http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mal:@field(DOCID+@lit(d0545500))
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mal:@field(DOCID+@lit(d0813900))
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mal:@field(DOCID+@lit(d0874300))
In reading the letters in the Lincoln Papers, one can see he was well aware of the situation and had a hand in how it played out.
Just tinkering around, I have figured out that pretty much all of the states that seceeded took over the arsenals before Sumter. They were there for the states protection and supply in case of an invasion by a foreign body. The Federal Govt. kept them stocked. It was a pretty smart move for them to take the arsenals before anything erupted. Like I said, most of my comments are built around our past discussions on the move to Sumter and Lincoln's strategy in how to play with the situation. He did have Ft Pickens in mind for the start. He was trumped by South Carolina.
Pam