David you are correct in what I was asking. Now if you or Doyle may answer this question, what was the importance of the Charleston forts to the North-- to the South?
I can see one importance for the South as not having a hostile force at the back door, but is that the only reason? Was state sovereignty the root case of the firing on Sumter?
BTW I am coping each reply for my own use. Hope that is ok with you