This post was a query for actual referenced data. I didn't expect to debate 'what-ifs'...oh well here goes.

First, I don't understand your reference of the intended station. What was the intended station other than the one I posted earlier, from the orders that all the ships received... at the bar, ten miles due east of the Light-House? This was almost the exact location discription given by Confederate picket boats on April 11th give or take two to three miles (whose orders were to fire signal rockets when any sign of the fleet appearing occured, rockets that could be seen from Charleston and anyone in the harbor i.e Major Anderson, General Beauregard).

Second, If I were Captain Faunce I would not be hesitant and stay away from my goal. I would obey my orders and be on station on the 11th of April with my armed Revenue Service Cutter, not wandering about in the dark. I'm sure he was not afraid of much in April of 1861.

Third, Captain Faunce didn't show signs of hesitation when he fired on a passenger ship. If I were Captain Faunce I would not fire at a ship in the dark that looked like my fellow fleet ally the Baltic that would have been expected on station at any moment if not already there. Why would the Baltic be coming out from behind the bar? Why would the Baltic NOT be flying colors? There are better ways to hail a passing 'friendly' ship than firing a fully loaded cannon at it unless the vessel was considered otherwise.

Fourth, You are correct the subject of the "Marshall House" not related to this string of post or this board.

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David Upton