TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 1 AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1880 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, BY BYT. LIEUT. COL. ROBERT N. SCOTT, TuRD U. S. ARTILLERY, AND PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JUNE 16, 1880. C SERIES IVOLUME I. WASHINGTON: ~OVEUNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1880 Page R002 /4. ~ K 5 4(t. / V. Page R003 PREFACE. By an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress made an appropriation to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confed- erate Armies,~and directed him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not heretofore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16, 1880, has provided for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Con- federate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready fof publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said number, 7,000 copies shall be for the use of th~ House of Representatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments. This compilation will be the first general publication of the military records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. The publication will present the records iii the following order of arrangement: The 1st Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Southern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the correspond- ence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the campaigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be imme- diately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspondence, & c., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The 2d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. 11 Page R004 IV PREFACE. The 3d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General-in-Chief; and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the National and the several State authorities. The 4th Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the correspondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Major, Third Art., and Bvt. Lieut. Gol. WAn DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, & cretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER 1. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860April g 14, 1861 1317 CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 326, 1861 .... 318325 CHAPTER III. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 420, 1861 326330 CHAPTER IV. Operations in Florida. January 6August31, 1861 ... - 331473 CHAPTER V. The secession of North Carolina. January 9May 20, 1861 .. 474488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10-February 19, 1861 489501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1June 11, 1861 . 502636 CHAPTER VIII. Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Territory, and Missouri. February 7 May 9, 1861 637691 Page R006 Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL 7IRECOI~DS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. - ADDITIONS AND CORI~EOTIONS TO SERIES IVOLUME I. (To be il~serted iii the volume. For explanatiou see G-erieral Index volume, Serial No. 130, page XXVIII.) PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTIJ, CHIEF OF THE RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, ANI) MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Mr. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 2 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. Page 2. Report No. 22, for Son/h carolina Mililia read Marion Ar/illery. Report No. 26, for A/Is/on read Als/on. Page 30. Erase foot-note and insert See Pla/es 121 and 122 of/he A/las. Page 130. Erase foot-note and insert See Series III, Vol. i, pp. 2729. Page 173. Erase in foot-note To appear in A/las. Page 196. Erase in foot-note the following: They were probably submi//ed /o /he Cabine/ March i,~, s86z. Page 253. First line, ford (?) read 26. Hayne to Pickens, fifth line, for /he Baron read Barron. Page 272. Walker to Beauregard, fourth line, third paragraph, for /o-nigh/ read by nigh/. Page 291. First line, insert after Execn/ive the words of each, so that it will read E cen/ive of each of /he Confedera/e S/a/es. Page 332. Report No. 6, for Yuell read Yulee. Page 464. Erase foot-note and insert See Series I. Vol. 53, ~. 22/9. Page 489. Summary, etc., second event, for ii read so. Page 534. Sibley to Nichols, second line, for si/h read 7/h. Page 537. Fourteenth line, top, for Wal/er read Waller. Page 564. Erase foot. note JVo/ found and insert Omi//ed. Shows 9 officers and 452 men cap/ured a/ Saluria, Tex. Page 567. Insert note, Medal of Honor awarded /o Serg/. Maj. Joseph K. Wilson, Eigh/h Infan/ry, for bringing colors of/he regimen/ ou/ of Texas. Page 609. Erase foot-note and insert See General Orders, No. 5, p. 515. INDEX. Insert all words aud figures iu italics and strike out all in [brackets]. Au asterisk (*) following a correctiou indicates that Additions and corrections to the text should be consulted. i~darns, Henry A. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Adjutant-Generals Office, U.S. A. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Harney, William S., 6g8, 669. Lyon, Nathaniel, 670, 67g. Twiggs, David E. [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. [West, Dept. Hdqrs., 658,669,670,675.] Aldrich, N. [Rev. Mr.]. Allison, U. V. [Private]. Aiston [Allston], charles, jr. Alvarado, Bark. Destruction of. Report of E. Yulee [Vuell]. Arkansas. Operations in. Communications from Bronaugh [Brougnah], W.N. Army Headquarters. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Canby, Ed. R. S., 6o6. Emory, William H., 667. Harney, William S. [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. Loring, W. W.,599, 602, 6o~. [New Mex., Dept. Hdqrs., 599,602, 604, 6o6.] [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs., 579581, 585587, 589, 590, s~8.] Twiggs, David E.,,579-581,,58,5,g9o. Waite, Curbs A., ~86, 587,589,598. Arnold, Lewis G. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Baltic, Steamer, 24. Barclay, Richard A [Barkley, Captain]. Barron, Samuel, 253.* Basinger [Bassinger], W. S. Beale, Horace, Steamer. Beauregard, G. T. Correspondence with War Department, C. 5., 464. Belknap, George E. [Belnap, G. L.]. Bell, M. L. [Mr.]. Berry, Michael [Captain]. Bickley, General, 625. Bigler, William [Governor]. Billings, K. G. [Lieutenant]. - Blair, William B. Correspondence with Waite, Carlos A. [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Blanding, Ormsly [Lieutenant]. Blocker, John R. [Lieutenant]. Boerustein, Henry [Mr.]. Boggess [Bogges], Milton M. Bowen, Nicolas [Nicholas]. Boyd, David H. [Sergeant]. Bradfute, W. R., 632 [Captain, 932]. Bragg, Braxton. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.] Page A003 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Bronaugh [Brougnab], W. N. Brown, Harvey. Correspondence wi/h A dams, Henry A., 403, 409, 410, 413. A djntant-Generals Office, U. S. A., 382, 387, 437, 439, 440. Army Headqnarters, 365,372,373, 376, ~78, 380, 390, 391, 400, 407, 411, 414, 416, 424, 427429, 431-435, 441. Arnold, Lewis U., 371,377,392. Bragg, Braxton, 380, 4o8, 419, 420. Campbell, John, 410. French, William H., 375,393, 404, 411,412, 424, 425, 427, 430. Hnnt, Edward B., 371. McKean, William W., 418, 419. Mez~gs, Montgomery C, 381,385, 389,391. Morton, J. St. Clair, 372. Porter, David D., 382, 402. Qnartermaster-Generals Office, U. S. A., 438. Tower, Zealous B., 415. Buist, George L. [I,ieuteuant, 159]. Bnist, Henry, 159. Burrow, Napoleon B. [Burroughs, B.]. Caidwell, A. Harper [Mr.]. CampheliJames F [Mr.], 49, 55. Campbell, John. Correspondence with Harvey Brown [Fin., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Campbell, Robert P. [Mr.], 426. Canby. Ed. R. S. Correspondence with Army Headquarters, 6o6. Cautwell, John L. Carpenter, S. D. Correspondence with [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs., 523, 541.] Twiggs, David F., 523. Waite, Carlos A., 541. Charleston Harbor. Operations in. Communications from Als/on [Aliston], Charles, jr. Wz~gfall, Louis T. [Woods, Charles R.] Woods, Charles B. [Wigfall, Louis T.]. Cherokee Indians. Relations with Confederate States, 682, 684. Childs, F. L., 450 [Childs, Lieutenant, 450]. Choctaw Indians. Relations with Confederate States, 682. Chubb, Thomas H. [Captain]. Clapp,Jarnes C [H.]. Cody, Francis [Private]. Coltart, John C. [Colonel]. Congress, U. S. Correspoudence with A braham Lincoln, 440. Cooke,John B. [Lieutenant]. Cortina Juan N., 629. Councils of War. Pickeus, Fort, Fla., May 22, i86i, 415. Co etter, Louis M. [Coxsitter, Captain]. Cozzens, Edward B. [Captain]. Crusoe, Peter [Mr.]. Daggett, Thomas W. [Captain]. Dearing, Alfred L. [Colonel]. De Hart, Henry V. [Captain]. De Jarnette, Daniel C. [Mr.]. De Witt, C. C. [Colonel]. Dixon,James [Senator]. Douglas, Samuell. [Judge]. Duke, Basil W [Captain]. Duryea, Robert S. [Colonel]. Dwyer, John [Private]. [East, Dept. Hdqrs. Correspondence with Israel Vogdes, 378.] Edgar, William [W. M.]. Mentioned, 548. Edwards, Nathaniel [Sergeant]. Elliott, Stephen, jr. Emory, William H. Correspondence with Army Headquarters, 667. Harney, William S. [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. Filer, James [Tiler, Mr.]. Fiulay, George P. [Captain]. Fleming, David G. [Flemming, Lieutenant]. Florida. Military departments embracing, 365,366. Operations in. Communications from Brown, Harvey [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Hubert, F. [ ]. Ynlee [Yuell], E. Florida, Department of (U.). Constituted, 365,366. Flynn, JohnJ. [Captain]. Foster, Mr., 202 [292]. Foster,John G., Mrs., 137. French, William H. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Fretwell,J. R. [Dr.]. Fry, James H., [Capt.]. Fulcrod, Philip [Fulkrod, Captain]. Fullam, RichardJ. [Fullum, Corporal]. Gaillard, T. F. [Sergeant]. George, Alexander [Alderman]. Gillespie, Thomas F. [Captain]. Gillis,John P. [Commander, U. S. N.]. Glenn [Glen], LutherJ. Gonzales, A.~ [Miles]. Good, W. Spalding [Gord, Lieutenant]. Grace, Horace [Lieutenant]. Grant, Robert A. [Private]. Gray, Alfred G. [Captain (steamship Atlantic)]. Greene, Colton [Green, Captain]. Gregorie,J. W. [Lieutenant]. Grimes, Marshall [Mr.]. Hagner, Peter V. Correspondence with Harney, William S. [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. Hammer, A. [Dr.]. Hampton, G. J. [Captain]. Hardeman, Peter [Captain]. Harleston, Francis H. [Lieutenant]. Harney, William S. Correspondence with Adjutant-Generals Office, U. S. A., 6~8, 669. Army Headquarters, 653, 654, 6~6, 662, 66~, 666. Emory, William I-I., 66i, 668. Hagner, Peter V., 66i, 662, 664. Lyon, Nathaniel, 658, 668. Macrae, Nathaniel C., 663, 664. Miles, Dixon 5., 664. Montgomery. Alexander, 6~6. Saint Louis Police Commissioners, 670. Steele, William, 670. Harriet Lane, U. S. Steamer, 240. Harris, A. D. [Captain]. Page A004 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Harris, C. Correspondence with Napokon B: Burrow [B. Burroughs]. Harris, Ma/thias [Rev. Mr.]. Harris, Robed Y. [General]. Haskell, C. T., Ir. Henry, James A. [Alderman]. Herhert, W.J. [Captain]. Hill, Bennett H. Correspondence with Waite, Car/os A. [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Holt, John T. [Captain]. Horace Beale, Steamer, 347. Howe, Charles [Mr.]. Huhert, F [ ]. Huguenin, Thomas A. [Lieutenant]. Hunt, Edward B. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Indian Territory. Operations in. Communications from Burrow, Napoleon B. [Burroughs, B.]. Harney, William S., 6~6. Lyon, Nathaniel, 668, 68o. [West, Dept. Hdqrs., 656, 668, 68o.] Inge, Fort, Ter. Abandoned, March i~, s86s, 502. Johnson, Arm iger H. [Captain]. Johnson, Charles B. [Mr.]. Johnson, Richard W. Correspondence with Waite, Carlos A. [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Jones,i G. [Captain (Texas)]. Jones, J. P., 47 [Jones, J., 47]. Jones, Robert F [Captain (Fort Morgan, Ala.)]. Jones, Thomas M. Correspondence with Carlos A. Waite [Tax., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Joseph Whitney, Steamer, 345-347. Judah & LeBaron, 409; Le Baron,CharlesL., [409]. Kampmann, John H. [Kampman, Captain]. Keen, Joseph S. [Private]. Key, Joseph [Kay, G.]. Key West, F/a. See Florida. Kiugman, Fliab [Mr.]. Kyle, Fergus [Captain]. Lamar, Thomas G.,g~, 268, 271 [Lamar, Colonel, 34, 268,271]. bander, F. W. Correspondence with Carlos A. Waite [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Lawton, A. R. Correspondence with Basinger [Bassinger], W. S. Leeper, Matthew [Leiper, Colonel]. Lincoln, Ahraham. Correspondence with Congress, U. S. [Senate of the United States]. Lyon, Nathaniel [West, lept. Hdqrs.]. Litchfield,John L. [Captain]. Littleton, John [Mr.]. Loring, W. W. Correspondence with Army Headquarters, 599, 6os, 604. Lynde, Isaac, 6oo. Paul, Gabriel R., 605. Union, Fort, N. Mex., Comdg. Officer, 6o~. Wainwright, Robert A., 6o. Zucas, J. Jonathan [Colonel]. Lynah [Lynch], Arthur M. Lynde, Isaac. Correspondence with W. W. Loring [New Mex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Lyon, Nathaniel. Correspondence with Adlutant-Generals Office, U. S. A., 670, 675. Harney, William S. [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. Lincoln, A braham, 675. McClellan, George B., 68o. War Department, U. 5., 675. McAllister, S. W. [McCallister, Captain]. McClellan, George B. Correspondence with Nathaniel Lyon [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. McClure, Daniel. Correspondence with Car/os A. Waite [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. MeCrady, John [Lieutenant]. MeCulloch, Ben. Correspondence with Edgar, William [W. M.]. McDowell, Samuelj P. [Captain]. MeKean, W. W. Correspondence with Harvey Brown [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Maclin, Sackfield. Correspondence with Edgar, William [W.W.]. Waite, Car/os A. [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Macrae, Nathaniel C. Correspondence with William S. Homey [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. MeRory, J. H. [Captaini. Maffitt [Maffit], John N. Magill, James [McGill, Private]. Major, J. P., 624, 632. Mallory, S. R. Correspondence with Bigler, William [Governor]. Maloney, Wa/tee U [Mr.]. Manigault, A. M. [Captain]. Maverick, Lewis [Captain]. Mech/ing, Wi/liani F [Meckling, W. T.]. Meigs, Montgomery C. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Mervine, William. Declaration of blockade at Key West, F/a., 429. Miles, Dixon S. Correspondence with Harney, William S. [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. Mines,John F. [Menes, Rev. Mr.]. Minter,Joseph [J.] F., 624 [Muihr, Captain, 624]. Missouri. Operations in. Communications from Homey, William 5., 654, 6~8, 66z-666, 668, 670. Lyon, Nathaniel, 675. [West, Dept. Hdqrs., 654, 6~8, 66i666, 668,670, 675.] Mitchel, John C. [Mitchell, Lieutenant]. Montgomery, Alexander. Correspondence with William S. Harney [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. Moore, Maurice A. [Colonel]. Morris, William W. [Major]. Morton, J. St. Clair. Correspondence With Harvey Prawn [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.). Page A005 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Navarro, Angel [Captain]. Nelson, Governor H. [Captain]. New Mexico. Operations in. Communications from Canby, Ed R. S., 6o6. Loring, W. W, ~ 6os, 6o~, 6o~. [NewMex., Dept. Hdqrs., 599,602,604,605,606.] Waite, Carlos A. [Tex., Dept. Iidqrsj. Nolan, Mat. [Captain]. OBrien, John [I,ieutenant]. Ochiltree, W. B. [H.]. Owen, Clark Lewis [Olden, C. S.]. Pagan,James [Major]. Paul, Gabriel R. Correspondence with W W. Loring [New Mex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Pawnee, U. S. Steamer, s~o. Peareson, F. A. [Pearson, Captain]. Peay, Gordon N [Peary, Alderman]. Peltyn, Samuel [Pettigru, Corporal]. Phillips, A. H.,jr. [Captain]. Phillips, ~ B. W. [Mr.]. Pickens, Fort, Fla. Council of War, May 22, s86s, 115. Pitts, William A. [Captain]. Pocahontas, U. S. Steamer, s~to. Porcher, FrancisJ. [F. I.]. Porter, David D. Correspondence with Harvey Broz n [Fla., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Preston, William G. [lieutenant] Pyron, CharlesL. [Captain]. Quartermaster-Generals Office, U. S. A. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fin., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Randall, James [Private]. Ransom, James AL. [Lieutenant]. Ravenel [Ravenal], F. Priolean. Rawlins, Wiiliam [Private]. Read, Edwin W. H. [F,. W.]. Reynolds, A. W. Correspondence with Carlos A. Waite [Tax., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Rhett, Corporal, ~6 [52]. Biddell,John L. [Riddle, J. 14.]. [Robertson, J., Judge. Correspondence with John Tyler, 253.] Robins, John [Alderman]. Robinson, Samuel [Corporal]. Russell, John (Fortkeeper), 177. Russell, John (Sum/er Guard), ~ Saint 14ouis Police Commissioners. Correspondence with Willidm S. Homey [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. St. Paul, Henry [Captain]. Sands, Benjamin F., j~8 [Captain, 538]. Scaulan [Scanlon], Charles A. Scarborough, A.J. [Captain]. Schuierle, John [General]. Searcy, Albert W. [Captain]. Shaffer, Theodore [Schaffer, Sergeant]. Shardine, PhilzIb [Sheridan, Sergeant]. Shufeldt, Robert W [N.]. Sibley, C. C. Correspondence with Waite, Carlos A. [rex., Dept. Edqrs.). Sitgreaves, Julius A. [I,ieutenantj. 5 Smead, John B. [Mr.]. Smith, A. M. [Major]. Smith, Caleb B. Smith, E. Kirby. Mentioned, ~ [Smith, Captain, 595]. Susith, I,arkin. Correspondence with Waite, Carlos A. [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs. J. Sparks,J. H. [Captain]. Stapp, B. M. [Captain]. Steele, William. Correspondence with William S. Harney [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. Stevens, Walter H., 6sz [Stevens, 14ieutenant, 6ii]. Stewart, Alexander [Private]. Stockton [Stocknian], Fort, Tax. Sumter, Fort, S. C. Bombardment, etc. Reports of Alston [Allston], Charles, jr. Talbot, William H. [Captain]. Teal, Trevanion T. [Captain]. Texas. Operations in. Communications from Edgar, William [W. M.]. [Tax., Dept. Hdqrs., 503, 514, 515, 521, 523525, 528, 531535, 540, 544546, 549, 550, 552, 579583, ~86, 587, 590.] Tzviggs, David F?, 503, 511, 515, .579-585, ~86, 587,590. Waite, Carlos A., 521525, ~s8, ,5515~5, 510, 511 516, 519 550, 552. Texas, Department of (.6.). Constituted, 623, 628. Orders, General, series s86z. No. z, 628; No. 3, 631; No. ~, 632; No. ~, 6~i; No. 5, 571. Van Dorn, Earl, assigned to and assumes co,n- mand, 6sf, 6s8. Texas, Governor of. Correspondence with [Tax., Dept. Hdqrs., 55i, 583.] Twiggs, David F., 583. Waite, (arlos A., ssi. Texas Committee of Public Safety. Correspondence with [Tex4 Dept. Hdqrs., 513515, 525, 526, 528, 531, 545, 546, 548.] Twiggs, David F., ~ Waite, Cailos A., 525. ~s6, ~s8, 531, 515, 546, 518. Thornton [Thousson], William A. Tobin, William G. [C.]. Todd,John B. [Colonel]. Tower, Zealous B. Correspondence with Brown, Harvey [Fin., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Tracey, A. Edward [Tracy, Private]. Tucker, John [Mr.]. Tucker, Sterling H. [Alderman]. Twiggs, David F. Correspondence with Adjt. Gen. s Office, C. S. A., ~8z, ~8s, ~ ~86. Army Headquarters, 579-581. ~ 590. Carpenter, S. D., 523. Texas, Governor of 583. Texas Committee of Public Safety, S.?-5s. Waite, CarlosA.,~ss,584 Page A006 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIOYS. Union, Fort, N. Mex., Commanding Officer. Correspondence with W. W. Loring [New Mex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Upton,John C. [Captain]. Van Horn,JamesJ. [Lieutenant]. Verde, Camp, Tex. Abandoned by U. S. forces, 502. Vinton, David H. Correspondence with Car/os A. Waite [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Vogdes, Israel. Correspondence with Woo/jo/zn F. [East, Dept. Hdqrs.]. Wainwright, Robert A. Correspondence with W. W. Loring [New Mex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Wait, Wi/Sam B. [Waid, Alderman]. Waite, Carlos A. Correspondence with Army Headquarters, ~86, 587,589,598. B/air, William B., 53o. Carpenter, S. D., g~u. Hi//, Bennett H., 535,536. Johnson, Richard W,5941, Sql. Jones, Thomas M., g~g. Lander, F. W., .~5I. McC/ure, Daniel, 529. Mac/in, Sackfe/d, 5416, 5417, 5541. Reynolds, A. W., 5419. Sib/ey, C. C., 5341. Smith, Larkin, 6oo, 6oi. Texas, Governor of ~8i. Texas Committee of Pub/ic Safety, 525,526,528, 531,5, 5416, 5418. Twiggs, David F. [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Vinton, David H., 5241. Whiteley, Robert H. K., 529. Williams, Thomas G., 530. Walker, James [Captain], 572, 631, 635 [Walker, Captain, 572, 635]. Walker, Joseph [Colonel]. Walker, Luke [Orderly Sergeant]. Ward, Mayham W. [Captain]. Ward, William H [Mr.]. War Department, C. S. Correspondence with Beauregard, 0. T., 41641. Bronaugh [Brougnab], W. N. Hubert, F. [ ]. Jones, R. T. [ , Captain]. War Department, U. S. Correspondence with Lyon, Nathaniel [West, Dept. Hdqrs.]. Washington, Thornton A. Watkins, George U [Alderman]. Whe/ess,James P. [Wheelis, Private]. Whiteley, Robert H. K. Correspondence with Car/os A. Waite [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Whitney, Joseph, Steamer. Wilcox, John A. [Captain], 6j~ [Wilcox, J. A., 635]. Williams, Joseph [Captain]. Williams, Thomas [T.] 0. Correspondence with C~zr/os A. Waite [Tex., Dept. Hdqrs.]. Wilson, Joseph K., 567.* Winder, Char/es S. [Captain]. Wood, Robert C., Jr. Woo/John F. Correspondence wi/h Israel Vogdes, 378. Wright,James F. [Corporal]. Yates, Joseph A. [Lieutenant]. Veadon, Richard [Mr.]. Yu/ee [Vuell], 4 Page A007 Page A008 Page 1 CHAPTER I. OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. w December 20, 1860April 14, 1861. SUMMARV OF IPIIE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. December 20,1860.Ordinance of secession adopted by the South Carolina Convention. 26,1860.United States troops, under command of Maj. R. Anderson, trans- ferred from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter. 27, 1860.Castle Piuckney and Fort Moultrie seized by the State troops. 30, 1860.United States Arsenal at Charleston seized by the State troops. January 2,1861.Fort Johnson seized by the State troops. 5,1861.First expedition for the relief of Fort Sumter sails from New York Harbor. 9,1861.Steamship Star of the West fired upon by the State troops. 11, 1861.Surrender of Fort Sumter demanded of Major Anderson by the governor of South Carolina and refused. * March 1,1861.The Government of the Confederate States assumes controlof mili. tary affairs at Charleston. 3,1861.Brig. Gen. G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, assumes command at Charleston. April 3,1861.Schooner Rhoda H. Shannon fired upon by the Confederate bat- teries. 10,1861.Second expedition for the relief of Fort Sumter sails from New York Harbor. 11, 1861.Evacuation of Fort Sumter demanded by General Beauregard. 1214,1861.Bombardment and evacut~tion of Fort Sumter. REPORTS.t No. 1.Maj. Robert Anderson, First U. S. Artillery, of the evacuation of Fort Moultrie. No. 2.Extracts from annual report of Capt. John G. Foster, U. S. Corps of Engineers, relating to the evacuation of Fort Moultrie, the seizure of Castle Piuckney and Fort Johnson, and operations at Fort Sumter. No. 3.Ordnance Storekeeper F. C. Humphreys, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Charles- ton Arsenal, and correspondence. * No record of this transaction found in the files of the Department; but the demand and refusal were published about the time stated, and that demand is referred to in Foster to Totten, January 12, and in Holt to Hayne, February 6, 1861. See Corres~ pondence and Order8,~ ~)o8t.COMPILnn. t Of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter, when not otherwise in~icated. IR Page 2 2 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. L No. 4.Lient. Charles R. Woods, Ninth U. S. Infantry, of first expedition for relief of Fort Sumter. No. 5.Capt. G. V. Fox, U. S. agent, of second expedition for relief of Fort Sumter. No. 6.Maj. Robert Anderson, First Artillery, commanding U. S. troops.* No. 7.Engineer journal kept by Capt. John G. Foster, U. S. Corps of Engineers. * No. 8.Brig. Gen. G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Confederate troops. * No. 9.Brig. Gen. R. G. M. Dunovant, South Carolina Army. No. 10.Brig. Gen. James Simous, South Carolina Army. No. 11.Lient. Col. R. S. Ripley, South Carolina Army. No. 12.Lient. Col. Wilmot G. De Saussure, South Carolina Army, No. 13.Maj. P. F. Stevens, Sout]~ Carolina Army. No. 14.Capt. R. Martin, South 4~arolina Army. No. 15.Capt. William Butler, South Carolina Army. No. 16.Capt. W. R. Calhoun, commanding Sumter battery, Fort Moulirie. No. 17.Capt. J. H. Hallonquist, commanding mortar and enfilading batteries. No. 18.Lieut. Thomas M. Wagner, South Carolina Army. No. 19.Lient. Alfred Rhett, South Carolina Army. No. 20.Lient. Jacob Valentine, South Carolina Army. No. 21.Capt. G. B. Cuthbert, South Carolina Infantry. No. 22.Capt. J. Gadsden King, South Carolina Militia. No. 23.Lient. J. E. McP. Washington, South Carolina Army. No. 24.Lient. C. W. Parker, South Carolina Army. No. 25.Joint reports of James Chesnut, jr., Lient. Col. A. R. Chisolm, Capt. S. D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp. No. 26.Joint reports of Maj. D. R. Jones, assistant adjutant-general; and Col. Charles Allston, jr., Commander H. J. Hartstene (C. S. Navy), and Messrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides.de-camp. No. 27.Surg. Gen. R. W. Gibbes, South Carolina Army. No. 28.Commander H. J. Hartstene, C. S. Navy. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Robert Anderson, U. S. Army, of the evacuation of Fort ]Ilioultrie, 5. 0. No. 11.] FORT SUMTER, S. 0., December 26, 18608 p. m. (Received A. G. 0., December 29.) COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I have just completed, b~y the blessing of God, the removal to this fort of all of my garrison, except the surgeon, four non-commissioned officers, and seven men. We have one years supply of hospital stores and about four months supply of provisions for my command. I left orders to have all the guns at Fort Moultrie spiked, and the carriages of the 32-pounders, which are old, destroyed. I have sent orders to Captain Foster, who remains at Fort Moultrie, to destroy all the ammunition which he can- not send over. The step which I have taken was, in my opinion, neces- ~ary to prevent the effusion of blood. Respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. CoL S. COOPER, Adjutant-General. 6 * See also Correspondence and Orders, po8t Page 3 Cm~. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 3 [Telegram. I WAR DEPARTMENT, Adjutant- Generals Office, December 27, 1860. Major ANDERSON, Fort ]tlioultrie: Intelligence has reached here this morning that you have abandoned Fort Moultrie, spiked your guns, burned the carriages, and gone to Fort Sumter. It is not believed, because there is no order for any such movement. Explain the meaning of this report. J. B. FLOYD, Secretary of War. [Telegram.] CHARLESTON, December 27, 1860. Hon. J. B. FLOYD, Secretary of War: The telegram is correct. I abandoned Fort Moultrie because I was certain that if attacked my men must have been sacrificed, and the command of the harbor lost. I spiked the guns and destroyed the carriages to keep the guns from being used against us. If attacked, the garrison would never have surrendered without a fight. ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery. No. 12.j FORT SUMTER, S. C., December 27, 1860. (Received A. 0-. 0., December 31.) COLONEL: I had the honor to reply this afternoon to the telegram of the honorable Secretary of War in reference to the abandonment of Fort Moultrie. In addition to the reasons given in my telegram and in my letter of last night, I will add as my opinion that many things con- vinced me that the authorities of the State designed to proceed to a hostile act. Under this impression I could not hesitate that it was my solemn duty to move my command from a fort which we could not probably have held longer than forty-eight or sixty hours, to this one, where my power of resistance is increased to a very great degree. The governor of this State sent down one of his aides to-day and demanded, courteously, but peremptorily, that I should return my command to Fort Moultrie. I replied that I could not and would not do so. He stated that when the governor came into office he found that there was an understanding between his predecessor and the President that no re-enforcements were to be sent to any of these forts, and particularly to this one, and that I had violated this agreement by having re-enforced this fort. I remarked that I had not re-enforced this command, but that I had merely transferred my garrison from one fort to another, and that, as the commander of this harbor, I had a right to move my men into any fort I deemed proper. I told him that the removal was made on my own responsibility, and that I did it because we were in a position that we could not defend, and also under the firm belief that it was the best means of preventing bloodshed. This afternoon ah armed steamer, one of two which have been watching these two forts, between which they have been passing to and fro or anchored for the last ten nights, took possession by escalade of Castle Pinckney. Lieu- tenant Meade made no resistance. He is with us to-night. They als Page 4 4 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. ICHAP. I. took possession to-night of Fort Moultrie, from which I withdrew the remainder of my men this afternoon, leaving the fort in charge of the overseer of the men employed by the Engineer Department. We have left about one months and a half of provisions in that fort; also some wood and coal and a small quantity of ammunition. We are engaged here to-day in mounting guns and iu closing up some of the openings for the embrasurestemporarily closed by light boards, but which would offer but slight resistance to persons seeking entrance. If the workmen return to their work, which I doubt, we shall be enabled in three or four days to have a sufficient number of our guns mounted, and be ready for anything that may occur. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General. No. 2. Extracts from annual report (October 1, 1861) of Capt. John G. Foster, U. A3~ Corps of Engineers. * * * * * * * Castle Pinckney, Charlestoi~ Harbor, south Carolina.Some necessary repairs were commenced upon this work in December, 1860, but before these were completed the fort was seized by the troops of the State of South Carolina, on the 27th of December. Lient. B. K. Meade; Corps of Engineers, who was in the immediate charge, was suffered to leave with the workmen; but all the public property in the fort was taken possession ofi~~ including the mess property and one months.provisions for the Engineer force. The armament of the fort was all mounted, except two or three guns on the barbette tier and one 42-pounder in the casemate tier. The carriages were in good order, and pretty good. The magazine was well furnished with imple- ments, and also contained some powder. The fort was repaired three years ago, and was generally in excellent condition, one of the cisterns only wanting repairs. Port Johnson, Charleston, South Carolina.The barracks and quar- ters were in such bad order as to be almost uninhabitable, and a large sum would be needed to repair them. The position was taken possession of by the State troops on the 2d of January, 1861. A small battery of three guns was soon after built, adjoining the barracks. Port Sumter, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Vigorous operations were commenced on this fort in the mouth of August, 1860, with the view of placing it in a good defensive position as soon as possible. The casemate arches supporting the second tier of guns were all turned; the granite flagging for the second tier was laid on the right face of the work; the floors laid, and the iron stairways put up, in the east barracks; the traverse circles of the first tier of guns reset; the bluestone flagging laid in all the guns rooms of the right and left faces of the first tier; and the construction of the embrasures of the second tier commenced at the time the fort was occupied by Major Anderson8 command, on the 26th of December, 1860. The fears of an immediate attack, and disloyal feelings, induced the greater portion of the Engineer employ~s to leave at this time. But those that remained, fifty-five in number Page 5 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 5 reduced towards the end of the investment to thirty-five, were made very effective in preparing for a vigorous defense. The armament of the fort was mounted and supplied with maneu- vering implements; machicoulis galleries, splinter-proof shelters, and traverses were constructed; the openings left for the ciubrasures of the second tier were filled with brick and stone and earth, and those in the gorge with stone and iron and lead concrete; mines were established in the wharf and along the gorge; the parade was cleared, anAl com- munications opened to all parts of the fort and through the quarters. The fort was bombarded on the 12th and 13th of April by the rebels, and evacuated by Major Andersons command on the 14th of April. During the bombardment, the officers quarters were set on fire by hot shot from the rebel batteries, and they, with the roofs of the barracks, were entirely consumed. The magazines were uninjured by the fire. The bombardment dismounted one gun, disabled two others, and ruined the stair towers and the masonry walls projecting above the parapet. No breach was effected in the walls, and the greatest penetration made by successive shots was twenty-two inches. Neatly all the material that had been obtained to construct the embrasures of the second tier, to flag this tier and the remainder of the first tier, and to finish the barracks, was used up in the preparations for defense. Fort illoultrie, Charleston ilarbor, South Garolina.The work of pre- paring this fort for a vigorous defense commenced in August, 1860, and was diligently prosecuted up to the day of its evacuation, December 26, 1860. In this time the large accumulation of sand, which overtopped the scarp wall on the sea front, was removed to the front and formed into a glacis; a wet ditch, fifteen feet wide, dug around the fort; two flank- ing caponi~res of brick built, to flank with their fire the three water fronts; a bastionet for musketry constructed at the northwest angle; a picket fence built around the fort bordering the ditch, and protected by a small glacis; merlons constructed on the whole of the east front; communication opened through the quaiters, a bridge built, connecting them with the guard-house, and the latter loopholed for musketry, so as to serve for a citadel. Means were also furnished to transport Major Andersons command, and such public property as could be removed before the occupation of Fort Moultrie by the rebels, to Fort Sumter. Before evacuating the fort, the guns were spiked, the gun carriages on the front looking towards Fort Sumter burned, and the flagstaff cut down. A considerable quan- tity of Engineer implements and materials were unavoidably left in the fort. Respectfully submitted. J. G. FOSTER, Lvaptain, Engineers. No.3. Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper P. C. Hump hreys, U. S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal. Capt. WM. MAYNAPIER, CHARLESTON, December 28, 1860. Ordnance Bureau.~ A body of South Carolina military now surround the arsenal, out- side, however, of the inclosure, but denying ingress or egress withou Page 6 3 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. countersign. The officer in command disclaims any intention of occu- pancy, and the United States flag is undisturbed. I await instructions. F. C. IIUMPIIREYS. CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S. C., December 29, 1860. Capt. WM. MAYNADIER, In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D. C.: SIR: I reported by telegraph on the 28th instant that this arsenal was surrounded by a body of South Carolina militia, a~zid that myself and the command are not allowed to pass in or out without a countersign. Those in authority disclaim any intention of occupying the post, nor do they molest the flag. I asked for instructions, but have received none. I protest (the disclaimer notwithstanding) that this post is to all in- tents and purposes in the possession of the South Carolina troops, and also against the indignity offered me as an officer of the United States Army, to say nothing of the annoyance the entire command is subjected to by this measure. I shall, therefore, unless otherwise instructed from the War Depart- ment, make a formal protest against the posting of sentinels around this arsenal, and request that they be removed, which, if denied, I shall consider an occupancy of it by the State, and shall haul down my flag and surrender. I respectfully submit that such a course is proper, and due to myself and the position I occupy as commanding officer. Very respectfully, I am, sir, your most obedient servant, F. C. IIUMPIIREYS, Military Storekeeper Ordnance, Gommanding. [Indorsement.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, January 1, 1861. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. WM. MAYXADIER, Captain of Ordnance. [Inclosure.] Abstract from muster-roll of F. C. Humphreys, military storekeeper of ordnance, dated to include the 30th day of December, 1860. Present: Brevet Col. Benjamin Huger, who assumed command No- vember 20, by order of the Secretary of War, and who was absent under orders from the Adjutant-Generals Office, dated December 1, 1860, and assumed his former duty at Pikesville Arsenal, by instructions of thc Secretary of War, dated December 15, 1860. F. C. llumphreys, military storekeeper, who resumed command of post December 7, 1860. Fourteen enlisted men. F. C. IIUMPIIREYS, Military Storekeeper, U. 8. Army. CHARLESTON, S. C., December 30, 1860. SIR: This arsenal has to-day been taken by force of arms. What disposition am I to make of my command? F. C. IIUMPIIREYS. Capt. MAYNADIER, In charge of Ordnance Bureau Page 7 Cii& r. TI OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 7 CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S. C., December 31, 1860. SIR: I have the honor to submit the correspondence relative to the surrendcr of this post yesterday to the authorities of this State. Trusting that my course may meet the approval of the Department, I am, sir, very respectfully, F. C~ IIUMPIIREY,S, Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U. S. A. Capt. WM. MAYNADIER, In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D. C. [Inclosures.] CHARLESTON, December 30, 186010k oclock a. m. SIR: I herewith demand an immediate surrender of the U. S. Arsenal at this place and under your charge, and a delivery to me of the keys and coiitents of the arsenals, magazines, & c. I am already proceeding to occupy it with a strong armed detachment of troops. I make the demand in the name of the State of South Carolina, and by virtue of an order from its governor, a copy of which is inclosed. Yery respectfully, JOHN CUNNINGHAM, Golonel Seventeenth Leg. Inf, S. C. AL Capt. F. C. HUMPHREYS, ililiilitary Storekeeper Ordnance. HEADQUARTERS, CHARLESTON, S. C., December 29, 1860. SIR: In the morning, after reporting yourself to Major-General Schneirle, and informing him of this order, you are directed to get from him a detachment of select men, and in the most discreet and forbearing manner you will proceed to the U. S. Arsenal in Charles- ton, and there demand, in my name, its entire possession, and state distinctly that you do this with a view to prevent any destruction of public property that may occur in the present excited state of the pub- lic mind, and also as due to the public safety. You will then proceed to take, in the most systematic manner, a correct inventory of every- thing in said arsenal, and the exact state of all arms, & c. You will read this order to Captain Humphreys, who is the United States officer at the arsenal. I do not apprehend any difficulty in giving up the same,but if refused, then you are to take it, using no more force than may be absolutely necessary, and with the greatest discretion and liberality to Captain Hnmphreys, who is at perfect liberty to remain in his present quarters as long as it may be agreeable for himself, and he is requested to do so. Report a~7 soon as possible to me. F. W. PICKENS. Col. JOHN CUNNINGHAM. CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S. C., December 30, 1860. SIR: I am constrained to comply with your demand for the surrender of this arsenal,from the fact that I have no force for its defense. I do so, however, solemnly protesting against the illegality of this measure in the name of my Government Page 8 8 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. I also demand, as a right, that I be allowed to salute my flag, before lowering it, with one gun for each State now in the Union (32), and that my command be allowed to occupy the quarters assigned them nntil instructions can be obtained from the War Department. Very respectfully, F. ~. fl7U~MPllREYS, Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U. S. Army. Col. JOHN CUNNINGHAM, Seventeenth Regt. Infi, S. C. 111. CHARLESTON, S (IX, January 1, 1861. What disposition shall I make of the detachment under my command? We are very unpleasantly situated here. F. C. IIUMPHREYS, U. S. Army. Capt. Wiw. MAYNADIER, Charge of Ordnance Bureau. ORDNANCE OFFICE, January 2, 1861. F. C. IIUMPHREYS, U. S. Arsenal, Charleston, S. C.: I want a report in detail of what has occurred; of the present position and condition of your command and property; as regards quarters and other accommodations, freedom of movement, and any statements or views in the matter that you may deem proper for a full understanding. W. MAYNADJER, Captain of Ordnance. CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S. C., January 3, 1861. SIR: I reeeived your dispatch last night and sent a reply by telegraph. I will now proceed to make a detailed report of the facts relative to the surrenderofthisarsenal,whichlshould have done before but that my time has been fully occupied in getting proper vouchers for the property recently in my charge. On Sunday morning last Colonel Cunningham marched a strong de- tachment of armed men into this arsenal (having several days before entirely surrounded it outside of the inclosure) and demanded the surren- der in the name of. South Carolina and by order of Governor Pickens. Having no force to make a defense, I surrendered under a p?otest, and demanded the privilege of saluting my flag before lowering it and of taking it with me, and that the command should occupy the quarters until instructions could be received from the War Department, which was granted. Soon after, the arsenal and magazine were both opened, and the property has been constantly issued sincearms, ammunition, accouter- ments, & c. Myself and men and our families are very unpleasantly situated. Ther Page 9 CHAP. I.J OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 9 are some 200 men here constantly, and we are in actual danger from accident when so many inexperienced persons are at every turn with loaded arms. Our movements are watched and restricted, and I would earnestly request that we may be moved elsewhere. The times are so unsettled that I have not issued to my command this month either sub- sistence or fuelin fact, we have no conveniences for anything, and all is confusion and turmoil. I understand that all communication with Fort Sumter is cut off, and that a barge with its men from that post has been captured at the city wharf and are held in durance. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, F. C. HUMPHIREYS, Iiililitary Storekeeper Ordnance, U. S. Army. Capt. WM. MAYNADIER, In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D. 0. No. 4. Reports of lieut. Charles R. Woods, Ninth U. ~ Infantry, of first expedition for relief of Fort Sumter. NEW YORK HARBOR, January 12, 1861. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I reached this post at 8~ oclock this morning with my command, having been unable to reach Fort Sumter. I will make a detailed report without delay. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES R. WOODS, First Lieutenant, Ninth Infantry. Col. H. L. SCOTT, A. D. C. FORT CoLuxIlnus, N. Y. H., January 13, 1861. COLONEL: Pursuant to instructions, dated Headquarters of the Army, January 5, 1861, I embarked on the evening of Saturday, 5th instant. from Governors Island, at 6 oclock p. in., on a steam-tug, which trans1 ferred us to the steamer Star of the West. My command consisted of two hundred men, recruits from the depot, fifty of whom were of the permanent party. My officers were First Lient. W. A. Webb, Fifth Infantry; Second Lient. C. W. Thomas, First In- fantry, and Assist. Surg. P. CL S. Ten Broeck, Medical Department. On Tuesday afternoon, 8th instant, arms and ammunition were issued to all the men. About midnight same evening we arrived off Charleston Harbor, and remained groping in the dark until nearly day, whell we discovered the light on Fort Sumter, which told us where we were. The other coast light marking the approaches to the harbor had been extin- guished, and the outer buoy marking the channel across the bar gone. During the night we saw what we supposed to be the light of a steamer cruising off the harbor, but she did not discover us, as our lights were all out. Just before day we discovered a steamer lying off the main ship channel. As soon as they made us out they burned one blue light and two red lights, and, receiving no response from us, immediatel Page 10 10 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. steamed up the channel. As soon as we had light enough we crossed the bar, and steamed up the main ship channel. This was on the first of the ebb tide, the steamer ahead of ns firing rockets arid burning lights as she went up. We proceeded without interruption until we arrived within one and three-quarter miles of Forts Sumter and Moultriethey being apparently equidistantwhen we were opened on by a masked bat- tery near the north end of Morris Island. This battery was about five- eighths of a mile distant from us, and we were keeping as near into it as we could, to avoid the fire of Fort Moultrie. Before we were fired upon we had discovered a red palmetto flag flying, but could see nothing to indicate that there was a battery there. We went into the harbor with the American ensign hoisted on the flag- staff, and as soon as the first shot was fired a full-sized garrison flag was displayed at our fore, but the one was no more respected than the other. We kept on, still under the fire of the battery, most of the balls passing over us, one just missing the machinery, another striking but a few feet from the rudder, while a ricochet shot struck us in the fore-chains, about two feet above the water line, and just below where the main was throw- ing the lead. The American flag was flying at Fort Sumter, but we saw no flag at Fort Moultrie, and there were no guns fired from either of these fortifications. Finding it impossible to take my command to Fort Sumter, I was obliged most reluctantly to turn about, and try to make my way out of the harbor before my retreat should be cut off by vessels then in sight, supposed to be the cutter Aiken, coming down the channel in tow of a steamer, with the evident purpose of cutting us off. A brisk fire was kept up on us by the battery as long as we remained within range, but, fortunately,~without damage to us, and we succeeded in recrossing the bar in safety, the steamer touching two or three times. Our course was now laid for New York Harbor, and we were followed for some hours by a steamer from Charleston for the purpose of watching us. During the whole trip downward the troops were kept out of sight whenever a vessel came near enough to us to distinguish them, and the morning we entered the harbor of Charleston they were sent down before daylight, and kept there until after we got out of the harbor again. From the preparations that had been made for us I have every reason to believe the Charlestonians were perfectly aware of our coming. We arrived in New York Harbor on the morning of the 12th instant, and disembarked at 8 oclock this morning, the V3th, by orders from Headquarters of the Army. The conduct of the officers and men under my command during the whole trip, and particularly while under fire, was nnexceptionable. Capt. John McGowan, commanding the steamer Sfar of the West, de- serves the highest praise for the energy, perseverance, and ability dis- played in trying to carry out his orders to put the troops in Fort Sumter. He was ably assisted by Mr. Walter Brewer, the New York pilot taken from this place. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. R. WOODS, First Lieutenant, Ninth Infantry, Commanding. Cok L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. A., Washington. D. C Page 11 CuAx. 1.1 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C~ 11 No. 5. Report of Gapt. G. V. Fox, U. ~. agent, of second expedition for the relief of Fort ,~umter. STEAMER BALTIC, New York, April 19, 1861. SIR: I sailed from New York in this vessel Tuesday morning, the 10th instant, having dispatched one steam-tug, the Uncle Ben, the evening previous to rendezvous off Charleston. The Yankee, another chartered tug, followed us to the Hook, and I left instructions to send on the Freeborn. We arrived off Charleston the 12th instant, at 3 a. in., and found only the Harriet Lane. Weather during the whole time a gale. At 7. a. m. the Pawnee arrived, and, according to his orders, Captain Bowan an- chored twelve miles east of the light, to await the arrival of the Pow- hatan. I stood in with the Baltic to execute my orders by offering, in the first place, to carry provisions to Fort Sumter. Nearing the bar it was observed that war had commenced, and, therefore, the peaceful offei of provisions was void. The Pawnee and Lane immediately anchored close to the bar, not- withstanding the heavy sea, and though neither tugs or Powhatau or IPocahontas had arrived, it was believed a couple of boats of provisions might be got in. The attempt was to be made in the morning, because the heavy sea and absence of the Powhatans gunboats crippled the night movement. All night and the morning of the 13th instant it blew strong, with a heavy sea. The Baltic stood off and on, looking for the Powhatan, and in running in during the thick weather struck on Rattle- ~snake Shoal, but soon got off. The heavy sea, and not having the sailors (three hundred) asked for, rendered any attempt from the Baltic aosurd. I only felt anxi6us to get in a few days provisions to last the fort until the Powhatans arrival. The Pawnee and Lane were both short of men, and were only intended to afford a base of operations whilst the tugs and three hundred sailors fought their way in. However, the Powhatan and tugs not coming, Captain Bowan seized an ice schooner and offered her to me, which I accepted, and Lieutenant Hudson, of the Army, several Navy officers, and plenty of volunteers agreed to man the vessel, and go in with me the night of the 13th. The events of that day, so glorious to Major Anderson and his command, are known to you. As I anticipated, the guns from Sumter dispersed their naval preparations excepting small guard-boats, so that with the Powhatau a re-enforcement would have been easy. The Government did not anticipate that the fort was so badly constructed as the event has shown. I learned on the 13th instant that the Powhatan was withdrawn from duty off t~iarleston on the 7th instant, yet I was permitted to sail on the 9th, the Pawnee on the 9th, and the Pocahontas on the 10th, with- out intimation that the main portionthe fighting portionof our ex- pedition was taken away. In justice to itself as well as an acknowl~dg- ment of my earnest efforts, I trust the Government has sufficient reasons for putting me in the position they have placed me. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, G. V. FOX. The Baltic has been chartered for one mouth. Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War, Washington Page 12 12 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S C. [CHAP. I. No. 6. Reports of Maj. Robert Anderson, First U. S. Artillery, of the bombard ment and evacuation of Port Sumter. STEAMSHIP BALTIC, OFF SANDY box April 18, [1861]1O.30 a. m.via New York. Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, the maiu gates destroyed by fire, the gorge walls seriously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames, and its door closed from the effects of heat, four barrels and three cartridges of powder only being available, and no provisions remaining but pork, I accepted terms of evacuation offered by General Beauregard, being the same offered by him on the 11th instant, prior to the commencement of hostilities, and marched out of the fort Sunday afternoon, the 14th instant, with colors flying and drums beating, bringing away company and pri- vate property, and saluting my flag with fifty guns. ROBERT ANDERSON Major, First Artillery, Commanding. Hon. S. CAMERON, Secretary of War, Washington. NEW YORK, April 19, iSOL COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith dispatches Nos. 99 and 100,* written at but not mailed in Fort Sumter, and to state that I shall, at as early a date as possible, forward a detailed report of the opera- tions in the harbor of Charleston, S. C., in which my command bore a part on the 12th and 13th instants, ending with the evacuation of Fort Sumter, and the withdrawal, with the honors of war, of my garrison on the 14th instant from that harbor, after having sustained for thirty-four hours the fire from seventeen 10-inch mortars and from batteries of heavy guns, well placed and well served, by the forces under the com- mand of Brigadier-General Beauregard. Fort Sumter is left in ruins from the effect of the shell and shot from his batteries, and officers of his army reported that our firing had destroyed most of the buildings inside Fort IMloultrie. God was pleased to guard my little force from the shell and shot which were thrown into and against my work, and to Him are our thanks due that I am enabled to report that no one was seriously injured by their fire. I regret that I have to add that, in con- sequence of some unaccountable misfortune, one man was killed, two seriously and three slightly wounded whilst saluting our flag as it was lowered. The officers and men of my command acquitted themselves in a man- ner which entitles them to the thanks and gratitude of their country, and I feel that I ought not to close this preliminary report without say- ing that I think it would be injustice to order them on duty of any kind for some months, as both officers and men need rest and the recreation of a garrison life to give them an opportunity to recover from the effects of the hardships of their three months confinement within the walls of Fort Sumter. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Regiment Artillery, & c. See April 10 and 11, Correspondence and Orders, yost Page 13 CHAP. Ii OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 13 P. S.I inclose herewith copies oC the correspondence between Gen- eral Beauregard and myself. iR.A. Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington, D C. [Inclosures.] 1.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C S. A., Charleston, 5. C., April 11, 1861. Sin: The Government of the Confederate States has hitherto forborne from any hostile demonstration against Fort Sumter, in the hope that the Government of the United States, with a view to the amicable ad- justment of all questions between the two Governments, and to avert the calamities of war, would voluntarily evacuate it. There was reason at one time to believe that such would be the course pursued by the Government of the United States, and under that im- pression my Government has refrained from making any demand for the surrender of the fort. But the Confederate States can no longer delay assuming actual possession of a fortification commanding the entrance of one of their harbors, and necessary to its defense and security. I am ordered by the Government of the Confederate States to demand the evacuation ot Fort Sumter. My aides, Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee, are authorized to make such demand of you. All proper facilities will be afforded for the removal of yourself and command, together witli company arms and property, and all private property, to any post in the United States which you may select. The flag which you have upheld so long and with so much fortitude, under the most trying cir- cumstances, may be saluted by you on taking it down. Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee will, for a reasonable time, await your answer. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Commanding at Fort Sumter, ~Jharleston Harbor, S. C. 2.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 11, 1861. GENERAL: 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 of my obligations to my Government, prevent my compli- ance. Thanking you for the fair, manly, and courteous terms proposed, and for the high compliment paid me, I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. Brig. Gen. BEAUREGARD, Commanding Provisional Army. 3.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S. A - Charleston, & C., April 11,1861. MAJOR: In consequence of the verbal observation made by you to my aides, Messrs. Chesnut and Lee, in relation to the condition of you Page 14 14 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. supplies, and that you would ~in a, few days be starved out if our guns did not batter you to pieces, or words to that effect, and desiring no useless effusion of blood, I communicated both the verbal observations and your written answer to my communications to my Government. If you will state the time at which you will evacuate Fort Sumter, and agree that in the mean time you will not use your guns against us unless ours shall be employed against Fort Sumter, we will abstain from opening fire upon you. Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee are authorized by me to enter into such an agreement with you. You are, therefore, requested to communicate to them an open answer. I remain,major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, Commanding Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S. C. 4.] FORT SUMTER, S C., April 12, 186L GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by Colonel Chesnut of your second communication of the 11th instant, and to state in reply that, cordially uniting with you in the desire to avoid the useless effusion of blood, I will, if provided with the proper and necessary means of transportation, evacuate Fort Sumter by noon on the 15th instant, and that I will not in the mean time open my fires npon your forces unless compelled to do so by some hostile act against this fort or the flag of my Government by the forces under your com- mand, or by some portion of them, or by the perpetration of some act showing a hostile intention on your part against this fort or the flag it bears, should I not receive prior to that time controlling instructions from my Government or additional supplies. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedieut servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, 6!ommanding. Brig. Gen. BEAUREGARD, Com~~~anding. 5.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 12, 18613.20 a. m. SIR: By authority of Brigadier-General Beauregard, commanding the Provisional Forces of the Confederate States, we have the honor to notify you that he will open the fire of his batteries on Fort Sumter in one hour from this time. We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants, JAMES CHESNUT, JR., Aide-de-6~amp. STEPHEN D. LEE, L1aptain, C. S. Army, Aide-de-C~~mp. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, U. S. Army, (Jommanding Fort Sumter. 6.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 13, 186120 nAn. past 2 oclock. GENERAL: I thank you for your kindness in having sent your aide to me with an offer of assistance upon your having observed that our flag was downit being down a .few moments, and merely long enough to enable us to replace it on another stalL Your aides will inform you of the circumstance of the visit to my fort by General Wigfall, who said that he came with a message from yourself Page 15 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 15 In the peculiar circumstances in which I am now placed in conse- quence of that message, and of my reply thereto, I will now state that I am willing to evacuate this fort upon the terms and conditions offered by yourself on the 11th instant, at any hour you may name to-morrow, or as S00~ as we can arrange means of transportation. I will not replace my flag until the return of your messenger. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON Major, First Artillery, Commanding. Brig. Gen. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C. 7.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S. A., April 13, 18615 mm. to 6 oclock p. m. SIR: On being informed that you were in distress, caused by a con- flagration in Fort Sumter, I immediately dispatched my aides, Colonels Miles and Pryor, and Captain Lee, to offer you any assistance in my power to give. Learning a few moments afterwards that a white flag was waving on your ramparts, I sent two others of my aides, Colonel Allston and Major Jones, to offer you the following terms of evacuation: All proper facilities for the removal of yourself and command, together with com- pany arms and private property, to any point within the United States you may select. Apprised that you desire the privilege of saluting your flag on retir- ing, I cheerfully concede it,in consideration of the gallantry with which you have defended the place under your charge. .The Catawba steamer will be at the landing of Sumter to-morrow morning at any hour you may designate for the purpose of transporting you whither you may desire. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Maj. B. ANDERSON, First Artillery, L1ommanding Fort Sumter, S. C.] 8.] HEADQUARTERS, FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 13, 18617.5() p. m. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this evening, and to express my gratification at its contents. Should it be convenient, I would like to have the Catawba here at about nine oclock to-morrow morning. With sentiments of the highest regard and esteem, I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant ROBERT ANDERSON, Brig. Gen. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Major, U. & Army, Commanding. Commanding Provisional Army, C. S. 9.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. A., Charleston, April 15, 1861. The commanding general directs that the commanding officer of the garrison of Fort Sumter will bury the unfortunate soldier who has been accidentally killed by explosion of misplaced powder while salutin Page 16 [OHAP. 1. 16 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. his flag. He will be buried with all the honors of war in the parade of the fort. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: W. II. C. WHITING, Adjutant and Engineer General. Copy furnished to. Major ROBERT ANDERSON, U. S., First Regiment of Artillery. P. S.The wounded will receive the best attention, and will be placed in the State hospital. By order of General Beauregard: ~. H. C. WHITING, Adjutant and Engineer General. WAR DEPARTiVEENT, Washington, April 20, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSO~T, Late Commanding at Fort Sumter~ M~ PENn SIR: I am directed by the President of the United States to communicate to you, and through you to the officers and the men under your command, at Forts Moultrie and Sumter, the approbation of the Government of your and their judicious and gallant conduct there, and to tender to you and them the thanks of the Government for the same. I am, sir, very respectfully, SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. No. 7. Engineer journal of the bombardment of Fort Sumter. By Capt. J. U. Foster, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army. NEW YoRK, October 1, 1861. April 9, 1861.The four-gun battery on the upper end of Sullivans Island that was unmasked yesterday morning by blowing up the wooden house standing in front of it was situated very nearly upon the pro- lonoation of the capital of this fort, and, therefore, could enfilade the terre-pleins of both flanks of the work, as well as sweep, to a certain extent, the outside of the scarp wall of the left flank, where alone a vessel of any considerable draught of water could lie near to the fort and discharge her cargo. It therefore became a matter of importance to provide traverses to intercept the fire along the barbette tier of the right flank, as this contains the heaviest battery, intended to operatc both upon Fort Moultrie and Cummings Point, and also to prepare means for quickly unloading any vessel that may run in alongside the left flank with supplies for the garrison. For the first purpose I commenced to prepare (for want of sand bags) & la~rge double curb of boards and scantling, to be elevated upon the top of the parapet at the right shoulder angle, and being filled with earth hoisted from the parade, to serve for a traverse to protect this flank Page 17 CHAP. I] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 17 For the second I prepared ladders and runways to take in re-enforce- ments and provisions at the embrasures rapidly, one embrasure being enlarged so as to admit barrels, and also cleared the passage around to the main gate. A large stone traverse was also commenced to cover the main gates front the fire from Cummings Point. The masons were put at work cutting openings through the walls of the officers quarters so as to admit a free communication through theni, on the first and second floors, from one flank to the other. The battery in the right shoulder angle, first tier, was also being improved by substituting a 42- pounder for a 32-pounder, cutting into the magazine wall, so as to allow the gun on the gorge to be used against the batteries, and cutting away one side of the embrasure, so as to allow the first gun on the right flank to be used in the same way. The quantity of bread became very small, and only half-rations of it were allowed to the men. Tue enemys steamers were very active carrying supplies to their batteries. April 10.Every one, by order of the commanding officer, Major Anderson, changed his quarters into the gun casemates to-day. The work on the traverse progressed well. Lieut. 11. K. Meade, Engineers, being placed on ordnance duty, found the supply of cartridges on hand to be too small, and took immediate measures to increase the supply by cutting np all the surplus blankets and extra company clothing to make cartridge bags. The curb for the traverse at the right shoulder angle was completed and put together on the terre-plein at nightfall, and after dark raised up on the parapet and filled with earth, which had been hoisted from the parade. The working party, nuder Lieutenant Snyder, increased by a large detail from the command, completed this work about midnight. The supply of bread failed to-day, and its absence was supplied by rice obtained by picking over some damaged rice, which, while spread out to dry in one of the quarters, had been filled with pieces of glass from the. window-panes shattered by the concussion of guns fired in practice.. A second battery was unmasked to-day on Sullivans Island, nearer the western point of the island than the one last discovered. It is of one gun, and very heavyevidently a 9-inch Dahlgren gun, or aT 10-inch coluinbiad. The enemys steamers were very active at night, but no alarm occurred. April 11.At early dawn I detected the presence of the floating bat-. tery on the npper end of Sullivans Island. it is situated between the end of the jetty and the steamboat wharf where, evidently distrusting her qualities as a floating battery intended to breach the gorge wall at short range, she has been run on shore at high water, and, being left by the receding tide, has become a fixed battery. Her position gives her the advantage of sweeping with her guns the whole of the left flank of the fort, and thus rendering it impossible for any vessel with supplies~ to lie anywhere along this flank, while the breakwater in front protects her from onin~ ricochet shots. The stone traverse at the gorge has been raised to-day high enough to protect the main gate, and the traverse on the top of the parapet has been strengthened by the addition of sand bags on the top and sides, and braced in the rear by extra gun carriages. The communications. cut through the walls of the quarters are finished, and all the water pipes and faucets prepared for use in case of fire. The third splinter-proof shelter on the right flank, barbette tier is finished. These shelters are formed of the timbers of extra gun carriages inclined against the-interior 2R Page 18 18 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. slope, and covered with 2 inch embrasure irons, securely spiked down. Shot and shells have been distributed to the gnns, and about 700 cartridges reported ready. The work of making cartridge bags is slow, owing to there being on1y six needles in the fort. The enerny~s steamers are very active carrying supplies and hospital stores to the batteries on Cummings Point. At 4 p. m. three aides of General Beauregard (Colonel Chesnut, Colonel Chisolm, and Captain Lee) came as bearers of a demand for the snrrender of the fort. The unanimous decision of the officers in council was in the negative, and a written answer, in accordance, was returned by Major Anderson. April 12.At 1 a. m. four aides of General Beauregard (Colonel Chesnut, Colonel Chisolm, Captain Lee, and Mr. Pryor, of Virginia) came with a second letter, stating that as Major Anderson had been nnderstood to make the remark to the bearers of the first letter, in taking leave, that he would await the first shot, and if not battered to pieces, would be starved out in a few days,~ it was desired to know what importance might be attached to it. The reply of Major Anderson did not satisfy the aides, who were authorized in that case to give notice that the fire would open. Accordingly, on leaving at 34- a. in., they gave notice that their batteries would open in one hour. At 4~4 a. m. a signal shell was thrown from the mortar battery on James Island; after which the fire soon became general from all the hostile batteries.. These batteries were, as nearly as could be ascer- tained, armed as follows, viz~ On Morris Jimland: Breaching battery No. 1, two 42-pounders; one 12-pounder Blakely rifled gun. Mortar battery (next to No. 7), four 10-inch mortars. Breaching bgttery No. 2 (iron-clad battery), three 8-inch columbiads. Mortar battery (next to No. 2), three 10-inch mortars. On James Island; Battery at Fort Johnson, three 24-pounders (only one of them bearing on Fort Sumter). Mortar battery south of Fort Johnson, four 10-inch mortars. Ort Sullivans Island: Iron-clad (floating) battery, four 42-pounders. Coluinbiad battery No. 1, one 9-inch Dahlgren gun. Columbiad bat- tery No. 2, four 8-inch columbiads. Mortar battery west of Fort Moul- trie, three 10-inch mortars. Mortar battery on parade, in rear of Fort Moultrie, two 10-inch mortars. Fort Moultrie, three 8-inch column- biads; two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers; five 32-pounders; four 24-pound- ers. At Mount Pleasant, one 10-inch mortar. Total, firing on Fort Sumter, 30 guns, 17 mortars. At 7 a. in. the guns of Fort Sumter replied, the first shot being fired ~from the battery at the right gorge angler in charge of Captain Double- day. All the officers and soldiers of Major Andersons command were divided into three reliefs, of two hours each, for the service of the guns, Lieutenants Snyder and Meade, of the Engineers, taking their turns with the other officers in the charge of batteries. Of the forty-three workmen constituting the Engineer force in the fort nearly all volunteered to serve as cannoneers, or to carry shot and car- tridge to the guns. The armament of the fort was as follows, viz: Barbette tier: Eight flank, one 10-inch columbiad, four 8-inch colum- biads, four 42-pounders. Eight face, none. Left face, three 8-inch sea- coast howitzers, one 32-pounder. Left flank, one 10-inch columbiad, two 8-inch columbiads, two 42-pounders. Gorge, one 8-inch sea-coast ]towitzer, two 32-pounders, six 24-pounders. Total in barbette, 27 guns Page 19 CHArT.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 19 Gasemate tier: Right flank, one 42-pounder, four 32-ponnders. Right face, three 42-pounders. Left face, ten 32-pounders. Left flank, five 32-pounders. Gorge, two 32-pounders. Total in casemate, 21 guns. Total available in both tiers, 48 guns. Besides the above, there were arranged on the parade, to serve as mortars, one 10-inch columbiad to throw shells into Charle,ston and four 8-inch columbiads to throw shells into the batteries on Cumminos Point. The casemate guns were the only ones used. Of these, those that bore on Cummings Point were the 42-pounder in the pan-coup6 of the right gorge angle, the 32-pounder next to it on the gorge, which, by cutting into the brick wall, had been made to traverse sufficiently, and the 32-pounder next the angle on the right flank, which, by cutting away the side of the embrasure, had been made to bear on a portion of the Point, although not on the breaching batteries. The guns of the first tier, that bore on Fort Johnson, were four 32. pounders on the left flank. (Of these, one embrasure had been, by order, bricked up.) The guns that bore on the three batteries on the west end of Sulli- vans Island were ten 32-pounders, situated on the left face, and one at the pan-coup6 of the salient angle (four embrasures being bricked up). The guns bearing on Fort Moultrie were two 42-pounders, situated on the right face, and one at the p.an-coup6 of the right shoulder angle. The supply of cartridges, 700 in number, with which the engagement commenced, became so much reduced by the middle of the day, although the six needles in the fort were kept steadily employed, that the firing was forced to slacken, and to be confined tQ six gunstwo firing towards Morris Island, two towards Fort Moultrie, and two towards the batteries on the west end of Sullivans Island. At 1 oclock two United States men-of-war were seen otT the bar, and soon after a third appeared. The fire of our batteries continued steadily until dark. The eff~ct of the fire was not very good, owing to the insufficient caliber of the guns for the long range, and not much damage appeared to be done to any of the batteries, except those of Fort Moultrie, where our two 42- pounders appeared to have silenced one gun for a time, to have injured the embrasures considerably, riddled the barracks and quarters, and torn three holes through their flag. The so-called floating battery was struck very frequently by our shot, one of them penetrating at the angle between the front and roof, entirely through the iron covering and wood- work beneath, and wounding one man. The rest of the 32-pounder balls failed to penetrate the front or the roof, but were deflected from their surfaces, which were arranged at a suitable angle for this purpose. We could not strike below the water line on account of the sea wall behind which the battery had been grounded, and which was just high enough to allow their guns to fire over it, and to intercept all of our ricochet shots. The columbiad battery and Dahlgren battery near the floating battery did not appear to be much injured by the few shot that were fired at them. Only one or two shots were fired at Fort Johnson an Castle Piuckney or the city. , d none at Our fire towards Morris Island was mainly directed at the iron-clad battery, but the small caliber of our shot failed to penetrate the cover- ing, when struck fairly. The aim was, therefore, taken at the embra- sures, which were struck at least twice, disabling the guns for a time. One or two shots were thrown at the reverse of batteries 3 and 4, scat- tering some groups of officers and men on the lookout, and cutting dow Page 20 20 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. a small flagstaff on one of the batteries. At one time during the day a revenue schooner which had been seized by the insurgents was ob- served lying at anchor between Sullivans Island and Mount Pleasant. Lieutenant Snyder, Corps of Engineers, who had charge i~.t this time of the battery firing in this direction, directed two or three shots at her ~xith such effect as to put one of them through the vessel and cause her to haul down her colors, the flag of the so-called Confederate States, to hoist her anchor and sails, and get out of range as soon as possible. One or two shots were thrown at the hulks which had been anchored in the channel, on a line between Cummings Point and Fort Moultrie,to be fired at night if our fleet should attempt to come in. As no person appeared on board, the fire was not continued in this direction. The barracks caught fire three times during the day, from shells, apparently, but each time the flames, being in the first or second stories, were extinguished by a pump and application of the means at hand. Peter Hart, who was formerly a sergeant in Major ~ company, and employed by me at the time as a carpenter, was very active and efficient in extinguishing the flames. The effect of the enemys fire upon Fort Sumter during the day was very marked in respect to the vertical fire. This was so well directed and so well sustained, that from the seventeen mortars engaged in firing 10inch shells, onehalf of the shells came within or exploded above the parapet of the fort, and only about ten buried themselves in the soft earth of the parade without exploding. In consequence of this pre- cision of vertical fire, Major Anderson decided not to man the upper tier of guns, as by doing so the loss of men, notwithstanding the traverses and bomb-proof shelters that I had constructed, must have been great. These guns were therefore only fired once or twice by some men who ventured upon the parapet for this purpose. In doing this they managed without much care, producing little or no effect upon the enemy, besides doing injury to the guns. At the third fire of the 10-inch ~columbiad at the right gorge angle, it was omitted to throw the friction wheels out of bearing, and consequently in the recoil the gun ran entirely off its chassis, overturning itself; and in its fall dismounting the 8-inch sea-coast howitzer next to it. The direction of the enemys shells being from the northeast, north, southwest, and southeast, sought every part of the work, and the fuses being well graduated, exploded in most instances just within the line of parapet. To this kind of fire no return was made. The four 8-inch columbiads that I had planted in the parade to be used as mortars on Cummings Point were not used, neither was the 10-inch columubiad, arranged to fire shot and shells towards the city. The hot-shot furnaces were not used nor opened. The effect of the direct fire from the enemys guns was not so marked as the vertical. For several hours firing from the commencement a large proportion of their shot missed the fort. Subsequently it improved, and did considorable damage to the roof and upper story of the barracks and quarters, and to the tops of the chimneys on the gorge. The aim of the guns dining the day, with the exception of batteries Kos. 1 and 2, on Cummings Point, appeared to be directed to dismount the guns of our barbette tier. Those from Fort Moultrie succeeded in dismounting an 8-inch columbiad, and in striking on its side and cracking a second 8-inch colurubiad, both situated on the right flank. The roof of the barracks on this flank and the stair towers were much damaged by this fire. The shots from the guns in the batteries on the west end of Sullivans Island did not produce any considerable direct effect, but many of the Page 21 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 21 took the gorge in reverse in their fall, completely riddling the officers quarters, even dowu to the first story, so great was the angle of hill of many of the balls. Three of the iron cisterns over the hallways were destroyed by shots during the day, and the quarters below deluged by their contents of water, aiding in preventing the extension of the fire. The shots from these batteries and from Fort iMoultrie, aimed at the embrasures, failed to produce any effect. None of the shot came through, although one shell exploded in the month of one embrasnre. A part of the guns from Cummings Point essayed to dismount the barbette tier on the gorge, and the remainder to breach the gorge, or rather the pan-coupe at the right gorge angle. At this latter point, two columbiads and a Blakely rifled gun fired almost constantly. The effi~ct of this fire on this day was to breach around the embrasure of the first tier at the pan-conp6 to a depth of twenty inches, and to put one shot through the filling, consisting of brick and bluestone com- bined, with which the embrasure opening of the second tier had been filled. One shot was also put through the top of a loophole window on the second tier, another through the top of the main gate, and a third through the magazine ventilator at the right of the gorge, falling between the pier and the inner wooden ceiling. Three of the embrasnre cheek-irons that I had placed in the second tier loopholes, were knocked out of place. Several of the stones that had been placed in the first tier loopholes were struck, but owing to the lead run in around them to hold them in place none were broken. The penetration of the 8-inch columbiad balls from Cnmmings Point was eleven inches at the first shotand that of the twelve-pound bolt from the Blakely gun was the same, as ascertained by measurement. The latter, however, threw its shot with greater accuracy, and with less time of flight, than the former. The distance was about 1,250 yards. The shot from Cummings Point that passed a little over the gorge took the left face in reverse, damaging the masonry of the parade wall, coping, & c., and splintering the chassis of one gun in barbette. As an instance of strength of masonry, I may mention that one 10-inch shell from Cummings Point fell upon the second tier casemate arch, which was not covered by concrete or flagging, and so good was the masonry of this 15-inch arch that the shell did not go through, although it bedded itself and broke off from the soffit below a large fragment of brickwork. The night was very stormy, with high wind and tide. I found out, however, by personal inspection, that the exterior of the work was not damaged to any considerable extent, and that all the facilities for tak- ing in supplies, in case they arrived, were as complete as circumstances would admit. The enemy threw shells every ten or fifteen minutes during the night. The making of cartridge bags was continued by the men, nuder Lieutenant Meades directions, until 12 oclock, when they were ordered to stop by Major Anderson. To obtain materials for the bags all the extra clothing of the companies was cut up, and all coarse paper and extra hospital sheets used. April 13.At daybreak no material alteration was observed in the enemys batteries. The three U. S. men-of war were still off the bar. The last of the rice was cooked this morning, and served with the porkthe only other article of food left in the engineer mess-room, where the whole command has messed since the opening of the fire. After this the fire was reopened, and continued very briskly as long as the increased supply of cartridges lasted. The enemy reopened fire a Page 22 22 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. daylight, and continued it with rapidity. The aim of the enemys gun- ners was better than yesterday. One shot from the rifled gun in the battery on Cummings Point struck the cheek of an embrasure in the right gorge angle, and sent a large number of fragments inside, wound- ing a sergeant and three men. The spent ball also came in with the fragments. An engineer employ6, Mr. John Swearer, from Baltimore, Md., was severely wounded by pieces of a shell which burst inside the fort close to the casemates. On& ~ or two balls also penetrated the filling of the embrasure openings of the second tier, but fell entirely spent in- sideone of them setting a mans bed on fire. It soon became evident that they were firing hot shot from a large number of their guns, especially from those in Fort Moultrie, and at nine oclock I saw volumes of smoke issuing from the roof of the officers quar- ters, where a shot had just penetrated. From the exposed position it was utterly impossible to extinguish the flames, and I therefore imme- diately notified the commanding officer of the flict, and obtained his per- mission to remove as much powder from the magazine as was possible before the flames, which were only one set of quarters distant, should encircle the magazine and rake it necessary to close it. All the men and officers not engaged at the guns worked rapidly and zealously at this, but so rapid was the spread of the flames that only fifty barrels of powder could be taken out and distributed aroand in the casemates be- fore the fire and heat made it necessary to close the magazine doors and pack earth against them. The men then withdrew to the casemates on the faces of the fort. As soon as the flames and smoke burst from the roof of the quarters the enemys batteries redoubled the rapidity of their fire, firing red-hot shot from most of their guns. The whole range of officers quarters was soon in flames. The wind being from the south- ward, communicated fire to the roof of the barracks, and this being aided by the hot shot constantly lodging there, spread to the en tire roofs of both barracks, so that by twelve oclock all the woodwork of quarters and of upper story of barracks was in flames. Although the floors of the barracks were fire-proof, the utmost exertions of the officers and men were often required to prevent the fire communicating down the stairways, and from the exterior, to the doors, window frames, and other woodwork of the east barrack, in which the officers an(l men had taken their quarters. All the woodwork in the west barraek was burned. The clouds of smoke amid cinders which were sent into the casemates by the wind set on fire many boxes, beds, and other articles belonging to the men, and made it dangerous to retain the powder which had been saved from the magazine. The commanding officer accordingly gave orders to have all but five barrels thrown out of the embrasures into the. water, which was (lone. The small stock of cartridges now only allowed a gun to be fired at intervals of ten minutes. The flagstaff wa~ struck by shot seven times dnring the (lay, and a fragment of shell cut the lanyard of the flag The part thus cut was so connected that the flag mnst have come down by the run had not the flag been, as it was, twisted around both parts of the lanyard. Daring the night I endeavored to remedy this by low- ering the topmast so as to reeve a new halyard, but failed iii conse- quence of the sticking of the mast, which was swollen by the rain. The most that could be (lone was to reeve the uncut part of tIme lanyard through a block attached to the topmast, as high up as a man could climb, so that if the flag untwisted and came down it could be imume- diately rehoisted as high as this block. As the fire reached the magazines of grenades that were arranged i Page 23 CHAP. Ii OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 23 the stair towers and implement rooms on the gorge, they exploded, completely destroying the stair towers at the west gorge angle, and nearly destroying the other. At 1 oclock the flagstaff, having been struck tx~ice before this morn- ing, fell. The flag w~s immediately secnred by Lieutenant Hall, and as soon as it could be attached to a temporary staff, hoisted again upon the parapet at the middle of the right face by Lieutenant Snyder, Corps of Engineers, assisted by Hart, and Davey, a laborer. About this time information was brought to the commanding officer that Mr. Wigfall, bearing a white flag, was on the outside, and wished to see him. He accordingly went out to meet Mr. Wigfall, passing through the blazing gateway, accompanied by Lieutenant Snyder. In the mean time, however, Mr. Wigfall had passed to an embrasure on the left dank, where, upon showing the white flag upon his s~ ord, he was permitted to enter, and Lieutenant Snyder entering immediately after, accompanied him down the batteries to where some other officers were posted, to whom Mr. Wigfall commenced to address himself to the effect that he came from General Beauregard to desire that, inasmuch as the flag of the fort was shot down, a fire raging in the quarters, and the garrison in a great strait, hostilities be suspended, and the white flag raised for this object. He was replied to that our flag was again hoisted on the parapet, that the white flag would not be hoisted except by order of the commanding officer, and that his own batteries should set the example of suspending fire. He then referred to the fact of the batteries on Cummings Point, from which he came, having stopped fir- ing, and asked that his own white flag might be waved to indicate to the batteries on Sullivans Island to cease also. This was refused but he was permitted to wave the white flag himself, getting into an em- brasure for this purpose. Having done this for a few moments, Lieu- tenant Davis, First Artillery, permitted a corporal to relieve him. Very soon, however, a shot striking very near to the embrasure, the corporal jumped inside, and declared to Mr. Wigfall that he would not hold his flag, for it was not respected. At this moment the commanding officer, having re-entered through an embrasure, came up. To him Mr. Wigfall addressed nearly the same remarks that he had used on entering, adding some complimentary things about the manner in which the defense had been made, and end- ing by renewing the request to suspend hostilities in order to arrange terms of evacuation. The commanding officer desiring to know what terms he came to offer, Mr. Wigfall replied, Any terms that you may desireyour own termsthe precise nature of which General Beaure- gard will arrange with yon.~~ The commanding officer then accepted the conditions, saying that the terms he accepted were those proposed by General Beauregard on the 11th, namely: To evacuate the fort with his command, taking arms and all private and company property, saluting the United States flag as it was lowered, and being conveyed, if he desired it, to any northern port. With this understanding Mr. Wigfall left, and the white flag was raised an(l the United States flag lowered by order of the commanding officer. Very soon after a boat arrived from the city, containing three aides of General Beauregard, with a message to the effect that, observing the white flag hoisted, General B. sent to inquire what aid he could lend in extinguishing the flames, & c. Being made acquainted with the condi- tion of affairs and Mr. Wigfalls visit, they stated that the latter, although an aid of General Beauregard, had not seen him for two days. The commanding officer thefi stated that the United States fla Page 24 24 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CLIAP. I. would be raised again, but yielded to the request of the aides for time to report to their chief and obtain his instructions. They soon returned, with the approval of all the conditions desired except the saluting of the flag as it was lowered, and this exception was subsequently removed after correspondence. In the morning communication was had with the fleet, and Captain Gillis paid a visit to the fort. The evacuation was completed after saluting the flag, in doing which one man was instantly killed, one mortally and four severely wounded, by the prematnre discharge of a gnu and explosion of a pile of cartri(lges. The whole command went on board a steamer which placed them on board the Isabel, where they remained all night. April 14.The Isabel went over the bar and placed the whole com- mand on board the steamer Baltic, which started for New York. April 17.Arrived in New York. The following observations may be made upon the bombardment: The enemys fire on the secoiid day, the 13th, was more rapid and more accurate than on the previous day. it seemed to be directed at the embrasures, and to set the quarters on fire. The latter object was fully attained, but not the former, for only two embrasures were struck one at the right gorge angle by the rifled shot mentioned above, and the other at the left shoulder angle by a shot from the so-called floating battery, which struck the shhtter, but without destroying it or entering the throat of the embrasure. The attempt to form a breach at the right gorge angle only succeeded in breaching around one embrasure to the depth of twenty-two inches, and in knocking off a large piece of one cheek, but without disabling the gun or rendering the embrasure ineffi- cient. The barbette tier was not much injured by the second days firing, none of the guns being dismounted by it, and few of them struck. The fire, however, destroyed all the gun carriages and splinter-proof shelters on the gorge. After the cessation of fire, about six hundred shot-marks on the face of the scarp wall were counted, but they were so scattered that no breached effect could have been expected from such fire, and probably none was attempted except at the right gorge angle. The only effect of the direct fire during the two days was to disable three barbette guns, knock off large portions of the chimneys and brick walls project- ing above the parapet, and to set the quarters on fire with hot shot. The vertical fire produced more effect, as it prevented the working of the upper tier of guns, which were the only really effective guns in the fort, being columbiads, 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, and 42-pounders principally, and also prevented the use of the columbiads arranged in the parade to be used as mortars against Cummings Point. The shells that struck the stair towers nearly destroyed them, and filled the stair- ways with so much rubbish as to render them almost impassable. This, with the destruction of the stairs at the gorge by the explosion of the magazine of shells by the fire, made it almost impossible to get to the terre-plein. The burning of the quarters and barracks produced a great effect on the defense while the fire lasted, inasmuch as the heat and smoke were almost stifling, and as the fire burned all around the magazines, obliging them to be closed, and thns preventing our getting powder to continue the firing. It also destroyed the main gates, aiid the gun earri~ges on the parapet of the gorge. But we could have resumed the firing as soon as the walls cooled sufficiently to open the magazines, and then, having blown down the wall left projecting above the parapet, so as to get ri Page 25 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN ChARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 25 of flying bricks, and built up the main gates with stones and rubbish, the fort would actually have been in a more defensible condition than when the action commenced. In fact, it would have been better if the chimneys, roofs, and upper walls of the quarters and barracks had been removed before the firing begun, but the short notice and the small force did not permit anything of this kind to be done after the notice of the attack was received. The weakness of the defense principally lay in the lack of cartridge bags, and of the materials to make them, by which the fire of our batteries was, all the time, rendered slow, and towards the last was nearly suspended. The lack of a sufficient number of men to man the barbette tier of guns at the risk of losing several by the heavy vertical fire of the enemy also prevented us making use of the only guns that had the power to smash his iron-clad batteries, or of throwing shells into his open batteries, so as to destroy bins cannoneers. The want of provisions would soon have caused the surrender of the fort, but with plenty of cartridges the men would have cheerfully fought five or six days, and if necessary much longer, on pork alone, of which we had a sufficient supply. I do not think that a breach could have been effected in the gorge at the distance of the battery on Cummings Point, within a week or ten days; and even then, with the small garrison to defend it, and means for obstructing it, at our disposal, the operation of assaulting it, with even vastly superior numbers, would have been very doubtful in its results. liespectfully submitted. J. 0-. FOSTETI, Captain, Engineers. No. 8. Reports of Brig. Gen. G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, of operations aga~ns1 Fort Sumter. HEADQUARTERS C. S. ARMY, Charleston, S. C., March 6, 1861. SIR: In obedience to War Department orders of the 1st instant I arrived at this place on the 3d instant, and immediately reported to Governor Pickens for military duty. That day we inspected the float- ing battery now being constructed here. On the 4th instant we in- spected the works on the southern portion of the harbor (Morris Island and Fort Johnson), and yesterday those on the north (Fort Moultrie, & c., including Castle Piuckney). I have now the honor to state that I coincide fully in the opinion and views contained in Maj. W. II. C. Whitings letter preceding his full report, and that, as I have not time to write more fully on the subject, II desire that portion of his letter referring to the above works should be annexed to this report, and a copy thereof sent to me for my files. On Morris Island the flanking defects are being remedied, and will probably soon be completed, as well as the position, & c., of said works will permit. I have ordered that only six mortars, instead of twelve, intended for that point, shonld be put in position there. I have ordered the construction of a series of small batteries of heavy guns, two in each, and twenty in all, well protected by traverses along the channel shore of that island, said batteries to be about fifty or one hundred yard Page 26 26 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. L apart (according to the nature of the ground), to prevent the broad- sides of a vessel, from silencing them in a few minutes. When those batteries shall be ready, I will remove into them all the heavy guns 1 can dispose of. I have ordered to that island the whole of Colonel Greggs regiment, with two short 12-pounders and one light battery, for the protection of said works, selecting a strong natural position to pro- tect their right flank from a Land attack. I have ordered an additional battery (for two mortars) to be con- structed near Fort Johnson, to receive half of those intended for a de- fectively-placed mortar battery, to the south of said work, the latter not being in itself of much importance, containing only an open battery of four 24-pounders bearing on the inner harbor. At Fort Moultrie, towards the north of Fort Sumter, I have ordered additional traverses to be thrown up, of a better construction than those already there, for the protection of the channel guns against enfilade from Fort Sumter. Between Moultrie and the western extremity of Sullivans Island I have ordered the constructiou of a four-gun concealed Wttery, to enfilade the chaiinel face of Sumter, having nine or ten guns (e~ barbette) bearing on the Morris Island works. I have ordered two more 32-pounders to be added to the extreme five-gun battery, commanding the Maffitt or northern shore channel into the harbor, and I have selected the site of two more mortar batteries, of two each, to take in reverse the casemato and barbette guns of Fort Sumter bearing on Morris Island. I have fortunately found that we would soon have mortars enough for all our present wants ; but, generally, the carriages and chassis of nearly all the guns, especially those on the Morris island works, are either defective or not of the proper kind. I am going to remedy this defect as soon as practicable. I find that the gorge of Fort Sumter is ioo much inclined to the guns on Morris Island to be breached by them at this distance (thirteen hun- dred yards); and, moreover, they have double the number of guns bear- ing on them, reversing thereby the advantages of the attack over the defense. If we succeed in constructing my enfilading battery on Sulli- vans Island we will then liave a preponderating fire against said gorge wall (four feet six inches thick); but, as already stated, at about thirteen hundred yards, and at an angle of about fifty degrees. I find that the battery of heavy guns (10-inch columbiads), which I proposed putting up in the vicinity of Fort Johnson, would be impracti- cable (if we had said guns), the grounds being too low and marshy. I have now given you a general view of the condition of the offensive works of this harbor, and I am of the opinion that, if Sumter was prop- erly garrisoned and armed, it would be a perfect Gibraltar to anything but constant shelling, night and day, from the four points of the com- pass. As it is, the weakness of the garrison constitutes our greatest advantage, and we must, for the present, turn our attention to prevent- ing it from being re-enforced. This idea I am gradually nd cautiously infusing into the minds of all here; but,should we have to open our batteries upon it, I hope to be able to do so with all the advantages the condition of things here will permit. All that I ask is tune for complet- ing my batteries and preparing and organizing properly my command, which is still in a more or less confused state, not having yet m~i gen- eral staff officers around me. So soon as I shall have here a competent engineer officer (Major Whiting arrived here on the 4th, and will proba- bly leave again for Savannah to day, where his presence is required), I will send to the department a plan of this harbor, with the position, & c. Page 27 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 27 of all the works marked thereon. Those iDrummond lights, ordered from New York, will be here in about ten days. I remain, sir, very respectfully, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. General L. P. WALKER, & eretary of War, Montgomery, Ala. [Inclosure.] CHARLESTON, S. C., ]lliareh 6, 1861. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I proceeded to Morris Island this morning, and commenced establishing battery positions. I. Directed the Dahlgren battery to be modified. Retired the inte- rior crest of the right gun, so as to obtain a raking fire on the whole approach, and on the beach, and placed a traverse between the two, and directed the rear of the battery to be excavated, to give a relief of at least eight to interior crest. It is absolutely necessary that these guns be placed en barbette; otherwise, unless the epaulement is cut down to two, they cannot be depressed sufficiently for the short ranges on the ships carriages. II. Battery A, for two 8-inch columbiads (new position). The rela- tive positions of the different batteries will be indicated on the chart by the engineer and submitted to you to-morrow. Ill. Arranged and modified the Star of the West battery, giving greater relief, reducing the platform, locating necessary traverses, and adding one 24-ponnder. Directed the txvo field pieces br line and land defense. IV. Battery B, for two guns, one 8-inch coluinbiad, and one 8-inch sea-coast. V. Battery C, for one 8-inch sea-coast and one 42-pounder. VI. Battery D, for two 24-pounders. VII. Battery E, two 24-pounders, at nearly right angles to the brush. To protect the two last from Hunter, the left traverse must cross the epaulement. VIII. Battery F, partially fi~iished, for two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers and two 24-pounders. The howitzers are on casemate carriages, and must be changed. The arrangement of these batteries will, in general, be identical, except when the siege carriage is used in the Star of the West battery, and in E, and G, the latter of three 24-pounders, partly done. Therefore the guns can be placed in different order, if thought best. I placed the gnus of longest range fhrthest from Hunter, as having greater effect upon the distant approach. Examination of the maps, when complete, will show the field of fire. Of these guns there are now on the island three 8-inch columbiads, now mounted on casemate carriages in battery; No. 2 as a siege battery on Sumter; two 42-pounders, mounted on case- mate carriages, siege battery on Sumter. the two Dahlgrens and the two 8-inch sea-coast, on the casement trenches. All the above require barbette carriages. Of these, the barbette carriages for the colunibiads are nearly ready; also, for the sea coast. There are also eight 24- pounders on siege carriages already mounted on the channel; in all, fif- teen. There are required for the proposed addition two sea-coast how- itzers, now at Piuckney, and five 24-pounders also at Piuckney; mak- ing, in all, twenty-t -o guns to be provided. The at~rangement is that indicated in the plan this morning. I am doubtful which battery to commence first. Perhaps in order from the Dahlgren, although it would be best to have them done simultaneously. there is want 01 labor, an Page 28 28 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. ~CHAP. I. great want of proper quartermaster and commissary arrangements for the labor. All the work on the siege batteries should be suspended, aud turned to proper account on the channel. Please to direct the enlarged chart, made by Lieutenant Gregorie, South Carolina Engineers, for the governor, to be sent down to have the positions of the batteries located upon it, for your information. W. II. C. WHITING, General BEAUREGARD, Charleston Hotel. iiiajor, Engineers. HEADQUARTERSt PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S. A., Charleston, S. C., April 17, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to transmit by Col. IR. A. Pryor, one of my aides (who like the others was quite indefatigable and fearless in conveying my orders, in an open boat, from these headquarters to the batteries during the bombardment), a general report of the attack of the 12th instant on Fort Sumter. This report would have been sent sooner if my other pressing duties had permitted inc to devote my time to it, while the presence of the enemys geet still led us to expect an attack along the coast at any moment. A more detailed account will be sent forward as soon as the returns of the commanders of batteries shall have reached this office. The great difficulty I will labor under will be to do fulljustice to all when so much zeal, energy, and gallantry were displayed by officers and soldiers in the execution of my orders. I wish, how ever, to record two incidents, which will illustrate the feelings that animated all here. Whilst the barracks in Fort Sumter were in a blaze, and the interior of the work appeared untenable from the heat and from the fire of our batteries (at about which period I sent three of my aides to offhr assist- ance in the name of the Confederate States), whenever the guns of Fort Sumter would fire upon Fort Moultrie the men occupying Cummings Point batteries (Palnietto Guard, Captain Cuthbert) at each shot would cheer Anderson for his gallantry, although themselves still firing upon him, aud when on the 15th instant he left the harbor on the steamer Isabel the soldiers of the batteries on Cummings Point lined the beach, silent, and with heads uncovered, while Anderson and his command passed before them, and expressions of scorn at the al)parent cowardice of the fleet in not even attempting to rescue so gallant an officer and his command were upon the lips of all. With such material for an army, if properly disciplined, I would consider mys~lf almost invincible against any forces not too greatly superior. The fire of those barracks was only put out on the 15th instant, p. in., after great exertions by the gallant fire companies of this city, who were at their pumps night and day, although aware that close by them was a magazine filled with thirty thousand pounds of powder, with a shot-hole through the wall of its anteroom. I am now removing the tottering walls of the buildings within, and clearing away all the rubbish, & c., from the interior of the work, so as to render it still more formidable than it was before it was attacked. In one or two days I will send forward to you photographs taken at different points of sight, from which you can clearly understand the con- dition of the fort within when first occupied by us. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala Page 29 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 29 HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, 0. S. A., Charleston, S. 0., April 16, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following summary statement of the circumstances of the surrender of Fort Sumter: On the refusal of Major Anderson to engage, in compliance with my demand, to designate the time when he would evacuate Fort Sumter, and to agree meanwhile not to use his guns against us, at 3.20 oclock in the morning of the 12th instant I gave him formal notice that within one hour my batteries would open on him. In consequence of some circumstance of delay the bombardment was not begun precisely at the appointed moment, but at 4.30 oclock the signal gun was fired, and within twenty minutes all our batteries were in full play. There was no response from Fort Sumter until about 7 oclock, when the first shot from the enemy was discharged against our batteries on Cum- mings Point. By 8 oclock the action became general, and throughout the day was maintained with spirit on both sides. Our guns were served with skill and energy. The effect was visible in the impressions made on the walls of Fort Sumter. From our mortar batteries shells were thrown with such precision and rapidity that it soon became impossible for the enemy to employ his guns en barbette, of which several were dismounted. The engagement was continued without any circumstance of special note until nightfall, before which time the fire from Sumter had evi- dently slackened. Operations on our side were sustained throughout the night, provoking, however) only a feeble response. On the morning of the 13th the action was prosecuted with renewed vigor, and about 7~ oclock it was discovered our shells had set fire to the barracks in the fort. Speedily volumes of smoke indicated an extensive conflagration, and apprehending some terrible calamity to the garrison I immediately dispatched an offer of assistance to Major Anderson, which, however, with grateful acknowledgments, he declined. Meanwhile, being informed about 2 oclock that a white flag was dis- played from Sumter, I dispatched two of my aides to Major Anderson with terms of evacuation. In recognition of the gallantry exhibited by the garrison I cheerfully agreed that on surrendering the fort the commanding officer might salute his flag. By 8 oclock the terms of evacuation were definitely accepted. Major Anderson having expressed a desire to communicate with the United States vessels lying off the harbor, with a view to arrange for the transportation of his command to some port in the United States, one of his officers, accompanied by Captain llartstene and three of my aides, was permitted to visit the officer in command of the squadron to make provision for that object. Because of an unavoidable delay the formal transfer of the fort to our possession did not take place until 4 oclock in the afternoon of the 14th instant. At that hour, the place having been evacuated by the United States garrison, our troops occu- pied it, and the Confederate flag was hoisted on the ramparts of Sum- ter with a salute from the various batteries. The steamer Isabel having been placed at the service of Major Ander- son, he and his command were transferred to the United States vessels off the harbor. The urgency of immediate engagements prevents me from giving at present a more circumstantial narrative of the incidents connected with the capture of Fort Sumter. When the reports from the various com- manders of batteries are received I will hasten to forward you a more detailed account Page 30 30 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON hARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. In conclusion, I am happy to state that the troops, both officers and soldiers, of the Regulars, Volunteers, Militia, and Navy, by their energy, zeal, perseverance, labor, and endurance before the attack, and by their courage and gallantry during its continuance, exhibited all the charac- teristics of the best troops; and to my staff, Regular and Volunteer, I am much indebted for the prompt and complete execution of my orders, which had to be communicated in open boats during the bombardment to the different batteries then engaged. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0-. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala. HEADQUARTERS PRovIsIoNAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston, S. C., April 27, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to the Department with this my detailed report of the operations conducted during the bombardment of Fort Sumter, accompanied by copies of the reports sent in to this office by the commandants of batteries, together with a series of photographs (twenty-two in number), showing the condition of Forts Sumter and Moultrie and of the floating battery after the surrender of the former fort. * I have the honor~ to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0-. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of IVar, Montgomery, Ala. HEADQUARTERS PROVICIONAL ARMY, Charleston, S. C., April 27, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following detailed report of the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter and the incidents connected therewith: Having completed my channel defenses and batteries in the harbor necessary for the reduction of Fort Sumter, I dispatched two of my aides at 2.20 p. m.~ on Thursday, the 11th of April, with a communication to Major Anderson, in command of the fortification, demanding its evac- uation. I offered to transl)ort himself and command to any port in the United States he might elect, to allow him to move out of the fort with company arms and property and all private property, and to salute his flag in lowering it. He refused to accede to the demand. As my aides were about leaving Major Anderson remarked that if we did not batter him to pieces he would be starved out in a few days, or words to that effect. This being reported to me by my aides on their return with his refusal, at 5.10 p. in., I deemed it proper to telegraph the purport of his remark to the Secretary of War. In reply I received by telegraph the following instructions at 9.10 p. in.: Do not desire needlessly to bom- bard Fort Sumter. If Major Anderson will state the time at which, as indicated by him, he will evacuate, and agree that in the mean time he will not use his guns against us unless ours should be employed against Fort Sumter, you are authorized thus to avoid effusion of blood. If this, or its equivalent, be refused, reduce the fort as your judgment decides to be most practicable.~~ * The photographs not found Page 31 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 31 At 11 p. m. I sent my aides with a communication to Major Anderson based on the foregoing instructions. * It was placed in his hands at 12.45 a. m. 12th instant. He expressed his willingness to evacuate the fort on Monday at noon if provided with the necessary means of transporta- tion, and if he should not receive contradictory instructions from his Government or additional supplies, but he declined to agree not to open his gnns upon us in the event of any hostile demonstrations on our part against his flag. This reply, which was opened and shown to my aides, plainly indicated that if instructions should be received contrary to his purpose to evacuate, or if he should receive his supplies, or if the Con- federate troops should fire on hostile troops of the United States, or upon transports bearing the United States flag, containing men, mum- tions, and supplies designed for hostile operations against ns, he would still feel himself bound to fire upon us, and to hold possession of the fort. As, in consequence of a communication from the President of the United States to the governor of South Carolina, we were in moment- ary expectation of an attempt to re-enforce Fort Sumter, or of a descent upon our coast to that end from the United States fleet then lying at the entrance of the harbor, it was manifestly an imperative necessity to reduce the fort as speedily as possible, and not to wait until the ships and the fort should unite in a combined attack upon us. Accord- ingly my aides, carrying out my instructions, promptly refused to accede to the terms proposed by 1 ajor Anderson, and notified him in writing that our batteries would open upon Fort Sumter in one hour. This notification was given at 3.20 a. m. of Friday, the 12th instant. The signal shell was fired from Fort Johnson at 4.30 a. m. At about 5 oclock the fire from our batteries became general. Fort Sumt~r did not open fire until 7 oclock, when it commenced with a vigorous fire upon the Cummings Point iron battery. The enemy next directed his fire upon the enfilade battery on Sullivans Island, constructed to sweep the parapet of Fort Sumter, to prevent the working of the barbette guns and to dismount them. This was also the aim of the floating battery, the Dahlgren battery, and the gun batteries at Cummings Point. The enemy next opened on Fort Moultrie, between which and Fort Sumter a steady and almost constant fire was kept up throughout the day. These three pointsFort Moultrie Cu end of Sullivans Island, where the inmings Point, and the floating battery, Dahlgren battery, and the enfilade battery were placedwere the points to which the enemy seemed almost to confine his attention, although he fired a num- ber of shots at Captain Butlers mortar battery, situated to the east of Fort Monltrie, and a few at Captain James mortar batteries at Fort Johnson. During the day (12th instant) the fire of my batteries was kept up most spiritedly, the guns and mortars being worked in the coolest man- ncr, preserving the prescribed intervals of firing. Towards evening it became evident that our fire was very effective, as the enemy was driven from his barbette gun which he attempted to work in the morning, and his fire was confined to his casemated guns, but in a less active manner than in the morning, and it was observed that several of his guns en barbette were disabled. During the whole of Friday night our mort( r batteries continued to throw shells, but, in obedience to orders, at longer intervals. The night was rainy and dark, and as it was almost confidently expected that the United States fleet would attempt to land troops upon the islands or to throw men into Fort Sumter by * For the correspondence with Major Anderson above referred to see inclosures to report No. 6, pp. 1315 Page 32 32 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. means of boats, the greatest vigilance was observed at all our channel batteries, and by our troops on both Morris and Sullivans Islauds. Early on Saturday morning all of our batteries reopened npon Fort Sumter, which responded vigorously for a time, directing its fire specially against Fort Moultrie. About 8 oclock a. in. smoke was seen issuing from the quarters of Fort Sumter. Upou this the fire of our batteries was increased, as a matter of course, for the pnrpose of bringing the enemy to terms as speedily as possibly, inasmuch as his flag was still floating defiantly above him. Fort Sumter continued to fire from time to time, but at long and irregular intervals, amid the dense smoke, flying shot, and bursting shells. Our brave troops, carried away by their nat- ural generous impulses, mounted the different batteries, and at every discharge from the fort cheered the garrisou for its pluck and gallantry, and hooted the fleet lying inactive just outside the bar. About 1.30 p. in., it being reported to me that the flag was down (it afterwards appeared that the flag-staff had been shot away), and the confiagation from the large volume of smoke being apparently on the increase, I sent three of my aides with a message to Major Anderson to the effect that seeing his flag no longer flying, his quarters in flames and supposing him to be in distress, I desired to offer him any assistance he. might stand in need of. Before my aides reached the fort the United States flag was displayed on the parapet, but remained there only a short time, when it was hauled down and a white flag substituted in its place. When the United States flag first disappeared the firing from ourbat- teries almost entirely ceased, but reopened with increased vigor when it reappeared on the parapet, and was continued nntil the white flag was raised, when it ceased entirely. Upon the arrival of my aides at Fort Sumter they delivered their message to Major Anderson, who replied that he thanked me for my offer, but desired no assistance. Just previous to their arrival Colonel Wigfall, one of my aides, who had been detached for special (luty on Morris Island, had, by order of Brig- adier-General Simons, crossed over to Fort Sumter from Cummings Point in an open boat, with private Gourdin Young, amidst a heavy fire of shot and shell, for the purpose of ascertaining from Major Anderson whether his intention was to surrender, his flag being down and his quarters in flames. On reaching the fort the colommel had an interview with Major Anderson, the result of which was that M~jor Anderson understood him as offering the same conditions on the part of General Beauregard as had been tendered him on the 11th instant, while Colonel Wigfalls im- pression was that Major Anderson unconditionally surrendered, trusting to the generosity of General Beauregard to offer such terms as would be honorable and acceptable to both parties. Meanwhile, before these circumstances were reported to me, and in fact soon after the aides whomn I had dispatched with the offer of assistance had set out on their mis- sion, hearing that a white flag was flying over the fort, I sent Major Jones, the chief of my staff, and sonme other aides, with substantially the same propositions I had submitted to Major Anderson on the 11th instant, with the exception of the privilege of saluting his flag. The Major (Anderson) replied, it would be exceedingly gratifying to him, as well as to his command, to be permitted to salute their flag, having so gal- lantly defended the fort under such trying circumstances, and hoped that General Beauregard would not refuse it, as such a privilege was not unusual. He further said he would not urge the point, but would pre- fer to refer the matter again to me. The point was, therefore, left open until the matter was snbmitted to me. Previous to the return of Major Jones I sent a fire engine, under Mr Page 33 CIIAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 33 M. II. Nathan, chief of the fire department, and Surgeon-General Gibbes, of South Carolina, with several of my aides, to offer further assistance to the garrison at Fort Sumter, which was 4eclined. I very cheerfully agreed to allow the salute, as an honorable testimony to the gallantry and fortitude with which Major Anderson and his command had defended their post and I informed Major Anderson of my decision about 7~ oclock, through Major Jones, my chief of staff. The arrangements being completed Major Anderson embarked with his command on the transport prepared to convey him to the United States fleet lying outside the bar, and our troops immediately garrisoned the fort, and before sunset the flag of the Confederate States floated over the ramparts of Fort Sumter. I commend in the highest terms the gallantry of every one nuder umy command, and it is with diffidence that I will mention any corps or names for fear of doing injustice to those not mentioned, for where all have done their duty well it is difficult to discriminate. Although the troops out of the batteries bearing on Fort Sumter were not so fortunate as their comrades working the gnus and mortars, still their services were equally as valuable and as commendable, for they were on their arms at the channel batteries, and at their posts and btvouacs, and ex- posed to severe weather, and constant watchfulness, expecting every moment and~ready to repel re-enforcemeuts from the powerful fleet off the bar, and~to all the troops under my command I award much praise for their gallantry, and the cheerfulness with which they met the duties required of them. I feel much indebted to Generals IR. G. M. Dunovant and James Simons and their staffs, especially Majors Evans and IDe Saussure, South Carolina Army, commanding on Sullivans and Morris Islands, for their valuable and ~ailant services, and the discretion they displayed in executin~ the duties devolving on their responsible positions. Of Licut. Col. It. S. Ripley, First Artillery Battalion, commandant of batteries on Sullivans Island, I cannot speak too highly, and join with General Dunovant, his immediate commander since January last, in conimending in the highest terms his sagacity, experience, and unflag- ging zeal. I would also mention in the highest terms of praise Captains Calhoun and llallonqhist, assistant commandants of batteries to Colonel Ripley; and the following commanders of batteries on Sullivans Island: Capt. J. It. Hamilton, commandi~ng the floating battery and Dahlgren gun; Captains Butler, South Carolina Army, and Bruns, aide-dc-camp to General Dunovant, and Lieutenants Wagner, Ithett, Yates, Valentine, and Parker. To Lieut. Col. W. G. IDe Saussure, Second Artillery Battalion, com- mandant of batteries on Morris I sland, P.o much praise cannot be given. He displayed the most untiring energy, and his judicious arrangements and the good management of his batteries contributed much to the reduction of Fort Sumter. To Major Stevens, of the Citadel Academy, in charge of the Cummings Point batteries, I feel much indebted for his valuable and scientific assistance, and the efficient working of the bat- teries under his immediate charge. The Cummings Point batteries (iron42 pounder and mortar) were manned by the Palmetto Guards, Captain Cuthbert, and I take pleasure in expressing my admiration of the service of the gallant captain and his distinguished company during the action. I would also mention in terms of praise the following commanders of batteries at the point, viz: Lieutenants Armstrong, of the Citadel Acad- emy and Browufleld, of the Palmetto Guards; also Captain Thomas, of the Citadel Academy, who had charge of the rifled cannon, and had th Page 34 34 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. honor of using this valuable weapona gift of one of South Carolinas distant sons to his native Statewith peculiar effect. Capt. J. 0-. King, with his company, the Marion Artillery, commanded the mortar battery in rear of the Cummings Point batteries, and the accuracy of his shell- practice was the theme of general admiration. Capt. George S. James, commanding at Fort Johnson, had the honor of firing the first shell at Fort Sumter, and his conduct and that of those under him was coni- mendable during the action. Captain Martin, South Carolina Army, commanded the Moi4int Pleasant mortar battery, and with his assistants did good service. For a more detailed account of the gallantry of offi- cers and men, and of the varions incidents of the attack on Fort Sumter, I would respectfully invite your attention to the copies of the reports of the different officers under my command, herewith inclosed. I cannot close my report without reference to the following gentle- men: To his excellency Governor Pickens and staff, especially Colonels Lamar and Dearing, who were so active and efficient in the construction of the channel batteries; Colonels Lucas and Moore for assistance on various occasions, and Colonel Duryea and Mr. Kathan (chief of the fire department) for their gallant assistance in putting out the fire at Fort Sumter wb~en the magazine of the latter was in imminent danger of explosion; General Jamison, Secretary of War, and General S. R. Gist, adjutant-general, for their valnable assistance in obtaining and dispatching the troops for the attack on Fort Sumter and defense of the batteries; Quartermasters and Commissary Departments, Colonel Hatch and Colonel Walker, and the ordnance board, especially Colonel Manigault, Chief of Ordnance, whose zeal and activity were untiring: The Medical Department, whose preparations had been judiciously and amply made, but which a kind Providence rendered unnecessary; the Engineers, Majors Whiting and Gwynn, Captains Trapier and Lee, and Lieutenants McCrady, Earle, and Gregorie, on whoiu too much praise cannot be bestowed for their untiring zeal, energy, and gallantry, and to whose labors is greatly due the unprecedented example of taking such an important work after thirty-three hours firing without having to report the loss of a single life, and but four slightly wounded. From Major W. H. C. Whiting I derived also much assistance, not only as an engineer, in selecting the sites and laying out the channel batteries on Morris Island, but as acting assistant adjutant and inspector general in arranging and stationing the troops on said island. To the naval department, especially Captain Hartstene, one of my volunteer aides, who was perfectly indefatigable in guarding the entrance into the har- bor, and in transmitting my orders; Lieut. T. B. Huger, who was also of much service, first as inspecting ordnance officer of batteries, then in charge of the batteries on the south end of Morris Island; Lieutenant Warley, who commanded the Dahlgren channel battery; also the school- ship, which was kindly offered by the board of directors, and was of mmdi service; Lieutenant P~utledge, who was acting inspector-general of ordnance of all the batteries, in which capacity, assisted by Lieu- tenant Williams, C. S. A., on Morris Island, he was of much service in organizing and distributing the ammunition; Captains Childs and Jones, assistant commandant of batteries; to Lieatenant-Colonel De Saussure, Captains Winder and Allston, acting assistant adjutant and inspector general to General Simons brigade; Captain Manigault, of my staff, attached on General Simons staff who did efficient and gallant services on Niorris Island during the fight; Prof. Lewis H. Gibbes, of Charleston College, and his aides, for their Valuable services in operating ~the Drummond lights established at the extensions of Sullivans an Page 35 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 35 Morris Islands. The venerable and gallant Edmund Ruffin, of Virginia, wa~ at the Iron battery, and fired many guns, undergoing every fatigue and sharing the hardships at the battery with the youngest of the Pal- mettoes. To my regular staff; Major Jones, C. S. A.; Captains Lee and Ferguson, South Carolina Army, and Lieutenant Legar6, South Carolina Army, and volunteer staff; Messrs. Chisolm, Wigfall, Chesnut, Manning, Miles, Gonzales, and Pryor, I am much indebted for their indefatigable and valuable assistance night and day during the attack on Fort Sumter, transmitting in open boats my orders when called upon with alacrity and cheerfulness to the different batteries amidst falling balls and burst- ing shells, Captain Wigfall being the first in Sumter to receive the surrender. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. COOPER, Adjutant-General, C. S. A. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston, AS1. C., May 1, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to send you by the bearer, Capt. S. W. Fer- guson, South Carolina Regulars, my regular aide, and Lieut. Col. A. R. Chisolm (aide to Governor Pickens), one of my volunteer aides, the flag which waved on Fort Moultrie during the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and was thrice cut by the enemys balls. Being the first Confederate flag thus baptized, I have thought it worth sending to the War Depart- ment for preservation. I should have brought it on myself, but my present indisposition will prevent me from leaving here for a day or two. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Hon. L. ~. WA~R, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Secretary of War. No. 9. Report of Brig. Gen. B. G. 11!. Dunovant, South Carolina Army, of oper ations against Port Sumter. HEADQUARTERS, SOUTH CAROLINA ARMY Sullivans Island, April21, 1861. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on Tuesday morning, April 9, in obedience to orders from your headquarters, I came down to Sul- livans Jsland attended by the following members of my staff: Maj. N. G. Evans, S. C. A., adjutant-general; First Lient. Warren Adams, S. C. A., and Second Lient. Robert Pringle, S. C. A., aides-de-camp; II\Iaj. W. D. De Saussure and Capt. J. D. Bruns, special aides-de-camp. information having been received which led us to expect a deter- mined effort on the part of jhe United States Government to re-enforce Fort Sumter, I at once made all the necessary preparations to prevent, if possible, the success of this attempt. The batteries in process of erection at the eastern extremity of the island were rapidly pushed to completion. Colonel Pettigrew had already taken precautions agains Page 36 36 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. a surprise by establishing a picket guard on Long Island and by doubling the sentries on Sullivans Island. On the morning of the 11th I reviewed the entire forces nuder my command, Colonel Pettigrews regiment of rifles occupying and defend- ing the eastern third of the island with the assistance of the Charleston Light Dragoons, and the Germ an Flying Artillery in charge of a field battery attached to his command, and Colonel Andersons regiment of the First Infantry being held in readiness to act as a reserve or to be thrown on any point where their services were required. It affords me sincere gratification to record that, although happily Colonel Pettigrews regiment was not called into action, and had little share in the perils and honors of the recent engagement, their patient endurance of every privation, and their prompt and cheerful response to every call of duty during a long-continued service, entitle them to unqualified commendation. I may add that as soon as they heard the sound of our guns, twenty-four members of the regiment of rifles went down under fire to the fioatino being sunk. battery, their boat narrowly escaping Colonel Andersons regiment of regulars also deserve special notice for the good order, spirit, and energy which have universally character- ized the command. Three companies of his regiment, Captain Martins, Captain Butlers, and Lieutenant Valentines, were detached for duty as artillerists under Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley, and for their share in the bombardment I would respectfully refer you to the report of the lieutenant-colonel commanding the batteries. The defenses of Fort Moultrie and the preparation of the gun and mortar batteries above and below this post seemed to me to be complete and satisfactory. For this no small measure of praise is due to the sagacity, experience, and unflagging zeal of Lieut. Col. B. S. Ripley, commanding First Battalion Artillery, who was assigned to duty under my command on the 2d day of January last, when Fort Moultrie was generally considered untenable. The suggestions made by this officer in his reports respecting the defenses of the fort have in almost every instance been carried out, and their value has been triumphantly illus- trated by the severe test to which they were subjected in the recent en- gagement. The gnus which were used against Fort Sumter were the same which Major Anderson spiked and burned when he abandoned Fort Moultrie. On the night of the 11th, as hostilities were shortly expected to com- mence, I made the following disposition of my staff: Major Pagan, Lieutenant Adams, and Lieutenant Pringle to be stationed between Fort Moultrie and Captain Butlers battery, to carry orders to and from these posts and to the brigade of infantry; Major De Saussure to attend me personally, and Captain Bruns to be on detached service at Captain ilallonquists mortar battery, where he rendered efficient aid during the whole bombardment. Major Evans, who had been confined to his bed by sickness for some days, joined me soon after the battle commenced, and then, as always, exhibited the highest qualifications for the duties of his arduous and responsible post. I am gratified to record that my entire staff acquitted themselves well, and their services to me during the campaign have been invaluable. Although most of them had but little military experience, they have spared no pains to acquaint them- selves with the duties of their office, and have, without exception, per- formed them intelligently, cheerfully, and with dispatch. During the bombardment, I observed specially the behavior of the troops at Fort Moultrie, and at Captains Butlers and ilallonquist Page 37 ChAr. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 37 mortar batteries. At all these posts the energy and spirit displayed alike by officers and men could not be surpassed, I believe, by any troops in the world. The enfilade, Dahigren, and floating batteries had also a prominent place in the picture, but II must again refer to the reports of the officers commanding these batteries. I am pleased to mention that Ex-Governor J. L. Manning, Hon. W. P. Miles, and Capt. Samuel Fcrguson, S. C. A., aides-de-camp to Brig- adier-General Beauregard, brought orders to me from the brigadier-gen- eral commanding during the hottest of the fire. Major IDe San~sure, of my staff, carried information for the Ordnance Department in regard to the short supply of Dahlgren shells nnder a brisk fire. As soon as the white flag was displayed from Fort Sumter on the 13th I sent Captain Hartstene, C. S. N., Captain Calhoun, S. C. A., and Surgeon Lynch, C. S. N., to ascertain whether Major Anderson had sur- rendered. These officers reported on their return that they had been preceded by some members of your staff. For the details of this action, which has terminated so happily for the glory of our arms and for the honor and safety of South Carolina, I would respectfully refer you to the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley, and to the reports of the officers nnder his immediate command. R. G. M. DUNOYANT, Brigadier- General, Commanding South Carolina Army. Maj. B. ft JONES, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 10. Report of Brig. Gen. Jam6s Simons of operations against Fort Sumter. HEADQUARTERS, MORRIS ISLAND, April 23, 1861. GENERAL: I have the honor respectfully to inform you that the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Be Saussure, commanding the battalion of artillery, with the reports of commanders of batteries at this post of the late action of the 12th and ~13th instants with Fort Sumter, have this moment been handed to me, and as you are already apprised of my communication of yesterday to Assist. Adjt. Gen. P. It Jones, this will furnish the reason for my delaying the present address. I have little to add to the minute and circumstantial detail which has been so care- fully and minutely furnished by these officers. I add my confirmation to the commendation of the coolness, perseverance, anti steady zeal of all those who were actively engaged in the action, to whom particular as well as general reference has been made in those reports. The firing commenced on the signal designated in your General Orders No. 14, section 4, of date the 11th instant, and conformed substantially to the requisitions of General Orders No. 9, of date the 6th instant, both as regards the objects, and the times and the intervals of firing, and the only departure from the rigid compliance with those orders was done by my orders at 11.10 a. m. on the 13th instant, by which, through Colonel Wigfall, whom you had sent to me as a special aid the night before the engagement, I authorized battery commanders to increase the frequency of their fire, but with express directions that the fire should not be so frequent as to waste ammunition. This was continued until 1.30 p. in., when the flag of Fort Sumter fell, but whether by fire or by a ball from our batteries did not then appear. It was certain the colors were no Page 38 38 [CHAP. I. OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. hauled down. I beeaiae c~rfiin afterwards, on a visit to Fort Sumter, that the flagstaff was shot away, for it bore the marks of many balls. Only two shots were fired from our batteries on this island after the flag fell. I suspended the firing, however, and on a consultation with Ex- Governor Manning, Colonel Chesnut, .and Colonel Wigfall, members of your staff, I sent Colonel Wigfall, accompanied by Private Gourdin Young~ of Palmetto Guard, with a white tiag to Fort Sumter to inform Major Anderson that I observed his fi- g was down, and to inquire whether he would surrender to you. Colonel Wigfall, with great gallantry and his accustomed indifference to danger, accompanied as I have mentioned. proceeded in a boat in the midst of the continued fire from our batteries other than at this island. Before he reached Fort Sumter I distinctly saw the flag of Fort Sumter flying on the northeast corner of the fortress. but very much masked by the gable of the quarters and the smoke and flame. It was too late to recall Colonel Wigfall, and he accomplished his mission. Soon after he reached the fortress a white flag was sub. stituted for that lately put up, and the firing ceased on both sides. The firing of Fort Sumter had continued after the flag had fallen. At 2.15 p. m. Colonel Wigfall returned and announced that Major Anderson surrendered unconditionally to Brigadier-General Beauregard, of the C. S. Army. The announcement was received with the greatest enthusiasm, and Colonel Wigfall and Private Young were borne from the boat in triumph by the troops. Colonel Wigfall, accompanied by Ex-Governor Manning, Colonel Chesnut, and Captain Chisolm of your staff; then proceeded to report to you. In the afternoon, before sundown, a boat from the fleet was brought to by a shot from Lieutenant-Colonel Lamars battery, and landed Lieutenant Marcy, U. S. Navy. He asked me if I would give him per- mission to go to Fort Moultrie to inquire whether Major Anderson had surrendered, and whether he and his command could be taken out of the harbor by a vessel of the fleet, or a merchant vessel with them, or by their boats. I replied that so far as it was necessary to go to Fort Moultrie to learn whether Major Anderson had surrendered, I could, and did, give him the information, and so far as the removal of Major Andersons command out of the harbor was concerned, we could furnish the requisite transportation, but that the commanding general of our army was at hand, and that he would be communicated with, and that Lieutenant Marcy could have the answer at 9 a. m. the next day, at the same place. I sent Capt. Ben. Allston to you before dark with a dispatch to this effect, under the signature of Major Whiting. Subse- quent events were managed by yourself or under your direction and eQutrol. Besides the batteries actively engaged in the action, I cannot too highly commend the other batteries on the channel. The untiring zeal, watchfulness, and eagerness of the officers and men of the commands to participate in the defense of their country must fill the hearts of their fellow-citizens with the liveliest emotions of gratitude and pride. I felt constraiped to refuse permission to Capt. A. J. Green, of Colum- bia Artillery, and his gallant corps to open fire on Fort Sumter, although he solicited permission to participate in the contest. Whilst the credit of the battle will necessarily be more permanently associated with those who managed the instruments of warfare, I cannot conclude this report without inviting your attention to the infantry. In the midst of the greatest exposure to the. most inclement weather, many hundreds biv- ouacking in the open air without any covering, many more sheltered by wide burrows in the sand hills, not a murmur of complaint escape Page 39 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 39 during the thirty-three hours of the conflict; but with steady gaze on the fleet, which was ranged outside the harbor, plainly visible to the naked eye, they were ready to resist any hostile demonstration and repulse the invader, whilst their brave comrades of the batteries were engaged in driving the enemy from his strong fortress in our harbor. Commendation from one like myself~ entitled from my education and traiuing to no military consideration, is only valuable because it is honest and sincere. In this sense you will permit me, general, to thank you for the assist- ants which your wisdom and kindness assigned to aid me in my difficult and tryin~, position. I am almost unwilling to distinguish between them, but the genius and the highest order of intellectual culture of Major Whiting, joined to his indefatigable and untiring energy, sleep- lessly exercised both night and day, have entitled him at my hands to the most grateful eulogium. Claiming no credit for myself, but only the desire to serve my country, I will urgently pray you, general, to pardon in myself all deficiencies which the newness of my situation and the suddenness of my assuming this post may have caused inc to develop. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, JAMES SIMONS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD, Commanding Provisional Forces C. S., Okarleston. No. 11. Report of Lieut. Col. R. S. Ripley, South Carolina Army, commanding Artillery. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, Sullivans Island, Port ililioultrie, April 16, 1861. MAJOR: I klve the honor to report that on the evening of the 11th instant, at 9~ oclock, the batteries under my command were supplied and manned, the farnace heated, and all was ready for actiQn either against a fleet or Fort Sumter. They were the following: The live-gun battery, east of Curlew ground, under Captain Tupper, of the Vigilant Rifles. The Maffitt channel battery, two guns, and mortar-battery No. 2, two 10-inch mortars, under Captain Butler, of the Infantry. Fort Moultrie, which was my headquarters, thirty guns, under Capt. W. R. Calhoun, of the Artillery, assistant commandant of batteries; First Lients. Thomas Wagner and Alfred Rhett, Artillery, commanding Channel and Sumter batteries. Mortar-battery No. 1, two 10-inch mortars. The enfilade battery, four guns, under Capt. J. II. ilallonquist, Ar- tillery, assistant commandant of batteries, and Lieutenants Flemming, Artillery, and Valentine, Infantry. The Point battery, one 9-inch IDahlgren gun, and the floating battery, four guns, under Capt. J. R. Hamilton and First Lieutenant Yates, of the Artillery, and the Mount I~leasant battery, two 10-inch mortars, under Capt. Robert Martin, of the Infantry. Of these three 8-inch columbiads, two 32-pounders, and six 24-pounders in Fort Moultrie; two 24-pounders and two 32-pounders in the enfilad Page 40 40 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. battery; one 9-inch Dahigren gun, two 32-pounders, two 42-pounders at the Point and on board the floating battery, and the six 10-inch mortars bore upon Fort Sumter. A strict watch was kept all night, but no attempt to send re-enforce- ments into Fort Sumter was observed. At ~ oclock on the morning of the 12th a shell was seen from the batteries of Fort Johnson, and in accordance with orders the signal for general action was made at once. The commands went quickly and quietly to their posts, and very SOOII every battery bearing upon the fort had commenced. As it was still dark the firing was very slow, but after dawn the direct fire was quick- ened, until every gun which bore npon Sumter was in quick operation, and this was continued at the regular intervals presented throughout the day. The enemy at first only replied to the Cummings Point bat- teries, but in a short time opened a brisk fire on the Point and floating batteries of this command with great precision. Shortly afterward he commenced firing on the enfilade batteries, but did not open upon Fort Moultrie. At about 8 oclock I visited the batteries to the west of this fort, and noticed the admirable conduct of the officers and men. Lieutenants Blanding and Flemmiug, of the Artillery, at mortar battery Noh 1, and Lieutenants Valentine and Burnet, of the Infantry, at the enfilade bat- tery, were promptly and energetically performing their duties. Captain ilallonquist was directing his fire to enfilade and drive the enemy from his parapet. At the Point battery Capt. J. H. Hamilton was firing with great precision and skill, and from his battery I noticed First Lieuten- ants Yates and ilarleston on board the floating battery working their guns with all the rapidity which the order of firing permitted. I next visited Captain Butlers mortar battery, which he was working ener- getically. Fort Sumter opened upon Fort Moultrie about 8.30 oclock in the morning, and from that time a steady and continuous fire was kept up on us from his casemate 32-pounders and 42-pounders throughout the day. This was replied to by the nine guns of the Sumter battery of this fort, nuder Lieutenants IRhett and Mitchell, and two guns of the oblique battery, under Lieutenant Parker, until 9 a. in., when Lieutenant lihetts command was relieved by the detachment of Company A, under Lieu- tenants Wagner, Preston, and Sitgreaves. Captain Calhoun arranged the reliefs, and the officers and men of Com- panies A, B, and D worked the Sumter battery of this fort alternately until evening. During this time Captain Calhoun kept his channel guns manned and ready for action against the fleet, which was confidently expected to attempt an entrance. At different times during the after- noon five hot shot were fired upon the quarters at Fort Sumter. I have learned that they were thrice set on fire. Meantime the enemys shot had told with great effect upon the quarters of Fort Moultrie, continually perforating and breaking them up; but our defenses were strong, the merlons and traverses heavy and well secured, and no material damage was done to our defenses, although the principal fire of the enemy was directed on this fort during the whole of the afternoon. The direct fire ceased with the light, but the mortars kept up the bombardment at the prescribed intervals. The night set in dark and rainy, and it was feared that the enemy would certainly attempt to re-enforce. All the batteries on the island were visited, and especial vigilance enjoined. The channel batteries were kept manned, the various enfilading guns were all in readiness to sweep the faces and landings at Fort Sumter, and the mortar batterie Page 41 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S.~ C. 4I~ to redouble their fire upou an alarm. The night passed away with one alerte, during which the mortar practice was increased in rapidity for a short time, and a few shots were fired from the different batteries; but it becoming apparent that the alarm was groundless the vertical fire was resumed, according to orders, and kept np until the day dawned. Believing that it was impossilAe that the fleet outside would permit the cannonade to proceed without an attempt to re-enforce during the day, and the men of my command having been exposed to a pelting rain during the night, and feeling confident that we had perfect command of the enemys parapet, it had been determined to fire but two or three guns from the Sumter battery of Fort Moultrie, and, while keeping up a brisk mortar practice and fire from the enfilade battery, to save the ammunition of the Point and floating batteries to repel an attempt to re-enforce. Orders were given to such effect, and the two guns were opened from the Sumter battery of this fort, the other batteries firing in order. Fort Sumter opened early and spitefully, and paid especial attention to Fort Moultriealmost every shot grazing the crest of the parapet, and crashing through the quarters. Our defenses were still uninjured and our losses trifling. Finding that I could spare men and still keep the channel battery manned, the fire was~ somewhat increased, until about 9 oclock on the morning of the 13th smoke was seen to issue from the roof of the quar- ters of Fort Sumter, and it was evident that a conflagration had com- menced. The entire Sumter battery of Fort Moultrie was manned at once, and worked with the utmost rapidity, officers and men vieing in their energy. Captain Calhoun, First Lieutenants Wagner, Ithett, and Preston, Second Lieutenants Sitgreaves, Mitchell, and Parker, of the Artillery, and Mr. F. D. Blake, acting engineer, all superintended the working of the guns, which were manned by detachments from Com- pany B, relieved at times by detachments from Company A, with a skill, and precision rarely excelled. Indeed, I doubt whether an artillery fire at such a distance with ordinary guns has ever equaled it in precision. The shot, both hot and cold, crashed in1 o the quarters of Fort Sumter and along the parapet, rendering the extinction of the flames difficult, and lighting up new places to windward. It became evident soon that the enemy was worsted, but to insure the result orders were passed to each of the batteries to redouble their fire. Captain Hamilton, Captain ilallonquist, and Lieutenants Yates and Valentine had anticipated the order, and Captain Butler soon increased the rapidity of his mortar practice; nevertheless from his casemates the enemy still poured shot thick and fast upon Fort Moultrie until about 12.45 p. in., when his flagstaff was cut away, and it slackened. The thick and stifling smoke arising from the ruins of his buildings told plainly that the time for surrender had nearly come. Nevertheless he hoisted a new flag over the crest of his parapet, and our fire, which had been ordered to cease when his flagstaff fell, was reopened with all the vigor we could command. The smoke still poured out of the ruins, and the fire from Fort Sumter having slackened again the order was again given to cease, but upon his recommencing we reopened. While the enemys flag was still flying and he was still firing upon us, a boat was observed to leave Cummings Point and pull towards Fort Sumter. By my order a shot was sent ahead of it, but it con- tinned on and landed. At 1.15 p. in., a white flag having been hoisted alongside the United States ensign, the firing ceased. Brigadier-General Dunovant, who was present in Fort Moultrie, immediately sent Captain llartstene, C. S. N. Page 42 42 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAPJ. Captain Calhoun, and Surgeon Lynch, C. S. N., to ascertain whether the surren(ler was made, and to tender assistance. Upon their arrival they found that the staff of the commanding general had just preceded them. It is hard to say whether any distinction can be made in the conduct of the officers and men under my command. From the senior captain to the prisoner turned out of the guard-house just before the action all did their duty. The conduct of several came under my special notice, and I mention them accordingly. Captains Calhoun and ilallonquist, assistants to commandant of batteries; Capt. J. It. Hamilton, First Lieu- tenants Wagner, Ithett, and Yates, and Second Lieutenant Flemming, of the Artillery, and Captain Butler and Lieutenant Valentine, of the Infantry, were all in command of batteries, and deserve especial men- tion. In addition to the officers whose names appear in the report above I take pleasure in mentioning the conduct of the engineer and assistants, First Lieutenant Earle, and Messrs. F. ID. Blake and J. E. Nash, volun- teers, acting. No repairs being needed for the defenses, these gentlemen acted as staff and lookout officers, and were very efficient. Lient. T. S. Fayssoux, of the Cavalry, assistant commissary of subsistence, acted well in the same capacity. Capt. C. F. Middleton, an old resident of Sullivans Island, remained with his family auriug the cannonade, and was espe- cially useful. All of these gentlemen were active and prompt in com- municating orders and doing whatever duty devolved upon them. Surg. Arthur Lynch, C. S. N., and Assist. Surg. Walter Taylor, South Carolina Volunteers, the permanent surgeons of the post, had made every preparation for the discharge of their duties, and would have been as- sisted by Drs. IRaoul, Baruwell, and Porcher, who volunteered, but for- tunately onr casualties were so few that their services as surgeons were needless. They acted as staff officers. The Rev. Mr. Aldrich was pres- ent during the cannonade. Dr. Maddox acted as surgeon at mortar bat- tery No. 1, and Drs. Daviga and Logan at the Point and on board the floating battery. Mr. John Wells, of South Carolina, acted as an ord- nance officer at the Point battery under Captain Hamilton. Our escape with only four slight casualties I conceive to be in a great measure due to the strength of our defenses, the material of which had been furnished under the direction of Maj. Walter Gwynn, chief engi- neer, in lar-ge quantities since the 1st of January last. Major Gwynn had also given his personal supervision to the construction of several of the works. The batteries exterior to the fort and many of the works adjacent were built under the superintendence of Captain Trapier, whose accomplishments as an engineer are well known, and certainly are appre- ciated by those who garrison works constructed by him. Several times during the action I had the pleasure of meeting the brig- adier-general commanding, and of receiving valuable assistance from Captain Bruns and other officers of the staff. I wish to draw particular and special attention to the valuable services of Messrs. John ilenery and Charles Scanlan, acting military storekeepers, who have been on duty with my command since January last. These gentlemen have given every attention to their duty, and to them is due, in a great measure, the high state of efficiency of our guns and ordnance. They were indis- pensable during the action. The Ordnance Department deserves and has my thanks for the mate- terial furnished under so many adverse circumstances since the 1st of January last. Among other volun4eers, Maj. John Dunovant, of the Infantry, cam Page 43 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 43 to Fort Moultrie early on the morning of the l3th,and was present dur- ing the action, doing all that lay in his power. I was deprived of the services of the commissioned battalion staff dur- ing the cannonade. First Lient. James Hamilton, adjutant, was absent sick on the 11th instant, but hearing of the probability of an engagement, left his bed and came to report for duty. He remained until some time after the action, when it was evident that his strength was gone. Lieu- tenant Yates, battalion quartermaster, preferred the command of the floating battery, and I excused him from staff duty. Lient. Col. Hatch, quartermaster-general, had made preparations for the extinguishment of fires. Mr. Priolean iRavenel was present with the engines and a body of men to put them out should they occur. We were fortunate, and he did what duty he was called on to perform. I have the honor to inclose a return of th~ few wounded, a statement ofshotfired, and such reports from commanding officers a~ I have re- ceived. To them I beg to refer for the names of meritorious individuals not mentioned above. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Th S. HIPLEY, Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery, Commanding. Return of shot and shell fired from the batteries of Fort Afo4tltrie, Sullivans Isla d, and Mount Pleasant, commanded by Lient. Col. R. S. Ripley, Artillery, South Carolina Army, during the cannonade and bombardment of Fort Sumter, A 12 and 13, 1861. Slien. Shot. Hot shot. ~J3 rA a a a a 0 .a ~ a 8 9 0 0 0 0 0 a a ~ o -~ H H ~ H ~ H H H ~ H H H Fort Monitrie 6 248 305 105 41 Enfilade battery 300 300 Point battery 61 Floating battery 247 220 Mortar battery No. 1 185 Mortar battery No. 2 88. - - - - Mount Pleasant mortar battery 81 Total 354 61 6 248 247 828 405 . 41 No. 12. Report of Lieut. 6~ol. Wilmot G. Dc Saussure, South Carolina Army, commanding Artillery. HEADQUARTERS BATTALION OF ARTILLERY, Morris Island, April 22, 1861. Sin: I have the honor to transmit herewith the reports of Maj. P. F. Stevens, of the Citadel Academy, assigned nuder Special Orders No. 8, from Headquarters Provisional Forces, to the Iron and Point batteries at this post, of Capt. George B. Cuthbert, commanding Palmetto Guard, by which corps the above batteries were manned, and of Capt. J. G. King, commanding Marion Artillery, by which corps the Trapier battery was manned. These several reports contain the eveuts connected with the bombardment and fall of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, on Friday Page 44 44 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. 12th, and Saturday, 13th instants, so far as the above-named batteries and corps were engaged. An unavoidable delay in obtaining these reports has prevented me from earlier reporting to you. From the day on which supplies were cut off from Fort Sumter, on Sunday, 7th April, instant, the vigilance which had watched over the channel unceasingly was, if possible, in- creased, in order to prevent re-enforcement of men or supplies to the beleaguered fortress. On the afternoon of Thursday, 11th April, instant, I was notified that at a given signal the bombardment would commence, and that the signal might be looked for about 8 p. m. Shortly before that time the Trapier, Iron, and Point batteries were manned, the maga- zines opened, and the signal awaited. After keeping the men at the batteries until nearly i0p. m. they were dismissed to their respective quarters, but warned to turn out imm~- diately upon the signal being biven. At 4.30 a. m. of Friday, 12th April, instant, the signal being given, the batteries were promptly manned, and agreeably to the instructions furnished me for the firing of the mor- tars, the fire was opened on Fort Sumter from the Trapier battery and succeeded by the Point battery. The fire from this post was commenced at 4.48 a. m. and continued from the mortar batteries at the prescribed intervals until past 2 p. in., when, under orders from Headquarters Pro- visional Forces, the intervals were doubled. Shortly after 5 a. in., and when the early dawn enabled the guns to be properly worked, the fire was commenced from the three 8-inch columbiads in the Iron battery and the two 42-pounders in the Point battery. From the embrasures of the latter the masks had been removed during the night of Thursday, and also from the rifled cannon in position in the Point battery. Under my instructions the fire from the columbiads and 42-pounders was at the rate of four shot from each gun per hour. This interval was taken with the purpose ef not overheating the guns, of not overfatiguing the men, and that the firing, being conducted with great deliberation, should be accurate. The desired purpose was, I believe, attained. The guns weic chiefly directed to driving the men from the barbette guns of Fort Sumter and to dismount as many guns as possible, and also to drive the men from the casemate guns bearing upon this post. Shortly after 7 a. m. of Friday, the 12th instant, the fire from Fort Sumter was opened on this post, and for a considerable time was more directed here than to any other point around the harbor. One hundred and twenty- four shot were fired at the Iron battery, thirteen of which struck it. I am unable to report the number fired at the Point and Trapier batteries, or at the island and cantonments generally, but for a space of over two hours on Friday a duel was kept up between the Point battery and Fort Sumter, gun answering gun during that time. The fire from the guns was continued until dark. The mortar fire was continued both day and night. On Saturday morning, 13th April instant, a little before 7 a in., the tour of the mortars at this post having come round, the mortars were discharged at the appointed intervals, and shortly afterwards smoke was seen issuing from the officers quarters at Fort Sumter. The smoke in- creased until about 8 a. n-i., when the flames burst forth. I believe the fire was communicated from a shell thrown either by the right mortar in the Trapier battery, or the left niortar in the Point battery; the shells from these two mortars fell at or about the same place on the roof of the officers quarters, and at that time the smoke was first observed from this post. Upon the flames bursting out the rapidity of the fire was in- creased, in order to spread the flames. Shortly before 10 a. in. Captai Page 45 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 45 King was instructed to drop a shell on the southern end of the eastern barracks, in order to communicate the fire also to it, and ~his fifth shell passing through the roof at the designated point the fire was spread. The fire from this post was then reduced to the regular intervals, and so continued until 1.30 p. in., at which time, the flagstaff at Fort Sum- ter being shot away, the fire from4this point was ordered to cease until opportunity was given to Major Anderson either to replace his flag, or by not replacing it signify a readiness to treat. The replacement of his flag was not seen from this post, and the fire consequently not resumed. The subsequent events are matters falling under your own orders. The several reports herewith transmitted speak more fully of indi- vidual acts of gallantry than my own position would enable me to do. Of the gallantry of the troops engaged in the action, and of their per- fect subordination, I cannot speak in terms too high. Few, if any, had ever before been under fire, and yet the entire coolness with which the guns were worked, and the accuracy of fire, would have reflected credit upon veterans. The Trapier battery of three mortars was manned by a portion of the Mariou Artillery, under the command of Capt. J. Gadsden King, and the immediate direction of the battery assigned by him to Lients. W. D. II. Kirkwood and Edward L. Parker. The fire from these mortars appeared to me to be particularly good, a large pro- portion of the shells bursting over Fort Sumter or within the parade. The pointing of the mortars from this battery was chiefly done by Cor- poral MeMillan King, jr., Privates J. S. Mardock and Robert Murdock, and reflects upon them very great credit. The Sumter Guard, Capt. John Russell, acted as a reserve to the Marion Artillery, and were en- gaged during a part of the bombardment at the battery and also during the night in working in the embrasures at the Point battery and in cov- ering the iron battery in part with sand bags. -While thus engaged during the night this company was nuder fire from Fort Sumter. The remaining portion of the Marion Artillery were on duty at Battery G, a Channel battery, to which were assigned Lieuts. J. P. Strohecker and A. M. Huger. The presence of a fleet of war vessels outside the bar required that this, in common with all the channel batteries, should be kept con- stantly manned, and upon an alarm excited during the night of Friday by a small boat being seen rowing near the shore, the preparation of this detachment was shown by a fire being immediately opened on the boat. The Iron battery, of three 8-inch columbiads, and the Point battery, of three mortars, two 42-pounders, and one 12-pounder rifled cannon, were manned by the Palmetto Guard, Capt. George B. Cuthbert. These two batteries were assigned to the supervision of Maj. P. F. Stevens. The fire from the Iron battery was under the immediate direction of Capt. George B. Cnthbert and Lieutenants Lamb and Buist, and does great credit to their skillful management. The battering from this battery is very marked upon the exterior wall of Fort Sumter, while the accurate prac- tice dismounted, as I believe, two of the barbette guns on the eastern face, and to a considerable degree crippled one gun on the northern and one on the southwestern face. At about 11 a. in. of Friday the mantlet to the embrasure of gun No.2 was crippled by the lever-arm used in working it breaking from a flaw in the n~on, and for some time this gun was unable to be used. The mantlet was subsequently pried open and the gun renewed its fire. The fire from the mortar at the Point battery was conducted under the supervision of Lient. N. Armstrong, of the Citadel Academy, assisted by Lient. C. R. Holmes, of the Palmetto Guard; and much praise is due to them for the accuracy of their fire. As well as I can judge, thi Page 46 46 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. battery competes with the Trapier battery for the honor of throwing into Fort Sumter the largest number of shells thrown from any post in the harbor. The rifled cannon in this battery was nuder the supervision of Capt. J. P. Thomas, of the Citadel Academy, and its accnracy of aim reflected well upon the skill of Captain Thomas, and was a valuable auxiliary in driving the men from their guns. Tlie two 42-pounders were managed by Licut. T. Sumter Brownfleld, and I cannot speak too highly of their services. Twice on Saturday, 13th instant, I saw the casemate bearing on this post manned, and instructed Lieutenant Browufleld to drive the men awa~A, and in each case the shot striking on the cheeks of the embrasures drove the men away. The venerable Edmund IRuffin, of Yirginia, was at Vhi~ battery during the greater part of the bombardment, and by his enthusiasm and example greatly incited the men. To Maj. P. F. Stevens, of the Citadel Academy, I but do justice in saying that by example, by forethought, by energy, by his skill much of the success from this post was achieved. He is entitled to most honorable mention and to the highest praise. To the companies manning the channel batteries much praise is due for a vigilance which never slept, and through which everything look- ing towards a re-enforcement was guarded against. It was confidently believed by me that the channel batteries were far more likely to be engaged than the batteries bearing on Fort Sumter, and until the bom- bardment commenced I rested upon the troops at these batteries with the firm assurance that they would permit no entrance whatever to the beleaguered fortress, and the patient vigilance and endurance, the more commendable because not being by the fortune of war at the posts of combat on the 12th and 13th instants, when a hostile fleet lay off the harbor and an hourly conflict was expected, cannot be too highly com- mended. To the Wee Kee Riflemen, Capt. J. G. Pressley, Lieut. A. F. Warley, and the detachment of the Wee Nee Riflemen, Lieutenant Keils under him; the Columbia Artillery, Capt. A. J. Green; the German Artillery, Capt. C. Nohrden, and Lieut. Col. Thomas G. Lamar, with the volunteer detachment under him, I desire to pay the highest com- mendation for a vigilance unsleeping and untiring. The gallant bearing of these troops while standing as silent spectators of the bombardment evinces that if it had been their good fortune to have been actively engaged they would have rendered for themselves a faithful account. Without invidious distinction I desire particularly to call to your at- tention the services of the Columbia Artillery, Capt. A. J. Green, which has been on duty unrelieved since 1st January last, and of the German Artillery, Capt. C. Nohrden, which, with but short relief, has been on duty since 27th December last. To Captain Green, as the company longest in service, was given the choice of the batteries, and with char- acteristic gallantry he chose the post which he believed certain of action. The course of circumstances deprived himself and his brother com- manders o[~ the channel batteries from joining in the engagement, while it afforded to their equally gallant but more fortunate brother com- manders of the Point batteries the opportunity of being engaged. All were ready and all were gallant, and I desire to speak thus in justice to all. To the valuable services of Sergeant Hamilton and Privates Bugard, McCaa, Brooks, and Riley, of the Columbia Artillery, ren- dered at the Iron battery in endeavoring to repair the injured mantelet and lever-arm, I ask leave to call attention. I also desire to mention with great commendation the valuable services rendered me by Capt. F. ID. Lee, Corps of Engineers, assigned by you as a part of my staff Page 47 CHAP.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 47 and to whose admirable field works too much praise cannot be awarded; also to Lieut. J. iLtavenel Macbeth, my adjutant, and to Capts. J. Jones and F. L. Childs, assistant commandants of batteries, I desire to call attention for gallantry and cool determination in the extension of orders and for valuable suggestions during the engagement. IIo Capt. P. Ger- vais Robinson, M. D., Lieut. R. F. Michel, M. D., my medical staff and to Drs. F. T. Miles and F. L. Parker, who kindly volunteered their services as surgeons, I am greatly indebted for the thought and, care with which they had prepared for the casualties of battle. They were respectively assigned to the several batteries, and during the entire engagement remained at the posts to which so assigned. No casualties,Jam glad to say, required their presence; but I am not the less indebted to them, and ask that they may be mentioned with the honor to which they are so justly entitled. To Lieut. John Rut- ledge, inspector of ordnance, and to Lieut. L. C. Williams, of the Ord- nance Department, with his valuable sergeants, M. E. Iloqney and E. W. Fuller (the latter of whom was specially detached from the Columbia Artillery), I ask to call your particular attention. To the batteries under my command their services were invaluable,and to them lowe,ina very high degree, the efficiency of their fire. Desiring through you, sir, to express to the commanding general of the Provisional Forces my entire satisfaction with. the soldierly deport- ment and bearing and with the efficient services rendered, as I believe, by the troops under my command, I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, WILMOT G. DE SAUSSURE, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Artillery. Brig. Gen. JAYrEs SnroNs, Commanding ]Jiliorris Island. No. 13. Reports of ]LLaj. P. P. Stevens, commanding Point and Iron batteries. CuJ~DnNGs POINT, MORRIS ISLAND, April 13, 1861. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that yesterday morning, about 4 oclock, a shell having been fired from Fort Johnson, accor(liug to instructions I manned my batteries, and, following Captain Kings bat- tery, opened fire on Fort Sumter from the mortar battery, which was continued unabatedly night and day until the order was to-day given to cease firing. The Iron battery and the 42-pounder batteries opened their fire during all yesterday, and once during last night, when an alarm was given that re-enforcements were endeavoring to enter the fort. At ~i oclock this morning the fire was resumed from the Iron and 42- pounder batteries, in conjunction with the fire of the mortar battery. At about 7.30 a. m. Lieutenant Armstrong, in charge of the mortar battery, reported to me that he had thrown a shell which broke into the roof of Fort Sumter about the southwest angle and exploded therein. He immediately pointed out the spot, from which the smoke of the explosion had not yet ceased to issue. The smoke from this point continued to arise and increase in volume, until about 8 oclock the flame broke out, and soon enveloped the south roof. I immedi- ately ordered my batteries to quicken their fire, and a rapid volley was poured from all my batteries (mortars and heavy guns) for nearly three- quarters of an hour. I think the fire from every battery under m Page 48 48 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. command was most ably directed, and contributed greatly to increase and spread the flames, which soon spread from roof to roof, causing the explosion of shells and hand grenades on the different parapets and greaIly injuring the works. The fire having partly expended its fury, my fire was slackened by your order, and continued very much at the rates prescribed in orders until about 1 oclock, when the flagstaff of Fort Sumter fell, seemingly shot away. The fire was then stopped by order of the commanding general, and not resumed from my batteries, Major Anderson subsequently having surrendered, about 2 p. in. It is impossible for me to particularize the individual officers or men who behaved well during this action; but I think great credit due to the effective fire of guns directed by officers and men, who, with the exception of the officers of the Military Academy, had never until two or three weeks since undertaken to manage artillery. Captain Cuth- bert, of the Palmetto Guard, assisted by Lieutenant Buist, had especial charge of the Iron battery with its three 8-inch columbiads; Lieutenant Armstrong, bf the South Carolina Military Academy, assisted by Licut. IR. Holmes, of the Palmetto Guards, had charge of the three 10-inch mortars of the Point battery; Lieut. T. Sumter Brownfield, of the Guard, had charge of the 42-pounders, and Capt. J. P. Thomas, of the Citadel Academy, had command of the Blakely rifled cannon. For some two hours yesterday a heavy fire was directed against my bat- teries, but with very little effect, and absolutely no loss of life. The Iron battery was struck several times with little damage, the balls glancing and making little impression. Several shot were split, upon striking the same. Early in the day one heavy shot struck the npper end of the shutter of embrasure No. 2. The plates of boiler-iron com- posing the same were considerably bent, or rather indented, by the blow, even splitting the plate through. The shot, however, was completely turned, and no real damage would have been experienced had it not been for a flaw in the lever-arm which maneuvered the shutter. This lever, to sustain a heavy weight as a counterpoise to the shutter, and having a large flaw (not before seen) just in the bend of the arm, was broken by the jar of the blow. The shutter was afterwards propped up, and .the fire of the gun continued with great effect this morning. The sand battery was a most effectual screen for the guns it covered, and is absolutely uninjured by the fire of Fort Sumter. The rifled cannon being but limitedly supplied with ammuiiition could do little, but its few shots were skillfully directed by Captain Thomas. I have the honor, sir, ~to congratulate you upon the share in this great success and victory to which the troops under your command are entitled. Very respectfully, ~. F. STEVENS, Major, Commanding Point and Iron Batteries. Lieutenant-Colonel IDE SAUSsURE, Commanding Battalion Artillery. SUPERINTENDENTS OFFICE, CITADEL ACADEMY, April 18, 1861. MAJOR: Upon my return to this post I found the accompanying let- ter, which had been written to me by Capt. G. B. Cuthbert during my temporary absence from Morris Island.* Sergeant Bissell did not exactly cripple the gun of the left casemate, * Not found Page 49 CHAP. I] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON hARBOR, S. C. 49 as a subsequent examination has proven, but Lieutenant Colonel IDe Saussure stated to me that Captain Seymour had informed him that our fire was so severe against the casemates bearing on my batteries that the men were driven out; and this fact is confirmed by my own observa- tionthat the fire from said casemates ceased about 2 oclock on Friday, and was never renewed, although on Saturday my glass showed me some men in one of the casemates about to fire, as I thought. Immediately I ordered the two 42-pounders and Bissells 64-pounder to fire at the case- mate, and the men within disappeared from sight. Added to the names of Phillips and Campbell as working in the maga- zine, I must mention McLane and Macbeth, working in the shell maga- zine. To my knowledge McLane never left his magazine from the firing of the first shell to the surrender of the fort. The captain is a little in error in attributiw the accident to the shutter of the middle gun iu the Iron battery to the recoil of the gun. In my report to Lieutenant-Colonel De Saussure you will find it correctly attributed to a shot froiu Fort Sumter. I most cheerfully agree with the captain in his praise of the gallant conduct of the men who came for the tools and materials to re- pair the broken lever, but I would not detract from their praise in men- tioning that the heavy weights of the shutter and its counterbalance again deranged the lever-bar, so that during 5atnrday~s engagements it was necessary to prop up the shutter, and fire with it thus open the whole day. The incident alluded to in reference to Mr. Lining, the judge-advocate of the Seventeenth Regiment, was as follows: Mr. Lining was erecting the flag of the Palmetto Guard on the traverse in rear of the Iron bat- tery when the first shot from Fort Sumter passed within a few feet of him. The captain, thinking the position too exposed for the flag, directed it to be transferred to the traverse on the right (at least that is my impression). Certainly Mr. Lining removed the flag, amid the rush and hiss of several balls flying near him, planted it securely on the traverse to the right, and descended amid the plaudits of his comrades. In all respects, save what I have here meuti ned, I fully indorse Captain Cutliberts communication, and am obliged to him for the facts recalled to my memory. There is one somewhat remarkable incident which I beg leave here to record. On Thursday evening our camp was thrown into considera- ble excitement by the report that the demand was to be made for the surrender of the fort, arid when it was reported that a white flag had been sent to Sumter our batteries were all manned, and the men in eager expectation were watching the fort. I was standing on the traverse closing the left flank of the Iron battery. A number of men were around rue. Suddenly the United States flag on Fort Sumter was seen to split in two distinct parts, dividing from the front edge to the back just along the lower extremity of the Union. I remarked to the men around rue, I wonder if that is emblematical l Several re- marked that it appeared ominous. For several moments the flag flew in this condition,when it was hauled down and another flag raised in its stead. Very respectfully, ~. F. STEVENS Major and Superintendent, Gitadet Academy. Maj. ID. IL JONES, Adjutant- General Page 50 50 OPERATIONS JN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. No. 14. Report of Gapt. B. Martin, commanding Mount Pleasant mortar battery. MOUNT PLEASANT MORTAR BATTERY, April 17, 1861. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the inclosed report of practice at battery under my command.* Probably you will see I fired faster than ordered. Captain Fergusou can inform you that Colonel Ripley allowed me to fire faster. The officers and men are in good condition, though much mortified at not being noticed by Major Anderson. After the forty-eighth shot the fort was seen to be on fire, and the excite- ment was so great no account was kept of the shots. I think we fired about ten shells more. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, R. MARTIN, Captain, Commanding Battery. Brig. Gen. P. G. T. BEAUREcARD, C. S. A., Commanding Forces about Charleston, S. C. P. 5.Lient. F. II. Robertson, of the Confederate Army, was of great use to me. He was prompt and energetic in the discharge of his duties, and was fully competent to the part assigned him by your order. I cannot close without mentioning the services of Lieut. George N. Rey- nolds, of the Confederate States Army, who acted as ordnance officer. He showed an intimate acquaintance with his duties, and discharged them well. In fact, all the officers behaved coolly, although under no trial but that of excitement. I am, general, your obedient servant, R. MARTIN. No. 15. Report of Capt. William Butler, commanding mortar battery No. 2, Sulli vans Island. MORTAR BATTERY No. 2, SULLIVANS ISLAND, April 16, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to submit my report upon the service of the mortars under my charge during the bombardment of Fort Sumter on the 12th and 13th instants. On the night of the 11th the gunners were detailed and at their posts, the mortar pointed, and the battery prepared for immediate action. The following morning the signal for hostilities to commence being announced both from Forts Johnson and Moultrie, we opened fire from this battery upon Fo: t Sumter. The prescribed intervals for firing were observed, until varied by verbal orders from the lieutenant-colonel com- manding, directing me to shorten them, when an increased rate of firing was commenced and continued until dark. During the night the rate of firing was reduced to one shell in two to three hours, but was again renewed the next morning at the increased rate of the day before, and continued until about noon, when the signal for surrender was observed and the firing ceased. * Omitted as unimportant Page 51 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 51 The channel battery, though not called into use, was kept manned and ready for action. The fire of the enemy, which was not at any time concentrated in this direction, was apparently pointed for the hannel battery, and did no damage except to some of the adjacent houses, the shot generally passing over us. The officers under my command, Lieutenants iluguenin, Mowry, Blocker, Billings, and Rice, rendered efficient assistance, performing the duties assigned them with zeal and coolness. The men manned the batteries both night and day with alacrity and cheerfulness. I inclose a summary of the firing. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. BUTLER, ADJUTANT, Gaptain, South Carolina Infantry. Fort Jllioultrie. No. 16. Report of fJapt. W. R. ~Jaihoun, commanding Sumter battery, Port Moultrie. FORT MOIJLTRIE, S. C., April 17, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to report concerning the bombardment of Fort Sumter on the 12th and 13th instants by the Sumter battery at Fort Moultrie. The fire was opened at 4.30 by Lieutenants Rhett and Mitchell, from the second detachment of Company B, Battalion of Artillery. Lieu- tenants Wagner, Preston, and Sitgreaves, with the whole of Company A, manned the channel battery, to be ready to open fire in the event of the United States fleet attempting to relieve Fort Snmter, and Lieut. C. W. Parker, with three detachments of Company D, manned the oblique battery. The fire on Fort Sumter was kept up until 6 p. in., with satisfactory results, by detachments from Companies A, B, and ID, arranged in reliefs, as was considered necessary or advisable. At 6 p. m. the fire from the Sumter battery ceased, and was resumed at 7 a. m. on the 13th. The fire continued until the surrender of Fort Sumter under the direc- tion of Lieutenants Wagner, Rhett, Preston, Sitgreaves, Parker, and Mitchell, and Mr. F. ID. Blake, aiding and volunteering as lieutenant. All officers and men discharged their dnties gallantly and efficiently, and in a manner never surpassed under ~imilar circumstances. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. CALHOUN, Captain, t~c. Lient. Col. R. S. RIPLEY, Chief of Artillery. No. 17. Report of Capt. J. IL Hallonquist, commanding mortar and enfilading batteries. FORT S1ZT~TER, April 17, 1861. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the mortar and enflla~IIing batteries which I commanded during the recent bombardment of Fort Sumter: Owing to the fact that during the day I considered my personal atten Page 52 52 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. (CHAP. I. tion due more to the enfilading battery than to the mortars, I was chiefly at the guns of the latter [former], but during the night I saw that your orders relative to rate of firing were carried out. For i detailed account, therefore, of the mortar battery I would refer to the report of Captain Bruns to myself. I would call attention to the zeal and energy dis- played by Captain Bruns, Lieutenants Flemming and Blanding, who worked at the guns during the whole time exposed to the heavy rains which fell on the morning and night of the 12th. I can say no more than that they performed their duties as became South Carolinians. Lieutenant Flemming commanded. Sergeants OGrady and Wheat and Private Harlan, of Company B, were also untiring in the performance of their duty. On the morning of the 12th the enfilading battery opened fire imme- diately after mortar battery No 1. Their rate of firing was at first much more rapid than that established, but the fire was slackened first to four then to six and eight, mintites interval between each gun. My princi- pal object of the fire from this battery was to dismount the guns on the right and left faces of Fort Sumter exposed to an enfilading fire. The battery during the 12th and the morning of the 13th was the recipient of quite a heavy fire from Sumter, chiefly from his 32-pounders in case- mate. One shell from his barbette battery burst over the parapet, but injuring no one. There was more danger from the splinters of the wooden houses near by, which at every discharge were scattered over the men at the guns. At 1O.~ oclock on the 12th I opened a ricochetting fire on the western front of Fort Sumter, as it was supposed that re-en- forcements were passing in. From this battery six hundred shots were firedone hundred and twenty-five to each gun. I would respectfully call your attention to the excellent conduct of all the officers and men of Company K, Infantry Battalion. Lieutenants Valentine and Burnet were always in the right place at the right moment, and assisted me greatly in the management of the battery. For a report by name of the non-commissioned officers and men I would respectfully refer to Lieutenant Valentine, commanding the camp. Charles Farelly, a citizen of Charleston, was untiring and active in the performance of his volunteer duty. I neglected above to refer to the good conduct of Corporal Smith at the mortar battery. lie is reported by Lieutenant Fleinmiug, commanding, as deserving the great- est praise for his general behavior during the bombardment. Respectfully submitted. J. II. HALLONQUIST. R. S. RIPLEY, Colonel. No. 18. Report of Lient. Thomas M. Wagner, commanding channel battery. FORT MOULTRIE, April 18, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the signal for the attack on Fort Sumter on the morning of the 12th instant, at 4~ oclock, the com- pany went to battery, every man present. Thirteen guns on the chan- nel battery were manned; a detachment of siy men were placed in the magazine, nuder Mr. Scanlon, and the hot-shot furnace put nuder Corporal Marshall, with four men. Eight detachments relieved Coin Page 53 CHAP. I.J OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 53 pany B from Sumter battery from 9 oclock to 11 and from 1 to 3 on Friday, and from 12 to the end of the firing On Saturday. Detach- ments from Company A were engaged during both days in supplying the hot shot for the guns. The officers were at Sumter battery during the whole engagement. The conduct of both men and officers nnder me deserves the highest commendation. All behaved so well that it would be invidious to mention names. I beg to ask that the thanks of LAe officers of this command may be tendered to Mr. F. Blake, who volunteered to assist the officers in the arduous duties devolving upon them on account of the smallness of their numbers. The zeal, ability, and gallantry displayed by him deserve the highest commendation. The men who were at the battery during the night of the 12th were exposed to a violent storm, but submitted with cheerfulness to all their hardships. During the whole engagement the channel battery was manned, ready for the fleet. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, THOMAS M. WAGNER, First Lieutenant Company A, Bat. Art., S. C. A. W. R. CALHOUN, Captain Company A, Bat. Art., S. C. A. No. 19. Report of Lieut. Alfred Rhett, commanding detachment ~Jompany B, Bat talion Artillery, South 6arolina Army. FORT SUMTER, April 17, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to draw your attention to the coolness and meritorious conduct of the following non-commissioned officers and privates of Company B, under my command, displayed during the recent bombardment of Fort Sumter: Sergeants Schaffer and Edwards, Corporals Fullum and Pettigru, and Privates McGill and Randall. The whole command, indeed, behaved well. I have the honor to remain, colonel, very respectfully ALFRED RHETT First Lieutenant, Commanding Detachment Company B. Lient. Col. R. S. RIPLEY. No. 20. Report of Licut. Jacob Valentine, commanding enfilading battery. DEAR SIR: According to General Orders No. 20 I send a report of the firing from and against the enfilade battery and the conduct of the officers and men nuder my command. Number of shots fired from battery, 611. The object of our firing was to sweep the crest of the parapet, the roofs of the quarters within Fort Sumter, to dismount the barbette guns, if practicable, and to drive the enemy from the parapet. The latter object was accomplished. At this distance it is impossible to discern accurately the result of the firing. The firing from For Page 54 54 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. Sumter against our battery was heavy, but, I am happy to say, ineffect- ual, and resulted in neither in,jury to the battery or to the men. I take great pleasure in bringing to your notice Lient. B. S. Burnet, who, from the commencement to the last, was steady at his post, giving all necessary orders, and by his ~xample gave double courage to the men under my command. I would also mention First Sergeant P. Cummings, Fourth Corporal C-. Kay; also Privates Tracy, Stewart, Grant, Rawlins, Wheelis, Keen, Cody, Dwyer, and, indeed, the whole company, with but few exceptions, performed their duty to my entire satisfaction. I cannot close my report without favorable mention of a volunteer (Charles Farelly), who in the working of the guns rendered us material service. I am, colonel, your very obedient servant, JACOB VALENTINE, Col. li. ~. RIPLEY. Lieutenant, Commanding Enfilade Battery. No. 21. Reports of Capt. U. B. Cuthbert, Palmetto Guard, AS~outh Carolina Infantry. PALMETTO GUARD ENCAMPMENT, Morris Island, A 17, 1861. DEAR SIR: In the report which I now make I propose to give an account of the most prominent incidents connected with the batteries manned-by the Palmetto Guard, and which transpired during the engage- ment which took place on the 12th and 13th instant. I will also take occasion to mention the names of those who particularly distinguished themselves by their courage and efficiency. In conclusion I shall render you a statement of the number of shells and solid shot fired from the above-mentioned batteries. The mortar battery at Cummings Point opened fire on Fort Sumter in its turn, after the signal shell from Fort Johnson, having been pre- ceded by the mortar batteries on Sullivans Island and the mortar bat- tery of the Marion Artillery. At the dawn of day the Iron battery commenced its work of demo- lition. The first shell from columbiad No. 1, fired by the venerable Edmund Ruffin, of Virginia, burst directly upon the parapet of the south- west angle of the fort. After the first round the Iron battery continued firing at regular intervals of fifteen minutes, in accordance with the orders of General Beauregard. The mortar battery continued during the day in the order prescribed. At 7 oclock a. m. Major Anderson fired his first shot. This was directed at the Iron battery. The ball passed a few feet above the upper bolts of the shed. The enemy continued firing at too great an elevation until the sixtli shot, which fell harmlessly upon the upper portion of the shed, between the embrasures No. 2 and No. 3. At 9 oclock a. m. columbiad No 1 became disabled by the recoil of the piece, which broke the bolts connecting the chains with the epaulement. This damage was repaired, however, after the expiration of an hour. At 10 oclock a. m. columbiad No. 2, being aimed at the 10-inch columbiad bearing upon the Iron battery from the parapet of the southwest angle, was fired with such precision as to dismount the gilm monster. A few minutes after- wards the window of columbiad No. 2 was struck near the center by Page 55 Cn& i~. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 55 42-pounder shot, which shattered the bolts and scattered the fragments between the cannoneers. The proper working of this window, however, was not interfered with by this occurrence, but in a half hour after this columbiad recoiled with such violence as to break the lever-bar by which the window was lifted. This casualty prevented the use of this gun until the following morning, several engineei~s being engaged for the pnrpose of repairing it. After the second shot from the same piece on the following morning the bar became fractured again in the same place, and, until the surrender, columbiad No. 2 was fought with its shutter opened permanently. The fire of the Iron battery was directed during the first day at the guns in barbette and those in the casemates. Major Anderson directed his fire for four consecutive hours, from 7 to 11 oclock a. in., at the Iron battery, striking it seven times. He then pointed his guns at the mortar battery of Cunimings Point, and making no impression upon the unbroken wall of sand he turned his attention to the 42-pound- ers, thrusting at successive intervals their muzzles along the sides of their palmetto embrasures. At 4 oclock p. m. the gunners at Fort Sumter ceased firing towards Morris Island, the batteries pointing in that direction being completely silenced. The rifled cannon did great execution, two of its balls passing entirely through the walls of Fort Sumter. On the morning of the 13th we attempted to breach with our colum- biads by concentrating our fire upon a point to the right of the sally- port, intending thus to effect another object at the same time, viz, by the ricochet of the ball to beat away the traverse of granite, which had been built up for the purpose of protecting the doorway from an enfi- lading fire. We had fired but a few shots when a shell from the mortar battery at Cummings Point fell upon the northwestern portion of the roof of the fort. After the lapse of some minutes we perceived the smoke issuing from that quarter. Soon flames burst upward. From that moment until the flagstaff was shot down seven-second shells were fired rapidly from the Iron battery, aimed in such a manner as to scatter the flame and to increase the fury of The conflagration. I refer you, dear sir, to the marks of shot and shell upon the outer and interior walls of the fort to enable you to form an adequate idea of the accuracy with which the columbiads, the mortars, the rifled cannon, and the 42-pounders of the Cummings Point batteries were aimed and fired. The posts of the officers of the Palmetto Guard were as follows: Captain Cuthbert commanded and directed the fire of the Iron battery; First Lieutenant Holmes, assisted by Lieutenant Armstrong, of the Citadel Academy, commanded the mort r battery; Second Lieutenant Browufleld commanded and directed the fire of the 42-pounders; Cap- tain Thomas, of the Citadel Academy, with a squad of the Palmetto Guard, had cl4arge of tLe rifled cannon; to Major Stevens was assigned the post of superintending the working of all these batteries, and he was so recognized; Lieutenant Buist acted as gunner to No. 3 columbiad during the greater part of the engagement, aiming many of his shots very accurately. Lieutenants Holmes, Browufleld, and Buist behaved throughout the conflict with distinguished courage and gallantry. Major Stevens, Captain Thomas, and Lieutenant Armstrong, by their coolness, bravery, and skill, gave the highest evidence of their long military training. Lieutenant Browufields 42-pounders were fired with great precision, and to his industry and pride in his battery is attributable the fine working comjitiou of his guns. To Mr. Phillips and Mr. Campbell much praise is due for their untiring devotion to their particular department of th Page 56 56 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. magazine stores. In the Iron battery, Orderly Sergeant Bissell aimed many a capital shot at the casemates, and the two Sergeants Webb at the parapet. Bissell crippled the gun of the left casemate, bearing directly upon the Iron battery, and Serg. L. S. Webb dismounted the lOinch columbiad upon the parapet. Second Sergeant Bissell and Mr. Farelly also made some good shots. At the 42-pounders Sergeant Brownfield, Corporals Rhett, Wright, and Dwyer distinguished them- selves as gunners. At the mortar battery Sergeant Gaillard, Corporals Robinson, Zalam, Br and Ithett (lid good service as gunners. Capt. Stephen Elliott, of the Beaufort Artillery, was present during the action on the 12th instant, and aimed several good shots. On the same day when columbiad No. 2 was silenced in consequence of the serious accident referred to above, to repair the damage it became necessary to send forthwith to Charleston to procure the proper mate- rials and implements. Privates Trouche, Craskeys, and Alrains volun- teered to go in an open boat, under heavy fire from Fort Sumter and Fort Johnson. They went, and succeeded ill accomplishing their errand. A sand bag on the first day of the engagement seriously interfered with the working of the window of columbiad No. 1. Private Allison vol- nnteered to extricate the troublesome impediment. While engaged in the performance of this important service a ball from one of the case- mates of Fort Sumter passed directly over him, striking the iron shed. He removed the bag and returned to his post. The 8aflg-froid of Mr. Lining, the judge-advocate of the Seventeenth Regiment, who served as a private during the engagement, has already received ample commendation in the public prints. I can vouch for the truth of the incident, having been an eye witness. (Please incorporate the report of the Courier in relation to the circumstance.) The appointment of the Palmetto Guard to the occupation of Fort Sumter for one night was the highest compliment ever bestowed upon any volunteer corps in the history of our State, aiid that event will always be held by them in grateful remembrance. Upon reaching the stronghold, however, their labors were not yet finished. I wish to take no laurels from the brows of the members of the fire-engine companies of Charleston, but truth requires that 1 should state that, from the moment of their being disbanded withiii the walls of the fort, the Pal- metto Guard worked incessantly at the engines until after midnight. A proper respect for the memory o1~ the dead, as well as the desire to put on record a noble act, induces me recount the following fact: Jmnme- diately before the departure of the Palmetto Guard for Fort Sumter, Sergeant Webb, Corporal Robinson, and Private Mackay placed a neat and appropriate head-piece over the grave of the unfortunate Howe the first victim of the sad explosion which took place while Major Ander- son was engaged in saluting his flag. The performance of this sacred duty did credit to their generous hearts, and proved that Carolina chiv- alry exists only in combination with a spirit of reverence and magnanimity. 1 am proud of the opportunity of stating that all of the members of the company conducted themselves nobly and bravely in the fight. Nor will those whose names have not been mentioned in this report object to the particular honorable notice of their gallant comrades. Statement of ammunition expended upon Fort Sumter from the Iron battery: Shell, 60; solid shot, 183. Ammunition expended from the other batteries of Cummings Point: Mortars, 197 shell 42-ponuders, 333 solid-shot, 3 grape-shot; rifled cannon, 11 shot, 19 shell Page 57 Giw~I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, 5; C. 57 With increased admiration for your own individual courage and effi- ciency oii these two eventfal days, I remain, dear sir, your obedient servant, G. B. CUTIIBEJIT, Captain Palmetto Guard. W. 0-. DE SAUSSURE, Colonel. Commanding Battalion of Artillery. PALMETTO GUARD ENCAMPMENT, Morris Island, April 20, 1861. DEAR SIR: I write to make an addition to the report which you re- ceived yesterday. Please incorporate the following: Private Gourdin Young volunteered to accompany Colonel Wigfall in a small boat when the latter gentleman was instructed to proceed to Fort Sumter on the fall of the United States flag, for the purpose of inquir- ing into the cause of that circumstance and to propose a surrender of the fortification. During the passage from Morris Island, amid an in- cessant fire of shell and grape, he displayed that coolness and deter- mination characteristic of a true South Carolinian. Upon his return he was borne upon the shoulders of his fellow-comrades to the Iron battery. With great respect, I remain yours, very truly, G. B. CUTHBERT. Col. W. 0-. DE SATJSSIJRE. No. 22. Report of Capt. J. Gadsden King, commanding Marion Artillery. Sin: In accordance with your order I beg to report that the Trapier battery on Morris Island, which was manned by the Marion Artillery, under my command, opened fire on Fort Sumter at 4 a. m. of Friday, the 12th instant, and continued firing in its turn, at the rate of one sbell from each mortar, or three from the battery, every thirty-two minutes, until about 2 oclock p. in., when the order was given to slack the fire and to fire at double the intervals, or at an interval of four minutes between each mortar in the harbor, which was obeyed until dark, or 7 oclock, when the firing was reduced to a shell every twenty minutes until 4~ a. m. of Saturday, the 13th instant, when the fire was resumed at the rate of a shell every four minutes until the fort was set on fire by a shell fired from the mortar No. 3 of the battery worked by my command, upon which the fire was quickened by order of Colonel Wig- fall, an aid of General Beauregard, until the fort was in flames, at which time I was ordered to slacken the fire and to fire at the rate of one shell every four minutes as before, until it was seen that the west and south buildings of the fort alone were going to burn, upon which you ordered me to increase my fire and to drop my shell upon the eastern buildings of the fort, in order to set them on fire. This I tried to do, and at the fifth discharge from my mortars the mortar No.2 of my battery dropped a shell through the roof of the eastern quarters, as I had ordered, and so set them on fire, thus burning the quarters. On Friday I twice thought that shells from my battery set the fort on fire, but I am not sure. During the burning of the fort I had the fuse of my shells cut to its full length, so as to allow the shells to fal Page 58 58 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. (CHAP. I. and explode in the interior of the fort. The fire was kept up antil the flag of Fort Sumter was either burned or shot down, when it was stopped by your order. The total number of shell fired by the Marion Artillery was one hun- dred and seventy, of which I feel sure that at least three-fourths either burst on the ramparts or in the fort itself. Where all behaved so well it is impossible to discriminate between any of them, but I deem it my duty to mention the names of my officers, Lients. W. D. II. Kirkwood, J. P. Strohecker, A. M. Huger, and E. L. Parker; Lieutenants Kirkwood and Parker having had immediate charge of the mortars. I also deem it my duty to mention the names of my three gunners, Corporal MeMillan King and Privates J. S. and Robert 1\Iur- dock, who aimed every mortar that was fired from the battery from the beginning of the firing until its close, a period of thirty-four hours, day and night. My thanks are due to the detachment of fifteen men from the Sumter Guards, Capt. John Russell, for services rendered during the last three hours of the bombardment. My warmest thanks and greatest approbation are due to my whole command for the prompt and cheerful manner in which they obeyed every order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. GADSDEN KING, Captain First Artillery, S. C. ill., Commanding JUlarion Artillery. Lient. Col. W. ft D~ SAUSSURE, Commandant of Batteries. No. 23. Report of Ijeut. J. E. ]JlieP. Washington, Battalion of Artillei~y, South clarolina Army. QHARLESTON, April 13, 1861. Fort Johnson.12.45, flagstaff struck; 1.5, United States flag, Union down, with white flag above. Officer seen on southwest angle with white flag, waved repeatedly. A few moments afterwards a sergeant and twelve men recognized on the parapet. One mortar fired from upper battery before the white flag on Sumter was discovered. Going to Fort Sumter. All firing stopped. Respectfully, J. E. McP. WASHINGTON, Second Lieutenant, Battalion of Artillery, South Carolina Army. No. 24. Report of Lient. C. W. Parker, Company D, First Artillery, South Caro. lina Army. Sin: In accordance with orders received from Headquarters South Carolina Army, I have the honor to submit the annexed report of duty performed by the detachment of Company D under my command during the action of the 12th and 13th instants. Hoping that the efficient, arduous, and willing services rendered b Page 59 Cm~r. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 59 the men may merit your approbation, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. PARKER, Second Lieutenant, Company D. Capt. W. R. CALHOUN, Commanding Batteries at Fort ]JiEoultrie. The detachments of Company ID, First Artillery, South Carolina Army, Lieutenant Parker commanding, served at Fort Moaltrie (luring the action of the 12th and 13th instants, as follows, viz: Oblique battery.April 12, from 9 a. m. to 12~ p. m. April 13, from 9 a. m. to 12~ p. m. Sumter battery.April 12, from 3 p. m. to 54 p. m. Number of shot and shell ftred.From oblique battery, 110 solid-shot and 5 shell; from Sumter battery, 40 solid-shot. C. W. PARKER, Second Lieutenant, Commanding Detachment Company D. No. 25. Joint reports of James tJhesnut, Jr., Lient. aol. A. B. Chisoim, Capt. S. D. Lee, and ]tfessrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-dc-camp. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. A., Charleston, S. C., April 11, 1861. SIR: In obedience to the orders of Brigadier-General Beauregard, we left headquarters at 2.20 p. in., charged with a communication from him to Major Anderson, at Fort Sumter, in which we were authorized to demand the evacuation of the fort. We arrived there at 3.45 p. in., under a white flag. Lieutenant Davis, the officer of the day, received ns very politely, and on being informed that we had a message in writing for Major Anderson which we desired to deliver in person to the officer in command of the fort, conducted us into the presence of Major Anderson. We were welcomed by the major with great courtesy, who, aftei~ receiving and reading our communication, left us to consult with his officers. About 4.30 he again joined us, bringing his reply, the contents of which he stated to us, after which, and but a short time before departing, we held a short conversation with him, in the course of which he made the following remarks: Gentlemen, if you do not batter the fort to pieces about us, we shall be starved out in a few days. These words, under the circumstances, seemed to have much significance, and to be of sufficient importance to induce us to report them particularly. We took leave of Major Anderson and the fort at 4.40 p. in., and reached the city at 5.10 p. m. We verbally reported immediately at headquarters the substance of what is written above. All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding. JAMES CHESNUT, JR., Atde-de-Can~p. STEPHEN ID. LEE, C~aptain C. S. Army, Aide-de-Can~p. A. li. CHISOLM, Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de-Camp. lVIaj. ID. R. JONES, Adjutant-General of the Provisional Forces, C. S. A., Charleston, S. 0 Page 60 60 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. ~Cnir. I. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, ~. 0., April 12, 1861. SIR: We have the honor to submit the following report of our move- ments and action: After leaving the brigadier-general commanding last night, at 11 oclock p. in., in obedience to orders we repaired with the second commu- nication to Major Anderson, at Fort Sumter. This communication was based on the telegram from Hon. L. P. Walker, expressing a desire not to injure the fort unnecessarily, and wishing to make another effort to avoid any useless effusion of blood. We reached Fort Sumter at 12.45 a. in., delivered the communication, and received Major Andersons re- ply at 3.15 a. m. He expressed his willingness to evacuate the fort on the 15th instant at noon, if provided with the necessary means of trans- portation, if he should not receive prior to that time contradictory in- structions from his Government or additional supplies, and that he would not in the mean tinie open his fire upon our forces unless com pelled to do so by some hostile act against his fort or the flag of his Gov- ernment by the forces under General Beauregards command, or by any portion of them, or by the perpetratien of some act showing a hostile intention on our part against his fort or the flag it bears. His reply, which was shown to us, plainly indicated that if instructions should be received contrary to his purpose to evacuate or if he should receive sup- plies, or if the Confederate troops should fire on hostile troops of the United States, or upon transports covered by his flag, although contain- ing men, munitions, and supplies intended for him, and designing hos- tile operations against us, he would still feel himself bound- to fire upon us, and at liberty not to evacuate Fort Sumter. These terms being manifestly futile so far as we were concerned, plac- ing us rather at a great disadvantage, and not within the scope of the instructions verbally given us, we promptly refused them and declined to enter into any such arrangements. Under these circumstances, pursu- ing our instructions, we notified him at once in writing that our batter- ies would open fire upon him within an hour from that time, which would be at 4.20. We then proceeded at once to Fort Johnson, which we reached at 4 a. in., and to Capt. George S. James, commanding at that post, gave the order to open fire at the time indicated. His first shell was fired at 4.30 a in., the other batteries generally opening at 4.45 a. nim. We were delayed at Fort Sumter longer than we expected, and we think longer than was necessary to decide upon the communica- tion we received, and so indicated to Major Anderson; but this delay we could not avoid. Immediately upon leaving Foi~t Johnson we reported to General Beauregard, at his office, about daylight. All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the briga- dier-general commanding. JAS. CHESMJT, JR., Aide-de- Oamp. STEPHEN ID. LEE, Captain, C. S. Army, Aide-de-Gamp. Maj. D. R. JONES, Adjutant- General of Provisional Forces, Charleston, S. C. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., April 13, 1861. SIR: In obedience to orders from the commanding general, Beaure- gard, we left the wharf at 11.15 a. in., and proceeded in an open boat t Page 61 CIL4P. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 61 deliver communications to Brigadier-General Simons, commanding on Morris Island, and passing under the batteries of Fort Johnson landed in the rear of Major Stevens battery. Our orders were specifically to ask information as to the condition of the batteries on the island, and any other facts necessary to be communicated from Brigadier-General Simons to the commanding general, and also to establish military communications by land from Morris Island to the city of Charleston. We were moreover instructed to le~irn the condition of Fort Sumter as far as practicable without unnecessary exposure, and if the bombard- ment and conflagration within had forced an evacuation by Major Anderson and his command. At the period of passing Fort Sumter about 12 m. the firing from it had ceased, except occasional shots opposite Fort Moultrie but was kept np with great precision and regularity by the batteries f?roln Fort Johnson, Sullivans Island, and Morris Island. The conflagration of the officers quarters in the fortress appeared to be on the increase, and although the United States flag was still flying when we landed, there appeared no other evidence of the continuation of the contest. After communicating with General Simons and establishing a land communication with the city, it was deemed advisable to send a flag to Fort Sumter and demand its evacuation, as at 1.10 p. m. precisely the United States flag had suddenly disappeared from its walls. While a white flag and the boat which bore us over was being made ready to take us, Colonel Wigfall, who had been detailed for special duties on Morris Island, thinking that no time was to be lost lest the garrison be destroyed, and accompanied by Private Young, of the Pahuetto Guard, and two oarsmen, hastily entered a small skiff and pulled towards the fort with a white flag in his hand. Its size was too small to be distinctly seen by our batteries, and in consequence the discharge of neither shot or shell was discontinued by them, except those on Morris Island. His approach, therefore, to Sumter was one of imminent danger. We saw him after landing disappear into the fort through an embra sure. After the lapse of a short period of time he reappeared upon the pave- ment at the base of the fortification and re-embarked, directing his course to where we stood, at Major Stevenss battery. Meantime the flag that had been erected after the flag-staff was cut away was taken down and a white flag run up in its stead. Before reaching the shore on his return Colonel Wigfall gave evidence that Major Anderson had consented to evacuate, which was soon after confirmed. He was received npon the beach by the troops, who for a moment rushed out to meet him, with strong evidences of admiration. We then took Colonel Wig- fall with us in our boat and eral commanding. , returned to the city to report to the gen- Brigadier-General Simons had no specific intelligence to communi- cate to the general commanding beyond the events narrated; but we take pride and pleasure in reporting the spirit, promptness, and energy which characterized the portion of his command inspected by us. All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the general commanding. JAMES CHESNUT, JR., Aide-de- Camp. A. IR. CIIISOLM, Lieutenant- Golonel and Aide-de- camp. JOHN L. MANNING, Aide-de- Camp. Maj. I). H. JONES, Adjutant- General Provisional Forces Page 62 62 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. ARMY, Charleston, S. C., April 15, 1861. SIR: We have the honor, to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter on the 13th instant for the informatiou of the brigadier-gen- eral commanding: After reporting to the general the execution of the orders with which we were charged for Morris Island, and in cornpany with Colonel Wigfall reporting the surrender of Fort Su~nter, and also its dangerous condi- tion from the fire occasioned by the hot shot from Fort Moultrie, we proceeded, by order of the brigadier-general commanding, immediately to Southern warf, where we embarked on board the steamer Osiris for Fort Sumter, accompanied by the chief of the city fire department, Mr. Nathan, with a fire engine and its company. On our arrival at Fort Sumter we were met by Dr. Crawford, surgeon of the fort, who directed us to avoid the wharf; as it was in danger of blowing up at any moment from its mines. The doctor conducted us into the presence of Major Anderson, on the opposite side of the fort from the wharf, we entering the fort through an embrasure. We found the barracks totally destroyed by fire, occasioned by our shells and hot shot. We stated to Major Ander- son that we had been sent to Fort Sumter by General Beauregard with a fire engine, to offer assistance to extinguish his fire and to render any other assistance he might require, and also Surgeon-General Gibbes, of South Carolina, and assistants were present to administer to any wounded he might have. The major replied that he thanked the general for his kindness, but that his fire was almost burned out, and that he had but one man wounded, and he not seriously. We asked him if the magazine was safe. He replied he thought the lower magazine safe, though it was amid the burning ruins, and that he had thrown about one hundred barrels of powder into the water from the upper magazine during the action, for the safety of his command. VVe again asked him if he did not think it best to use the engine which accompanied us on the steamer, which lay out in the stream. He replied nothat he thought everything had been consumed that would burn. Major Anderson expressed great satisfaction when we told him that we had no casualties on our side, and again asked us to thank General Beauregard for his kindness; and, on leaving, the major accompanied us himself as far as our small boat. We returned to the city and reported the result of our visit to General Beauregard about 7 p. m. All of which is submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding. JAMES CHESNUT, JR., JOHN L. MANNING, Aides-de-Camjp. A. B. CHISOLM, Lientonant- Colonel and Aide-de-Camjp. Maj. B. 11. JONES, Assistant Adjutant-General Provisional Forces, C. S. A. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. A., Charleston, S. C., April 15, 1861. MAJOR: On Friday, April 12, we received orders from General Beauregard to carry dispatches to General IDunovant, commanding on Sullivans Island. We were directed to communicate the purport of the dispatches, which were open, to Captain Martin, in command of the floating battery and the Dahlgren-gun battery; to Captain ilallonquist Page 63 CHAP. I.J OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 63 in command of the enfilade battery and a masked mortar battery near the same spot; and to Colonel Ripley, in command of Fort lVloultrieall of them posts on Sullivans Island. We set out on our mission at 9 oclock a. in. and proceeded in a boat to Monnt Pleasant. After com- municating with Captain Martin we rowed over to and landed on the floating Iron battery. We fonnd Lieutenant Yates actively engaged in returning the fire from Fort Sumter, which was then specially directed against his battery. The latter had been repeatedly hit, but had suc- cessfully resisted all the shot (32-pounders) which had struck it, with the exception of one, which liad passed through the narrow, angular slope just below the roof. After spending some time in this battery we proceeded to the IDahl- gren-gun battery, where Captain Hamilton was commanding in person. Both the floating battery and the IDahlgreu gun were directing their special attention to the dismounting of such of the guns en barbette upon Fort Sumter as the batteries could be brought to bear upon. The fire from both batteries was effective and well sustained. We next visited Captain Hallonquists enfilading battery, which was doing some ad- mirable shooting. After remaining here a short time we proceeded to Captain ilallonquists mortar battery, and from thence to Fort Moultrie. Here we found. ~n active, regular, well-sustained, and well-directed fir- ing going on, which was being most vigorously returned by Fort Sum- ter. The quarters were pretty well riddled, and the furnace for hot shot twice struck, but not materially injured. After carefully watching the firing for some time we visited Captain Butlers mortar battery, where we found General Dunovant and deliv- ered our dispatches. We then returned to Fort Moultrie, and after spending about an hour there proceeded back to the cove, where our boat was awaiting us, aiid touching at the floating battery for a corn- munication for headquarters we rowed over once more to Mount Pleas- ant, for the purpose of delivering a message from Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley (by request) to Captain Martin. We then returned to the city, which we reached about half-past 4 p. in., and immediately reported verbally at headquarters to the brigadier-general commanding. We cannot conclude our report without expressing the extreme pleas- ure and gratification which we felt at the coolness, spirit, skill, and alacrity which we witnessed at all points among the officers and men. Very respectfully, WM. POJICHER MILES, JOHN L. MANNING, Aides to Briqadier Maj. ID. U. JONES, - General Beauregard. Assistant Adjutant- General, Provisional Porce8, C. S. A. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S. A., Charleston, April 15, 1861. Sin: We have the honor to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter on the 13th instaut: Infoimed about 1 oclock that no flag was waving over Fort Sumter, General Beauregard detached us immediately to proceed to the fort and say to Major Anderson that his flag being down and his quarters in flames we were sent to inquire if he needed any assistance. When about half-way from the city to Fort Sumter we observed that the United States flag had been raised again. At once we determined to go back to the city, but had not proceeded far in return when, discover- ing a white flag floating from the ramparts of Sumter, we again direct Page 64 [CHAr. L 64 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. ed our course to the fort. On landing we were conducted to the pres- ence of Major Anderson, whom we informed that iu consequence of the conflagration in the fort we had been sent by General Beauregard to in- quire if he needed any assistance. Major Anderson replied: Present my compliments to General Beauregard, and say t9 him I thank him for his kindness, but need no assistance. Continuing~ the major said: Gentlemen do I understand you have come direct from General Beau- regard a? We replied in the affirmative. ~~Why,~) returned Major Anderson, Colonel Wigfall has just teen here as an aide to an(l by au- thority of General Beauregard, and proposed the same terms 6f evacuia- tion offered on the 11th instant. We informed him we had just left General Beauregard in the city, and had come in obedience to his orders, charged with the message just delivered. The major expressed regret for tlie misunderstanding, and repeated that he had understood Colonel Wigfall to say he was direct from General Beauregard, and as one ot his aides was authorized to propose terms of evacuation. We then in- quired if he would reduce to writing the terms proposed by Colonel Wig- fill. To which the major replied, certainly he would Major Anderson then declared that he would immediately run up his flag; that he re- gretted it had ever been taken down, and that it would not have been lowered if he had not uuderstood Colonel Wigfall to cone directly from General Beauregard to treat. We requested that, under the peculiar circumstances, he would not raise his flag until we could communicate to General Beauregard the terms of evacuation with which he had fur- nished us; he assented to the proposition, and we left the fort. STEPHEN D. LEE, Captain, C. S. Army. ROGER A. PRYOR, WM. PORCIJER MILES, Aides-de- Camp. Maj. D. H. JONES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Provisional Forces, C. S. A. No. 26. Joint reports of Maj. D. P. Jones, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army; and Col. Charles Aliston, Jr., Commander lii. I. lliartstene (C. S. Navy), and Miessrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp. CHARLESTON, April 15, 1861. SIR: We, the undersigned, beg leave to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter, and of our interview with Major Anderson, on Saturday, the 13th instant, in obe4ience to your orders. We arrived at the fort about a quarter to 3 oclock p. in.; were met at the wharf by Captain Seymour, and were at once conducted to the presence of Major Anderson. We informed him that we came from you to say that, on learning the fort was in flames, and his flag down, you had sent Colonels Miles and Pryor and Captain Lee, members of your staff, to offer any assistance in your power, and that as soon as his flag of truce was hoisted you sent us to receive any propositions he might wish to make. Major Anderson said an exceedingly disagreeable and embarrassing mistake had occurred; that his flagstaff had been shot down, but that as soon as it could be done his flag was again hoisted. Just at this time it was reported to him that General Wigfall wa Page 65 CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 65 outside the fort demanding to see the commanding officer. Major Anderson said that he went out and met General Wigfall, who told him that he caine from General Beauregard to demand the surrender of the fort, and urged Major Anderson to haul down his flag and run up a flag of truce; that General Beauregard would give him the same terms offered before the conflict began~ Major Anderson then stated that he was much surprised to learn from Colonels Miles and Pryor and Captain Lee, who had arrived at the fort soon after he had lowered his flag, that although Geneial Wigfall was on the staff of General Beauregard, he had been two days away from him, and was acting on the staff of some general on Morris Island; that as soon as he (Major Anderson) learned this, he told Captain Lee that he would immediately run up his flag and recommence his firing. Major Anderson then read to ns a note which he had sent to you by the hands of Captain Lee, in which he said that he would surrender the fort on the same terms offered by you in your letter to him on the 11th in- stant. On learning this we told him that we were anthorized to offer him those terms, excepting only the clause relating to the salute to the flag, to which Major Anderson replied it would be exceedingly gratify- ing to him, as well as to his command, to be permitted to salute their flag, having so gallantly defended the fort nuder such trying circum- stances, and hoped that General Beauregard would not refuse it, as such a privilege was not unusual. We told him we were not authorized to grant that privilege, and asked him what his answer would be if not permitted to salute his flag. He said he would not urge the point, but would prefer to refer the matter again to you, and requested us to see you again and get your reply. Major Anderson requested us to say to Governor Pickens and your- self that, as an evidence of his desire to save the public property as much as possible, he had three times on Friday and twice on Saturday sent his men up to extinguish the fire under the heavy fire of our batteries, and when the magazines were in imminent danger of being blown up. We then returned to the city and reported to you substantially as above. We have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servants, Ii. R JONES, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHAS. ALLSTON, JR., Bug. Gen. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Colonel and A. D. 0. Commanding Provisional Army. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 14, 1861. GENERAL: In accordance with your order we have the honor to make the following report: On Saturday, April 13, at about 7 oclock p. in., we proceeded to Fort Sumter by your order to arrange finally the conditions of the evacuation. We presented your commumlication to Major Anderson, who, after perusing it, read it aloud to his officers, all of whom, we believe, were present. The niajor expressed himself much gratified with the tenor of the com- munication and the generous terms agreed to by you. We inquired of Major Anderson when he desired to leave. He said as soon as pos- sible, and suggested 9 oclock the next morning. It was arranged that the Catawba or some other steamer should convey the major and his command either directly to New York or T)ut them on board the United States fleet then lying outside the bar, according as one or the other plan might be agreed upon after a conference with the commander of 5R Page 66 [CHAP. I. 66 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTO1~ HARBOR, S. C. the fleet. Major Anderson requested us to take Lieutenant Snyder down to the fleet for the purpose of arranging the matter. This Cap- tain Hartstene undertook to do. We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants, D. R. JONES, Assistant Adjutant- General. WM. POIdJilER MILES, 11. A. PIIYOR, II. J. IIARTSTENE, C. S. N., Aides-de- Camp. Brigadier-General BEAxJREt~ARD, Comdg. Provisional Army, C. S. A. No. 27. Medical report of Surg. Gen. !~. W. Gibbes, South ~iJarolina Army. HEADQUARTERS SURGEON-GENERAL5 DEPARTMENT, Charleston, April 16, 1861. SIR: From the returns received from the various posts I have the un- exampled and happy privilege of stating that no serious casualty has occurred during the vigorous action of thirty-three hours in reducing Fort Sumter. Four trifling contusions are reported at Fort Moultrie, but none at other posts, and it is a subject of equal gratification that even in the management of heavy ordnance by new recruits and un- practiced volunteers no accident to life or limb has occurred. Immediately upon the flag of Fort Sumter being struck I proceeded to that fortress to tender my assistance and hospital at Mount Pleasant to Major Anderson, and received from him the pleasing intelligence that only four cases of slight injuries had resulted to his men. On Sunday a sad casualty occurred in saluting his flag, when the explosion of some loose cartridges beneath a gun struck down seven men. One was instantly killed, and another so seriously wounded that he died soon after reaching my hospital in Charleston; one remaining in the hospital, doing well under the care of Prof. Or. Or. Chisoim, of the medical college of the State, and four were removed with the garrison. The precipita- tion suddenly of several regiments upon me during the past few days, totally without any preparation of their surgeons, has required a large supply of medicines, instruments, hospital stores, & c., but I am happy to say they have received promptly all their requisitions. Respectfully, H. W. GIBBES, M. D., Surgeon-General South Carolina Army. Adjutant-General JONES. No. 28. Report of Commander if. J. lliartstene, C. S. Navy, concerning the trans- portation of Major Anderson and his command from Fort Sumter to the U. ,~. fleet off Charleston Bar. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. A., Charleston, S. C., April 16, 1861. MAJOR: On the afternoon of the 13th instant, shortly after the sur- render of Fort Sumter, I was placed on board the steamer Catawba to convey to the fort, in connection with Major Jones, Captains Miles and Pryor (aides to Brigadier-General Beauregard), to arrange with Majo Page 67 CHAP. 1.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 67 Anderson the means most acceptable to him for his evacuation the fol- lowing day. The major, agreeably to our offer, sent on board of us Lieutenant Snyder to confer with the commander of the fleet off the bar in regard to transportation. I accompanied him out on the morning of the 14th instant, and after a short conference he returned to the fort, where it was arranged that the steamers and all necessary facilities for the removal of the comman(l should be ready at 11 oclock, and that they should be conveyed to the fleet, and have the option either of taking passage in one of their vessels or of going on the one furnished by the Confederacy. At 11 oclock all facilities were at the disposal of Major Anderson, but the work of removal was delayed in consequence of the accidental explosion which killed and wounded five of his command. They were not all embarked until sundown, when it was too late to cross the bar. This, however, was effected early the following morning, and the com- mand shortly afterwards was transferred to the steamer Baltic, one of the transports of the United States. All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the brig- adier-generaL commanding. Respectfully, & c., II. J. IIARTSTENE. Maj. D. R. JONES, Asst. Adjt. Gen. of Provisional Forces, C. S. A., Charleston, S. C. CORRESPONDENCE AND ORDERS RELATING SPECIALLY TO THE OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR FROM OCTOBER 31, 1860, TO APRIL 14, 1861. UNION~ CORT?ESPONDENCE, ETC. ORDNANCE OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, Col. J. L. GARDNER, Washington, November 1, 1860. Commanding Fort Jifoultrie, ~Charleston, S. C.: SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of a letter addressed by me to the Secretary of War, which has been approved by him, and which I sub- mit to you for your views as to the expediency or propriety of placing arms in the hands of hired men for the pnrpose indicated. Should you approve the measure I will thank you to request Military Storekeeper Humphreys to make the issue indicated in said letter, and to report the fact to this office that it may be covered by an order for supplies. Respectfully, & c., H. K. CRAIG, Colonel of Ordnanee. [Thclosure.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D.C., Hon. J. B. FLOYD, October 31, 1860. Secretary of War: SIR: There is at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, now in course of construction, besides a part of its armament, a considerable quantity o Page 68 68 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CuAP. 1. ammunition, & c., and it has been suggested by the Engineer officer in charge of the work that a few small-arms placed in the hands of his workmen for the protection of the Government property there might be a useful precaution. If the measure should, on being communicated, meet with the concurrence of the commanding officer of the troops in the harbor, I recommend that I may be authorized to issue forty mus- kets to the Engineer officer. With much respect, II. K. CRAIG, Colonel of Ordnance. [Indorsement.] WAR DEPARTMENT, October 31, 1860. Approved: J. B. FLOYD, AS~ecretary of War. FORT MOIJLTRIE, S. C., November 5, 1860. Col. II. K. CRAIG, Chi~f of Ordnance, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: Your communication of 1st instant, with its inclosure, in reference to placing forty muskets in the hands of the Engineer officer in charge of Fort Sumter as a precautionary measure proper to this time of excitement, is received. My views are asked on two, or rather three points: 1st. On that which forms the condition of the Secretarys approval of the issue, namely, that I concur in its expediency; 2d. On the propriety of placing the arms in the hands of hired men for the purpose indicated; and, 3d. On the expediency of doing so. To the first I reply that I have already said in effect, on my post return for last month, that while I do not apprehend that any attempt upon the United States works here will receive the countenance of the State or city authority, it is by some thought that a tumultuary force may be incited by the feeling of the time, and invited by the present disordered condition of the works to make such an attempt without it, and that this possibility makes it incumbent on me to provide as far as I may against it, and forty additional musketeers would then be desirable. As to the propriety of the issue I see no objection. The arms need not be delivered to the men selected by the Engineer officer till the occasion should actually obtain. The workmen in charge of the property are bound on principles of common law to defend it against purloiners, to say nothing of the 96th Article of War, applicable to all persons whatsoever receiving pay from the United States. The expediency of the measure is quite another question of less obvious features. There are one hundred and nine men at Fort Sumter, most of them laborers of foreign nativity, of whom it is prudent to be somewhat sus- picious, for I am just informed that on some of them being questioned (as is the wont of the times) on the point of their proclivity in the event of secession, replied to the effect that they were indifferent, and intimated that the largest bribe would determine their action, and the Page 69 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 69 can, you know, discharge themselves of their public obligations at any moment, and thus be free to choose sides. Now, forty muskets in the hands of the faithful among them might control the rest, but certainly not on a ckse push from outside. The Engineer officer can, he says, keep the arms beyond the physical possi- bilitv of being taken from him by the nntrustworthy, and he can cut off all communication peremptorily with citizens. Now, unless soume such precaution be taken, this large body of laborers may, in the possi- ble event in question, unrestrainedly deliver up the post and its con- tents on a bribe or demand. Meanwhile they cannot be removed out- side of that isolated island post, which has not a foot of ground beyond the walls of the fort. In this connection I may add that at this post too (Fort Moultrie) we have about fifty laborers of like description with knowu secession propensities, as they are residents permanently of this quarter. On the point of expediency, then, I am constrained to say that the only proper precautionthat which has no objectionis to fill these two companies with drilled recruits (say fifty men) at once, and send two companies from Old Point Comfort to occupy respectively Fort Sumter and Castle Piuckney. I am, colonel, yours respectfully, JNO. L. GARDNER, BrLvet Colonel, U. S. Army. [Indorsement.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, November 8, 1860. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, with the remark that as the issue of forty muskets, approved by him 31st ultimo, was con- tingent on the approval of Colonel Gardner, it is probable that the issue has not and will not be made without further orders. II. K. CRAIG, Colonel of Ordnance. CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S. C Col. H. K. CRAIQ November 10, 1860. Chief of Ordnance, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: SIR: On the 7th instant I received an order from Colonel Gardner, commanding troops in the harbor, to issue to him all of the fixed ammu- nition for small-arms (percussion caps, primers, & c.) at this arsenal such a step being advisable, in his estimation, for the better protection of the property in view of the excitement now existing in this city and State. Being allowed no discretion in the matter, his order being peremptory, I proceeded to obey it on the afternoon of the 8th. Captain Seymour having come up from Fort Moultrie, with a detachment of men and a schooner, for the purpose of removiug the stores, the shipment of them was interfered with by the owner of the wharf until the city authorities could be notified, and there were but three or four cart-loads on board. I considered it best thin t they should be reconveyed to the magazine until something definite should be determined upon, which was done. Not having heard anything further from Colonel Gardner relative to this matter, I conceive it my duty to report the facts in the case, which I respectfully submit. Very respectfully, I am. s, your most obedient servant, F. C. IIUMPIIREYS, Military Storekeeper Ordnance, (Jommnanding Page 70 70 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CaAP. I. [Indorsements.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, November 13, 1860. Respectfully referred to the Adjutant-General for the information of the Secretary of War, with the remark that I am not aware by what authority Colonel Gardner undertook to give such an order. II. K. CRAIG, Colonel of Ordnance. WASHINGTON, D. C. Nov ember 11, 1860. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General, Washington City: SIR: In compliance with instructions from the Secretary of War of the 6th instant, I inspected the fortifications and troops in Charleston Harbor, and have now the honor to report as follows: FORT MOULTRIE. This post is garrisoned by Companies E and H, First Artillery, and the regimental band is quartered there. State of the command. Field and sta~Bvt. Col. John L. Gardner, lieutenant-colonel First Artillery, commanding; Asst. Surg. Samuel W. Crawford, medical de- partment. Company offlcers.Capt. Miner Knowlton, Company H, absent sick since August 12, 1850; Capt. Abner Doubleday, commanding Company E; Bvt. Capt. Truman Seymour, first lieutenant, commanding Company H; First Lieut. Otis II. Tillinghast, regimental quartermaster, and act- ing adjutant at regimental headquarters, absent since May 29, 1860; First Lieut. Theodore Talbot, Company II; First Lient. Jefferson C. Davis, Company E; Second Lieut. Samuel l3reck, Company E, on duty at the Military Academy since September 13, 1860; Second Lieut. Nor- man J. Hall, Company II, acting assistant quartermaster and acting as- sistant commissary of subsistence since Sept~mnber 1, 1860, and post adju- tant. Enlisted men.Band and staff 9 musicians, 1 hospital steward, 1 ord- nance sergeant absent. Companies E and H, for duty, 36; on extra or daily duty, 13; sick, 4; in arrest or confinement, 11; absent in confinement, 2. Total, 64. Pres- ent at inspection, 30; artillery drill, 21; infai~try drill, 23; comprising all who, in the opinion of the commandinb officer, could with propriety and safety be taken from other duties. The officersLieutenant Talbot in delicate health exceptedare in good health, and capable of enduring the fatigues incident to any duty that may be demanded of them. They are sober, intelligent, and active, and appear acquainted with their general duties, perform them with some exceptions punctually and promptly, and all are anxious to give the commanding officer the aid to which he is entitled. The non-commissioned officers and privates appear intelligent and obedient, but do not move with an alacrity and spirit indicating the ex- istence of a strict discipline. * * * * * * * A portion of the work interior and exterior, is necessarily encumbered by material being used in repairing parapets, beds for guns, and arran Page 71 CHAP. 1.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 71 ing for the defense of the fort. un other respects the police of the post is good. * * * * * * The hospital and storehouses are outside the forts. All are old frame buildings, highly inflammable, and not secured by the presence or watch- ful eye of a sentinel from the acts of evil-disposed persons. An incen- diary could in a few minutes destroy all the supplies and workshops of the command. Lieutenant Hall states that he has some difficulty iii procuring suita- ble flour and pork in Charleston, sometimes having to return the former, while the latter cannot at times be purchased. He has about two months supply of provisions for the present command. * * * * * * * The ungarded state of the fort invites attack, if such design exists, and much (liscretion and prudence are required on the part of the comman- der to restore the proper security without exciting a conimunity prompt to misconstrue actions of authority. I think this can be effected by a proper commander, without checking in the slightest the progress of the engineers in completing the works of defense. Any interference with that labor would probably rouse suspicions and create excitement. All could have been easily arranged several weeks since, when the danger was foreseen by the present commander. Now much delicacy must be practiced. The garrison is weak, and I recommend that a favorable op- portunity be taken to 1111 up the companies with the best-drilled recruits available. * * * * * * The following events, which transpired the day I arrived at Fort Moultrie, I deem proper to report here, as I have orally heretofore, as they relate to an act of unusual importance, tendin gto indicate the inflam- mable and impulsive state of the public mind in Charlestonto a great extent characteristic of the feeling manifested throughout the State and necessity for prudence and judgment on the part of the command- ing officer in all transactions which may bear upon the relations of the Federal Government to the State of South Carolina, and of the Army to our citizens. I regard it especially important to refer to them, as Colo- nel Gardner informed me he should make no report. The military storekeeper has at the arsenal in the city a large num- ber of arms and quantity of ammunition, which, fearing it might fall into improper hands, he desired to secure to the United States, and under counsel from Colonel Gardner he packed them up and held in readiness to be shipped to Fort Moultrie whenever Colonel Gardner should send for them. Availing himself of an approved requisition for paints, lacquers, & c., needed at the post, he sent Captain Seymour to the city for the supply and other articles that the military storekeeper might wish to have stored at the post, and thus secured in case of negro insurrections. The owner of the wharf refused permission to ship them. A crowd collected, and suspecting an attempt on the part of the Govern- ment to smuggle (it being late in the evening, or after dark) arms, ammunition, & c., from the city, to be used against it, or to prevent their use by citizens in case of disturbances, would not permit the property to be carried away. FORT SUMTER. Fort Sumter is not completed, and is now occupied by the Engineers, under the direction of Lieutenant Snyder (Captain Foster being absent) Page 72 72 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. who has employed upon it some hundred and ten men. A portion of the armament is mounted, but for its defense a few regular soldiers, to overawe the workmen and to control them, only would be necessary at present. The lower embrasures are closed, and if the main gate be secured a storming-party would require ladders twenty feet in length to gain admission. No arms are here, and I doubt if they would be serviceable in the hands of workmen, who would take the side of the stronger force present. Unless it sliould become necessary I think it advisable not to occupy this work so long as the mass of engineer work- men are engaged in it. The completion of those parts essential for the accommodation of a company might be hastened. The magazine con- tains thirty-nine thousand four hundred pounds of powder. The num- ber of guns on hand is seventy-eight, consisting of 8 and 10 inch colum- biads, 8-inch sea-coast howitzers. 42 pounder guns, and 32 and 24. pounders, with carriages, shot, shell, implements, & c. CASTLE P1NCKNEY. Castle Pinckney commands Charleston, and its armament is complete. Here the powder belonging to the arsenal in the city is stored. A coni- pany can be accommodated here, while a small force under an officer would secure it against Surl)rise or even a bold attack of such enemies likely to undertake it. It is under the charge of an ordnance sergeant, who keeps everything in as good order as possible. The quarters and magazine require repairs. Under present circumstances I would not recommend its occupation. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. PORTEI~, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S. C., November 12, 1860. Col. II. K. CRAIG, Chi~f of Ordnance, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: SIR: In view of the excitement now existing in this city and State, and the possibility of an insurrectionary movement on the part of the servile population, the governor has tendered, through General Schuierle, of South Carolina Militia, a guard, of a detachment of a lieutenant and twenty men for this post, which has been accepted. Trusting that this course may meet the approval of the Department, I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, F. C. HUMPIIREYS, Military Storekeeper Ordnance, Commanding. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. C., November 12, 1860. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, Care of A. A. G., ffdqrs. Army, New York: SIR: The Secretary of War desires to see you, and directs that you proceed to this city and report to him without unnecessary delay. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant- General Page 73 CHAP. .1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 73 FORT IVIOULTRIE, S. C., November 14, 1860. Col. 11. E. DE PUSSY, Gommanding Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to inform YOU that I arrived here on the morning of the 11th instant. I found that the pintle blocks for the howitzer embrasures at Fort Monitrie had not arrived and that the work was waiting for them. The communications being finished con- necting the interior of the caponieres with the interior of the fort, and no cover for them being prepared as yet, I judged it prudent to con- struct temporary flanking arrangements at once, in consideration of the peculiar state of the public feeling here an(l the wishes of several officers of the garrison, including the commanding officer. These I commenced yesterday morning and completed last night, including the construction of temporary platforms and placing four field pieces in position. These temporary flanking arrangememits occupy the positions that the caponieres are to occupy, one of them having its lines four feet within the walls of the caponiere, so as to give room for the masons to work. This temporary construction can therefore stand until I finish the outside caponiere, which I shall do as soon as possible with- out waiting longer for the pintle stones. I have made these temporary defenses as inexpensive as possible, and they consist simply of a stont board fence, ten feet high, surmounted by strips filled with nail-points, with a dry-brick wall two bricks thick on the inside, raised to the height of a mans head, and pierced with em- brasures and a sufficient number of loopholes. Their immediate construc- tion has satisfied and gratified the commanding officer, Colonel Gardner, and they are, I think, adequate to the present wants of the garrison. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 137. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, New York, November 15, 1860. Major Robert Anderson, First Artillery, will forthwith proceed to Fort Moultrie. and immediately relieve Bvt. Col. John L. Gardner, lieu- tenant-colonel of First Artillery, in command thereof; who, on being relieved, will repair without delay to ~an Antonio, Texas, and report to the commanding officer of the Department of Texas for duty, with that portion of his regiment serving therein. By command of Lieutenant-General Scott: L. THOMAS, Assistant AdjutanL general. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Washington, November 20, 1860. Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: CAPTAIN: Your letter of the 14th, reporting the temporary defensive arrangenments you have had carried out since your arrival at Fort Moultrie on the 11th instant, has been received, and your proceedings are apl)roved. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Captain of Engineers, in charge Page 74 74 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. CHARLESTON ARSENAL, November 20, 1860. Col. II. K. CRAIQ Ordnance Department: SIR: In obedience to the instructions of the War Department I came to this place and have assumed command of the arsenal. The excite- ment concerning this arsen?il which existed here a short time since is very much allayed, and this result is in a great measure due to the pru- dence and discretion of the military storekeeper, Mr. Humphreys, whose conduct on the occasion meets my commendation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. HUGER, Brevet- Colonel, U. S. Army. [Indorsement.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, November 24, 1860. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War for his information. WM. MAYXADIER, Captain of Ordnance. No. 1.] FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., November 23, 1860. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General, U. S. Army: COLONEL: In compliance with verbal instructions from the honorable Secretary of War, I have the honor to report that I have inspected the forts of this harbor. As Major Porter has recently made a report in re- lation to them, I shall confine my remarks mainly to other matters, of great importance, if the Government intends holding them. At Fort Moultrie the Engineer, Captain Foster, is working very energetically on the outer defenses, which will, should nothing unforseen occur to pre- vent, be finished and the gnus mounted in two weeks. There are sev- eral sand hillocks within four hundred yards of onr eastern wall, which offer admirable cover to approaching parties, and would be formidable points for sharpshooters. Two of them command our work. These I shall be compelled to level, at least sufficiently to render our position less insecure than it now is. When the outworks are completed, this fort, with its appropriate war garrison, will be capable of making a very handsome defense. It is so small that we shall have little space for storing our provisions, wood, & c. The garrison now in it is so weak as to invite an attack, which is openly and publicly threatened. We are about sixty, and have a line of rampart of 1,500 feet in length to defend. If beleaguered, as every man of the command must be either engaged or held on the alert, they will be exhausted and worn down in a few days and nights of such service as they would then have to undergo. At Fort Sumter the guns of the lower tier of casemates will be mounted,the Engineer estimates, in about seventeen days. That fort is now ready for the comfortable accommodation of one company, and, in- deed, for the tenmpouary reception of its proper garrison. Captain Foster states that the magazines (4) are done, and in excel- lent condition; that they now contain 40,000 pounds of cannon powder and a fall supply of ammunition for one tier of gumins. This work is the key to the entrance of this harbor; its guns command this work, amid could soon drive out its occupants. It should be garrisoned at once. Castle Pinckney, a small casemated work, perfectly commnanding the city of Charleston, is in excellent condition, with the exception of a fe Page 75 CHAP. 1.j CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 75 repairs, which will require the expenditure of about ~5OO. They are lst, replacing three water casks and the old banquette on the gorge; 2d, repairing one of the cisterns and the old palisading, which, though much rotten, may at a trifling expense be made to answer for the present; 3d, making six shntters for the embrasures and doing some slight work to the main gates. Two mortars and a few other articles belonging to this work were taken to the United States Arsenal in Charleston some months since for repair. They are still there. I shall ask the officer in charge to return them as soon as he can. The magazine is not a very good one; it contains some rifle and musket powder, said to be good, and also some cannon powder reported damaged. The powder belongs to the arsenal. It is, in my opinion, essentially important that this castle should be im- mediately occupied by a garrison, say, of two officers and thirty men. The safrty of our little garrison would be rendered more certain, and OUV fort would be more secure from an attack by such a holdin~ of Castle Pinekucy than it would be from quadrupling our force. The Charles- tonians would not venture to attack this place when they knew that their city was at the mercy of the commander of Castle Pinckney. So impor- tant do I consider the holding of Castle Pinckney by the Government that I recommend, if the troops asked for cannot be sent at once, that I be authorized to place an Engineer detachment, consisting, say, of one officer, two masons, two carpenters, and twenty-six laborers, to make the repairs needed there. They might be sent without any opposition orsaspicion, and would in a short time be sufficiently instructed in the use of the guns in the castle to enable their commander to hold the castle against any force that could be sent against it. If my force was not so very small I would not hesitate to send a detachment at once to garrison that work. Fort Sumter and Castle Piuckney must be garri- soned immediately if the Government determines to keep command of this harbor. I need not say how anxious I amindeed, determined, so far as honor will permitto avoid collision with the citizens of South Carolina. Nothing, however, will be better calculated to prevent bloodshed than our being found in such an attitude that it would be madness and folly to attack us. There is not so much of feverish excitement as there was last week, but that there is a settled determination to leave the Union, and to obtain possession of this work, is apparent to all. Castle Piiickney, being so near the city, and having no one in it but an ord- nance sergeant, they regard as Iready in their possession. The clouds are threatening, and the storm may break upon us at any moment. I do, then, most earnestly entreat that a re-enforcement be immediately sent to this garrison, and that at least two companies be sent at the same time to Fort Sumter and Castle Piuckneyhaif a company, under a judicious commander, su ~flcing, I think, for the latter work. I feel the full responsibility of making the above sugg~stions, because I firmly believe that as soon as the people of South Carolina learn that I have demanded re.enforcements, and that they have been ordered, they will ocrupy Castle Piuckney and attack this fort. It is therefore of vital importance that the troops embarked (say in war steamers) shall be designated for other duty. As we have no men who know anything about preparing ammunition, and our officers will be too much occupied to instruct them, I respectfully request that about half a dozen ordnance men, accustomed to the work of preparing fixed ammunition, be sent here, to be distributed at these forts. Two of my best officers, Captain Seymour and Lieutenant Talbot, are delicate, and will, I fear, not be able to undergo much fatigue Page 76 76 OPERATIOI~S IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. With these three works garrisoned as requested, and with a supply of ordnance stores, for which I shall send requisitions in a few days, I shall feel that, by the blessing of God, there may be a hope that no blood will be shed, and that South Carolina will not attempt to take these forts by force, but will resort to diplomacy to secure them. If we neglect, how- ever, to strengthen ourselves, she will, unless these works are surren- dered on their first demand, most assuredly immediately attack us. I will thank the Department to give me special instructions, as my posi- tion here is rather a politico-military than a military one. I presume, also, that the President ought to take some action in ref- erence to my being a member of the Military Academy Commission, which is to reconvene in the city of Washington in a few days. Unless otherwise specially directed, I shall make future communica- tions through the ordinary channels. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, ~3lommanding. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, November 24, 1860. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Regiment Artillery, U. S. A., Commanding Fort Moultrie, Charleston, S. C.: MAJOR: The Secretary of War desires that you will communicate, with the least delay practicable, the present state of your command, and everything which may relate to the condition of the work under your charge and its capabilities of defense, together with such views as you may have to suggest in respect to the same. He desires to be informed whether, in view of maintaining the troops ready for efficient action and defense, it might not be advisable to employ reliable persons, not connected with the military service, for purposes of fatigue and police. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant-General. Col. R. E. BE RUSSY, CHARLESTON, S. C., November 24, 1860. Commanding Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that, yesterday, at the re- quest of Major Anderson, now in command of Fort Moultrie, I accom- l)anied him on a visit to the other forts in the harbor, viz, Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, for the purpose of examining their condition and capacities for defense. Fort Sumter, having all the arches of the second tier turned, and a commencement made in laying the flagging; the traverse circle of the first tier reset; the flagging inside of the circles, on one face, laid ready for the guns to be mounted; preparations completed for mounting all the guns of this tier as fast as the flagging is laid; th~ floors in one barrack laid; officers quarters Completed; the whole of the barbette tier ready for the armament, presented an excellent appear ance of preparation and strength equal to seventy per cent. of its efficiency when finished. In the opinion of Major Anderson it is ready for, and ought to receive Page 77 CHAP. I. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 77 at least one company, and I understand him to be about to ask for that garrison immediately. We next visited Castle Piuckney, which was found in excellent order, with the exception of some repairs required on the wooden banquette 011 the gorge, first tier, some new casemate embrasure shutters, and the second cistern to be rebuilt. All other parts of the work were in good order, as it had but recently been thoroughly repaired with the above exceptions. Major Anderson is about to urge upon the Department the sending of one company, also, to this fort, which commands the city of Charleston. In that case I think the second cistern should be repaired at once, and also the necessary renewal given to the decayed wooden banquette, over the cisterns on the gorge, and to the casemate shutters. Iii would, there- fore, respectfully ask for the sum of six hundred dollars from the Con- tingencies of fortifications for this purpose. Regarding the shutters asnecessarytoberepairedatonce,lam,inanticipationofyourapproval, having it done at this time. There is another matter in connection with this work which Major Anderson suggested, and which may become important in view of the unsettled state of the public mind here, the temper of which seems not to be improving, and that is, to garrison Castle Piuckney with Engineer employ~s in case the Department does not consider it expedient to send troops for the purpose. At his request I have made an estimate of the cost, as follows: * * * * * * Total for the first month $1,600 The second month will be 1, 050 I consider it proper to give you the above information i you may be fully aware of what is transpiring. n order that Very respectfully, your obedient servant,~ ~ G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. [Indorsement.] Return to Governor Floyd. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, November 28, 1860. U. S. Army, we., Port iilionltrie: MAJOR: Your letter of the 24th instant has been received and sub- mitted to the Secretary of War. it is now under consideration, the result of which will be duly communicated to you. In the mean time authority has been given by the Engineer Bureau to Captain Foster to send to Castle Piuckney the Engineer workmen for purposes of repairs, & c. , as suggested by you, The Secretary desires that any communications you may have to make for the information of the Department be addressed to this office, or to the Secretary himselt Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. COOPER, Adjutant-General Page 78 78 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S.. C. [CHAr. I. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 28, 1860. Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Corps of Engineers, Charleston S. C: CAPTAIN: Your letter of the 24th instant has beeii received, and in reply I have to say that you are authorized to make the repairs which you report as necessary to Castle Piuckney, and that, as recommended in your letter, you are authorized to organize a working force of an offi- cer, four mechanics, and thirty laborers. To meet the expenditures at that work, specified in your estimate, the sum of $1,800 will be furnished you from the appropriation for Contingencies of fortifications. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, 61aptain of Engineers, in charge. No. 2.] FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., November 28, 1860. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. A.: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 24th instant. I presume that my letter of the 23d has been received, and that the Department is now iii possessiou of my views in reference to the measures I deem advisable and necessary for keeping this work and this harbor. Your letter confines my answer to what ref& rs to the work under my charge. I cannot but remark that I think its security from attack would be more greatly increased by throw- ing garrisons into Castle Piuckney and Fort Sumter than by anything that can be done in strengthening the defenses of this work. There are several intelligent and emcient men iii this community, who, by inti- mate intercourse with our Army officers, have become perfectly well acquainted with this fort, its weal~ points, and the best means of attack. There appears to be a romantic desire urging the South Carolinians to have possession of this work, which was so nobly defended by their an- cestors in 1776; and the State, if she determines to act on the aggres- sive, will exert herself to take this work. The accompanying report ex- hibits the present state of my command. I think I can rely upon their doing their duty, but you will see how sadly deficient we are in num- bers, whether to repel a coup de main or to maintain a siege. We fin. ished mounting our guns this morning, and I shall soon commence drill- ing and exercising my men in firing with muskets and cannon. I find that in consequence of sickness, & c., very little military duty has been attended to here for a long time; we shall try, and I hope to succeed in regaining the lost ground. This work, when Captain Foster finishes the ditch, counterscarp, and bastionettes on which he is now at work, and executes the addition of a half battery at the northwest angle of the fort, which I have urged him to commence immediately, will be in good condition. I would have preferred having a ditch (wet), but the captain informs me that he could not make it, in consequence of the quicksand. I will send a requisition in a few days (I am very constant- ly occupied now) for certain ordnance stores. Among them I shall em- brace a couple of Coehorns, say four mountain howitzers and twenty of the heaviest revolvers, with a supply of ammunition. I believe that we have no muskets for firing several charges. I would have been please Page 79 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.---UNION. 79 to get four of them for the half bastion, but if there are none I will re- place them by something else. I would like to get these articles as soon as possible, as I wish to practice onr men with the different arms I may have to use. God forbid, though, that I should do so. Colonel Huger has just left me he came down stating that there was the greatest ex- citement in the city ou account of a rumor that the Adger was bring- ing out four companies. Some of the gentlemen were in favor of taking steamers and going out to intercept the Adger. He has just returned. I told him that I had no intelligence of anything of the kind. In reply to the suggestion of the honorable Secretary about the expe- diency of employing reliable persons not connected with the military service, for purposes of fatigue and police, I must say that I doubt whether such could be obtained here. Tliey would certainly be of great assistance to us. The excitement here is too great. Captain Foster in- forms me that an adjutant of a South Carolina regiment applied to him for his rolls, stating that he wished to enroll the meu for military duty. The captain told him that they had no right to do it, as the men were in the pay of the United States Government. I presume that every able-bodied man in this part of the State, not in the service of the Gen- em-al Government, is now being or has been enrolled. I will thank the Government to give me special instructions in refer- ence to a question which may arise in these cases: What shall I do if the State authorities demand from Captain Foster men who they may aver have been enrolled into the State service ~ Captain Foster will probably send such cases to me; what shall I do with them l I hope that my command will very soon be strengthened, so far at the least as filling up these companies to the legal standard. This would enable me, at all events, to have our proper garrison military duties l)rOP- erly attended to. I am inclined to think that if I had been here before the commence- ment of expenditures on this work, and supposed that this garrison would not be increased, I should have advised its withdrawal, with the exception of a small guard, and its removal to Fort Sumter, which so perfectly commuamids the harbor and this fort. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Iiajor, First Regiment Artillery, Commanding. Field report of command at Fort 3foultric, present this day. Present for duty. Officers. Mien. Commissioned officers *7 Band 8 Non-commissioned staff 2 ~- 66 Non-commissioned officers 17 Privates 39 Sick privates 2)9 Confined privates 7 75 YIInc~usive commanding officers, special service Page 80 80 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. CHALILESTON, S. C., November ~8, 1860. Col. IR. E. DE Russv Commanding Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I wrote you a few days since in relation to certain contin- gencies of defense which might occur before long in this harbor. I only wish to add now that if the War Department decides not to send more sol4iers here, but to avail itself of the Engineer force to guard Forts Sumter and Piuckney, I shall require the assistance of another Engineer officer. For several reasons my personal attention is required at Fort Moultrie just now. I require Mr. Snyder to give his personal attention to Fort Sumter, and such other matters as arise from time to time. In all probability it will soon become necessary to confine his duties more closely to Fort Sumter, and if I have to supply men to Castle Pinckney I shall want another Engineer officer to direct their labors and duties. It is not certain that the emergency requiring the above division of the Engineer duties under my charge will arise, but it is better to be pre- pared, and I would respectfully urge you to grant my request, and, if so, that I may have the services of the officer detailed as soon as pos- sible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, C1orjps of Engineers. CHARLESTON, S. C., November 30, 1860. Col. IR. E. DE RUSSY L1ommanding Co& of Engineers, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: COLONEL:- I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th instant, and to request that the amount desired from the Contingencies of fortifications for the repairs of Castle Pinckney ($1,800), for one month, may be placed to my credit with the assistant treasurer of the United States at Charleston, S. C. I have entered upon the preliminary arrangements for commencing work, and on Monday, the 3d of December, shall place in Castle Piuck- ney the number of men authorized by the Department, with all the nec- essary arrangememits for subsistence, lodging, & c., so that they may not leave the work until they are withdrawn. Major Anderson, at my request, has kindly consented to detail an offi- cer to assist me until an Engineer officer can be sent me for this purpose, for I regard it as necessary that an officer shall be constantly I)resent at this work after the repairs are commenced. Lieut. J. C. Davis is to be detailed, and is to report to me. I trust, however, that this tempo- rary detail will not induce any delay in sending me another officer, as Major Anderson needs the services of all in his command. I shall en- deavor to have the repairs promptly made, and to secure a proper pro- tection to the property of time United States. In doing this it will be indispensable that I have the muen instructed, to a certain extent, in the service of the guns, and also in time manual of arms, if I can arrange with Colonel Huger to have the requisite number of muskets sent from the arsenal. I shall also have Lieut. G. W. Snyder take up his quarters in Fort Sumter, and give like instructions to about fifty picked men, in whom I can place reliance in case of an emergency. I beg you to understand, hoWever, that I do not regard all these arrange- ments as absolutely demanded by anything that now appears, but rather as a safe precaution in view of what may appear any (lay, if anythin Page 81 CHAP. I] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 81 more exciting than usual occurs to stimulate the extremely rash persons among a community afready sufficiently excited upon the subject of their State relations. I think that more troops should have been sent here to guard the forts, and I believe that no serious demonstration on the part of the populace would have met such a course. But, as it is decided not to do this, and to rely instead upon the Engineer employ& ~s for protection ~f the public property, I shall do everything in my power to carry out this purpose. 1 shall, of course, exercise the necessary amount of prudence, and avoid any appearance of arming, as I couceive this to be the wish of the War Department. Very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain Engineers. tThdorsement.] Colonel Cooper says this has been shown to the Secretary of War. DECEMBER 6, 1860. II. G. W. [WRIGHT.] No. 3.] FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., December 1, 1860. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, and regret that I have to report that things look more gloomy than the day at the date of my last communication. Captain Seymour, just returned from the city, reports that the excite- ment there is very great. Col. E. B. White and other gentlemen, with whom he conversed, stated that the people of Charleston would not allow another man or any kind of stores to be landed at or for these forts. They say that anything which indicates a determination on the part of the General Government to act with an unusual degree of vigor in putting these works in a better state of defense will be regarded as an act of aggression, and will, as well as either of the other acts men- tioned above, cause an attack to be made on this fort. Two Charlestonians who were down here to-day remarked to me that as soon as the State seceded she would demand the surrender of the forts, and that if not given up, they would be takeu; but that this would not be done sooner unless some action on the part of the Government proved that it was preparing to hold possession of them. The agent of the boat which brought the 24-pounder howitzer and ammunition is severely censured for having brought them, and the agent of the steamer James Adger was told that any vessel bringing troops here would not be safe in this harbor. Since writing the above I have seen Assistant Surgeon Crawford, who has also been in the city. He says that never until to-day did he believe that our position was critical. One of his friends told him that we would have trouble in less than fifteen days. He thinks that they will first attempt to take Fort Sumter, which they (justly) say will controf this work. Castle Pinckney they regard as theirs already. Mr. King, the intendant of this island, told the doctor that as soon as the act of secession was passed a demand would be made on me to surrender this fort. All these remarks lead to the same conclusiona fixed purpose to have these works. The question for the Government to decideand the sooner it is done the betteris, 6R Page 82 82 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. whether, when South Carolina secedes, these forts are to be surrendered or not. If the former, I must be informed of it, and instructed what course I am to pursue. If the latter be the determination, no time is to be lost iii either sending troops, as already suggested, or vessels of war to this harbor. Either of these courses may cause some of the doubting States to join South Carolina. I shall go steadily on, preparing for the worst, trusting hopefully in the God of Battles to guard and guide me in my course. I think it probable that in the present highly excited state of these people, the sending of the detachment of Engineer laborers to Castle Pinckney may bring on that collision which we are so anxious to avoid. I shall con- sult with Captain Foster on his return to the island, and if convinced that it will lead to that result, will assume the responsibility of suspend- ing the execution of that plan for the present. This fort, in consequence of the unfinished state of our repairs, & c., is not in a condition for inviting an attack. Captain Seymour says that he is satisfied they intend erecting a battery on the upper end of this island, to command the inner channel. I do not know what course to advise. They are making every preparation (drilling nightly, & c.) for the fight which they say must take place, and insist on our not doing anything. We are now certainly too weak to fight. Were we to guard against a surprise, our men, if surrounded by only an undisciplined mob, would soon be worn out by fatigue. I learn from Captain Ord that attempts have been made, by offers of heavy sums, to induce men at Old Point to join a Southern army. I have not heard that any attempts have been made to tamper with our men, who thus far cheerfully perform the arduous and ceaseless duties imposed upon them in consequence of the smallness of the command. I ought, perhaps, to mention, as an indication of the expectation of the citizens of Charleston, that three friends of the ladies of our offi- cers have within a day or two been pressed most urgently to go to the city to stay with them there. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, Fir8t Artillery, Commanding. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, December 1, 1860. Maj. R. ANDERSON: Sm: Your letter of November 28 has been received. The Secretary of War has directed Brevet Colonel Huger to repair to this city, as soon as he can safely leave his post, to return there in a short time. He desires you to see Colonel Huger, and confer with him prior to his departure on the matters which have been confided to each of you. It is believed, from information thought to be reliable, that an attack will not be made on your command, and the Secretary has only to refer to his conversation with you, and to caution you that, should his con- victions unhappily prove untrue, your actions must be such as to be free from the charge of initiating a collision. If attacked, you are, of course, expected to defend the trust committed to you to the best of your ability. The increase of the force under your command, however much to b Page 83 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 83 desired, would, the Secretary thinks, judging from the recent excitement produced on account of an anticipated increase, as mentioned in your letter, but add to that excitement, and might lead to serious results. S. COOPER. No. 4.] FORT MoITLTRJE, S. C., December 2, 1860. (Received A. G. 0., December 5.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I have seen Captaiu Fos- ter, and that he says that lie told several gentlemen in Charleston yes- terday that he intended commencing at once certain repairs at Castle Pinckney. He is satisfied, from the manner in which his remark was received, that no offense will be taken at his putting his workmen in the Castle. I shall, consequently, not interpose any objection to his (loing so. He has applied to me for an officer to take charge tempo- rarily of his workmen nutil an Engineer officer can be sent on, and although I can not very well spare one I shall, in consideration of my regarding that detachment as really acting the part of an advance guard for my command, take the responsibility of assigning Lieutenant Davis to that duty. Captain l~oster thinks that he will finish the small projection at the northwest salient of this work tomorrow, and he will then repoint the walls of this fort (a work very essential) and commence digging a shallow wet ditch at or near the foot of the wail. The presence of quicksand prevents his digging a regular ditch, but he can dig one that will afford such an obstruction as will, with ordinary prec ution, pre- vent onr works being carried by a rush. When he has finished these works I shall feel that, by the blessing of God, even my little command will be enabled to make such a re- sistance that the authorities of South Carolina will, though they may surround, hardly venture to attack us. We expect a full snpply of provisions about the 10th of this month. I trust that such arrange- ments will be made as will secure their delivery, as well as that of the supply of ordnance and ordnance stores recently required. Then, with men merely enough to enable ns to keep up a respectable guard without wearing our men out, I would, in humble reliance on Providence, feel ready for any emergency that could reasonably occur. I am, colonel, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. CHARLESTON S Col. R. E. DE RLT~sy, , . C., December 2 1860 Gommanding Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to request that application may be made to the War Department to have Colonel Huger, Ordnance Corps, issue to me four boxes of muskets (smooth-bores), with percussion caps for sixty rounds. Fifty of these muskets are required for Fort Sumter and fifty for Castle Pinckney. The cartridge boxes and belts are not abso- lutely necessary, but I would like to have an equal number issued if it is convenient to do so. Colonel Huger, whom I consulted upon the subject of the muskets Page 84 84 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. I. said he could not issue them without authority from Washington, not even for the short time that I want them, and I declined at the time to reqnest him to write for this authority; but after consulting with Major Anderson to-day we are both agreed that it is best to write for the requisite authority at once, and I therefore make the above request. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. [Indorsement.] Handed to Adjutant-General, and by him laid before the Secretary of War on the 6th of December. Returned by the Adjutant-General on the 7th. Action deferred for the present. (See Captain Fosters letter of December 4.) No. 5.] FORT MOTILTRIE, S. C., December 3, 1860. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U S 4 COLONEL: Captains Doubleday and Seymour said to-day that when they gave me their opinions a few days ago on the feasibility of secur- ing reliable men here to perform police and fatigue duty they did not think of some discharged soldiers, who they now say could be hired for that purpose. My opinion, as expressed, that I doubted whether any reliable men could be hired here, was has ed upou their opinions and upon my knowledge of the deep interest and excitement of the popu- lace here. I shall be pleased, then, to receive authority and instructions to em- ploy eight or ten men for the purposes suggested. This will give one relief for my guard, garrison, and battery, or interior. Captain Foster has just reported that he left Lieutenant Davis and twenty of the detachment of laborers, designed to make repairs in Castle Pinckney, in that work, with one months supply of provision. Fourteen men will be added to that party to-morrow. The captain spoke of his having placed Lieutenant Davis and the party in the Castle whilst in the city, and he said that there was not the least appearance of excitement about it. Lieutenant Davis has been cautioned to act with the greatest discre- tion and caution. Hoping that everything may go on smoothly here for some time longer at least, and assuring you that I shall do everything in my power to add to the strength of my defenses, I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major of U. S. Army. CHARLESTON, S. C., December 4, 1860. Col. R. E. DE Russ~ Commanding Corps of Engineers: COLONEL: I have been obliged to vary the plan which I indicated in my last letters as the one I intended to follow in order to carry out the wishes of the Department concerning the security of the works under my charge. In consequence of recent developments of the state of feelin Page 85 CHAr. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 85 among my men, I do not now judge it proper to give them any military instruction, or to place arms in their hands; at least this is the case with reference to the men at Fort Sumter. I do not think that any of them will go so far in the defense of public property as to fight an armed body of the citizens of this State. I ascertained this for the first time, to-day, of the men in Fort Sumter, where I had been confident that I could rely in any emergency, at least upon the Baltimore mechanics, about fifty iu number. But the overseer ascertained last night that they were disinclined to use force to resist an attempt to seize the fort on the part of the citizen soldiers of the State, although willing to resist a mob. The men in Castle Pinckney, placed there as I intended, on the 3d instant, being picked men, may prove more reliable. But the feeling here in regard to secession is become so strong that almost all are entirely influenced by it. I therefore judge it best to suspend all idea of arming them at present. I may mention that I exercised as much care as possible in placing this working party in Castle Pinckney, so as not to give cause for apprehension of arming to the citizens. The greatest prudence was exercised, and the best men placed there, under charge of a prudent and reliable officer, Lieutenant Davis. Every precaution is also taken at Fort Sumter, where Lieutenant Snyder has taken up his quarters. Hav- ing done thus much, which is all I can do iu this respect, I feel that I have done my duty, and that if any overt act takes place, no blame can properly attach to me. I regret, however, that sufficient soldiers are not in this harbor to garrison these two works. The Government will soon have to decide the question whether to maintain them or to give them up to South Carolina. If it be decided to maintain them, troops must instantly be sent, and in large numbers. If it be decided to give them up, the present arrangement will answer very well, only I should be ii~forined, in order that I may know how to act. At present I have given orders to Lieutenants Snyder and Davis to resist to the utmost any attempt or any demand on the forts in which they are stationed. The plan of the leaders in this State appears to be, from all that I can see and hear, first, to demand the forts of the General Government, after secession, and then,ifrefused, to take them by force of arms. A quite large party is in favor of not waiting to ask the General Govern- ment, but to summon the immediate commanders, and, if refused, to attack at once. All of this is not, of course, strictly in the line of my profession; still, I judge it proper to write you fully and plainly, so that you may know exactly how we are placed. Here in Fort Moultrie the two companies of the garrison having dwindled to half their proper size, are so weak that Major Anderson demands all the auxiliary defense that I can give him. I am now digging a wet ditch around the work, which, although necessarily shallow from the quicksand, will more than double the difficulty of scaling the walls. The major also requires a fraise to be placed around the coping, but I cannot commence it until I finish the work in hand. I shall to-morrow complete the cut at the northwest angle, which I have enlarged somewhat in the form of a bastionette, by building straight np from the foundation a wall at the angle, extending ten feet froni the angle on each face, and then uniting by oblique returns with the very sloping face of the scarp wall. This gives a very excel- lent position for four or more muskets, to flank the west face of the work. The marginal sketch gives an imperfect idea of it. It is singu- lar that a small cut, as indicated on the map in the Engineer Office Page 86 86 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. was originally built at this angle, but subsequently, and apparently not many years since, destroyed by breaking off the npper part of the side walls, throwing the d~bris into the cut, and covering the parapet over it. I completed to-day the bastionette at the southwest angle, except the embrasures, the stones and some of the irons for which have not yet been received. Before taking down the temporary bastionette at the southeast angle and commencing the permanent one, I shall, for the greater security of the small garrison, run out a woodeu macbicoulis gallery over the angle of the wall, and also complete the pointing of all large crevices in the scarp. The posterns on the east and west curtains have been bricked up at Major Andersons request, as he felt too weak to use them for sorties, and as the doors might be burst in, both the iron and wood work being old and defective. I have been liberal of assistance in increasing the defensive capaci- ties of the fort, for I felt that the necessity required it. I have abont 125 men at work here now, and shall coutinue the same number for two or three days, until I complete the ditch. On Fort Sumter I have about 115, and at Castle Pinckney 30, makiug a total of 260 men em- ployed. The first of the emubrasure stones for Fort Sumter having been received, the embrasures of the second tier will be immediately com- menced. Very respectfully, yours, ~ ~. FOSTER, Gaptain of Engineers. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, December 5, 1860. Hon. JOHN B. FLOYD, Secretary of War: Sin: In answer to your inquiry respecting a rumor or report of the recent landing at Fort Moultrie, S. C., of a large quantity of military stores, such as cannon and boxes of ammunition, I have to state that the rumor or report has no just foundation in fact. The only cannon or ammnnition, excepting a few primers, which have been ordered to Fort Moultrie since September, 1859, were four small flank howitzers ~vith their carriages and implements, and one hundred canisters and twenty- five shells for each. These supplies were furnished on requisition from the Engineer Department of 16th October, 1860, as part of the regular armament of the fort, for the flanking capon~eres, which were just finished and ready to receive them. They were ordered from th Page 87 CHAP. LI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 87 arsenals on the 20th October, 1860, but, being delayed in their issue and shipment, did not reach their destination till recently. iRespectfally, your obedient servant, WM. MAYXADJER,. Captain of Ordnance. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 6, 1860. Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: CAPTAIN: Your letter of the 30th ultimo has been received and laid before the Secretary of War for his information. An additional officer [Lieutenant Meade] as an assistant at Castle Pinckney has been aetailed, as you have been already informed by letter of the 5th instant. Application has been made for a remittance of ~1,8G0 from the Con- tingencies of fortfflcations,~ to be applied to the purposes of Castle Piuckney; but in the preseut low state of the Treasury it may be some time before it can be placed to your credit, though the amount is prom- ised by the Treasury Department with the least practicable delay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. G. WRIGHT, Captain of Engineers, in charge. No. 6.] FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., December 6, 1860. (Received A. G. 0., December 10.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 4th, of your communication of the 1st instant. In compliance therewith I went yesterday to the city of Charleston to confer with Colonel Huger, and I called with him upon the mayor of the city, and upon several other prominent citizens. All seemed determined, as far as thefr influence or power extends, to prevent an attack by a mob on our fort; but all are equally decided in the opinion that the forts must be theirs after secession. I shall, nevertheless, knowing how excitable this community is, con- tinue to keep on the qui vive, and, as far as in my power, steadily pre- pare my command to the uttermost to resist any attack that may be made. As the State will probably declare itself out of the Union in less than two weeks, it seems to me that it would be well to discontinue all engineering work on this fort except such as is necessary to increase its strength. I have not pretended to exercise any control over that (iepartment, and have found Captain Foster generally disposed to accede to the suggestions I have ventured to make~ and the suggestions I now make are not made in any unkind spirit towards him, as he is com- pelled to carry out the instructions of his department, but such as I feel it my duty to make, as being held responsible for the defense of this work. One of the bastionettes is nearly completed, now a waiting the arri~a1 of the piutle blocks, without which the embrasure cannot b Page 88 88 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. made. The foundation has only been laid for the other. I certainly think that it is now too late to begin the construction of the second one, and that it would be better to substitute some other flanking arrange- meut~ which can be finished in a few days. Captain Foster is now sodding the exterior slope of the ditch, and putting it uck on the glacis. It seems to me that that work had better be discontinued, and the planking, & c., removed, as it might be used by an investing or attacking force. In other words, I would now apply our science to devising and placing in front of and on our walls every available means of embarrassing and preventing an enemy scaling onr low walls. Anything that will obstruct his advance will be of great advantage to our weak garrison. Our time is short enough for what we have to do. Should the ord- nance stores I have called for or re-euforcements not arrive, in the event of our being attacked I fear that we shall not distinguish ourselves by holding out many days. I have not yet commenced leveling oft the sand hills which, within on~ hundred and sixty yards to the east, command this fort. Would my doing this be construed into initiating a collision l I would thank you also to inform me under what circumstances I would be justified in setting fire to or destroying the houses which afford daugerous shelter to an enemy, and whether I would be justified in firing upon an armed body which may be seen approaching our works. Captain Foster told me yesterday that he found that the men of his Fort Sumter force, who he thought were perfectly reliable, will not fight if an armed for& ~e approaches that work; and I fear that the same may be anticipated from the Castle Pinckney force. I learn that in consequence of the decayed condition of the carriages at Fort Sumter, the guns have not been mounted there as I reported they were to have been. If that work is not to be garrisoned, the guns certainly ought not to be mounted, as they may be turned upon us. The remark has, I hear, been repeatedly made in the city that if they need heavy guns, they can get them in forty-eight hours. This, I suppose, refers to their being able to bring them from Fort Pulaski, mouth of the Savannah River. Colonel Huger designs, I think, leaviflg Charleston for Washington to-morrow night. He is more hopeful of a settlement of impending difficulties without bloodshed than I am. Hoping in God that he may be right in his opinion I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, December 6, 1860. Maj. R. ANDERSON, U. S. Army, Fort Moultrie, Charleston, S. C.: MAJOR: Your letter of the 3d instant, in relation to police, has been received; is approved by the Secretary of War to the extent you desire. I am, & c., S. COOPER, Adjutant-General Page 89 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 89 No. 7.] FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., December 9, 1860. (iReceived A. G. 0., December 12.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General: [SIn:] I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, and to state that I have directed the A. A. Q. M. to hire men to perform police and fatigue duty at this post, and to send on a special estimate for funds to pay them. I hear that the attention of the South Carolinians appears to be turned more toward Fort Sumter than it was, and it is deemed probable that their first act will be to take possession of that work. The idea of attempting to take this place by a coup de main appears not to be so favorably regarded as it was, and they will perhaps deter- mine to besiege us. To enable them to do this they must procure heavy guns, which they can get (if not from Fort Sumter and Castle Piuckney) from Pnlaski or some other southern fort. Anything that can be done which will cause delay in their attack will give time for deliberation and negotiation, and may, by Gods blessing, save the shedding of blood. I would therefore respectfully suggest whether it might not be advisa- ble and prudent to cause the ammunition, except what may be needed for the defense of this fort and the armament of Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, to be destroyed or rendered unserviceable before they are permitted to fall into their hands. The same may be advisable at those forts from whence supplies might be brought to Charleston. Fort Sumter is a tempting prize, the value of which is veil known to the Charles- tonians, and once in their possession, with its ammunition and arma- ment and walls uninjured and garrisoned properly, it would set our Navy at defiance, compel me to abandon this work, and give them the perfect command of this harbor. Captain Foster having received the pintle stones for his bastionette guns, will now finish the one he has been at work on. Our supply of provisions has not arrived. I hope that it will soon be in. If we do not hear of it in a few days, I shall have to direct the A. A. commis- sary to make some purchases in Charleston. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, Fzrst Artillery, Commanding. FORT MOULTRIE, S C, December 11, 1860. Memorandum of verbal instructions to Major Anderson, First Artillery, commanding at Fort Moultrie, S. C. You are aware of the great anxiety of the Secretary of War that a collision of the troops with the people of this State shall be avoided, and of his studied determination to pursue a course with reference to the military force and forts in this harbor which shall guard against such a collision He has therefore carefully abstained from increasing the force at this point, or taking any measures which might add to the present excited state of the public mind, or which would throw any doubt on the confidence he feels that South Carolina will not attempt, by violence, to obtain possession of the public works or interfere with their occupancy. But as the counsel and acts of rash and impulsive persons may possibly disappoint those expectations of the Government, he deems it proper that you. should be prepared with instructions t Page 90 90 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. meet so unhappy a contingency. He has therefore directed me ver- bally to give you such instructions.* You are carefully to avoid every act which would needlessly tend to provoke aggression; and for that reason you are not, without evident and imminent necessity, to take up any position which could be con- strued into the assumption of a hostile attitude. But you are to hold possession of the forts in this harbor, and if attacked you are to defend yourself to the last extremity. The smallness of your force will not permit you, perhaps, to occupy more thau one of the three forts, but an attack on or attempt to take possession of ally one of them will be regarded as an act of hostility, and you may then put your command into either of them which you may deem most proper to increase its power of resistance. You are also authorized to take similar steps when- ever you have tangible evidence of a design to proceed to a hostile act. D. C. BUELL, Assistant A.ijjutant- General. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 12, 1860. Capt. J. (1. FOSTER, Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: In compliance with request communicated by your letter of the 8th instant, application has been made for $5,000, to be remitted to the assistant treasurer at Charleston, to be held subject to your check, and that amount will be charged to you on account of Fort Sumter. The Secretary of the Treasury is, of course, fully informed as to the amount of funds in each of the Government depositories, and the Be- l)artment cannot, therefore, with proper courtesy to him, urge a remit- tance to you on the ground that there are funds at Charleston while he, with the fullest knowledge of all the facts, and of other public wants, declines to draw on them. A special application in your behalf for $1,800 from Contingencies of fortifications has already been made at the Treasury, without other result than an assurance that that amount would be sent to you if practicable, and nothing more can now be done than issue the usual request for the $5,000 last asked for. Congress, it is hoped, will very soon adopt some means of relief for the present condition of things, and no doubt is entertained that all demands upon the Treasury which are now in suspense will then be met with the least possible delay. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. E. DE RUSSY Lieutenant- Colonel, Engineers, Commanding. FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., December 13, 1860. Col. 11. E. BE EUSSY, Commanding Corps of Engineers, & c.: COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that Lient. 11. K. Meade, Corps of Engineers, reported to me for duty on the 10th instant. I * See also Floyd to Anderson, December 21, 1860, and Holt to Anderson, February 23, 1861, post Page 91 CHAP. Li CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 91 l)laced him in charge of Castle Pinckney the next day, and relieved Lient. J. C. Davis from his temporary duty at that post. The work at the Castle is progressing satisfactorily at present, although I have up to this time beeu delayed on account of one firm in town refusing to sell me, as the agent of the United States, some lumber, which I was expect- ing, and very much needed. I have made arrangements to obtain the requisite quantity of lumber elsewhere, and have transferred the bricks and cement from Fort Sumter. The work ou the cistern is already com- menced, and that on the wooden banquettes will commence to-morrow. In the mean time, while waiting for materials, the force has been em- ployed in perfecting the messing arrangements, putting the fort in thor- ough police order, and oiling and working the gun carriages, so that they now move with perfect facility. The men for this working party were picked, and the majority of them are reliable against the disorderly attack of any mob to possess itself of the work. My confidence in them has increased within a few days. A strict night watch is maintained, and during the daytime a man stands at the gate to prevent interested persons entering and inspect- ing the fort and its arrangements for defense. This latter precaution I have lound to be necessary on account of numbers of men connected with the military, who came for the purpose of obtaining knowledge to use against the defonuers of the fort in case of a collision with the Government. I have given the same instructions to Lieutenant Snyder, at Fort Sumter, with reference to which the above precaution became necessary first. At Fort Sumter everything is going on smoothly, although I have purposely delayed the mounting of the guns, for the reason that I did not consider it safe to proceed with that work until some definite idea was obtained as to whether the work was to be maintained or not. Consequently, only the guns of the left face, which do not bear towards Fort Moultrie directly, are mounted in the first tier, although every preparation is made to mount all the guns in the shortest possible time when it is necessary and safe so to do. I think the temper and disposition of the men at Fort Sumter are very goodbetter than a few days ago. They will defend the foi~t, as far as possible, without arms, against a mob, but not against the organ- ized forces of South Carolina. I have endeavored to strengthen the conservative feeling among the men through the overseer, and have succeeded to a certain extent, and I now consider this fort and Castle Piuckney safe until it comes to the s(,lution of the question whether the Government is to surrender them to the State or to refuse her demands. At that time only United States troops, and in good numbers, will be sufficiem4 to overawe an attempt to take them by force. I hope the Department will not think me too explicit In my terms,for I wish to avoid any unnecessary alarm, but I feel it my duty to state my convictions, in order that it may have full information for its action. I would respectfully, but strongly, urge that more definite instructions be given me for my guidance. If Fort Sumter is to be risked against the chances of an attack, it will be important to vary my programme, and to change the deposit of a large portion of its stores and for the exigency of its loss. If not, I will cheerfully , to provide prepare to defend it to extremity until troops arrive for its garrison. If the garrison in Fort Moultrie is to be transferred, I should know it, in order to stop the heavy expense at Fort Moultrie, which, in that case, will become u Page 92 92 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CnAL. I. necessary, and which is now fast consuming my available funds. I can also, in that case, proceed in the armament of Fort Sumter. At Fort Moultrie I have continued my heavy operations, and have employed one hundred and twenty men. The accessory defenses that I have created and am now perfecting are very important to the defense, and I trust the Department will approve my action. They comprise, besides the works ordered by the Department, the formation of a wet ditch, fifteen feet wide, all around the fort, the depth of which is very small in consequence of the quicksand which is reached, but which is very yielding to pressure, like a quagmire, and, therefore, a good obstacle; the construction of a picket fence all around the fort border- ing the ditch, and protected from fire by a small glacis in front of it; the cutting off the projecting brick cordon, which might serve to aid in scaling the oblique face of the wall; the formation of a bastionette at the northwest angle, so as to obtain a more effective flanking fire than could be obtained by a small cut in the parapet, and the formation of a temporary machicoulis gallery at the southeast angle. All of these auxiliary defenses, except the picket fence, will be com- pleted in four days, and will vastly improve the chances for the defense. With a sufficient war garrison I would consider this fort as secure against any attack that this State can bring against it; but the garrison is a mere handful of sixty men, and can hardly spare five men to two flank- ing caponieresa fact that has influenced me in forming the machicoulis gallery at the southeast angle, as this cau be defended and the wall flanked by two or three men, who can also be ready to rally to any point with the rest of the garrison. In fine, I have spared no pains to give every assistance to the defense. I declined to make a fraise around the coping, for the reason that its effect would be to diminish the width of the wet ditch, since the same length of ladder that would catch on the points and enable the assailar~ts to mount would not otherwise strike the wall more than half the way up. If time spares I shall widen the ditch one or two feet and plant small pickets within it. I have saved all my cement barrels to be used in forming merlons, if necessary, and some of them are now being used by the garrison on the east front, facing the sand hills, to form covers for a few sharpshooters upon the parapet. I hope funds will soon be sent me for the present month. I should think the United States Treasurer could issue his warrant against the deposit in Charleston for what money I require, for the assistant treas- urer, Mr. Pressley, informed me that he had ample funds in hand. I exchanged a draft on New York for gold to-day, in order to pay the men on Fort Sumter. The bank made the exchange at par. Very respectfully and truly, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, December 14, 1860. Major ANDERSON, First Artillery, Gommanding Fort ]Iifoultrie, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: The Secretary of War directs me to give the following answers to certain questions contained in your late letters: If the State authorities demand any of Captain Fosters workme Page 93 Cw& r. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 93 on the ground of their being enrolled into the service of the State, and the subject is referred to you, you will, after fully satisfying your- self that the men are subject to enrollment, and have been properly enrolled under the laws of the United States, and of the State of South Carolina, cause them to be delivered up or suffer them to depart. If deemed essential to the more perfect defense of the work, the level- ing of the sand hills which command the fort would not, under ordinary circumstances, be considered as initiating a collision. But the delicate question of its bearing on the popular mind, in its present excited state, demands the coolest and wisest judgment. The fact of the sand hills being private property, and, as is understood, having private residences built upon them, decides the question in the negative. The houses which might afford dangerous shelter to an enemy, being chiefly frame, could be destroyed by the heavy guns of the fort at any moment, while the fact of their being leveled in anticipation of an attack might betray distrust, and prematurely bring on a collision. Their destruction at the moment of being used as a cover for an enemy would be more fatal to the attacking force than if swept away before their approach. An armed body, approaching for hostile purposes, would, in all prob- ability, either attempt a surprise or send a summons to surrender. In the former case, there can be no doubt as to the course to be pursued. In the latter case, after refusal to surrender and a warning to keep off a further advance by the armed body would be initiating a collision on their part. If no summons be made by them, their purpose should be demanded at the same time that they are warned to keep off, and their failure to answer and further advance would throw the responsibility upon them. I am, & c., S. COOPER, Adjutant- General. FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., Friday, December 14, 1860. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: IDEAR COLONEL: I inclose herewith a slip from the Charleston Mer- cury of 13th instant, mentioning from Washington correspondent Major Bells [Buells] mission to this place. I told the major that it was likely they would get an inkling of it. I merely send this to show you the almost impossibility of keeping anything secret. Nothing here worthy of an official a calm before the storm. Many think no attack will be made on me until after they are in position in Fort Sumter, and that they will drive me out with her guns. It is all conjecture. I shall, of course, prepare here for the worst. All well and in fine spirits. Yours, truly, ROBERT ANDERSON. [Inclosure.l FROM wASHINGTON. WASHINGTON, December 10. Mr. EDITOR: A caucus was held here a few nights since of Senators and Represent- atives from the cotton States. it numbered about twenty-six, and represented the States of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida Page 94 94 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. (CHAP. L and North Carolina, and upon the question of the necessity of the immediate secessufl of South Carolina there was not a dissenting voice. Major Bell [Buell] and several other officers of the Army have heen sent to Fort Moultrie to look after the forts and keep a sharp lookout upon them. They were sent for no good to ns. See that they make no change in the distribution of soldiers, so as to put them all in Fort Sumter. That would be dangerous to us. Yours, CHARLES. CO1~nrITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS, December [18], 1860. Hon. J. B. FLOYD: SIR: You will oblige me very much by furnishing me the information asked for iu the inclosed resolution. I should think myself derelict in my duty to the House and the country if I did not, in the present peril- ous condition of the country, obtain all the information in my power in relation to its military defenses. The House may call on inc any day, as the organ of the Military Committee, for information, and I feel very anxious to be put in possession of reliable information on the subject.* Very respectfully, yours, & c., B. STANTON. [Inelosure.] Resolution adopted by the Co imittee on Military Affairs of the House of Representatives, December 18, 1860. Resolved, That the Secretary of War be requested to furnish the Committee on Mili- tary Affairs of the House of Representatives with a statement of the condition of the defenses at Fort Moultrie, Castle Piuckney, and Fort Sumter, the nu~ her of men, and the quantity and description of ordnance and arms in each; also, the number and description of arms in the Charleston Arsenal, and what officer has charge of the custody and control of said arsenal, and what force he has under his control to enable him to protect and defend it; als , what number and description of arms has been distributed since the ~st day of January, A. D. 1860, and to whom, and at what price, so far as in his judgment may he compatible with the public welfare. A true copy from the journal of the committee. J. J. COOMBS, Clerk. No. 8.] FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., December 18, 1860. (Received A. G. 0., iDecember 21.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, giving answers to questions contained in my letters. In reference to the instruction given me in reply to my question about Captain Fosters men, it would appear that I had not stated the matter with sufficient distinctness. As I understood it, the South Carolina authorities sought to enroll as a part of their army intended to act against the forces of the United States, men who are employed by and in the pay of that Government, and could not, as I conceived, he enrolled by South Carolina under the laws of the United States and of the State of South Carolina. The sand hills reft~rred to are private property, but no houses are built upon them; they are in front of or between houses. I, of course, shall not remove them until convinced that an attack will be made, nor * See De Riissy to Floyd, December 20, 1860; Maynadier to Floyd, December 21, 1860; Holt to Stanton, January 3, 1861, post Page 95 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 95 shall T resort to the extreme measure of burning or destroying houses except on the same assurance, and theu only such as mask positions where batteries may be erected, or such as, in my opiuion, cannot be permitted to remain without endangering my command, which is so small that I cannot afford to spare a man. The sand hills and the houses surrounding the fort will afford safe shelter for sharpshooters, who may, with ordinary good luck, pick off the major part of my little band, if we stand to our guns, in a few hours. We are busily at work erecting traverses, defilading our work, in- creasiug the height of our walls, and securing protection for our men and guns by means of barrels filled with sand. As Captaiu Foster tells me that he reports all his operations to the Engineer Department, I presume that the War Department is fully informed on these matters. As the subject may be referred to by the letter writers and by the Charleston press, it may be proper that I should state that Captain Foster mentioned to me this morning that he had obtained yesterday from the Charleston Arsenal forty muskets for Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, and that they had been brought down without causing any excitement. He said that they were delivered in compliance with an order issued, I think, before my arrival. This evening he showed me a letter from the military storekeeper, which stated that the fact of his having sent off those muskets had produced great excitement in the city, and that he had felt obliged to pledge his word that they should be returned by to-morrow night. He states that Colonel Huger had directed him not to let any arms be removed from the arsenal. I told Captain Foster that my instructions were that I was not to do anything calculated to produce excitement, and that as he had asked my advice I would certainly advise him to return them. He left me stating that he would do so. I have not hear(L whether the ordnance stores asked for are to be sent. I can only say that they are absolutely necessary to enable me to make a respectable attempt at a defense. