Initial Engagement of the Civil War
There was a carnival-like atmosphere in Charleston, South Carolina, as the count down marking the instant of the first cannon burst approached. When the muzzles roared at Fort Sumter, cheers arose as if the hometown favorite had scored a winning point in a sporting match. A frenzy of good fellowship embraced the Charleston citizenry.
Others watching the event did not enjoy that fellowship. Indeed, they were fearing for their well-being. Northern newspaper correspondents were told that they might be hung if they were caught. One such was George Salter, a physician and a native of Charleston. Often sympathetic to the South in his correspondence to The New York Times, written under the pseudonym “Jasper,” he was still viewed in South Carolina with suspicion. As the Charleston Mercury reported on April 13, 1861, Dr. Salter, in fact, was thrown into prison.
The follow up to the story is that Dr. Salter, after being relieved of his personal effects, was imprisoned in a rather foul place reeking with odor where he was taunted by the guards with threats of being hung or being shot from the mouth of a cannon as an example to Northern newspapermen.
After an uncomfortable night and the passage of twenty four hours, Dr. Salter was released, put on a train, and sent on his way.
It was later reported that Dr. Salter’s composure was not restored until he got to Wilmington, North Carolina, which was still in the Union, where he was befriended by a fellow newspaperman.
Jan. 10, 1861: From the Charleston Mercury Special to the Charleston Mercury, the Ninth of January, 1861. Great Events crowd rapidly one upon another. Three short weeks ago, and the greatest event of the century upon the Western Hemisphere was transacted in Charleston. The Union of the States of North America was dissolved by the action of the State of South Carolina.
It appears to be a decree of history that upon all great revolutions or changes of the Government of a people, the red seal of blood must be set. Yesterday, the 9th of January, will be memorable to history. Powder has been burnt over the decree of our State, timber has been crushed, perhaps blood spilled. South Carolina will maintain her liberties and her independence whilst there is a single shot in her lockers. Blind infatuation is driving our enemies forward, and stroke by stroke the liberties of the South are being welded and cemented together.
The expulsion of the steamer Star of the West from the Charleston harbor yesterday morning was the opening of the hall of the Revolution. We are proud that our harbor has been so honored. We are more proud that the State of South Carolina, so long, so bitterly, so contemptuously reviled and scoffed at, above all others, should this proudly have thrown back the scoff of her enemies. Entrenched upon her soil, she has spoken from the mouth of her cannon, and not from the mouths of scurrilous demagogues, fanatics and scribblers. Condemned, the sanctity of her waters violated with the hostile purpose of reinforcing enemies in our harbor, she has not hesitated to strike the first blow, full in the face of her insulter. Let the United States Government bear, or return at their good will, the blow still tingling about her ears – the fruit of her own bandit temerity. We would not exchange or recall that blow for millions! It has wiped out a half century of scorn and outrage. Again South Carolina may be proud of her historic fame and ancestry, without a blush upon her cheek for her own present honor. The haughty echo of her cannon has ere this reverberated from Maine to Texas, through every hamlet of the North, and down along the great waters of the Southwest.
CHARLESTON HARBOR, SHOWING THE SCENE OF THE NAVAL BATTLE BETWEEN THE IRON CLAD MONITORS AND THE REBEL BATTERIES (TOMLINSON, G.W.). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
The decree has gone forth. Upon every acre of the peaceful soil of the South armed men will spring up, as the sound breaks upon their ears; and it will be found that every word of our insolent foes has indeed been a dragontooth sown for their destruction. And though grisly and traitorous ruffians may cry on the dogs of war, and treacherous politicians may lend their aid in deceptions, South Carolina will stand under her own Palmetto tree, unterrified by the snarling growls or assaults of the one, undeceived or deterred by the wily machinations of the other. And if that red seal of blood be still lacking to the parchment of our liberties, and blood they want – blood they shall have – and blood enough to stamp it all in red. For, by the God of our Fathers, the soil of South Carolina SHALL BE FREE!
