I think it is important to understand that back then ships had to approach Charleston Harbor from the south and come in close to the coast before entering between the "bar" and Johnson's Island because of the ocean and bay currents. Guns positioned on/in East Battery or mainland Charleston couldn't reach Fort Sumter. I'd have to conclude that the same size and type guns at the fort couldn't reach the city either. I may be wrong. The strategy of the two forts, Moultrie and Sumter, was to allow shipping into the channel and then hit them broadside with their guns. I would have to believe that most of Sumter's guns were trained on Moultrie. It's a pretty good clip from Charleston's East Battery to Sumter and as equal or close to the same distance to ships still on approach in the Atlantic. Sumter sits back behind the southern extension of Johnson's island and out of "line of sight" to ships approaching the entry from the south. The main gallery of guns at Sumter was pointing towards Moultrie to complete this broadside attack from north and south. Fort or Battery Wagner had better access to ships trying to enter. Of course it wasn't there in 1861. Interesting place to visit. From Fort Sumter, Moultrie looks a long way off. From the parapets of Moultrie Sumter looks like a sitting duck only a few hundred yards away. Having visited there, it's an interesting observation. Charleston is a great place to visit. I look forward to returning there.

Keith