On this date 150 years ago, Lincoln wrote to Major Anderson, informing him of the upcoming relief of Fort Sumter, saying "the expedition will go forward." Anderson was told to maintain the situation as it now stood, if possible, but he had been given the freedom to decide what the response would be to an attack by the Confederates.

At its' State Convention, Virginia voted 89-45 against holding a referendum on the most important secession question.