It depends on the angle of the shot and what side the vessel is near the fort...and if the fort is returning that fire. No mob has ever been identified. The fear of mines kept the militia away from an empty fort when Anderson moved to Fort Sumter for several hours, one of the diffensive tools applied to Fort Moultrie. The point here is Fort Moultrie was more defensable on Dec. 26th than has been written about; especially against any civilian mob. The reports show they believed they could hold out and the troops expected they would make a stand at Fort Moultrie if they had to.

1. A 15ft wide moat was dug around the fort.
2. The land side walls were extended nearly double in height.
3. A picket fence was placed all around the fort.
4. Pararell gun emplacements were place outside the walls covering the inside of the moat.
5. Musket/Rifle proof gun ports were erected on the land side.
6. The walls were greased with muck.
7. The sand was removed from the sides of the walls.
8. Handgrenades were made and issued.

...ect., ect., ect.

The only thing that would give him the authority to cause him to move was a direct threat against him, a threat he has never explained nor has his fellow officers. All have different stories.

________________________
David Upton