While I know many say the tarriff/tax issue wasn't the main cause and they seem to think the North had no real issues with the South, in every article, book, paper, whatever I have read mentions the tarriff/tax issue from the time of the war of 1812 to 1861. Without the funds coming from the Southern ports, the Federal Government would have been in about the same shape it's in today.

In keeping the 'common defense' places stocked was one way to show presence and a 'gentle' reminder that the tax man cometh and do not ignore his knock. South Carolina said he should move on.

Pam