April 12, 1861
War News, The Times – Charleston, April 12, 1861 – Yesterday was an exciting day in Charleston. Men met in crowds at the various corners of our thoroughfares, and the only topic was the all-engrossing one of WAR. Every moment the names of BEAUREGARD, ANDERSON, Sumter, Moultrie and Morris Island, would reach the ear, and the low, earnest conversations of the people gave evidence of their interest in the subject, and determination to proceed. At an early hour a large crowd congregated in front of THE MERCURY office to learn the latest news which appeared on the bulletin board, and the party only dispersed at eleven o, p.m., when it was understood that the bombardment would not commence immediately.
On the Battery several hundreds of persons, principally ladies, were promenading until near midnight, anxiously gazing at the dim lights, barely visible through the haze, which indicated the position of the batteries, where fathers and sons, brothers and lovers were willing to sacrifice their lives for the honor of South Carolina. And yet there was but one regret expressed, and that was at the delay and procrastination of hostilities. A detachment of the Citadel Cadets are stationed here for night service, with some heavy pieces of artillery.
Among the exciting rumors of the day was one that Major ANDERSON had fired into the steamer Gordon, which was, of course, without any foundation.
A Pilot boat reported the steam cutter Harriet Lane, Capt FAUNCE, off the Bar, which also created a sensation, but it was one of rejoicing, as it was hoped that hostilities were then certain to commence.
The reliable events of the day, however, were that about three o a demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter was made by Gen. BEAUREGARD, through his Aids, Col. CHESNUT, Col. CHISHOLM, and Capt. LEE, and that Major Anderson replied he could not, consistently with his honor as an officer of the United States Army, retire from his post without instructions from his Government. At half past eleven, p.m., Gen. BEAUREGARD’S final reply was borne to him by the same officers, but up to the hour of our going to press, we have not had any further information.
Among the noticeable incidents visible from the Battery last evening, were a number of rockets let off, a private signal no doubt, by the steamers on duty in the harbor; also the fiery appearance of the three schooners in the neighborhood of Sumter, with pine wood and tar burning for the purpose of lighting the harbor in that vicinity.
THE FLOATING BATTERY AT CHARLESTON, S.C., INTENDED TO ASSIST IN THE CAPTURE OF FORT SUMPTER, WITH DR. DE VEGA’S HOSPITAL ATTACHED. FROM A SKETCH BY OUR SPECIAL ARTIST NOW IN CHARLESTON. (FRANK LESLIE). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
April 13, 1861
Charleston, April 12, 1861 – We stated yesterday that on Thursday, at three o, p.m. General BEAUREGARD had made a demand upon Major ANDERSON for the evacuation of Fort Sumter through his Aids, Colonel CHESNUT, Captain LEE, and Colonel CHISHOLM, and that Major ANDERSON had regretfully declined, under the circumstances of his position. It was, however, understood that unless reinforced he would necessarily yield the post in a few days – say by the fifteenth. An effort was, therefore, made to avoid an engagement, without incurring greater risk of reinforcement.
At one and a half, a.m., Colonel CHESNUT and Captain LEE reached Fort Sumter from General BEAUREGARD, and, we gather, were prepared to enter into any arrangement for non action as to Fort Sumter, if no assistance were given to the efforts of reinforcement; but postponement merely to mature hostile plans was impossible. No satisfactory agreement being proposed, and time being important, at three and a half o a.m., Major ANDERSON was notified that, at the expiration of an hour, the batteries would open their fire upon him. The Aids then passed thence in a boat to Fort Johnson, and Col. CHESNUT ordered the fire to begin. Precisely at four and a half o a shell was fired from the signal battery on James’ Island, which, making a beautiful curve, burst immediately above Fort Sumter. Within fifteen minutes all the Carolina batteries were in full play. The inhabitants of Charleston forthwith thronged to the East Bay Battery and other points of observation, and excitement prevailed through the day amid various and stirring rumors put afloat from time to time. Major ANDERSON, no oil to light up his casemates, and the morning being slightly murky and drizzly, did not respond until broad day. At a quarter before six he opened his fire by a shot at the Iron Battery on Cumming point; then at Fort Moultrie, the Floating Battery, located at the west end of Sullivan Island; the Dahlgreen Battery, the Enfilade Battery, Major TRAPIER Battery, and Fort Johnson, interspersing his attentions by paying respects to the numerous mortar batteries, by which he, encased in brick, is surrounded. Hour after hour has the fire on both sides been kept up, deliberate and unflagging. The steady frequent shock of the cannon boom, accompanied by the hiss of balls, and the horrid, hurtling sound of the flying shell, are now perfectly familiar to the people of Charleston.
