Gustavus V. Fox to Governor Francis W. Pickens, April 12, 1861

[April 12, 1861]

F. W. Pickens, Gov. S. C.

Sir,

The U. S. Gov^t has directed me to deliver a quantity of provisions to Major Anderson at Fort Sumpter, due notice of which has probably been given to you by special messenger from Washington.

Accordingly I send herewith the first load. If your batteries open fire it will be upon an unarmed boat, and unarmed men performing an act of duty and humanity.

G. V. Fox

In charge of Transport

Herewith I commence sending you the subsistence entrusted to my charge to be delivered at Fort Sumpter.

SOURCES: Robert Means Thompson & Richard Wainwright, Editors, Publications of the Naval Historical Society, Volume 9: Confidential Correspondence of Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1861-1865, Volume 1, p. 18