I agree, with what you said but it would be highly unusual for the Secy. of War to give direct commands to a Captain of Engineers for such an order without copies going to his commanding officer. According to Captain Fosters Oct. 1, 1861 summary report of his actions. The priority of making Fort Sumter ready for action commenced in August of 1860, not late December, 1860 as Doubleday is suggesting. Foster's reports are clear that the mounting of the guns had been planned and proceeded on in a non-hurried pace since August. The O.R. does not seem to cover this early period therefore I cannot find a copy.

David