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Gommanding. FORT MOULmIE, S. C., December 18, 1860. Col. R. E. DE Russy, Gommanding Gorps of Engineers, U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0.: COLONEL: I have the honor to inclose two letters received to-day from F. C. Humphreys, esq., military storekeeper at the Charleston Arsenal. The first accompanied an invoice of forty muskets and accouterments, upon a requisition made by me, and in accordance with an order received some time since. The second was made subsequent to intimations of violent demonstrations, made by General Seinierle (and others, per- haps), if the muskets were not returned. General Selinierle assured Mr. Humphreys that Colonel Huger, Ordnance Corps, U. S. Army, had as- sured the governor of the State that no arms should be removed from the arsenal, and upon this Mr. Huinphreys assured General Schnierle that the muskets should be returned to-morrow. Now, I have no official knowledge (or positive personal evidence, either) that Colonel Huger assured the governor that no arms should b Page 96 96 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. I. removed from the arsenal, nor that, if lie did so, he spoke by authority of the Government; but, on the other hand, 1 do know that an order was given to issue to me forty mnskets; that I actually needed them to protect Government property and the lives of my assistants and the ordnance sergeants under them at Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, and that I have them in my possession. To give them up on a demand of this kind seems to me as an act not expected of me by the Govern- ment, and as almost suicidal nnder the circumstances. It would place the two forts nnder my charge at the mercy of a mob. Neither of the ordnance sergeants at Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney had muskets until I got these, and Lieutenants Snyder and Meade were likewise totally destitute of arms. I propose to refer the matter to Washington, and am to see several gentlemen who are prominent in this matter to-morrow. I am not dis- posed to surrender these arms nnder a threat of this kind, especially when I know that I am only doing my duty to the Government. If the violent persons in the city seize upon this opportunity to excite the mob to acts of violence to the property of the United States, or those having it in charge, it will only be as that which must soon occur, and which they have actually been looking for. I must say ~)lainly that I have for some days arrived at the conclusion that unless some arrangement is shortly made by Congress, afflAirs in this State will arrive at a crisis, and a conflict between the Federal forces and the troops of this State be a not improbable event. I have endeavored to keep you fully informed of my efforts to prepare for it, and of this I will write more fully to-morrow. Yery respectfully, yours, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. [Inclosure No. 1.J CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S. C., December 18, 1860. Capt. J. G. FOSTER, U. S. Engineer Corps, Sullivans Island, S. C.~ DEAR CAPTAIN: The shipment of the forty muskets, & c., has caused intense excitement. General Schuierle called upon me this morning, and assures me that some violent demonstration is certain unless the excitement cau be allayed, and says that Colonel Huger assured the governor that no arms should bc removed from this arsenal. As the order under which I made tim issue to you was dated prior to Colonel Hugers visit here, I am placed in rather a delicate l)ositiOmi. I have pledged my word that they (the forty muskets and accouterments) shall be returned by to-morrow night, and I beg that you will return them to me. I informed General Schuierle that you only desired two muskets, but that I could not issue them without the proper order, but that I had an old order covering the issue of the forty. In view of my pledge that the muskets shall be returned, amid the position which Colonel Huger is placed by the issue, I feel satisfied that you will comply with my request. In haste. Yery truly, yours, F. C. HUMPHREYS, Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U. S. Army Page 97 CHAP. 1.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 97 [Inclosure No. 2.1 FORT MOULTRIE, December 18, 1860. F. C. HUMPUREYS, Esq., Military Storekeeper, Charleston Arsenal: DEAR SIR: I have received your note of this date, begging me to return to the arsenal the forty muskets which I obtained yesterday (iu accordance with an order from the Ordnance Department, issued some time since), because of a threatened violent demonstration on the part of some persons of Charleston. You state that Colonel Huger, of the Ordnance (as General Schuierle asserts to you), assured the governor that no arms should be removed from the arsenal, and that as the above assurance of Colonel Huger was made subsequent to the receipt of the order for the issue of these muskets to me, you have pledged your word that they shall be returned to the arsenal to-morrow. If Colonel Huger made this pledge to the governor of this State, I presume he must have actedbytheauthorityoftheGovernment; butofthislhavenodirect knowledge. All I know is that an order was given to issue forty mus- kets to me, that I actually required them to protect the property of the Government against a mob, and that I have them in my possession. To give them back now, without proper authority, would subject me to blame if any loss should occur which might be prevented by keeping them. I am willing to refer the matter to Washington. I am sorry to be obliged to disappoint you, and will call to assure you so to-morrow at 12 oclock, at which time I shall be happy to meet General Schuierle, if he is disposed to see me. Very truly, yours, J. G. FOSTER Captain of ingineers. FORT MOULTRIE, ~. C., December 19, 1860. Col. H. E. DE HUSSY, Commanding Corps of Engineers, U. AS. Army, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that I had an interview to-day with General Schnierle (general of division in this .yicinity) and several other prominent citizens of Charleston, in relation to the little excitement attending the issue of forty muskets to me at the arsenal on the 17th instant. The main facts connected with this were communicated in my letter of yesterday. The interview to-day was satisfactory to me, as I saw that the action of General Schnierle had arisen from his great desire to allay the tem- porary excitement among some of the citizens. Although I declined to return the muskets until I was directed by the Government so to do, yet I proposed at once to refer the matter to Washington, and accord- ingly telegraphed to Captain Maynadier, Ordnance Corps, to inquire whether the muskets should be returned to the arsenal or not. Up to this time I have received no answer. The reasons for my doing so are these: General Schnierle asserted that Colonel Huger had assured the governor of this State that no arms should be removed from the arsenal, and Captain llumphreys, military storekeeper, felt himself placed in a peculiar position from having acted contrary to the colonels assurance, while on the other hand neither Captain llumphreys or myself had been informed by Colonel Huger that he had. made such assurance; neither had we any positive written testimony of the fact. To solve the ques- 7R Page 98 98 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. tion, the Ordnance Bureau must be appealed to for a decision, an4 I did this immediately, in order to allay, as soon as possible, any irritations that might have arisen. I was actuated in all I did by a sincere desire to remove all cause of irritation, so that if the extremists are disposed for violent measures they must force the issue themselves. I am abating nothing of the activity of preparation in Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter, and in f~ict am increasing it. If the Department becomes aware of any change of policy in regard to this preparation in these forts, or in either of them, I beg that instruc- tions may be given me at once, so that I may vary my operations accord- ingly, for my present expenses are very heavy. In Fort Sumter the mounting of the gnus, laying a flagging of first and second tiers of case- mates, forming embrasures of second tier, and finishing the barracks is progressing regularly, and as fast as separately-organized parties can work. The force will be to-morrow 150 men. Ou Fort Moultrie 137 men are at work. The wet ditch is nearly com- pleted. The foot-bridge connecting the second stories of the barracks and the guard-house, which is arranged for a citadel, is constructed. Doors are being cut through the partition walls of the barracks of the second floor, and trap-doors in the floors, and ladders made. A machi- coulis gallery over the southeast angle is being made of palmetto logs for infantry. All the guns on the east front (facing the sand hills) are being l)laced in embrasure, by raising high and solid merlons, formed of cement barrels lillecI with sand, sods, and green hides. Three high cavalier -like positions are also formed on this front for sharpshooters. The picket fence bordering the ditch is carried more than half around the fort, and is well protected from a destructive fire of cannon by a small glacis in front of it. The flanking howitzers are being mounted in the finished caponiere, and will be tried by firing to- morrow. Nearly all the projecting brick cordon is cut off smooth. All of this work I have done and am doing myself, because it is neces- sary to be done, and the garrison is too weak to undertake any work beside the regular drills. There is another thing which I propose to do, and of which I write to you in season, so that if you disapprove it you can have time to for- bid it. I propose to connect a powerful Daniels battery with the maga- zine at Fort Sumter, by means of wires stretched across nuder water from Fort Sumter to Fort Moultrie, and to blow up Fort Sumter if it is taken by an armed force, and after Lieutenant Snyder and my men have time to escape from it. I propose,also~touse the same battery to fire small mines around Fort Moultrie, and to explode a large mine placed in the sand hills. All of these last preparations may seem to be unnecessary, and I hope they may prove to be so in the end, but there are very strong probabilities that they may be required, and, at any rate, I regard a complete state - of preparations as the snrest safeguard against attack. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTEI~, Gaptain, Engineers. DECEMBER 19, 1860. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSOX, d~c, Charleston, S. C.: I have just telegraphed Captain Foster to return any arms that he may have removedfrom~Charleston Arsenal. J. B. FLOYD Page 99 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 99 No. 9.] FORT MOIJLTRIErS. C., December 20, 1860. (Received A. G. 0., December 24.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-aeneral: COLONEL: I had the honor to receive and to answer, at half past 1 oclock this morning, a telegram from the honorable Secretary of War, dated the 19th instant. Captain Foster has, I presume, reported to the Department his compliance with his order. The ordinance of secession passed the South Carolina Convention to-day. We are making good progress in our defensive works on the ram- parts. Captain Foster finished to-day mounting the guns in the caponiere (or bastionettes), and [will] commence the other caponiere to-morrow. In my letter (No. 6) of December 6, I had the honor of stating my objections to commenchiig that work, and suggested that I thought it ought to be replaced by some work which could be built iu a shorter time. No reply has been made to that suggestion, and Captain Foster says that as the project was approved by the Engineer Depart- ment and l)y the Secretary of War he does not feel authorized to make a change of the plan. I regret this very much, for if an attack is made whilst that work is going on, our fort can be very easily carried. As I have stated before, I do not feel authorized to interfere with the operations of the Engineer Department. Captain Foster informs me that Lieutenant Snyder is mounting guns at Fort Sumter as rapidly as possible. I have already given my reasons why Jthoughtthatoughtnottobedone,andhave seen no reason for changing that opinion. hoping that events may take such a turn as soon to relieve me from the dangerous position my little command is now in, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 20, 1860. Hon. JOHN B. FLOYD, & cretary of War: SiR: In reply to so much of the resolution of the Committee on Mili- tary Affairs of the House of Representatives, * which you have referred to this office, as relates to matters intrusted to this Department, I have the honor to present the following report: In regard to the condition of the defenses at Fort Moultrie, I have to state that, according to the latest report of the Engineer officer having charge of the construction of the defenses of the harbor of Charleston, everything practicable has been done to place the work in an efficient condition, and that with a proper garrison it is susceptible of an ener- getic defense. There were then employed at that work one officer and one hundred and twenty workmen, independent of the regular garrison. Castle Pinckney was in good condition as regards preparation, and, with a proper garrison, as defensible as it can be made. One officer and thirty workmen were engaged in the repair of the cisterns, replac- ing decayed banquettes, and attending to other matters of detaiL See Stanton to Floyd, December 18, 1860, p. 94; and Holt to Stanton, January 3, 1, POSt Page 100 100 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. Fort Sumter, which is entirely surrounded by water, is preparcd for the guns of the first and third tiers, many of which are mounted, and the re:;t may be on short notice. The working force is now engage(l in putting in the embrasures of the second tier, which have been left out till recently on account of an apprehended settlement of the work. One officer and one hundred and fifteen workmen were employed at this work at the date of the last report. Of all the fortifications in the harbor of Charleston, Fort Sumter must be looked upon as by far the most im- portant, and it is now in condition, as regards its state of preparation, to resist any attack that will be made upon it, provided it be furnished ivith a proper garrison. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, li. E. DE IRUSSY, Lieutenant (olonel, Engineers, Commanding. FORT MOULTRIE, SULLIVANS ISLAND, S. C., December 20, 1860. Col. IR. E. DE RUSSY, Commanding Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0.: COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that, after closing my letter to you last night, I received (at 2 a. in.) a telegraphic dispatch from the Secretary of War, of which the following is a copy: I have just received a telegraphic dispatch informing me that you have removed forty muskets from Charleston Arsenal to Fort Moultrie. If you have removcd any arms, return them instantly. Answer by telegraph. JOHN B. FLOYD, Secretary of War. Capt. JOHN G. FOSTER. To this I immediately replied as follows: I received forty muskets from the arsenal on the 17th. I shall return them in obedi- ence to your order. J. G. FOSTER, Hon. J. B. FLOYD, captain, Engineers. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. It may be well here to explain more fully than I have heretofore done the circumstances connected with this issue of muskets to me. The Ord- nance Department on the 1st of November directed that forty muskets should be issued to me. I did not receive them at that time, because Colonel Gardner, commanding at Fort Moultrie, ob.jected to the issue on the ground that it appeared like arming my employPs. On the 17th instant I went to the arsenal to obtain two guns which were required at Fort Sumter, and which Colonel Huger had directed to be delivered to me. While there I recollected that the ordnance sergeants at Fort Sumter and Castle Piuckney had applied to me for the arms to which they were entitled, and I asked the military storekeeper in charge of the arsenal for two muskets and accouterments for those two sergeants. He replied that he had no authority for the issue of two muskets for this purpose, but that the old order for forty muskets was on file, and the muskets and accouterments ready packed for delivery to me. So I re- ceived them, and after issuing the two muskets to the two ordnance sergeants at Fort Sumter and Castle Pinekucy placed the remainder in the magazines of those two forts. They were actually needed to pro- tect the public property. I knew nothing of Colonel lingers assurance Page 101 CHAP. ILl 101 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. to the governor of the State that no arms should be removed from the arsenal; neither did Captain llumphreys, military storekeeper. Con- sequently, I was surprised to receive his letter of the 18th, which I in- closed to you yesterday, desiring to have the muskets returned. My reply was also iuclosed to you. What followed was as is described in the commencement of this letter. To-day at 3 oclock I received another letter from Captain llumph- reys, a copy of which is inclosed, as is also my reply. I should have mentioned above that on the 19th, when in town to see General Schuierle and allay any excitement relative to the muskets, I found to my surprise that there was no excitement except with a very few who had been active in the matter, and the majority of the gentle- men whom I met had not even heard of it. The order of the Secretary of War of last night I must consider as decisive upon the q aestion of any efforts on my part to defend Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney. The defense now can only extend to keep- ing the gates closed and shutters fastened, and must cease when these are forced. I do not think that I am authorized to make the preparations for ex- treme measures described in my letter of yesterday, but shall wait until I receive your reply. I would earnestly, but respectfully, urge that definite instructions be given inc how to act in the emergency which, from the eagerness with which rumors and other causes are seized upon to maintain and increase the political excitement, will probably arise sooner or later. Until I am directed to the contrary, I shall continue the work as at present on Fort Sumter and the preparations for the defense of Fort Moultrie. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. (Inclosure No. 1.] Capt. J. G. FOSTER, CHARLESTON, S. C., December 20, 1860. U. ~. Engineer Corps: DEAR SIR: During an interview with Governor Pickens this morn- ing, he asked me whether or not I could state authoritatively that there had not been twenty enlisted men sent from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sum. ter. I told him that my conviction was that such was not the case, and that I heard you make the statement yesterday to General Schuierle that you had but one enlisted man at Fort Sumter. The governor requested as a favor that such assurance should be given him over the signature of an officer of the Army, and knowing that you requested General Schuierle to write you should any rumor obtain concerning you, I make known Governor Pickens desire to you, and respectfully suggest that you send him immediately (as he said it was important that he had a [denial] of the rumor by night) such com- munication as you may deem best in the premises. I regret exceedingly that you deemed it necessary to refer the matter of the issue of the forty muskets, & c., to Washington, for I know that such representations have gone on to the Department as will cause un- necessary excitement, and insure a censure of my course in the matter from tile Ordnance Department. Very respectfully, yours, F. C. IIUMPIIREYS, Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U. S. Army Page 102 102 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [Inclosure No. 2.1 FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., December 20, 1860. Capt. F. C. IIUMPHREYS, Military Storekeeper, U. S. Ordnance Corps: IDEAR SIR: I have received your letter of this date. I regret that I cannot accede to your request to write to the governor-elect of South Carolina and assure him that twenty enlisted men had not, as he had heard, been sent from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter. As the governor of a State that has by an ordinance to-day decided to secede from the Union, I cannot, Ii conceive, properly communicate with him in matters of this kind, except through the Government at Washington. I regret exceedingly that an unfounded rumor of this kind should have obtained the serious attention of the governor of South Carolina. I, as the officer in charge of Fort Sumter, can assuxe you that no enlisted men have been transferred from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter. With respect to the issue of the muskets, I consider that you only per- formed your duty in obedience to existing orders. I certainly think that I did mine. As to my after action in referring the matter to Washing- ton, I am, of course, the only one responsible. You cannot, therefore, be censured without cause. Truly yours, in haste, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. [Indorsement.] ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, December 24, 1860. Respectfully submitted to the honorable Secretary of War for his in- formation, and with the earnest request that the instructions solicited by Captain Foster may be promptly -given. II. G. WRIGHT, Captain of Engineers, in charge. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, December 20, 1860. Hon. JOHN B. FLOYD Secretary of War: SIR: The inclosed telegram, purporting to be from Capt. J. G. Fos- ter, the Engineer officer in charge of Fort Sumter, reached me last night, and gives the first information to this office that the forty old muskets had been issued to the captain. On the contrary, the previous corre- spondence on the subject indicates that the issue of these muskets has not been and will not be made. On the 31st October last Colonel Craig informed you that the Engineer in charge of Fort Sumter had suggested the placing of a few small-arms in the hands of his workmen for the l)ro- tection of the Government property there, and recommended that it should be done, provided that it met the concurrence of the command- ing officer of the troops in Charleston Harbor. The recommendation was approved, and Col. J. L. Gardner, then commanding at Charleston Harbor, was duly notified thereof and authorized to (lirect the issue if it met his approval, and to report the fact to this office. He answered under date of ~th November, 1860, and (lid not concur in the expediency of the issue. His letter was submitted to you on the 8th November Page 103 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 103 with the remark by the Colonel of Ordnance that it is probable the issue has not and will not be made without further orders. No further orders have been given, and no report or other information on the sub- ject has reached this office except the inclosed telegram. That is so in- definite (except as to the fact that Captain Foster has received the forty old muskets) as to be difficult to understand, and, consequently, to an- swer.* It does not state by whom the little talk about the issue was had, nor who asks Captain Foster to return the muskets. From all the indications I am doubtful about the genuineness of the dispatch. If answered at all I think the best reply will be: If you dont want the muskets, return them. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. MAYKADIER, Captain of Ordnance. [InclosureTelegram.] CHARLESTON, December 19, 1860. Capt. WM. MAYNADIER, Ordnance Department: I received from the arsenal on the 17th the forty old muskets ordered to be issued to me November 1. There is some little talk about it, and I am asked to return them. Shall I return them or keep them ~ J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers, U. S. Army. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 21, 1860. Major ANDERSON, First Artillery, Commanding Fort ]Jfoultrie, S. C.: SIR: In the verbal instructions communicated to you by Major Buell, t you are directed to hold possession of the forts in the harbor of Charles- ton, and, if attacked, to defend yourself to the last extremity. Under these instructions, you might infer that you are required to make a vain and useless sacrifice of your own life and the lives of the men under your command, upon a mere point of honor. This is far from the Presi- dents intentions. You are to exercise a sound military discretion on this subject. It is neither expected nor desired that you should expose your own life or that of your men in a hopeless conflict in defense of these forts. If they are invested or attacked by a fom ce so superior that resistance would, in your judgment, be a useless waste of hP~, it will be your duty to yield to necessity, and make the best terms in your power. This will be the conduct of an honorable, brave, and humane officer, and you will be fully justified in such action. These orders are strictly confidential, and not to be communicated even to the officers under your command, wifAout close necessity4 Very respec fully, JOHN B. FLOYD. Foster to Do Russy, December QO, 1860, p. 100. t See Buells memorandum, December 11, 1860, p. 89. t This letter delivered to Major Auderson December 23, by Capt. John Withers, A. A. G Page 104 104 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, December 21, 1860. Hon. JOHN B. FLOYD, Secretary of War: SIR: All the information called for by the letter of the Hon. B. Stan- ton, chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs of the House of Rep- resentatives, an(l the accompanying resolution of that conimittee, dated the 18th instant, so far as it is within the purview of the Ordnance De- partment, will be found in the inclosed statements, viz: No. 1. Quantity and description of ordnance and arms at each of the forts in Charleston Harbor, viz, at Fort Moultrie, at Castle Piuckney, at Fort Sumter, and at the Charleston Arsenal, with the name and grade of the officer in charge of the arsenal, and the force under his control.* No. 2. Number and description of arms distributed since the 1st of January, 1860, to the States and Teruiitories, and at what price.* No. 3. Arms distributed by sale since 1st January, 1860, to whom sold, and at what price.* It is deemed proper to state, in further explanation of No. 2, that where no distribution appears to have been made to a State or Terri- tory, or the amount of distribution is small, it is because such State or Territory has not called for all the arms due on its quotas, and remains a creditor for dues not distributed, which can be obtained at any time on requisition therefor. The letter of the Hon. B. Stanton, with the accompanying resolution, is returned herewith. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WA. MAYNADJER, Captain of Ordnance. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 21, 1860. Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: CAPTAIN: Your letters of the 4th and 13th instants, reporting the operations you have undertaken for improving the defensible condition of the forts in Charlestou Harbor, have been received, and your action in the matter is ftilly approved by this Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, iR. E. DE IRUSSY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Engineers, 6~ommanding. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 21, 1860. Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: CAPTAIN: In reply to your letter of the 17th instant, I have to state that on inquiry at the Medical Bureau it is found that there is no intention of relieving Assistant Surgeon Crawford from duty at Fort Moultrie at present, but that it is presumed he will still be willing to go on attending to your men, as he is understood to be now doing, with- * See inclosure to Holt to Stanton, January 3, 1861, post. Nos. 2 and 3 not found Page 105 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 105 out any specific instructions. The formal reference of your application to the Adjutant-General is therefore considered unnecessary. Your letter of the 18th instant, inclosing correspondence with Military Storekeeper lluinphreys, in regard to the return of the muskets drawn from the Charleston Arsenal, is also received. It having been ascertained on inquiry at the War iDepartment that instructions have already been sent you to return the muskets referred to, no further action on yonr letter seems to be necessary. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, IL E. BE IIUSSY Lieutenant- Colonel, Engineers, Commanding. No. 10.] FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., December 22, 1860. (Received A. U. 0., December 26.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Captain Foster is apprehensive that the remarks in my letter of the 20th instant may be considered as reflecting upon him, and I told him that I would cheerfu]ly state distinctly that I do not intend to pass any criticism upon his proceedings. I stated in my last letter fully all the reasons I intended to give against commencing the second caponiere. The captain has put a very large force of masons on it, and they are running up the walls very rap- idly. He says, as he has all the material on hand the men completed the first one, will be enabled to the ,havingju~t construct second caponiere as soon as they could finish any temporary work in its stead. He says that he will have the work defensible in five more working days, and have it finished in nine more working days. God knows whether the South Carolinians will defer their attempt to take this work so long as that. I must confess that I think where an officer is placed in as deli- cate a position as the one I occupy that he should have the entire control over all persons connected in any way with the work intrusted to him. Responsibility and power to control ought to go together. I have heard from several sources that last night and the night before a steamer was stationed between this island and Fort Sumter. That the authorities of South Carolina are determined to prevent, if possible, any troops from being placed in that fort, and that they will seize upon that most important work as soon as they think there is reasonable ground for a doubt whether it will be turned over to the State I do not doubt. I think that I could, however, were I to receive instructions so to do, throw my garrison into that work, but I should have to sacrifice the greater part of my stores, as it is now too late to attempt their removal. Once in that work with my garrison I could keep the entrance of their harbor open until they construct works outside of me, which might, I presume, prevent vessels from coming into the outer harbor. We have used nearly all the empty barrels which Captain Foster had wisely saved for embrasures, traverses, & c., and Captain Foster is now making use of our gun-pent houses for the same purpose, filling them with sand. No one can tell what will be done. They may defer action until their commissioners return from Washington; or, if apprised by the nature of the debates in Congress that their demands will not probably be ac- ceded to, they may act without waiting for them. I do not think that we can rely upon any assurances, and wish to God I only had men enough here to man fully my guns. Our men are per Page 106 106 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. fectly conscious of the dangerous position they are placed in, but are in as fine spirits as if they were certain of victory. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Jfajor, First Artillery, Commanding. P. S.J have just heard that several of the men at work iu Fort Sumter wear the blue cockade. If they are bold enough to do that the sooner that force is disbanded the better. The public property would be safer there nnder Lieutenant Snyder and a few men than it now is. R.A. SULLIVANS ISLAND, S. C., December 22, 1860. Col. R. E. DE Russ~ Commanding 6~ops of Engineers, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I feel it my duty to inform you that on the last two nights steamers from town have remained in the close vicinity of Fort Sumter, apparently with the object of maintaining gnard over the fort. On the first night, that of the 20th, only one came. She approached from the direction of town, as though running for the wharf and her movements attracting the attention of the watchman, he awoke Lieutenant Sny- der, who, when he went upon the ramparts, found her close under the west flank, apparently sounding. She afterwards moved off to a second position about six hundred yards from the fort, and remained during the night. She showed no lights. On the same night this or another steamer reconnoitered and remained around Castle Piuckney for some time, and when hailed by the night watch on the Castle as to what she wanted, some one replied, You will know in a week. Last night two steamers kept watch around Fort Sumter. These steamers are the small harbor or coast steamers, and one of them was named the Nina. Judging it best not to incur any risk of an unpleasant occurrence, I have not taken any steps to ascertain the ob- ject of this surveillance, nor of those in command of the steamers. The recent orders emanating from the War Department have given me the assurance that every cause that might irritate these people must be avoided. However mortifying it may be to know that there are no means for defense in Fort Sumter, and that the military men of the city have their eyes fixed upon it as the prize to obtain, I feel bound to carry out this idea in my every act. I do not even feel authorized to vary my present plan of operations, either by a reduction or an increase of force, although my expenses are very heavy, and my present liabilities barely covered by my requisitions just made. Whenever the Department desires that I may make a change of operations, I beg that it may soon be coii imunicated to me. At Fort Moultrie I am still exerting myself to the utmost to make it so defensible as to discourage any attempts to take it. The wet ditch is now completed. The whole of the east front is now raised by solid merlons, two barrels high, and in three positions to a greater height to serve fo~r cavaliers. The guns are provided with good siege-battery em- brasures, faced with green hides, and two of them 18-inch howitzers, one in addition furnished with musket-proof shutters working on an axis, elevated over the throat of the embrasure by supports on each side, and maneuvered by double bars extending back over the gun. A field howitzer has been put in position on the parapet at the north- east salient by means of a palmetto stockade, so as to sweep the vicinit Page 107 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 107 of that angle better than it was before. Traverses to intercept shot from the sand hills have been placed on the parapet and upon the terrepleins. The bridge connecting the barracks and guard-house is completed, the doors arranged with fastenings, doors cut through the partition walls of the barracks, trap-doors cut in the floors, and ladders made. The howit- zers in the finished caponiere are pnt in good working order. The sec- ond caponiere was commenced yesterdiy morning, with a full force of masons, and by to-night was over six feet in height, with both embra- sures completed. Major Anderson wanted me to adopt some more tem- porary constrnction, but I showed him that this would be far more val- nable in the defense, and having the materials and masons ready, I could construct it just as quickly and cheaply. On Monday I shall erect a lookout tower or sharpshooter stand on top of the guard-house, at Major Andersons request. I have stopped for the present the work upon the glacis in front of the sea front, and pnt all my force upon the above works. The glacis has, however, assumed fine proportions, and is in fact nearly completed. One-half of the interior slope is well sodded, and half of the glacis slope covered with mnck six inches thick. It will take very little work to complete the whole of it as soon as the present pressing work is finished. Very truly, yours, J. U. FOSTER, Gaptain, Engineers. [Indorsemeut No. 1.] ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, December 24, 1860. Respectfully submitted -to the honorable Secretary of War for his in- formation, and with the earnest request that the instructions solicited by Captain Foster may be promptly given. H. U. WRIGHT, Captain of Engineers, in charge. [Indorsement No. 2.] ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, December 26, 1860. Respectftilly referred to the honorable Secretary of War, and his at- tention urgently called to the within report as one of great importance. H. G. WRIGHT, Captain of Engineers, in charge. [Indorsement No. 3.] ENGINEER OFFICE, December 26, 1860.. Have just seen the Secretary of War, and read to him the within let- ter. His only remarks in regard to it were that it was very satisfactory, and that he hoped or thought, I dont distinctly reniember which, that we should get over these troubles without bloodshed. He further said he did not wish to retain the letterthis in answer to my question. H.G.W. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 24, 1860. Capt. J. U. FOSTER, Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: In reply to your letter of the 20th instant* I have to say that on application at the Treasury it is ascertained that no remittance can 5Askiug for $10,000 on account of Fort Sumter Page 108 108 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. JCHAF. If. be made to your credit until after the 28th instant, and that soon after that date all requisitions upon the Treasury will be promptly met as heretofore. This office will omit no effort to supply you with funds at the earliest possible moment, and as soon as it is ascertained that funds can be sup- plied you will be promptly informed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. G. WRIGHT, Captain of Engineers, in charge. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Washington, December 27, 1860. Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: CAPTAIN: I have to acknowledge the receipt of the following letters from you, viz: 1. Letter of December 20, reporting in regard to the receipt of forty muskets, & c., for Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, and their return to the arsenal by dircction of the Secretary of War. 2. Letter of December 22, reporting that steamers from Charleston had been engaged for the last two nights in reconnoitering and watch- ing Fort Sui ter and Castle Piuckney, and also detailing the progress of your ol)erations at Fort Moultrie toward putting that work in a defensi- ble condition. 3. Your letter of the 19th December, not before acknowledged, pre- senting for the consideration of the Government a proposition for pre- venting the occupation of Fort Sumter by any force not acting under the authority of the United States. These several letters have been laid before the Secretary of War, and his instructions in relation to the important matters presented therein earnestly requested. Thus far no such instructions have been received, though the Secretary expressed himself fully satisfied with the efforts von have made and the zeal you have exhibited iii the trying position in which you are placed. This Department is highly gratified with the course you have pursued, and fully approves all the steps you have taken for the security of the public interests at the fortifications in Charleston Harbor. At the same time it cannot fail to express the hope that some definite instructions may be soon given for your guidance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. G. WRIGHT, Gaptain Engineers, in charge. FORT SUMTER, S. C., December 27, 1860. Col. B. E. DE Russy, 6~onimanding Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, Washington, D. 6 COLONEL: I have the honor to report that yesterday evening Major Anderson removed his command from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, leaving a guard with me, with orders to spike the guns, cut down the flagstaff, and burn the carriages of those guns that point towards Fort Sumter. This was done. To-day I went to town to negotiate a draft on New York to pay off the men employed on Fort Moultrie. I sa Page 109 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 109 that an attack was to be made somewhere to-night, and also that it would not be safe for me to go to town again for some time. Returning, I brought my family to Fort Sumter, as all guard was with- drawn. At abont 4 oclock a steamer landed an armed force at Castle Pinckney, and effecting an entrance by scaling the walls with ladders, took forcible possession of the work. Lientenaut Meade was suffered to withdraw to this fort. Soon after dark two steamers landed an armed force at Fort Moultrie, and took forcible possession of that work. While in town the Palmetto flag was hoisted on the custom-house and saluted. Two companies were ordered to surround the arsenal. The movement of Major Anderson was made upon a firm conviction that an attack would be made, and that Fort Sumter would be seized first. In haste. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. [Indorsement.] DECEMBER 31, 1860. Read the within to Lientenant-General Scott this morning. II. G. W. WA5HINc4ON, December 28, 1860. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: SIR: We have the honor to transmit to you a copy of the full powers from the Convention of the People of South Carolina, nnder which we are authorized and empowered to treat xvith the Government of the United States for the delivery of the forts, magazines, lighthouses, and other real estate, with their appurtenances, within the limits of South Carolina; and also for an apportionment of the public debt and a di- vision of all other property held by the Government of the United States as agent of the confederated States, of which South Carolina was recently a member; and, generally, to negotiate as to all other meas- ures and arrangements proper to be made and adopted in the existing relations of the parties, and for the continuance of peace and amity be- tween this Commonwealth and the Government at Washington.~~ In the execution of this trust it is our duty to furnish you, as we now do, with an official copy of the ordinance of secession, by which the State of South Carolina has resumed the powers she delegated to the Government of the United States, and has declared her perfect sover- eignty and independence. It would also have been our duty to have informed you that we were ready to negotiate with you upon all such questions as are necessarily raised by the adoption of this ordinance, and that we were prepared to enter upon this negotiation with the earnest desire to avoid all unneces- sary and hostile collision, and so to inaugurate our new relations as to secure mutual respect, general advantage, and a future of good will and harmony, beneficial to all the parties concerned. But the events of the last twenty-four hours render such an assurance impossible. We came here, the representatives of an authority which could at any time within the past sixty days have taken possession of the forts in Charleston Harbor, but which, upon pledges given in a manner that we cannot doubt, determined to trust to your honor rather than to its own power. Since our arrival an officer of the United States acting, as we are as Page 110 110 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. sured, not oniy without but against your orders, has dismantled one fort and occupied another, thus altering to a most important extent the con- dition of affairs under which we came. Until those circumstances are explained in a manner which relieves us of all doubt as to the s~irit in which these negotiations shall be con- ducted, we are forced to suspend all discussion as to any arrangements by which our mutual interests might be amicably adjusted. And, in conclusion, we would urge upon you the immediate with- drawal of the troops from the harbor of Charleston. Under present circumstances they are a standing menace which renders negotiation impossible, and, as our recent experience shows, threatens speedily to bring to a bloody issue questions which ought to be settled with tem- perance and judgment. We have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servants, IR. W. BAJtNWELL, J. II. ADAMS, JAMES L. GlUt, Commissioners. [Inclosures.] THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA: At a Convention of the People of the State of South Carolina, begun and holden at Columbia on the seventeenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty, and thence con- tinued by adjournment to Charleston, and there, by divers adjournments, to the twentieth of December in the same year: AN ORDINANCE to dissolve the union between the State of South Carolina and other States united with her under the compact entitled The Constitution of the United States of America We, the People of the State of South Carolina in convention assem- bled, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby declaied and ordained, that the ordinance adopted by us in convention on the twenty-third day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight, whereby the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified, and also all acts and parts of acts of the general assembly of this State ratifying amendments of the said Constitution, are hereby repealed; and that the union now subsisting between South Carolina and other States, under the name of the United States of ~ is hereby dissolved. Done at Charleston the twentieth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty. D. F. JAMISOX, Delegate from Barnwell, and President of the Convention, and others. Attest: BENJAMIN F. ARTHUR, Clerk of the Convention. OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE, Charleston, S. C., December 22, 1860, I do hereby certify that the foregoing ordinance is a true and correct copy taken from the original on file in this office. Witness my hand and the seal of the State. [L. ~.1 ISAAC II. MEANS, Secretary of State Page 111 CHAP. I.] 111 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. The State of South Carolina, by the Convention of the People of the said State, to Robert W. Baruwell, James H. Adams, and James L.Orr: Whereas the Convention of the People of the State of South Carolina, begun and holden at Columbia on the seventeenth day of December, in the year of oar Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty, and thence continued by adjournment to Charleston, did, by resolution, order That three Commissioners, to be elected by ballot of the Convention, be di- rected forthwith to proceed to Washington, anthorized and empowered to treat with the Government of the United States for the delivery of the forts, magazines, light-houses, and other real estate, with their ap- purtenances, withiu the limits of South Carolina; and also for an appor- tionment of the public debt and for a division of all other property held by the Government of the United States as agent of the confederated States, of which South Carolina was recently a member; and, generally, to negotiate as to all other measures and arrangements proper to be made and adopted in the existing relations of the parties, and for the contin- uance of peace and amity between this Commonwealth and the Govern- ment at Washington; And whereas the said Convention did, by ballot, elect. you to the said office of Commissioners to the Government at Washington: Now, be it known that the said Convention, by these presents, doth commission you, Robert W. Baruwell, James H. Adams, and James L. Orr, as Commissioners to the Government at Washington, to have, to hold, and to exercise the said office, with all the powers, rights, and privileges conferred upon the same by the terms of the resolution herein cited. Given under the seal of the State, at Charleston, the twenty-second day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty. [L. S.] D. F. JAMISON, President. iSAAC H. MEANS, Secretary of State. Attest: B. F. ARTHUR, Clerk of the Convention. [Memorandum.] WASHINGTON, D. C., December 28, 1860. The following message was delivered by Lieutenant-Colonel Lay, aide- de-camp, from the General-in Chief to the President of the United States, in person, about 3~ p. in., December 27: Since the formal order, unaccompanied by special instructions, assigning Major Anderson to the command of Fort Moultrie, no order, intimation, suggestion, or corn- munication for his government and guidance has gone to that officer, or any of his subordinates, from the Headquarters of the Army; nor have any reports or communi- cations been addressed to the General-in-Chief from Fort Moultrie later than a letter written by Major Anderson, almost immediately after his arrival in Charleston Harbor, reporting the then state of the work. G. W. LAY, Lieutenant-Colonel, A. D. C. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Page 112 112 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. [Memorandum.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Wa8hington, December 28, 1860. Lieutenant-General Scott, who has had a bad night, and can scarcely hold np his head tliis morning, begs to express the hope to the Secretary of War 1. That orders may not be given for the evacuation of Fort Sumter; 2. That one hundred and fifty recruits may instantly be sent from Governors Island to re-enforce that garrison, with ample supplies of ammunition, subsistence, including fresh vegetables, as potatoes, oniou~, turnips; and 3. That one or two armed vessels be sent to support the said fbrt. Lieutenant-General Scott avails himself of this opportunity also to ex- press the hope that the recommendations heretofore niade by him to the Secretary of War respecting Forts Jackson, Saint Philip, Morgan, and Pulaski, and particularly in respect to Forts Pickens and MeRee and the Pensacola navy-yard in connection with the last two named works, may be reconsidered by the Secretary. Lieutenant-General Scott will further ask the attention of the Secretary to Forts Jefferson and Taylor, which are wholly national, being of far greater value even to the most distant points of the Atlantic coast and to the people on the upper waters of the Missouri, Mississippi, and Ohio Rivers thai~ to the State of Florida. There is only a feeble company at Key West for the defense of Fort Taylor, and not a soldier in Fort Jef- ferson to resist a handful of filibusters or a rowboat of pirates; and the Gulf soon after the beginning of secession or revolutionary troubles in the adjacent States will swarm with such nuisances. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. No. 13.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., December 28, 1860. (Received A. G. 0., January 1, 1861.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith a copy of a memoran- dum received to-day from the governor of South Carolina, in reply to a message from me, which shows that for the present we are treated as enemies. I sent my post-adjutant this morning with a message to the commanding officer of Fort Moultrie asking by what authority he held possession of that work, and desiring to know whether he would make any opposition to my sending for some property, public and private, left there. He replied to my first question that he held that post by authority of the sovereign State of South Carolina, and in obedience to the orders of the governor. To the second, that his orders were not to permit public property of any kind to be removed on any l)retext what- ever; that he was diiected to take an inventory of the same, and to send it to the governor; that he would with pleasure assist in recover- ing and restoring all private property that was left. This decision about the public property shows that South Carolina is acting in this matter also toward us as if we were her enemy. The amount of public property thus left i~ not great, as I merely retained enough to prevent may movement from being suspected. He requested Lieutenant Hall to say that at a general meeting of the officers, the military move I made was unanimously pronounced to have been one of consummate wisdom; that it was the best one that could have been made, and that if I ha Page 113 Cu~. LI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 113 not effected it things would have been very different. Speaking of his own position, he remarked that the guns of Fort Sumter looked into his guns, and said that he ought not to have been ordered to fire upon me, because if I returned his fire he would be compelled to retire to the sand hills. There were yesterday two regiments to guard the island. Tue remark about his orders looks like an intention to attack me here. I must confess that I feel highly complimented by the expression of such an opinion (from those most deeply affected by it) of the change of position I felt bound to take to save my command and to prevent the shedding of blood. In a few days I hope, God willing, that I shall be so strong here that they will hardly be foolish enough to attack me. I must confess that we have yet something to do before, with my small force, I shall feel quite independent, as this work is not impregnable, as I have heard it spoken of. Trusting that something may occur which will lead to a peaceful solution of the questions between the General Government and South Carolina, I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, Eir8t Artillery, Commanding. P. S.I do not feel authorized to reply to the memorandum of the governor, but shall regret very deeply his persistence in the course he has taken. He knows not how entirely the city of Charleston is in my power. I can cut his communication off from the sea, and thereby prevent the reception of supplies, and close the harbor, even at night, by destroying the light-houses. These things, of course, Ii would never do, unless compelled to do so in self-defense. [InclosureCopy of memorandum from Governor Pickens.] HEADQUARTERS, December 28, 1860. In reply to Major Andersons request, made this morning verbally through First Lieutenant Snyder, from Fort Sumter, I hereby order and direct that free permission shall be given to him to send the ladies and camp women from Fort Sumter, with their private effects, to any por- tion of Sullivans Island, and that entire protection shall be extended to them. It is also agreed that the mails may be sent over to the offi- cers at Fort Sumter by their boats, and that all the ladies of Captain Fosters family shall be allowed to pass, with their effects and the effects of any kind belonging to Captain Foster, from the Mills House to Fort Sumter, and the kindest regard shall be paid to them. Of course, Lieu- tenant Meades private effects can be taken possession of; but for the present there shall be no communications of any other kind allowed from the city to the fort, or any transportation of arms or ammunition, or any supplies, to the fort; and this is done with a view to prevent irregular collisions, and to spare the unnecessary effusion of blood. F. W. PICKENS. WASIII~GTON, December 29, 1860. LARz ANDERSON, Esq., Ulneinnati: SIR: General Scott has been hoping for two or three days to find himself well enough to answer your letter, but is too much prostrated by diarrhea. He has done everything in his power to support you Page 114 114 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CRAP. I. brother in his command, repeating, with what effect remains to be seen, within the last twenty-four hours, an urgent recommendation, long since made, to the President to re-enforce the major. The War Department has kept secret from the General the instruc- tions sent to the major, bnt the General, in cornmon with the whole Army, has admired and vindicated as a defensive measure the masterly transfer of the garrison from Fort Moultrie to the position of Fort Sumter. G. W. LAY. WASHINGTON, December 30, 1860. The PnE~IDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Lieutenant-General Scott begs the President of the United States to pardon the irregularity of this communication. It is Sunday; the weather is bad, and General Scott is not well enough to go to church. But matters of the highest national importance seem to forbid a moments delay, and if misled by zeal, he hopes for the Presi- dents forgiveness. Will the President permit General Scott, without reference to the War Department and otherwise, as secretly as possible, to send two hundred and fifty recruits from New York Harbor to re-enforce Fort Snmter, together with s6me extra muskets or rifles, ammunition, and subsistence stores l It is hoped that a sloop of war and cutter may be ordered for the same purpose as early as to-morrow. General Scott will wait upon the President at any moment he may be called for. The Presidents most obedient servant, WINFIELD SCOTT. No. 14.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., December 30, 1860. (Ileceived A. G. O, Jan nary 2, 1861.) Col. S. COOPER, A~jutant General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolinians have established a post at Fort Johnson. It is said that one company and a half was sent to that place yesterday. I saw that there was a small party yesterday on Morris Island. They probably intend estab- lishing batteries at Fort Johnson and on the island, and throwing shot and shells at ns from those places and from Fort Monltrie, where they are very busily engaged repairing their battery. The governor was called upon by a friend of mine in reference to his decision, by which all communicatiou between us and the city (except the sending for our mails) was cut off and he refuses to modify or recall his order. We are pushing forward our work here very vigorously, and if we have a week longer, shall, by the blessing of God, be fully prepared for any attack they may make. lam, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBEIIT ANJ)ERSON, Major, First Artillery, Comma ding Page 115 CHAP. 1.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 115 FORT SUMTER, S. C., December 30, 1860. Col. R. E. BE Russ~, Commanding Gorps of Engineers, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I am exerting myself to the utmost to make this work im- pregnable, and am most ably and energetically supported by Lieutenants Snyder and Meade. The whole labor of preparation falls upon us, as the command is too small to be worn down by labor. The quartermaster has no funds, and I therefore consider it my duty to provide everything. I cannot commit to paper the preparations that are completed and in progress to resist an attack here. Be assured, however, that no efforts are spared to make them as complete as they can be made under the circumstances. I beg that any funds that can be obtained for me may be deposiP~d in New York. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. WASHINGTON CITY, December 31, 1860. bus. ROBERT W. ]3ARNWELL, JAMES II. ADAMS, JAMEs L. OuR: GENTLEMEN: I have had the honor to receive your communication of the 28th instant, together with a copy of your full powers from the Convention of the People of South Carolina authorizing you to treat with the Government of the United States on various important sub- jects therein mentioned, and also copy of the ordinance, bearing date on the 20th instant, declaring that the union now subsisting between South Carolina and other States under the name of the United States of America is thereby dissolved. In answer to this communication I have to say that my position as President of the United States was clearly defined in the message to Congress on the 3d instant. In that I stated that apart from the exe- cution of the laws, so far as this may be practicable, the Executive has no authority to decide what shall be the relations between the Federal Government and South Carolina. He has been invested with no such discretion. He possesses no power to change the relations heretofore existing between them, munch less to acknowledge the independence of that State. This would be to invest a mere executive officer with the power of recognizing the dissolution of the confederacy among our thirty-three sovereign States. It bears no resemblance to the recogni- tion of a foreign do facto government, involving no such responsibility. Any attempt to do this would, on his part, be a naked act of usurpa- tion. It is therefore my duty to submit to Congress the whole question in all its bearings. Such is still my opinion, and I could therefore meet you only as pri- vate gentlemen of the highest character, and [was quite willing to com- municate to Congress any proposition you might have to make to that body upon the subject. Of this you were well aware. It was my earnest desire that such a disposition might be made of the whole subject by Congress, who alone possess the power, as to pre- vent the inauguration of a civil war between the parties in regard to the possession of the Federal forts in the harbor of Charleston; and I therefore deeply regret that, in your opinion, the events of the last twenty-four hours render this impossible. In conclusion you urge upon me the immediate withdrawal of the troops from the harbor o Page 116 116 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. Charleston, stating that, under present circumstances, they are a standing menace which renders negotiation impossible, and, as our re- cent experience shows, threatens speedily to bring to a bloody issue questions which ought to be settled with temperance and judgment. The reason for this change in your position is that, since your arrival in Washington, an officer of the United States, acting, as we (you) are assured, not only without but against your (my) orders, has dismantled one fort and occupied another, thus altering to a most important extent the condition of affairs under which we (you) came. You also allege that you came here the representatives of an au- thority which could at any time within the past sixty days have taken possession of the forts in Charleston Harbor, but which, upon pledges given in a manner that we (you) cannot doubt, determined to trust to your (my) honor rather than to its own power.~~ This brings me to a consideration of the nature of those alleged pledges, and in what manner they have been observed. In my message of the 3d of December instant I stated, in regard to the property of the United States in South Carolina, that it has been purchased for a fair equivalent, by the consent of the legislature of the State, for the erec- tion of forts, magazines, arsenals, & c., and over these the authority to exercise exclusive legislation has been expressly granted by the Con- stitution to Congress. It is not believed that any attempt will be made to expel the United States from this property by force; but if in this I should prove to be mistaken, the officer in command of the forts has received orders to act strictly on the defensive. In such a contingency the responsibility for consequences would rightfully rest upon the heads of the assailants. This being the condition of the parties on Saturday, December 8, four ofthe Representatives from South Carolina called upon me and re- quested an interview. We had an earnest conversation on the subject. of these forts and the best means of preventing a collision between the parties, for the purpose of sparing the effusion of blood. I suggested, for prudential reasons, that it would be best to put in writing what they said to me verbally. They did so accordingly, and on Monday morning, the 10th instant, three of them presented to me a paper signed by all the Representatives of South Carolina, with a single exception, of which the following is a copy: WASHINGTON, December 9, 1860. His Excellency JAMES BUCHANAN, President of the United States: In compliance with our statement to you yesterday, we now express to you onr strong coavictions that neither the constituted authorities, nor any body of the people of the State of South Carolina, will either attack or molest the United States forts iu the harbor of Charleston previously to the action of the convention, and we hope and believe not until an offer has been made, through au accredited representative, to ne- gotiate for an amicable arrangement of all matters between the State and Federal Government, provided that no rc-enforcements shall be sent into those forts, and their relative military status shall remain as at present. JOHN McQUEEN. WM. PORCHER MILES. M. L. BONHAM. W. W. BOYCE. LAWRENCE M. KEITT. And here I must, in justice to myself, remark that at the time the paper was presented to me I objected to the word provided, as it might be construed into an agreement on my part which I never would make. They said nothing was further from their intention; they did not so under- stand it, and I should not so consider it. It is evident they could ente Page 117 CHAP. I,] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 117 into no reciprocal agreement with me on the subject. They did not profess to have authority to do this, and were acting in their individual character. I considered it as nothing more in effect than the promise of highly honorable gentlemen to exert their influence for the purpose expressed. The event has proven that they have faithfully kept this promise, although I have never since received a line from any one of them, or from the convention, on the subject. It is well known that it was my determination, and this I freely expressed, not to re-enforce the forts in the harbor, and thus produce a collision,until they had been actually attacked, or until I had certain evidence that they were about to be at- tacked. This paper I received most cordially, and considered it as a happy omen that peace might be still preserved, and that time might thus be gained for reflection. This is the whole foundation for the alleged pledge. But I acted in the same manner as I would have done had I entered into a positive and formal agreement with parties capable of contract- ing, although such an agreement would have been on my part, from the nature of my official duties, impossible. The world knows that I have never sent any re-enforcements to the forts in Charleston Harbor, and I have certainly never authorized any change to be made in their rela- tive military status. Bearing upon this subject, I refer you to an order issued by the Secre- tary of War, on the 11th instant, to Major Anderson, but not brought to my notice until the 21st instant. It is as follows: Memorandum of verbal instructions to Major Anderson, First Artillery, commanding at Fort Moultrie, South Carolina. You are aware of the great anxiety of the Secretary of War that a collision of the troops with the people of this State shall be avoided, and of his studied determina- tion to pursue a course with reference to the military force and forts in this harbor whicli shall guard agaiust such a collision. He has therefore carefully abstained from increasing the force at this point, or taking any measures which might add to the present excited state of the public mind, or which would throw any doubt on the confidence he feels that South Carolina will not attempt by violence to obtain pos- session of the public Works or interfere with their occupancy. Bat as the counsel and acts of rash and impulsive persons may possibly disappoint these expectations of the Government, he deems it proper that you shall be prepared with instructions to meet so unhappy a contingency. He has therefore directed me verbally to give you such instructions. You are carefully to avoid every act which would needlessly tend to provoke ag- gression; and f9r that reason you are not, without evident and imminent necessity, to take up any position which could be construed into the assumption of a hostile atti- tnde. But you are to hold possession of the forts in this harbor, and if attacked you are to defend yourself to the last extreniity. The smallness of yonr force will not permit you, perhaps, to occupy more than one of the three forts, but an attack on or attempt to take possession of either one of them will be regarded as an act of hostil- ity, and you may then put your command into either of them which you may deem most proper to increase its power of resistance. You are also authorized to take simi- lar defensive steps whenever you have tangible evidence of a design to proceed to a hostile act. D. C. BUELL, Assistant Adjutant-General. FonT MOULTRIE, S. C., December 11, 1860. This is in conformity to my instructions to Major Bud. JOHN B. FLOYD, Secretary of War. These were the last instructions transmitted to Major Anderson before his removal to Fort Sumter, with a single exception, in regard to a par- ticular which does not in any degree affect the present question. Under these circumstances it is clear that Major Anderson acted upon his own responsibility, and without authority, unless, indeed, he had tangibh Page 118 118 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. evidence of a design to proceed to a hostile ~ on the part of the au- thorities of South Carolina, which has not yet been alleged. Still, he is a brave and honorable officer, and justice requires that he should not be condemned without a fair hearing Be this as it may, when I learned that Major Anderson had left Fort Moultrie and proceeded to Fort Sumter, my first promptings were to command him to return to his former position, and there await the con- tingencies presented in his instructions. This could only have been done with any degree of safety to the commaiid by the concurrence of the South Carolina authorities. But before any steps could possibly have been taken in this direction, we received information, dated on the 28th instant, that the palmetto flag floated out to the breeze at Castle Pinckney, and a large military force went over last night (the 27th) to Fort Moultrie. Thus the authorities of South Carolina, without wait- ing or asking for any explanation, and doubtless believing, as you have expressed it, that the officer had acted not only without but against my orders, on the very next day after the night when the movement was made, seized by a military force two of the three Federal forts in the harbor of Charleston, and have covered them under their own flag in- stead of that of the United States. At this gloomy period of our his- tory startling events succeed each other rapidly. On the very day, the 27th instant, that possession of these two forts was taken the palmetto flag was raised over the Federal custom-house and post-office in Charles- ton; and on the same day every officer of the customs, collector, naval officer, surveyor, and appraisers, resigned their offices. And this, although it was well known from the language of my message that, as an executive officer, I felt myself bound to collect the revenue at the port of Charleston under the existing laws. In the harbor of Charleston we now find three forts confronting each other,overall of which the Federal flag floated only four days ago; but now ever two of them this flag has beeim supplanted, and the palmetto flag has been substituted in its stead. It is under all these circum stances that I am urged iuimediately to withdraw the troops from the harbor of Charleston, and am informed that without this, negotiation is impossible. This I cannot do; this I will not do. Such an idea was never thought of by me in any possible contingency. No allusion had ever been made to it in any communication between myself and any human being. But the inference is that I am bound to withdraw the troops from the only fort remaining in the possession of the United States in the harbor of Charleston, because time officer there in command of all the forts thought proper, without instructions, to change his position from one of them to another. I cannot admit the justice of any such inference. And at this point of writing I have received information by telegraph from Captain llumphreys, in command of the arsenal at Charleston, that it has to-day (Sunday, the 30th) been taken by force of arms. Com- ment is needless. It is estimated that the property of the United States in this arsenal was worth half a million of dollars. After this information I have only to add that, whilst it is my duty to defend Fort Sumter as a portion of public property of the United States against hostile attacks, from whatever quarter they may come, by such means as I may possess for this purpose, I do not perceive how such a defense can be construed into a menace against the city of Charleston.* With great personal regard, I remain, yours, very respectfully, JAMES BUCHANAN. *See Commissioners reply, January 1, 1861, post Page 119 CHiP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 119 HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, December 31, 1860. Colonel Dniicx, or commanding officer, Fort Monroe: SIR: Prepare and put on board of the sloop-of-war Brooklyn, as soon as the latter can receive them, four companies, making at least two hun- dred men, destined to re enforce Fort Sumter. Embark with said com- panies twenty-five spare stands of arms, complete, and subsistence for the entire detachment for ninety days, or as near that amount as your supplies may furnish. Communicate at once with the commander of the war steamer, learn the earliest moment at which he can receive the troops on board, and do not fill to have them there by that time. W. SCOTT. Manage everything as secretly and confidentially as possible. Look to this. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY Washington, December 31, 1860. To the PRESIDENT: Lieutenant-General Scott again begs leave to trespass for a moment on the indulgence of the President of the United States, particularly as he learns by minor that there is no head to the War Department.* Such are the necessities of the service that it is hoped the vacancy in question may be speedily filled, and, incidentally, that the new Secre- tary, if ad interim, may not be a junior officer of the Army, as it would wound the pride of any senior to serve nnder such Secretary. Lieutenant-General Scott deems it to be his duty to lay the accom- panying letter before the President. t The writer is a distinguished graduate of the Military Academy, and an eminent lawyer of the New York bar. Major-General Sandford, mentioned by him, is an officer and citizen of great merit and discretion, commanding the City Division of Volunteers. General Scott does not recommend the acceptance of Mr. ilanuiltons proposition, t as we have disposable regulars enough for that single pur- pose; but that we already require many and large detachments for the protection of our coast defenses farther south is becoming daily more and more evident. In reference to General Scotts note of yesterday to the President, he respectfully adds: Of course, the War Department and General Scott cannot communicate anything to Major Anderson, or receive by mail or telegraphic wires anything from him (who must be regarded as in a state of siege), except by permission of the authorities in Charleston; and it is just possible in his state of isolation a system of forged telegrams from this place may be played off so successfully as to betray him into some false movement. Most respectfully submitted to the President of the United States. WINFIELD SCOTT. P. S.As a sequence to the foregoing, it is respectfully suggested that there seems to be no other way of freely communicating with Major Anderson than by water, say by a revenue cutter running regularly be- tween Wilmington, N. C., and Fort Sumter. W. S. * No record of Mr. Floyds letter of resi ona tNot of record. b tion can be found in tlic War Department Page 120 120 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. No. 15.] FORT SUYETER, S. C., December 31, 1860. (iReceived A. Cr. 0., January 5, 1861.) Go!. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolinians show great activity in the harbor to-day. Several steamers have been rnnning to and fro, and this afternoon about 80 soldiers, with wheel- barrows, barrels, & c., and some draught horses, were landed on Morris Island. They are evidently constructing a battery or batteries there. The lights in the harbor were put out last night, and ours is the only light-house of this harbor which exhibits a light to-night. I am at a loss what this means, unless it be that some armed vessel is expected here. The more I reflect upon the matter the stronger are my con- victions that II was right in coming here. Whilst we were at Fort Moultrie our safety depended on their forbearance. A false telegram might, any night, have been seized upon as an excuse for taking this place, and then we would have been in their power. And even if there had been an understanding between the two Governments that I was not to be interfered with until the termination Qf the mission to Washington, the fact of the governors having ordered armed steamers to keep watch over me would have absolved our Government from the obligation to remain quiescent. It is certain, too, that the moment a telegram was received announcing the failure of the mission, an attack would have been made and my command sacrificed, for there can be no surrender with these men, if attacked, without a serious fight. Thank God, we are now where the Government may send us additional troops at its leisure. To be sure, the uncivil and uncourteous action of the governor in preventing us from purchasing anything in the city will annoy and inconvenience us somewhat; still, we are safe. I find that in consequence of a failure (accidental) to comply with my instructions, there is only a small supply of soap and candles, and also of coal. Still, we can cheerfully put up with the inconvenience of doing without them, for the satisfaction we feel in the knowledge that we can command this harbor as long as our Government wishes to keep it. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. Reply of Commissioners to the President. WASHINGTON, B. C., January 1, 1861. To his Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: SIR: We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th December, in reply to a note addressed by us to you on the 28th of the same month, as Commissioners from South Carolina. In reference to the declaration with which your reply commences, that your position as President of the United States was clearly defined in the message to Congress of the 3d ~ that you possess no power to change the relations heretofore existing between South Carolina and the United States, much less to acknowledge the independence of that ~ and that, consequently, you could meet us only as private gen- tlemen of the highest character, with an entire willingness to communi- cate to Congress any proposition we might have to make, we deem it only necessary to say that the State of South Carolina having, in th Page 121 Cii& r. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION~ 121 exercise of that great right of self-government which underlies all our political organizations, declared herself sovereign and independent, we, as her representatives, felt no special solicitude as to the character in which you might recognize us. Satisfied that the State had simply ex- ercised her unquestionable right, we were prepared, in order to reach substantial good, to waive the formal considerations which your consti- tutional scruples might have prevented you from extending. We came here, therefore, expecting to be received as you did receive us, and per- fectly content with that entire willingness of which you assured us, to submit any proposition to Congress which we might have to make upon the subject of the independence of the State. That willingness was ample recognition of the condition of public affairs which rendered our presence necessary. In this position, how- ever, it is our duty, both to the State which we represent and to our- selves, to correct several important misconceptions of our letter into which you have fallen. You say: It was my earnest desire that such a disposition might be made of the whole subject by Congress, who alone possess the power, as to prevent the inauguration of a civil war between the parties in regard to the possession of the Federal forts in the harbor of Charleston, and I therefore deeply regret that, in yonr opinion, the events of the last twenty-four hours render this impossible. We expressed no such opin- ion, and the language which you quote as ours is altered in its sense by the omission of a most important part of the sentence. What we did say was, But the events of the last twenty-four hours render such an assurance impossible.~~ Place that assurance as contained in our let- ter in the sentence, and we are prepared to repeat it. Again, professing to quote our language, you say: Thus the author- ities of South Carolina, without waiting or asking for any explanation, and doubtless believing, as you have expressed it, that the officer had acted not only without, but against my orders, & c. We expressed no such opinion in reference to the belicf of the people of South Carolina. The language which you have quoted was applied solely and entirely to oitr assurance, obtained here, and based, as you well know, upon your oxvn declarationa declaration which, at that time, it was impossible for the authorities of South Carolina to have known. But without follow- ing this letter into all its details, we propose only to meet the chief points of the argument. Some weeks ago, the State of South Carolina declared her intention in the existing condition of public affairs to secede from the United States. She called a convention of her people to put her declaration in force. The convention met, and passed the ordinance of secession. All this you anticipated, and your course of action was thoroughly consid- ered. In your anunal message you declared you had no right, and would not attempt, to coerce a seceding State, but that you were bound by your constitutional oath, and would defend the property of the United States within the borders of South Carolina if an attempt was made to take it by force. Seeing very early that this question of property was a difficult and delicate one, you manifested a desire to settle it without collision. You did not re-enforce the garrisons in the harbor of Charles- ton. You removed a distinguished and veteran officer from the corn- mand of Fort Moultrie because he attempted to increase his supply of ammunition. You refused to send additional troops to the same garri- son when applied for by the officer appointed to succeed him. You ac- cepted the resignation of the oldest and most efficient member of your Cabinet rather than allow these garrisons to be strengthened. You corn Page 122 (CHAr. I. 122 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. pelled an officer statiOfle(l at Fort Sumter to return immediately to the arsenal forty muskets which he had taken to arm his men. You ex- pressed not to one, but to many, of the most distinguished of our public characters, whose testimony will be placed upon the record whenever it is necessary, your anxiety for a peaceful termination of this controversy, and your willingness not to disturb the military status of the forts if commissioners should be sent to the Government, whose communications you promised to submit to Congress. You received and acted on assur- ances from the highest official authorities of South Carolina that no attempt would be made to disturb your possession of the forts and prop- erty of the United States if you would not disturb their existing con- dition until commissioners had been sent and the attempt to negotiate had failed. You took from the members of the House of Representatives a written memorandum that no such attempt should be made, pro- vided that no re-enforcements shall be sent into those forts, and their relative military ~tatus shall remain as at present. And, although you attach no force to the acceptance of such. a paper, although you con- sidered it as nothing more in effect than the promise of highly honor- orable gentlemen,~~ as an obligation on one side without corresponding obligation on the other, it must be remembered (if we are rightly in- formed) that you were pledged, if you ever did send re-enforcements, to return it to those from whom you had received it before you executed your resolution. You sent orders to your officers commanding them strictly to follow a line of conduct in conformity with such an under- standing. Beside all this, you had received formal and official notice from the governor of South Carolina that we had been appointed commissioners, and were on our way to Washington. You knew the implied condition nuder which we came; our arrival was notified to you, and an hour ap- pointed for an interview. We arrived in Washington on Wednesday at three oclock, and you appointed an interview with us at one the next day. Early on that day (Thursday) the news was received here of the movement of Major Anderson. That news was communicated to you immediately, and you postponed our meeting nutil half past two oclock on Friday in order that you might consult your Cabiimet. 0mm Friday we saw you, amid we called upon you then to redeem your pledge. You could not deny it. With the facts we have stated, and in the face of the crowning and conclusive fact that your Secretary of War had resigned his seat in the Cabinet upon the publicly-avowed ground that the action of Major An- derson had violated the pledged faith of the Government, and that unless the pledge was instantly redeemed he was dishonored, denial was im- possible. You did not deny it; you do not deny it now; but you seek to escape from its obligation on two grounds: 1st. That we terminated all negotiation by demanding, as a preliminary, the withdrawal of the United States troops from the harbor of Charleston; and, 2d. That the authorities of South Carolina, instead of asking explanation, and giving you the opportunity to vindicate yourself, took possession of other prop- erty of the United States. We wmli examine both. In the first place, we deny positively that we have ever, in any way, made any such demand. Our letter is in your possession; it will stand by this on the record. In it we inform you of the objects of our mission. We say that it would have been our duty to have assured you of our readiness to commence negotiation~ with the most earnest and anxious desire to settle all questions between us amicably and to on r mutual ad- vantage, but that events had rendered that assurance impossible. W Page 123 CJiAr. LI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 123 stated the events, and we said that until some satisfactory explanation of these events was given us, we could not proceed; and then, having made this request for explanation, we added: And, in conclusion, we would urge upon you the immediate withdrawal of the troops from the harbor of Charleston. Under present circumstances, they are a standing men- ace, which renders negotiation impossible, & c. Under present cir- cumstances! What circumstances f Why, clearly, the occupation of Fort Sumter and the dismantling of Fort Moultrie by Major Anderson, in the face of your pledges, and without explanation or practical dis- avowal. And there is nothing in the letter which would or could have prevented you from declining to withdraw the troops, and offering the restoration of the status to which you were pledged, if such had been your desire. It would have been wiser and better, in our opinion, to have withdrawn the troops, and this opinion we urged upon you; but we denwinded nothing but such an explanation of the events of the last twenty-four hours as would restore our confidence in the spfrit with which the negotiation should be conducted. In relation to this withdrawal of the troops from tiLe harbor we are compelled, however, to notice one passage of your letter. Referring to it, you say: This I cannot do; this I will not do. Such an idea was never thought of by me in any possible contingency. No allusion to it had ever been made in any communication between myself and any human being.~~ In reply to this statement we are compelled to say that your conver- sation with us left upon our minds the distinct impression that you did seriously contemplate the withdrawal of the troops from Charleston Harbor. And in support of this impression we would add that we have the positive assurance of gentlemen of the highest possible public repu- tation and the most unsullied integritymen whose name and fame, secured by long service and patriotic achievement place their testimony beyond cavilthat such suggestions had been made to and urged upon you by them, and had formed the subject of more than one earnest dis- cussion with you. And it was this knowledge that induced us to urge upon you a policy which had to recommend it its own wisdom and the weight of such authority. As to the second point, that the authorities of South Carolina, instead of asking explanations and giving you the opportunity to vindicate yourself, took possession of other property of the United States, we would observe 1. That, even if this were so, it does not avail you for defense, for the opportunity for decision was afforded you before these facts occurred. We arrived in Washington on Wednesday; the news from Major Ander- son reached here early on Thursday, and was immediately coin mnunicated to you. All that day men of the highest considerationmen who had striven successfully to lift you to your great office, who had been your tried and true friends through the troubles of your administration sought you and entreated you to act, to act at once. They told you that every hour complicated your position. They only asked you to give the assurance that, if the facts were sothat if the commander had acted without and against your orders, and in violation of your pledgesthat you would restore the status you had pledged your honor to maintain. You refused to decide. Your Secretary of Waryour immediate and proper adviser in this whole matterwaited anxiously for your decision, until he felt that delay was becoming dishonor. More than twelve hours passed, and two Cabinet meetings had adjourned before you knew what the authorities of South Carolina had done, and your promp Page 124 124 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. decision at any moment of that time would have avoided the snbseqnent complications. Bnt if yon had known the acts of the anthorities of Sonth Carolina, should that have prevented yonr keeping your faith? What was the condition of things? For the last sixty days yon have had in Charles- ton Harbor not force enough to hold the forts against an equal enemy. Two of them were empty, one of those two the most important in the harbor; it could have been taken at any time. You ought to know better than any man that it would have been taken but for the efforts of those who put their trust in your honor. Believing that they were threatened by Fort Snmter especially, the people were with difficulty restrained from securing, with out blood, the possession of this impor- tant fortress. After many and reiterated assurances given on your be- half, which we cannot believe nnauthorized, they determined to forbear, and in good faith sent on their commissioners to negotiate with you. They meant you no harm; wished yon no ill. They thought of you kindly, believed you true, and were willing, as far as was consistent with duty, to spare you unnecessary and hostile collision. Scarcely had their commissioners left, than Major Anderson waged war. No other words will describe his action. It was not a peaceful change from one fort to another; it was a hostile act in the highest senseone only justified in the presence of a superior enemy, and iu imminent peril. He abandoned his position, spiked his guns, burned his gun carriages, made preparations for the destruction of his post, and withdrew, under cover of the night, to a safer position. This was war. No man could have believed (without your assurance) that any officer could have taken such a step, not only without orders, but against orders. What the State did was in simple self-defense; for this act, with all its attending circumstances, was as much war as firing a volley; and war being thus begun, until those commencing it explained their action and disavowed their intention, there was no room for delay; and even at this moment, while we are writing, it is more than probable, from the tenor of your letter, that re-enforcements are hurrying on to the conflict, so that when the first gun shall be fired there will have been, on your part, one continuous, consistent series of actions com- mencing in a demonstration essentially warlike, supported by regular re-enforcement, and terminating in defeat or victory. And all this without the slightest provocation; for, among the many things which you have said, there is one thing you cannot sayyou have waited anxiously for news from the seat of war, in hopes that delay would furnish some excuse for this precipitation. But this tangible evidence of a design to proceed to a hostile act on the part of the authorities of South Carolina (which is the only justification of Major Anderson) you are forced to admit has not yet been alleged. But you have decided. You have resolved to hold by force what you have ob- tained through our misplaced confidence, and by refusing to disavow the action of Major Anderson, have converted his violation of orders into a legitimate act of your executive authority. Be the issue what it may, of this we are assured, that if Fort Moultrie has been recorded in history as a memorial of Carolina gallantry, Fort Sumter will live upon the succeeding page as an imperishable testimony of Carolina faith. By your course you have probably rendered civil war inevitable. Be it so. If you choose to force this issue upon us, the State of South Carolina will accept it, and relying upon Him who is the God of Justice as well as the God of Hosts, will endeavor to perform the great duty which lies before her, hopefully, bravely, and thoroughly Page 125 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 125 Our mission being one for negotiation and peace, and your note leav- ing us without hope of a withdrawal of the troops from Fort Sumter, or of the restoration of the status quo existing at the time of our arrival, and intimating, as we think, your determination to re-enforce the garrison in the harbor of Charleston, we respectfully inform you that we propose returning to Charleston on to-morrow afternoon. We have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient serv R. W. BAJINWELL, J. H. ADAMS, JAMES L. Commissioners. (Indorsement.] EXECUTIVE MAxsiox, 3~ oclock, Wednesday. This paper, just presented to the President, is of such a character that he declines to receive it. Statement of Messrs. Miles and Keitt of what transpired between the Presi- dent and the South Carolina delegation. In compliance with the request of the Convention, we beg leave to make the following statement: On Saturday, the 8th of December several of the South Carolina del- egation, including ourselves, waited upon the President. At this time there was a growing belief that re-enforcements were on the eve of being sent to the forts in Charleston Harbor. It was known that the subject was frequently and earnestly discussed in the Cabinet. It was rumored that General Cass and Mr. Holt were urgent that re-enforcements should be sent. Upon our being announced the President, who was then in Cabinet council, came out to us in the anteroom. We at once entered into a conversation upon the topic which was so closely occupying his thoughts as well as ours. The Pres- ident seemed much disturbed and moved. He told us thathe had had a painful interview with the wife of Major Anderson, who had come on from New York to see him. She had manifested great anxiety and dis- tress at the situation of her husband, whom she seemed to consider in momentary danger of an attack from an excited and lawless mob. The President professed to feel a deep responsibility resting upon him to protect the lives of Major Anderson and his command. We told him that the news that re-enforcements were on their way to Charleston would be the surest means of provoking what Mrs. Anderson apprehended, and what he so much deprecated. We said further that we did not be- lieve that Major Anderson was in any danger of such an attack; that the general sentiment of the State was against any such proceeding; that prior to the action of the State Convention, then only ten days off, we felt satisfied that there would be no attempt to molest the forts in any way; that after the convention met, while we could not possibly undertake to say what that body would see fit to do, we yet hoped and believed that nothing would be done until we had first endeavored, by duly accredited commissioners, to negotiate for a peaceful settlement of all matters, including the delivery of the forts, between South Carolina and the Federal Government. At the same time we again reiterate Page 126 126 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. our solemn belief that any change in the then existing condition of things in Charleston Harbor would, in the excited state of feeling at home, in- evitably precipitate a collision. The impression made upon us was that the President was wavering and had not decided what course he would pursue. He said he was glad to have had this conversation with us, but would prefer that we should give him a written memorandum of the substance of what we had said. This we did on Monday, the 10th. It was in these words: His Excellency JAMES BUCHANAN, President of the United States: In compliance with our statement to you yesterday, we now express to you our strong convictions that neither the constituted authorities, nor any body of the people of the State of South Carolina, will either attack or molest the United States forts in the harbor of Charleston previously to the action of the convention, and we hope ahd believe not until an offer has been made, through an accredited representative, to ne- gotiate for an amicable arrangement of all matters between the State and Federal Government, provided that no re-enforcement shall be sent into those forts, and their relative military status shall remain as at present. JOHN McQUEEN. WM. PORCHER MILES. M. L. BONHAM. W. W. BOYCE. LAWRENCE M. KEITT. WASHINGTON, Deeemler 9, 1860. The President did not like the word provided because it looked as if we were binding him while avowing that we had no authority to coin- mit the convention. We told him that we did not so understand it. We were expressing our convictions and belief predicated upon the main- tenance of a certain condition of things, which maintenance was abso- lutely and entirely in his power. If he maintained such condition, then we believed that collision would be avoided until the attempt at a peace- able negotiation had failed. If he did not, then we solemnly assured him that we believed that collision must inevitably and at once be precipitated. He seemed satisfied, and said it was not his intention to send re-enforcements or make any change. We explained to him what we meant by the words relative military status, as applied to the forts; mentioned the difference between IMajor Andersons occupying his then position at Fort Moultrie and throwing himself into Fort Sumter. We stated that the latter step would be equivalent to re-enforcing the garrison, and wonld just as certainly as the sending of fresh troops lead to the result which we both desired to avoid. When we rose to go the President said in substance, After all, this is a matter of honor among gentlemen. I do not know that any paper or writing is necessary. We understand each other. One of the delegation, just before leaving the room remarked: Mr. President, you have determined to let things remain as they are, and not to send re-enforcements; but suppose that you were hereafter to change your policy for any reason, what then ~ That would put us, who are willing to use our personal influence to prevent any attack upon the forts before commissioners are sent on to Washington, in rather an embarrassing position. ~ said the President, I would first re- turn you this paper. We do not pretend to give the exact words on either side, but we are sure we give the sense of both. The above is a full and exact account of what passed between the President and the delegation. The President, in his letter to our com- missioners, tries to give the impression that our understanding or ~~agreement~~ was not a ~~pledge.~~ We confess we are not sufficiently versed in the wiles of diplomacy to feel the force of this distinctio Page 127 CHAP. LI 127 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. without a djfference. Nor can we understand how, in a matter of honor among gentlemen, in which no paper or writing is necessary,~~ the very party who was willing to put it on that high footing can honor- ably descend to mere verbal criticism to purge himself of what all gen- ticinen and men of honor must consider a breach of faith. The very fact that we (the Representatives from South Carolina) were not author- ized to commit or pledge the State, were not treating with the Presi- dent as accredited ministers with full powers, but as gentlemen, assum- ing, to a certain extent, the delicate task of undertaking to foreshadow the course and policy of the State, should have made the President the more ready to strengthen our hands to bring about and carry out that course and policy which he professed to have as ~nnch at heart as we had. While we were not authorized to say that the Convention would not order the occupation of the forts immediately after secession, and prior to the sending on of commissioners, the President, as commander- in-chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, could positively say that so long as South Carolina abstained from attacking and seiz- ing the forts, he would not send re-enforcetnents to them, or allow their relative military status to be changed. We were acting in the capacity of gentlemen holding certain promi- nent positions, and anxious to exert such influence as we might possess to effect a peaceful solution of pending l)olitical difficulties, and prevent, if possible, the horrors of war. The President was acting in a double capacitynot only as a gentleman whose influence in carrying ~ut his share of the understanding or agreement was potential, but as the head of the Army, and therefore having the absolute control of the whole matter of re-enforcing or transferring the garrison at Charleston. But we have dwelt long enough upon this point. Suffice it to say that conside1ing the President as bound in honor, if not by treaty stip- ulations, not to make any change in the forts or to send re-enforce- ments to them unless they were attacked, we of the delegation who were elected to the Convention felt equally bound in honor to do every- thing on our part to prevent any premature collision. This Convention can bear us witness as to whether or not we endeavored honorably to carry out our share of the agreement. The published debates at the very commencement of the session con- tain the evidence of our good faith. We trusted the President. We believed his wishes concurred with his policy, and that both were di- rected to avoiding any inauguration of hostilities. We were confirmed in our confidence, and reassured in our belief by a significant event which took place subsequent to our interview. He allowed his premier Cabinet officer, an old and tried friend, to resign rather than yield to his solicitations for the re-enforcement of the garrison at Charleston. We urged this as a convincing proof of his firmness and sincerity. But how have we been deceived! The news of Major Andersons coup produced a sudden and unexpected change in the Presidents policy. While de- claring that his withdrawal from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter was without orders, and contrary to orders, he yet refused for twelve hours to take any action in the matter. For twelve hours, therefore, without any excuse, he refused to redeem his plighted word. No subsequent acts on the part of our State, no after reasons, can wipe away the stain which he suffered to rest upon his honor as a gentleman~ while those hours, big with portentous events, rolled slowly by. lli~ Secretary of War, impatient of a delay, every moment of which he felt touched his own honor, resigned. He did so solely on the ground that tht~ faith of the Government, solemnly pledged, was broken, if it failed promptly t Page 128 128 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. L undo what had been done contrary to its wishes, against its settled policy and in violation of its distinct agreement. The President accepted his resignation without comment. He did not attempt to disabuse the mind of his Secretary as to what was the true position of the Government. What a spectacle does the Presidents vacillating and disingennous course present! He allows one Secretary to resign rather than abandon a policy ~which he has agreed upon. Scarcely have a few short weeks elapsed, and he accepts the resignation of another rather than adhere to that very policy. He makes an agreement with gentlemen which, while he admits that they have faithfully kept it on their part, he him- self evades and repudiates. And this he does rather than redress a wrong, correct an errorwhat he himself considers an errorcommitted by a subordinate, without his orders and contrary to his wishes! It was at least due to Mr. Floyd, who, as one of his Cabinet, had officially and personally stood by his administration from its very commencement through good report and through evil reportto have explained to him that he ~~as,in the Presidents opinion, laboring under a misapprehen- sion; at least to have said to him, You are mistaken about this matter; do not leave me on a false ~ But no; he coldly, ungraciously, yet promptly, receives the resignation without a syllable of remonstrance, and thus tacitly but unequivocally accepts without shame the issue pre- sented. He does not deny that the faith of his Government is pledged, but he deliberately refuses to redeem it. WM. POIICHEIR MILES. LAWRENCE M. KEJTT. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, January 2, 1861. Memorandum of arrangemcnts.* Telegram sent to Mr. A. H. Schultz, 64 Cedar street, P. 0. box 3462~ New York City, that his propositions are entertained, and that a staff officer will be in the city to-morrow evening to conclude arrangements. Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas is directed, first, to satisfy himself that Mr. Schultzs agency is reliable, then to cause the steamer to be pre- pared for sea as soon as practicable, provided the terms be reasonable; then to cause two hundred well-instructed men with, say, three officers, to be embarked from Governors Island, with three months subsistence, including fresh beef and vegetables, and ample ammunition; also, one hundred extra stand of arms. Instructions to be sent by Colonel Thomas in writing to Major Anderson that should a fire likely to prove injurious be opened upon any vessel bringing re-enforcements or supplies, or upon her boats~ from any battery in the harbor, the guns of Fort Sumter may be employed to silence such fire, and the same in case of like firing upon Fort Sumter itself. The orders to the steamer and the troops on board will strictly enjoin complete concealment of the presence of the latter when approaching the bay; Major Anderson to be warned to stand on his guard against all telegrams, and to be informed that measures will soon be taken to enable him to correspond with the Government by sea and WilmThgton, N. C. Colonel Thomas is further directed to inform Major Anderson that his * In the handwriting of General Scott Page 129 CHAr. