Existing comment:
Robert Anderson to Major J.G. Barnard, Dec. 21, 1860
Anderson's letter o Barnard concerns proposed organizational and curriculum changes at the military academy at West Point. As well, Anderson comments on South Carolina's secession from the Union, which occurred the day before, saying that he will "never forget, and perhaps, I may add, nor forgive S.Carolina for having broken up our glorious union." He also remarks on his indefensible position at Fort Moultrie saying the post was "intrinsically, absolutely weak... and I am deficient in men and in the ordnance." (Five days later Anderson moved his position to the stronger defenses of Fort Sumter and was still defending that post during the opening attack of the Civil War on April 12, 1861.) |