He wasn't reluctant to defend Sumter, but the attack was a surprise and began the war so he needed troops.
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Buchanan wasn't President so he didn't respond. Lincoln was president.
He called for additional troops.
They strongly disliked it because ther felt it was too leniant on the South.
They raised troops for the Union, but they also raised troops for the Confederacy.
He called for additional troops and put general George B. McClellan in command