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 129 conduct meets with the emphatic approbation of the highest in authority; Major Anderson to be also informed that further reentorcements will be sent him if necessary. Lieut. Col. LORENZO THoMAs, Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, January 3, 18131. Hon. BENJAMIN STANTON, Chairman Committee on Military Affairs, House of Representatives: SIR: In answer to your letter, asking for information on certain points specified in a resolution adopted by the Committee on Military Affairs of the House of Representatives on the 18th nltiino, I have the honor to state as follows: According to the latest report of the Engineer officer having charge of the construction of the defenses of the harbor of Charleston, every- thing practicable had been done to place Fort Moultrie in an eflicient condition, and, with a proper garrison, it was (teemed susceptible of an energetic defense. There were then employed at that work an officer and one hundred and twenty workmen, independent of regular garrisou.* On the evening of the 26th ultimo Maj. Robert Anderson, First Artil- lery, in command of the troops in Charleston Harbor, apprehensive of the safety of his command from the insecurity of the fort, and having reason to believe that the South Carolinians contemplated or were pre- paring to proceed to a hostile act against him, and desiring to prevent a collision and effusion of blood, evacuated Fort Moultrie, after leaving orders for spiking the cannon and disalling some of the carriages, and removed his forces to Fort Sumter, where they now are. Castle Pinek- ney w s t the date of the latest report in good condition as regards preparation, and with a proper garrison as defensible as it can be made. One officer and thirty workmen were engaged in the repair of the cisterns, replacing decayed banquettes,. and attending to other matters of detail. Since the date of the reports referred to, Fort Moultrie and Castle Piuckney have been taken possession of by troops of the State of South Carolina, acting nuder the orders of the governor, and are now held by those troops, with all the armament and other public property therein at the time of their seizure. I inclose a statement (No. 1) of the number and description of ordnance and arms at the date of the last returns at Fort Moultrie, Castle Piuckney, and Charleston Arsenal, respectively. That arsenal, with all its contents, was also taken possession of oii the 30th ultimo by an armed body of Sonth Carolina troops, acting under orders of the governor of the State, as represented in the following report of Frederick C. Humphreys, military storekeeper of ordnance, in charge, viz: This arsenal was taken by force of arms by the militia of South Carolina, by order of governor Pickens. The commanding officer was allowed to salute his flag before lowering it with one gun for each State now in the Union (thirty-two), and to take it with him, and the detachment to occupy the quarters until instruction from Washing- ton can be obtained. At that time the force under his control consisted of nine enlisted soldiers of ordnance and six hired men. See Dc Russy to Floyd, December 20, 1S60, p. 99 Page 130 ICHAP. I. 130 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. The other information asked for in regard to the number and descrip- tion of arms distributed since the 1st day of January, 1860, and to whom and at what price, will be found in the accompanying statements (Nos. 2 and 3) from the Ordnance Bureau.* Jt is deemed proper to state, in further explanation of statement No. 2, that where no distribution appears to have beeu made to a State or Territory, or where the amount of the distribution is small, it is because such State or Territory has not called for all the arms due ou its quotas, and remains a creditor for dues not distributed, which can be obtained at any time on requisitiou therefor. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. HOLT, Secretary of War ad interim. [Thclosuro No. 1.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington, December 21, 1860. Fort Monltrie: 14 32-pounder guns, iron; 16 24-pounder guns, iron; 10 8-inch colnmbiads, iron; 5 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, iron; 4 24- pounder flank howitzers, iron; 2 12-pounder field howitzers, brass; 4 6-pounder field guns, brass. Total, 55. Castle Pinckney: 4 42-pounder guns, iron; 14 24-pounder guns, iron; 4 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, iron. Total, 22. United States Arsenal: 2 6-pounder field guns, old iron; 5 24-pounder field howitzers, old iron; 502 muskets, flint-lock, caliber .69; 5,720 same altered to percussion; 11,693 muskets made as percussion, caliber .69; 2,808 rifles, made as percussion, caliber .54; 6 same, altered with long- range sights; 566 Halls rifles, flint-lock; 4 carbines, percussion, rifled; 9 United States percussion carbines; 815 pistols, flint-lock; 300 pistols, made as percussion. Total, 22,430. WM. MAYNADIER, Captain of Ordnance. NEW YORK, January 4, 1861. Lieut. Gen. WINFIELD SCO~T, Washington, D. C.: DEAR GENERAL: I had an interview with Mr. Schultz at 8 oclock last evening, and found him to be, as you supposed, the commission, and together we visited Mr. M. 0. Roberts. The latter looks exclu- sively to the dollars, whilst Mr. S. is acting for the good of his country. Mr. U. required $1,500 per day for ten days, besides the cost of 300 tons of coal, which I declined; but, after a long conversation, I became sat- isfied that the movement could be made with his vessel, the Star of the West, without exciting suspicion. I finally chartered her at $1,250 per day. She is running on the New Orleans route, and will clear for that port; but no notice will be put in the papers, and persons seeing the ship moving from the dock will suppose she is on her regular trip. Major Eaton, commissary of subsistence, fully eiiters into my views. He will see Mr. Roberts, hand him a list of the supplies with the places where they may be procured, and the purchases will be made on the ships account. In this way no public machinery will be used. * Nos. 2 and 3 not found Page 131 OnAr. L] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 131 To-night I pass over to Governors Island to do what is necessary, i. e., have 300 stand of arms and ammunition on the wharf, and 200 men ready to march on board Mr. Schultzs steam-tugs abont nightfall to- morrow, to go to the steamer, passing very slowly down the bay. I shall cut off all communication between the island and the cities until Tues- day morning, when I expect the steamer will be safely moored at Fort Sumter. I have seen and conversed with Colonel Scott, and also saw your daughter at your house. After leaving you, I obtained the key of the outer door of the office, but could nowhere find the key of your door or of mine, so failed to get the chart. This is of little moment, as the cap- tain of the steamer is perfectly familiar with the entrance of Charleston. I telegraphed you this morning, as follows: Arrangements made as proposed; to leave to-morrow evening; send map. I will now leave the office, where I am writing, to proceed to the island. Very sincerely, General, your obedient servant, L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, New York, January 5, 1861. Maj. T. H. HOL~IEs, Eighth Infantry, Superintendent Recruiting Service, Fort Columbus: SIR: By direction of the General-in-Chief, you will detach this even- ing two hundred of the best-instructed men at Fort Columbus, by the steamship Star of the West, to re-enforce the garrison at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. They will be furnished with arms, and, if possible, one hundred rounds of ammunition per man. Orders will be given to the proper officers of the staff department to furnish one hundred stand of spare arms and subsistence for three months. The officers assigned to duty with the detachment are Lieuts. C. IR. Woods, Ninth Infantry; W. A. Webb, Fifth Infantry; C. W. Thomas, First Infantry, and Asst. Surg. P. G. S. Ten Broeck, Medical Depart- ment, all of whom will report for duty to Major Anderson, commanding Fort Sumter. Yours, L. THOMAS. HEADQUARTERS, January 5, 1861. First Lieut. CHARLES R. WOODS, Ninth infantry, Fort Columbus: Sin: The steamship Star of the West has been chartered to take two hundred recruits from Fort Columbus to Fort Sumter, South Carolina, to re-enforce the garrison at that post. You are placed in command of the detachment, assisted by Lieuts. W. A. Webb, Fifth Infantry ~ C. W. Thomas, First Infantry, and Asst. Surg. P. G. S. Ten Broeck, Medi- cal Department. Arms and ammunition for your men will be placed on the steamer and three months supply of subsistence. The duty upon which you are now placed by direction of the Gen Page 132 132 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. eral-in-Chief will require great care and energy on your part to execute it successfully, for it is important that all your movements be kept as secret as possible. Accordingly, on approaching the Charleston bar, you will place below decks your entire force, in order that only the ordi- nary crew may be seen by persons from the shore or on boarding the vessel. Every precaution must be resorted to to prevent being fired upon by batteries erected on either Sullivans or James Island. Yours, L. THOMAS. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, New York, January 5, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, Commanding Fort Sumter: Sin: In accordance with the instructions of the General-in-Chief I yesterday chartered the steamship Star of the West to re-enforce your small garrison with two hundred well-instructed recruits from Fort Columbus, under First Lient. C. R. Woods, Ninth Infantry, assisted by Licuts. W. A. Webb, Fifth Infantry; C. NY. Thomas, First Infantry, and Asst. Surg. P. G. S. Ten Broeck, Medical Department, all of whom you will retain until further orders. Besides arms for the men, one hundred spare arms and all the cartridges in the arsenal on Governors Island will be sent; likewise, three months subsistence for the detachment and six months desiccated and fresh vegetables, with three or four days fresh beef for your entire force. Further re-enforcements will be sent if necessary. Should a fire, likely to prove injurious, be opened upon any vessel bringing re-enforcements or supplies, or upon tow-boats within the reach of your guns, they may be employed to silence such fire; and you may act in like manner in case a fire is opened upon Fort Sumter itself The General-in-Chief desires me to communicate the fact that your conduct meets with the emphatic approbation of the highest in au- thority. You are warned to be upon your guard against all telegrams, as false ones may be attempted to be passed upon you. Measures will soon be taken to enable you to correspond with the Government by sea and Wilmington,N. C. You will send to Fort Columbus by the return of the steamer all your sick, otherwise inefficient, officers and enlisted men. Fill up the two companies with the recruits now sent, and muster the residue as a de- tachment. I am, sir, very resjectfully, your obedient servant, L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 5, 1861. To the PAYMASTER-GENERAL: SIR: The governor of this State assumes the authority to interfere with my official duties. Mr. Pressley, the assistant treasurer, informed me a few days since that he had orders from the governor not to pay my checks to any one stationed at Fort Sumter, and asked me if I would give any more hereafter to which I replied I would not refuse to pay accounts presented to me from there or any other place as long as I ha Page 133 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 133 funds. I heard nothing more of the matter until this morning, when 1 called at the sub-treasury office. The clerk told me (Mr. Pressley not being there) that he had orders not to pay checks. I then expressed a wish to withdraw my funds, and was refused for the presenthowever, asked to call again on Monday, when the assistant treasurer would be there himseW My situation here as an officer of the Army is very un- pleasant, and has been for some weeks past. I do hope a change will soon be made. Very respectfully, & c., GEG. C. flUTTER, Paymaster, U~ S. Army. [Indorsement.] PAYMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, January 8, 1861. The Paymaster-General respectfully submits, for the information of the Commanding General of the Army, the within copy of a letter from Major flutter, reporting interference on the part of the governor of South Carolina with his official duties. BENJ. F. LARNED, Paymaster- General. FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 6, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Through the courtesy of Governor Pickens I am enabled to make this communication, which will be taken to Washington by my brother, Larz Anderson, esq. I have the honor to report my com- mand in excellent health and in tine spirits. We are daily adding to the strength of our position by closing up embrasures which we shall not use, mounting guns, & c. The South Carolinians are also very active in erecting batteries and preparing for a conflict, which I pray God may not occur. Batteries have been constructed bearing upon and, I presume; commanding the entrance to the harbor. They are also to-day busily at work on a battery at Fort Johnson, intended to fire against me. My position will, should there be no treachery among the workmen, whom we are compelled to retain for the present, enable me to hold this fort against any force which can be brought against me, and it would enable me, in the event of a war, to annoy the South Car- olinians by preventing them from throwing supplies into their new posts except by the out-of.the-way passage through Stono River. At present, it would be dangerous and difficult for a vessel from without to enter the harbor, in consequence of the batteries which are already erected and being erected. I shall not ask for any increase of my com- inand, because I do not know what the ulterior views of the Govern- ment are. We are now, or soon will be, cut off from all communica- tion, unless by means of a powerful fleet, which shall have the ability to carry the batteries at the mouth of this harbor. Trusting in God that nothing will occur to array a greater number of States than have already taken ground against the Gemieral Govern- ment, I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Lliajor, First Artillery, Gommanding Page 134 134 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. L HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, January 7, 1861. COMMAND1N~ OFFICER, DETACHMENT U. S. ARMY, On board steamship Star of the West, Sup osed to be near Charleston, S. C.: SIR: This communication is sent through the commander of the U. S. steam sloop-of war Brooklyn. His mission is twofold: First, to afford aid and succor in case your ship be shattered or injured; second, to convey this order of recall for your detachment in case it cannot land at Fort Sumter, to proceed to Fort Monroe, Hampton Roads, and there await further orders. In case of your retnrn to Hampton Roads, send a telegraphic message here at once from Norfolk. Yours, very respectfully, W. SCOTT. P. S.On arrival at Fort Monroe, land your troops and discharge the ship; W. SCOTT. No. 17.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 9, 1861. (Received A. (1. 0., January 12.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant General: COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith the correspondence which took place to-day between the governor of South Carolina and myself in relation to the firing by his batteries on a vessel bearing our flag. Lieutenant Talbot, whose health is very much impaired, will be the bearer of these dispatches, and he will be enabled to give you full information in reference to this and to all other matters. I am, colonel, yonr obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. [Inclosures.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 9, 1861. To his Excellency the GOVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLINA: SIR: Two of your batteries fired this morning np~n an unarmed vessel bearing the flag of my Government. As I have not been notified that war has been declared by South Carolina against the Government of the United States, I cannot but think that this hostile act was com- mitted without your sanction or anthority. Under that hope, and that alone, did I refrain from opening fire upon your batteries. I have the honor, therefore, respectfully to ask whether the above mentioned act one, I bell eve, without a parallel in the history of our country or of any other civilized governmentwas committed in obedience to your in- structions, and to notify you, if it be not disclaimed, that I must regard it as an act of war, and that I shall not, after a reasonable time for the return of my messenger, permit any vessels to pass within range of the guns of my fort. In order to save, as far as in my power, thc shedding of blood, I beg that you will have due notification of this my decision given to all concerned. Hoping, however, that your answer may be such as will jnstify a further continuance of forbearance upon my part, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Gommanding Page 135 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 135 STATE 0F SOUTH CAROLINA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Headquarters, Charleston, January 9, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, Commanding Fort Sumter: SIR: Your letter has been received. In it you make certain state- ments which very plainly show that you have not been fully informed by your Government of the precise relations which now exist between it and the State of South Carolina. Official information has been commu- nicated to the Government of the United States that the political con- nection heretofore existing between the State of South Carolina and the States which were known as the United States had ceased, and that the State of South Ca~olina had resumed all the power it had delegated to the United States under the compact known as the Constitution of the United States. The right which the State of South Carolina possessed to change the political relations which it held with other States under the Constitution of the United States has been solemnly asserted by the people of this State in convention, and now does not admit of discussion. In anticipation of the ordinance of secession, of which the President of the United States has received official notification, it was understood by him that sending any re-enforcement of the troops of the United States in the harbor of Charleston would be regarded by the constituted au- thorities of the State of South Carolina as an act of hostility, and at the same time it was understood by him that any change in the occul)ation of the forts in the harbor of Charleston would in like manner be regarded as an act of hostility. Either or both of these events, occurring during the period in which the State of South Carolina constituted a part of the United States, was then distinctly notified to the President of the United States as an act or acts of hostility; because either or both would be regarded, and could only be intended, to dispute the right of the State of South Carolina to that political independence which she has always asserted and will always retain. Whatever would have been, during the continuance of this State as a member of the United States, an act of hostility, became much more so when the State of South Carolina had dissolved the connection with the Government of the United States. After the secession of the State of South Carolina, Fort Sumter contin- ued in the possession of the troops of the United States. How that fort is at this time in the possession of the troops of the United States it is not now necessary to discuss. It will suffice to say that the occupancy of that fort has been regarded by the State of South Carolina as the first act of positive hostility committed by the troops of the United States within the limits of this State, and was in this light regarded as so un- equivocal that it occasioned the termination of the negotiations then pending at Washington between the Commissioners of the State of South Carolina and the President of the United States. The attempt to re-enforce the troops now at Fort Sumter, or to retake and resume possession of the forts within the waters of this State, which you aban- doned, after spiking the guns placed there, and doing otherwise much damage, cannot be regarded by the authorities of the State as indicative of any other purpose than the coercion of the State by the arlne(l force of the Government. To repel such an attempt is too plainly its duty to allow it to be discussed. But while defending its waters, the authori- ties of the State have been careful so to conduct the affairs of the State that no act, however necessary for its defense, should lead to an useless waste of life. Special agents, therefore, have been oft the bar to warn all approaching vessels, if armed or unarmed, and having troops to r Page 136 136 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. I. enforce the forts on board, not to enter the harbor of Charleston, and special orders have been given to the commanders of all forts and bat- teries not to fire at such vessels until a shot fired across their bows would warn them of the prohibition of the State. Under these circum- stances, the Star of the West, it is understood, this morning attempted to enter this harbor, with troops on board, and having been notified that she could not enter, was fired into. The act is perfectly justified by me. Jn regard to your threat in regard to vessels in the harbor, it is only neces ary to say that you must judge of your own responsibilities. Your position in this harbor has been tolerated by the authorities of the State, and while the act of which you complain is in perfect consistency with the rights and duties of the State, it is not perceived how far the con- duct which you propose to adopt can find a parallel in the history of any country, or be reconciled with any other purpose of your Government than that of imposing upon this State the condition of a conquered province. F. W. PICKENS. FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 9, 1861. General TOTTEN: M~ DEAR Sin: I have only a moment to write by Lieutenant Meade [f], who comes with dispatches from Major Anderson. I wish to assure you, however, that the officers of your corps are doing everything in their power to make this work impregnable, even with the present small garrison of seventy men. We even mount all the guns, as we can do it much more rapidly than the garrison. We have twenty-niuc guns on the first tier and eleven on the barbette tier. Four 8-inch columbiads are ready to mount to-morrow. I shall place the 10-inch on the parade as mortars. The firing upon the Star of the West this morning by the batteries on Morris Island opened the war, but Major Anderson hopes that the delay of sending to Washington may possibly prevent civil war. The hope, although a small one, may be the thread that prevents the sunder- ing of the Union. We are none the less determined to defend ourselves to the last extremity. I am in want of funds, and would respectfully urge that as soon as possible $15,000 may be placed to my credit in ~ew York. In haste. Very respectfully, J. 0-. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. P. S.I beg to refer you to Lieutenant Meade [?] for particulars. J. G. F. [Memorandum.] Received January 12 by Lieutenant Talbot, U. S. Army. WAR DEPARTMENT, January 10, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, Commanding at Fort Sumter, S. C.: SIR: Your dispatches to No. 16, inclusive, have been received. Before the receipt of that of 31st December,* announcing that the Government * Received January 5, 1861, p. 120 Page 137 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 137 might re-enforce you at its leisure, and that you regarded yourself safe in your present position, some two hundred and fifty instructed recruits had been ordered to proceed from Governors Island to Fort Sumter on the Star of the West, for the purpose of strengthening the force under your command. The prQbability is. from the current rumors of to-day, that this vessel has been fired into by the South Carolinians, and has not been able to reach you. To meet all contingencies, the Brooklyn has been dispatched, with instructions not to cross the bar at the harbor of Charleston, but to afford to the Star of the West and those on board all the assistance they may need, and in the event the recruits have not efthcted a landing at Fort Sumter they will return to Fort Monroe. I avail myself of the occasion to express the great satisfaction of the Government at the forbear nec, discretion, and firmness with which you have acted, amid the perplexing and difficult circumstances in which you have been placed. You will continue, as heretofore, to act strictly on the defensive; to avoid, by all means compatible with the safety of your command, a collision with the hostile forces by which you are sur- rounded. But for the movement, so promptly and brilliantly executed, by which you transferred your forces to Fort Sumter, the probability is that ere this the defenselessness of your position would have invited an attack, which, there is reason to believe, was contemplated, if not in active preparation, which must have led to the effusion of blood, that has been thus so happily prevented. The movement, therefore, was in every way admirable, alike for its humanity f and] patriotism, as for its soldiership. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HOLT, & cretary of War ad interim. FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 12, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The sudden resolution to send a joint commission to Wash- ington enables me to write only a few lines to tell you that my operations are going steadily on. Seventeen guns are now mounted on the bar- bette tier, and in good working order. Four of these are coluinbiads. Owing to the breaking of the truck, we did not accomplish much yes- terday beyond hoisting carriages to the terre-plein (upper). My force is gradually growing less and less, owing to the fears of the approach- ing conflict among the men. By tonight I mnay not have more than a dozen men for work. This is unavoidable, because it will not do to force the fearful or seditious men to reumain. I shall, however, get nearly all the guns up before all leave. Yesterday a commission came from Gov- ernor Pickens to summon this fort to surrender. It was composed of General Jamison, Secretary of War, and Judge McGrath, Secretary of State of South Carolina. They subsequently (during the conference with u~) moderated the matter somewhat, so as to have it understood that their demand was not to alter the present status. The major pro- posed to send a joint commission to Washington, which is accepted this morning, and Lieutenant Hall leaves for this purpose. I received a dispatch from Mrs. Foster, after her arrival in Washing- ton, which I understood to mean that I had to my credit there $15,000. This gives me great satisfaction, for I was becoming embarrassed for want of funds. You can rely upon my doing all that I can to secur Page 138 138 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. this work, and to strengthen the defense. I am most efficiently snp- ported by Lieutenants Snyder and Meade, who are exerting themselves to the utmost, and I hope the Department will give them full credit for their zeal and efficiency. The temper of the people of this State is hecoming every day more bitter, and I do not see how we can avoid a bloody conflict. I wish, therefore, to say to you that nearly all of my papers and vouchers are in my office in town, whence I have not been permitted to remove thetn. All of my personal effects are in the house that I occupied on Sullivans Island, with the exception of some few things that I have here. The suddenness of the movement over here did not permit me au oppor- tunity to remove anything, and my active operations in the matter did not incline the authorities in my favor so as to permit me to remove anything afterwards. I shall, however, endeavor to leave everything relating to my responsibilities and accounts in as good order as possible. You must excuse my referring to these matters, which are partly per- sonal, because if we are attacked, it may be by overpowering numbers, and I have made up my mind to defend the work, as far as I am con- cerned, to the last extremity. The main ship channel was closed yester- day morning by sinking four hulks across it, upon the bar. Last night a good deal of work was done on Fort Moultrie to defile it from the fire of this fort. There is a large steamer outside of the bar, apparently a man-of-war. The health of the command is good, and their spirits excellent. In haste. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 12, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, U. S. Army: Colonel ilayne, of South Carolina, is bearer of dispatches from the governor of his State. I accompany him from Major Anderson. We start on the two oclock train this afternoon. NORMAN J. HALL. FORT SUMTER, S. C., January14, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that the facilities for mail communication between this fort and the city of Charleston have been restored by order of Governor Pickeus. The arrangement is for one of my boats to receive the mail at Fort Johnson, whither it is to be brought every day at 12 oclock, and to deliver the mail from the fort at the same time, to be taken to the office in the city. The reason assigned for this particular arrangement is, that it will avoid all chances for rencounters and bloodshed between our boats crews and riotous persons on the wharves in the city. All letters from the Departument will, in all proba- bility, be received. Since the hasty letter sent by Lieutenant Hall, nothing of marked importance has transpired. The Carolinians are hard at work on Fort Moultrie raising sand.bag and earth merlons between all the guns that look in this direction, iu a similar manner to the merlons that I con Page 139 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. 139 structed on the front facing the sand hills. The force on the island is about 700 men, as I saw them drilling this evening in about that number. I think that they have transferred several of the guns from Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney to the batteries on Morris Island, with the object of strengthening them, since they fiave found by the firing on the Star of the West that they are well placed. There is another battery on the upper end of Sullivans Island, out of the reach of our guns, to guard the Maffitt Channel. The main ship channel is so much obstructed by the four hulks that they sunk in it on the 11th that vessels lind the greatest difficulty in getting out or in, even with the harbor pilots, who know their position exactly. The middle channel is the only one that can be nsed with safety by vessels that wish to run the gauntlet with re-enforcements for us. I do not, however, consider it good policy to send re-enforcements here at this time. We can hold our own as long as it is necessary to do so. If any force is sent here it must have the strength and facilities for landing and carrying the batteries on Morris or Sullivans Island. The former will be the easier operation. But if the whole South is to secede from the Union, a conflict here and a civil war can only be avoided by giving up this fort sooner or later. We are, however, all prepared to go all lengths in its defense if the Government requires it. We have now, besides the twenty-nine guns mounted in the first tier (three 8-inch howitzers, five 42-pounders, and twenty-one 32-pounders), nineteen guns mounted on the third or barbette tier (six 8-inch columbiads, five 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, two 42-pounders, and ~ix 24-pounders). These are all well placed for firing on Fort Moultrie, Morris Island, and Fort Johnson. As fast as the remaining guns are monnted they will be distributed with the same object. Every precan- tion has been taken to secure the shutters for the embrasures and loop- holes and the main gates. The latter have been re-enforced by a solid wall three feet thick by five feet high, with a narrow doorway of 20 inch width to serve for passage, and also for embrasure of an 8-inch howitzer in case of attack. A discharge of canister from this gun will sweep the wharf. The lanyard of this gun is carried back through a hole in the second gate. The lanyards of the two guns to sweep the landing to the right and left are also brought inside, to insure those guns being fired, even if the retiring guard forgets to do it while npon the outside. A large number of shells have been arranged with friction tubes to be used with long lanyards, so that the shell, being rolled over or suffered to fall from the edge of the parapet, will explode as it gets to the end of the line. The room over the gateway has also been supplied with hand grenades. The weather since the command has occnpied the fort has been very bad, and the whole force, including the camp followers, have been suf- fered to quarter in the officers quarters. This, together with the firing of the guns at the gateway without raising the windows, by which most of the glass on the gorge and many of the sashes were broken, has caused considerable damage to the quarters. I regard it, however, as of small moment in comparison with the necessity for keeping the command well housed and also as well warmed as the small stock of fuel will allow. The damage to the windows has been repaired temporarily. I have regarded any expense not strictly required for the defense as unnecessary nuder the present aspect of affairs. During the continuance of the present arrangements for the mail I will keep you fully informed of everything that transpires. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, (J~ptain, Engineers Page 140 140 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. WAR DEPARTMENT, January 16, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, Gommanding Fort Sumter: SIR: Your dispatch No. 17, covering your correspondence with the governor of South Carolina, has been received from the hand of Lieu- tenant Talbot. You rightly designate the firing into the Star of the West as an act of war, and one which was actually committed with- out the slightest provocation. Had their act been perpetrated by a foreign nation, it would have been your imperative duty to have resented it with the whole force of your batteries. As, however, it was the work of the government of South Carolina, which is a member of this con- federacy, and was prompted by the passions of a highly-inflamed popu- lation of citizens of the United States, your forbearance to return the fire is fully approved by the President. Unfortunately, the Govern- ment had not been able to make known to you that the Star of the West had sailed from New York for your relief and hence, when she made her appearance in the harbor of Charleston, you did not feel the force of the obligation to protect her approach as you would naturally have done had this information reached you. Your late dispatches, as well as the very intelligent statement of Lieutenant Talbot, have relieved the Government of the apprehensions previously entertained for your safety. In consequence, it is not its purpose at present to re-enforce you. The attempt to do so would, no doubt, be attended by a collision of arms and the effusion of blooda national calamity which the President is most anxious, if possible, to avoid. You will, therefore, report frequently your condition, an dthe character and activity of the preparations, if any, which may be being made for an attack upon the fort, or for obstructing the Government in any endeavors it may make to strengthen your command. Should your dispatches be of a nature too important to be intrusted to the mails, you will convey them by special messengers. Whenever, in your judgment, additional supplies or re-enforcements are necessary for your safety, or for a successful defense of the fort, you will at once communicate the fact to this Department, and a prompt and vigorous effort will be made to forward them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HOLT. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, January 16, 1861. Lient. Gen. WINFIELD SCOTT: DEAR GENERAL: The habitual frankness of your character, the deep interest you take in everything that concerns the public defense, your expressed desire that I should hear and understand your viewsthese reasons, together with an earnest wish to know my own duty and to do it, induce me to beg you for a little light, which perhaps you alone can shed, upon the present state of our affairs. 1. Is it the duty of the Government to re-enforce Major Anderson ~i 2. If yes, how soon is it necessary that those re-enforcements should be there ~ 3. What obstacles exist to prevent the ~ending of such re-enforcements at any time when it may be necessary to do so ~ I trust you will not regard it as presumption in me if I give you the crude notions which I myself have already formed out of very imperfect materials Page 141 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 141 A statement of my errors, if errors they be, will enable you to correct them the more easily. J. It seems now to be settled that Major Anderson and his command at Fort Sumter are not to be withdrawn. The United States Govern- ment is not to surrender its last hold upon its own property in South Carolina. Major Anderson has a position so nearly impregnable that an attack upon him at present is wholly improbable, and he is supplied with provisions which will last him very well for two months. In the mean time Fort Sumter is invested on every side by the avowedly hostile forces of South Carolina. It is in a state of siege. They have already pre- vented communication between its commander and his own Government, both by sea and land. There is no doubt that they intend to continue this state of things, as far as it is in their power to do so. In the course of a few weeks from this time it will become very difficult for him to hold out. The constant labor and anxiety of his men will exhaust their physical power, and this exhaustion, of course, will proceed very much more rapidly as soon as they begin to get short of provision. If the troops remain in Fort Sumter without any change in their con- dition, and the hostile attitude of South Carolina remains as it is now, the question of Major Andersons surrender is one of time only. If he is not to be relieved,is it not entirely clear that he should be ordered to surrender at once~ It having been determined that the latter order shall not be given, it follows that relief must be sent him at some time before it is too late to save him. II. This brings me to the second question: When should the re-enforce- merits and provisions be sent~ Can we justify ourselves in delaying the performance of that duty~ The authorities of South Carolina are improving every moment, and increasing their ability to prevent re-enforcement every hour, while every day that rises sees us with a power diminished to send in the requisite relief. I think it certain that Major Anderson could be put in posses- sion of all the defensive powers he needs with very little risk to this Government, if the efforts were made immediately; but it is impossible to predict how much blood or money it may cost if it be postponed for two or three months. The fact that other persons are to have charge of the Government before the worst comes to the worst has no influence upon my mind, and I take it for granted will not be regarded as a just element in making up your opinion. The anxiety which an American citizen must feel about any future event which may affect the existence of the country is not less if he expects it to occur on the 5th of March than it would be if he knew it was going to happen on the 3d. III. I am persuaded that the difficulty of relieving Major Anderson has been very much magnified to the minds of some persons. From you I shall be able to ascertain whether I am mistaken or they. I am thor- oughly satisfied that the battery on Morris Island can give no serious trouble. A vessel going in where the Star of the West went will not be within the reach of the battery~s guns longer than from six to ten minutes. The number of shots that could be fired upon her in that time may be easily calculated, and I think the chances of her being seri- ously injured can be demoratrated by simple arithmetic to be very small. A very unlucky shot might cripple her, to be sure, and there- fore the risk is something. But then it is a maxim, not less in war than in peace, that where nothing is ventured nothing can be gained. The removal of the buoys has undoubtedly made the navigation of the channel more difficult. But there are pilots outside of Charleston, an Page 142 142 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. L many of the officers of the Navy, who could steer a ship into the harbor by the natural land marks with perfect safety. This, be it remembered, is not now a subject of speculation; the actual experiment has been tried. The Star of the West did pass the battery, and did overcome the difficulties of the navigation, meeting with no serious trouble from either cause. They have tried it; we can say probaturn est; and there is an end to the controversy. I am convinced that a pirate, or a slaver, or a smuggler, who could be assured of making five hundred dollars by going into the harbor in the face of all the dangers which now threaten a vessel bearing the American flag, would laugh them to scorn, and to one of our naval officers who has the average of daring, the dangers self were lure alone. There really seems to me nothing in the way that ought to stop us except the guns of Fort Moultrie. If they are suffered to open a fire upon a vessel bearing re-enforcements to Fort Sumter, they might stop any other vessel as they stopped the Star of the West. But is it neces- sary that this intolerable outrage should be submitted tol Would it not be an act of pure self-defense on the part of Major Anderson to silence Fort Moultrie, if it be necessary to do so, for the purpose of insuring the safety of a vessel whose arrival at Fort Sumter is neces- sary for his protection, and could he not do it effectually l Would the South Carolinians dare to fire upon any vessel which Major Anderson would tell them beforehand must be permitted to pass, on pain of his guns being opened npon her assailants l But suppose it impossible for an unarmed vessel to pass the battery, what is the difficulty of sending the Brooklyn or the Macedonian in l I have never heard it alleged that the latter could not cross the bar, and I think if the fact had been so it would have been mentioned in my hearing before this time. It will turn out upon investigation, after all that has been said and sung about the Brooklyn, that there is water enough there for her. She draws ordinarily only sixteen and one-half feet, and her draught can be reduced eighteen inches by putting her upon an even keel. The shallowest place will give her eighteen feet of water at high tide. In point of fact, she has crossed that bar more than once. But apart even from these resources, the Government has at its command three or four smaller ~ steamers of light draught and great speed, which could be armed and at sea in a few days, and would not be in the least troubled by any opposition that could be made to their entrance. It is not, however, necessary to go into these details, with which, I presume, you are fully acquainted. I admit that the state of things may be somewhat worse now than they were a week ago, and are prob. ably getting worse every day; but is not that the strongest reason that can be given for taking time by the forelock ~? I feel confident that you will excuse me for making this communica- tion. I have some responsibilities of my own to meet, and I can discharge them only when I understand the subject to which they relate. Your opinion, of course, will be conclusive upon me, for on such a matter I cannot do otherwise than defer to your better judgment. If you think it most consistent with your duty to be silent, I shall have no right to complain. If you would rather answer orally than make a written reply, I will meet you either at your own quarters or here in the State Department, as may best suit your convenience. I am, most respectfully, yours, & c., J. S. BLACK Page 143 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 143 No. 19.] FonT SUMTER, S. C., January 21, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., January 24.) Hon. J. HOLT, Secretary of War: Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, dated the 10th and 19th [16th] instants, and to assure you that I am highly gratified at the unqualified approbation they contain of the course I felt it my duty (under Divine guidance, I trust) to pursue in the unexpect- edly perplexing circumstances by which we were surrounded. I shall inclose herewith copies of my correspondence with the officials of this State, and also a copy of the Mercury, which contains an article in refer- ence to supplies for my command.* You will understand at once the reasons for my course, which I hope will meet your approval. So many acts of harshness and of incivility have occurred since my removal from Fort Moultfie, which I have not deemed proper to notice or report, that I cannot accept of any civility which may be considered as a favor or an act of charity. I hope that the Department will approve of my sending (if the governor will permit it) our women an(l children to New York. They will be in the way here if we should, unfortunately, be engaged in hostilities, and they would embarrass me should I deem it proper to make any sudden move. We are trying daily to strengthen our posi- tion. We have now fifty-one guns in position, viz: In barbette, four 42- pounders, three 32-pounders, six 24s, six 8-inch columbiads, and five 8- inch sea-coast howitzers (24); in casemate, twenty-two 32-pounders and two 42-pounders, (24); and to guard the gateway, which has been nearly closed by a heavy stonewall, three 8-inch sea-coast howitzers; and we are now preparing platforms in the parade for the three 10-inch colum- biads, which we are unable to raise to their proper positions. I shall have some of the lower embrasures, in which guns are mounted, closed. This will make our little command more secure. From the perfect iso- lation of our position here it is impossible for us to ascertain, with any degree of certainty, the character or extent of the preparations which are being made around us. Everything, however, shows that they are exerting all their energies to prevent the entrance of re-enforcements, and to prepare for attacking this work. Saturday night and yesterday (Sunday) they were very actively engaged at work on a battery (coin- menced Saturday morning) a few hundred yards south of a battery of three guns constructed within the last three weeks in front of Fort Johnson barracks. On Cummings Point, Morris Island, quite an ex- tensive battery or batteries have been constructed within the last week. We think that there may be both mortars and heavy guns at this point. We see them moving heavy timbers, which may be intended for the con- struction of a bomb-proof. Judging from the great quantity of material which has been landed in that neighborhood, I think it probable that they may have strengthened the battery which fired on the Star of the West. The channel she caine in has been closed, pretty effectually 1 im- agine, by four sunken vessels. Sand hills on Morris Island afford such safe positions for batteries that I fear we shall have to waste a great deal of ammunition before we can succeed in dislodging them from its batteries. Several distant shots haVe been heard from the direction the mouth of Stono Creek. I presume they have closed that by a heavy battery. It is reported that there is a battery guarding the en- trance of the Maffitt Channel, and also that there is a battery of heavy guns on Sullivans Island (masked from our view by the houses) about three hundred yards to the west of the fort. Fort Moultrie has been Article from Mercury not found Page 144 144 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. LOIJAP. I. greatly strengthened during the last two weeks. Traverses have been erected along the the sea front, and merlons, formed of sand bags and earth, constructed between the guns. These merlons, appai~ently well built, will afford very good protection for the carriages and men, and defilade the parade and greater portion of the quarters from our direct fire. It seems that they have repaired these carriages, and that all the guns are now in position on the sea front. I am, of course, unable to state with any accuracy the character of the armament of their batteries or the number of men they have under arms; we hear that the garrison on Sullivans Jsland, at Fort Johnson, Castle Pinckney (the parapet of which is strengthened by sand bags), and on Morris Island amount to about two thousand men. In reference to my communications with the Department, you must bear it in mind that that matter is entirely under the control of the governor of this State, who may, whenever he deems fit, entirely prohibit my forwarding any letters, or prevent my sending any messenger, to my Government. I shall, however, as long as I can do so, send daily a brief note to the Department, the reception of which will show that the channel is still tpen, and the failure will indicate that our communication has been cnt off. Trusting in God that He will be pleased to save us from the horrors of a civil war, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commandtng. [Inclosure No. 1.] EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF ~TAR Charleston, January 19, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON: SIR: I am instructed by his excellency the governor to inform you that he has directed an officer of the State to procure and carry over with your mails each day to Fort Sumter such supplies of fresh meat and vegetables as you may indicate. I am, sir, respectfidiy yours, ID. F. JAMISON. [Inclosure No. 2.] FORT SUMTER S C Ja Hon. ID. F. JAMISON, .~ nuary 19, 1861. Executive Office, Department of War: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the r& ceipt of your communi- cation of this date, stating that you are authorized by his excellency the governor to inform me that he has directed an officer of the State to procure and carry over with my mails each day to Fort Sumter such supplies of fresh meat and vegetables as I may indicate. I confess that I am at a loss to understand the latter part of this message, as I have not represented in any quarter that we were in need of such sup- plies. As commandant of a military post, I can only have my troops furnished with fresh beef in the manner prescribed by law, and I am compelled, therefore, with due thanks to his excellency, respectfully to decline his offer. If his suggestion is based upon a right, then I must procure the meat as we have been in the habit of doing for years, under an unexpired contract with Mr. McSweeney, a Charleston butcher, who would, I presume, if permitted, deliver the meat, & c., at this fort or at Fort Johnson, at the usual periods for such delivery, four times in te Page 145 CHAP. Li CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNiON. 145 days. If the permission is founded on courtesy and civility, I am com- pelled respectfully to decline accepting it, with a reiteration of my thanks for having made it. in connection with this subject, I deem it not improper respectfully to suggest that his excellency may do an act of humanity and great kindness if he will permit one of the New York steamers to stop with a lighter and take the womeu and children of this garrison to that city. The confinement within the walls of this work, and the impossibility of my having it in my power to have them lur- nished with the proper and usual articles of food, will, I fear, soon pro- duce sickness a~uong them. The compliance with this request will con- fer a favor upon a class of persons to whom similar indulgences are always granted, even during a siege in time of actual war, and will be duly appreciated by me. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 1tOBEI~T ANDEItSON, ]iliajor, First Artillery, Commanding Fort S inter. P. 5.I hope that the course I have deemed it my duty to take in reference to the supplies will have a tendency to allay an excitement which, jndging from the tenor of the paragraphs in to-days paper, I fear they are trying to get up in the city. [Inelosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS QUARTERMASTERS DEPARTMENT, Charleston, January 19, 1861. Major ANDERSON: DEAR Sin: Inclosed please find copy of letter from Secretary of War. Not waiting your request, I shall send by the mail-boat in the morning two hundred pounds of beef and a lot of vegetables. I requested Lieutenant Talbot to ask you to let me know this evening what supplies von would wish sent daily. Very respectfully, L. M. HATCH, Quartermaster- General, South Carolina Militia. [Thelosure No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS QUARTERMASTERS DEPARTMENT, Charleston, January 19, 1861. Colonel HATCH, Quartermaster- General: You are ordered to procure and send down with the mails for Fort Sumter to-morrow a sufficient quantity of fresh meat and vegetables to last the garrison of Fort Sumter for forty-eight hours, and inform Major Anderson that you will purchase and take down every day such pro- visions from the city market as he may indicate. D. F. JAMISON. [Inclosure No. 5.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 20, 1861. Col. L. M. HATCH, Quartermaster-General: DEAR Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 19th instant, and also to state that as no arrangements have been made by me with your government in reference to supplies for this post, 10 n Page 146 146 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. LCHAr.I. I feel compelled to decline the reception of those supplies. I wrote to the honorable Secretary of War yesterday in reference to this matter. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Th ANDERSON, Major, First U. S. Artillery, Gommanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 21, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the present condition of the batteries around us occupied or being erected by the troops of the State of South Carolina: Fort ]ifoultrie.Until within eight days the work upon this fort, which was executed by several hundred negroes, was confined to the erection of three large traverses on the east half of the sea front, and the enlargement of another that I built upon the same face near the south angle. These traverses were of a size sufficient to contain a tem- porary bomb-proof shelter, and really served only to screen from our enfilading fire only three guns on the face, and also to cover the south half of the officers quarters. The three columbiads at the south angle were not covered. But recently the work of preparation to screen themselves from the fire of Fort Sumter has taken a better turn, and the work done is really important. It consists of high and solid merlons, formed of timber, sand bags, and earth, raised between all the guns that can be brought to bear on this fort, from the west side of their fort, and in placing traverses or merlons so as to screen from enfilading fire all the guns upon the sea front which are arranged to fire upon the channel. The cheeks of the embrasures are of timber, apparently set on end, like palisades, which I think is objectionable; and I also notice that the exterior slope of the merlons is too great to resist the pressure of the earth, and that the sand bags are pressed out in one or two l)laces. These errors are small, however, compared with the great advantage of these merlons, which from their height (about five feet) completely cover the quarters and barracks as high up as the eaves. The following sketch shows pretty nearly the presQut arrangement of the fronts that I can see: ALL THE GUNS ON THIS ~RON~~ WERE PLACED IN EMB.BEFORE WE LEYT THE FORT~ HIGH SAND HILLS ARE WIThIN IQOYIIS. OP THIS FRONT. From Fort Sumter seventeen guns in barbette and eight guns in case- mate are now ready to fire on Fort Moultrietwenty-five guns in all. GUNS IN BARBETTE ON THIS FRONT. CHANNELALL IN EMB. OR PROTECTED A? TRAVERSES Page 147 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 147 Of these, four are 8-inch columbiads, five are 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, eight are 42-pounders, and eight are 32-pounders. I have overhauled and fixed each carriage so that it works easily, and made maneuvering implements, of which there were none here at first. Besides the above, a 10-inch columbiad is now being bedded by Lieutenant Snyder as a mortar, to throw shells into Fort Moultrie and upon Sullivans Island. Battery on the ~{pper or east end of the islund.~-Of this nothing defillite is known, as it is out of sight, and also, I fear, shielded from our fire by intervening sand hills. Its object is to secure the east point of the island, and also have a fire upou the Maffitt Channel. Battery on SuUirans Island west of Fort Jfoultrie.This is situated about 300 yards to the west of the fort, and is built across a cross-street at a. (See sketch.) It is said to contain five guns, but being masked by 01(1 buildings and fences in front of it, I cannot tell whether or not it is so. It is intended to fire on Fort Sumter. Castle Pinclcney remains apparently as it was when taken, with the exception of sand bags, which are placed around the parapet apparently for the purpose of protecting the heads of their sharpshooters. It is reported that some of the guns have been taken from the Castle to arm the new earth batteries on Morris Island and other places. Battery at Fort Johnson.This is a small earthen battery for three guns in embrasure, intended to fire on the channel. It is situated next to the old barracks, as shown in rough sketch in the margin. I judge of the calibers of the guns by their reports in firing for practice. Second battery near Fort Johnron.T his is now in the process of construction. It appears to be for mortars, as no embrasures are made. It is of sufficient size for three guns or mortars. ENfl Morris I8land Battery.This is the one that fired on the Star of the West. It is about 2,400 or 2,500 yards from us, and concealed from view by intervening sand hills. It is a gun battery, and did contain two guns at first. Now I am confident that it contains at least four guns. The troops for the service of the batteries are quartered in the buildings constituting the small-pox hospital, over one of which their flag is flying, a red field with white palmetto tree upon it. The flag on Fort Johnson is similar, as is also the one on Castle Pinckney. That on Fort Moultrie is a white field with a green palmetto tree, and a red star in the corner. Battery on Cummings Point.This is apparently for mortars, and is of sufficient extent to contain six or eight. A large force of negroes has been at work upon it during the last week. A large quantity of timber has been hauled into it, apparently for shell-proof shelters as well as platforms; most of the timber was too large for platforms. This battery seems to be for mortars, as no embrasures are yet made. It is within good range of our heavy guns, of which four 8-inch columbiads, three 42-pounders, one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, and six 24-pounders on the barbette tier bear upon it; besides, two 32-pounders in the lower tier can fire upon it. This will give a powerful fire. Still, they are appar- ently providing for it. I have no positive knowledge of the proposed armament of this battery, but I have heard twice from persons who would be apt to know that three mortars are already in it. These are probably the two trophy mortars from the arsenal and the 10-inch mortar from Fort Moultrie. I have heard heavy firing several times, as though for practice, in th Page 148 148 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. direction of the Stono River, and I presume a small battery has been erected there to guard that approach to the city. Of the garrison of Castle Pinckney I cannot judge very well. Of that for Fort iiilioultrie and the other batteries on Sullivans Island I should judge the number to be about 800. On Morris Island about 500. At Fort Johnson about 100, which will probably be increased with the com- pletion of the second battery to 200. The temper of the authorities seems to have changed for the better since Mr. ilayne and Mr. Gourdin have been in Washingtou. The propo- sition to supply fresh meat and vegetables was made by Governor Pick- ens on the 19th, but declined by Major Anderson on the following day. A supply of fresh meat and vegetables that had been sent down yesterday by the South Carolina quartermaster-general was returned. In the let- ter declining the proffered supply Major Anderson requested Governor Pickens to allow the camp women and children to go to New York in the next steamer, and to allow a lighter to come down to take them and their effects to the steamer as she passes. No answer has yet been received to this request. The temper of the common people is not, however, so easily changed from the high pitch of excitement to which it has been wrought to a suddenly conciliatory course, the reasons for which they do not perceive. Our hopes for a pacific solution of the present difficulties are very much increased since Lieutenant Talbots return. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. (I Page 149 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 149 WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, January 22, 1861. Hon. BENJAMIN FITZPATRICK, Hon. S. 11. MALLORY, Hon. JoiiN SLIDELL: GENTLEMEN: The President has received yonr communication of the 19th instant, * with the copy of a correspondence between yonrselves and others, representing States which have already seceded from the United States, or will have done so before 1st of February next, and Col. Isaac W. Hayne, of South Carolina, in behalf of the government of that State, in relation to Fort Snmter, and you ask the President to take into consideration the subject of the correspondence. With this request he has complied, and has directed me to communicate his an- swer. In your letter to Colonel Hayne of the 13th instant, * you propose to him to defer the delivery of a message from the governor of South Caro- lina to the President. with which he has been intrusted, for a few days, until the President and Colonel Hayne shall have considered the sug- gestions which you submit. It is unnecessary to refer specially to these suggestions, because the letter addressed to you by Colonel Hayne, of the 17th instant, presents a clear and specific answei~ to them. In this he says: I am not clothed with power to make the arrangement you suggest, but provided you can get assurances with which you are en- tirely satisfied that no re-enforcements will be sent to Fort Sumter in the interval, and that the public peace will not be disturbed by any act of hostility toward South Carolina, I will refer your communication to the authorities of South Carolina, and withholding the communication with which I am at present charged, will await further instructions. From the beginning of the present unhappy troubles, the President has endeavored to perform his executive duties in such a manner as to preserve the peace of the country and prevent bloodshed. This is still his fixed purpose. You, therefore, do him no more than justice in stat- ing that you have assurances (from his public messages, I presume) that, notwithstanding the circumstances under which Major Ander- son left Fort Moultrie and entered Fort Sumter with the forces under his command, it was not taken, and is not held, with any hostile or unfriendly purpose towards your State, but merely as property of the United States, which the President deems it his duty to protect and pre- serve. You have correctly stated what the President deems to be his duty. His sole object now is, and has been, to act .strictly on the de- fensive, and to authorize no movement against the people of South Caro- lina unless clearly justified by a) hostile movement on their part. He could not have given a better proof of his desire to prevent the effusion of blood than by forbearing to resort to the use of force under the strong provocation of an attack (happily without a fatal result) on an unarmed vessel bearing the flag of the United States. I am happy to observe that iu your letter to Colonel Hayne you ex- press the opinion that it is especially due from South Carolina to our States, to say nothing of other slaveholdiug States, that she should, as far as she can consistently with her honor, avoid initiating hostilities between her and the United States, or any other power.~~ To initiate such hostilities against Fort Sumter would, beyond question, be an act of war against the United States. In regard to the proposition of Colonel Hayne, that no re-enforce- ments will be sent to Fort Sumter in the interval, and that the public * Not of record in War Department Page 150 150 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. peace will not be disturbed by any act of hostility towards South Caro- lina, it is impossible for me to give you any such assurances. The President has no authority to euter into such an agreement ornuderstand- ing. As an executive officer he is simply bound to protect the public property so far as this may be practicable, and it would be a manifest violation of his duty to place himself under engagements that he would nor perform this duty either for an indefinite or a limited period. At the present moment it is not deemed necessary to re-enforce Major An- derson, because he makes no such request, and feels quite secure in his position. Should his safety, however, require reenforcements, every effort will be made to supply them. in regard to an assurance from the President that the public peace will not be disturbed by any act of hostility toward South Carolina, the answer will readily occur to yourselves. To Congress, and to Con- gress alone, belongs the power to make war, and it would be an act of usurpation for the Executive to give any assurance that Congress would not exercise this power, however strongly he may be convinced that no such intention exists. I am glad to be assured from the letter of Colonel ilayne that Major Anderson and his command do now obtain all necessary supplies, in- cluding fresh meat and vegetables, and, I believe, fuel and water, from the city of Charleston, and do now enjoy communication by post and special messenger with the President, and will continue to do so, cer- tainly until the door to negotiation has been closed. I trust that these facilities may still be afforded to Major Anderson. This is as it should be. Major Anderson is not menacing Charleston, and I am con- vinced that the happiest result which can be attained is that both he and the authorities of South Carolina shall remain on their present amni- cable footing, neither party being bound by any obligation whatever, except the high Christian and moral duty to keep the peace, and to avoid all causes of mutual irritation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HOLT, & cretary of War. No. 20.] FonT SUMTER, S. C., January 22, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., January 25.) Col. S. COOPE General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that with the exception of con- tinued activity shown yesterday in extending the battery at Cummings Point (Morris Island), everything seemed to be quiet around us. Lieu- tenant Hall may bring on a copy of the private Navy Signal Book with the signals, and also the designation of the key (or number) agreed upon in concert with the Navy IDepartmnent. This may be of service. Be pleased to ask Mr. Hall to bring me a supply of best thin ruled note paper, with envelopes. Being cut off from the city I cannot procure those indispensable articles. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. P. S.No reply as yet to my letter to the Hon. D. F. Jamison Page 151 151 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. No. 21.j FoRT SUMTER, S. C., January 23, 1861. (Received A. 0-. 0., January 27.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the lionor to send herewith a copy of the reply of the Hon. D. F. Jamison to my letter to him about supl)lieS for this gar- rison and the removal of our women and children, and also a copy of my acknowledgment of the same. I am highly gratified at the courtesy and proper tone of this reply. ~f he storm which was raging yesterday has continued with unabated severity up to the present moment, and has put a stop to all outdoor work, both with the South Carolinians and ourselves, it is now raining and blowing so heavily and the bay is so rough that I shall not venture to send our boat to Fort Johnson for the mail. Shonld the storm abate so that I can send our letters off in time for the evening mail I shall send them over. I see by the Coast Survey map that Maffitts and the Swash Channel are not the same. I was led into that mistake by an old pilot, who told me that Maffitts Channel was formerly called the Swash. I will thank you to be pleased, therefore, to erase the words Swash ~ in my letter to the honorable Secretary of War dated the 21st instant, and also to change the word ~ into ~ where in the same letter I am describing the work which has been re- cently executed at Fort Moultrie.* I am, colonel, very respectfully, & c., ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.1 EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR, Charleston, January 21, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON: SIR. In offering to permit you to purchase in this city, through the instrumentality of an officer of the State, such fresh supl)lies of provis- ions as you might need, his excellency the governor was inflaenced solely by commsidera~ions of courtesy; and if he had no other motive for refus- ing to any of your garrison free access to the city to procure such sup- plies, he would have been moved by prudential reasons for the safety of your people, in preventing a collision between them and our own citi- zens. As to the manner of procuring your supplies, his excellency is indifferent whether it is done by the officer referred to, or whether your market supplies are delivered to you at Fort Johnson by the butcher whom you say you have before employed. It is only insisted on that the supplies, if sent, shall be carried over in a boat under an officer of the State who takes to Fort Johnson your daily mails. His excellency desires me to say that he willingly accedes to your request as to the women and children in Fort Sumter, and that he will afford every facility in his power to enable you to remove them from the fort at any time and in any manner that will be most agreeable to them. I am, sir, respectfully, yours, B. F. JAMISON. These corrections made in the text Page 152 152 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [Inelosure No. 2.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 22, 1861. Hon. D. F. JAMISON, Executive Office, Department of War, Charleston: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 21st instant, and to express my gratification at its tenor. I shall direct my staff officer to write to the contractor in reference to his supplying us with beef, and will communicate with you as soon as the necessary preliminaries are arranged, in order that you may then, if you please, give the requisite instructions for carrying them into effect. Be pleased to express to his excellency the governor my thanks for the kind and prompt manner in which he gave his consent to the proposed transfer of the women and children of this garrison. As there are on Sullivans Island the families of two of our non-commissioned officers, with their furniture, & c., and also a quantity of private property (including some musical instrumentsnot public property) belonging to this command, which the first commander of Fort Moultrie, Colonel De Saussure, sent me word he had collected and placed under lock and key, it will be necessary to permit the two non-commissioned officers to go tY Phie island to assist in moving their families, & c. The lighter, it occurs to me, which will be needed to take the families to the steamer, had bettergo to the island for the property there before coming for the women and children here. As we are all very desirous of guarding against causing any unnecessary excitement, it will afford me great pleasure to have everything done in the most quiet way possible. I shall, consequently, cheerfully govern myself, as far as possible, by the views and wishes of his excellency in reference to this matter, and will be pleased to hear from you what they are. It is my wish, if the weather prove favorable, to ship the families in the Saturday steamer, or the first one after that day. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, ~Jommanding. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, January 24, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, Commanding Fort Sumter, Charleston, S. C.: MAJOR: Your letter (No. 19) of the 21st instant, with inclosures, has been received. The Secretary will reply to it in a few days. Meantime the Secretary desires you to inforni him what is the nature of the postal arrangements with your post, and whether they are satisfactory to you. Can you send messengers to Charleston for your mails, and is there danger of your men deserting if they are thus empl6yed ~ It is observed that you seal your letters with waxa good precaution, without which there is no certainty that they have not been opened by unauthorized hands. Please state whether the men sent up to attend a murder trial in Charleston made an attempt to desert, as reported in the papers. I am, & c., S. COOPER, Adjutant-Ge~wral. [CHAP. I Page 153 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 153 No. 22.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 24, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: The storm continued until about daylight this morning. It is still cloudy, but the wind has abated sufficiently to enable our boat to take our mail over to Fort Johnson. I have written to our beef con- tractor in reference to furnishing us with beef; and also such vegetables as the doctor may deem suitable. The purchase of the latter will, I hope, under existing circumstances, be allowed. A letter has also been writteu to the agent of the New York line of steamboats about trans- porting our women and children to New York, where, I hope, the quar- termaster will see that they are made comfortable. They will probably leave early next week. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 23.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 25, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: There is nothing worthy of mention, as far as I know, this morning, except the fact of the New York steamer Columbia having grounded in attempting to go out. She is iu the Maffitts Channel, nearly in front of the Moultrie House; and as she went on when the tide was well up, there is a chance of her remaining where she is for some time. If the authorities here are in earnest about being willing to grant inc marketing facilities, it seems to me they will not object to the Govern- ment sending us provisions, groceries, and coal from New York. We can get along pretty well with what we have, but some additions to our supplies would add greatly to our comfort. By burning the old build- ings, and, if very hard pushed, the spare gun carriages, & c., we can keep up our necessary fires for three months. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 24.] FonT S1JMTEI~, S. C., January 27, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., January 30.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to state, in reply to your letter of the 24th instant, that our letters, & c., are sent by boat, daily, at 12 in., to Fort Johnson in a sealed package, addressed to the postmaster in C arles- ton, and that the return boat brings our mail in a package bearing the post-office seal. I am satisfied with the existing arrangement. The governor told Lieutenant Talbot, when he saw him on his return from Washington, that I might, if I chose, send up to the city for my mails, but that he thought it would not be judicious for me to do so. I do not apprehend that there would be the slightest danger of any of my men deserting if thus employed, but think they might be insulted or mal- treated. The report to which you refer, about the attempt of the men who were sent to the city to attend a murder trial ,to desert, is absolutely and entirely false. Lieutenant Davis (who refused to take them, though offered arms by several persons and urged to accept them) says that th Page 154 154 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. men conducted themselves with the greatest propriety, and that, although handsomely entertained, they returned perfectly sober. I have not deemed it advisable to notice in any way the false reports which have originated in Charleston and elsewhere about us. I send herewith a slip containing two such reports. Lieutenant Meade states, and I have no doubt with entire truthfulness, that he made no statement whilst ab- sent to any person about my preferences or my opinions, either military or political, and that the inferences given in the article in the Peters- burg paper were not deducible from any facts stated by him. The other article, in the Baltimore paper, stating that a boat containing three of my men was fired into from Sullivans Island, is also entirely untrue. I cannot see the object to be attained by the circulation of such un- truths. The object of one, which has been repeated more than once, that we are getting fresh provisions from the Charleston market, is ap- parent enough, viz, to show they are treating us courteously. But even that is not a fact. I send herewith a copy of a letter written to our former beef contractor about furnishing us with meat, & c., to which no reply has yet been receivedwhy, I am unable to ascertain; so that, up to this moment, we have not derived the least advantage from the Charleston markets; and I can confidently say that none of my com- mand desire to receive anything from the city for which we are not to pay. Under the daily expectation of the return of Lieutenant Ball, I have deferred sending in a memorandum of the commissary stores on hand. There are now here 38 barrels pork, 37 barrels flour, 13 barrels hard bread, 2 barrels beans, 1 barrel coffee, ~ barrel sugar, 3 barrels vinegar, 10 pounds candles, 40 pounds soap, and ~ barrel salt. You will see from this that for my present command (especially after the depart- ure of our women and children) we shall have an ample supply of pork and bread. It is a pity that my instructions had not been complied with, which would have given us the small stores which are now defi- cient, and which we shall not object to receiving as soon as the safety of our country will admit of our getting them. Nothing of importance to report. The Columbia is still aground in the Maffitts Channel. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, lVThjor, First Artillery, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] FORT SUMTER, January 24, 1861. Mr. DANIEL MCSwEENEY: SIR: I am directed by Major Anderson, commanding this post, to ascertain whether you will furnish such fresh beef and vegetables as may be required here; the beef upon the terms of the contract under which you supplied Fort Moultrie; the vegetables to be purchased by you for us at fair market prices; the whole to be delivered as hitherto, four times in ten days, at some wharf in Charleston, for transportation to Fort Johnson, where it will be received by this garrison. This ar- rangement, which has been approved by the governor of South Caro- lina, it is desired shall go into effect immediately, and if you consent to it, you can send 184 pounds of fresh beef at a time, at such hour and wherever Quartermaster-General Hatch (120 Meeting street) may advise you. Of the vegetables you will be further directed. Please ackuowl edge the receipt of this as soon as possible,in order,if necessary, that other arrangements may be made. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Gaptain, U. S. Army Page 155 CIL& r. Li CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 155 [Inclosure No. 2.] Copy of extracts from Baltimore Sun and Petersburg Daily Express. [By telegraph for tlie Baltimore Sun.] THE LATEST FROM THE SOUTH. FROM SOUTH CAROLINAA BOAT FROM FORT SUMTER FIRED AT BY THE SOUTH CAI?O- LINIANSHON. JEFF. DAVIS SPOKEN OF FOR PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTHERN CONFED- ERACY. CHARLESTON JANUARY 23.The battery on the beach at Sullivans Island fired into a boat from Fort Sumter on Monday. There were three men in it, who approached the beach with mnffled oars. The sentry at the battery hailed them and warned them off. Failing to obey the summons, the sentry fired musketry into the boat, when it turned round and went away. Soon after these at the battery heard a noise like the hauling np of a boat at Fort Sumter. One of the men in the boat is said to have been wounded badly. Their object is supposed to have been desertion, but some say it was a desper- ate effort to runrthe gauntlet of the sentries and spike the guns of the battery. [The Daily Express, Petersburg. Vn., Tuesday morning, January 22, 1561.] COMING TO THE POINTA PRACTICAL MOVEMENT. THE POSITION OF MAJOR ANDRRsoN.Lieut. R. K. Meade, of the Engineer Corps, at Fort Sumter, has been in our city, on a visit home, for several days past. Several gentlemen with whom he has conversed inform us that he speaks in the highest terms of Major Anderson, not only as a brave and fearless soldier, but as a strong and true Southern man, his position in the present state of affairs, however, rendering it im- possible for him to take any other position before the people of the South and of the Union. He does not feel in the slightest complimented by the fanatical cannon firing in his honor at the North, and it is with pain, not fear nor even embarrassment, that he realizes the present attitude of the South towards him. That he loves the South, that lie prefers it. every social tie gives ample testimony. He is bound by the holy ties of wedlock to one of the fairest of the fair of Georgia, a daughter of General Clinch. He has four devoted brothers, every one of whom, it is said, is a strong secessionist. Add to this that he is a Southerner by birth, and a descendant of Revolutionary sires, we need hardly more to give us assurance that he not only loves his native South, but will at the proper time, and in an honorable manner, draw the sword in her defense. These are simple inferences from facts as known. Not a syllable has fallen from the lips of Lieutenant Meade to lead to the remotest deduction that Major Anderson will not perform his whole duty to the Government of the United States. But that he will be hand in band with the South as soon as he may be, with honor, relieved from his position, we have little to doubt. MAJOR ANDERSON.A Comrade writes to the Columbus (Ga.) Enquirer concern- ing the late removal of Major Anderson to Fort Sumter, and in defense of his action and character. The conclusion is: Major Anderson is a Southern manborn and raised in the noble old Dark and Bloody Ground. He will be found on the side of the South when this government is dismembered, and, when his critical position has been properly understood, his name will be fully exonerated from the grave charges which have been made against it by those who have been deplorably misinformed upon all the points of military honor which have governed this truly gallant and meri- torious ~ FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 27, 1861.. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that since the date of my last letter very little has been done by the troops of South Carolina around us, in consequence of the continued storm of rain and wind that has prevailed. The little that has been done comprises the completion of the mortar battery, situated to the southeast of Fort Johnson, on James Island, and the enlargement of the battery on Cummings Point b Page 156 156 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. extending it towards the east. It now occupies the position shown in red in the marginal sketch.* The position of the other battery on Morris Island is also shown in red. This is called by the Charlestonians Fort Morris,~ and I will so designate it in future. The two or three guard-boats that the authorities have in use are constantly employed in watching the bar, and evidently have signals by which they can communicate intelligence at night as well as in the day. On the morning of the 25th the steamer Columbia, Captain Berry (who was the first to hoist the palmetto flag on board his vessel). in leaving the harbor by the Maffitt Channel, ran on shore between the Moultrie House and Bowmans Jetty, on Sullivans Island. Despite all efforts to get her off at each high tide (and we have had several very high ones since), she still lies in the same position. The probability is that she will ~o to pieces if it should happen to blow hard from the south or eastward. The cause of this casualty is undoubtedly found in the fact that the taking up of the outer end of Bowmans Jetty has caused a deposition below it, which has diminished the depth of water, so that a vessel has now to follow a winding course very much like the red [broken] line in the marginal sketch. The difficulty of navigating the sharp turn opposite where the Columbia now lies is very much increased by the opposite effects of flood and ebb tide th to set the vessel on shore. , e latter tending Going out in the haze of the morning, the Columbia probably failed to observe the turn of tide, and could not turn quickly enough, with a full he d of steam, to clear the beach. Another of the steamers of the same line came in through the main ship channel last evening, being piloted in by one of the guard-boats. In Fort Sumter everything goes on quite smoothly. I have done little during the past week, on account of the storm, besides policing, renmov- ing m terials, and strengtheni ig the filling of the openings for time em- brasures of the second tier. One 10-inch columbiad has also been put in position on the parade to throw shells into Fort Moultrie, and sur- rounded by a strong traverse to avoid all danger from a possible burst- ing of the piece. Although all of the cement and bricks are used up, and the extreme scarcity of fuel does not permit the burning of shells for lime, Ican manage with dry stone to strengthen all parts that require Here omitted. See sketch in Foster to Totten, February 5, pest. C -1 - Page 157 CHAP. L] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 157 it. I do not propose to discharge my force of forty-three men at present, but to employ them at such work as from time to time becomes necessary. All of them will be of great service iu case we have to sustain a cannon- ade, and the majority of them will also be of material aid in resisting a sudden attack. There is not a particle of truth in the many reports that have crept into the papers about mutinies, & c. The soldiers are in ex- cellent spirits and full of confidence. Those of my men that I have dis- charged of late have left with .great reluctance. In fine, the morale at present is very high. The trouble th t I had with my men soon after the command came over, which resulted in a rapid thinning out of the force, has long since ceased. Every man, however, that is discharged is beset as soon as he reaches town for information, and in some instances they have played upon the credulity of their questioners. in other instances, the informa~ tion given has been magnified and . distorted. And in one case, that of Lieutenant Davis, who went to town on the 19th in charge of four soldiers summoned as witnesses in a murder trial, an effort was made to convince him that his men, having been tampered with, had. uttered threats against him, and that he should arm himself before trusting himself to come down with them alone in a boat. Lieutenant Davis declined their proffer of arms. It appears that there was no circum- stance to warrant this attempt to place Lieutenant Davis in a false position towards his men, and to give cause for reports prejudicial to the fidelity of the soldiers. The report in the papers that the men attempted to jump out of the window to escape, is utterly without foun- dation. So, also, is the report that a boat from Fort Sumter. in attempt- ing to reconnoiter the battery on Morris Island, had been fired into by the sentry, and one man wounded. No boat has ever left Fort Sumter for such a purpose, and I question whether it was a boat that the sentry fired at. In fact, it is not safe to credit any reports coming from this region, except such as are favorable to the Government of the United States. Even the statements that emanated from high authority and were widely circulated, to the effect that this command was supplied with fresh provisions, & c., are not strictly true, for we have not as yet received any. One lot was sent down on the 20th by the State authorities, which Major Anderson declined to receive. His proposition to get them from the regular contractor, and to pay for them, was accepted; but up to this time (10 a. in. of the 27th) we have not received anything from the contractor in town. Lientenant Meade returned on Wednesday, the 23d, bnt on account of the storm was not able to get to the fort before the following day. Both he and Lieutenant Snyder having volunteered for the duty, I have entered them upon the regular roster for guard duty, two of the officers of the command being sick, and one absent. It does not interfere with our regular duties. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, January 28, 1861. Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: I have the pleasure to inform you that $5,000 was remitted on Saturday last, the 26th instant, to the assistant treasurer at New York Page 158 158 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. to be held subject to your check, and that $10,000 in addition will be remitted to him, for the same purpose, to-day, in fulfillment of two other requisitions heretofore issned in your favor for $5,000 each, as already advised. You will please return to Lieutenant Gillmore, out of these funds, the $1,500 placed by him to your credit with the assistant treasurer at New York, on the 10th instant, and he will be instructed to forward to you a proper receipt for the same. - This communication, and all subsequent letters, will be inclosed in an envelope, sealed with red wax, impressed with the Department seal, and it is desirable that all your future communications may be also sealed with wax, instead of the ordinary way. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. G. TOTTEX, Brevet Brigadier- General, and Colonel of Engineers. FORT SUMTER S C., January 29, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, (Received A. G. 0., February 1.) Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: The South Carolinians are at work in large force on Cum- mings Point, apparently framing heavy timbers, for what purpose I am unable yet to state. They succeeded this morning, favored by a very high tide, in getting the Columbia off. I send herewith two slips cut from yesterday~s Mercury, which show unmistakably the animus of these people. They are determined to bring on a collision with the General Government. Everything around us shows this to be their de- termination and their aim. I had a contract made yesterday for the transportation of the women attached to this command. The number is much greater than the legal allowance, but under the I)resent excited state of feeling toward our command it would not do to send to the city or to Sullivans Island any of the relatives of our soldiers wives who have been living with them. The number who will be sent (twenty) embraces those attached to the companies and the wives of the members of the band, and also the wives of the non-commissioned staff. Inclosed you will also receive the muster and pay rolls of this command, which have been signed by the husbands of the women. I will thank you to have them sent by the Pay Department to the paymaster in New York, with instructions to hand the pay to the women. I will thank you also to have the necessary instructions sent to New York for the rations, & c., for these women and children. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, lliliajor, First Artillery, Commanding. [Inclosure ~To. 1.] OmTuAnx.Died, on Saturday night, at the Marine Hospital, Thaddeus S. Straw- inski, aged 18 years and 7 days, from an accidental wound from a revolver. This promising young man was on duty in the Columbia Artillery at Fort Moultrie when the sad accident occurred. He was a noble fellow, and, just a week after entering the freshman class of the South Carolina College, with his spirited father joined the ranks at the call of the State. While on the litter being carried to the hospital he said to those who were conveying him: Friends, 0, how sorry I am you are to attack Fort Sumter without me! During his sufferings he mourned that he could not be at th Page 159 CHAP. I.] 159 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. taking of the fort. He was calm and resigned, and met his end prayerfully, with the Lords Prayer on his lips. A mothers gentle influence soothed his dying hour, and a soldiers spirit nerved a fathers heart to resign his son to his Creator. The sympathy of the whole community is with them in their bereavement. [Inclosure No. 2.] Mr. Yeadon, from th~ committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two houses on that clause of the appropriation bill which appropriates $30,000 for dredg- ing Maffitts Channel, submitted a report recommending the adoption of the follow- ing: For deepening or otherwise improving Maffitts Channel, $30,000, to be drawn by and expended under the direction of a commission, as follows: Messrs. George A. Trenhoim, Henry Gourdin, George N. Reynolds, W. G. De Saussure, F. I. Porcher, Hugh E. Vincent, and the mayor of Charleston ex officio: Provided, The work shall not be resumed until Fort Sumter passes into the possession of the authorities of the State, and all the troops of the United States shall be removed froni the harbor of Charleston. The report was agreed to. Mr. Buist offered the following resolution: Resolved, That it is the opinion of the general assembly that no sessions of the courts of law or equity in this State should be holden so long as the Government at Washington has control of the fortress known as Fort Sumter. Ten members objecting, the resolution was ordered for consideration on Monday. No. 27.] FORT SUMTER, 5. C., January 30, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 4.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General: COLONEL: They are still busily engaged at work on Cummings Point. I am not yet certain what they are going to pnt there. There was very great activity and stir in the harbor last night. The lookout ship out- side the bar displayed a light about half past 11, which was answered by rockets by the guard-boats, of which we noticed four on duty, and soon after two guns were fired from the battery on Morris Island, and at half past 1 oclock this morning two guns were fired from Fort Moul- trie. We could not see any vessels in the offing, but they might have been visible to those on the guard-boats (steamers). I do hope that no attempt will be made by our friends to throw supplies in; their doing so would do more harm than good. The steamboat company did not send down for our women and children yesterday as they promised; why, I do not know. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 28.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 31, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 4.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: The South Carolinians are still busily engaged at work at two places on Cummings Point. They ar~ using heavy timbers, which they square and frame. Last night they worked at least half the night. The agent of the INew York steamers informed ns yesterday that he could not get a lighter to come down for the women and children, but that he will send one for them to-morrow, so as to take them in the Saturday steamer. No reply, as yet, from the Charleston butcher, our beef contractor. I presume that he dare not send us any provisions Page 160 160 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. rdHAP. I. for fear that he will be regarded as a traitor to South Carolina for furnishing comfort and aid to her enemies. God save our country. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Lfajor, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 29.] FORT SUMTER S C., January 31, 1861. (Re~eived A. G. 0., February 4.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I hasten to write this letter, to be taken to the city by my friend, the Hon. Robert N. Gourdin, to say that the butcher has seut down a supply of fresh beef, with a note from him stating that he had not received my note, and that he did not, therefore, know of my order to him to continue my supplies as when I was in Fort Moultrie. He states that he sends the beef to-day in compliance with instructions from Mr. Gourdin, who has ieceived a letter from me, in which I had alluded to my having written to him about it. He concluded by saying that he will cheerfully send what I require. Mr. Gourdin says that his excellency the governor is very desirous that we shall receive our sup. plies regularly, and thinks that there can be no difficulty in reference to groceries also. Hoping in God that there can be no further difficulty of any sort in this harbor, I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 31, 1861. General JoS. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th instant, informing me that $15,000 was placed to my credit with the assistant treasurer of the United States at New York. This relieves me from my present embarrassment. I shall, however, require $5,000 more for Fort Sumter by the end of the month of February. The operations of the South Carolinians around us continue to be carried on with activity by means of a large force of negroes. The battery on Cummings Point, mentioned in my last letters, is being en- larged into a field work, the parapet of which is not sufficiently formed to distinguish the trace with accuracy. To the west of this field work they have commenced what appears to be a redoubt. This is quite near the westecn point of Cummings Point. Steamers are quite active, especially at night, in delivering materials at this point. A very large quantity of timber has been delivered, in rafts, and used for revetments, platforms, and, apparently, bomb-proof shelters. On Sullivans Island I have learned that the battery in the cross street opposite Dr. Ravenels house, also opposite where the chaplain, Rev. Mr. Harris (now at Fort Washington), lived, is for mortars, apparently, as no embrasures are formed, but that neither guns or mortars are, as yet, placed in it. The batteries on the island above Fort Moultrie ar Page 161 CHAP. LI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 161 two in number. The first is only a short distance above the Moultrie House, and about 1,460 yards above Fort Moultrie. It is armed with three guns, either 24-pounders or 32 pounders. It is not in sight of this fort, being in range of and beyond the Moultrie House. its posi- tion is opposite that portion of the Maffitt Channel which comes closest to the island. The second battery is at the upper or east end of the island, and is armed with two guns, 24 or 32 pounders. The last information from the island gave the number of men there as 1,450. But of these a very large number are raw recruits for the regu- lar regiment that they are forming. In this fort we are hard at work perfecting the arrangements for defense and offense, and creating new ones. Three 10-inch columbiads and four 8-inch columbiads (for which there are no carriages) are ar- ranged as mortars. The women and children are to leave for New York to-morrow by steamer. The authorities have promised to send over my private effects from Sullivans Island, but have declined to allow me, or any one sent by me, to go over to collect them and pack them. I am, however, pleased to secure what I can in the way that is indicated by the authorities. I will write again in detail as soon as I can determine the trace of the works on Cummings Point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C-. FOSTER, Gaptain, Engineers. ADJUTANT-G-ENERAL5 OFFICE, Washington, D. C., February 1, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, Commanding Fort Sumter, S. C.: MAJOR: The President deeming it nnnecessary longer to detain Lieu- tenant Hall, he will start this afternoon for his post. By him I send this letter to inform you of the receipt of your several letters, up to No. 26, inclnsive. The matters pertaining to Colonel Haynes mission not being yet fully determined, I am unable to say more from the Secretary of. War than that your course in relation to the tender of provisions from the governor of South Carolina, and in all other matters which have come to the knowledge of the Department, is approved to the fullest extent. Jam, & c., S. COOPER, Adjutant- General. No.30.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 1, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General: COLONEL: Nothing unusual has occurred, as far as I know, around us. They are still engaged working on Cummings Point. The lighter is now here, loading with women, children, and baggage. They are t~ leave the city in the steamer for New York to-morrow. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Liommanding. 11 R Page 162 162 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Maj. T. II. lloL1~iE~, Washington, D. C., February 1, 1861. Eighth Infantry, Commanding Fort Columbus, Governors Island, N. Y.: SIR: About twenty women and children from Major Andersons com- mand at Fort Sumter are on their way to New York, and application will probably be made to receive them at Fort Columbus. Should this be the case you will please make them as comfortable as circumstances will permit, and give rations to such as are properly laundresses of companies. If better quarters can be thus secured to them they can be sent to Fort Wood. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant- General. No. 31.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 2, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 6.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I received a letter yesterday from Mr. Gonrdin,in which he says: I saw his excellency this evening, and he makes no objection to your groceries being sent you. The South Carolinians were, we thought, occupied nearly all last night on the works at Cummings Point. One of them is now probably twelve or fifteen feet high, and appears to be bomb-proof, and may be intended to defilade a battery pointing on the channel from our fire. From the energy with which their operations are carried on it is evident that they regard them as very necessary, and that they consider that they are also important, and that they shall be pushed as rapidly as possible. The women and children are on board the steamer, but the wind is blowing so heavily that it is doubtful whether they will attempt to cross the bar with this tide. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, lllajor, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 32.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 3, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Yesterday and last night, in consequence of the continu- ance of a storm of wind and rain, very little work was done, as far as we could observe, around us. The rain is still (11 a. in.) continuing. The steamer has not yet left the harbor with the women and children. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Jfajor, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 33.J FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 4, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 6.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: The South Carolinians continued to do as much work yesterday (Sunday) at Cummings Point as the storm permitted. Th Page 163 CHAr. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 163 work nearest to us now presents the appearance of a battery, having an inclined guard in front to glance our balls off. They are using large quantities of railroad bars in their constructions on that point. The New York steamer sailed yesterday with our women and children. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 34.] FoRT SUMTER, S. C., February 5, 186.1. (Received A. G. 0., February 8.