating tensions and the rhetoric of rebellion were creating a rift that would lead to irreparable harm to the nation. Crawford, who was deeply loyal to the Union, shared the belief that the time for negotiation had passed and that preparations for war were necessary, especially as the “mad Carolinians” seemed determined to move toward rebellion at all costs.

On December 11, Major Anderson receives a covert visit from Assistant Adjutant General Don Carlos Buell, who was sent by War Secretary John B. Floyd to deliver instructions regarding the defense of Fort Moultrie and the other federal positions in Charleston. Buell’s message was frustratingly ambiguous, urging Anderson to avoid provocation and conflict, but simultaneously advising him to retain control of the forts and defend them if any hostilities occurred. The contradictions within Buell’s instructions reflect the broader indecisiveness within the federal government, which was struggling to formulate a coherent response to the secession crisis. The failure to clearly define the Union’s stance only added to the confusion on the ground, leaving Anderson in a difficult position. He was instructed to hold the forts but also told to be cautious in order to avoid escalating the situation. This lack of decisive leadership from the higher-ups compounded the frustration felt by many officers like Anderson, who understood the gravity of their position but lacked the necessary direction and support from the federal government.

As Anderson processed Buell’s conflicting instructions, he recognized the growing difficulty of maintaining secrecy in the increasingly charged atmosphere of Charleston. News of Buell’s visit spread quickly, reported by the local press despite Anderson’s best efforts to maintain confidentiality. Anderson understood that the leak of such sensitive information could have significant consequences, but the circumstances left him with little control over the public’s awareness of the visit. Still, despite the challenges posed by the publicity, Anderson assessed that the situation, at least for the moment, was relatively calm. However, he remained acutely aware that the political environment was shifting rapidly, and tensions could flare at any time. The public scrutiny on both his actions and those of his superiors meant that he was under constant pressure, trying to balance the security of the forts while not provoking an unnecessary conflict. Anderson’s thoughts were consumed by the uncertainty of what was to come, realizing that the next few days could either solidify Union control or lead to open rebellion.

In the larger scope, Anderson’s position illustrates the deep frustrations felt by Union officers stationed in the South, who found themselves caught between conflicting orders and mounting pressure. His internal struggle reflects the broader sense of uncertainty and anxiety permeating the Union’s military leadership as they tried to manage a volatile situation with no clear strategy from the federal government. The chapter paints a vivid picture of the tension that gripped Charleston, with every action taken by the Union forces scrutinized, and each decision could tip the balance toward peace or war. Anderson’s cautious approach and the growing sense of urgency reveal the challenges of holding onto a fragile peace, particularly as local Southern forces and political leaders in Charleston were becoming more determined to pursue secession. The lack of clear direction from Washington compounded the pressures on Anderson and his fellow officers, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining order in a time of such deep political division.