One fact is certain and I believe it had bearing on Anderson's actions. Before he reported to Charleston Anderson was briefed by General Scott, whom I believe filled Anderson's head with advice of how he, Scott, saved the day during the Nullification Crisis at Charleston. Anderson personality seems like one that was easy to manipulate. He is lauded as a free thinking man who acted out of duty, but his actions do not match this description. When the Star of the West was fired upon, fully flying the United States Flag, Anderson did not perform his sworn duty to defend the flag and act against the Charleston batteries, at the time much weaker than his own.

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David Upton