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: The character of the work on the end of Cummings Point nearest to us is, I think, now pretty well established. It seems to be a bomb-proof, with embrasures for the guns, the embrasures cut in a sloped wall, formed of heavy timbers, which is now being covered with railroad bars. This battery, though too far off for doing much damage to our walls, unless they have or get heavy rifled guns, will be pretty safe from the effect of our horizontal fires. They appear to be at work to-day connecting this battery with one between it and the battery which fired on the Star of the West, by means of a covered way. Their engineering appears to be well devised and well executed, and their works, even in their present condition, will make it impos- sible for any hostile force, other than a large and well-appointed one, to enter this harbor, and the chances are that it will then be at a great sacrifice of life. Our 10-inch columbiads are now in position. One points towards the city, one towards Fort Moultrie, and the third can be directed either towards Fort Moultrie or Morris Island. They are at an ai~gle of from 300 to 350 I tried a shell, a few evenings ago, and we calculated~ that from a charge of two pounds we got a range of about two thousand yards. I have also four 8-inch sea-coast howitzers planted in the area at an angle of 390 These bear upon Morris Island. I am now removing the pieces of flagging from the area of our work, as I want it clear, hoping that should any shells fall in it they will probably sink so deep that they will not do much, if any, damage. Captain Foster is engaged in experimenting with one of the iron shut- ters, trying to see whether we can use them in the lower ciubrasures. It is very desirable that these embrasures shall be made as secure as possible. I am, colonel, respectfully, yourobedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. P. S.Of course, in speaking of forcing an entrance, I do not refer to the little stratagem of a small party slipping in Page 164 164 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. rcFIAr. I. FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 5, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The sketch upon the margin below gives a pretty cor- 5 p. 0 CUMMiNGS PT. ~0~ 4 ___ cIjjj~ -~ Vfk2LapL -~ ~p 4U~ ______ ~\k2a1LL ) PORT MORRIS root idea of the position of the works on Cummings Point, thrown up by the South Carolinians. Of course it is subject to errors, arising from the distance at which I am obliged to obtain the information by means of the spy-glass alone. The lines of the work are not yet complete, the main efforts having been directed to getting ready those guns that are intended to fire upon this work. All the guns that I have indicated by a t are (or appear to be) in position and covered by bomb-proof roofs. Those at a a are covered by heavy timbers, laid horizontally upon firm timber supports, similar to the marginal sketch. The revetmeut of the cheeks of the embrasures appear to be formed of palmetto logs, as also the revetment of the interior slope near the guns. The hori- zontal timbers are large 14-inch raft sticks, covered apparently by a lighter timber, or planking, running at right angles to the timbers. The guns at a a were being put upon their carriages (which I suspect, from their using a gin in the operation, are some of the barbette car- ~I1d1L Page 165 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~UNION. 165 riages from Castle Pinckney or Fort Moultrie) at the time I wrote to you this morning. Subsequently the rough opening of the embrasures was made and the revetment of the cheeks commenced. H.W. The second bombproof battery is built differently. The timbers on top are sloped at an angle of 450, about as iu the sketch. They rest npon two horizontal supports parallel to the direction of the battery, one higher than the other, and these are supported by stout posts, about 5 feet from each other. Upon the timbers are placed at right angles a stout planking, and upon this again another covering running up and down. This last consists of railroad iron, apparently the T rail. The work has only progressed thus far, although there is no doubt that the whole is to be covered with sand. The guns are mounted and the openings for embrasures formed. The work is carried on quite rapidly, considering the heavy nature of the work. The idea of covering the bomb-proof with iron and giving it an inclination is no doubt derived from the Sardinian method for forming the sides of a man-of-war, so as to deflect the shot. A large force of negroes is employed in extending the embankment of the parapet so as to connect this battery with the field work. The guard-boats are very active at night, and some are always on the watch by day. Inside this fort the work of preparation goes steadily on. My force is now employed in clearing the parade of the stone flagging. I am also having all the material on hand made into sand bags. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. 0-. FOSTER, Gaptain, Engineers. BOMB PROOF N01 EAT A A] BOMB PROOF BATTERY No.2 Page 166 166 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. WAR DEPARTMENT, Hon. I. W. llAx~NE, Washington, iFebruary 6, 1861. Attorney- General of the State of South Carolina: SIR: The President of the United States has received your letter of the 31st ultimo,* and has charged me with the duty of replying thereto. In the communication addressed to the President by Governor Pickens, under date of the 12th of January,* and which accompanies yours, now before me, his excellency.says: I have determined to send to you Hon. I. W. Hayne, the attorney-general of the State of South Carolina, and have instructed him to demand the surrender of Fort Suniter, in the harbor of Charleston, to the constituted authorities of the State of South Carolina. The demand I have made of Major Anderson, and which I now make of you, is suggested because of my earnest desire to avoid bloodshed, which a persist- ence in your attempt to retain the possession of that fort will cause, and which will be nnavailing to secure to you that possession, but induce a calamity most deeply to be deplored. The character of the demand thus authorized to be made appears under the influence, I presume, of the correspondence with the Senators to which you referto have been modified by subsequent instructions of his excellency, dated the 26th, and received by yourself on the 30th of January, in which he says: If it be so that Fort Snmter is held as property, then as property, the rights, what- ever they may be, of the United States can be ascertained; and for the satisfaction of these rights the pledge of the State of South Carolina you are authorized to give. The full scope and precise purport of your instructions, as thus modi- fied, you have expressed in the following words: I do not come as a military man to demand the surrender of a fortress, but as the legal officer of the Stateits attorney-generalto claim for the State the exercise of its undoubted right of eminent domain, and to pledge the State to make good all injury to the rights of property which arise from the exercise of the claim. And lest this explicit language should not sufficiently define your position, you add: The proposition now is that her (South Carolinas) law officer should, nnder author- ity of the governor and his council, distinctly pledge the faith of South Carolina to make such compensation in regard to Fort Sumter and its appurtenances and contents, to the full extent of the money value of the property of the United States delivered over to the authorities of South Carolina by your command. You then adopt his excellencys train of thought upon the sub,ject so far as to suggest that the possession of Fort Sumter by the United States if continued long enough, must lead to collision, and that an. attack upon it would scarcely improve it as property, whatever the result, and if captured it would no longer be the subject of account. The proposal, then, now presented to the President is simply an offer on the part of South Carolina to buy Fort Sumter and contents as property of the United States, sustained by a declaration in effect that if she is not permitted to make the purchase she will seize the fort by force of arms. As the initiation of a negotiation for the transfer of property between friendly governments this proposal impresses the President as having assumed a most unusual form. He has, however, investigated the claim on which it professes to be based, apart from the declaration that accompanies it; and it may be here remarked that much stress has been laid upon the employment of the words prop- erty~ and public property by the President in his several messages. These are the most comprehensive terms which can be used in such a Not of record in War Department Page 167 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 167 connection, and surely, when referring to a fort or any other public establishment, they embraced the entire and undivided interest of the Government therein. The title of the United States to Fort Snmter is complete and incon- testible. Were its interest in this property purely proprietary, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, it might, probably, be subjected to the exercise of the right of eminent domain; but it has also political relations to it of a much higher and more imposing character than those of mere roprietorship. It has absolute jurisdiction over the fort and the soil on which it stands. This jurisdiction consists~ in the anthority to exercise exclusive legislation over the property referred to, and is therefore clearly incompatible with the claim of eminent domain now insisted upon by South Carolina. This authority was not derived from any questionable revolutionary source, but from the peace- fmml cession of South Carolina herself, acting through her legislature, under a provision of the Constitution of the United States. South Car- olina can no more assert the right of eminent domain over Fort Sumter than Maryland can assert it over the District of Columbia. The politi. cal and proprietary rights of the United States in eibher case rest upon precisely the same grounds. The President is, however, relieved from the necessity of further pur. suing this inquiry by the fact that, whatever may be the claim of South Carolina to this fort, he has no constitutional power to cede or surren- der it. The property of the United States has been acquired by force of l)nblic law, and can only be disposed of under the same solemn sanctions. The President, as the head of the executive branch of the Government only, can no more sell and transfer Fort Sumter to South Carolina than lie can sell and convey the Capitol of the United States to Maryland, or to any other State or individual seeking to possess it. His excellency the governor is too familar with the Constitution of the United States, an(l with the limitations upon the powers of the Chief Magistrate of the Government it has established, not to appreciate at once the soundness of this legal proposition. The question of re-enforcing Fort Sumter is so fully disposed of in my letter to Senator Slidell and others, under date of the 22d of January a copy of which accompanies thisthat its discussion will not now be renewed. I then said: At the present moment it is not deemed neces- sary to re-enforce Major Anderson, because he makes no such request6 Should his safety, however, require re-enforcements, every effort will be made to supply them. I can add nothing to the explicitness of this language, which still applies to the existing status. The right to send forward re-enforcements when, in the judgment of the President, the safety of the garrison requires them rests on the same unquestionable foundation as the right to occupy the fortress itself. In the letter of Senator Davis and others to yourself, under date of the 15th ultimo, they say: We, therefore, think it especially due from South Carolina to our States, to say nothing of other slaveholding States, that she should, as far as she can consistently with her honor, avoid initiating hostilities between her and the United States or any other power; and you now yourself give to the President the gratify- ing assurance that South Carolina has every disposition to preserve the public peace; and, since he is himself sincerely animated by the same desire, it would seem that this common and patriotic object must be of certain attainment. It is difficult, however, to reconcile with this assurance the declara- tion on your part that it is a consideration of her (South Carolinas Page 168 168 OPERATJ& NS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. L own dignity as a sovereign, and the safety of her people, which prompts her to demand that this property should not longer be nsed as a mili- tary post by a Government she no longer acknowledges, and the thought you so constantly present, that this occupation must lead to a collision of arms, and the prevalence of civil war. Fort Sumter is in itself a military post, and nothing else; and it would seem that not so mnch the fact as the purpose of its nse should give to it a hostile or friendly character. This fortress is now held by the Government of the United States for the same objects for which it has been held from the completion of its construction. These are national and defensive, and were a public enemy now to attempt the capture of Charleston, or the destructiou of the commerce of its harbor, the whole force of the batteries of this fortress would be at ouce exerted for their protection. How the presence of a small garrison, actuated by such a spirit as this, can compromise the dignity or honor of South Carolina, or become a sonrce of irritation to her people, the President is at a loss to understand. The attitude of that garrison, as has been often declared, is neither menacing, nor defiant, nor unfriendly. It is acting under orders to stand strictly on the defensive, and the government and people of South Carolina must well know that they can never receive aught but shelter from its guns, unless, in the absence of all provocation, they should assault it, and seek its destruction. The intent with which this fortress is held by the President is truthfully stated by Senator Davis and others in their letter to yourself of the 15th of Janu- ary, in which they say, It is not held with any hostile or unfriendly purpose towards your State, but merely as property of the United States, which the President deems it his duty to protect and preserve. If the announcement, so repeatedly made, of the Presidents pacific purposes in continuing the occupation of Fort Sumter until the ques- tion shall have been settled by competent authority has failed to impress the government of South Carolina, the forbearing conduct of his admin- istration for the last few months should be received as conclusive evi- dence of his sincerity; and if this forbearance, in view of the circum- stances which have so severely tried it, be not accepted as a satisfactory pledge of the peaceful policy of this administration towards South Car- olina, then it may be safely affirmed that neither language nor conduct can possibly furnish one. If, with all the multiplied proofs which exist of the Presidents anxiety for peace and of the earnestness with which he has pursued it, the authorities of that State shall assault Fort Sum- ter and peril the lives of the handful of brave and loyal men shut up within its walls, and thus plunge our common country into the horrors of civil war,then upon them, and those they represent, must rest the re- sponsibility. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HOLT, AS1ecretary of War. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Washington, February 6, 1861. Corps of Engiiieers, Oharleston, S. C.: SIR: I compliance with request communicated by your letter of the 31st ultitno, application has been made for $5,000, to be placed to your credit with the assistant treasurer at New York, and to be charged t Page 169 CHAP. I.] 169 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. you on account of Fort Sumter. Personal effort will be made to secure this credit without delay, and you will be promptly informed as soon as the remittance is made. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. 0-. TOTTEN, Bvt. Brig. Gem, and Cot. Eng. No. 35.] FoRT SUMTER, S. C., February 6, 1861. (Received A. 0-. 0., February 9.) Col. S. COOPER, A~jutant-Generat: COLONEL: Nothing new. Still at work on Cummings Point, putting np iron shutters yesterday in the embrasures. They are, I suspect, pretty nearly ready over there. God grant that these people may not make the attack which they have so long threatened. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, iJiajor, 1iir~t Artillery, Commanding. Nb. 37.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 7, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 11.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-GeneraL: COLONEL: The guard-boats were rather more on the alert last night than they have been for three or four nights previous. Last night we heard them, the South Carolinians, either at work on or moving pieces of iron. This morning they are at work, apparently either extending the bomb-proof on the seaward side or commencing to form a parapet for guns or a blind on that flank. I observe in the last English papers that a shipment of three rifled cannon has been made from England to Charleston. Such an addition to their battery would make our position much less secure than I have considered it; and if we are to have a col- lisioii, which God forbid, would render it necessary to send on re-enforce- ments in a few days after the commencement of hostilities. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 39.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 9, 1861. (Received A. 0-. 0., February 12.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolina troops continued their work yesterday, and they are also at work to-day on Cummings Point. The bomb-proof battery appears nearly finished, and there are now three guns (apparently heavy ones) mounted, bearing upon us, in a barbette battery about three hundred yards eastward of the bomb-proof battery, with which it appears to be connected by a covered way. They are also making some additions to, or making some alterations in, the mortar battery at Fort Johnson. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Ltommanding Page 170 170 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 9, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN. Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Nothing of marked importance has transpired since the date of my last letter. Your letters of the 2d and 6th are received. The South Carolinians on Cummings Point have been occupied in per- fecting the embrasures and merlons for the three guns in the field work that bear most directly upon this fort, in connecting this battery with the bomb-proof iron-covered battery by a curtain, and in completing this latter battery and extending the parapet of its flanks. On Fort Moultrie the merlons between the guns looking in this direction have been still farther raised, made roof-shaped on top, and supported more strongly by horizontal timbers, kept in place by braces extending across the embrasures at the top. I am now mining the wharf, and am also to arrange fougasses at different points on the exterior. There does not appear to be very great activity among the South Car. olinians, althot~gh the force is maintained the same. I hear that five colmnbiads have arrived in the city from Richmond, and more are expected. It is reported that the floating battery prepared in the city is a failure, the draught being greater than was expected. Fery respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Gajptain, Engineers. No. 40.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 10, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 13.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet last night. Ths morning (Sunday) I see a few men at work, apparently finishing the npper iron woik on the slope of the bomb-proof battery. Three large cannon are visible this morning in the huge embrasures of the battery referred to yesteiday, near the bomb-proof battery. We are pre- paring a few mines in front of and to the right and left of the entrance of our work. I would thank the honorable Secretary to give me instruc- tions in reference to vessels bearing the flags of foreign governments in the event of the commencement of hostilities. I presume that no vessel should pass the fort. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, - ROBERT ANDERSON, Miajor, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 41.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 11, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: I have the honor to report the return of Lieutenant Hall, and to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant, communicating the gratifying approbation of the honorable Secretary of War of my course in relation to the tender of provisions by the governor of South Carolina, & c. Everything was quiet yesterday and last night, as far as we could discover, around us. They are still at work with a small force on th Page 171 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 171 bomb-proof battery, near which they are now (12 in.) lauding supplies from a steamer. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Jfajor, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 42.] FoRT SUMTER, S. C., February 12, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to say that everything around us appears quiet. They are now relieving the companies on Morris Islandthe troops leaving would, we think, muster about 175. A steamboat is now landing ammunition and other stores at Cummings Point. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 43.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 13, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 16.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual has oc- curred, excepting that one of the South Carolina guard-boats came too near to our walls last night, as noticed in my letter to the Hon. ID. F. Jam- ison, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. Knowing that the Depart- ment would be interested in them, I shall send herewith three sketches, drawn by Captain Seymour, of this command, of Fort Johnson, Morris Island, and Fort Moultrie.* These sketches represent very prettily and accurately the batteries within our view, and other prominent objects in their ~ricinity, as seen through a spy-glass from our fort. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, (Jommanding. [Jnclosure.l HEADQUARTERS, FORT SUIVJI[ER, S. C., His Excellency F. W. PICKENS, February 13, 1861. Governor of South Carolina: SIR: Knowing that your desire to prevent, and your determination, as far as in your power, to guard against the recurrence of anything calculated to add to the excitement which already unfortunately exists, I deem it my duty to report that the guard-boats, and occasionally small row-boats from Morris Island, have recently violated your orders by coIning too near our walls. Yesterday morning one of the steamers. the General Clinch, I thinkpassed very near, and last night the guard- boats came nearer than was proper, twiceonce about midnight, and again at 3.30 a. m.when a steamer, although warned off by the sentiiiel, continued to approach, head on, until he fired his musket over her, when she altered her course. The gun-battery guard, I am happy to say, did not deem it necessary to fire. Assuring you that every exertion will be made by me to guard against * Here omitted. To appear in At1a~ Page 172 [CHAP. I. 172 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. any wrong act on the part of my command, and hoping that these boats will henceforth be more particular in obeying your instruc tions, I am, sir, with sentiments of the highest regard, & c. ROBE ItT ANDERSON, illiajor, U. S. Army, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. 0., February 13, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that since the date of my last letter, the 11th, very little, apparently, has been done by the South Carolinians around us. The weather yesterday was quite pleasant, and a relief of some of the troops on Morris Island took place. I saw about 150 land, and was told that about the same number went away. A large number of negro laborers were likewise taken to the city, leaving only a small number at work on the parapet of the field work on Cum- mings Point. This work appears to be nearly completed, and ready to open fire. In the iron bomb-proof are three heavy guns, believed to be, and from all reports are, 8-inch columbiads. The three guns farther to the left (our left) are probably 24 or 32 pounders. Those still farther to the left bearing on the channel and crossing their fire with the guns of Fort Moultrie, are of the same caliber. There is at least one gun in this posi- tion, and probably two. I cannot see them from the parapet on account of an intervening sand hill, but I saw a gin at work at the position of one of the guns. Fort Morris and the light-house battery have prob- ably been strengthened. One mortar was landed at Fort Johnson, aiid, it is reported, placed in the new battery to the south of Fort Johnson. Fort Moultrie has changed very little of late. A new flagstaff was erected a few days since, and the new State flag hoisted thereon. It is not a handsome or pleasant flag to look at, being a dark-blue grouiid, with a white pal- metto and crescent thereon. At a distance it is not unlike a black flag, with the piratical emblem (head and cross-bones) upon it. In this fort the preparations continue with unabating activity. The open spaces which were left for the second-tier enibrasures, and filled in with a brick wall after we entered the fort, were the weakest points to resist battering. I have had them re-enforced in various ways, some with a solid wall of stone flagging, others with irons and lumber, and others with earth packed in between two partitions of scantling and boards. This work is not yet completed. The cement and bricks gave out some time since. In a few days, however, I shall have these as secure as necessary. The next step will be to secure from breaching fire the loopholed win- dows and piers between them on the gorge. I am preparing to plate the main gate with half inch iron, to construct fougasses on the gorge and upon each face, and to make more complete arrangements for using shells and greiiades over the parapet. Yesterday I completed the mines in the wharf~ and the preparations for firing them. I also cut down the brick coping of the parapet on the gorge in front of one of the guns, so as to allow it to be depressed so as to sweep the end of the wharf. Upon trial it answered the expectations, and this morning the emubrasure thus formed is being enlarged a little, so as to allow the canister (in bags) to strike nearer an(1 sweel) more of the wharf. The guard-boats were unusually active last night, and rather trouble- some, too, for one of them, improving upon their ordinary tricks of run Page 173 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 173 fling slowly past the fort at night with lights out, and close in to the fort, suddenly turned and headed directly in towards the fort. When very close our sentinel fired. The boat then sheered off and went out towards the bar. Loud voices and noises, as of riotous conduct, are reported as being heard on board. If it should happen that supplies are sent to us by the Government, would it not be well to include cement and bricks enough to form some embrasures on the second tier~ I propose, if it meets your wishes, to write every day, if only a line, so that you may know if there is any interruption of the commurn- cation. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, J. 0-. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. P. 5.Please excuse the half sheets, for our paper is getting scarce. No. 44.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 14, 1861. (Received A. 0-. 0., February 21.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet, as far as we know, around us. Yesterday a few workmen were occupied apparently fitting the blinds in the embrasures of the bomb-proof battery on Cum- mings Point. A gun was fired yesterd%y in the direction of the channel -from a point just eastward of the battery between the bomb-proof bat- tery and the one which fired on the Star of the West, showing that vessels will be nuder fire from Morris Island after they pass the first battery. I inclose another sketch * by Captain Seymour, showing the appearance of our area-battery of one 10-inch columbiad and four 8-inch sea-coast howitzers; also, a ground-plan indicating the positions and bearings of the gnus in the area. These little memoranda, kindly and cheerfully prepared by the captain, give clearer views of the batteries than I could by my letters. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, Fir.~t Artillery, Commanding. No. 45.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 15, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I find that the adjutant made a mistake yesterday in not sending the sketch mentioned in my letter. He thinks that there was something in the envelope when he put the letter in which he supposed was the sketch. I have added another sketch to-day exhibiting the direction of and giving the distances from the walls of our work to the surrounding batteries, & c. I send also a copy of the reply of the Hon. ID. F. Jamison to my communication in reference to the guard-boats. Like every other letter I have had from him, it is courteous and straightforward. I have the honor to report that for the last twenty- four hours nothing unusual has been noticed as having occurred around us. Yesterday afternoon there was loud and long-continued cheering at Cummings Point, but on what account we know not. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding.. * Here omitted. To appear in Atlas Page 174 174 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. [Inclosures.] EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR, Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON: Charleston, S. 0., February 14, 1861. SIR: Renewed instructions have been given to the officers command- ing the night boats to keep at a proper distance from Fort Sumter, so as to prevent any collision between our people and your troops, and I hope you will have no further cause of complaint on the subject. 1 have instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Hatch, quartermaster-general, to send over to Fort Sumter the bundle and package mentioned in the note of Dr. Crawford. I am, sir, respectfully yours, D. F. JA1VIJSOT. I- 2 Cr, 0~ 4- 2 0 I V a MAIN SHTP CHANNEt U, w 2 ~J2~ C, Page 175 ChAr. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 175 No. 46.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 16, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 19.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we cannot see that any work is being carried on at either of the works in sight, except that at Fort Moultrie they appear to be making some changes. They may, perhaps, be engaged in removing some of the heaviest of the guns of their battery, either to place them in the floating battery or on Morris Island, where their fire would be more effective against this work than it would be from Fort Moultrie. By the by, I shonid like to be in- strncted dn a question which may present itself in reference to the floating battery, viz: What course would it be proper for me to take if, without a declaration of war, or a notification of hostilities, I should see them approaching my fort with that battery? They may attempt placing it within good distance before a declaration of hostile intention. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Gommanding. The wind is freshening as though it may be the commencement of a storm. No. 47.] FORT SUMTER, S C., February 17, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 21.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith No. 44 [14th instant], which was accidentally omitted when the mail was made up on the 14th instant. I shall hereafter give my personal attention to the mailing of my letters for your office. We could not see any work prosecuted yesterday except that by small gangs of negroes, who were shoveling sand at the western end of the bomb-proof battery on Cummings Point. I saw in the Charleston papers of yesterday a call by the chief en- gineer for laborers to be engaged at work on the harbor defenses. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 17, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Everything is quiet, and there are no evidences of the presence of many troops around us, nor of military preparation. The assmnption of all questions relating to forts, arsenals, & c., by the Con- gress of the Southern Confederacy appears to have placed a sudden check upon the military enterprise of the South Carolinians. The only operation performed yesterday was th~ firing of three shots from the iron bomb-proof battery on Cummings Point, apparently for the pur- pose of trying the etubrasure shutters. These shutters appear to be of iron, and are arranged like a trap~door, with a hinge at the upper edge, so that two men can open ithaving, j)robably, a counterpoise in the interior Page 176 [CHAP. I. 176 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. I think these batteries can be destroyed by our fire by concentrating it upon one einbrasure at a time, and aiming at the embrasure itself. I cannot yet determine what is being done at Fort Moultrie. In ad- (lition to the sand bags, which raises the sole of the exterior about two feet, the whole embrasure Ls filled with a large bag of wool or cotton. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. 0-. FOSTER, Gaptain of Engineers. No. 48.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 18, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we did not observe that any work was being carried on within view yesterday except by a small party of negroes, engaged in extending the covered way from the bomb. proof battery in the direction of the steamboat landing near it. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, Fir8t Artillery, Commanding. No. 49.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 19, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolinians are still at work near the bomb-proof battery on Cummings Point. I am not certain as to their intentions. The accompanying sketch, just taken by Captain Seymour, shows the appearance of their work as we see it from our walls.* We are daily adding to our defensive arrangements. I have had the parapet cut down in front of one of the 24-pounders on the gorge, which, by a slight alteration of the carriage, & c., enables me to get a dej~res- sion of 18~O, thus commanding, with a charge of canister, the greater portion of the wharf and the right basin. I am also having some of the flagging removed at the base of the wall in various places, thus obstructing their movements in the event of their effecting a landing at the base of our work. I am, colonel, very respectfully; your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ~11iajoi~, First Artillery, Commanding. P. 5.Since the above letter was written, the inclosed copy was handed inc of the proceedings of the council of administration on the application of the Rev. Mr. Menes, of Bath, Me., for the chaplaincy of this post. Although very (lesirous of having the i)rivilege of having a chaplain here, I cannot but think that in the present condition of affairs, and this, too, not having l)een designated as a chaplaincy Post, it would not be expedient to have one now sent us. I appreciate very highly the motives which appear to have governed the reverend gentle- man in making his application, and regret that it has notbeen deemed proper to ask that his request should be granted. Respectfully, R.A. * Here omitted. To appear in Atlas Page 177 CHAr. I.] 177 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., February 20, 1861. Lieut. Col. HENRY L. SCOTT, A. D. C., die., New York: See Captain Ward, commanding the North Carolina, receiving ship, and ask him to get his squadron ready as soon as he caii, and let you know how many recruits he will want in addition to his marines learn, also, what snbsistence stores he will want, including a. good quantity of desiccated vegetables; also coals, & c. See that he is supplied with everything for Anderson. I shall write to-morrow. No time now. Afraid of the wires. WINFIELD SCOTT. No. 50.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 20, 1861. (Received A. U. 0., Febrii~ry 23.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the work, a sketch of which was sent yesterday, is this morning nearly as high as the bomb- proof battery. Another battery has been discovered on Morris Island, just under the point of the woods, and to the right of and near to the battery from which the Star of the West was fired upon. See sketch of that island forwarded in No. 45. * They are also extending the glacis in front of the southwest face of Fort Moultrie. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBEf~T ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 20, 1861. General Jos. U. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Not having yet been able to obtain my papers from the office in the city, although I have made arrangements by which I shall soon get them, I thought it best to ~end off at once the monthly papers, and then to make out and send the cash statements and quarterly re- turns as soon as I obtain my vouchers from town. I therefore inclose to-day the following, viz: Report of operations for Fort Sumter for December, 1860. ReI)ort of operations for preservation of site of Fort Moultrie for De- cember, 1860. Report of operations for Castle Piuckney for December, 1860. * * * * * * * The operations of the South Carolinians around us are principally confined to their line of works on Cummings Point, westward towards the extreme point of the land. The negroes that were brought down day before yesterday are still at work upon the embankment of the parapet of this extension. It is probably their intention to form either a mortar battery or another breaching battery. The work, however, does not advance very rapidly. This is partly due to the weather, ~x hidi, with the exception of some few pleasant days, has been exces- sively unfavorable to field op~ rations, almost from the very day we came 12 R R Not found, but see ineiosure in Foster to Totten, April 5, post Page 178 [CHAP. T. 178 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. from Fort Moultrie. In addition, it strikes inc that there is 110 great vigor exhibited in hurrying forward the work at present. The arrangement that I spoke of above for getting my vouchers and the records of the office is this: General Jamisoii, Seeretary of War of South Carolina, in reply to a request from me either to allow my former clerk to collect apd send down my papers, & c., or to permit my present clerk to go to town for this purpose, has informed me that he has directed my former clerk (now Lieut. Jos. J. Legar& ~, South Carolina En- gineer Corps) to collect and send to me all the propert) iii my office in town, belonging to me or the Government of the United States, that I might want. I have accordingly written to send all the vouchers, papers, recotds, and maps. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER. Captain of Engineers. Linclosures.] JANUARY 1,1861. Extract from report of operations at Fort Sumter, S. C., for the month of December, 1860. * * * * * * * The operations of the month were steadily increased from the 1st to the 26th. The casemate arches were completed the bluestone flagging of the first tier inside of the outer traverse circles was laid on the two faces and a part of the right flank; all of the traverse stones of the first tier were reset; the granite flagging of the second tier on the right face -was laid; the construction of the embrasures of the second tier was commenced, and the finishing of the east barrack was also commenced. On the night of the 26th Major Anderson transferred his command from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, and assumed command of the fort. The Engineer force broke up on the morning of the 28th, amid the ma- jority of the men left the fort. The regular work was then stopped, and all the remaining force was at once put at work mounting guns, under charge of Lieutenant Snyder, and otherwise preparing to meet and re- pulse any attack that the forces of the State might make upon us. The few remaining days of the monJh were thus employed. A con- siderable quamitity of material remainiiig on hand was of great value in making the preparations, and everything xvas freely used for this pur- jose. J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. FORT SUMTER, S. C., January 1, 1861. Extract from report of operations at prc~crration of the site of Fort ]Iilioul- trie, for the month of December, 1860. * * * * * * * The operations of the month were brought to a sudden close by the evacuation of the fort by Major Andersons command, on the night of the 26th of December, and its occupation by the troops of South Carolina on the following evening. My letters previous to that time gave so full an account of the work being done that it is unnecessary to repeat it here, especially as the report is delayed much beyond the usual time. Respectfully submitted. J. G. FOSTER,~ Captain of Engineers Page 179 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 179 FORT SUMTER, January 1, 1861. Extract from report of operations at Castle Pinckney, Charleston Harbor, ~. (I., for the month of Thcember, 1660. * * * * * * * The operations of the month comprise the organization of the mess- ing and lodging arrangements for the party, the policing of the work, the putting all the guns and carriages in good working order, the repairing and securing of the erubrasure shutters and the main gate, the rebuilding of the cistern in the east circular half bastion, and the corn- mencemnent to rebuild the wooden banquettes in the half bastions. The work, with all the property that it contained, was forcibly taken posses- sion of on the afternoon of the 27th, by the troops of South Carolina, an entrance being elThcted by scaling the wall at the circular bastion by means of ladders. Lient. It. K. Meade, Corps of Engineers, in charge, was suffered to withdraw to Fort Sumter, where he reported to me. Respectfully submitted. J. G. FOSTER, Gaptain of Engineers. IIEADQUART~R5 OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., February 21, 1861. Lient. Col. HENRY L. SCOTT, Acting Adjutant- General, New Yorlc: SIR: I inclose a copy of a memorandum made by Lieutenant Hall, showing what articles are required at Fort Sumter, in addition to the usual supplies of the Subsistence Department, which the General-in-Chief wishes you to take measures to procure and have transferred to Captain Ward of the Navy, if he can take them on his vessels. Please also have prepared as large a supply of subsistence as Captain Ward can take, including desiccated vegetables and potted meats. When the expedition under Captain Ward shall sail (time yet uncer- tain) he may require a detachment of from fifty to two hundred recruits, with or without officers as he may wish. See that they are conadentially prepared for that service. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant- General. No 51.1 FOR~T SUMTER, S. C., February 21, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that they are still busily occu- pied extending the work at Cummings Point, and also the glacis at Fort Moultric. We are placing the heavy pieces of wrought iron, intended for the second tier of embrasures, in the outer recesses of the windows of the second-story gorge front. They will act as good fenders there. I am, colonel, very respectfully your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding Page 180 180 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [Ca& r. I. FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 21, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. A., Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a roll of letter paper from the Engineer Office. The work on the hostile bat- teries on Cummings Point continues slowly. This morning a flag was raised up on a flagstaff situated nearly in the middle of the north front of the portion of the entrenchazients denomi- nated the field work in uiy letter of the 27th January. The body of the flag is red, with a blue union in the upper staff corner, having upon it the palmetto and crescent in white. My operations continue. The plating of the outer gate with half-inch iron will be completed at noon to-day. The placing of the cheek irons for the embrasures in the re- cesses of the windows on the gorge, second / tier, has been carried as far as the main / gate from the southeast angle. The irons are placed as shown in the margin. Stones are placed in the recesses on the first tier. These, although not as good as they might be, will answer for the present, and if broken by a breaching fire caii be more easily replaced than they could be if they were on the second tier. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTEI~, Gaptain, Engineers. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, New York, February 22, 1861. [Col. L. THOMAS, A. A. G.:] SIn: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your confiden- ~tial letter of the 21st instant, conveying instructions of the General-in- Chief. I have already taken steps towards executing those instructions, by conferring with Captain Ward, of the Navy, and the quartermaster and commissary of subsistence on duty in this city. I shall see Major Thornton to-morrow. Captain Ward will not be able to take any bales of hay ror bedding purposes, and at his suggestion I propose to~ send mattresses to Fort Sumter instead, unless objected to by the General-in Chief. Captain Ward will provide the coal and wood which Lieutenant Halls memorandum calls for. In relation to clothing, I am unable to make out what the memorandum requires. Instead, therefore, of writing myself to Philadelphia, I beg that the necessary orders may be given from Washington to the clothing officers in Philadelphia to send to Colonel Tompkins here the clothing required by the memorandum, and the garrison flag and cord for lanyards on this same memorandum. I shall see that everything else on the memorandum is provided here, including such groceries as nziight be for sale to officers, & c. The clothing should be put up in small bales, so that it may be distributed among the vessels. Colonel Tompkins will attend to its proper mark- ing after its arrival here. Please let me know as soon as you give th Page 181 Cm~r. .1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 181 order to the clothing department. I saw Commodore Bruce, who will do all that he can, but hopes to receive instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. L. SCOTT. P. S.I have arranged with Captain Ward to send all the stores, & c., on board the North Carolina, addressed to him. He will attend to their (listribution among his vessels. II. L. S., Lieutenant-Colonel. No. 524 FORT SUMTER, S C., February 22, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that they are forming three embrasures in the work near the bomb-proof battery. We are, as I write (12 in.), firing a national salute from our battery in honor of the day. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 22, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington D. C.: GENERAL: The work on the third breaching battery on Cummings Point has progressed so that the embrasures, three in number, are being commenced. Some work was also done on Fort Moultrie yesterday and the day before; at least it was commenced the day before. This con- sists of a parapet of earth in front of the scarp wall of the front that faces us, apparently intended to serve as a glacis, as it rises to the height of the cordon. It is revetted on the side next the scarp wall with barrels, and has a pretty steep slope upon the side towards us. I- U I 0 fj~ The parallelogram a b shows its position very nearly. This sketch in b]ack* shows in a rough way the condition of the fort when we left it, In original sketch a b is drawn in red Page 182 182 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. 1. being bordered on all sides but one with a shallow wet ditch and picket fence, which fence was again protected by a small glacis in front of it. The large glacis on the sea front was very nearly completed, and the second caponiere would have been completed and the guns mounted in four days. This morning atsunrise a salute of thirteen guns was fired from Castle Piuckney. I understand that Major Anderson has ordered a salute to be fired at noon to-day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. WAR DEPARTMENT, February 23, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, Commanding Fort Sivmter, Charleston Harbor, S. C.: SIR: It is proper I should state distinctly that you hold Fort Sumter as you held Fort Moultrie, nuder the verbal orders communicated by Major Buell,* subsequently modified by instructions addressed to you from this Department, under date of the 21st of December, 1860. In your letter to Adjutant-General Cooper, of the 16th instant, you say: I should like to be instructed on a qnestion which may present itself in reference to the floating battery, viz: What coarse would it be proper for me to take if, without a declaration of war or a-notification of hostilities, I should see them approaching my fort with that battery? They may attempt placing it within good distance before a declaration of hostile intention. It is not easy to answer satisfactorily this important question at this distance from the scene of action. In my letter to you of the 10th of Jan- uary I said: You will continue, as heretofore, to act strictly on the defensive, and to avoid, by all means compatible with the safety of your command, a collision with the hostile forces by which you are surrounded. The policy thus indicated must still govern your conduct. The President is not disposed at the present moment to change the instructions under which you have been heretofore acting, or to occupy any other than a defensive position. It; however, you are convinced by sufficient evidence that the raft of which you speak is advancing for the purpose of making an assanlt upon the fort, then you would be justified on the principle of self-defense in not awaiting its actual arrival there, but in repelling force by force on its approach. If, on the other hand, you have reason to believe that it is approachin~ merely to take up a position at a good distance should the pending question be not amicably settled, then, unless your safety is so clearly endangered as to render resistance an act of necessary self-defense and protection, you will act with that forbearance which has distinguished you heretofore in permit- ting the South Carolinians to strengthen Fort Moultrie and erect new batteries f ~r the defense of the harbor. This will be but a redemption of the implied pledge contained in in~ letter on behalf of the President to Colonel ilayne, in which, when speaking of Fort Sumter, it is said: The attitude of that garrison, as has been often declared, is neither menacing, nor defiant, nor un friendly. It is acting under orders to stand strictly ou the defensive, and the government and people of South Carolina must know that they can never receive aught but shelter from its guns, nuless, in the absence of all provocation, they should assault it and seek its destruction. * See Major BacHs memorandum, December 11, 1860, p. 89 Page 183 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE~ ETC.UNION. 183 A dispatch received in this city a few days since from Governor Pick- ens, connected xiith the declaration on the part of those convened at Montgomery, claiming to act on behalf of South Carolina as well as the other seceded States, that the question of the possession of the forts and other public property therein had been taken from the decision of the individual States and would probably be preceded in its settlement by negotiation with the Government of the United States, has impressed the President with a belief that there xvill be no immediate attack on Fort Sumter, and the hope is indulged that wise and patriotic counsels may prevail and prevent it altogether. The labors of the Peace Congress have not yet closed, and the, pres- ence of that body here adds another to the powerftil motives already existing for the adoption of every measure, except in necessary self defense, for avoiding a collision with the forces that surround you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HOLT. Yo. 53.] FoRT SUMTER, S. C., February 23, 1861. (Iteceived A. G. 0., February 26.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith some slips from the Charleston Mercury of yesterday. That paper publishes everything that is calculated to bring on a collision. I do not consi(ler the rumor worthy of the least attention, but it accounts for the increased vigor exhibited last night, and continued to-day, in pushing forward their works on Cummings Point and at Fort Moultrie. They were working at the former place until midnight last night, and a large force is busy there now on the parapet (in which openings are formed apparently for ftur embrasures), and in hauling up timbers from a raft. A large shed has been put up, which may be intended for a bomb-proof store- house or a magazine. At Fort Moultrie the glacis is being rapidly ex- tended, and it is high enough to cover their wall, as if they expected me to attempt breaching it. They are also at work this morning on the gun battery at Fort Johnson. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Jiliajor, First Artillery, Commanding [Inclosures.] FEDERAL itE-ENFORCEMENTS AT HAND. The special dispatches of the Mercury announcing that a stealthy re-enforcement of Fort Sumter had been determined on, and that Federal troops, in boats, might be expccte(i at any moment that circumstances should happen to favor their attempt to reach the fort, were confirmed about 9 oclock last night by telegrams r3ceived by the governor. Shortly afterwards dispatches came up from Fort Moultric, stating that the lieuenant in charge of the harbor watch had reported that he was informed by a pilot that the steamship Daniel Webster had been seen by him off Capo Jiomain at noon. Notice was immediately given to the different posts. General Dunovant and Captain Ra~niltoii proceeded immediately to Fort Monitrie; Major Stevens repaired to the Morris Island batteries. Everything was got in readiness for the expected visitors. tJj to the hour at which we go to press (half past 4 oclock) there has been nothing seen either of the Daniel Webster or her boats. We re very sure that the gallant troops on Morris and Sullivans Islands will keep a bright lookout for both Page 184 184 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. CRAP. T. SECOND DISPATCH. WASHINGTON, February 216 p. m. There is the best of reason for believing that HoE designs rs-enforcing secretly, by boats, at night. The re-enforcements have already been sent. You may look out for them at any moment. The programme is also to surround Fort Pickens with ships of war. That post is considered impregnable to the Southern forces. The whole anxiety of Scott and the coercionists centers now in Fort sumter. There the Cabinet has de- termined that Lincoln shall find everything ready to his hand. Fonr SUMTER.---The Washington correspondents of Northern papers are continually disposing of this formidable post in divers ways. The last bnlletin which we notice settles the fact in this summary style: I pave just read a private letter from a citizen of South Carolina, formerly in Con- gress from that State, which states that Fort Sumter will be taken, at whatever cost of life, on or before the 4th of March next. The writer is himself to ake part in the enterprise, and as he is also perfectly well informed in regard to the intentions of the State authorities, it may be considered that this information settles the fact, if there is any doubt of it, that the fort is to be taken, and without reference to what the Montgomery government may advise or order on the subject. FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 23, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the work upon the bat- teries on Cummings Point was continued last night until 12 oclock. This increased activity seemed to have been consequent upon the visit of some official of rank, probably Governor Pickens, to these batteries in the afternoon. Guns were fired from the batteries and from Fort Moul- trie in considerable numbers about the same time that the steamers [arrived] bearing the person or persons who were visiting the batteries, and were either salutes of six and seven guns each or were merely l)rac- tice firing. The I)lilicipal work consists of that upon the battery that I reported yesterday as being in process of construction, and upon the erection of sheds of this form T///7j~7J7f/77 which yon perceive can be turned into bomb-proofs, covering them with earth. One of the3e, situated at the extreme western point of Cum- mings Point, is already up, and a sufficient number of rafts were towed there last night to construct two or three more. At Fort Moultrie a force of about fifty laborers is still at work em- banking the glacis in front of the thee towards us. Yesterday I com- pleted placing the cheek irons for the embrasures in the recesses of the windows on the gorge, and to-day I shall charge the fougasses on the esplanade at the gorge, and then commence clearing the parade of rub- bish. I have also to take down another temporary building to obtain fuel. I have a second one yet standing, tii at will furnish fuel as long as the provisions will last. The weather is very pleasant and warm. I received from the Department another roll of writing paper to-day, with two bundles of envelopes, one of large and the other of medium letter size. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTEII, (Japtain, Engineers Page 185 CHM?. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 185 No. 54.] FORT SUMTER, S C., February 24, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that operations mentioned in No. 53 were continued through the day. Early this morning a few negroes were seen shoveling sand at the new battery on Cummings Point, but, perhaps, in respect for the day, the work appears to be now suspended. I feel that I have omitted too long placing officially on record the expression of my acknowledgments and thanks for the kindness shown by Asst. Surg. S. W. Crawford, Medical Department, and Lieutenants Snyder and Meade, 111. 5. Engineer Corps, in volunteering to relieVe the company officers of this post by taking their turns as officers of the day. Dr. Crawford commenced taking his tour as officer of the day regu- larly soon after we came over here, and Lieutenants Snyder and Mea(le offered their services as soon as they felt themselves at liberty to do so. I am under many obligations to these gentlemen for tli~ir having thus conic forward to the relief of their brother officers, on whom the duties of the post were pressing very heavily. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 55.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 25, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., February 25.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjntant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that yesterday, after midday, large parties were at work at Cummings Point on a new battery and on the covered way leading from the bomb-proof battery to the first battery to the eastward of it, and a~lso on the gun battery at Fort Johnson. They are placing muck on the mortar battery at Fort Johnson. This morning a large force is engaged cii the covered way on Cummings Point, and smaller parties on the new battery this side of the bomb-proof battery, and extending the glacis at Fort Moultrie. I am having some of my guns moved from the right to the left face of this fort, where they will be equally effective for the purpose I wish them, and will be safe from the fire of the Morris Island battery constructed to take them in the flank I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 25, 1861. General Jos. 0-. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: * * * * * * * The sudden chang-e from the warm temperature of yesterday to th~ cold and wind of to-day seems to have a chilling effect upon the negro laborers employed on the parapet of the new battery at Cummings Point, and they have been mostly withdrawn and placed at work in the ditch of the curtain connecting the iron bomb-proof battery and th Page 186 186 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. three-gun baftery in the field work to the east. The high wind of last night blew down the storehouse and quarters that I mentioned yester- day and the day before. At the mortar battery sonth of Fort Johnson a party commenced work soon after dinner yesterday (Sunday) and worked until night, throwing np a mass of muck in front of and against the parapet, appar- ently to protect it from the wash of the surf, and also to increase its thickness. On Fort Moultrie they are still at work at the glacis. It appears now that it is not so nearly parallel to the face that fronts us as I drew it in my letter two days since, but rather inclines to be parallel with the beach. It is already extended so as to cross Fort street. It is evi- dent that this may be used as a shelter for a line of mortars, but I hardly believe it will be so used, as there is already built a battery for mortars lower down the island. The South Carolinians had only thrce or four mortars, and I have heard of the arrival of but three since the commencement of hostile preparations. The health of the command is very good, with no sickness among the officers or men of sufficient importance to take them from a single day~s duty. Major Anderson is and has been well, and there was no founda- tion for the report of his illness. I received yesterday a note from Captain Wright, containing ~ome interesting private information, and take this means of acknowledging it, so that he may know that it was received. I have thehonor to be, very respectfully, & c., J. G. FOSTElI, Captain of Engineers. No. 56.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 26, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army; COLONEL: I have the honor to report that they appear to be strength- ening the covered way on Cummings Point, and that they are this morn- ing fitting in the timber frame for the third embrasure of the battery at the end of the point nearest to us. They are still at work ou the glacis at Fort Moultrie, and appear to have extended wings back from the mor- tar battery near Fort Johnson. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, IIOBEIIT ANDElISON, Major, U. ~. Army, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 26, 1861. General Jos. (1. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Very little appears to be done since yesterday, although quite a large force of laborers have been at work upon the third breach- ing battery and upon the curtain connecting the first and the second (the iron bomb-proof battery). A second embrasure was formtd in the third battery. The work upon the curtain has apparently for object to excavate the ditch deeper, throwing out all the sand that had blown in, and to make the parapet stronger. It will thus serve as an admirabl Page 187 CHAP. L] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 187 position for a line of mortars. The work on the other batteries around ns was hardly worthy of note yesterday. The troops on Fort Moultrie Practiced with ball to obtain the ranges of the channel anti especially of that point in the main channel where it turns towards the city. The buoy on this side of the channel at this point is five eighths of a mile from as, in a direction a little south of east. The practice was excellent, all the shot striking the water nearly in the same spot; so it will be seen that the ranges are well understood now, and any vessel coming in must not expect to fare as well as the Star of the West. The second fongasse on the gorge was charged, means for firing ar- ranged, and the stone loaded upon it during the day yesterday. I am to submit to-day to Major Anderson a written memorandum of the condition of the work and its capabilities to resist a bombardment, together with any additional preparations that I have to suggest. He also requires the same of Lieutenants Snyder and Meade. I am now taking down a third temporary building to obtain fuel. There are two other buildings remaining, besides which are twelve gun carriages. I have a small quantity of new lumber reserved for emer- genoics. Our supl)lies and mails come from town as usual. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Gajptain of Engineers. ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Maj. R. ANDERSON, Washington, February 28, 186 t. First Artillery, Commanding Fort Sumter, Charleston, S. C. SIR: I acknowledge the receipt of your several communications, in- eluding No. 55, of the 25th instant. The Secretary of War directs me to send you the inclosed slip, and to say that the Peace Convention yes- terday agreed upon the basis of a settlement of our political difficulties, which was reported to Congress. The Secretary entertains the hope that nothing will occur now of a hostile character. I am, sir, & c., S. COOPER, Adjutant- General. Inclosure.] The Commissioners from the Southern Confederacy are expected to arrive here before the close of this week. They are accredited to the incoming administration, and pending the efforts to negotiate, nothing will be done calculated to disturb the public peace. FORT SUMTER, S. C., February, 28, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Yesterday and to-day being pleasant, the work upon the Cummings Point batteries has progressed well. The third battery for breaching is nearly completed, three embrasures being fully constructed and a fourth nearly so. Four 24-pounder guns were landed yesterday, evidently to arm this batter& . They were upon siege carriages Page 188 188 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. The work that 11 spoke of in my last letter as being commenced upon the middle of the curtain, connecting the first breaching battery and the second, has not sufficiently developed itself to be positive in its character, but it appears to be a large magazine and a battery for three or more guns. A considerable force is also at work on that portion of the field work looking towards Fort Moultrie and the channel, but I cannot see what is being done. I have no doubt that it is the construc- tion of one or more embrasures, in addition to the one there before, to fire on the channel. The floating raft intended to be used to breach the walls of this fort was launched yesterday in town. I can see it with my glass. The iron does not appear to have been yet put upon the timber. If Jam correct in this, it will require several days to prepare it for action. Yesterday I was principally employed in demolishing the temporary building for fuel, removii~g , & c., of blacksmith shop to the casemates, clearing the parade, & c. I have strongly recommended the increasing of the present armament of the gorge (six 24-pounders) at once, by means of the casemate car- riages, so altered as to answer for barbette carriages, but the recommen- dation has not yet been acted on. I did not write to the Department yesterday morning, having been closely employed until it was too late to do so before the mail closed. Very respectfiuily, your obedient servant, J. U. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. No. 59.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., ilfarch 1, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U~ S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual occurred to-day, except the arrival from the city of a steamboat, fully loaded with troops, at Sullivans Island. The works around us are being carried on with the same activity as heretofore. Yesterday some guns were fired from a battery on Sullivans Island to the eastward of the Moultrie House. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]liLajor, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C -, March 1, 1861. General Jos. U. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S Army, Washington, ft C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance connected with the hostile batteries around us has transpired since I wrote yesterday. The work then in progress on the batteries on Cum- mings Point has continued steadily, but without any marked activity; the fourth embrasure in battery No. 3 (breaching) is revetted and the parapet nearly finished; the work on the curtain of 1 and 2 is either a magazine or a bomb-proof of timber to be used as a battery, like battery No. 2. Little of note is observed at Fort Moultrie. The large bag of cotton or wool still remains in each embrasure precisely as it was placed some time ago, which makes me now believe that the guns on that face have really been dismounted to be used in other batteries Page 189 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 189 The guns looking toward the channel are covered by high and solid nierlons so that they cannot be taken in flank, and are kept in good work. ing order, as is evidenced by their frequent practice. Last evening the South Carolinians practiced from the batteries on Cummings Point, from Fort Moultrie, and from the channel battery above the Moultrie House, on Sullivans Island. I cannot obtain with the glass satisfac- tory observations of what is being done with the floating breach battery or raft. I am inclined to think, however, from information, that there is a distrust of its success in the minds of many military men in the city. I think it can be destroyed by our fire before it has time to do much damage. I received yesterday directions from Major Anderson which I gladly proceeded to execute, to the effi~ct to increase the armament of the bar- bette tier in the way recommended by all the Engineer officers. I have put Liententant Snyder and the whole gang of workmen at this work. We will adapt one caseinate carriage to serve for barbette and mount one 42-pounder to-day. In obedience to requirement all the officers handed in to Major Anderson confidential estimates of the force necessary to insure a re-enforcement of this fort, or to relieve it, yesterday momning. These were sent to Washimgton.* My estimate was as follows: To land and carry the batteries on Cummings Point and Morris Island, 3,000 regu- lars, or 10,000 volunteers; to land and carry the batteries on Sullivans Island (at time same time), 3,000 regulars, or 10,000 volunteers more; to hoh~ the above positions after taking them, 10,000 regulars, or 30,000 volunteers. The forces to be overcome in the attack are supposed to be those of the South Carolinians, aided by troops that may be gathered from the adjoining States at short notice. If time be given for concentration of the troops of this section the above estimate will be inadequate. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 2, 1861. [General TOTTEN:] GENEuAL: There is very little activity to be observed in the surround- ing batteries this morning, althongh the weather is remarkably fine. The little that is being done is in the field work on Cummings Point, which is being enlarged to the eastward, evidently with a view of covering the whole of this point with the work, having the l)arapet as near high-water line as practicable, as it now is in that portion of the work towards us. The batteries will then all be included in a continu- ous line, extending from the point towards the entrance to Light-house Creek, around to the seaward. The breaching battery ~o. 3 is com- pleted, as is also the work on the middle of the curtain of 1 and 2, which is a muortar battery witim a magazine. The cheering news from Washington of the action of the Peace Conference and of the House of Representatives gave us great satis- faction. One 42-pounder gun was put in position and the carriage put in good order, so that the gun can be used with more effect than the others on the barbette tier. Three 32-pounders are being removed to the gorge, * See inclosure D, following Lincoln to Cameron, March 15, p. 2O~2 Page 190 190 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. I. and as soon as this is done a 42-pounder will next be mounted there. After this, we will make an effort, with some new blocks that we have made, to raise a 10-inch columbiad and to mount it at the right gorge angle. I have the hoiior to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. (A-. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. No. 63.] FORT SUMTER, S C., March 5, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that parties are working to-day on the mortar battery at Fort Johnson, which they are making higher and stronger, and on the Morris Island batteries, numbered on Captain Seymours sketch Nos. 1, 9, and 10. They are filling the embrasures in this last battery, in which we see that one gun has been placed. They are also at work on the covered way connecting Nos. 9 and 7~* I presume, from the movements around us yesterday, that Brig. Gen. P. (1. T. Beauregard assumed command and made an inspection of the forts, & c., in this harbor, which are garrisoned by the South Carolina troops. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 5, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The work on the Cummings Point batteries continues steadily. This morning the greatest number of laborers seem to be employed in repairing the injuries to the parapets caused by the wind of yesterday and the wind and rain of last night. The work in the third breaching battery yesterday indicated that the platforms for the guns were being laid, and that it was being made ready for its guns; one 24-pounder has stood in front of it for three days. A small working party is still engaged upon the mortar battery on James Island. It is reported from the city that the floating battery does not come up to anticipations, inasmuch as it draws s~ven feet of water without its armament, and requires a conuterpoise on the reverse to conuteract the tendency to tip towards the front, owing to the weight of the shield on that side. Yesterday three steamers landed troops and supplies on Cummings Point, and appearances indicated that preparations - were making for immediate action in case the news from Washington ex- hibited a coercive policy on the part of the administration. It is reported that General Beauregard visited the batteries on Cummings Point yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. * Here omitted. To appear in Atlas Page 191 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 191 No. 64.1 FORT SUMTER, ]tfarch 6, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., March 9.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a very large re-enforcement was landed last night at Cummings Point and bivouacs near No. 10. This morning it was marched out of sight, around the point of the island. Yesterday the three other guns were mounted in No. 10, thus completing its armament of four heavy pieces. They continued working yesterday at the places mentioned in my report, and are still so occupied to-day. A party has also been at work this morning on the Fort Moultrie glacis. Everything indicates activity and determination. I had the honor to present in No. 58* my opinion of the strength of the army which will be necessary to force an entrance into the harbor. The pre~ence here, as commander, of General Beauregard, recently of the U. S. Engineers, insures, I think, in a great measure the exercise of skill and sound judgment in all operations of the South Carolinians in this harbor. God grant that our country may be saved from the horrors of a fratricidal war! I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER S C March 6 1861 General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chi~f Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that during the day, and es- pecially towards night, unusual activity was observed among th~ South Carolinians around us. Several steamer loads of men were landed Oil Cummings Point. The number was greater than the arrangements for shelter, apparently, for I observe quite a large number grouped about their bivouac fires this morning. Their suffering must have been con- siderable during the night, for the weather suddenly changed from the warni temperature of the preceding days to a high degree of cold for this climate, the wind blowing fresh from the north. I learn that portable hot-shot furnaces have been furnished to several, and probably all, of the batteries. The mortar battery on James Island, south of Fort Johnson, is armed, but the number of mortars is not ascer- tained. The magazine in the flank of this battery is also finished. The mortar battery on Sullivans Island, west of Fort Moultrie, is also armed. All the batteries on Morris Island are armed. The guns range from 32-pounders down, with the exception of the iron bomb-proof, which is (I think, from all reports and observations) armed with 8inch calum. biadsthree of them. The raft does not meet expectations. It is being covered with railroad strap-iron instead of the T rail. This has a cross-section of about three- fourths or one inch by two inches or two and a half inches. They are now ironing the top portion, the front not being yet commenced. Two 8-inch columbiads are lying on the wharf ready to be put on board. I do not think this floating battery will prove very formidable. We have not yet received the inaugural address of President Lincoln, although it is reported from town that it is coercive in its character, and that much excitement prevails. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ G. FOSTER, Gaptain, Engineers. * No. 58, and several other of Andersons letters, not found Page 192 192 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHArT. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 7, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The increased activity exhibited in the batteries of the South Carolinians yesterday continues this morning. The work on Morris Island is mostly confined to the strengthening of breach battery No. 3. On James Island a considerable force is still engaged in strength- ening the mortar battery. Generally speaking, there is more earnestness exhibited now than for several days previous to the 5th instant. The Confederate flag was displayed yester(lay from the custom-house. Gen- eral Beauregard is, it is understood, in command of the forces here under the authority of the Confederation. The reception on Morris Island that we observed on the 4th was that of Governor Pickens and General Beauregard. I have received the two letters of the 2d and a copy of Major Mor. decais report. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. No. 67.] FoRT SUMTER, S. C, March 9, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., March 12.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant- General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we can see the South Car- olinians engaged this morning strengthening and extending considerably what We supposed to have been intended for a mortar battery at Fort Johnson. Small parties are also working at Nos. 9 and 10, and a very heavy force at the bend of the island, this side of No. 1. Whether they are constructing another battery there, or strengthening one that is al- ready there, I cannot tell. One of my officers reports that he has counted nine 24-pounders which have been landed at Cummings Point within a week. Yesterday he saw several shot or shells, which appeared to be about eight inches in diameter. They are certainly busy strengthening the batteries already constructed, and probably adding others. It appears to me that vessels will even now, from the time they cross the bar, be under fire from the batteries on Morris Island until they get nnder the walls of this work. I do not speak of the batteries which have been constructed on Sullivans Island, as I am not certain of their posi- tions. Fort Moultrie will, of course, be a very formidable enemy. I am, colonel, v cry respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 9, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Soon after I closed my letter* for the mail yesterday, and while two officers were getting ready to bear a letter from Major Ander- son demanding an explanation, an officer from Cummings Point, Major Stevens, came with a white flag and a letter from the commanding offi- cer, Colonel Gregg, ofi~ring an ample apology. It appears that ill prac * Letter not found, but see BeaureHard to Walker, March 9, Confederate Corre- spondence, & c., post Page 193 CHAP. Ti CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 193 ticing at drill the fact of one of the guns being shotted was forgotten, and hence the occurrence. I commence this morning to close the openings of the loopholes on the first tier solidly with stone. In raising the second 10-inch columbiad from the parade to the terre-plein yesterday afternoon the strap of the upper block broke when the gun was nearly up, and it fell, breaking the cross-pieces of the derrick, striking the end of the casemate arch of the first tier, and burying itself one-half its length in the ground. No one was injured, for the first signs of giving way had been observed and every one made to stand clear. The injury to the-derrick will be soon repaired and the columbiad again hoisted. Last night a severe storm of wind and rain arose, which lasted all night, and bids fair to be renewed to-day. The men in the batteries on Morris Island are actively at work repair- ing damages to the parapets and in extending the field work around on the channel side of Cummings Point and forming new batteries there. Three or four 24-ponAders on siege carriages were landed yesterday. I have before reported that the evident intention was to form a large field work entirely covering the point. lts present extent will require one thousand men to defend it, and the work still continues. I have omitted to report previously that a guard ship; or bark, is anchored on the main ship bar, apparently as a signal ship; also, that the two revenue cutters taken from the Government are usually anchored on the side of the main ship channel towards Cummings Pointone of them northeast of the point and the other more to the north of it. They are armed with guns or howitzers, probably of small caliber. The storm of last night swamped one of the boats here. It was the Fort Moultrie barge, brought over with the command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER Captain, Engsneers. No. 68.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 10, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: - COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we see only two parties, both quite large ones, at work to-dayone at the new battery, men- tioned yesterday, near Fort Johnson, and the other on Morris Island, at the bend of the island, near No. 1. My command, thank God, is quite well, and in fine spirits. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 69.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 11, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, perhaps in consequence of the prevalence of a high and cold wind, very little work appears to be going on around us. A few persons have been at work at the new battery near Fort Johnson, at Fort Moultrie, and also at the battery which fired on the Star of the West. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, - Major, Pirst Artillery, Commanding. 13 a Page 194 194 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. I. FORT SUMTER, S. C., Miarch Ii, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. GENERAL: The sudden change of temperature from the warmth of yes- terday to the cold of last night and this morning seems to have checked the ardor of the laborers on the field work on Cummings Point, as but little activity is observed this morning. The work on the extension of the line of parapet on the channel side towards; the Star of the West battery still continues. Very little else appears to be doing. We are still steadily at work, and will try the second 10-inch columbiad again to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. No. 70.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 12, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the pleasure of reporting that Lieutenant Snyder has succeedQd in raising another 10-inch columbiad, which I shall place in barbette on the left flank, upon the 8-inch columbiad platform nearest to the gorge. We do not see that they are at work this morning, except a small party, which is getting up some heavy timbers at the Cummings Point wharf. The weather is delightful now, but a few of the men are suffering from colds. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 12, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The line of intrenchments on the channel side of Cum- mings Point, or rather of Morris Island, is now extended down to the rear of the Star of the West battery. This line is composed of redoubts, connected by lines of parapet serving for curtains. The rear of the redoubts, or the parts towards us, are raised so high as to secure them from our reverse fire. There is one in rear of the Star of the West battery, situated on the top of the sand hill, which conceals that battery from our view, and two more between this and the works on Cummings Point. Both of these are situated on sand hills, and well protected in their rear, as described above. The weather being unusually pleasant, their operations are activel.y carried on this morning. Other work is being done farther down the beach, say six hundred yards below the Star of the West battery. I cannot make it out at present. It is probable that it is to be another small battery to fire on the channel, and to be closed in the rear. Jam inclined to think, from the materials that have been carried in that direction, that the defenses at the mouth of the Stono have been much strengthened. This river was an avenue by which and Wappoo Creek the city could be approached by vessels drawing less than eight feet of water. The defense of this point has, therefore, not been ne Page 195 CHAP. 1.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 195 lected. The idea seems to be to place their batteries all along the beach between Cummings Point and Light-house Inlet (which is also fortified), so that a landing must be attejupted under the fire of at least one bat- tery. Some little work is being done on Fort Moultrie, strengthening the merlons of the guns on the sea front. It now appears that the rear of Fort Johnson is protected by a line of intrenchments which comes out on the beach a little above the mortar battery, and probably runs across to the old Martello Tower, situated about 500 yards southeast of the wharf, near the beach. No unusual movements are observed,, except the firing of one gun in the city at about 14 oclock last night. A negro boy, escaping from the city, came down last night about 11 oclock in a canoe to this fort. He was at once sent back. The guard-ship anchored inside the main ship bar has, I observed, housed her topmasts. We did not get up the 10-inch columbiad yesterday for want of time. The work of filling the openings on the gorge, first tier, with solid stone is progressing satisfactorily. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. (1. FOSTER, Gaptain, Engtneers. No. 71.1 FORT SUMTER, S. C., Miarch 13, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army; COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we see only a small party engaged this morning raising the parapet of the work usually alluded to as the mortar battery, near Fort Johnson. Yesterday afternoon about a hundred blank cartridges were fired from Fort Moultrie, on what occasion we know not. This firing showed us that all the guns are in position on that work. Oar sick-list is slightly on the increase; five are reported sick this morning. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, 6~ommanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., ]lfarch 13, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The work upon the redoubts on the channel side of Mor- ris Island still continues quite actively. It is confined to those described in yesterdays letter. The pacific news by telegraph on the 11th seems. to have created a pleasant feeling in those around us, if we may judge by the quantity of powder that they burned yesterday. About one hundred and fifty guns in all were fired, but not with regularity; of this number Fort Moultrie fired about one hundred guns. The remain- der were fired from the Maffitt Channel battery, above the Moultrie House, and from the batteries on Morris Island. We got up the 10-inch columbiad yesterday, and transported it to its carriage. To-day it will be mounted at the west gorge angle. One-third of the loophole openings on the first tier of the gorge are solidly closed with stone, with lead run into the joints. A third temporary building is being demolished to obtain fuel. When the supply from this is exhausted the blacksmith shop will have to be Page 196 196 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I, puhle(l down, and in order to prepare for this I have moved the bellows and apparatus into one of the second tier casemates. The weather is very pleasant. I received the Department letter of the 8th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. FORT SUMTER, S. C., ]Jifarch 14, 1861. General Jog. cT. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The news received yesterday by telegraph, to the effect that orders were issued to evacuate this fort, seems to have caused an almost entire cessation of work on the batteries around us. I am not ceasing work on the preparations, although I am taking an inventory of the materials on hand, and otherwise getting ready for such orders should they actually arrive. I have received my vouchers from town, together with my own private books and papers that were in the office. All of the office furniture, records, maps, instruments, & c., are retained by the authorities. I have here, however, most of the most useful maps and drawings. Unless otherwise directed I shall discharge my force when the orders for evacuation arrive, and leave with the command, with my assistants, and report to you at Washington. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. EXECUTIVE MANSION, iLliiareh 15, 1861. The honorable SECRETARY OF NX AR: M~ DEAR SIR: Assuming it to be possible to now provision Fort Sumter, under all the circumstances is it wise to attempt it? Please give me your opinion in writiug on this question.* Your obedient servant, Answer. [A. LINCOLN] In reply to the letter of inquiry addressed to me by the President, whether, assuming it to be possible now to provision Fort Sumter, under all the circumstances is it wise to attempt ~ I beg leave to say that it has received the careful consideration, in the limited time I could bestow upon it, which its very grave importance demands, and that my mind has beefi most reluctantly forced to the conclusion that it would be unwise now to make such an attempt. In coming to this conclusion I am free to say I am greatly influenced by the opinions of the Army officers who have expressed themselves on the subject, and who seem to concur that it is, perhaps, now impossible to succor that fort substantially, if at all, without capturing, by means of a large expedition of ships of war and trQops, all the opposing bat. teries of South Carolina. All the officers within Fort Sumter, together with Generals Scott and Totten, express this opinion, and it would seem to me that the President would not be justified to disregard such high authority without overruling considerations of public policy. The following papers marked Answer and as inelosures A Ii, are filed with the Presidents inquiry; they were probably submitted to the Cabinet March 15, 1861 Page 197 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 197 Major Anderson, in his report of the 28th ultimo, says: I confess that I would not be willing to risk my reputation on an attempt to throw re-enforcements into this harbor within the time for oar relief rendered necessary by the limited supply of our provisions, and with a view of. holding possession of the same with a force of less than twenty thousand good and well-disciplined men. In this opinion Major Anderson is substantially sustained by the re- ports of all the other officers within the fort, one of whom, Captain Sey- mour, speaks thus emphatically on the subject: It is not more than possible to supply this fort by ruse with a few men or a small amount of provisions, such is the unceasing vigilance employed to prevent it. To do so openly by vessels alone, nuless they are shot-proof, is virtually impossible, so nu- merous and powerful are the opposing batteries. No vessel can lay near the fort with- out bein~, exposed to continual fire, and the harbor conld, and probably would, when- ever necessary, be effectually closed, as one channel has already been. A projected attack in large force would draw to this harbor all the available resources in men and material of the contiguous States. Batteries of guns of heavy caliber would be multi- plied rapidly and indefluitely. At least twenty thousan men, good marksmen and trained for months past with a view to this very contingency, would be concentrated here before the attacking force could leave Northern ports. The harbor .would be closed. A landing must be effected at some distance from our guns, which could give no aid. Charleston Harbor would be a Sebastopol in such a conflict, and unlimited means would probably be required to insure success, before which time the garrison of Fort Sumter would be starved out. General Scott, in his reply to the question addressed to him by the President, on the 12th instant, what amount of means and of what de- scription,in addition to those already at command, it would require to supply and re-enforce the fort; says: I should need a fleet of war vessels and transports which, in the scattered disposi- tion of the Navy (as understood), could not be collected in less than four months; 5,000 additional regular troops and 20,000 volunteers; that is, a force sufficient to take all the batteries, both in the harbor (including Fort Moultrie), as well as in the approach or outer bay. To raise, organize, and discipline such an army (not to speak of necessary le~,islation by Congress, not now in session) would require from six to eight months. As a practical military question the time for succoring Fort Sumter with any means at hand had passed away nearly a month ago. Since then a surrender under assault or from starvation has been merely a questien of time. It is true there are those, whose opinions are entitled to respectful consideration, who entertain the belief that Fort Sumter could yet be succored to a limited extent without the employment of the large army and naval forces believed to be necessary by the Army officers whose opinions I have already quoted. Captain Ward, of the Navy, an officer of acknowledged merit, a month ago believed it to be practicable to supply the fort with men and provisions to a limited extent without the employment of any very large military or naval force. He then proposed to employ four or more small steamers belonging to the Coast Survey to accomplish the purpose, and we have the opinion of General Scott that he has no doubt that Captain Ward at that time would have succeeded With his pro- posed expedition, but was lot allowed by the late President to attempt the execution of his plan. Now it is pronounced from the change of circumstances impracticable by Major Anderson and - all the other officers of the fort, as well as by Generals Scott and Totten, and in this opinion Captain Ward, after full consultation with the latter-named officers and the Superintendent of the Coast Survey, I understand now reluctantly concurs. Mr. Fox, another gentleman of experience as a seaman, who, having formerly been enga~ed on the Coast Survey, is familiar with the ~vaters of the Charleston Harbor, has proposed to make the attempt to supply the fort with cutters of light (Iraught and large dimensions, and his pro- posal has in a measure been approved by Commodore Striugham, bu Page 198 198 [CHAP. I. OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. he does not suppose or propose or profess to believe that provisions for more than one or two months could be furnished at a time. There is no doubt whatever in my mind that when Major Anderson lirst took possession of Fort Sumter he could have been easily supplied with men and provisions, and that when Captain Ward, with the con- currence of General Scott, a mouth ago proposed his expedition he would have succeeded had he been allowed to attempt it, as I think he should have been. A different state of things now, however, exists. Fort Moultrie is now rearmed and strengthened in every way; many new land batteries have been constructed; the principal channel has been obstructed; in short, the difficulty of re-enforcing the fort has been increased ten if not twenty fold. Whatever might have been (lone as late as a month ago, it is too sadly evident that it cannot now be done without the sacrifice of life and treasure not at all commensurate with the object to be attained; and as the abandonment of the fort in a few weeks, sooner or later, appears to be an inevitable necessity, it seems to me that the sooner it be done the better. The proposition presented by Mr. Fox, so sincerely entertained and ably advocated, would be entitled to my favorable consideration if, with all the light before me and in the face of so many distinguished military authorities on the other side, I did not believe that the attempt to carry it into effect would initiate a bloody and protracted conflict. Should he succeed in relieving Fort Sumter, whiuli is doubted by many of our most experienced soldiers and seamen, would that enable us to main- tain our authority against the troops and fortifications of South Carolina l Sumter could not now contend against these formidable adversaries if filled with provisions and men. That fortress was intended, as her position on the map will show, rather to repel an invading foe. It is equally clear from repeated investigations and trials that the range of her grins is too limited to reach the city of Charleston, if that were desirable. No practical benefit will result to the country or the Government by accepting the proposal alluded to,and Jam therefore of opinion that the cause of humanity and the highest obligation to the public interest would be best promoted by adopting- the counsels of those brave and experienced men whose suggestions I have laid before you. [Indorsement.] There was a signed copy of the within placed in the hands of Presi- dent Lincoln. SIMON CAMERON. MARCH 17, 1875. [Inelosure A.] MEMORANDUM OF DIFFERENT PLANS FOR RE-ENFORCING FORT SUMTER. Memoranda read before the President and Cabinet, General Scott and Com- modore Stringhain, and Mr. Fox, late ~f the Navy, Washington, March 15, 1861, by Bvt. Brig. Gen. Joseph U. Totten, Chief of Engineers.* The obstacles to the relief of Fort Sumter are natural or artificial ob- stacles to navigation, and military opposition. The main channel in its best natural state would not admit the pas- See also General Totten to Secretary of War, April 3, 1861, post Page 199 ChAP. LI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 199 sage of vessels larger than sloops of war; so that, before it was obstructed, a naval attack, to be very formidable, must have consisted of many ves- sels of this kind. In designing the defenses of Charleston Harbor, therefore, it was considered that Fort Sumter, with Castle Pinckney, would suffice, with some improvement of Fort Moultrie, and the erection of batteries iu time of war on James Island at the position called Fort Johnson. A deeper entrance would have demanded a strou~er system. The South Carolina troops have strengthened Fort Moultrie and added batteries thereto; they possess Castle Piuckney; they have erected batteries at Fort Johnson, and, not having Fort Sumter, they have planted a number of guns (number not known) on Morris Island. These last do not, certainly, bring their system up to that which in- cluded Fort Sumter; but they, as is represented, have also so blocked the main channel, or made its navigation so intricate, that only vessels light in draught can entervessels unavoidably weak to resist and im- potent to assail. If we suppose a squadron of war vessels as large as can be forced through the impediments of the main bar to have overcome that difficulty, and, under pressure of steam, to advance in daylight (as I think would be indispensable), they would suffer greatly from the fire of Morris Island, Fort Moultrie, afld its adjacent batteriesbut they would suffer much less than the small vessels, because much stronger and with vital parts better secured, and because their own fire would, to a certain ex- tent, keep under, and, to a great degree, render uncertain the fire of the batteries. But whether larg& r or smaller, the vessels have not merely to pass the fire of the batteriesthey must remain exposed to it. Be- cause, before getting beyond the fire of Fort Moultrie, they come within scope of Fort John on, and while yet under the guns of these batteries they will be reached by Castle Pinckney. There is no point of shelter within these waters; and although the squadron of heavy sloops might survive the dangers of the passage, they could not long endure the can- nonade that would be concentrated on any anchorage. In these very waters, this problem was settled in the Revolutionary War by the con- test between the squadron of Sir Peter Parker and the single work of Fort Moultriethen certainly not more powerful than now. To enable the supposed squadron to remain, it is indispensable that a military force should capture the batteries from the laud, and be strong enough, besides, to hold possession against the troops now assembled in and around them, and those that would rapidly come from the interior. Should small vessels attempt this entrance by daylight, their destruc- tion would be inevitable; at any rate, the chaices of getting through would ~e too slender to justify any such enterprise. We have certain information that there is much practice with these guns, and that the practice now is good. If this risk were to be run by daylight, the ves- sels might have a draught of about eight feet, and could use the Swash ~ or a passage between this and the main channel, or, finally, the latter. But I must repeat that unless we were to find a degree of inaptness and imbecility, and a want of vigilance and courage that we have no right to assume, this attempt by daylight with small vessels, even of great speed, must fail. There remains another project, namely, to enter at night by the Swash Channel with a few (two or three) fast steam-tugs, having a draught of only (or about) five feet. To do this it will be necessary to take position before dark off this channel, so as to get upon the proper leading line to be followed after dark by the ascertained course Page 200 200 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. or, possibly, by the bearing of the lights of Fort Sumter. With proper precautions in screening the lights and fires of the boats, & c., I think the risk would not be so great, considering only the batteries, as to deter from this attempt, provided the object were of very great importance. I should expect one or two, perhaps all, of these vessels to reach Fort Sumter, and the shoal upon which they must be groundedprovided no other impediments awaited them. But, in the first place, it is a necessary condition that the boats arrive off the harbor before night. If they can see to take these bearings, they can be seen from the shore. In the next place, it seems impossible to fit out any expedition, however small and unobtrusive, without arousing inquiry, and causing the intelligence to be transmitted by telegraph. We may be certain, therefore, that these tugs will be waited for by steamers lying in the channelway, full of men. This mode of relieving Fort Sumter, or another by men in rowboats passing up the same channel,is so obvious that it is unreasonable to suppose it has not been duly considered and provided for, where so much intelligence and resource in military means have been displayed in the scheme of defense, and so much earnestness and energy in execu- tion. We know that guard rowboats and steamers are active during the night; and that they have all the means of intercepting with cer- tainty this little expedition, and overpowering it, by boardinga com- mencement of war. This attempt, like any other, will inevitably involve a collision. This raises a question that I am not called on to discuss, but as to which I may say that if the General Government adopts a course that must be attended with this result, its first measure should not be one so likely to meet disaster and defeat; nor one, I may add, which, even if successful, would give but momentary relief, while it would open all the powers of attack upon the fort, certainly reducing it before the means of recovering Charleston Harbor, with all its forts and batteries and environs, can possibly be concentrated there. Respectfully submitted. J. G. T. [Inclosure B.l General Scott~s memoranda for the Secretary of l7Yar. It seems from the opinions of the Army officers who have expressed themselves on the subjectall within Fort Sumter, together with Gen- erals Scott and ~I?otten---that it is perhaps now impossible to succor that fort substantially, if at all, without capturing, by means of a large expedition of ships of war and troops, all the opposing batteries of South Carolina. In the mean timesix or ten monthsMajor Anderson would almost certainly have been obliged to surrender under assault or the approach of starvation; for even if an expedition like that pro- posed by G. V. Fox should succeed once in throwing in the succor of a few men and a few weeks provisions, the necessity of repeating the latter supply would return again and again, including the yellow-fever season. An abandonment of the fort in a few weeks, sooner or later, would appear, therefore, to be a sure necessity, and if so, the sooner the more graceful on the part of the Goverurneut. It is doubtful, however, according to recent information from the South, whether the voluntary evacuation of Fort Sumter alone would have a decisive effect upon the States now wavering between adher- ence to the Union and secession. It is known, indeed, that it would b Page 201 C~IAr. 1.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 201 charged to necessity, and the holding of Fort Pickens would be adduced in support of that view. Our Southern friends, however, ar~ clear that the evacuation of both the forts would instantly soothe and give con- fidence to the eight remaining slaveholding States, and render their cordial adherence to this Union perpetual. The holding of Forts Jefferson and Taylor, on the ocean keys, depends on entirely different principles, and should never be abandoned; and, indeed, the giving up of Forts Sumter and Pickens may be best justified by the hope that we should thereby recover the State to which they geographically belong by the liberality of the act, besides retaining the eight doubtful States. [Inclosure C.] Lieutenant Halls note.