Conflict brewed in early April as Major Anderson, typically known for his composed demeanor, became increasingly frustrated with the inaction from Washington regarding Fort Sumter. The catalyst for his growing discontent was the revelation of a telegram sent by Confederate Commissioner Crawford to General Beauregard. The telegram warned that President Lincoln might not order the evacuation of Fort Sumter, instead leaving the decision to Anderson, effectively putting him in the position of being “starved out.” Anderson’s frustration intensified upon receiving this information, prompting him to write a letter to Adjutant General Thomas, questioning whether the government would truly abandon him without providing any clear direction on how to proceed. The uncertainty surrounding his situation added to the mounting pressure as the possibility of war loomed closer.

The weight of this responsibility weighed heavily on Anderson, as he expressed concerns over the public perception of his actions. He was deeply troubled by the idea that a decision as critical as leaving Fort Sumter would rest solely on his shoulders. Anderson found it difficult to believe that after over thirty years of service, his fate—and the fate of his men—would hinge on such an ambiguous decision. He made it clear in his letter to General Thomas that he would not allow the narrative to cast him as abandoning his post treasonously, without receiving proper orders or guidance. Anderson stressed the importance of obtaining immediate answers regarding the future of the public property under his command, along with instructions on how to proceed with his forces in the face of rising tensions and impending war.

As Anderson awaited a response from Washington, he grew more anxious about the lack of clarity surrounding his orders. While a letter was on its way to provide some answers, it was clear that it would not be the clear directive he had hoped for. In the meantime, Anderson’s warnings about the severe food shortages faced by his troops had reached President Lincoln, causing growing concern. Initially, Lincoln had believed that the garrison could withstand shortages until April 15, but the situation had escalated, and it became evident that the circumstances were much more dire than anticipated. Lincoln’s concern intensified as he began to grasp the seriousness of the situation, recognizing the need for swift and decisive action to address the crisis at Fort Sumter.

Lincoln, taking control of the situation, drafted a directive to Anderson, which was sent through War Secretary Cameron. However, Lincoln’s involvement was not explicitly mentioned in the message. The letter conveyed a sense of urgency and concern, noting that Anderson’s earlier correspondence had raised alarms about the situation at Fort Sumter. The plan outlined in the message included a maritime expedition to resupply the fort, with Captain Fox designated as the leader of the mission. Lincoln’s message emphasized the need to hold out until the expedition’s arrival, but he also acknowledged that Anderson, as a seasoned soldier, would make the best decisions in light of the evolving situation. Anderson was granted the authority to surrender his command if he deemed it necessary for the safety of his men, a reflection of the significant responsibility that now rested on his shoulders.

Lincoln’s directive marked a turning point, as it not only addressed the immediate logistical concerns but also reinforced the weight of Anderson’s role in the decision-making process. While the arrival of the expedition was critical, the President trusted Anderson’s judgment in managing the fort’s defense and the safety of his troops. This message, sent through channels designed to minimize risk, was a crucial step in the Union’s strategy, providing Anderson with the resources he needed while empowering him to make the difficult choices that lay ahead. The clarity provided by Lincoln’s directive was a long-awaited response to the uncertainty that had plagued Anderson for days, but it also underscored the gravity of the situation at Fort Sumter, where every decision could have lasting consequences. The responsibility now placed on Anderson was enormous, as the fate of Fort Sumter and the Union’s response to the South’s secession rested heavily on his shoulders.