Where was Col. Ellsworth's court warrent to enter Mr. Jackson's private property? What Constitutional right did the U. S. Army have in occuping private property in an area not in a state of treason as defined by the Constitution? The State of Virginia had not declared war and had not fired a shot in anger against any other state or federal installation.

As for Fort Sumter and the Star of the West incident the bigger question is why did Anderson NOT defend the Star of the West. Did he need someone to poke him in the eye? The United States Flag was under fire and he had a duty to defend it. He did NOT need permission to do so. At that time he commanded the harbor and could have swept away the Carolina gunners within range. Very odd behavior I'd say.

David Upton