"Who 'attacked' Fort Sumter first? Major Anderson did. He secretly moved his force into a non-occupied fortifaction under construction and held at bayonet point the U.S. Civilian workers working there. Held them against their will. That's kidnapping by any state law. Not only did he make an aggressive move upon that position he did it without authority and destroyed by fire government stores and property at Fort Moultrie. He was willing to fire upon ships in the harbor and had guns manned and primed, aimed and following the nearest vessals if they should come too close while he carried out his deed. He did this with no recorded known military threat to his command."
David,
I am not sure that is quite correct. Ft. Sumpter was federal property ceded to the Federal Government by the state of South Carolina in 1836.
www.civilwarhome.com-sumterownership.htm
As far as what Maj. Anderson did in moving his troops, I concur with him. He was surrounded by hostiles and the best time to move was in the dark. I am sure that had it been your command that you would consider it also. I know I would. As far as holding the tradesmen against thier will, I don't know if he did or not. He does say that they were there, but I don't know if they were there against their will or if they were free to go if they wished. As far as his authority is concerned, he was in command of all Federal forces and installations in Charleston and should have been free to station his men and dispose of any facilities and supplies he choose since he was under the impression that he was going to be attacked.
I have a lot on this but the reply is getting rather long and I have not yet figured how to drag and drop the links.
Frank