While the early sun was veiled in mist, we saw shell bursting within and illuminating Fort Sumter, or exploding in the air above, leaving a small thick cloud of white smoke to mark the place. We saw solid shot striking the dark walls, and in each instance followed by a fume of dust from the battered surface. One man was visibly stricken prostrate on the wharf, and carried in the fort; and several guns were dismounted. The walls, too, in several spots, were damaged. And while Sumter has certainly and manifestly been injured, no loss is yet sustained on our part. Fort Moultrie is intact, so far as fighting capacity is concerned. The Iron Battery is ready for continued work, after a full and fair trial of its powers of resistance; also the Floating Battery. The practice of our soldiers, as marksmen, has been excellent and highly satisfactory to officers of science and experience; and, great gratification, at the last accounts, six o, p.m., not one man of our army has suffered injury.
The Pawnee and Harriet Lane are lying off North Channel bar, with another ship, supposed to be the Baltic; at ship bar a war ship, judged to be the Illinois. Whether they will attempt to reinforce Fort Sumter in barges tonight, or land troops on Morris Island for an engagement, or will try to run the gauntlet of our channel batteries and Fort Moultrie, remains to be seen, and we will see.
BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER BY THE BATTERIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES (HARPER’S). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
April 13, 1861
Incidents – Two companies of volunteers passed THE MERCURY office at three o yesterday, with their banners flying, and tendered us a salute, for which we return our compliments.
Two members of the Palmetto Guard paid fifty dollars cash for a boat to carry them to Morris Island, to join their company.
The Battery, the wharves and shipping in the harbor, and every steeple and cupalo in the city, were crowded with anxious spectators of the great drama. Never before had such crowds of ladies without attendants visited our thoroughfares.
Business was entirely suspended. The stores on King street, Meeting street and East Bay were all closed.
Dr. SALTERS, the ‘Jasper’ correspondent of The New York Times, was arrested, and locked up in the Guard House, where he yet remains.
One of our special reporters to Fort Moultrie brought a trophy of war, in the shape of a 32 pound ball, which ANDERSON had fired at Moultrie, and which lodged in the sandbags. It may be seen at our office.
Another of our reporters has circulated the number of pounds of balls fired by both sides up to seven o, the hour at which Fort Sumter ceased firing. He gives as a total 75,000 pounds or over thirty-six tons of iron.
It was currently rumored that the Harriet Lane was crippled by the Star of the West Battery, while trying to run in yesterday morning, but that the Harriet Lane pursued the course of her predecessor, and put back to sea minus one wheel.
April 15, 1861
Serenade to Gov. Pickens – On Saturday evening last, after our citizens were entirely satisfied of the capitulation of Fort Sumter, a large crowd assembled in front of the Charleston Hotel, and honored the Governor with a serenade. He acknowledged the compliment in a brief and appropriate speech, in the course of which he congratulated our citizens upon the happy termination of the bombardment.
April 16, 1861
Incidents of the Bombardment and Surrender – Fort Sumter was delivered up on Saturday to Capt. FERGUSON, one of Gen. BEAUREGARD’S Aids, despatched to receive it, and raise upon its walls the Confederate Flag. Previous to leaving, Major ANDERSON carefully pointed out the location of the mines which he had laid to defend his post; also the powder magazines, with the danger to which he might be exposed by the progress of the fire, etc. After performing these offices, he delivered up the keys.
