Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Gustavus V. Fox Ordered to Take Command of Fort Sumter Relief Expedition

Orders from Simon Cameron, War Department, to Gustavus V. Fox, April 4, 1861.

It had been decided to "succor Fort Sumter" and he was selected to do it.  He was to take the transports from New York and guide them with their troops and supplies "to the entrance of Charleston Harbor, and endeavor, in the first instance, to deliver the subsistence."

If the Confederate oppose the move, he was to contact the senior naval officer who "will be instructed by the Secretary of the Navy to use his entire force to open a passage..."

The Die Is cast at Fort Sumter.  --Old B-R'er


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