The election of an abolitionist President alone shows increasing hostility to southern state interests.

https://www.tulane.edu/~sumter/FinalOrder/FApr6.1Comm.html

It's an interesting case, really. Were I a Southern Democrat at the time, I'm sure I would have taken as much stock in Lincoln's word as I would Biden today.

Sending warships to "relieve" the garrison was a provocative act, regardless of intent, though. Especially after the failed reinforcement attempt using the Star of the West a couple months prior. Granted, that was before Lincoln's inauguration, but as you acknowledge, Lincoln wanted to make sure to paint the South as aggressors. The Sumter expedition was a perfect way to kick it off.

https://www.tulane.edu/~sumter/FinalOrder/FApr6.1Comm.html

It's an interesting case, really. Were I a Southern Democrat at the time, I'm sure I would have taken as much stock in Lincoln's word as I would Biden today.

Sending warships to "relieve" the garrison was a provocative act, regardless of intent, though. Especially after the failed reinforcement attempt using the Star of the West a couple months prior. Granted, that was before Lincoln's inauguration, but as you acknowledge, Lincoln wanted to make sure to paint the South as aggressors. The Sumter expedition was a perfect way to kick it off.