The only real threat to Charleston was Anderson's mission- to keep the entrance to the harbor open for the U.S. Navy. Prior to moving to Fort Moultrie in Anderson's reports he mentions several times the ability to keep the harbor open as a major factor. After he moved to Fort Sumter his reports changed to his ability to close the harbor to Charleston's commerce as a threat.

Now the only reason to worry about keeping the harbor open while at Fort Moultrie would be to allow federal reenforcements into Charleston. Why would he worry about the State of South Carolina closing its own harbor?

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David Upton