It is understood that Major ANDERSON had intended to fire a salute of one hundred guns before striking the United States flag, both the national salute of thirty four or thirty six guns, and the President salute of twenty one guns. This not being particularly agreeable to the captors of the fort, he determined to fire a full salute, but one without special point. The accident which happened to his gunners put a stop to his intention. Immediately upon seeing the fatal effect, Major WHITING wrote an order for the Confederate troops to bury the body in the parade ground of Fort Sumter with all the honors of war, and sent a copy to Major ANDERSON, who was visibly affected by this token of respect towards his brave garrison by their victorious enemies.
The Confederate flag and the ensign of South Carolina were hoisted simultaneously on the ramparts looking towards Charleston. Capt. FERGUSON, in charge of the former, was assisted by Maj. JONES. The Palmetto Flag was raised by Cols. F. J. MOSES, JR., and J. L. DEARING, assisted by Col. CARROLL. The two flagstaffs, upon which the colors had been raised, had been lashed to two guns near one another by Commodore HARTSTENE, and rose some fifteen feet above the parapet.
It is stated that ANDERSON flagstaff at Fort Sumter was touched by balls seven times before the final shot which cut it down. The halyard was cut below the flag on the morning of the 12th. At Fort Moultrie, where floated both the Confederate and State colors, the folds of the former were pierced by four balls, the latter by three.
USS HARRIET LANE (REPRODUCTION OF CLARY RAY) NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER.
Our readers may not have remarked the auspicious circumstance that on the nights of the 12th and 13th, the moon showed the silver crescent, which stands on the flag of the State. A gentleman also informs us, on the morning of the13th, as an omen of victory, that he saw a gamecock mount the tomb of CALHOUN, on Church street, flap his wings and crow. The superstitious will make a not on.
April 16, 1861
Morris Island , Saturday, April 13 – Up to this time, after thirty hours of bombardment, at 11 o, no one at Morris Island has been injured. It is believed here that Sullivan Island has been almost as fortunate. The fact is as wonderful as it is providential. With this promise for the relief of your many anxious readers, I hasten on to make a brief statement of the engagement as it appeared from this point.
At five o, on the afternoon of the 11th, the officers were informed that the bombardment would be opened on Fort Sumter at 9 o, p.m. Orders were issued, in accordance, to the several regiments, as to their particular duties. Men slept, arms in hand, all night. At half past four in the morning of the 12th a shell was thrown up from Fort Johnson, and the ball opened, with shell and shot from some eight or ten batteries. The sight of the whizzing shell in the grey morning light, bursting in every direction, above and around the solitary grey mass in the harbor, was beautiful indeed. I have but ten minutes to write only a word – interruptions innumerable. Not until after six o did ANDERSON reply at all to their delicate hints suggested to him. At that time, however, he began to let himself out loosely, like forty bees in a barrel, right and left. But he couldn’t hold his hand long, and was driven from the parapets to the next tier of guns. The shell and shot pouring in from the iron battery, the rifle cannon, and the Trapier Battery, and from Fort Moultrie, the Floating Battery, the Butler Battery, and others on Sullivan Island and James Island and Mount Pleasant, drove him below. The Major then drew in his horns, and paid his especial compliments first to the Iron Battery and the Shell Battery here, and then to the Sullivan Island batteries. During the morning he paid his respects to all, and had tested the Floating Battery and the Iron Battery, and made nothing for the trouble. The last two or three hours before dark he devoted himself exclusively to Fort Moultrie, and the two fortresses had a beautiful little duello. Game to the last, though much more exposed, Fort Moultrie held her own, and, it is believed, a little more than her own. This battery has here received universal applause and admiration, as we suppose it has on all hands. The Iron Battery and Shell Battery, in charge of Capt. CUTHBERT, were under Major STEVENS’ command. The rifle cannon has also been most admirably managed. The practice of BUTLER’S Battery and HALLONQUIST’s Shell Battery have been excellent. Indeed, where there is so much to praise every where, it is difficult to discriminate even where there is advantage. Wish I could write more, but the time is up. All have slept four nights on the open ground – storm and sunshine – were under arms in rain all night. Will be again tonight.
