Tuesday March 19, 1861

Fox's Mission

Acting on Gustavus V. Fox's suggestion, Lincoln ordered Fox to Charleston to assess Anderson's situation, and well as the mood and intentions of the South.

Fox left on the same day, March 19, and passing through Richmond and Wilmington, reached Charleston two days later, on March 21. He was introduced to Governor Francis W. Pickens of South Carolina and General Beauregard, and after some delay, was permitted to go to Fort Sumter. He reached the fort that evening, "after dark and remained about two hours," discussing the situation with Major Anderson. He hinted at, but did not explicitly describe to Anderson, his plan to reinforce the fort.

Bibliography: Nicolay and Hay, Lincoln, 3: 389-90; ORN, p. 247.