The Sumter Expedition unfolded on April 13, with Captain Fox and his crew preparing their commandeered schooner for a crucial operation near the Charleston Bar. The morning air was filled with tension as they assessed their position, knowing that their actions could influence the unfolding battle at Fort Sumter. The weather, though clear, presented its own challenges, with strong winds making maneuverability difficult. As the crew remained on high alert, a thick column of black smoke suddenly appeared on the horizon, signaling heightened hostilities within Charleston Harbor. This ominous sight only intensified the uncertainty among Fox’s men, who anxiously anticipated their next move while remaining vigilant for any threats.

At the same time, Captain Rowan aboard the Pawnee grew increasingly impatient, pressing for immediate engagement with Confederate forces. However, Captain Fox recognized the danger of acting hastily without full naval support. He understood that without the Powhatan, their fleet was significantly outmatched, making a direct assault a reckless endeavor. His experience and strategic mindset prevented a premature strike that could have led to disaster. Instead, Fox urged his men to remain patient and disciplined, waiting for the right moment to act. The absence of the Powhatan was an unexpected setback, one that forced the Union forces to reconsider their approach in the face of mounting pressure.

As the sounds of gunfire echoed across the water, Fox remained steadfast, carefully weighing the situation before committing his forces. The crew, though restless, followed his orders, understanding that their survival depended on precise execution rather than impulsive action. The stakes were high, and each decision carried the potential to alter the trajectory of the battle. In the midst of rising tensions, Fox’s leadership became even more crucial, as he sought to navigate the complex tactical landscape with limited resources. The Confederate forces had the upper hand in both firepower and positioning, making any miscalculation potentially catastrophic.

Meanwhile, Charleston Harbor was alive with movement as Confederate troops reinforced their positions, fully prepared for an attack. The city’s defenses had been carefully strengthened in anticipation of Union reinforcements attempting to break through. Observers on the shore noted the restless Union vessels lingering offshore, uncertain whether they would advance or withdraw. Inside Fort Sumter, Major Anderson and his men remained cut off, battered by continuous shelling and aware that their position was becoming untenable. The Union fleet’s indecision only worsened their predicament, leaving them to wonder if relief would come before it was too late.

The longer Fox and his fleet delayed their advance, the more the Confederates solidified their grip on the harbor. The Union’s strategic dilemma lay in balancing the urgency of Fort Sumter’s situation against the reality of their own military disadvantage. Despite their determination, they lacked the firepower to launch an effective rescue without additional reinforcements. Fox’s reluctance to act without proper support underscored his understanding of naval warfare, recognizing that any failed maneuver would not only cost lives but also embolden the Confederacy. With no sign of the Powhatan, the mission remained in limbo, and the weight of indecision loomed heavily over the Union forces.

By the afternoon, the fate of Fort Sumter was all but sealed. Confederate bombardment continued relentlessly, and Major Anderson’s men were nearing exhaustion. The Sumter Expedition, originally intended as a lifeline, now stood as an emblem of missed opportunity. Though Fox’s caution prevented an outright catastrophe, it also meant that Fort Sumter had to withstand the Confederate siege alone. As the sun began to set, the Union fleet remained stalled, caught between the urgency of the moment and the stark reality of their limitations, while the war that would define a nation was just beginning.