April 16, 1861
The Battle of Fort Sumter. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A. CHARLESTON, S.C., April 14th, 1861. General Orders No. 20 – The Brigadier General commanding is happy to congratulate the troops under his command on the brilliant success which has crowned their gallantry, privations and hardships, by the reduction of the stronghold in the harbor of Charleston. This feat of arms has been accomplished after a severe cannonading of about thirty three hours, in which all the troops have indicated, by their daring and bravery, that our cause must and shall triumph.
Fort Sumter, which surrendered yesterday, about 1:45 p.m., will be evacuated at 9 o a.m. today; and to show our magnanimity to the gallant defenders, who were only executing the orders of their Government, they will be allowed to evacuate upon the same terms which were offered to them before the bombardment commenced. Our success should not lull us into a false security, but should encourage us in the necessary preparations to meet a powerful enemy, who may, at any time, attempt to avenge this, their first check, in the present contest.
The commandants of batteries will promptly send in their reports through the proper channels, giving a journal of the firing of their batteries against Fort Sumter, and of the fire of Fort Sumter against their batteries – furnishing the names of those who particularly distinguished themselves, and other incidents relative thereto, in order that the General commanding may be able to make known to the Confederate States Government, in a proper manner, their bravery and gallantry. The General is highly gratified to state that the troops, by their labor, privations and endurance at the batteries and at their posts, have exhibited the highest characteristics of tried soldiers; and he takes this occasion to thank all – his Staff, the Regulars, the Volunteers, the Militia, the Naval forces, and the numerous individuals who have contributed to the surrender of Fort Sumter.
By order of Brigadier General BEAUREGARD.
D. R. JONES, A. A. General.
Charleston, Friday, April 12 – The ball has opened. War is inaugurated. The batteries of Sullivan’s Island, Morris Island, and other points, were opened on Fort Sumpter at 4 o’clock this morning. Fort Sumpter has returned the fire, and a brisk cannonading has been kept up. No information has been received from the seaboard yet. The military are under arms, and the whole of our population are on the streets. Every available space facing the harbor is filled with anxious spectators. Of the nineteen batteries in position only seven have opened fire on Fort Sumpter, the remainder are held in reserve for the expected fleet.
Two thousand men reached this city this morning and embarked for Morris Island and the neighborhood.
Charleston, Friday, April 12 – The bombardment of Fort Sumpter continues. The Floating Battery and Stephens Battery are operating freely, and Fort Sumpter is returning the fire. It is reported that three war vessels are outside the bar.
Charleston, Friday, April 12 – The firing has ceased for the night, but will be renewed at daylight in the morning, unless an attempt is made to reinforce, which ample arrangements have been made to repel. The Pawnee, Harriet Lane, and a third steamer are reported off the bar.
Troops are arriving by every train.
Charleston, Friday, April 12 – The bombardment is still going on every twenty minutes from our morters. It is supposed that Major ANDERSON is resting his men for the night. Three vessels-of-war are reported outside. They cannot get in. The sea is rough.
SCENE ON THE FLOATING BATTERY IN CHARLESTON HABOR DURING THE BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER (FROM A SKETCH BY AN OFFICER).LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
Nobody is hurt. The floating battery works well. Troops arrive hourly. Every inlet is guarded. There are lively times here.
Charleston, Friday, April 12 – The firing on Fort Sumpter continues. There are reviving times on the “Palmetto coast.”
Charleston, Friday, April 12, - 3 A.M. – It is utterly impossible to reinfo[f]ce Fort S[hr]npter, to-night, as a storm is now raging. The mortar batteries will be playing on Fort Sumpter all night.
Charleston, Friday, April 12 – Civil war has at last begun. A terrible fight is at this moment going on between Fort Sumpter and the fortifications by which it is surrounded. The issue was submitted to Major ANDERSON of surrendering as soon as his supplies were exhausted, or of having a fire opened on him within a certain time.
