ney, than
it would be from quadrupling our force. The Charlestonians would not
venture to attack this place [Moultrie] when they knew that their city
was at the mercy of the commander of Castle Pinckney.... If my force
was not so very small I would not hesitate to send a detachment at
once to garrison that work." So full of zeal was Major Anderson that
the Government should without delay augment its moral and material
strength, that in default of soldiers he desired to improvise a
garrison for it by sending there a detachment of thirty laborers in
charge of an officer, vainly hoping to supply them with arms and
instruct them in drill, and hold the work until reenforcements should
come. Having in detail proposed protective measures, he again, in the
same letter, forcibly presents the main question of the hour to the
Secretary of War, whose weakness and treachery were as yet
unsuspected.

[Sidenote] Anderson to Adjutant General, Nov. 23, 1860. W.R. Vol.
I., pp. 75-6.

Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney must be garrisoned immediately if
the Government determines to keep command of this harbor. I need
not say how anxious I am--indeed determined, so far as honor will
permit--to avoid collision with the citizens of South Carolina.
Nothing, however, will be better calculated to prevent bloodshed
than our being found in such an attitude that it would be madness
and folly to attack us.... The clouds are threatening and the
storm may break upon us at any moment. I do, then, most earnestly
entreat that a reenforcement be immediately sent to this garrison,
and that at least two companies be sent at the same time to Fort
Sumter and Castle Pinckney--half a company, under a judicious
commander, sufficing, I think, for the latter work.... With these
three works garrisoned as requested, and with a supply of ordnance
stores, for which I shall send requisitions in a few days, I shall
feel that, by the blessing of God, there may be a hope that no
blood will be shed, and that South Carolina will not attempt to
take these forts by force, but will resort to diplomacy to secure
them. If we neglect, however, to strengthen ourselves, she will,
unless these works are surrendered on their first demand, most
assuredly immediately attack us.

[Sidenote] Adjutant-General to Anderson, Nov. 24, 1860. W.R. Vol.
I., p. 76.

[Sidenote] Ibid., Nov 28, 1860, W.R. Vo