Final Answer: Lincoln's first response to Fort Sumter was to send provisions via unarmed ships, signaling his intent to avoid confrontation while supporting the fort. He communicated this plan to South Carolina's governor to alert them of his non-aggressive intentions. However, his decision ultimately led to the onset of the Civil War when Confederate forces fired upon the fort shortly after the supply ships were sent. ; Explanation: President Abraham Lincoln's first response to the situation at Fort Sumter involved a calculated approach to avoid escalating tensions with the Confederate states. After taking office in March 1861, he received a letter from Major Robert Anderson, the commander of Fort Sumter, informing him that the fort was low on supplies and would need resupply soon or it would have to surrender. On April 6, 1861, Lincoln decided to send an unarmed supply ship to Fort Sumter. He notified the governor of South Carolina, Francis W. Pickens, of his intentions, stating that these ships would only carry provisions and no military force or weapons. This decision was made in an attempt to show good faith and willingness to avoid conflict while still supporting the federal fort. However, Lincoln also carefully placed the responsibility for potential conflict on the Confederate leadership, implying that if any aggression occurred, it would be initiated by them. This approach marked a significant moment in the lead-up to the Civil War, as the subsequent Confederate response to these ships would ultimately lead to the firing on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, beginning the Civil War. Thus, Lincoln's choice to send provisions while ensuring no arms were included was a pivotal moment aimed at both preserving the Union and attempting to avoid war, while still demonstrating the federal government's authority in the face of secession. ; Examples & Evidence: An example of Lincoln's strategy can be seen when he informed Governor Pickens that only unarmed ships would be sent, which demonstrated Lincoln's desire to avoid an immediate conflict while still fulfilling his duty to resupply the fort. This careful approach highlights the delicate situation between the federal government and the seceding states at that time. Historical records, including letters from Lincoln and major decisions from his administration during this period, confirm that Lincoln chose to send a relief mission to Fort Sumter while ensuring that no military arms were included, showing his intent to avoid immediate conflict.