This he refused to do, and accordingly, at twenty-seven minutes past four o’clock this morning Fort Moultrie began the bombardment by firing two guns. To these Major Anderson replied with three of his barbette guns, after which the batteries on Mount Pleasant, Cummings’ Point, and the Floating Battery opened a brisk fire of shot and shell.
Major Anderson did not reply except at long intervals, until between 7 and 8 o’clock, when he brought into action the two tier of guns looking towards Fort Moultrie and Stevens iron battery.
Up to this hour – 3 o’clock – they have failed to produce any serious effect.
Major ANDERSON has the greater part of the day been directing his fire principally against Fort Moultrie, the Stevens and Floating Battery, these and Fort Johnson being the only five operating against him. The remainder of the batteries are held in reserve. Major ANDERSON is at present using his lower tier of casemate ordnance.
The fight is going on with intense earnestness, and will continue all night. The excitement in the community is indescribable. With the very first boom of the guns thousands rushed from their beds to the harbor front and all day every available place has been thronged by ladies and gentlemen, viewing the spectacle through their glasses.
EVACUATION OF FORT MOULTRE AND BURNING OF THE GUN CARRIAGES ON SULLIVAN’S ISLAND (FRANK LESLIE’S ILLUSTRATED NEWSPAPER). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
The brilliant and patriotic conduct of Major ANDERSON speaks for itself.
Business is entirely suspended. Only those stores open necessary to supply articles required by the Army. Gov. Pickens has all day been in the residence of a gentleman which commands a view of the whole scene – a most interested observer. Gen. Beauregard commands in person the entire operations.
It is reported that the Harriet Lane has received a shot through her wheelhouse. She is in the offing. No other Government ships in sight up to the present moment, but should they appear the entire range of batteries will open upon them.
Troops are pouring into the town by hundreds, but are held in reserve for the present, the force already on the island being ample. People are also arriving every moment on horseback, and by every other conveyance.
Charleston, Friday, April 12 - 6 P.M. – Capt. R.S. Parker brings dispatches from the floating battery, stating that up to this time only two have been wounded on Sullivan’s Island. He had to row through Major Anderson’s warmest fire in a small boat. Senator Wigfall in some manner bore dispatches to Morris Island, through the fire from Fort Sumpter. Senator Chesnut, another member of the staff of Gen. Beauregard, fired a gun, by way of amusement, from Mount Pleasant, which made a large hole in the parapet.
Quite a number have been struck by spent pieces of shell and knocked down, but none hurt seriously. Many fragments of these missiles are already circulating in the city. The range is more perfect than in the morning and every shot from the land tells.
Three ships are visible in the offing, and it is believed an attempt will be made to-night, to throw reinforcements into Fort Sumpter in small boats. It is also thought, from the regular and frequent firing of Major Anderson, that he has a much larger force of men than was supposed. At any rate, he is fighting bravely.
There have been two rain storms during the day, but without effect upon the battle. Everybody is in a ferment. Some of those fighting are stripped to the waist.
Charleston, Friday, April 12 – The following is the telegraphic correspondence between the War Department at Montgomery and Gen. BEAUREGARD immediately preceding the hostilities.
The correspondence grew out of the formal notification by the Washington Government, which is disclosed in Gen. BEAUREGARD’S first dispatches.
[No. 1.]
Charleston April 8
L P. Walker, Secretary of War:
An authorized messenger from President LINCOLN, just informed Gov. PICKENS and myself that provisions will be sent to Fort Sumpter peaceably, or otherwise by force.
(Signed.) G. F. Beauregard.
[No. 2.]
Montgomery, 10th
Gen,. G. T. Beauregard, Charleston:
If you have no doubt of the authorized character of the agent who communicated to you the intention of the Washington Government to supply Fort Sumpter by force, you will at once demand its evacuation, and if this is refused, proceed in such matter as you may determine, to reduce it. Answer.
(Signed) L. P. WALKER, Sec. of War.
[No. 3.]
