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Fort Sumter Relief

Fort anyone thinking the 2nd Star of the west Expedition to Forty Sumter "was only" a supply mission, here is your proof that troops were to be landed and an invasion of South Carolina was to begin.

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Washington, April 4, 1861
Sir,

It having been determined to succor Fort Sumter,
you have been selected for this important duty. Ac
cordingly you will take charge of the transports pro
vided in New York, having the troops and supplies on
board, to the entrance of Charleston Harbor, and
endeavor, in the first instance, to deliver the subsistence.
If you are opposed in this you are directed to report the
fact to the Senior Naval officer off the harbor, who will
be instructed by the Secretary of the Navy to use his
entire force to open a passage, when you will, if possible,
effect an entrance and place both the troops and
supplies in Fort Sumter.

I am sir,
Very Respectfully Your obt. servt.

SIMON CAMERON