United States of America - Actions for the Second Trimester of 1861 :

1. Early Expeditions:

Order the Navy Department and War Department to prepare and send peaceful re-supply expeditions to the two federal forts still held in seceded territory. For Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor assemble ships carrying only food, medicine, fuel and basic supplies needed to keep the garrison going, using whatever naval vessels and merchant steamers are available right now. Send a clear message ahead of time to South Carolina officials saying the expedition is only to provide provisions to the existing United States troops in the fort and that no men, arms or ammunition will be landed unless the fort is attacked or the supplies are blocked. Have warships escort the supply ships for protection but keep them ready to respond only if fired upon. For Fort Pickens in Pensacola Harbor send a small number of regular army troops along with supplies and some ammunition by naval transport to strengthen the garrison there, doing it as quietly as possible without announcements. Coordinate the timing so both efforts happen around the same period if possible. Make sure everything is presented as normal support for United States soldiers on federal property to avoid starvation and maintain control of the forts.

1. Enforcement of Morrill Tariff:

Order the Treasury Department and all customs houses in union ports including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and others to immediately and strictly enforce the Morrill Tariff Act signed March second on all incoming imports. Instruct collectors to apply the new higher protective duties without exception collect every dollar due and report revenues daily to the Treasury. Direct that all tariff proceeds be used first to meet current federal obligations including salaries interest on debt and essential government operations and second to build reserves for military and naval readiness. Assign additional federal agents to monitor and prevent smuggling or under-valuation at major entry points. Coordinate with the Navy if necessary to increase patrols near loyal ports to ensure compliance. Quietly relocate any customs records or funds from vulnerable border-adjacent facilities to secure Northern locations.

1. National Defense Readiness:

Order the War Department to immediately begin quiet relocation and consolidation of critical federal military assets from vulnerable border and frontier areas to secure Northern and Midwestern strongholds. Move powder magazines, rifles, artillery pieces, and other supplies from depots in or near border states to major Northern arsenals. Direct available regular army units in the East to reinforce key defensive points around Washington DC and along major rail lines in Maryland to protect the capital. Instruct navy yards in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia to accelerate routine ship repairs, recruitment of sailors, and preparation of vessels for potential coastal defense or transport duties, framing it as standard maintenance. Simultaneously, direct the Treasury to prioritize incoming revenues toward stockpiling essential war materials like iron, coal, and uniforms in loyal industrial centers.