~. I have the honor to state that I could not concur with Captain Rod- gers, with whom I was directed to confer, in his plan for the entrance of the harbor of Charleston with men and provisions for Fort Sumter. He proposes to procure a vessel (steamboat), with a draught of not over six and one-half feet, in so me Northern port, and with the cargo to be cleared for Charleston, letting it be known, as if in confidence, that the design is to force a landing on the southern extreme of Morris Island; to carry the batteries by the rear and destroy the channel; to bring in the vessel, the vessel to regulate her speed so as to arrive off the bar in a dark night and at high tide, and to proceed through the Swash Channel with her lights extinguished; in case of discovery and being fired at, to drop a cork with a light in it, which would deceive the gun- ners. If the batteries are lighted up the men cannot see in the distance; if they are not, the lights will not be visible. The commander is to be allowed to back his vessel in case of a storm on the way down. My objections to this l)lan are very numerous. In the first place, the deception would be apparent, as no one would attempt a forced lauding with means possible to such a vessel. Secondly, not being a sea-going vessel the danger to life and the success of the undertaking is so great as to appear imprudent at best. Thirdly, it is unsafe to calculate upon not being seen off the bar, as a number of watch vessels, some with troops and cannon, are stationed off and along the entrance. Fourthly, even thongh the above dangers should all be safely passed and it should prove a moojiless night and high tide at a proper time, still a chance shot through the machinery would defeat the enterprise. The plan is grounded upon the most fortunate and improbable cir- cumstances. it might succeed; but I think failure would be the rule. By an examination of the chart of th~ harbor of Charleston it will be seen that the Swash Channel passes outside the range of all the batteries erected along the entrance, except, perhaps, the small one near Cum- mings Point (of one 32-pounder and one 12-pounder), and this can be safely neglected. Fort Moultrie can bring several guns to bear for a mile and a half (not ten minutes), but their field has been greatly reduced by the traverse with small embrasures lately thrown up on the parapet. Considering as effective all the means in the hands of those hostile to the undertakings, the following are at present to be noticed: The chan- nel will not admit of niore than six and one-half feet draught with ease in sailing; at least one steamer with troops and field guns will be near the bar; a line of pilot schooners and signal vessels form a cordon out- side the bar; the main ship channel is obstructed with sunken ships; Maffltts Channel is raked and crossed by the fires of Mo~Atrie and batter Page 202 202 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I ies placed along Sullivans Island; the buoys and range lights are removed; the anchorage, except a small area, is nnder the fire of guns from the several fortified points; the Swash Channel is readily followed by ranging Fort Sumter on St. Michaels till within five hundred yards of the fort, where a detour to the right will be necessary. Carefully navigated, passing very near the north side of the fort, the vessel may be brought to the wharf at high tide. If not successful, small boats may be furnished by the fort. The only effective guns are tliose of Fort Moultrie on this entrance. I have the honor to propose that a war ves- sel (the Brooklyn best) be dispatched with two schooners and two ordi- nary steam-tugs, each of not more than six feet and a half draught, and under the same pretension as that first proposed, and this combination will give color to the rumor. One of the schooners is to be loaded with provisions entirely, and the hay is to be stored on the starboard. The other, with some provisions, is to carry the troops. The vessels arrived off the bar, the Brooklyn can keep all hostile vessels at a distance and make the following arrangement: The vessel with provisions is to be placed upon the right, next a screw- tug, next the vessel with troops, and again a tug. The right-hand ves- sel will cover those on the left, protecting from fire the troops and means of locomotion. The vessels should arrive off the bar two hours before high tide, so that the tide will be rising all the way in, and if grounded may be floated off in a short time. To prevent vessels from the city and the cutters inside the harbor from interfering, the fort shall be signaled, and will reply by lowering its flag or showing a light, and will prevent any vessel going out. Signals should be agreed upon, and the time, day or night, also. Two field pieces, loaded with canister, might be used to meet a desperate attempt to board the vessels. The hay in bales should be wet, to prevent heated balls from setting fire to the vessels. [Inelosure Th] Opinions of various officers. George W. Snyder, lieutenant of Engineers, February 28, 1801: 4 regi- ments, or 4,000 men; 4 vessels of war. Ill. K. Meade, Jr., second lieutenant of Engineers, February 28, 1861: 5,000 men, at least; supported by gunboats. S. W. Crawford, February 28, 1861: 4,000 men, supported by the Navy. Norman J. Hall, second lieutenant, First Artillery, February 28, 1861: 3,500 men; 7 *ar vessels. J. C. Davis, first lieutenant, First Artillery, February 28, 1861: 3,000 men; 6 war vessels. Theodore Talbot, first lieutenant, First Artillery, February 28, 1861: 3,000 men and naval vessels. T. Seymour, brevet captain and lieutenant, First Artillery, February 28, 1861.~ A. Doubleday, captain, First Artillery, February 28, 1861: 10,000 men and Navy. J. C-. Foster, captain of Engineers, February 28,18~1: 6,000 regulars or 20,000 volunteers to take them; 10,000 regulars or 30,000 volunteers to hold them. Captain Ward, who came here believing it practicable, abandoned it after consultation with General Scott. General Scott and the Chief of the Coast Survey, Mr. Foster, evidently a man of sound sense and ex- perience as a seaman, who is acquainted with the waters, having formerly *Seep 197 Page 203 ChAP. Ii CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UMON. 203 been attached to the Coast Survey, proposed to make the attempt with cutters of light draught and large dimensions. He ~Vas in a measure sustained by Qommodore Stringham, but did not suppose provisions for more than one or two months could be furnished at a time. [Inclosure E.] illiemorandum of Capt. G. V. Fox. WASHINGTON, D. C., February 8, 1861. Lieut. Gen. WINFIELD ScOTT, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The proposition which I had the honor to submit fully in person is herewith presented in writing. Lieutenant Hall and myself have had several free conferences, and if he is permitted by the South Carolina authorities to re-enter Fort Sumter, Ma Andersoii will com- prehend the plan for his relief. I consider myself very fortunate in hav- ing proposed a project which meets the approval of the General-in-Chief, and I ask no reward but the entire conduct of the part, exclusive of the armed vessels. The commander of these should be ordered to co-oper- ate with me, by affording protection and destroying their naval prepara- tions near the bar, leaving to me, as the author of the plan, the actual operations of relief. I suggest that the Pawnee be immediately sent to the Delaware Breakwater to await orders ; the Harriet Lane to be ready for sea, and some arrangement entered into by which the requisite steamer and tugs should be engaged, at least so far as not to excite sus- picion. I would prefer one of the Collins steamers~ They are now being prepared for sea, and are of such a size and power as to be able fear- lessly to run down any vessels which might attempt to capture us out- side by a coup de main. I could quietly engage one and have her ready to start in twenty-four hours notice, without exciting suspicion. I shall leave for New York at 3.10 p. in., and any communication previous will find me at Judge Blairs. If the Pawnee pivot-gun is landed it should certainly be remounted. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, G. V. FOX. [Inclosure F.] ST. GERMAIN HOTEL, NEW YORK, February 6,1861. Since the repulse of the steamer Star of the West at Charleston it may be assumed that all the channels over the bar are obstructed, but as the bar is more than four miles in length the spaces between these channels are too extensive to be closed; therefore at high~water and smooth sea the harbor is perfectly accessible to vessels drawing, say, seven feet of water. The United States have no steamers of this draught. The skillful officers at Charleston, aware of this fact, will conclude that relief must go in at high water in boats or light-draught steamers, inca- pable of bearing a very offensive armament. They will be perfectly pre- pared for such attempts by arming and heavily manning all the steamers they possess, ant at the critical moment will throw themselves alongside of the relief vessels, and thus jeopardize the movement by the very de- tention of the conflict. To elude their vigilance or attempt a stratagem, however ingenious, I consider too liable to failure. I propose to put the troops on board of a large, comfortable sea steamer, and hire two power- ful light-draught New York tug-boats, having the necessary stores on board; these to be convoyed by the U. S. steamer Pawnee, now at Phil- adelphia, and the revenue cutter Harriet Lane. (The Pawnee is th Page 204 204 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. only available steam vessel of war north of the Gulf of Mexico, draws twelve feet of water, and has seven heavy guns. As a steamer, she seems to be a failure, but may be got ready for this emergency; at least she is, unfortunately, our only resource.) The Harriet Lane I under- starnitto be an excellent and efficient vessel; but either of these steamers alone may be liable to capture by an overwhelming force. Arriving off the bar I propose to examiue by day the naval prepara. tions and obstructions. If their vessels determine to oppose our entrance (and a feint or flag of truce would ascertain this) the armed ships must approach the bar and destroy or drive them on shore. Major Anderson would do the same upon any vessels within the range of his guns, and would also prevent any naval succor being sent down from the city. Having dispersed this force the only obstacles are the forts on Cummings Point and Fort Moultrie, aftd whatever adjacent batteries they may have erected distant on either hand from midchannel about three-quarters of a mile. At night, two hours before high water, with half the force on board of each tug within relieving distance of each other, I should run in to Fort Sumter. [Inclosure G.] NEW YORK, February 23, 1861. Mv DEAR BLAIR: Mr. Blunt received a telegraph from General Scott a few days since which he thought indicated an adjournment of my plan; but I put the construction upon it that another was substituted for mine, and I feel certain it must be boats. To corroborate this the New York Times, of February 21, says: Government has determined to relieve Fort Sumter by boats at night. I consider this plan possible, and the alternative of mine, but inferior at every step. The distance from Fort Sumter to outside is five milesan hours pull. From this point the open ocean, winter season, and at night, say two hundred men (requiring for six months five hundred and forty-six barrels of provisions) are to be put into boats, rowed over a very dangerous bar, and subjected for half an hour to a fire of grape from sixty guns. Besides, if a single tug (they have four) eludes Major Andersons vigilance, she would run in amongst these boats with perfect impunity to herself and utter destruction to them. I have made two cruises on the coast of Africa, where the pass- ing of bars by boats, unless very light and in broad daylight, was con- sidered the most dangerous duty we were subjected to, fatal accidents being common in the smoothest weather. Moreover, this plan has been spoken of pnblicly in connection with the U. S. ship Brooklyn, and from this fact is probably made a special study by the Charlestonians. I simply propose three tugs, convoyed by light-draught men-ofwar. These tngsare sea-boats, six feet draught, speed fourteen knots. The boilers are below, with three and a half feet space on each side, to be filled with coal. The machinery comes up between the wheel-houses, with a gangway on either hand of five to six feet, enabling us to pack the machinery with two or three thicknesses of bales of cotton or hay. This renders the vulnerable parts of the steamer pro~f against grape and fragments of shells, but the momentum of a solid shot would prob- ably move the whole mass and disable the engine. The men are below, entirely protected from grapeprovisions - on deck. The first tug to lead in empty, to open their fire. The other two to follow, with the force divided, and towing the large iron boats of the Baltic, which would hold the whole force should every tug be disabled, and empty they would not impede the tugs. When such men as George W. Blunt Page 205 CHAP. Ii CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 205 Charles K. Marshall, and Russell Sturgis, all seamen, give my plan the preference, it must have merit. At Kinburn, in the Black Sea, eight gunboats passed in the night forts mounting eighty gunsonly one boat hit. The next day, in broad daylight, the Cracker (English) came out under their deliberate firedistance nine hundred yards. The Yladimar (Russian steamer at Sebastopol) was under fire at various distances during the whole war, but her motion prevented her being disabled. How few of Dahigrens shots hit the target with all the ele- ments of success he is capable of producing! I am sure I could convince the authorities of the preference that is due to this plan, if I could argue the plan instead of write it. Sincerely yours, G. V. FOX. [Inclosure H.] DEAR BLAIR: NEW YORK, March 1, 1861. I just met Russell Sturgis, who has charge of most of the tow-boats in the harbor, and he informs me that the Charleston authorities have opened negotiations here for the purchase of two tugs, and that the two proposed are two of the three I had selected, being the only three really fit for the work in the whole city. I thought it best to give you this information at once, as the probability of re-enforcing Fort Sumter except by landing and capturing their forts will be lessened with such fine boats as 1 have described in their possession. Captain Sturgis has put these boats in order, notwithstanding my plan has the go-by, for we all feel that a severe discussion must bring it up again. I met a Navy officer to-day who has just received a letter from Hart- stene. He is captain in the S. C. Navy with the same pay as a U. S. captain, and has charge of the coast defenses. He thinks he has pre- vented an attack upon Sumter so far, but sa-ys it will soon be done, and will be a very sanguinary affair. Paul Hamilton, esq., commands the floating battery now launched. They have four tugs, which do not amount to much compared to one of these powerful New York ones. * * * * * * * I wrote you last Sunday in full. Write me as soon as anything defi- nite is done. Yours, G. V. FOX. Direct your letters care of A. H. Lowery, 77 Nassau street, and I get them in the morning, otherwise not until p. m. I trust you and the General will give me a hand in this business. He seems most favorably disposed towards me. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 15, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. ~Y.: GENERAL: I have nothing to report respecting the operations of the South Carolinians around us. Their works seem to be at a standstill, and most of the men, both military and laboring, are withdrawn from them. I noticed last evening that one gun was fired from the iron-clad floating batteryin town, thus indicating that its armament has been placed on board. A storm of wind is prevailing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineer8 Page 206 206 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. L FORT SUMTER, S. C., llfarch 16, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.; GENERAL: Considerable activity is exhibited this morning in the batteries on Morris Island and in the vicinity of the mortar battery on James Jslan(1. Three steamers have landed on Cummings Point quite a large number of men, both laboring and military, with three barbette carriages and four guns, either 24 or 32 pounders, and quite a large quantity of supplies. The operations, however, which are not fully defined at this time, appear to be directed to the continuation of the works of defense on the channel side, and also to the further strength- ening of the works as far down the beach as the light-house and mouth of the Stono River. On James Island the work is confined to the con- struction of about one hundred and fifty yards of covered way on the beach, connecting the mortar battery and the flank of the line of in- trenchments in rear of Fort Johnson, where it comes out on the beach. I am still engaged in filling up the exterior openings of the first-tier loopholes on the gorge. One-half of the gorge is thus strengthened. I have pnt the two 10-inch columbiads in good working order. The open- ing through the masonry wall in rear of the main gate has also been lined with iron plate in such a way that the main gate may not be shaken when the 8-inch howitzer in rear is fired through the opening. I am also clearing the parade of rubbish. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. No. 74.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., ]liliareh 16, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that after an apparent partial suspension for two or three days of work around us, they have resumed with a good deal of activity. Quite a large party is now at work iiear Fort Johnson, at the point designated Apparently a covered way on the accompanying sketch by Captain SeymourA~ Four barbette car- riages and guns were landed yesterday afternoon at Cummings Point, and we see this morning that they are removing the armaheut from the parapet of Castle Pinckney. Thence, probably, came the barbette guns and carriages we have seen landed at different times at Cummings Point. The works on Morris Island will, I presume, be found to be very heavily and well armed. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 17, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The unusual activity observed and reported yesterday morning in the surrounding batteries was due to preparations for re- ceiving some distinguished person who visited them in the afternoon. * Here omitted. To appear in Atlas Page 207 CuAr. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UMON. 207 It is supposed that this was Yice-President Stephens, of the so-called Southern Confederacy. Three rounds were fired from all the batteries on Morris Island, except No. 1, apparently as much for practice as for saluting, for most of the guns not pointed in this direction were shotted. This firing enabled me to detect the positions and approximate calibers of the guns in these batteries. The marginal sketch represents this roughly: 1~ No. 1. Battery of sand and palmetto logs, four 24-pounders. No. 2. Iron-clad battery, three guns, 42-pounders or 8-inch columbiads. No. 3. Battery of sand and palmetto logs, three guns, 24-pounders or 32-pounders. No. 4. Battery of sand and palmetto logs, with one 8-inch columbiad or 8-inch sea-coast howitzer. No. 5. Star of the West battery, five guns, 24-pounders or 32-pounders. a is a large magazine; b, C) d are defenses of the character of redoubts on top of three sand hills. There were two guns at each round fired from the light-house battery. Three or four more guns were landed yesterday with barbette carri- ages, and most of them (in fact, all that are removed from the landing which is iu front of battery No. 1, where there is deep water close in shore) were carried around upon the channel side. One, at least, was placed in battery No. 4, making four guns in that battery at present. These guns with barbette carriages came from Castle Piuckney, nearly the whole of the upper tier of which is being removed for this purpose. None of the guns from Fort Moultrie bearing upon this fort or the chan- nel have been removed. No work is being done on the batteries look- ing towards us. All preparations are directed to strengthening the channel batteries very much, and to covering the present batteries in the rear, which was before open. No work of any magnitude is being done on Cummings Point to-day (Sunday). On James Island the work on the covered way connecting the flank of the line of intrei~ichments and the mortar battery is being continued. The weather is pleasant, although there are indications of a storm brewing. - I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineer8 Page 208 208 OPERATI6NS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [Cm4r. T. No. 76.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., ]Jfarch 18, 1861. (Received A. 0-. 0., March 20.) Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. ~. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that they removed at 11 oclock last night the middle ship-channel buoy No. 3. We do not observe any parties at work this morning, except a very small one near the bomb- proof battery on Cummings Point. On Saturday afternoon several gufis were fired on Morris Island. We were thereby enabled to count and mark the positions of twenty-three guns. The mortar batteries did not fire. Our men are all in good spirits, and although the weather is unfavor- able to-day, our sick-list is not increasing. 1 am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Miajor, First Artillery, Commanding FORT SUMTER, S. C., llliareh 18, 1861. General J. C-. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. U.: GENERAL: Being Monday morning, the working parties have not at this time been brought down from town, consequently very little appears to be doing on Morris Island. During yesterday and last night some more guns and barbette carriages were landed on Cummir~gs Point, the exact number of which I could not ascertain. Seven barbette-top car- riages are now lying on the beach. These, as I have reported, have been removed from Castle Pinckn~y, and the city papers state that twenty had been ordered to be thus removed by General Beauregard. A small party of laborers is still at work on the covered way con- necting the mortar battery on James Island with the left flank of the line of intrenchments in rear of Fort Johnson. The weather is misty, with indications of a storm. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. 0-. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. P. S.The channel buoy, about half a mile east of this fort (shown on Cost Survey map), was removed last night. J. 0-. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. WAR DEPARTMENT, ]Jlareh 19, 1861. Lent. Gen. WINFIELD SCOTT: DEAR SiR: The President requires accurate information in regard to the command of Major Anderson in Fort Sumter, and wishes a compe- tent person sent for that purpose. You will therefore direct some suit- able person to proceed there immediately, and report the result of the information obtained by him. I am, sir, very respectfully, SIMON CAMERON. Secretary of War Page 209 ChAr. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 209 (Indorsements.] The within may do good and can do no harm. It commits no one. WINFIELD SCOTT. The order of which this is a copy was presented to the President March 19, 1861. G. V. Fox, formerly of the Navy, was selected by General Scott as the messenger, and approved by the President. S. C. No. 77.] FORT SuMTER, S. C., March 19, 1861. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that all is still, within the range of our observation. The snow squall we had this morning, and the con- sequent coldness of the air, would have a tendency to check their opera- tions. We are, thank God, doing very well. The paymaster is now paying off this command. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Gommanding. No. 78.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 20, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., March 23.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that last night they were un- nsnally vigilant watching the entrance to this harbor. This morning we see them mounting a gun in battery No. 1, apparently clearing ground for platforms for a new battery on the sea shore, behind No. 2, and strengthening the covered way on the left of the iron battery. We see framework, perhaps for a large shed, to the right of the iron battery. They are evidently apprehensive that an attempt may be made to throw re-enforcements into this work. 1 am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 20, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The operations on Morris Island are still solely confined to strengthening the channel batteries and to creating successive points of defense to a land attack coming up the beach, as small redonbts on top of sand hills, intrenched houses, & c. All operations looking to an attack on this fort have ceased. The throats of the embrasures of battery No. 3 (see letter of the 17th) have been closed with sand bags, and the guns may be removed to the channel side, although I doubt it, from the fact that we have seen them land seven guns with carriages from Castle Pinckney. They are now engaged iu mounting additional guns in battery No.4. All the batteries bearing on the channel are being increased in 14 R Page 210 210 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. strength, and probably new batteries out of sight are being constructed, for the large working party constantly employed on the point np to this time is now nowhere to be seen. The guns are being mounted by their soldiers. A few hands are at work on the covered way near the mortar battery on James Island. Very little was done here yesterday, on account of the weather. It is, however, quite pleasant to-day. I have nearly finished filling up the openings of the first tier of loopholes on the gorge. In case the order arrives to evacuate this fort, is it the wish of the Department that I shall remove all the Engineer material that I can ~ I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. P. 5.I feel sure that I have sufficient funds to pay all dues up to the 1st of April, but lest some unforeseen circumstance should arise which would make it necessary to have more money, I would respectfully ask that Lieutenant Gilimore be instructed to honor my checks on the assistant treasurer (in case I am forced to overdraw), say to one thou- sand dollars. J. 0-. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. No. 79.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 21, 1861. Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. kS~. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a quantity of iron was un- loaded about 11 oclock last night from a steamboat at Cummings Point. We see the work mentioned yesterday is being prosecuted this morning. Nothing else has occurred attracting attention since my last letter, except the firing yesterday afternoon of some two hundred blank car- tridges from the Fort Moultrie battery. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 21, 1861. General Jos. 0-. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The work on the channel batteries on Morris Island still continues. A large quantity of material, lumber, and apparently rail- road iron was landed last night on the beach at Cummings Point. Quite a large number of troops are kept here and also on Sullivans Island. A liberal expenditure of powder was made yesterday at Fort Moul- trio in firing blalik cartridges, apparently to accustom the men to rapid firing. All the guns on the channel front and the front in this direc- tion were fired several times in rapid succession, making over two hundred guns in all. The work on the covered way leading to the mortar battery on James Island is still slowly continued. There does not appear to be much work on the intrencliments themselves going forward, probably in consequence of the high wind that is prevailing. More, however, is being done in mounting guns. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. 0-. FOSTER, Captain, Engineer8 Page 211 CIIAP.LJ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.1JNION. 211 No. 80.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 22, 1861. (Received A. 0-. 0., March 25.) Col. L. TIIOMA~, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a few men are working this morning at the large battery near Fort Johnson and also on Cum- mings Point behind battery No. 2. I have examined the point alluded to by Mr. Fox last night. A ves- sel lying there will be under the lire of thirteen guns from Fort Moultrie, and Captain Foster says that at the pan-coupe, or immediately on its rightthe best place for her to landshe would require, even at high tide, if drawing ten feet, a staging of forty feet. The Department can decide what the chances will be of a safe de- barkation and unloading at that point under these circumstances. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. [Inclosure.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March, 21, 1861. Maj. B. ANDERSON, First Artillery, Commanding: MAJOR: I have examined the commissary supplies on hand, and find them to be in kind and amount as follows, viz: Six barrels of flour; six barrels of hard bread; three barrels of sugar; one barrel of coffee; two barrels of vinegar; twenty-six barrels of pork; one-fourth barrel of salt; one and a half barrels of rice; three boxes of candles. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, NORMAN J. HALL, Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, A. A. fJY. 5. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 22, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Everything appears to be quiet this morning in the bat- teries around ns~ Night before last the South Carolinians put down again the buoy that had been taken up a few nights before from its position, about half a mile to the east of this fort. It appears, how- ever, that it was not replaced in the former position, but placed upon the opposite side of the channel. Last night a special messenger, Mr. Fox, arrived from Washington, and canie down to the fort under the escort of Captain llartstene, for- merly of the United States Navy. After a confidential interview with Major Anderson, he left immediately for Washington. With respect to this fort, I have filled all the loophole openings on the first tier with solid stone. All the openings are now closed, with the exception of five near the ends of the gorge, which had been par- tially filled with a 9-inch brick wall. I am now completing the filling of these with lead concrete. I am also building traverses in front of the hospital, which is on the first floor of the quarters, and in front of the ordnance stoi~erooin, to shield them from shells from Fort Moultrie. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. 0-. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers Page 212 212 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, iJfarch 23, 1861. Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: CAPTAIN: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 17th, 18th, and 19th instants. For these and the previously received diurnal reports, the results of your vigilant observations and evidences of your devotion to your duties and loyalty to the Government, be pleased to accept the thanks of this Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. 0. TOTTEN, Brevet Brigadier. General, and Colonel of Engineers. No. 81.] FoRT SUMTER, S C March 23 1801 ., (Received A. G. 0., March 27.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General lIT. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we see them at work at the large battery near Fort Johnson, behind which they appear to be constructing something with heavy timbers, and at battery No. 1, on Morris Island, which they are extending. At the last firing from this battery both shot and shell were thrown., They are also at work on a new battery, not far from the Moultrie House, on Sullivans Island. This makes, as far as we can judge, four batteries between the fort and the east end of the island. As we are very deficient in ammunition, I have directed the quartermaster to turn over to the Ordnance Depart- ment a quantity of flannel shirts, from which I shall have cartridge bags made. Our sick.list is the same as when last mentioned. They practice daily, firing shot and shell in the direction of the junction of the Swash and Main Channels. Their practice is pretty good. They are firing now from heavy mortars in rear of the iron-plated battery on Cum. mings Point. I have no ammunition to spare, and, therefore, do not show them our proficiency in artillery practice. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 82.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 24, 1861. Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. AS. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I do not see them working anywhere this (Sunday) morning, except at the large battery at Fort John. son. I omitted mentioning that buoy No. 3 has been put down again, but, I think, not exactly in the place it formerly occupied. Everything was quiet and still last night. Our sick-report has only four to-day. J am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding Page 213 CHM~. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~--UNION. 213 No. 83.] FoRT SUMTER, S. C., March 25, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., March 28.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. iS A.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything is quiet around us, and that we do not see any work being prosecuted except that at the new battery at Fort Johnson. They are practicing this morning with shells from the columbiads at Fort Moultrie and from a mortar battery between Kos. 9 and 10. I inclose herewith a report of the condition of our fort. It will be seen that a great deal of work has been done since we came in. We are now about finishing the closing of the openings in the gorgea measure first suggested by Captain Doubleday. I have not noted the different operations we have been engaged in from time to time, as I did not deem them of sufficient importance to re- quire it. II. am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. (Inclosure.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 24, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, Commanding: SIR: In accordance with verbal instructions given by you, we have the honor to submit the following report npon the condition of Fort Sumter when occupied December 26, 1860, the measures taken to put it in a state of defense, and its present condition: Condition of the work December 26, 1860. The barbette tier was ready for its armament: Three 24-pounders were mounted at the left and three more were ready to be mounted at the right gorge angle. NOMENCLATUREe SALIENT LEFT FACE GIGHT FACE LEFT SHOULUER ANGLE I~IGHT 5HOULDEI~. ANGLE LEFT FLAN& ( RIGHT FLANK ~XFTGORG ANGLE GORGE RIGHT GORGEANGLE ESPLANADE ViHARF The second tier of arches was not ready for its guns. The embrasures were not yet placed, and forty-one openings, eight feet square, were left in the scarp wall for this purpose. Those on the flanks (20) were closed only with a sheathing of 1-inch boards; the remainder, on thefaces (21), were either entirely open or closed with three courses of brick dry-laid Page 214 214 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. or, as on the left face, with two courses laid in mortar; some few were only half closed. One 32-pounder was mounted, for experimental pur- poses, on the right flank. First tier.Eleven 32-ponnders were mounted on the left face. Guns could be mounted thronghout. The forty-one embrasures were closed with the ordinary 6-inch wooden shutters, secured with a wooden brace and rope lashing. Two small posterns in the gorge angles were closed, each with two doors, the outer hooked, the inner barred. The soldiers quarters were unfinished, and as those portions that were tenable were occupied by workmen, the transferred garrisou was placed in the officers quarters, which were completed. The parade was crowded with temporary wooden buildings (6), used as shops and storehouses, with a large amount of flagging, lumber, sand, shell, and brick, and with the ordnance, consisting of sixty-six guns with their carriages and 5,600 shot and shell. The communications throngh these incumbrances were very difficult. The main postern was closed by two dates, each of two 4-inch leaves, secured with wooden cross-bars - and insecure. , they were loopholed and were weak On the gorge seven loopholed doors were closed with 5-inch wooden shut- ters; twelve magazine ventilators with wooden shutters at the throat; fifty-one loopholed windows were not closed. The esplanade and wharf were much incumbe~ed with flagging, sand, and brick, and by two appa- ratuses, twelve feet high and attached to the scarp wall, for hoisting boats. The garrison transferred from Fort IMloultrie consisted of seven officers, seventy-six enlisted men, and forty-five women and children. There were three officers, one enlisted man, two hundred and five laborers, and one woman at Fort Sumter. One hundred and fifty of the laborers were discharged within a few days, and the women and children were shipped to New York early in February, 1861, leaving at this date a garrison con- sisting of ten officers, seventy-five enlisted men, and fifty-five laborers. There has been and is an ample supply of water and a sufficiency of fuel, principally in the shape of lumber, flooring, and gun carriages. Immediately after the transfer of the garrison to this place, and your assuming command, instructions were given to limit the defense to the barbette and first tier, closing all openings in that tier, except three or four at each angle, where guns were to be mounted, and all openings in the second tier, permanently and securely. The first labors were directed to mounting the proposed armament, and to closing these openings, after which such defenses were prepared as the situation of the garrison suggested, until this date, when the condition of the work is as follows: Barbette tier.The armament is fully described in the accompanying figure.* It consists, in all, of twenty-seven guns, one of which, a 42- pounder, is mounted at the left shoulder angle on a casemate carriage placed on the chassis of a 10-inch columbiad, and a 24-pounder at the left gorge angle is so arranged and the parapet so cut away that it can be depressed to 18~ and fired upon the end of the wharf. Several machicoulis galleries of 1k-inch plank (five lined with 4-inch iron plate) are placed on the parapet, one en the centerof each face and flank, and three on the gorge, over amid commanding the main postern; 225 shells, mostly 8-inch, are arranged as grenades, to be rolled oft the parapet and exploded by means of a lanyard of proper length. Thunder-barrels are placed at each angle and over the main gate; fragments of stone, brick, * These diagrams are supplied by those following Foster to Totten, March 27, p. 225 Page 215 Ca& r. 1.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 215 & c., along the breast-height for missiles; twenty-three flights of steps lead to the parapet; ammunition in limber-boxes is placed convenient for instant use, and grape, canister, shot, and shell in abundance at each gun. Some five hundred cartridge bags have been made. The powder is well stored in the first-story magazine in the left gorge angle. Second tier.The 32-pounder on the right flank is dismounted the forty-one 8-foot square openings are secnrely closed by a 3-foot brick wall, laid in cement, and backed in twenty-seven by two feet of sand, kept in place by a sheathing of boards or by barrels, in eight by two feet of flagging-stones, laid dry, and in six by dry brick, or re-enforced only by piles of finishing-stuff and flooring-boards. Fir8t tier.The armament consists of twenty-seven guns, and is fully described in the plan adjoined.* There are eighteen guns ready for instant service, sixteen of the embrasures in front of which are closed with the original 6-inch wooden shutter, and also with an inner 6-inch shutter fitting closetothethroat,andthroughthecenterofwhicha link from the outer shutter passes; an iron key tightens both firmly together. Two are closed by iron shutters of i-inch iron plate; all are further secured by a 10-foot brace abutting against the guu run from battery. Where guns are mounted (9), but not required for immediate nse, the embrasures (9) are closed temporarily, in addition to the outer shutter, by stone flagging, notched to fit the throat and laid flat, or by brick laid in mortar. There are fourteen einbrasnres, behind which guns are not mounted, of which eight, on the flanks, are closed by an 18-inch brick wall laid in mortar against the outer shutter; one by the dry-stone flagging, and the remainder (five) on the right face, by an entire embrasure filling of brick and stone laid in mortai-. The doors of the two posterns on the flanks are strengthened by 3-foot brick walls laid in mortar against the outer doors. 0n the parade four 8-inch and one 10-inch columbiads are mounted as mortars (see preceding plan), and point to Morris Island and Charles- ton. All the, temporary buildings and the lumber have been removed for fuel, the flagging turned on edge against the quarters or in the ends of the casemates, the shell spread on the walks, the sand and brick nsed, with a stone revetment, for splinter-proof traverses about the guns and in front of the hospital. The lantern has been removed from the light-house and placed on a platform in the center. The entire parade is clear. Main postern.A stone and brick wall laid in cement is built against the outer gate to within four feet of the lintel. It is three feet six inches thick i and six feet high. Through it is a man- hole one foot eleven inches wide. An 8- inch sea-coast howitzer on a casemate-top carriage only looks through the manhole. In the door above the wall are four loop- holes, reached by steps. One leaf of the gate is firmly bolted shut; the other can be opened or securely shut, and through it and corresponding with the manhole in the wall is a manhole closed by a door. The outside of the gate and inside of the small door are covered with i-inch iron. The inner door is fastened with a wooden cross-bar, and has a manhole closed by a door; there are four loopholes in it, and two * These diagrams are supplied by those following Foster to Totten, March 27, p. 225 Page 216 216 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. (CHAP. I. in the cross wall to which it is hung. Material is at hand with which to close the outer door permanently. The walls of the stairways leading to the second Iloor are closed with 2 4 2 lA-inch plank, and openings over -~ ~ the postern are arranged for throw N K ing grenades. jg, The gorge.Jn the second story the thirty-four windows and six magazine veutilators are protected by placing in each two wrought-iron embrasure jams, eight inches thick and three feet six inches long, per- mitting of musketry fire over them. In the first story the seven doors are closed with a 5-inch wooden shutter, against which, outside, is built a 9-inch brick wall, laid in cement, and outside this a pintle stone, 8 feet by 2 feet 2 inches by 1 foot 3 inches, with pieces of flagging, fastened in with wooden wedges and melted lead; the six magazine ventilators by large stones and lead against the wall and shutter- and fifteen windows are closed by the pintle stone and flagging, fast~ned with the wedges and lead. In all these openings the filling is placed against the offiset at the throat, by which a solid wall, two feet thick and well secured in the rear, has been obtained. On the esplanade two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers are mounted on case- mate carriages only, one each side of the main gate, to sweep the gorge and the approaches to it. The stone, & c., has been removed, leaving only a row along the edge to prevent grenades rolling off. Two fon- gasses, of 12 feet diameter, charged with 50 pounds of powder, are placed against the foot of the scarp wall, one in the center of each half gorge. Two mines, charged with 25 pounds of powder, are sunk in the wharf 40 feet apart. A wooden fence, 8 feet high, at each end of the esplanade, extends from the scarp to low water. The stones of the enrockment in front of embrasures to be opened are removed. A deep cut jn the en- rockment on the left flank obstructs communication. Respectfully submitted. G. W. SNYDER, First Lieutenant of Engineers, U. S. Army. T. SEYMOUR, Brevet Captain and First Lieutenant, First Artillery. [Indorsement.] FORT SUMTER, 5. 0., March 25, 1861. Report exhibiting the work done at Fort Sumter since its occupation by the present garrison, and its condition at this date. Confidentially communicated for the information of the War Department. ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March .25, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that everything is quiet around us, and, with the exception of a few men at work on a temporary build- ing adjoining the James Island mortar battery, no work appears to be in progress. I shall finish to-night the solid filling of the last of th Page 217 CHAP. 1.1 217 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. exterior loophole openings on the first tier of the gorge, also the con- struction of the large splinter-proof traverse in front of the hospital. To-morrow I shall cut away a small portion of the brick interior slope so as to allow the 10-inch columbiad at the west gorge angle, barbette tier, to be traversed sufficiently to fire on the Cummings Point batter- ies. The construction of a second splinter-proof traverse to cover the front of the magazine and ordnance room, will also be commenced. I am having an inventory taken of all Engineer property, in accordance with your directions of the 21st instant, received yesterday. I regret that I am not able to make the return of property for the third and fourth quarters of 1860, in cousequence of all papers relating to the sub- ject (except the vouchers) being withheld by the authorities of South Carolina. The reason that I delayed so long to make the property re- turn for the third quarter is this: The commencement and rapid increase of the work upon the fortifications in this harbor during the last month of this quarter and the three months of the following quarter took all my time and attention, and the purchases in town, and settlement of freight bills and accounts, took all the time of my clerk, Mr. Legar~. I finally hired another man to assist him to bring up the accounts and to enable him to make the return of property, but before this was done they de- sired to secede from the office. I insisted that Mr. Legard should finish the property return, which he promised to do; but before he had finished it the State seceded, and he left the office. My ove~seer also left me suddenly on the 28th of December, and the hnrry of preparation for de- f~nse prevented me taking an inventory of property at that time. A considerable amount of material has been used in these prepara- tions. I can assnre yon, however, that everything used has been well applied and was necessary. Trusting that the above explanation of the circumstances that prevented my making the required returns may be found satisfactory, I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 20,1861. Capt. J. G. FOSTER, Corps of Engineers, Charleston, S. C.: CAPTAIN: In compliance with your request in letter of the 20th in- stant, the sum of $1,000 will be placed to your credit with the assist- ant treasurer at New York on acconnt of Fort Sumter, and to guard against the chance of its not being available in time, through the ina- bility of the Treasurer to provide the money, instructions will be given to Lieutenant Gillmore to see that your checks upon the assistant treas- urer to that amount are honored. It is hoped that in case of the evacuation of Fort Sumter you will be able to bring away the books, drawings, papers, and perhaps light arti- cles of value in your care, but it can hardly be expected that you can secure the heavy articles of property. You shonld, however, do so if you can. Should the fort be evacuated, you will, as suggested in your letter of the 14th instant, leave with the command, and report in person, with your assistants, Lieutenants Snyder and Meade, at this Department. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. G. TOTTEN, Brevet Brigadier-General, and Colonel of Engineers Page 218 218 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHip. I. No. 84.] FoRT SUMTER, S. C., March 26, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., March 29.) Col. L. ThOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that quite a large party is busy this morning on what is probThly a bomb-proof in rear of the large work near Fort Johnson. They have extended and heightened several of the works on Morris Jsland, particularly No. 1 of Captain Seymours sketches. We are constructing splinter-proofs on the parade, and closing the opening in the gorge wall. I have the honor to mention that Mr. iLamon, from Washington City, visited me yesterday. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. P. S.I inclose herewith a correspondence between the South Caro. lina officials and myself in reference to some points to which attention was called some time since. Expecting a reply to my last communica- tion, I have delayed sending these letters oW but now do so, as no re- joinder will probably be made. Respectfully, R.A. [Inclosure No. 1.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 13, 1861. His Excellency Gov. F. W. PICKENS: SIR: I have the honor herewith respectfully to inclose, for the con- sideration of your excellency, a note received yesterday by the clerk of Captain Foster from the beef contractor, which appears to show an interference with your excellencys orders. I am confident in the event of your excellency having made any change in your instructions in reference to my supplies I would have been promptly notified thereof. A similar interference may have pre- vented my receiving some boxes of solidified milk, which have been several days in the city to my address and which cannot have been de- tained on account of freight, as it was prepaid. This certainly would not, in the eyes of the transportation agent, come under the head of contraband of war or prohibited articles. It may be as well for me to mention here a few points which have not received that attention to which I think they are entitled. About six weeks ago I sent, under cover to Col. L. M. Hatch, quar- termaster-general, a note from Sergeant Renehan, of this command, to his brother-in-law, asking him to send from Fort Moultrie his private property, which was already packed up, and I respectfully asked Col- onel Hatch if he would be pleased to give it his attention. No reply has been received to my communication, nor have the articles been sent. About a month since instructions were given by the honorable Secre- tary of War that Captain Fosters private property on Sullivans Island, as well as some public papers in the office in Charleston, should be sent down. Neither the property nor the papers have yet been received here. Early in January I sent some officers to Fort Moultrie for certain pri- vate property left there. They were received in so different a m~mnner from the ~ivility and courtesy that characterized the manner of Colonel IDe Saussure that I - have not ventured to make another attempt to ob- tain possession of it, and I am thus cut off from regimental books (not public property) and office papers, valuable, to us, and merely interest- ing to others Page 219 OnAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 219 Some of the officers of this command have been put to consider- able inconvenience and discomfort by the detention in the city of their hired servant, who left the post with a permit from the honorable Sec- retary of War. His detention after the discovery that the correspond- ence, at first characterized as a very improper one, proved to be noth- ing more than what might have been expected between any silly persons in their situations, is unwarranted. I attached no importance to this matter from the first, and so remarked to a gentleman who came down to see me in reference to it. No one, not even an owner of a slave, would have a right, under such circumstances, to prevent his return,. and it was nudoubtedly called for in this case by common civility and courtesy, as the officers have no opportunity of replacing him. In regard to packages arriving from time to time, through the express or otherwise, if it is necessary to trouble your excellency for special permits whenever articles of such minor importance as condiments, & c., are to be sent down to us, it is questionable with me whether it would not be better for us to do without them altogether, and to send instructions to the various express companies not to receive any pack- ages destined for my command. With sentiments of high consideration and regard, I am, very respectfully, your excellencys obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, CL ~. Army, Gommanding. (Inclosure No. 2.] EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR, Charleston, S. C., March 15, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON: Sin: I am instructed by his excellency the governor to inform you that he is unwilling to modify his original permission that you should receive from the markets in this city such supplies of fresh meat and vegetables as you might indicate. A proper investigation will be in- stituted to inquire what obstacle has been interposed to the execution of the orders given on the subject. I will inquire why Lieutenant-Colonel Hatch has not sent the private property of Sergeant Renehan which was left at Fort Moultrie. With respect to the furniture left by Captain Foster in the house occu- pied by him before he left Sullivans Island, and the papers, & c., left in his office in this city, I reply that Captain Simonton was requested to separate the furniture claimed by Captain Foster from his own, and send it to Fort Sumter through the quartermaster-general. This has been delayed, I believe, chiefly on account of some reclamations on the part of Captain Simonton for injnries done to his own furniture during the time the house was occupied by Captain Foster, and for rent. I have been informed that the matter has been attended to by Captain Simonton within the past few days, and I will take steps to have Cap- tain Fosters property sent to him without delay. As to the papers, Mr. Legar~, who was indicated by Captain Foster as a proper person to carry .oat his wishes, reported to me that he had collected and sent the papers, & c., to Captain Foster. With respect to the property which you failed to recover from Fort Moultrie, I am in formed by Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley that he sent word to you that if you would transmit an inventory of any articles of prop- erty left by you he would endeavor to collect and send them to you, but that he received no reply to his offer Page 220 220 3PERATLONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. L As to the servant referred to in your letter, it is proper that I should say that I am unwilling to discuss any question of right or courtesy growing out of the case beyond the unquestionable privilege of a slave owner to permit or not, at his own pleasure, the return of his slave to a hostile fort; but, as you have put a different interpretation on the lan- guage employed by me in my letters on the subject than I designed, I desire to state what I did mean: The very improper correspondence~~ between the slaves to which I alluded had reference to the slaves alone, as information was given by the woman to the boy of operations in this city which were not proper to be communicated to any one iu your gar- rison, and the reply of the boy clearly showed that his temper and prin- ciples had not been improved by a residence in Fort Sumter. The other words of mine, which you quote nothing more than what might have been expected between silly persons in their ~ meant as kind expressions on my part, to disabuse the minds of Dr. Crawford and other officers at the fort of any unfavorable impression upon me of a complicity on their part with the improper correspondence of idle negroes. I am, sir, respectfully, yours, D. F. JAMISON. [Inclosure No. 3.] FORT Su~wrnn, S. C., March 17, 1861. Hon. ID. F. JAmu~oN, Executive Office, Department of War: Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- tion of the 15th instant in reply to mine of the 13th to his excellency the governor. I hasten to ask you to refer to my letter to his excellency, and you will see that I did not solicit any modification of his original permission about receiving supplies of fresh meat and vegetables. I am satisfied with the existing arrangement, and only called attention to a reported interference of it. I thank you for your promise in reference to the property of Captain Foster. Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley did kindly offer to attend to collecting any ~private property left on the island by the officers, and I thanked him for having done so. The property alluded to in my note is not, strictly speaking, private, but belongs to the regiment or post, and therefore was not, in my opin- ion, embraced in his offer. My object in mentioning this matter was to call attention to it, in order that such directions might be given regard- ing it as might be deemed proper. I beg leave to assure you that I had no desire to discuss the question of right or of courtesy in reference to the treatment my officers received in the failure to return the hired boy, and my remarks were intended to apply to the professed owner of the boy, who, neglecting his duty as owner or master for months, had permitted the boy to hire himself out, every one supposing him to be free, and now, at a time when the exer- cise of his undoubted right puts gentlemen here to a serious incon- venience, for the first time asserts his rights of ownership. His excellency mentions in his letter to me, received yesterday, that the boy is a slave, and, of course, that ends the matter. In justice to my- self I must state that I did not intentionally place a forced construction on your words. The day your first letter was received about the boy a gentlemen came down to see me about the improper correspondence,~~ which he was told had reference to the negroes joining us in the even Page 221 Cxi.~r. 1) 221 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. of a collision. He remarked to his informants, as he told me, that he thought it a foolish story, advised them to say nothing about it, and said that he was certain, at all events, that I had no idea of anything of the kind, and came down to tell me of the rumor. I regret exceedingly that your letter contains the remark it does in reference to the effect of a residence at Fort Sumter on the boys tem- per and principles, and I am satisfied that, upon farther consideration, you will regret it. 1 am, sir, respectfully, yours, & c., ANDERSON, Major, U. S. Army, 6lommanding. FORT SUMTER, S. 0., March 26, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have nothing of interest to report connected with opera- tions in the batteries around us. There seems to be a general lack of activity, and the little that is being done is at the channel batteries on Morris Island and the mortar battery on James Island. The indications of a coming storm appear. In this fort the closing of the exterior open- ings in the first tier of the gorge is completed, and the work on the splin- ter~proof traverses continued. The sixth and last temporary building on the parade is being demolished for fuel. Some lumber and one con- demned gun carriage have already been burned. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. P. S.A messenger from the President of the United States arrived yesterday about 2 oclock, and after delivering his dispatches and hay- n interview with Major Anderson, departed about 3 oclock. Mr. ing a Lamon, I understand, was the gentlemans name, and he was escorted to the fort from the city by Colonel iDuryea, of the governors staffi J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. No. 85.] FORT SUMTER, S C., March 27, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., March 30.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that three heavy guns were landed yesterday at Cummings Point, and that this morning we can only see that they are working at the place at Fort Johnson mentioned in yester- days letter. I send herewith a correspondence which has taken place since my last date between Brigadier-General Beauregard and myself. They may have misunderstood a remark which 1 have made, viz, that if attacked, and I found that I could not hold possession of the fort, that I would blow it up, sacrificing our lives in preference to permitting our- selves to fall into their hands. I hope that the authorities here now nnderstand distinctly that I shall give no pledges whatever. I shall do nothing which is not fully justified by the highest sense of honorable and straightforward dealing, and will not permit from any source any insiu Page 222 222 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. rOHAP. I. ation that I liave acted in any other manner in the performance of my duty, & c., here. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] CHARLESTON, S. 0., March 26, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, U. S. Army, Gommanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S. 6k: Mv DEAR MAJOR: Having been informed that Mr. Lamon, the author- ized agent of the President of the United States, advised Governor Pickens, after his interview with you at Fort Sumter, that yourself and command would be transferred to another post in a few days, and under- standing that you are under the impression I intended under all circum- stances to require of you a formal surrender or capitulation, I hasten to disabuse you, and to inform you that our countries not being at war, and wishing as far as lies in my power to avoid the latter calamity, no such condition will be exacted of you, unless brought about as the natural result of hostilities. Whenever you will be prepared to leave the forty if you will inform Governor Pickens or myself of your intentions relative thereto, we will be happy to see that you are provided with proper means of transporta- tion out of this harbor for yourself and command, including baggage, private and company property. All that will be required of you on account of the public rumors that have reached us will be your word of honor as an officer and a gentleman, that the fort, all public property therein, its armament, & c., shall remain in their present condition, with- out any arrangements or preparation for their destruction or injury after you shall have left the fort. On our part no objection will be raised to your retiring with your side and company arms, and to your saluting your flag on lowering it. Hoping to have the pleasure of meeting you soon under more favorable circumstances, I remain, dear major, yours, very truly, G. T. BEAUREGARD. [Inclosure No. 2.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 26, 1861. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: Mv DEAR GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date, and hasten to say that I needed no denial from you of the expression attributed to you. The moment I heard that you had said that I should not leave this fort without surrendering I remarked that it was not true, and that I knew you had not said so. I am much obliged to his excellency the governor and yourself for the assurances you give me, but you must pardon me for saying that I feel deeply hurt at the intimation in your letter about the conditions which will be exacted of me, and I must state most distinctly that if I can only be permitted to leave on the pledge you mention I shall never, so help me God, leave this fort alive. Hoping that you do not mean what yourwords express, and in tha Page 223 CH~. I] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 223 case cordially nniting with you in the wish that we may have the pleasure of meeting under more favorable circumstances, I remain, dear general, yours truly, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, U. S. Army, Commanding. (Inclosure No. 3.] CHARLESTON, S. C., March 26, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON U. S. Army, Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S. C.: M~ DEAR MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of this date, and hasten to disabuse you as to any intention on my par1~ of wounding, in any manner whatsoever, the feelings of so gallant an officer by anything I may have written in my letter of this morning. I only alluded to the pledge referred to by you on account of the high source from which the rumors spoken of appeared to come, and which, in the eyes of many officers of high standing, might be con- sidered a sufficient reason for executing orders which otherwise they would not approve of; but I regret now having referred to the subject. I remain, dear major, yours very truly, - G. T. BEAUREGARD. [Inclosure No. 4.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 27, 1861. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: Mv DEAR GENERAL: I hasten, in reply to your kind and satisfac- tory note of yesterday afternoon, just received, to express my gratifi- cation at its tenor. I only regret that rumors from any source made you, for one moment, have the slightest doubt as to the straight path of honor and auty, in which I trust, by the blessing of God, ever to be found. I am, dear general, yours sincerely, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, U. S. Army, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 27, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The only work being done this morning in the surround- ing batteries is on Cummings Point, where small parties, apparently of soldiers, are at work on the parapets of battery No. 3 (looking towards Fort Moultrie) and the redoubt on the sand hill in rear of the Star of the West battery. They appear to be repairing the damages caused by the wind and rain of yesterday and last night. More guns were landed on Cummings Point, but how many I cannot tell. Three of them, apparently 24-pounders on siege carriages, are now on the beach at the place of landing. Two messengers from the city, Lient. S. W. Ferguson, formerly of the Army, and Colonel Chisolm, came yesterday as bearers of a letter to Major Anderson from General Beauregard. My operations are confined to the collection and counting of materials Page 224 224 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. (CaB.?. I. clearing of the parade, construction of splinter-proof traverse in front of ordnance room, and cutting of interior slope of parapet, so as to allow the 10-inch columbiad at the west gorge ang~ie to traverse so as to fire on all the batteries on Cummings Point. It was with great pleasure that I received the expressions of the approval of the Department contained in your letter of the 23d. I inclose herewith a sketch showing the arrangement of guns, & c., on the first and third tiers of this work.# This arrangement will prob- ably not be altered unless active operations be commenced against the work. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. [Tudorsemexit.] Left with Assistant Adjutant-General Townsend for the information of General Scott. Returned to Engineer Department April 2,1861. II. G. W. No. 86.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 28, 1861. Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything was quiet last night. As we do nQt see the iron-plated floating battery this mo ruing in the position it has occupied for some time, it is probable that it has been moved to guard some one of their exposed entrances. They are still engaged at the new work at Fort Johnson. I am, colonel, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 28, 1861. General JoS. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Very little is being done in the hostile batteries beyond the repairing of damages to parapets, except at the James Island mortar battery, where about fifty men are at work on the covered way to the left flank of the intrenchments, and upon an extension of the battery to the right. The floating battery was moved from her moorings last night, and removed to some place not within sight. The city papers stated some days since that she was to be taken to the mouth of the Stono, and it is probable that she was taken down there, on the high tide of last night, through Wappoo Creek. The two messengers of the day before came again yesterday, with a second commnnication from General Beauregard to Major Anderson. Upon the whole, appearances are very pacific in this harbor at present, and no hostile demonstrations are made, or great activity in preparation exhibited. The three siege guns still remain in the same position on the beach at Cummings Point. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. 5For sketch see p. 225 Page 225 225 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDJ~NCE, ETC.UNION. [Tuclosure.] 8~COL WITH ~TO5E) 15 R R ENGINEER DEPT., March 30th, 1861. Reed with Capt. Fosters letter of 27th March, 1861. (F.2000.) 42 PR I 8~ CO Page 226 226 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. FORT SUMTER, S. C -, ]Iliarch 28, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that there is a general suspen- sion of operations in the batteries around us. The guns and materials on the beach on Cummings Point remain in precisely the same position they have occupied for three days. No repairs of parapets even are in progress, and it is reported that the sling-cart was removed to the city yesterday. At the mortar battery on James Island, where a few hands have been constantly at work for some time, there is now no appearance of labor. I have received your letter of the 26th, and will follow its instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers.. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 28, 1861. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: DEAR GENERAL: A military irregularity occurred yesterday, which I deem proper to mention to you. I heard, a~er your flag had returned to the city, that a parcel had been brought in the boat, and left, with- out my knowledge. Orders have been given which will prevent the recurrence of such an irregularity. Nothing should have been received from the boat except your letter. Trusting that in a few days we shall be placed in a position which will be more agreeable and acceptable to both of us than the anomalous one we now occupy, I am, dear general, yonrs, truly, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Jliajor, U. S. Army, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. C., March 29, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, U. S. Army, Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S. C.: DEAR MAJOR: Your note of yesterday has just been received. I re- gret to hear of the irregularity complained of. When I approved of the parcel referred to being carried to Fort Sumter, it was supposed, as a matter of course, that it would not be received without your consent. No further privileges of the kind will hereafter be granted. Hoping that we may soon meet on the same friendly footing as here- tofore, I remain, dear major, yours, very truly, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. EXECUTIVE MANSION, March 29, 1861. Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR: SIR: I desire that an expedition, to move by sea, be got ready to sail as early as the 6th of April next, the whole according to memoran- dum attached, and that you co-operate with the Secretary of the Navy for that object. Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN Page 227 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 227 [Inclosure No. 1.1 NAVY DEPARTMENT. Preliminary orders.Steamers Pocahontas at Norfolk, Pawnee at Washington, Harriet Lane at New York (Treas- ury Department), to be under sailing orders for sea, with stores, & c., for one month. Three hundred meu to be kept ready for departure from ou board the receiving ships at New York. [Inclosure No. 2.] WAR DEPARTMENT. Preliminary.Two hundred men to be ready to leave Governors Island in New York. Supplies for twelve mouths for one hundred men to be put in portable shape, ready for instant shipping. A large steamer and three tugs conditioually engaged. MARcH 28, 1861. No. 87.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 29, 1861. Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet. The sling- cart was removed from Morris Island last evening, showing, probably, that they have finished for the~present the moving of guns, & c., on that island. We see nothing going on but the continued prosecution of the work at Fort Johnson. The sick-repoit embraces eight to-day, but all the cases, with the exception of two of rupture, are slight. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Ifajor, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 88.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., 3liareh 30, 1861. Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to say that we see them engaged this morning as reported yesterday. They have commenced filling up the embrasure in the battery at the landing at Cummings Point. On fnrther reflection, it occurs to me that the floating battery may have been towed down to some point whence it may be bronght at high tide through, perhaps, Light-house Creek, to the position intended near ns. I see that there is a small troop of cavalry on Sullivans Island. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]lfajor, First Artillery, C~ommanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., 1Jfareh 30, 1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Everything is quiet. The embrasures of the breaching battery No. 1 are closed, two of them with sand bags laid in solidly, and two with more temporary screens. Some men are at work on battery No. 3, apparently closing its three embrasures more solidly than before, with sand bags. No other work appears in progress on Morris Island Page 228 228 OPERATIONS IN CHARLE~TON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. L On James Island a party of fifty men are at work extending and en- larging the mortar battery at its right flank. This is evidently to be so enlarged and furnished with guns as to constitute the strong point on which rests the left flank of the line of iutrenchments which covers Fort Johnson, and perhaps the city on that side. In this fort, the splinter- proof traverses being completed aud the parade well cleared, the men are at work hoisting to the terre-plein the 32-pounder chassis, to be used for temporary traverses between the guns. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain of Engineers. No. 89.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 31, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., April 4.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we do not see any work going on this morning. Yesterday, in consequence of the members of the Convention coming down, a great deal of firing of shot and shell took place at Fort Moultrie and from the batteries on Morris Island. The three batteries outside of the Star of the West have certainly guns of very heavy caliber this we know from the great extent of the ranges and from the reports. As our provisions are very nearly exhausted, I have requested Cap- tain Foster to discharge his laborers, retaining only enough for a boats crew. I hope to get them off to-morrow. The last barrel of flour was issued day before yesterday. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., March 31, 1861. cGeneral Jos. G. TOTTEN. Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Yesterday the members of the State Cduvention visited the batteries on Morris Island and Fort Moultrie, and from both places extensive firing took place in honor of the event. This gave me an opportunity of observing what batteries have been increased in strength since my last report on this subject. The following is the present armament very nearly, viz: Battery No. 1.Four guns. Embrasures closed by sand bags. Not fired. yesterday. Mortar battery between Nos. 1 and 2.Three mortars. Fired yes- terday. These have practiced much lately, to obtain the range and length of fuse for this fort. Battery No. 2, iron-clad.Three heavy guns. Two of them fired yesterday. Battery No. 3.Three guns. Embrasures closed with sand bags. Did not fire. Mortar battery between Nos. 3 and 4.Two mortars. Fired yes- terday. Battery No. 4.Three guns. Two fired~ Battery No. ~.Four heavy guns, one columbiad or 8-inch sea-coas Page 229 CHAP. Li CORRESPONIA~NcE, ETC.UNION. 229 howitzer. Two fired yesterday. battery, although only four have Star of the West battery. Four heavy guns, one of them an S-inch columbiad or 8-inch sea-coast howitzer. All fired yesterday. Battery No. 7.These guns are not all in the same battery, but are distributed along the beach apparently in three bat- teries. Eleven guns fired yes- terday. All were very heavy guns except two, which I think were field pieces iu a sort of second tier at a and b. Above these batteries, oil the sand hills, is a line of in- trenchments surrounding a5 house, and also several tents. The field pieces are apparently at a and b, capable of being used to defend the fiahks of this intrenchment, and to fire on the channel. Their rear is covered, each with a trav- erse. It was evident in this firing that not all the guns in posi- tion were fired. At Fort Moultrie the firing exhibited the same complete armament as last reported. The provisions that I laid in for my force having become ex- hausted, and the supplies of the command being too limited to spare me any more, I am obliged to discharge nearly all my men b-day. I retain only enough to man a boat. I have the honor to be,very respectfully, your obedient ser- vant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. I think there are six been seen to fire. [Inclosuro.] guns in this NAVY DEPARTMENT Washington, April 1, 1861. To the COMMANDANT OF THE NAVY-YARD, Brooklyn N. Y.: Fit out the Powhatan to go to sea at the earliest possible moment under sealed orders. Orders by a confidential messenger go forward to-morrow. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Page 230 230 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. LOHAP. I. No. 90.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 1, 1861. (Received A. G 0., April 4.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything is still and quiet, as far as we cau see, around us. The South Carolina Secretary of War has not sent the authority, asked for yesterday to enable me to send off the discharged laborers. Having been in daily expectation, since the return of Colonel Lamon to Washington, of receiving orders to vacate this post, I have kept these meu here as long as I could; but noxv, having nearly completed the important work of cleaning up the area, & c., I am compelled, in consequence of the small supply of pro- visions on hand, to discharge them. An examination of the accom- panying report of the A. A. C. S. will show that the supply of pro- visions brought over would, had the issues been limited to my command, have lasted for a longer period than that mentioned in my letter of December 26, 1860. I have not made frequent mention of the question of our rations, because the Department was kept fully informed, from time to time, of the state of our supply. Lieutenants Talbot and Hall gave full information in reference to it when they went on, and on the 27th of January a detailed statement was sent on, from which any one in the Commissary Department could have told, knowing the number of souls in the fort, including the Engineer laborers, the exact amount on hand at any given time. * I told Mr. Fox that if I placed the command on short allowance I could make the provisions last until after the 10th of this month; but as I have received no instructions from the Department that it was desirable I should do so, it has not been done. If the governor permits me to send off the laborers we will have rations enough to last us about one week longer. Jam, colonel,very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Jiliajor, First Artillery, Commanding. [Inclosure] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 1, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, Commanding: MAJOR: In compliance with yonr request, I have the honor to sub- mit the following list of provisions sold to Capt. J. G. Foster, Corps of Engineers, for the subsistence of tIme employ6s in his department at this post, and have expressed the quantities in numbers of rations, viz: Five and one-half barrels of porkone thousand four hundred and sixty-seven rations. Twenty barrels of flourthree thousand four hundred and eighty-five rations. One hundred and eighty pounds hard breadone hundred and eighty rations. Two and one-half bushels of beansone thousand rations. One hundred and seventy-four pounds coffeeone thousand seven hundred and forty rations. Seven hundred and seventy-four pounds sugarfive thousand one hundred and sixty rations. See also inclosure to Major Andersons letter of March 22, p. 211 Page 231 CHAP. .1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 231 These provisions, which have necessarily been consumed by others, would have added to the time we have already been at this post sub- sistence for the following number of days, respectively: PorkSixteen and twenty-seven-ninetieths days. Flour and hard breadForty and sixty-five-ninetieths days. BeansEleven and one-ninth days. CoffeeNineteen and one-third days. SugarFifty-seven and one-third days. Or, with what is now on hand, at least thirty-five days of comfortable subsistence for the command, including the laundresses, who were sent away about two months ago. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, NORMAN J. HALL, Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, A. A. C. S. APRIL 1, 1861. Extract from report of operations for the month of March, 1861, at Fort Sumter, Charleston ilarbor, S. C. * * * * * * * The operations of the month comprise the mounting of two 42-poundeDs one at the left shoulder angle and the other at the west gorge angle by means of a casemate-top carriage adapted to 10-inch columbiad chassis; the elevating to the terre-plein of two 10-inch columbiads with their carriages, and mounting themone at the west gorge angle and the other at the east gorge angle; moving two 32-pounders from the left face to the gorge, and remounting them; closing up the exterior loophole openings of the first tier on the gorge by large blocks of stone, with the interstices filled with molten lead; erecting two large splinter- proof traverses on the paradeone in front of the hospital and the other of the ordnance room; hoisting the surplus gun carriages to the terre-plein, and commencing to form splinter-proof traverses of them; making implements for serving the guns, and better fastenings for the main gates, and iron casing to the manhole door through the same. Respectfully submitted. J. G. FOSTER, ~Japtain, Engineers. FORT SUMTER General Jos. G. TOTTEN, , S. C., April 2 1861 Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Owing to a dense fog which has prevailed since last evening nothing can be seen beyond a few yards from the fort. There are no indications to believe that there is any movement on foot, or that the state of partial inactivity last reported has been at all changed. The necessary permit from the governor for the discharged men to land at Fort Johnson did not arrive in season yesterday, consequently they remained, and will probably leave at 12 m. to-day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers Page 232 232 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. No. 91.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 2, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., April 5.) Col. L THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. AS~. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet, and, as far as we can see, no work going on. I received to-day a copy of General Orders No. 7, assigning Brevet Captain Talbot to duty in the Adjutant-Generals Department. The captain having remained with this garrison during our imprisonment in this fort is very desirous of being permitted to stay as long as the command does, and as we have so few officers I shall take the liberty of keeping him a few days longer, until I am certain there will be no need of his services. Our sick-list is, I am sorry to say, on the increase. The doctor reports this morning two cases of dysentery. The governor has not yet given authority for me to send off the Engineer employ6s. Jam, colonel,very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 92.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 3, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., April 6.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we do not see them at work this morning. One of the guard-boats anchored at 8 oclock last night (a schooner) about four hundred yards from the left shoulder angle of this work. She is still there. The governor of South Carolina has not sent the permission alluded to yesterday, and to day notice has been received that no butter can be sent down and only one quarter of a box of soap. These little matters indicate, perhaps, an inteiition to stop our supplies entirely. I must, therefore, most respectfully and urgently ask for instructions what I am to do as soon as my provisions are exhausted. Our bread will last four or five days. Hoping that definite and full instructions will be sent to me imme- diately, I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. WASHINGTON, April 3, 1861. To the SECRETARY OF WAR: Under the strongest convictions on some military questions upon which great political events seem about to turn, I feel impelled to state them, since they are of a nature to derive, possibly, a little weight from my official relation to them, and since, moreover, circumstances might canse my failing to make the statement in time to be considered as a grave delinquency. I refer particularly to the question of defending or abandoning Fort Sumter and Fort Pickens. Fort Sumter.In addition to what I have heretofore said as to the impracticability of efficiently re-enforcing and supplying this fort, I will now say only that if the fort was filled with men and munitions it coul Page 233 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 233 hold out but a short time. It would be obliged to surrender with much loss of life, for it would be bravely and obstinately defended, and the greater the crowd within the greater the proportionate loss. This issue can be averted only by sending a large army and navy to capture all the surrounding forts and batteries, and to assemble and apply these there is now no time. If we do not evacuate Fort Sumter it will be wrested from us by force. Fort Pickens.Were this fort provided with a garrison of eight hundred or one thousand good soldiers, fully supplied with everything necessary to the best defeuse, and ably commanded, its utmost term of resistance would be about three weeksrather less than more. Were the besieging army practiced in the war of sieges, it would hardly be maintained for a fortnight. With a garrison of three hundred to five hundred men only, and in its present destitution of essential means, its siege supplies consisting of guns and ammunition merely, and these scanty and not of the best kind, the siege must be a very short one. But even the making good the deficiencies would, as stated above, only defer the issue for a week or so. In any case a quick surrender would be inevitable. Reo~ardino the fort of co-operation on one side or the independently other of a naval force, or of other fortifications in the harbor, these con- clusions are not to be doubted, with out disregarding all military expe- rience. The occupation by the investing forces of the shore opposite, with numerous batteries pouring their showers of shot and shell into the fort while the regular siege operations upon Santa Rosa Island were going on, would materially abridge the term of resistance. A naval force uniting in the defense, but confined to the waters outside of the harbor, might, to a certain extent, increase the casualties of the besiegers, but would not materially retard the operations. In that case the approaches would be l~1shed along the inshore face of the island, leav- ing the breadth of the island, with its sand hills and ridges, between them and the ships; and, moreover, two or three batteries planted on the out-shore face, and sheltered from the fire of the fort by sand hills and traverses, would compel ships to keep an out-of-range offing. Could this naval force act upon the bay side of Santa Rosa Island as well as npon the sea side, the progress of a siege, if practicable at all, might be greatly retarded. Under such circumstances this kind of attack would hardly be undertaken. Were the investing forces numerous and enter- prising they might, nevertheless, even then attempt a coup de main; and, provided the garrison were weak in numbers, and worn out by a protracted cannonade and bombardment from the opposite shore, the chances of success would warrant the attempt. But I consider that the passing oC vessels of war into the bay would be a very hazardous proceeding in the face of Fort MeiRee, Fort Barrancas, its advanced battery, and several other batteries that all accounts agree in stating have been erected and mounted along the shore, from the navy-yard inclusive to and beyond the light-house. It is possible, how- ever, that this channel might be passed at night by swift war steamers without utter destruction, and there might be retained by one or more of them enough efficiency to prevent the hostile occupation of the lower part of Santa Rosa Island, and the prosecution there of siege operations against Fort Pickens. In such event resort would certainly be had to cannonade and bombardment from the batteries on the opposite shore, and these plied with vigor and perseverance would at last reduce the fort to a condition incapable of resisting vigorous assault, since the gar- rison would be exhausted, and the means of defense on the cannonade Page 234 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 234 [CHAP. I. side have little efficiency left to them. The masonry on that part of the fort is exposed to sight, and to battering from top to bottom, and is pierced besides by a gateway and numerous embrasures, greatly weaken- ing it. Every shot fired from the other shore would strike the walls, and every shell fall within them. With a brave and well-supplied gar- rison there would be an obstinate holding out, no doubt, but a surrender would at last close a scene in which on our side no other military virtues had room for display but fortitude and patience. The response of the fort to shot and shell would be by shot and shell, but with little propor- tionate chanc~ of injury to the enemys impassive batteries of sand. This last mode of attack could be prevented, even with the command of the inner waters only, by lauding upon the main shore a military force sufficient to capture all these forts and batteries, including the navy-yard. Admitting the supposition (quite unreasonable as I estimate our available army force) that we can before it is too late disperse the 3,000 or 5,000 men now in hostile array there and regain these posses- sions, what then 0? The Confederate States can assemble a large addi- tional military force at Montgomery by railroad, and throw it down also by railroad upon Pensacola. Here there would be the struggle between the two armieson land, and not between forts and batteries. The question that next arises is not whether this great nation is able with time to supply ample means in soldiers and munitions for such a conflict, but whether, having expended nearly all its ready strength in reconquering the harbor fortifications and navy-yard, it could scud timely and adequate re-enforcements. With our present military estab- lishment and existing military laws I do not see how this would be pos- sible before all that had been gained would be lost. The seceded States, considering themselves as in a state of quasi war- fare, see that if there is to be a struggle the very utmost of their mili- tary energies and resources will be called for. .They see, besides that to contend with the greater chance of success they must profit by our present state of military weakness, and under the first glow of a great i)olitical change they rush ardently into the requisite preparations. ITpon the battle-field of Pensacola or its environs they are now stronger than we can become without. the help of Congress, and they can and will aug- ment their strength ~here if necessary beyond anything we can hope to do for yet many months. The above and much like reasoning convince me that we cannot retain Fort Pickens, provided the other side is really in earnest, and follows up with like promptitude and energy their early military prepa- rations. If we do not vacate this fort the result predicted as to Fort Sumter will certainly be realized here alsoit will be taken from us by violence. Should the above reasoning not meet acceptance, or for political rea- sons should it be decided to hold and defend this fort to the last, then I have to say that every soldier that can be spared should be sent to its relief with the utmost dispatch, accompanied by military supplies of every kind and in the greatest abundance. To supply in some sort the want of a naval force within the bay as large a force as can be spared from the immediate protection of the fort should be encamped upon Santa Rosa Island at some distance from the fort, maintaining communication with it and detaching parties to watch the upper part of the island. These will give timely notice of the entrance thereupon of hostile troops, and will prevent the erection of batteries against our ships lying off shore, through which all supplies for the fort must be derived Page 235 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 235 While the fort is uninjured many men need not remain within its walls to secure it from surprise or escalade. Of course the detached troops must be kept within reach of quick recall. Such measures may delay somewhat, though neither these nor any others now within our reach will, in my opinion, prevent the loss of Fort Pickens. I present these thoughts to the consideration of the Secretary of War, and, if he thinks them of sufficient interest, to the perusal of the Presi- dent, because they force themselves from me by the vehemence of the convictions. Treating it purely as a professional question, I do not presume to advise as to the policy of the Government in this connection, merely presenting what seem to me to be incontrovertible facts and inevitable consequences of a military nature, that may, perhaps, be allowed to bear upon the political question. Having no personal ambition or party feeling to lead or mislead me to conclusions, I have maturely studied the subject as a soldier bound to give all his faculties to his country, which may God preserve in peace! Respectfully submitted. JOS. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer. WAR DEPARDIENT, Washington, D. C., April 4, 1861. Major ROBERT ANDERSON, U. S. Army: SIR: Your letter of the 1st instant occasions some anxiety to the President. On the information of Captain Fox he had supposed you could hold out till the 15th instant without any great inconvenience; and had pre- pared an expedition to relieve you before that period. Hoping still that you will be able to sustain yourself till the 11th or 12th instant, the expedition will go forward; and, finding your flag flying, will attempt to provision you, and, in case the effort is resisted, will endeavor also to re-enforce you. You will therefore hold out, if possible, till the arrival of the expe- dition. It is not, however, the intention of the President to subject your com- mand to any danger ~r hardship beyon4 what, in your judgment, would be usual in military life; and he has entire confidence that you will act as becomes a patriot and soldier, under ~ll circumstances. Whenever, if at all, in your judgment, to save yourself and command, a capitulation becomes a necessity, you are authorized to make it. Respectfully, SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 4, 1861. Capt. G. V. Fox, Washington, D. C.: SIR: It having been decided to succor Fort Sumter you have been selected for this important duty. Accordingly you will take charge of the transports in New York having the troops and supplies on board to the entrance of Charleston Harbor, and endeavor, in the first instance, to deliver the subsistence. If you are opposed in this you are directe Page 236 236 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. to report the fact to the senior naval officer of the harbor, who will be instructed by the Secretary of the Navy to use his entire force to open a passage, when you will, if possible, effect an entrance and place both troops and supplies in Fort Sumter. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, April 4, 1861. Col. ID. D. TOMPKINS, A. Q. M. G., No. 6 & ate street, New York: SIR: By direction of the Secretary of War you will charter such ves- sels as Capt. 0-. V. Fox, the bearer of this, may designate; for such time and with such supplies as he may indicate. I am, sir, & c., L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., April 4, 1861. IAeut. Col. HENRY L. SCOTT, A. D. C., New York: SIR: This letter will be handed to you by Capt. G. V. Fox ex-officer of the Navy, and a gentleman of high standing, as well as p~ssessed of extraordinary nautical ability. He is charged by high authority here with the command of an expedition, under cover of certain ships of war, whose object is to re-enforce Fort Sumter. To embark with Captain Fox you will cause a detachment of recruits, say about two hundred, to be immediately organized at Fort Columbus, with a competent number of officers, arms, ammunition, and subsist- ence. A large surplus of the latterindeed, as great as the vessels of the expedition can takewith ether necessaries will b augmente(l garrison of Fort Sumter. e needed for the The subsistence and other supplies should be assorted like those which were provided by you and Captain Ward of the Navy for a former expedition. Consult Captain Fox and Ma~jor Eaton on the sub- ject, and give all necessary orders in my name to fit out the expedition, except that the hiring of vessels will be lelt to others. Some fuel must be shipped. Oil, artillery implements, fuses, cordage, slow-match, mechanical levers, and gins, & c., should also be put on board. Consult, also, if necessary, confidentially, Colonel Tompkins and Major Thornton. Respectfully, yours, WJNFJEJ~D SCOTT. No. 93.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 4, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., April 6.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith a report of the circum- stances attending a firing yesterday afternoon by the batteries on Mor- ris Island at a schooner bearing our flag, bound from Boston to Sava Page 237 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 23.7 nah, which, erroneously mistaking the light-house off this harbor for that of Tybee, and having failed to get a pilot, was entering the harbor. The remarks made to me by Colonel Lamon, taken in connection with the tenor of newspaper articles, have induced me, as stated in previous communications, to believe that orders would soon be issued for my abandoning this work. When the firing commenced some of my heaviest gnus were concealed from their view by planking, and by the time the battery was ready the firing had ceased. I then, acting in strict accord- ance with the spirit and wording of the orders of the War Department, as communicated to me in the letter from the Secretary of War dated February 23, 1861, determined not to commence firing until I had sent to the vessel and investigated the circumstances. The accompanying report presents them. Invested by a force so su- perior that a collision would, in all probability, terminate in the destine- tion of our force before relief could reach us, with only a few days pro- visions on hand, and with a scanty supply of ammunition, as will be seen by a reference to my letter of February 27, in hourly expectation of receiving definite instructions from the War Department, and with orders so explicit and peremptory as those I am acting under, I deeply regret that I did not feel myself at liberty to resent the insult thus offered to the flag of my beloved country. I think that proper notification should be given to our merchant ves- sels of the rigid instructions under which the commanders of these bat- teries are acting; that they should be notified that they must, as soon as -a shot is fired ahead of them, at once round to and communicate with the batteries. The authorities here are certainly blamable for not having constantly vessels off to communicate instructions to those seeking entrance into this harbor. Captain Talbot is relieved, of con rse, by order No. 7, from duty at this post. I avail myself of this opportunity of stating that he has been zealous,intelligent, and active in the discharge of all his duties here, so far as hi health permitted him to attempt their performance. I sen(l him on with these dispatches, to give the department an oppor- tunity, if deemed proper, to modify, in consequence of this unfortunate affair, any order they may have sent to me. I will delay obedience thereto until I have time to receive a telegram after Captain Talbots having reported to the War Department. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]iiliajor, First Artillery, Commanding. [Inclosure.] FORT SUMTER, April 3, 1861. Maj. ROBERT AT~DERSON, First Artillery, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor: MAJOR: In obedience to your directions, we visited Cummings Point and the schooner, bearing the United States flag, which was fired into by the batteries on Morris Island, and respectfully present the follow- ing statement concerning the affair: The commanding officer on Morris island, Lieut. Col. W. G. De Saussure, stated that a schooner with the United States flag at her peak endeav- ored to enter the harbor this afternoon about 3 oclock; that in accord- ance with his orders to prevent any vessel under that flag from enter- ing the harbor, he had fired three shots across her bows, and this no Page 238 238 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. causing her to heave to,he had fired at her, and had driven her out of the harbor; that be thought one or two shots had taken effect, and that if he had a boat that could live to get out to her he would send and see if she were disabled, and inform Major Anderson at once, but that he had no proper boat, as the schoouer was at auchor in a very rough place; that the revenue cutter had gone out to examiue her condition. We ascer- tajued the schoouer to be the Rhoda II. Shannon, Joseph Marts, master, of Dorchester, N. J., bound from Boston to Savannah with a cargo of ice, having left the former place on March 26. On account of unfavor- able weather, the master had obtained but one observation, and that was an imperfect one on yesterday. On his arrival off Charleston Bar, supJ)osing himself to be off Tybee, and seeing a pilot-boat he directed one of his men to hold the United States flag in the fore rigging as a signal for a pilot. As none came, the flag was taken down in a few minutes, and the master nudertook to bring his vessel into the harbor without a pilot. He did not discover that he was not in Savannah liar. bor until he had crossed the bar and had advanced some distance in the harbor. As he was passing Morris Island, displaying no flag, a shot was fired from a battery on shore across the bows of the schooner. The master states that he thought they wished him to show his colors, and that he displayed the United States flag at his peak. One or two shots were then fired across the schooners bows, but he did not know what to do or what the people on shore wished him to do that he kept the vessel on her course until they fired at her, and one shot had gone through the mainsail, about two feet above the boom, when he pat her about and stood out to sea, anchoring his vessel in the Swash Channel, just inside of the bar; that the batteries kept out firing at his vessel for some time after he had turned to go out to sea. The master of the schooner stated that before leaving Boston, he had learned how affairs stood in Charleston Harbor. and that Fort Sumter was to be given up in a few days; that they had established a new con- federacy down South. After satisfying ourselves that the vessel was uninjured, and as she was lying in a very rough place, we advised the master to move his vesseleither to stand out to sea and go on to Savannah or to come into the harbor and anchor. On our return we stopped at Cummings Point, and stated the facts to Lieutenant-Colonel Dc Saussure. He said that the vessel would not be molested if she came into the harbor. The schooner weighed anchor a short time after we left, and stood in towards Morris Island for some distance, but finally turned about and went to sea. Respectfully submitted. T. SEYMOUR, Captain, First Artillery. G. W. SNYDER, Lieutenant of Engineers. FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 4, 1861. His Excellency Governor PIOJiENS, Charleston, S. C.: GOVERNOR: I have the honor respectfully to request that you will be pleased to issne such instructions as will enable Bvt. Captain Talbot, recently promoted, to report himself at Washington City, in compliance with orders he has received Page 239 ChAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. 