Charleston, April 10
L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:
The demand will be made to-morrow at 12 o’clock.
Signed, G. F. Beauregard.
[No. 4.]
Montgomery, April 10
Gen. BEAUREGARD, Charleston:
Unless there are especial reasons connected, with your own condition, it is considered proper that you should make the demand at an early hour.
(Signed) L.P. Walker, Secretary of War
[No. 5.]
Charleston, April 10
L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery
The reasons are special for 12 o’clock.
(Signed) G. F. BEAUREGARD.
[No. 6.]
Charleston April 11
L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War
Demand sent at 12 o’clock. Allowed till 6 o’clock to answer
(Signed) G.F. BEAUREGARD
[No.7.]
Montgomery April 11
Gen. BEAUREGARD – Charleston
Telegraph the reply of Maj. ANDERSON
(Signed) L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War
[No. 8.]
Charleston, April 11
To L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War
Maj. ANDERSON replies:
“I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication demanding the evacuation of this fort. And to say in reply thereto, that it is a demand with which I regret that my sense of honor and my obligations to my GOVERNMENT WILL PREVENT MY COMPLIANBCE.” He adds:
“Probably I will await the first shot, and if you do not batter us to pieces, we will be starved out in a few days.”
Answer. G.F. Beauregard
[No. 9.]
Montgomery, April 11
Gen. BEAUREGARD – Charleston:
We do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumpter, if Major ANDERSON will state the time at which, as indicated by him, he will evacuate, and agree that, in the meantime, he will not use his guns against us unless ours should be employed against Fort Sumpter. You are thus to avoid the effusion of blood.
If this or its equivalent be refused, reduce the fort as your judgment decides to be the most practicable.
(Signed) L.P. Walker, Secretaty of War
[No 10.]
Charleston, April 12
L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War
HE WOULD NOT CONSENT. I write today.
G. F. Beauregard
Mr. Fox’s Visit to Fort
Sumpter Charleston, Friday, April I1
Intercepted dispatches disclose the fact that Mr. Fox, who had been allowed to visit Major Anderson on the. pledge that his purpose was pacific, employed his opportunity to devise a plan for supplying the fort by force, and that this plan had been adopted by the Washington Government, and was in progress of execution.
The Kentucky Volunteer Regiment
Louisville Friday, Apr-1 12
Dispatches have come here to hold the Kentucky Volunteer Regiment in readiness to move at a moment’s notice from the War Department at Montgomery.
Excitement in Mobile
Mobile Friday, April 12
There is intense excitement and rejoicing here. Fifteen guns have been fired in honor of the attack on Fort Sumpter.
The Confederate States Congress
Montgomery, Friday, April 12
An extra session of the Confederate States Congress has been called for April 29.
April 15, 1861
Fort Sumpter Fallen, Particulars of the Bombardment
Charleston, Saturday, April 13 – Evening – Major Anderson has surrendered, after hard fighting, commencing at 4½ o’clock yesterday morning and continuing until five minutes to 1 to-day.
The American flag has given place to the Palmetto of South Carolina.
You have received my previous dispatches concerning the fire and the shooting away of the flagstaff. The latter event is due to Fort Moultrie, as well as the burning of the fort, which resulted from one of the hot shots fired in the morning.
NEGROES MOUNTING CANNON IN THE WORKS FOR THE ATTACK ON FORT SUMTER, 1861– MORRIS ISLAND (WILLIAM WAUD). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
During the conflagration, Gen Beauregard sent a boat to Major Anderson, with offers of assistance, the bearers being Colonels W. P. Miles, and Roger Peyor, of Virginia, and Lee. But before it reached him, a flag of truce bad been raised. Another boat then put off, containing Ex-Gov. Manning, Major D. R. Jones and Col. Charles Allston, to arrange the terms of surrender, which were the same as those offered on the 11th inst. These were official. They stated that all proper facilities would be afforded for the removal of Major Anderson and his command, together with the company arms and property, and all private property, to any post in the United States he might elect. The terms were not, therefore, unconditional.
