Pam, Doyle,

How do you interpet this?...

"FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., November 23, 1860

....If we neglect, however, to strengthen ourselves, she will, unless these works are surrendered on their first demand, most assuredly immediately attack us. I will thank the Department to give me special instructions, as my posi-
tion here is rather a politico-military than a military one.

I presume, also, that the President ought to take some action in reference to my being a member of the Military Academy Commission,which is to reconvene in the city of Washington in a few days.

Unless otherwise specially directed, I shall make future communications through the ordinary channels.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding."

"politico-military than a military one."

Was not the evacuation, the it was performed, a military action? Anderson was "at war" when he did what he did, I mean he admits later that he loaded, primed, and tracked ships in the harbor, ready fire at ships that came too close with his shore guns during the move. Again he contridicts his thoughts before going over to Fort Sumter.

"I presume, also, that the President ought to take some action in reference to my being a member of the Military Academy Commission,which is to reconvene in the city of Washington in a few days."

This sounds like his mind is elsewhere and he is impatiant to get this job over with so he can go on a boon-doggle to Washington.

______________________
David Upton