While at one time Fort Moultrie had been allowed to fall into a sad state of repair, during the most recent years the various garrison commanders had been working hard to bring the Fort back up to standards. I believe that even Anderson himself commented on the Forts ability in one of his reports.

Anderson certainly had no larger garrison at Fort Sumter than he had at Fort Moultrie. Fort Moultrie was appearently a strong enought fort in that the Union Navy from 1863 to 1865 couldn't take it. It in conjuntion with Fort Sumter repelled several strong union navy assualts during the course of the war. So I don't see how the South Carolina militia could have taken in by a landing party from Charleston. If the Union Navy could not do it in 2 years, how were the people of Charleston going to be able to do it? Did the Union Navy even consider landing a force to take Moultrie? If Not, why Not?

I don't believe that Anderson was that much of a coward to run from shadows of maybe a few empty threats. But that is what everyone seems to be saying went they content that Fort Moltrie was indefencible from a mob of the people of Charleston. Especially when you add in that he was appearently acting against his orders if you consider President Buchanan's responce at Anderson actions.