Major Anderson stated that he surrendered his sword to Gen. Beauregard as the representitive of the Confederate Government. Gen. Beauregard said he would not receive it from so brave a man. He says Major Anderson made a staunch fight, and elevated himself in the estimation of every true Carolinian.
During the fire, when Major ANDERSON’S flagstaff was shot away, a boat put off from Morris Island, carrying another American flag for him to fight under – a noteworthy instance of the honor an chivalry of South Carolina Seceders, and their admiration for a brave man.
The scene in the city after the raising of the flag of truce and the surrender is indescribable; the people were perfectly wild. Men on horseback rode through the streets proclaiming the news, amid the greatest enthusiasm.
On the arrival of the officers from the fort they were marched through the streets, followed by an immense crowd, hurrahing, shouting, and yelling with excitement.
Several fire companies were immediately sent down to Fort Sumpter to put out the fire, and any amount of assistance was offered.
A regiment of eight hundred men has just arrived from the interior, and has been ordered to Morris Island, in view of as attack from the fleet which may be expected tonight.
Six vessels are reported off the bar, but the utmost indignation is expressed against them for not going to the assistance of Major Anderson when he made signals of distress.
The soldiers on Morris Island jumped on the guns every shot they received from Fort Sumpter while thus disabled, and gave three cheers for Major Anderson and groans for the fleet.
Col. Lucas, of the Governor’s Staff, has just returned from Fort Sumpter, and says Major Anderson told him he had pleasanter recollections of Fort Moultrie than Fort Sumpter. Only five men were wounded, one seriously.
The flames have destroyed everything. Both officers and soldiers were obliged to lay on their faces in the casemates, to prevent suffocation.
The explosions heard in the city were from small piles of shell, which ignited from the heat.
The effect of the shot upon the fort was tremendous. The walls were battered in hundreds of places, but no breach was made.
Major Anderson expresses himself much pleased that no lives had been sacrificed, and says that to Providence alone is to be attributed the bloodless victory. He compliments the firing of the Carolinians, and the large number of exploded shells lying around attests their effectiveness.
The number of soldiers in the fort was about seventy, besides twenty-five workmen, who assisted at the guns. His stock of provisions was almost exhausted, however. He would have been starved out in two more days.
The entrance to the fort is mined, and the officers were told to be careful, even after the surrender, on account of the heat, lest it should explode.
A boat from the squadron, with a flag of truce, has arrived at Morris Island, bearing a request to be allowed to come and take Major Anderson and his forces. An answer will be given tomorrow at 9 o’clock.
The public feeling against the fleet is very strong, it being regarded as cowardly to make not even an attempt to aid a fellow officer.
Had the surrender not taken place Fort Sumpter would have been stormed tonight. The men are crazy for a fight.
The bells have been chiming all day, guns firing, ladies waving handkerchiefs, people cheering, and citizens making themselves generally demonstrative. It is regarded as the greatest day in the history of South Carolina.
Fort Sumter, which took place on April 12-14, 1861, in Charleston County, SC, was the sole operation in the Charleston Harbor campaign of April 1861. Major Robert Anderson of the U.S. Army surrendered the fort to Brig. Gen. G.F Beauregard of the Confederate Army. Fifty United States troops occupied the fort and 500 Confederates engaged it with no resulting casualties in the engagement.
On April 10, 1861, Brig. Gen. Beauregard, in command of the provisional Confederate forces at Charleston, South Carolina, demanded the surrender of the Union garrison of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. Garrison commander Anderson refused. On April 12, Confederate batteries opened fire on the fort, which was unable to reply effectively. At 2:30 p.m., April 13, Major Anderson surrendered Fort Sumter, evacuating the garrison on the following day. The bombardment of Fort Sumter was the opening engagement of the American Civil War. Although there were no casualties during the bombardment, one Union artillerist was killed and three wounded (one mortally) when a cannon exploded prematurely while firing a salute during the evacuation on April 14.
This was a Confederate victory that had far reaching effects that would last four years.
