On this date 150 years ago, President Lincoln finally announced his plan for Fort Sumter. An evacuation of the installation would not be attempted, but instead, a force would be sent to supply and support the troops already stationed there. It was Lincoln's preference that the force should be in readiness "as early as the 6th April". The cabinet's support of President Lincoln's decision to keep Fort Sumter in Federal hands was three to two in favour, Secretary of War Simon Cameron keeping silent about his wishes on the matter.