A Proper Commander found himself thrust into a challenging and tense environment in Charleston in November 1860. Colonel John L. Gardner, tasked with overseeing U.S. Army forces in the region, felt an increasing sense of unease as the threat of secession loomed large. Gardner was charged with managing several military installations, the most notable of which was Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, a post historically linked to Edgar Allan Poe. However, the fort’s purpose had shifted, and it was poorly fortified for the increasing internal threats. The fort, originally designed to ward off foreign naval attacks, was now vulnerable to attack from within. Its rear was especially susceptible, with sand hills offering potential cover for enemy sharpshooters, giving secessionist forces an advantage in any potential skirmish.

Gardner’s difficulties were further exacerbated by the limited number of troops available at his disposal. The fort was under-manned, and the soldiers he had were vastly outnumbered by the civilian workers stationed there. These workers, many of whom were indifferent to the Union’s cause, posed a significant problem. Some even sympathized with the secessionist movement and could be swayed by bribes or promises of support from local Confederate sympathizers. Gardner voiced these concerns in his correspondence, asking for additional troops to help secure Fort Moultrie and its associated posts. However, his struggles did not go unnoticed by higher-ranking officials, who were becoming increasingly aware of his inability to effectively manage the fort’s security. As a result, plans were made to replace Gardner with Major Robert Anderson, a seasoned officer with a long history of loyalty to the Union and an intimate understanding of the complexities of Charleston’s local dynamics.

Upon taking command on November 21, 1860, Major Anderson quickly began evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the fortifications under his charge. Despite his efforts to maintain positive relations with Charleston’s citizens, Anderson recognized that the fort’s defenses were insufficient for the mounting threats. Anderson, who had previously served in Charleston and knew the area well, immediately understood that a stronger defensive posture was necessary. He appealed for reinforcements for Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, realizing that these sites were critical to securing federal control over the area. Even as he worked to keep interactions with the local population cordial, the increasing public demonstrations of secession, such as a parade of young militia members, made it clear that Charleston was moving towards open rebellion. Anderson’s experience and sharp understanding of the growing unrest in Charleston led him to predict that war was approaching swiftly. His reports echoed a growing concern for the protection of federal interests, indicating that the calm before the storm was about to give way to a violent confrontation over the control of federal forts and authority in the region.

The tensions in Charleston were palpable, and Anderson’s proactive approach marked a critical shift in the management of the fort. His strategies were aimed at ensuring that Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter, and Castle Pinckney remained under Union control despite the mounting pressure from secessionists. However, Anderson was acutely aware that the situation was rapidly deteriorating, and his efforts to balance diplomacy with preparedness were becoming increasingly difficult. Charleston’s population, with its strong pro-secessionist sentiments, was growing more militant, and Anderson knew that it was only a matter of time before hostilities escalated. Despite his cautious efforts to prevent an outright confrontation, the signs of conflict were everywhere. It was in this charged atmosphere that Anderson would have to navigate the challenges ahead, understanding that every decision he made could have far-reaching consequences for the nation. His time in Charleston was quickly becoming a critical chapter in the prelude to the Civil War.