These are some of the points made in the book. I am working from memory and no looking into the book right now.

1. After South Carolina left the Union, Buchanan never said they violated any law. He was willing to let Congress decide if SC could leave the Union. Even though II have never found a law or article that states HOW a state may leave the Union, this must have been an acceptable means for withdrawal.

2. South Carolina and the US come to an agreement that no hostile actions will take place from either side. Thus forming a sort of shaky peace treaty.

3. The forts in Charleston harbor had not been completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.
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4. Anderson and crew moved from Moultrie to Sumter without orders, taking civilian workers as POWs. This was considered a hostile act by the South Carolina government. Anderson's reason for the move, Confederate ships were patrolling near the fort.

5. Anderson and his men where supplied by South Carolina. The starving men argument is a bunch of hooey. This went on until some 5 days before the first shot at Sumter.

6. Buchanan sent a re-enforcement fleet to Charleston, this was the Star of the West expedition.

7. Buchanan announces his reason for holding Sumter even though the removal of Anderson and his men may have prevented war. The reason the collection of "revenue"

8.Lincoln is elected President. In his first inauguration speech he states he is not going to free the slave. If any hostile action action is taken, it will be by the South. That turns out not to be true.

9. Lincoln sends his expedition to Fort Sumter under the guise of a supply mission. The men in Sumter did not need supplies. They were not living well but they were not starving. Thanks to David Upton's research we have the fleet makeup. We also know from David's research that the Union fired the first short.

10. Lincoln's reason for holding Sumter, the collection of "revenue"

11. South Carolina position is Sumter commanded the approaches to the harbor. Could not have a hostile force in the middle of the harbor.

I think I have covered most points. If I missed any my apologies.

George