239 Lieutenant Snyder is directed to give your excellency a detail of the statement made to him yesterday by the captain of tne schooner which was fired upon by the batteries on Morris Island. I regret very much that there were no boats to warn her, or to give her instructions as to the course of conduct she would have to pursue in entering the harbor, and I regret, too, that the firing was continued after she had turned and was attempting to leave the harbor. Believing that the fortunate issue of this affair, without injury or loss of life, was provi- dential, and still hoping that God will so direct the counsels of all in authority that we shall soon be relieved from our unpleasant position, I have the honor to remain, with sincere regard, your obedient servant, ZROBT. ANDEI~SON, Jiiliajor, U. S~. Army, Commanding. FORT SUMTER General Jos. G. TOTTEN, , S. C., April 4 1861 Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. U.: GENERAL: The permit for my men* to leave did not arrive yesterday, and I have put them at work again until it does arrive. Yesterday, at about 2 oclock, the batteries on Morris Island com- inenced firing at a schooner that was entering the harbor when she was about up with the channel buoy (channel buoy No.3, Coast Survey Chart of 1858), or about one mile from this fort. The first shots were fired in front of her, and the subsequent ones directly at her. The schooner hoisted the American flag. After receiv- ing a few shots she turned about to run out through the Swash Channel. After a few more shots she lowered the American flag, but stood on her course until nearly or quite out of range of the guns of the batteries, when she came to and anchored. The batteries on Morris Island con- tinued firing at herat least, one of them diduntil she anchored. Major Anderson sent a boat with Captain Seymour and Lieutenant Snyder to ask the reasons for the firing from the commanding officer on Morris Island, and also to obtain permission to board the vessel and ascertain her condition, object of visit, & c. The main points of the reports of these officers upon their return were, that the officer in command on Morris Island, Colonel Wilmot Dc Sans- sure, acted by orders from his Government, one of which was to force a vessel to show her colors by firing across her bows, and another to fire on any vessel attempting to enter with the American flag flying. The vessel was ascertained to be the Rhoda II. Shannon, from Bos- ton to Savannah, loaded with ice. She was a schooner of 180 tons burden. Her captain was an ignorant man, and, owing to thick weather and making a mistake in his reckoning, mistook this harbor for the one to which he was bound. He did not know what they wanted him to do. None of the shots struck his vessel, and only one struck anything about the vessel, and that passed through one of his sails, about two feet above the boom. I obtained more important information through Lieutenant Snyder of the channel batteries than I possessed before. In the short time before this letter is to go I can only say that all the Thirty discharged employ6s Page 240 240 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CRAP. I. guns on the channel side, commencing with No. 4, inclusive, are en bar- bette, although well protected from our fire, and also from flank fire, by high traverses. From No. 4 to No. 7, inclusive, 17 guns were seen, ap- parently very heavy, most of them. Capt. T. Talbot goes to Washington with dispatches. No supplies came from the city yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Gaptain, Engineers. P. S.The revenue cutter still lies off the left shoulder angle, and during the firing ran up the Confederate flag and kept it flying. J. G. F. NAVY DEPARTMENT Capt. SAMUEL MERGER, Washington, 4pr1 5, 1861. Commanding U. ~ S. Powhatan, New York: SIR: The United States steamers Powliatan, Pawnee, Pocahontas, and Harriet Lane will compose a naval force, under your command, to be sent to the vicinity of Charleston, S. C., for the purpose of aiding in carrying out the objects of an expedition of which the War Department has charge. The primary object of the expedition is to provision Fort Sumter, for which purpose the War iDepaffment will furnish the necessary trans- ports. Should the authorities at Charleston permit the fort to be sup- plied, no further particular service will be required of the force under your command, and after being satisfied that supplies have been re- ceived at the fort, the Powhatan, Pocahontas, and Harriet Lane will return to New York, and the Pawnee to Washington. Should the authorities at Charleston, however, refuse to permit or attempt to prevent the vessel or vessels having supplies on board from entering the harbor, or from peaceably proceeding to Fort Sumter, you will protect the transports or boats of the expedition in the object of their missiondisposing of your force in such manner as to open the way for their ingress and afford, so far as practicable, security to the men and boats, and repelling by force, if necessary, all obstructions to- wards provisioning the fort and re-enforcing it; for in case of resistance to the peaceable primary object of the expedition a re-enforcement of the garrison will also be attempted. These purposes will be nuder the supervision of the War Department, which has charge of the expedi- tion. The expedition has been intrusted to Capt. G. V. Fox, with whom you will put yourself in communication, and co-operate with him to ac- complish and carry into effect its object. You will leave New York with the Powhatan in time to be off Charles- ton Bar, ten miles distant from and due east of the light-house, on the morning of the 11th instant, there to await the arrival of the transport or transports with troops and stores. The Pawnee and Pocahontas will be ordered to join you there at the time mentioned, and also the Harriet Lane, which latter vessel has been placed under the control of this De- partment for this service. On the termination of the expedition, whether it be peaceable or otherwise, the several vessels under your command will return to th Page 241 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 241 respective ports, as above directed, unless some unforeseen circumstance should prevent. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GJI)EON WELLES, & cretary of the Navy. No. 94.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 5,1861. (Received A. G. 0., April 8.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything still and quiet, and to send herewith the report of Lieutenant Snyder, who I sent yesterday with a short note and a verbal message to the governor of South Caro- lina. No reply has been received to my note. I cannot but think that Mr. Crawford has misunderstood what he has heard in Washington, as II cannot think that the Government would abandon, without instructions and without advice, a command which has tried to do all its duty to our country. I cannot but think that if the Government decides to do nothing which can be construed into a recognition of the fact of the dissolution of the Union, that it will, at all events, say to me that I must do the best I can, and not compel me to do an act which will leave my motives and actions liable to misconception~ I am sure that I shall not be left without instructions, even though they may be confidential. After thirty odd years of service 1 (10 not wish it to be said that I have treasonably abandoned a post and turned over to unauthorized persons public property intrusted to my charge. I am entitled to this act of justice at the hands of my Government, and I feel confident that I shall not be (lisappointed. What to do with the public property, and where to take my command, are questions to which answers will, I hope, be at once returned. Unless we receive supplies I shall be compelled to stay here without food, or to abandon this post very early next week. Confidently hoping that I shall receive ample instructions in time, I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANI)ERSON, Major, First Artillery, Gommanding. [Inclosure. I FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 4, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Sumter: MAJOR: In compliance with your directions, I went, under a flag of truce, to the city of Charleston, in company with Captain Talbot, and h~td an interview with Governor Pickens and General Beauregard. In the interview with the governor, Captain Talbot only being present, I state(l all the circumstances connected with the visits of Captain Sey- mour and myself to Cummings Point and the schooner Rhoda II. Shan- non, which had been fired into l)y the batteries on Morris Island, on the 3d instant. I called his atteutioii to the fact that he had not complied with his own proposition, to warn all vessels bearing the United States flag not to enter the harbor. The governor replied that he and Gen- eral Beauregard, with their staff officers, were standing on the piazza of the Moultrie ilouse, on Sullivans Island, and saw the whole afihir, and 16 R Page 242 242 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. 1. that my statement corroborated entirely his own personal observation, although it differed slightly from the report of Colonel De Saussure, the commanding officer on Morris Island. The governor said that the commander of the vessel whose duty it was to warn ve~sels not to enter the harbor had left his post, and had reported that the weather was too boisterous aH(l the sea too rough for him to go out to the schooner Shannon that this cotuLnander had already been sent for, and would be dismi~sed; that the commander of the cutter would be reprinianded for not going out and examining whether the Shannon were disabled; and that peremptory orders had been sent to Morris Island to stop this random firing. The governor also said that if Major Anderson deemed it his duty to sen(l out, under nnfavorable circumstances. anti examine the condi- tion of the schooner Shannon, it was doubly theirs, imposed by unman- ity, and also by the commercial interest of their harbor. General Beauregard was invited in, and I repeated what I had said to Governor Pickens to hWm. The general replied in the same terms. as the governor, adding that the practice firing on Morris Island would take place at particular hours. There was an objection made to Captain Talbot leaving Fort Sumter for Washington, but this was finally overruled and the captain allowed to depart. The governor said that orders had been received from 1~Iont- gomnery not to allow any man in the ranks, or any laborers, to leave Fort Sumter, and not to allow M~tjor Anderson to obtain supplies in Charles- ton; that Mr. Crawford, a commissioner from the Confederate States, now in Washington, had sent a dispatch to him stating that he was authorized to say that no attempt would be ina(le to re-enforce Fort Sumter with men or l)i.o~ ismous, but that Mr. Lincoln would not order Major Anderson to withdi i~v frommi Fort Sumter, and would leave him to act for himself; also a(l\ 151li~ the governor not to allow any supplies to be sent from the city to 11 ort Sumter. I called the attention of both General Beauregard and Governor Pickens to the schooner lying neir time left flank of Fort Sumter. They sai(i they knew nothing ot hei, but would sen(l and ascertain, anti direct liner to move further fromn the fort. Governor Pickens remarke(I that as they were now actimig under the authority of the Confederate States he had consulted ~vith General Beauregard, who was now in command of the trooj)s stationed here. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. W. SNYDER, First Licut. of Engineers, U. S. Army. FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 5,1861. General Jos. G. TOTTEN, (Thief En qineer b. S. A., Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I wrote yesterday by Captain Talbot, who left here mit 12 in., as bearer of (lisi) itches fiom Major Andersoim to the Government. Lieutenant Snyder ae Oifll) inied him to the city as bearer of a communi- cation to the governom and G neral Beauregard. relating to time firing npon the schoomier Rhod II Shannon, amid to the piesence Of the revenue cutter so near the wmlls of this fort. The result of this mission, so far as I un(leistaii(1 it. is this: First, Captain Talbot, after some con- sultation, was permitted by the authorities to ])roceed to \Vashington. Second, it was stated that. no Engineer employe or enlisted man woul Page 243 CeAr. I.] CORJiESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 243 be permitted to leave the fort nntil the command was withdrawn, ili consequence of a dispatch from Commissioner Crawford, at Washington, to the effect that I am authorized to say that this Government will not undertake to supply Fort Sumter without notice to ~ou [Governor Pickens]. My opinion is that the President has not the courage to exe- cute the order agreed on in Cabinet for the evacuation of the fort, but that he intends to shift the responsibility npon Major Anderson by suffering him to be starved ont; and that no more supplies for the fort could come from the city. Third, that more stringent orders would be given to regulate the firing from the batteries and to restrict random firing, not, however, changing in the least the order to fire on any vessel attempting to force her way in after being warned oIL Fourth, dis- claiming any knowledge of the revenue cutter so near the walls, and expressing a determination to investigate the subject. In returning from the city Lieutenant Snyder called for the mail at Fort Johnson, where he also took on board a small supply of beef and cabbages, which had come from the city the day before, too late for our boat. Soon after the return of the boat from town, the cutter moved her anchorage to a position about four hundred yards from the left shoulder angle. My force is now at work putting up splinter-proof traverses on the terre-plein. My supplies of provisions that I laid in before the commencement of the investment were yesterday reduced to one half-barrel of cornmeal one-seventh barrel of grits, and eleven codfish. Everything else that is necessary for the support of the Engineer force is drawn from the scanty stores of the command. There appears to be no unusual activity in the surrounding batteries, owing, perhaps, to a high wind which has prevailed for three days. I irwlose a sketch of the batteries and number of guns, based upon the observations of Lieutenant Snyder. Captain Talbot can give you any detailed information that may be required. I have the honor to be, very respectftmlly, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTEt~, C1aptain, Engineers. [Inclosure on next page. Page 244 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. L [Thclosure.1 CUMMiNGS POINT 2 HEAVY GUNS SPACE FOR OTHERS H. ~AINI/~ 6 N?7 2 HEAVY GU~t STAR OF THE WEST N98 BATTEE~Y 2 HEAVY GUNS N? 9 2 HEAVY GUNS 6 2 CARRIAGES N?IO 424 PDRS N? II 0 GUNS PLACED HIGH MORIilS L 8EACON 24 Page 245 I.] 245 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 6, 1861. Capt. THEO. TALBOT, Assista~~t Adjutant- General: SIR: You will proceed directly to Charleston, S. C., and if on your arrival there the flag of the Ui~ited States shall be flying over Fort Sumter, and the fort shall not have been attacked, you will procure an interview with Governor Pickens, and read to him as follows: I am directed by the President of the United States to notify [you] to expect an attempt will be made to suppiy Fort Sumter with provisions oniy, and that if such attempt be not resisted, no effort to throw in provisions, arms, or ammunition will be made without further notice or in case of an attack upon the fort. After you shall have read this to Governor Pickens, deliver to him the copy of it herein inclosed, and retain this letter yourself. But if on your arrival at Charleston you shall ascertain that Fort Sumter shall have been already evacuated or surrendered by the United States force, you will seek no interview with Governor Pickens, but re- turn here forthwith. Respectfully, SIMON CAMERON, & cretary of War. No. 95.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 6, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., April 9.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. A.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that everything is quiet around us. The schooner (she is a revenue cutter) reported as lying near our work still remains there. One of her officers boarded our mail-boat yesterday, and said that his orders were not to permit any boat to pass from Fort Sumter to the shore without bearing a white flag. I do not believe that General Beauregard has either placed her where she is or given her those orders, and I have written to him to-day in reference to it. A mortar battery near Mount Pleasant is firing shells this morning. I have also called the generals attention to that firing, as some of the shells have burst nearer to 115 than is safe. The truth is that the sooner we are out of this harbor the better. our flag runs an hourly risk of being insulted, and my hands are tied by my orders, and if that was not the case, I have not the power to protect it. God grant that neither I nor any other officer of our Army may be again placed in a position of such niortification and humiliation. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, New York, April 6, 1861. Lient. CHARLES B. WooDs, Ninth Infantry, Act. Supt. East. Dept., R. S., Fort Columbus, iN. Y.: SIR: The General-in-Chief desires that two hundred recruits from Fort Columbus be at once organized into two companies, and held in readiness for embarkation on Monday next, the 8th instant Page 246 246 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. A proper proportion of non-commissioned officers will be included in the detachment, which must be fully snpplied with arms, ammunition, and subsistence. First Lient. Edward McK. Hudson, Fourth Artillery, First Lient. R 0. Tyler, Third Artillery, and Second Lient. C. XV. Thomas, First In- fantry, are assigned to duty with the recruits. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, fl. L. SCOTT, Lieutenant- Colonel and A. D. C., Act. Adjt. Gen. FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 6, 1861. General Jo~. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer U. ~. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have nothing new to communicate this morning con- nected with the batteries on Morris Island or the other batteries of which I have before written. Nothing appears to be doing except making the necessary repairs to embrasures, parapets, & c. A mortar battery situated on the shore a little to the east of Mount Pleasant, commenced practicing yesterday and this morning, throwing the shells very near this fort. It is situated about 13 degrees to the east of north, on a line drawn from the center of this work. This bat- tery, with the one on Sullivans Island, the two on Morris Island, and the one on James Island, will enable the besiegers to reach every part of this work with their shells. Against these the casemates must prove the principal protection, for, with the exception of the splinter-proof traverses formed of the gun carriages, I have not enough timber or sand bags to form shell-proof shelters on the terre-plein. The revenne cntter (former buoy-tender) lies in the same position. The only supplies re- ceived yesterday were some vegetables that came from the city to Fort Johnson two days before. None came from the city. I received yester- terday General Orders Kos. 6 and 7. The mail contiunes to be delivered regularly. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, 61aptain, Engineers. FORT SUMTER, S. C, April 6, 1861. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: DEAR GENERAL: I deem it my duty to call your attention to the fact that some of the shells tired this morning from the mortar battery at Mount Pleasant have exploded so near this work as to render the further firing dangerons to the occupants of this fort unless the direc- tion of the mortar is changed. I hope, therefore, that, to guard against the possibility of such an event (one, I know, that you would never cease to regret), you will issue such orders as are proper in the case. I think it as well, too, to mention another thing which occurred yesterday and has annoyed us. You know that since January 14, I have, in ac- cordance with a suggestion from and an arrangement made by his excel- lency Governor Pickens, been sending my mails to and receiving them from Fort Jackson about 12 oclock daily. Although I did not deem it necessary to (10 so, I have always had a white flag in the boat. As she is dispatched, however, in accordance with the instructions of the ex- ecutive, and is (the whole distance) in view of and under protection o Page 247 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 247 the guns of this fort and of Fort Johnson, the case does not really require the use of that flag. Nothing has ever been said about it until yester- day, wliei on its return from Fort Johnson with my mail she was stopped by a row-boat from the vessel which remains anchored off the left flank of this fort (the one about which Lieutenant Snyder spoke to his excel- lency and yourself, and of which you said you knew nothing), and an officer in charge told my men that his orders were not to let any boat go from Fort Sumter to the shore without a white flag and that he must raise it. I do not believe that you have given these orders, an(l I am unwilling that my officers shall leave here, as we hope to do in a few days, under the impression that you have either had that vessel placed so much nearer to us than any vessel ha.s ever beeii anchored before or given her such orders. I have never regarde(l myself as being in a hos- tile attitude towards the inhabitants of South Carolina, and have been very l)articular in treating every one who has api)roached me or with whom I have had any intercourse with the greatest civility and courtesy. I hope that you will at once give your attention to both these matters, and I most earnestly hope that nothing will ever occur to alter, in the least, the high regard and esteem I have for so many years entertained for you. I am, dear general, yours, very truly, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Ifujor, U. S. Army, Commanding. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 7, 186L Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, Fort Sumter, Charleston Iliarbor, S. C.: DEAR MAJOR: Your letter dated yesterday was received by me this moruin~ aIl(l I reoret to learn that the firing from the mortar battery yesterday was so directed as to render the explosion of the shells dan- gerous to the occupants of Fort Sumter. The attention of the officer in co nlnan(l of the battery was called to the manner of his firing yester- day, and orders will be sent to him to-day not to practice again in the same direction. In regard to the vessel lying near Foft Sumter, orders were given by me, as early as the 4th instant, for its removal to some other point, and if it has not been done steps will be taken to have it removed forthwith. The orders to hail boats passing to and from Fort Sumter without a white. flag was no~ intended by me t.o apply to your mail-boat at 12 in., and orders will be given to the proper officers to allow it to l)~55 as here- tofore. Let me assure von ,.major, that nothing shall be wanting on my part to preserve the friendly relations and impressions which have ex- isted between us for so many years. I am, ma very truly, yours, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. No; 96.] - FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 7, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., April 13.) Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we do not see any work going on around us. There was more activity displayed by the guard Page 248 248 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CTIAP.i. boats last night than has been clone for some time. Three of them remained at anchor all night and until after reveille this morning, near the junction of the three channels. You will see by the inclosed letter, just received from Brigadier-General Beauregard that we shall not get any more supplies from the city of Charleston. I hope that they will continne to let us have onr mails as long as we remain. I am glad to be enabled to report that there have been no new cases of dysentery, and that the sick-list only embraces six cases to-day. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, ]Iifajor, First Artillery, Commanding. [Inclosure.l HEADQUARTERS OF THE PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston, S. C., April 7, 1801. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor S. C.: Sin: In compliance with orders from the Confederate Government at Montgomery, I have the honor to inform you that, in consequence of the delays and apparent vacillations of the United States Government at Washington relative to the evacuation of Fort Sumter, no further communications for the purposes of suJ)ply with this city from the fort and with the fort from this city will be permitted from and after this day. The mails, however, will continue to be transmitted as heretofore, until further instructions from the Confederate Government. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding.. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, New York, April 8, 1861. First Lieut. EDWARD McK. HUDSON, Fourth Artillery, Comdg. U. S. troops on the steamer Baltic: SIR: I am instructed by the General-in-Chief to say to you that the destination of the two hundred recruits embarked on the steamer Baltic is Fort Sumter, and that Capt. G. V. Fox, ex-officer of the Navy, and a genti eman of high standing, as well as possessed of extraordinary nanti- cal ability, has been charged by high anthority in Washington with the command of the expedition, under cover of certain ships of war. You will accordingly be governed by the instructions of Captain Fox. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedieut servant, H. L SCOTT Lieutenant4iolonel and A. D. C., Act. Adjt. Gen. HDQRS. PROY. FORCES CONFEDERATE STATES, Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1861. 61ommanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: Your favor of this day has just been received, through Captain James.* The private letters you refer to in the mail of yesterday were * See Anderson to Thomas, April 10, 1861, p.249; and for copies of Andersons and Fosters dispatches of April 8, seized by the Confederate authorities, see Pickens to Walker, April 9, 1861, pp. 292294 Page 249 CHAP. Ir COT~RESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 249 sent to their destination, but the public ones were sent to the Confed- erate Government at Montgomery, in return for the ~treachery of Mr. Fox who has been reported to have violated his word given to Gov- ernor Pickens before visiting Fort Sumter. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. No. 99.] FORT SIJMTEn, S. C., April 10, 1861. (Received A. G. 0., April 26.) Col. L. Tuo~IAs, Adjutant-General U. S. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the man who has charge of our mails on his return trip yesterday bronght no mail, but a com- in utnication from General Beauregard, herewith inclosed. I immediately sent him back with a note to the commanding officer of Fort Johnson, requesting him to return our mail bag, which was done. The South Carolinians continued all day yesterday the vigorous prosecution of the works mentioned in 97 and 98, and this morning shows that the parapets and traverses have been both heightened and strength- ened. Last night the guard-boats, of which we saw eight on duty, were very vigilant gnard~ng all the channels, and we see signal vessels very far out beyond the bar. The garrisons of Castle Pinckney and Fort John- son, and of the batteries on Morris Jsland, have been strengthened yes- terday and this morning. A detachment of about sixty horsenien was landed this morning at Cummings Point. This morning we see another gun, the fourth, in the new battery on Sullivans Island. This baUery will bear directly upon any boat attempt- ing to land stores at the left flank, and will, independently of the shower of shells which will be thrown over our fort, soon drive us from our barbette guns on both flanks. All we can do after that will be to use the guns of the lower tier. We have breimd enough by using (as we hove been doing for two days) but half rations to last until dinner time on Friday. My command is in fine sl)irits, but I see that the long confinement, with the constant excitement, is telhno on them. None of us could endure Iati~umng labor for any length of tnuc I shall direct all the coma ani to sltcp to mght in the bomb l)roof W~ ore busy constincting a traverse lo ouard the gate from the fire of ti bittenes on Cummings Point, prparmg sinks inside, making array ~ements for a hospital for the ~x ounded & c., placing the ammurii- ticn in ~-ecure positions nuder the second tici of caseinates convenient fbr use, & c. We shall make every preparation for the attempted ]andin.g, and I have already had the embrasurethe only one that can be usedcut large enough to receive a barrel. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT AN.I)ERSON, Major,. First Artillery, Commanding Page 250 250 OPERATIONS IN CHARLBSTON HARBOI~, S. C. [CHAP. I. Flnclositres.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY C S Charleston, S. C., April 8, 18618 p.m. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, Co nmanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S. C.: SIR: I have the honor to inforill you that from and after this day rio mails will be allowed to go to or conie from Fort Sumter until further instructions from the Confederate Government at Montgomery. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD. Brigadier- General, L1ommanding. FORT SUMTER, S. C., A~ril 9, 1861 c~ 15 p m. General G. T. BEAIJREO-ARD, Charleston, ~ C.: GENERAL: I have the honor .to acknowlcdg3 to ~have this moment receive(1 your favor of 8 p. in., Ai ril 8, notifying me that from and after that date no mails would be allowed to go to or come from Fort Sumter, and respectfully request that you would be pleased to have the mail or mails which were forwarded prior to the receipt of your notification returned to this post. Confidently hoping that you will comply with the request, I am, general, very respectfully, your obeuient servant, ROBERT ANI)ERSOX, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. No. 100.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April ii, 1861. (Receix C(l A & 0., April 26.) Col. L. Trioi~rAS, Adjutant-General, Washington 1) (V COLONEL: Although not permitted to scud off my daily report, I shall continue, as long as I can, to prepare them, so that if an opportunity is afforded me I shall have them ready. I have the honor to veport that everything around us shows that these i)eople ire expecting the arrival of a hostile force, and they are making most jmnlic~ou~ irrange~nentsto prevent the landing of any supplies at this toi I . sterday and this mormug the garrisons of the works around us were re-enforced. Last night rockets were thrown up from Charleston and Mou Lit Pleasant, about 12 oclock, and a row-boat, bearing a red light., caine down from Charleston and commun nicated xvitli the guard-boats, consisting, as far as we could observe of seven steamers and four schooners, and returned to the city about four this morning. We see the iron floating battery this morning at the west end of Sn]- livans Island, admirab]y i)laced for pouring a lunr(leIous lire upon any vessel attempting to lay alongside our left flank and ulso well situated for enfilading the flanks of this work. With all our xx rtchfmulnessand I think no garrison was ever blessed with a more vv~1lant set of amen none observed the bringing down of that raft They have also roni- menced another battery, say about eighty yards honi the west end of Sullivan isiand. They appear to be determined to get as l)Owcrfnl a fire as possible on the point designated as the one where prox usuous aic inten(le(l to l)e landed, and, had they been iii possession of tlmc inform ition comitained iii your letter of the 4th instant, they could not hax c made better arrange Page 251 OnAr. I.) 251 CORnE~POI~DETNCE, ETC.UNI OK. ments than those they have made, and are making, to thwart the con- templated scheme. The least dangerous course would be for the officer in charge of the supply vessel, after passing Cummings Point, to run to our wharf and round to, alongside the west face of it. He would thus avoid, whilst nuloading, the fire from Fort Monitrie, the batteries at the west end of Sullivans Island, and of the iron floating battery, only being exposed to the fire of the batteries in this end of Cummings Point and of Fort Johnson, and at low tide the vessels woald be protected by the wharf from the fire from Cummings Point It would be hot work unloading her, but not so bad as at the other place. We nearly finished last night a traverse, designed to protect our right flank barbette guns from the enfilading fire of the guns on the west end of Sullivans Island, and we shall, God willing, strengthen that one, and complete the traverse to the left of the main entrance. The officers and men, thank God, are in pretty good health; and, although feeling aware of the danger of their position, have greater anxiety about the fate of those whom they expect to come to their succor than they entertain for themselves. I am, colommel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery~ Commanding. WASHINGTON, B. C., April 12, 1861. Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War: Sin: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your instructions, dated April 6, 1861, I left Washington on the evening of the same day in company with Mr. It. S. Chew, and arrived at Charleston, S. C., on the evening of the 8th instant. Immediately after my arrival I visited Governor Pickens, and, having informed him of the nature of my written instructions, stated that Mr. Chew had requested me to ask his cx. cellency for an interview at his earliest convenience. The governor replied that he would receive Mr. Chew at once and shortly after I ac- companied Mr. Chew to the governors quarters. Mr. Chew read to the governor, in my presence, a message from the President of the United States, handing him a copy of the same, which was compared by the governor. The governor stated to Mr. Chew that, South Carolina hav- ing ratified the constit ution of the Confederate States, General Beaure- gard now had charge of military afihirs in the vicinity of Charleston, and that, as General Beauregard was near at hand, he would desire to have him present at the interview. To this Mr. Chew assented, and General Beauregard having been called into the room, the governor read and handed to him the copy of the message which he had just received. In compliance with your verbal instructiomis, I asked Governor Pickens if I would be permitted to proceed to Fort Sumter for the purpose of remaining on duty at that post. The governor refrrred me to General Beauregard for an answer, by whom the request was peremptorily refused. I then asked if I would be I)ermitted to hold communication with Major Anderson at Fort Sumter, with the distinct understanding that after such interview I should immediately return to Charleston. This was also refused, General Beauregard remarking that no communication whatever would be permitted with Major Anderson, except to convey an order for the evacuation of the fort, such being the instructions re- ceived from Montgomery Page 252 252 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. I then informed Governor Pickens and General Beauregard that I had no further official business to transact with them, and that it was the desire of Mr. Chew and myself to start North that night. Both replied that there would be no obstruction to our departure, and each of them detailed an officer of the staff to escort us to the railroad depot. We left Charleston at 11 oclock p. m. on the 8th in~tant, arriving here this morning. We were detaiued several hours at Florence, S. C., and at Richmond, Va., in consequence of the railway trains failing to connect at those places. I brought back with me the sealed dispatch for Major Anderson, intrusted to my care by the President. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEG. TALBOT, Brevet 61apta.in, Assistant Adjutant- General, U. S. Army. CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC., EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Charleston, December 28, 1860. Hon. ID. F. JAMISON, President of the Convention: Sm: As the Convention sent for me yesterday, to be informed upon im- portant business, I take the bccasion to say that, under my order, Castle Pinckney was taken last evening, and the United States flag hauled dawn an(l the Palmetto banner run up in its place. And I also ordered a detach ruent from an artillery regiment to occupy Sullivans Island; and if it could be done without any immediate danger from mines, or too great loss of life, to take Fort Moultrie and to run up the Palmetto flag, and put the guns in immediate preparation for defense. I have now full possession of those two forts. I considered the evacuation of Fort Moultrie, under all the circumstances, a direct violation of the dis- tinct understanding between the authorities of the Government at Wash ington and those who were authorized to act on the part of the State, and bringing on a state of war. I therefore thought it due to the safety of the State that I should take the steps I have. I hope there is no immediate danger of further aggression for the present. Respectfully, F. W. PICKENS. [WASHINGTON], January 2, 1861. Hon. M. L. BONHAM, Charleston, S. C.: Holt succeeds Floyd. It means war. Cut off supplies from Ander- son and take Sumter soon as possible. LOUIS T. WIGFALL. WASHINGTON, January 4, 1861. A. N. KIMBALL, Ja& c~on, Miss.: No troops have been sent to Charleston nor will be while I am a mem- ber of the Cabinet. J. THOMPSON. * Correspondence between the Confederate and the United States authorities will be found in the Union Correspondence, & e Page 253 CHAP. I.] 253 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. [JANUARY 5 (i), 1861.] Saturday8 oclock a. m. Hon. JOHN ROBERTSON, Commissioner from Virginia, Charleston: Presidents reply: Brooklyn not for South Carolina. On errand of mercy and ~ JOHN TYLER. WASHINGTON, Tuesday morning, January 8, 1861. His Excellency F. W. PICKENS, Governor of Soath Carolina, Charleston, S. C.: The Star of the West sailed from New York on Sunday with Govern- ment troops and provisions, it is said her destination is Charleston. if so, she may be hourly expected off the harbor of Charleston. LOUIS T. WIG-FALL. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR, January 29, 1861. HENRY A. MULLINGS, Esq., Commanding Cutter William Aiken: SIR: You will proceed, with the cutter William Aiken, off Ship Channel, and when a friendly vessel comes over the bar you will make a signal, running your flag up to the mainmast head for a few moments, and then haul it down. If an unfriendly vessel, you will dip your flag at mainmast head, but be sure to keep it flying. Every vessel should be looked into, or partially examined, to see that no unnecessary number of men are on board. The private signal has been arranged with the Nashville and Columbia. For the present, the former will show a flag of white and red from mainmast head; the latter, her private signal, with the letter M in the center. The Adger will show from her main- mast head a blue flag, with letter M. If your boat should be detained or captured by an unfriendly vessel, she (the unfriendly vessel) will be prevented from entering, by the battery east of Fort Moultrie, and by Fort Moultrie. Very respectfully, JAMES H. NORTH, Captain, Commanding. [FEBRUARY 2, 1861.] Governor PICKENS, C4arleston, S. C.: Communication made to President last evening. It elaborates the matter contained in instructions, and incloses the original demand. Cab- inet meets to-day. I shall leave on Monday evening. President, I think, will refer everything to Congress, and make liis reply in his message. Letter from the Baron received. Ingrahams resignation will go in to-day. ~. ~. HAYNE. FEBRUARY 7, 1861. Judge J. ROBERTSON, Montgomery, Ala.: Hayne has returned. Prevent, if possible, collision. It is of great importance to results here. J. TYLER Page 254 254 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [ChAP. I. [FEBRUARY 7, 1861.] Governor PiCKENS, Charleston, S. C.: Can my voice reach you? If so, do not attack Fort Sumter. You know my sincerity. The Yirgiuia delegatiou here earnestly nnite. JOHN TYLER. [WASHrNGTON], Saturday, February 9, 1861. Gov. F. W. PICKENS, Charleston, S. C. The President says the letter to Colonel Hayne was designed to be both resl)ecttul and kind; that he rea(1 it, so considered it, aud if it seeme~I otherwise he deeply regrets it. The President desired me to say this to you. He complained much of Colouel llayne%~ last letter, as Mr. bit in his letter had no unkind intention, b at the contrary. lie manifested great solicitude on this point. Will you give me au assurance that no attack Will be made ou Fort Sumter by South Carolina, provided the President will give a like assurance and pledge that no re-enforcement shall be furnished or attempted by the Government here? JOHN TYLER. FEBRUARY 12, 1861. No. 5.A RESOLUTION in relation to the occupation of the forts and arsenals, & e. Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That this Government takes under its charge the questions and difficulties now existing between the several States of this Confederacy and the Government of the United States of America, relat- ing to. the occupation of forts, arsenals, navy-yards, and other public establishments; and that the President of the Con0ress he directed to communicate this resolution to the several States of this Confederacy, through the respective governors thereof. Adopted Fehrnary 12, 18(51. HEADQUARTERS, CHARLESTON, S. C., Hon. TIOWELL COBB, February 13, 1861. Pre~ident of the Provisional Congress: SIR: I had the honor last night to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram, in which you informed me that the Provisional Congress had taken charge of the questions and difficulties now existing between the several States of the Confederacy and the Government of the United States.* In the reply made to you by telegraph I stated that I would communicate with you by letter, and added to it the expression of the urgent conviction of the authorities of the State as to the period in which the reduction of Fort Sumter should be complete. And, in the first place, let me offer you my warm congratulations upon the success which has attended you in the organization of the Provisional Govern- mnent. May it be equal to the emergency of every occasion which can arise, and be to each State in this new confederation the efficient guard. ian of those rights, which, ignored or usurped nuder the former confed- eration, has united these States in the bonds of a new political compact. In taking charge of the questions and difficulties which relate to Fort Sumter, it will be necessary for the Congress to apprehend rightly their present position. The force of circumstances devolved upon this * See resolution, adopted February 12, p.254 Page 255 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDEPATE. 255 State an obligation to provide the measures necessary for its defense~ It has been obliged to act under the guidance of its own counsels,.but has never forgotten the interest of its sister. States in every measure .which it was about to provide for its own safety. And I beg to assure you that, in all which it may at any time do, a regard for the welthre and wishes of its sister States in the new confederation will exercise a marked influence upon the conduct of this State. The questions and difficulties of Fort Sumter can scarcely be fully appreciated, unless by those who have been familiar with its progress from the commencement of its history to the present moment. If it shall appear otherwise, it has, nevertheless, been the constant, anxious (lesire of this State to obtain the possession of a fort which, held by the United States, afi~cted its dignity and safetyq without a collision, which would involve the loss of life. To secure this end every form of nego- tiatioii which could be adopted, in consistency with the dignity of the State, or had the promise or seeming of success, has been honestly at- teml)ted. To all of these attempts there has been but one result: A refusal in all cases, positive and unqualified, varied only as to the reasons which were set forth for its justification, has followed each demand. Amid now the conviction is presented to the State, derived from the most calm and deliberate consideration of the whole matter, that in this l)er- sistent refusal of the President of the United States is involved a denial of tIme rightful independence of the State of South Carolina. The questions and difficulties, therefore, of Fort Sumter, comprehend now, as you will perceive, considerations which are political as well a~ military; and it would scarcely be considered that an undue estimate was made of the former if they were said to be as important as the latter. The establishment of them, moreover, is of the utmost conse- quence to every State which has united with this State in the bonds of a new confederation. The State has held its right to the possession of Fort Sumter to be the (lirect and necessary consequence of its right, as a sovereign State, to have the control of a muilitary post within its limits, which post, dnring the period of the political connection of the State with the other States, was held by the United States for the pro- tection of South Carolina because South Carolina was a part of the United States, and being so, npou the United States was devolved the obligation to provide that defense for this State. With time termination of the political connection between South Carolina and the United States the obligation of the United States to defend that State ceased, unless that State itself was time property of the United States. If the State was an independent power the rightful control within its limits of a military post, which involved its dignity and affectnd its safety, was and is recognized by the plainest rules of public law. The denial, there- fore, of the right of the State to have possession of the fort was, in fact, a denial of its independence. Nor has there been even a colorable i)re- text for a consistency of that possession by the United States with the independence of the State, since the President authorized the distinct avowal that it was held as a military post. The sole use of it as a mmdli- tary post is in the control (called by the President the protection) it gives to the United States of the harbor of Charleston. The assertion, then, as you will I)erceive, of the rightful independence of the State carries necessarily with it the right to reduce Fort Sumter into its owim posses- sion, which is held, as it is, by a hostile power, for an unfriendly purpose. It is a hostile power when it asserts a right to exercise a dominion over the State, which that State refuses to recognize as consistent with its own dignity and safety; and its purpose cannot be otherwise than uu Page 256 256 OPERATiONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. T. friendly when it can only be to enable the United States to commit to its military subordinates a I)OXVC~ to refuse to permit any vessels to pass within range of the guns which are within its walls. It has, therefore, been c6nsidered at once proper and necessary for this State~ to take possession of that fort as soon as the measures necessary for the accomplishment of that result can be completed, and it is now ex- pected that within a short time all the arrangements will be perfected necessary for its certain and speedy reduction. With the completion of these preparations and the assurance they afford of success, it has ever been the purp~e of the authorities of this State to take this fort into the possession of the State. The right to do so has been considered the right of the State, and the resources of the State have been considered equal to the exercise of that right. Whatever may be the mode in which the Congress will take charge of these questions and ~ I trust that it is considered that in the solution of them you will regard the position which the State of South Carolina now occuyies in relation to them. That position is marked by these propositons: That the right to have possession of the fort is a right incident to the independence (she) the State has asserted; that, to obtain possession of the fort, she has exhausted all modes which, consistently with her dignity, ca.n be devised for a peaceful settlement; that the failure of such attempts has remitted her to the necessity of employing force to obtain that which should have been yielded from considerations of justice and right, and that as soon as her preparations are completed the reduction of that fort should be accomplished. In the absence of any explanation or direction connected with the telegram received from you, I have assumed that the policy and meas- ures which have been adopted by this State, and which are in I)rosecu- tion, will be recognized as proper. In the consideration of the question of Fort Sumter, I have not been insensible of those matters which are in their nature consequential, and have, I trust, weighed, with all the care which befits the grave responsibilities of the case, the various cir- cumstances which determine the time when this attack should be made. With the best lights which I could procnre in guiding or assisting me, I am perfectly satisfied that the welfare of the new confederation and the necessities of the State require that Fort Sumter should be reduced before the close of the present administration at Washington. If an attack is delayed until after the inauguration of the incoming President of the United States, the troops now gathered in the capital may then be employed mu attempting that which, previous to that time, they could not be spared to do. They dare not leave Washington now and do that which then will be a measure too inviting to be resisted. Mr. Lincoln cannot do more for this State than Mr. Buchanan has done. Mr. Lincoln will not concede what Mr. Buchanan has refused. Mr. Buchanan has placed his refusal upon grounds which determine his reply to six States, as completely as to the same demand if made by a single State. If peace can be secured, it will be by the prompt use of the occasion, when the forces of the United States are withheld from our harbor. If war can be averted, it will be by making the capture of Fort Sumter a fact accomplished during the continuance of the present administration, and leaving to the incoming administration the question of an open dec- laration of war. Such a declaration, separated, as it will be, from any present act of hostilities during Mr. Lincolns administration, may be- come to him a matter requiring consideration. That consideration will not be expected of him,ifthe attack on the fort is made during his ad Page 257 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 257 ministration, and becomes, therefore, as to him, an act of present hos- tility. Mr. Buchanan cannot resist, because he has not the power. Mr. Lincoln may not attack, because the cause of the quarrel will have been, or may be, considered by him as past. Upon this line of policy I have acted, and upon the adherence to it may be found, I think, the most rational expectation of seeing that fort, which is even now a source of danger to the State, restored to the pos- session of the State without those consequences which I should most deeply deplore. Should such consequences, nevertheless, follow from an adherence to this policy, however much I would regret the occur- rence, I should feel a perfect assurance that, in happening under such circumstances, they demonstrated conclusively that, under the evil pas- sions which blind and mislead those who govern the United States, no human power could have averted the attempted overthrow of these States; and that,in the exhibition of an ability by the States of the new confederation to maintain their rights, there could be found satisfaction in the reflection that their sufferings -at this time might purchase for them quiet and happiness in time to come. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, F. W. PICKENS, Governor of South Carolina. [FEBRUARY l8Qi), 1861.] Governor PICKENS, Charleston, S. C.: Kiugman, known as Jon,~~ who corresponds with the Baltimore Sun, and is considered reliable, in his letter of yesterday, says he has seen and read a letter from a former inemberof Congress from South Caro- lina, which assures him that Fort Sumter will be taken on or before the 4th of ~1arcl~, without reference to what the Montgomery government may advise or order on the subject.~ This startles the President. Will you quiet him by your reply ~ The State commissioners will adjourn during the week. No result yet. JOHN TYLER. WASHINGTON, February 20, 1861. His Excellency F. W. PICKENS: Attempt to re-enforce Anderson by stealth at night in small boats determined on. Answer if received. LOUIS T. WIGFALL. FEBRUARY 21, 1861i to 7 p. m. Governor PIC1~ENs, Charleston, S. C.: The statement I gave you came directly from Chase. I have not received your telegram as to what was reported by mem- bers of Congress. J. TYLER. 17 U Page 258 258 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CrL~r. I. CONGRESS, February 22, 1861. Mr. Bartow, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported the following resolution, which was adopted, viz: Resolved, That the President of the Confederate States be requested to communicate in such manner as he may deem expedient, to the governors of South Carolina and Florida the resolution of Congress concerning Forts Sumter and Pickens. [Copy of the resolution above referred to.] RESOLUTION in relation to the occupation of Forts Sumter and Pickens. Resolved by the Confederate States of America in Congress assembled, That it is the sense of this Congress that immediate steps should be taken to obtain possession of Forts Sumter and Pickens, by the authority of this Government, either by negotiations or force, as early as practicable, and that the President is hereby authorized to make all necessary military preparations for carrying this resolution into effect.* Passed February 15, 1861. MONTGOMERY, ALA., February 23, 1861. Maj. W. II. C. WHITING: Mv DEAR SIR: You will proceed to Charleston and deliver the note addressed to Governor Pickens, which yon will find herewith inclosed. After conferring with him as to the time and mode of visiting the dif ferent posts iu Charleston Bay, you will enter upon a reconnoissance of the harbor of Charleston and its approaches. You will inspect the various works in our possession and gain such knowledge as circumstances will permit of Fort Sumter. In inspecting the works of the Confederate States you will bear in mind the double relation they may have as works of offense and of defense. You will make an inventory of the armament and of the munitions at the forts and in store, noting particularly the different qualities of cannon powder, as indicated by grain. Generally, I desire you to perform all the du~es which devolve upon an engineer charged with the examination of works, and the preparation for active operations under circumstances such as those of Charleston, in this emergency. Very respectfully, truly, yours, JEFFN DAVIS. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Charleston, S. 0., February 27, 1861. The PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES, & C., ]Jilioutgomery, Ala: DEAR SIR: I received yours dated the 22d instant by Colonel Lucas, inclosing the resolution of Congress expressly taking charge of the military operations in the harbor of Charleston.t I have the fullest confidence that you and Congress will do everything that may be due to the honor and the rights of South Carolina. Of course we feel that our honor and safety require that Fort Sumter should be in our possession at the very earliest moment possible. We have had great difficulties to contend with. By the extraordinary move * Communicated ito governor of South Carolisa under date of February 22, but letter of transmittal not found. See Governor Pickens letter of February 27, 1861, p. 258. t Resolutions approved February 15 and 22. See under last date Page 259 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 259 ment of the United States garrison from Fort Moultrie we were suddenly and unexpectedly precipitated into a situation which created the most hostile feelings, and were at the outset involved in the most scientific and expensive branches of modern warfare, where the most exact mili- tary knowledge and experience were required. I felt this, and therefore telegraphed you to come by Charleston on yonr way to Mississippi, in order to consnlt on military matters, & c. I again sent to the governor of Georgia for General Twiggs, and then sent to you for a military engineer, as I desired the l~ghest military approbation. Before taking the last s.tep I earnestly wished the best military counsels. Major Whiting is here, and thinks onr energies have been too much directed to attacking Fort Sumter, and not enough to the defenses of the harbor, so as to prevent re-enforcements, & c. You will see him, and, of course, now we will await your orders and the directions of Congress, as we feel that our cause is common, and that it is due to our common government that we should do nothing to involve all the States united in a permanent war by any separate act of ours, unless it shall be necessary in self-defense or to prevent re-enforcements; but in the mean time I will go on with the same activity as ever in preparing our defenses and our men for any event that may arise. We would desire to be informed if when thoroughly prepared to take the fort shall we do so, or shall we await your order; and shall we demand the surrender, or will that demand be made by you? An answer to this by telegram is desired. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. W. PICKENS. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, March 1, 1861. Gov. F. W. PIOKENS, Charleston, S. C.: Your letter to President received. This Government assumes the control of military operations at Charleston, and will make demand of the fort when fully advised. An officer goes to-night to take charge. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, March 1, 1.861. His Excellency F. W. PICKENS, Governor, & c.: SIR: Your letter of the 27th ultimo addressed to the President has been referred by him to this Department for reply. In controlling the military operations in the harbor of Charleston the President directs me to say that everything will be done that may be due to the honor and rights of South Carolina. The President shares the feeling expressed by you that Fort Sumter should be in our possession at the earliest moment possible. But this feeling, natural and just as it is admitted to be must yield to the neces- sity of the case. Thorough preparation must be made before an attack is attempted, for the first blow must be successful, both for its moral and physical consequences, or otherwise the result might be disastrous to your State in the loss of many of those whom we can least afford to spare. A failure would demoralize our people and injuriously aft~ct u~ in the opinion of the world as reckless and precipitate Page 260 260 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I Entertaining these opinions, the President directs me to say that he is engaged assiduously in pressing forward measures to effect results in which all are interested. Under the fourth section of an act of Congress to raise Provisional Forces for the Confederate States of America, and for other purposes, a copy of which I have the honor to inclose in another rommunication of this date, the President has appointed Peter G. T. Beauregard brigadier-general to command the Provisional Forces of this Government in the harbor of Charleston. General Beauregard will be accompanied by an adjutant, whose duty it will be to receive into the Provisional Army, with their officers, nuder the provisions of the act aforesaid, the forces of your State now in Charleston. General Beauregard has the entire confidence of the President and of this Department, and I beg to commend him as possessing every soldierly jjuality. I have the honor to be, with high regard, your obedient servant, L. P. WALKER, SecreUu~y of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, March 1, 1861. Brig. Gen. P. G. T. BEAUREGARD: SIR: You will proceed without delay to Charleston and report to Governor Pickens for military duty in that State. You are authorized by your appointment as brigadier-general, under the proyisions of the third section of an act of the Congress to raise Provisional Forces for the Confederate States, to receive into the service of this Government such forces as may be tendered or may volunteer, not to exceed five thousand men, as you may require, or for whom you ~an make suitable provision. A copy of the act referred to has been this day transmitted to Governor Pickens. You will report to this Department your arrival at Charleston, and give such information with respect to the defenses of that harbor as you may consider important. You will also secure, if possible, the services of a competent adjutant, and report your action in that behalf to this Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. P. WALKER, & cretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, March 2, 1861. Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD, Commanding at Charleston: GENERAL: The Secretary of the Treasury has directed Governor Pickens to transfer to your credit, as commanding officer at Charleston, the sum of $20,000, to meet your present necessities. Other arrange- ments are in progress, with every prospect of speedy success, to place to your credit such sums as you may need from time to time. If you have failed to secure the services of a competent assistant adjutant and quartermaster, let me know it without delay, as I can now supply you with these officers. As there may be some temporary dissatisfac- tion with the State troops at Charleston, owing fo the fact that you have superseded their commanding officers, it might be proper for you, as soon as possible, to muster one or more companies at least into th Page 261 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 261 Provisional Army. This would give you an organized corps and inde. pendent action. I suggest, unless in your opinion it is absolutely necessary, that you decline to receive any cavalry into the Provisional Army, as you are aware the cost of this arm of the service is very heavy, and it is more than probable that the necessities of your position at Charleston will not require this outlay. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, - L. P. WALKER, & eretary of War. EXEcuTIvE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR, Charleston, 5. 0., March 3, 1861. Peter G. T. Beauregard having been appointed brigadier-general of the Confederate States of America, and having been ordered to assume conimand of the troops in and near Charleston Harbor, will be obeyed and respected accordingly, and all State officers of the volunteers, enlisted men, and militia, on duty, are commanded to obey all orders emanating from him. D. F. JAMISON. WASHINGTON, March 4, 1861. Gov. F. W. PIUKENS, Charleston, S. C.: Do not permit any attack on Sumter without authority of Government of Confederated States. This is all important. Inaugural means war. There is strong ground for belief that re-enforcements will be speedily sent. Be vigilant. LOUIS T. WIGFALL. I concur, and believe this Government will act promptly. L. Q. WASHINGTON. WAR DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, March 4, 1861. His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith the estimates required for the service of the War Department for twelve months: Schedule A* is the estimate for the support of three thousand troopsthe probable number now at Charlestonto be mustered into the service of this Government, under the act of the Congress to raise Provisional Forces for the Confederate States of America, and for other purposes. Schedule B* is the estimate for the support of two thousand addi- tional troops, should the same be required at Charleston, to be mustered into the service under said act. Schedule C* is the estimate for the Regular Army of the Confederate States, nuder the bill now pending before the Congress. ~ The items of these schedules are not deemed of sufficient importance for publica- tion; their totals are as follows: Schedule A $1,323,766 72 B ... .. 860.228 45 C 6,533,760 0 Page 262 262 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [ChAP. I. The note appended to Schedule A explains the seeming discrepancy in that estimate and Schedule C the estimate for the Regular Army. No estimate has been made for any of the State forces that may be mustered into the service of this Government, under the Provisional Army bill, other than those of South Carolina. There were no data in this Department upon which any approximate estimate could be made, as no returns have been received from any of the the States except South Carolina of the number of troops to be tendered, or that may volunteer under the- provisions of the aI3t referred to. It is probable that the Regular Army to be provided for cannot be organized in time to meet the possible emergencies of the service, and the only present available forces belong to the military organizations of the respective States. As no estimate is made for any of these State troops except those of South Carolina, and as the appropriations for the Regular Army could not be used for the support of the Provisional Forces without legisla- tion to that effect, I would suggest that this authority be conferred by the Congress. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., March 5, 1861. Maj. N. G. EVANS, Adjutant-General, South Carolina Army: MAJOR: In accordance with the orders contained in your letter of this date, Major Smiths battalion of the First South Carolina Volun- teers is now embarking for Morris Island. Their departure will leave a total of 305, including 63 Vigilant Rifles, who are all required for guard at the five-gun battery. Of the 242, Company D ,~of the Ar- tillery battalion, has been down but a few days, and are in constant readiness for duty in the floating battery. Their total present is 74, and deducting them, I have but 171 total, to man 15 guns on the channel, requiring 75; 11 gulls on the Sumter battery, 55; 4 guns on the oblique battery, 20, and 40 men for the mortar battery, requiring 190 at least, to say nothing of guard duty at the fort, which, of course, must be attended to In addition to this, the absence of a force of some efficiency entails upon this command the necessity of keeping up the guard at the eastern end of the island and at the steamboat laud- ing; and, in addition, I have set my men at work on the fortifications, to complete traverses, & c. I respectfully represent that in my opinion an efficient force for support to the batteries on this island is absolutely necessary, and that the artillery should be kept to the duties of their batteries alone. Again, the principal quartermasters duty on this island now falls on the battalion quartermaster of the artillery, who is now commanding a company, and cannot be spared. I respectfully represent that when a command is sent it should have its own quar- termaster and staff. In order to prepare as quickly and as fully as possible for contin- gencies, I have the honor to request that I may have permission to select from recruits (now in the various depots) a sufficient number to fill Companies A, B, and D, of the artillery battalion, to the maximum strength allowed by law, viz, one hundred privates to a company. I request the permission to select, because there are many newly-en Page 263 Cu~. LI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 263 listed recruits, who would have to be rejected, and of the enlisted men the artillery will be more specially required. Any failure in that branch of the service, I fear, may result in disaster. In this estimate above I do not include the infantry recruits, now on this island, who, I do not think, will be efficient for some weeks. I have the honor to request, in conclusion, that you will bring this letter as soon as possible to the consideration of the brigadier-general commanding. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. S. RIPLEY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Artillery, Commanding. WASHINGTON CITY Mar General L. POPE WALKER, , oh 5, 1861. Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: DEAR SIR: Judge Clay asked me before he left here to telegraph and write to Governor Moore any matters of importance. This was before the formation of the Provisional Government at Montgomery. Nothing has occurred since that request to justify a special dispatch, and now it appears to me that if there should be movem nts of troops or ships which come to my knowledge it would be better to send them to you. I shall do so on learning anything of importance in a reliable way. I may send the dispatch in a letter to Richmond to be telegraphed from there, or I may send it from here, as circumstances dictate. The inaugural undoubtedly means war, and that right off. I have never doubted as to Lincolns views, and nothing would have changed them but the secession of the border States, who have not acted. Mr. Crawford is here, and will proceed to execute the duties of his mission as soon as the new Secretary of State is installed. This will be, I suppose, to-morrow morning at furthest. 1 was present last evening at a consultation of Southern gentlemen, at which Messrs. Crawford, Garnett, Pryor, De Jarnette, of Virginia, and Wigfall, of Texas, were present. We all put the same construction on the inaugural, which we carefully went over together. We agreed that it was Lincolns purpose at once to attempt the collectiou of the revenue, to re-enforce and hold Fort Sumter and Pickens. and to retake the other places. He is a man of will and firmness. His Cabinet will yield to him with alacrity, I think. Seward has, of course, agreed to the inaugural, and the pretenses of his conservatism are idle. We believe that these plans will be put into execution immediately. I learn five or six United States ships are in New York Harbor, all ready to start. The United States steamer Pawnee came here the other day suddenly from Philadelphia, fully provisioned and ready to go to sea. I understand that it is spoken of in Army circles to re-enforce Sumter by sending in men in whale-boats by night. This will probably b~, attempted in the first instance. After the garrison is re-enforced suffi- ciently to stand an assault, then the attempt may be made to fight the way up by live or six war vessels. Simultaneously or prior to this will be the change of programme at Pensacola by the United States, Pensa- coJa being a point of infinitely more importance. Considei~ng this and the evident purpo~e auiiounced in the inaugural, would it not be expe- dient to prevent anything in the shape of dispatches, letters, or messen- gers from going to Slemmer or the other United States officers or me Page 264 264 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CifAP. I. at Pensacola ~ By this you will have the advantage of knowing the movements from this point before the Government officers at Pensacola. We shall endeavor to get bold of movements as soon as possible, and to advise you. Of course we labor under great difficulties in procuring early intelligence. There is a general concurrence in the opinion that if any attack is made on Sumter it should be by order of the Government of the Con- federate States and not by South Carolina alone. Very truly yours, L. Q. WASHINGTON. Will you please show this letter to the Hon. Mr. Perkins, Secretary of the Navyl I fear the present Virginia Convention will not pass an ordinance of secession unless a collision or war ensues; then public feeling will force them to it. There is a majority of old Federal submissionists, who got in by pretending to be resistance men. HEADQUARTERS CONFEDERATE STATES ARMY, Lient. Col. ~. S. RIPLEY, Charleston, S. C., March 6, 1861. Commanding Fort ]Ifoultrie, S. C.: COLONEL: The general commanding desires that you send imme- diately to the five-gun battery, commanding Maffitts Channel, two 32- poundersr with the necessary. ammunition, as ordered yesterday, and have them mounted. Be on the lookout to-night for the Crusader, a four-gun brig, reported to be on her way with one hundred and twenty men for the re-enforcement of Fort Sumter. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. FERGUSON, Captain, and Aide-dc-Camp. HEADQUARTERS FORT MOULTRIE, S. C., ilfareh 6, 1861. Capt. S. W. FERGUSON, Aide-de-Camp, Charleston S. C.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commu- nication (private and confidential) of this date. In reply, I have to state that I have no means at my disposal to send the 32-pounders from this post to the five-gun battery this evening, nor have I a gin to dismount or mount them. Moreover, I have not a single artificer to send to that battery, to build the traverses or pintle centers, -some 290 indifferent artilicrymen (74 of the 290 held in readiness for special service), 53 volun- t~ers at the tivc-gun battery, and 318 helpless infantry recruits, almost without arms, without clothing, and totally and entirely unfit to meet the euemy, constituting all of my command. I will send the guns as soon as I can have the pintle centers and traverse circles in position; bat, I imagine, the engineer in charge of the works is without the means to do the work required. Should the Crusader, however, come in this direc- tion to-night, I beg to suggest, if the guard-boats do their duty, that I can attend to her case with the force at my disposal, although inefficient at this post Page 265 Ca& r. LI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 265 I had the honor to send a communication, concerning the state of this command, last evening to Major Evans, adjutant-general, to which I beg now to refer. To day, for lack of laborers, the men have been employed on the defenses and I beg to say that the more drilling and the less of labor they do for some time to come the more efficient they will prob- ably be. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant. B. S. RIPLEY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. CHARLESTON, March 6, 1861. President DAVIS, Montgomery: Mv DEAR SIR: I inclose you, according to promise, a statement show- ing the strength of the volunteer division of Sonth Carolina. Some of the regiments are commanded by highly accomplished graduates of our military academies, and some by officers of the Palmetto Regiment. It is altogether a superb body of troops, and I think will give a good account of themselves by their acts. Under the skillful conduct of General Beauregard the works here are likely to be put promptly in the best possible condition to prevent re- enforcements. The danger to be feared is that light-draught vessels, barges, or boats in the night may be sent in through the two middle channels, known as the Overall and North Channels; but you doubt. less get fuller information than I can give you on these points. Mr. Miles has doubtless apprised you of my readiness to enter the service of the confederation in the capacity you indicated. I say to you, however, frankly, that I should like to see my brigadiers in the field with their commands, or so many as may be needed, and be there myself with my present rank. If raising General Beauregards rank a grade does not embarrass you, I would cheerfully report to him. The exbibition of skill, promptness, and energy by General Beanregard is highly gratify- ing to the authorities here. I am, very sincerely and truly, yours, M. L. BONHAM. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF SOwrH CAROLINA, March 6, 1861. M. L. BONHAM, Major- General, 61ommanding Volunteer Forces of S. C.: GENERAL: The number of companies organized and received nnder the act of general assembly of 17th December, 1860, is one hundred and four in the aggregate amounting to 8,835, rank and file, constituting ten regiments of ten companies each. The force is divided into four brigades, constituting one division. Respectfully, S. R. GIST, Adjutant and Inspector General of South Carolina Page 266 266 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. (CHAP. L IIDQRS. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., March 6, 1861. Capt. FRANCIS D. LEE, Corps of Engineers: CAPTAIN: Your communications of the 5th and 6th instants* have beeu received at these headquarters, and I am instructed by the general com- manding, in acknowledging their receipt and thanking you for them, to say that the first is now under consideration, and that the last is ap- proved, and you are hereby authorized to carry into execution what you therein propose. The general had determined last night on a similar project. The order for the guns to which you refer, and which are to be placed as designated yesterday, has already been issued. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. FERGUSON, Captain Infantry, and Aide-dc- ~Jamp. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 6, 1861. Brig. Gen. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding Charleston and vicinity: GENERAL: I would respectfully call your attention to the following points in connection with the Ordnance Department in this vicinity: I find no props under the center rail of the chassis,or elsewhere. Unless these props are supplied the guns are liable at any moment to dismount themselves. The chassis of the carriages at the iron battery at Cummings Point have not sufficient inclination, and unless the guns are secured by rope or other tackle they will probably soon dismount themselves. I have ordered all the necessary barbette carriages to be made,. and as soon as possible spare parts of all kinds should be made, especially for the old carriages. I find only mortar shell at Fort Morris, and those I examined at the iron battery were case.shotnot even mor- tar shell. There is a scarcity of proper fuse-plugs and fuses. The small number of fuses at Fort Moultrie is being multiplied by cutting them in parts. I fear this may not only defeat the object intended but render the fuses of very little use at all. The magazine at Fort Morris, if pos- sible should be overhauled and rearranged. Hot-shot furnaces, or even stoves, should be supplied at Morri-~ Island batteries. I remain, general, very re.~pectfully, your obedient servant, W. ZR. BOGGS, Captain of Ordnance, S. C. Army. HDQRS. OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., March 6, 1861. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ No.1. 5 I. By virtue of authority from the War Department, Confederate States of America, bearing date Montgomery, March 1, 1861, and of au- thority of the Department of War, State of South Carolina, bearing date March 3, 1861, the undersigned assumes command of all the troops Regulars, Yolunteers, and Militiaon duty in anJ. near Charlesten Harbor. II. The following appointments are ~nnounced on the staff of the briga- Not found Page 267 Cn& r. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 267 dier-general commanding: Capt. B. II. Jones, as assistant adjutant-gen- eral; Capt. Stephen ID. Lee, of the regular artillery service of the State of South Carolina, as acting assistant quartermaster-general and acting assistant commissary-general; Capt. S. Wragg Ferguson, of the regular infantry service of the State of South Carolina, as aide-de-camp; First Lient. Joseph J. Legar6, of the regular engineer service of the State of South Carolina, as private secretary. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., March 7, 1861. JAeut. Col. R. S. RIPLEY, Commanding Battalion of Artillery, Fort Mioultrie, S. C.: SIR: Your two letters of the 5th and 6th instants have been received, and the matters referred to by you will be attended to forthwith. The affair of selections has been referred to General Dunovant. I am fully aware of the difficulties of your position, but from your zeal and knowu ability to surmount obstacles I have no doubt you will give a good ac- count of yourself and command when the hour of trial shall have arrived. I regret (in the movement of troops lately taken place) you had to be deprived of the command on Sullivans Island, for which position I know you are highly qualified, but the necessities of the service required the order to be given. Whenever practicable a different arrangement will be made. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. ARMY OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., March 7, 1861. Maj. W. GWYNN, Corps of Engineers: MAJOR: The general commanding desires that the embrasure enfilad- ing battery, and the mortar battery beyond Moultrie, be constructed first, unless you have already commenced the one across the bay, in which case you will continue the latter to completion, and, instead of adding those two 32-pounders from Moultrie to the five-gun battery, as ordered, he intends to add them to the first-named mortar battery, with a strong traverse between them and the mortars. They must also have strong flank traverses. Major Trapier will please caution Capt. S. Y. Tupper, of the five-gun battery, that the traverses and pintles being on a wrong level at that battery, the chassis must be propped up in their middle when the gnu is fired to prevent its breaking, the slope being too steep. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. FERGUSON, Captain, and Aide-de- Camp. P. S.At Cummings Point on Morris Island he wishes all work to be stopped at present, except at the iron battery (finishing the work he ordered there) and at the condemned mortar battery (which he ordered to be changed into a bomb-proof). The balance of the Working force wil Page 268 268 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. Z~ immediately (under the charge of Colonel Lamar, who has command of the working parties) be put to work constructing those channel batter- ies he ordered Major Whiting to mark out, so as to have them com- pleted as soon as practicable. Should Captain Lee, the local engineer, who has received instructions from Major Whiting, require assistant engineers, you will transfer to him one or two from Major Trapier, should the latter be able to spare them. Very respectfully, S. W. F. FORT PALMETTO, STONO INLET, S. C., March 7, 1861. Brigadier-General DUNOVANT: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that in the firing at this post yesterday, the 18-pounder guns, which are the largest at this post, were found entirely insufficient to command the Stono Channel of this entrance. At an elevation of five degrees the balls failed to reach the Stono Channel. I take occasion, therefore, again to call this matter to your attention, and to request that two 32-pounders, or, at all events, two 24-pounders, be ordered to this post. In a conversation with Col- onel Manigault, of the board of ordnance, on Friday last, March 1, 1 was led to believe that two 24-pounders would be sent to this post in a few days; but they have not yet been received. Except our field guns, we have here bat two 18-pounders. In the present uncertain aspect of affairs, when any point seems sub- ject to assault, I would suggest, for your consideration, the remoteness of the troops here from effective assistance, and the smallness of the force under my command. If the fortification had been brought to a comparative state of completion, we could hold it against large odds. The planters of Johns Island, who volunteered to complete it, as I was informed, left it not half finished, and the troops have bestowed niuch labor upon it, to bring it to a defensible condition. I therefore again call your attention to the smallness of the force here (considering the unfinished state of the fortification), to the difficulty of timely succor, and to the impracticability of a retreat, surrounded, as we are, by rivers, and without transports beiug furnished us, if retreat should become necessary. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, J. J. POPE, JR., Commander of the Post. HEADQUARTERS REGIMENT OF RIFLES, Sullivans Island, S. 0., March 7, 1861. Hon. P. F. JAMISON, Secretary of War: SIR: In compliance with the order of yesterday, I left a detachment of forty-seven men, of the Regiment of Rifles, at Secessiouville, to keep open communication with Morris Island. I would respectfully request that they be ord& red to join th& regiment again. They will be of little or no service for this purpose. Five ordinary employ~s of the quarter- masters department would answer the end quite as well. Furthermore, Secessionville is not the proper point for the mere purpose of coinmuni- cation. The point should be Clarks Lauding, and the route from Dills Landing direct, thus avoiding a long detour. There is yet anothe Page 269 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONI)ENCE, ETC.CO~FEDERATE. 269 reason. Every post should keep open its own commnnication. They will feel far more interest in the work than the members of another regi- ment, who are to have no share in the honors of the contest. If your excellency agrees with me, I would suggest that orders to that effect be issued immediately, so that they can make use of the means of trans- portation iiow engaged in transferring the commissary stores. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. J. JOHNSTON PETTJGREW, Colonel Regiment of Rifles. HEADQUARTERS FORT MOULTRIE, S C., March 8, 1861. Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD, Gommanding Army Confederate States of America: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of yesterdays date, and thank you for the confidence you express. Did I not, however, make known my deficiencies, I should mislead the officer in command, and possibly entail disaster, from not having such as can be supplied. With regard to the command on Sullivans Island, I am very glad to be relieved from the details of it, as it enables me to give my attention to what I have no doubt is considered as of the first importancethe preparation of the artillery service. I beg to take the liberty of suggesting the importance, in my opinion, of the first turn in the beach of this island, east of this fort, as a position for a channel battery, rather than the position now occupied by the five-gun battery. From that point the guns can command every channel, and especially the north and south channels, where the vessels having re-enforcements are bound to come in, as things at present stand. Now those channels are only protected by this fort. If labor can be obtained and the work commenced, I would respectfally recommend the removal of four guns from the five-gun battery, leaving one, which can be so arranged as to traverse completely around and make the addition formerly proposed from this fort, or even more, in addition to the mortars which are to be placed there. The Maffitt Channel would be completely blocked and the new battery would materially add to the defenses of the channels men- tioned above. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. S. RIPLEY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Artillery, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MORRIS ISLAND, S. C.. March 8, 1861. To the CHIEF OF STAFF OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL BEAUREGARD: SIR : I received notice from the Ordnance Department yesterday afternoon that two 24-pounders and two 12-pounders were sent to this island, but with out any information of the manner in which they were to come or the point at which the 12-pounders were fo be landed. This morning I learned that a steamer, the Chesterfield, was at the south point of the island, with the four guns, and with a framed stable, to be used for the horses of the battery of field artillery. I sent the quartermaster of my regiment with written orders for the 24-pounders to be landed at the south point, the 12-pounders near Vinegar Hill, an Page 270 270 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. the stable at an intermediate point, where I propose to pitch my camp. Not being certain that it would be practicable to land the 12-pounders and the stable on the beach, I gave verbal orders, leaving it to the dis- cretion of Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton to have them brought round the north point of the island, in order to be conveyed by the creek, on the west side of the island. My quartermaster has just reported to me that the master of the steamer (Flynn, I think, is his name), in disobedience of my orders, and alleging orders to himself to land everything at the south point (but showing no written order to that effect), is proceeding to put out, not only the 24-pounders and the 12-pounders, but the timber of the stable, at the south point. This will be exeedingly inconvenient, as it will be an immense labor to haul all the material of the stable through the heavy sand this side of the south point. I have sent down Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, with orders to arrest and confine the master of the steamer, put the next officer in command of the boat, and bring back the stable, together with the 12-pounders, to the north point of the island, whence they can be conveyed (in a smaller vessel) through the back creek. I am not sure, however, that this will be in time to remedy the inconven- ience, as the landing of the material may be completed before Lieut- enant-Colonel Hamilton gets to the point. I respectfully suggest the necessity of putting the commanders of steamers in the service of the quartermaster-general under better control. Repeated instances of misconduct, negligence, and disobedience have come within my obser- vation. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MAXCY GREGG, Cot. First Regiment S. C. TTols., Commander on Morris Island. P. S.Since writing the above letter, which was too late for this mornings boat, Captain Flynn, of the Chesterfield, being brought to my quarters, under guard, and having promised to carry the stable and the two 12-pounders to the north point of the island, has been released from arrest and sent back to the command of his boat. If Daly, the master of the little steam-fiat, obeys the orders given to him by Colonel Hatch, and comes to Cummings Point this afternoon, I shall be able to send the lumber and guns up the back creek by his boat. But his previouM conduct leaves me in entire uncertainty whether to expect him. M.G. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA Lngineer Bureau, Gharleston, 5. G., March 8, 1861. Capt. S. W. FERGUSON, Aide-de.Can~p: CAPTAIN: By direction of the Secretary of War, I send you a copy of a report this day addressed to him. I am required to make daily re- ports to the Secretary, and am instructed by him to send copies of them to the commanding general. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WALTER GWYNX, Major of Bngineers Page 271 ChAP. I.~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 271 [Inclosure.] STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Engineer Bureau, Charleston, 5. C., March 8, 1861. Maj. Gen. S. 11. GIST, Adjutant and Inspector General: GENERAL: Owing to very pressing engagements, as also owing to daily reports not having been sent in regularly by the engineers iu charge of the several works under construction in the harbor of Charles- ton, my daily reports have been interrupted for the past three or four days. I have now to report that the reconstruction of the mortar battery on the beach at Fort Johnsou is very nearly completed. It is designed to move two mortars from this battery and place them where I com- menced a battery, for the removal of the four mortars from the beach battery. The battery and magazine for these mortars will be completed in a few days. On Morris Island all the guns and mortars which have been sent over have been mounted and placed. The following postscript, attached to an order of the 7th instant, from the commanding general, will show, to some extent, future operations on Morris Island, viz: At Cummings Point on Morris Island he wishes all work stopped at present, except at the iron battery (finishing the work lie ordered there) and at the condemned mor- tar battery (which he ordered to be changed into a bomb-proof). The balance of the working force will immediately (under charge of Colonel Lamar, who has command of the working parties) be put to work constructing those channel batteries he ordered Major Whiting to mark out, so as to have them completed as soon as practicable. Twenty-eight laborers (all that could be procured) worked yesterday on a battery for four 24-pounders, near the steamboat landing, at the point of Sullivans Island, ordered by the commauding general, for enfilading the guns en barbette on Fort Sumter. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WALTER GWYNN, Major of Engineers. HEADQUARTERS CONFEDERATE STATES ARMY, Charleston, S. C., March 8, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: SIR: The Department letter of the 2d instant has been received, but could not be answered sooner. Governor Pickens, who obligingly affords me all the assistance in his power, as well as all his officers, suggests that the State of South Carolina should continue to defray all the present current expenses incurred within its limits, so as not to complicate the present moneyed difficulties of the Confederate States Government. This would probably be a very proper arrangement. With regard to the supposed temporary dissatisfaction of the State troops, alluded to by you, upon consultation with the governor, he ad- vises that the brigade of State Regulars should remain as at present organized, until required to enter the Federal service, but in the mean time to be under my orders. Its commanding general and staff have readily assented to this arrangement, and by the order of the governor (already communicated to the War Department), it must have been seen that all the troops (State, Regulars, and Volunteers) in or about Charleston have already been put under my orders, and I can l)erceive among theni no spirit of opposition or dissatisfaction. On the contrary Page 272 272 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. 1. they appear to be animated with the most kindly feelings towards me, and seem highly pleased at the order assigning me to their command. I have already given the information here that cavalry would not, at present, be called into the service of the Confederate States. Every one here seems to be gradually becoming aware, through my cautious representations, that we are not yet prepared for the contest, and that the first work in order is to endeavor to keep re-enforcemeuts from getting into Fort Sumter by increasing our channel defenses, which I hope to be able to accomplish in about a week or ten days. In the mean time I will go on organizing everything around me. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WAn DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, March 9, 1861. Brig. Gen. P. G. T. BEAUREG-ARD, Charleston: GENERAL: Your report of the 6th instant has been received at this Department. What you have done and what you propose to do is ap- proved. Push forward your contemplated works with all possible ex- l)CditiOfl, especially with the view to prevent the re-enforcement of Fort Sumter. This must be prevented at all hazards, an(l by the use of every conceivable agency. Fort Sumter is silent now only because of the weakness of the garrison. Should re-enforcements get in, her gnhs would open fire upon you. There is information at this Departmentnot official, it is true, but believed to be reliablethat five or six United States ships are in ~ew York Harbor all ready to start. The United States steamer Pawnee has left Philadelphia suddenly for Washington, fully provisioned and ready to go to sea, and it is prob- able that the effort to re-enforce Sumter may be made by sending in men in whale-boats to-night. Should this plan succeed and the garrison be re-enforced sufficiently to stand an assault the attempt may be made to fight their way up by five or six war vessels. In his report to this Department Major Whiting suggested the possi- bility of re-enforcements by land. Upon examining the map it occurs to me that this possibility might be accomplished in two ways: First, at the south of Morris Island there is an inlet which connects with Schooner Creek, and affords a water communication in the rear of all our works directly up to Fort Sumter. The creeks are, however, very winding, and probably if taken In hand at once could easily. be obstructed by sinking flats or boats. Second, Stono River affords, I should think, an entrance to vessels ot from cight to twelve feet draught, which may land troops on James Island, or go through a cut known as James Island Cut. Neither method, I take it, would be practicable if any troops were on James Island; bat in the absence of them a sudden rush might possibly avail. These suggestions are made without special knowledge, and are sub- mitted for your consideration. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, L. P. WALKER, & cretary of War Page 273 CHAP. I.] 273 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. IIDQRS. PRoY. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., March 9, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: SIR: I inclose you herewith the report of Col. M. Gregg, First Regi- ment South Carolina Yolunteers, commanding on Morris Island, at the entrance of this harbor, reporting the circumstances connected with the accidental shooting of a loaded gun towards Fort Sumter on the 8th instant. From the inquiries thus far made, it would appear to have been entirely accidental; but I have ordered a thorough investigation of the affair to be made at once, and in order to prevent the recurrence of an event which might be attended with such disastrous consequences, I have ordered that hereafter no gun should be practiced with without first ascertaining whether it be loaded or not. The channel batteries are progressing regularly, and the other works are being corrected and consolidated. Nothing new otherwise. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., March 8, 1861. To the CHIEF OF STAFF OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL BEAUREGARD: SIR: I am informed by Major Stevens that a shot was accidentally fired from the iron battery this morning, which struck Fort Sumter. Major Stevens was practicing with blank cartridges, and does not know how a shot got in. He does not suspect that it was put in by any man intentionally. Major Stevens is about to go with a flag to Fort Sumter to explain the accident. I have to request that General Beauregard will forward this note for the information of the commander-in-chief I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, MAXCY GREGG, Colonel First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, Commanding on Morris Island. WASHINGTON, March 11, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Commanding Army Confederate States, Charleston, S. C.: Believed here that Anderson will be ordered to evacuate Sumter in five days. Was certainly informally agreed on in Cabinet Saturday night. May have been done as ruse to throw you off your guard and enable them to re-enforce. LOUIS T. WIGFALL. WASHINGTON, March 11, 1861. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, Montgomery, Ala.: It is believed here in Black Republican circles that Anderson will be ordered to vacate Fort Sumter in five days. An informal conclusion to this effect was arrived at Saturday night in Cabinet. Anderson tele- graphed, it is said, that he had no fuel and but fifteen days provisions. LOUIS T. WIGFALL. 18 R Page 274 274 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CnAr. I. IIDQES. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. C., March 11, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: SIR: I have taken the earliest opportunity my present duties would permit (yesterday) to make a thorough reconnaissance of the country south of this city to the Stono River and its mouth, to determine what works are required to prevent an enemy from approaching in that direction, either to throw re-enforcements during the night into Fort Sum- ter, through the Stono River, Folly River, or Light-house Inlet, and their numerous and intricate branches (see Baches maps of Charleston Harbor and adjacent coast and country), or to attack Charleston. I have select- ed the sites and ordered the construction of some field works that will, I think, effectually guard those channels of approach; but we must have time and means to complete them. With good assistants (chiefs of Engineers and Ordnance) this could probably be done in about eight ~r ten days; but Major Whiting and Captain Boggs (two most reliable an efficient officers) have been recalled to Savannah by the governor of A3eorgia, and I am again left to my own resources. Their absence fills me with care and grief, for other very important matters demand my attention; in fact, a great deal in the way of organization remains still to be attended to. I find a great deal of zeal and energy around me, but little professional knowledge and experience. I earnestly request the immediate return of the two officers just named, or that two others, of equal ability, if they can be procured, be sent me. Probably Capt. G. W. Smith, of New York, and Captain Gorgas might be induced to come, if a positive rank could be offered to them. Should an enemy succeed in effecting a landing on the Stono River (a very navigable stream), or anywhere else in that direction, I will take a position with all my disposable forces in a very advantageous location I have selected, a little in advance of the Savannah road bridge, leading into Charleston, covering, at the same time, the bridge with a tete-de-pont. From thence I will oppose to the last his direct attack, or take him in flank and rear, to cut off his communication, if practicable. With regard to my letter of the 12th, referring to my present com- mission in the Confederate service, I desire to state that should my application to be appointed in the Regular service, instead of the Provisional one, occasion any embarrassment to the President, I desire it to remain unnoticed; and, moreover, should he at any time consider it necessary for the good of the service or safety of the country to send here an officer of more experience than myself, I hope he will do so without hesitation,as I care more for the success of our arms and of our cause than for the honor of being iii command here, and I would serve under the orders of such a commanding officer with the same zeal and activity as at present. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General, Commanding. P. S.Your letter of the 9th instant has just been received. Its re- marks are answered in the above letter. G.T.B. MARCH 13, 1861. F. W. PICKENS, Charleston, S. C.: Telegram to Wigfall received. He is absent. Evacuation of Sumter probable; not certain. If so, it is a necessity, not a concession. H. P. BREWSTER Page 275 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 275 WASHINGTON, March 14, 1861. Gov. F. W. PICKENS, Charleston, S. C.: I confidently believe Sumter will be evacuated, and think a Govern- ment messenger left here yesterday with orders to that effect for Anderson. JOHN FORSYTH. MONTGOMERY, March 14, 186 L General BEAUREGARD, Charleston; Steamers Star of the West, Harriet Lane, Crusader, Mohawk, and Empire City ordered to sail from New York last night. Said to carry arms, provisions, and men. Destination not known. L. P. WALKER. [Copies to General Bragg, Pensacola; Captain Jones, Fort Morgan; Major Duncan, Forts Jackson and St. Philip.] HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. C., March 15, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the three telegrams of the 13th and 14th instants.* I telegraphed an answer to-day. Major Whiting has this day reported for duty. Captain Northrop informed me a few days ago that he had informed you he could not at present accept the commission offered him. I would at present have no need of him. I have ordered the Drummond-light operator to be here forthwith, for his services will be required as soon as the apparatus arrives. After instructing two or three persons here he might be sent to New Orleans. By the orders transmitted to-day it will be seen that I am straining every nerve to be ready to meet successfully any re-enforcements that may be intended for Fort Sumter. I believ~ in a very few days I will be ready at all points. I have made a thorough reconnaissance of all I he coast approaches to Charleston, and, with a little time, see not mnch difficulty in preventing an enemy from using them with any prospect of success. I have sncceeded in obtaining, for about ten days, the services of a competent ex-officer of the Ordnance, who is on a visit hereLient. Charles C. Lee, now professor in a military school of north Carolina. I hope, with his assistance, to be able to put the ordnance at this place in a better condition than it is at present. Captain Boggs, during the very few days he spent here, had already done a great deal towards that very desirable end. I found so much opposition here to the employment of Capt. J. P. Jones, Lieutenants Williams, OBrien, and Robertson, as company officers in any of the regiments here, that I put the first two on ordnance duty, as receivers of ordnance, & c., at the batteries, and the other two as assistant engineers. Lieutenant Williams has been quite sick since his arrival Jwre; the others appear to be very zealous and ener- getic. As to Captain Jones, I cannot yet speak of him with much cer- tainty; but although regretting not to be in command of his company, I * Except that of 14th given above, these refer only to matters of detail Page 276 276 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. L have found him anxious to be employed and to prove whether he is fit for the command of an artillery company or not. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your very obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTME~r, C. S. A., Montgomery, March 15, 1861. Brig. Gen. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: Dispatches just received from Washington, of the highest authority, speak of mines in Fort Sumter, and a purpose to destroy it and the garrison rather than be taken. Foster, the Engineer, might be a good guarantee, if kept in the fort. Give but little credit to the rumors of an amicable adjustment. Do not slacken for a moment your energies, and be ready to execute any order this Department may forward. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, i~. P. WALKER, Secretary of War. BALTiMORE, Mn., March 16, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, C. S. A., Charleston, S. C.: M~ DEAR SIR: By the authority of the Secretary of War, I have established a recruiting station here and I am induced to believe that it will meet with decided success. By the time an officer can reach here there will probably be one hundred recruits to examine. The moneyed arrangements are all made. I have concluded that it would be better not to send the men to Charleston until th~ey were examined. We will then avoid the danger of having to pay the passage money for men not fit for service. I was merely requested and authorized to recruit here for the Army of the Confederate States. I have made arrangements for sending them to you, supposing that you would have use for them, or, if not, that you could have them enlisted and drilled till they were ordered elsewhere. Be pleased to confer with the Secretary of War on the subject if you have no orders. The recruiting will go on rapidly, and as I determined this morning not to send men before they were examined, I telegraphed you for an experienced officer. The men will be kept together until he comes. If this shall reach you before you have sent an officer, be pleased to refer him to William T. Walters, of the house of Walters & Co., 68 Exchange Place, with whom I have made the financial arrangements. Very respectfully, LOUIS T. WIGFALL. MONTGOMERY March 18, 1861. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston: Order Lieutenant Haskell to Baltimore. Inquire for W. T. Walters and Hon. L. T. Wigfall. His duty, superintend shipment of men to Charleston, where they will be enlisted, and see if they are fit. Must conceal his mission except from those in secret. Wigfall has the money. Must go at once. L. P. WALKER Page 277 I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 277 [MARCH 20, 1861.] General BEAUREGARD, Commanding: Has Sumter been evacuated0? Any action by Anderson indicating it? CRAWFORD. FORSYTH. ROMAN. WASHINGTON, March 20, 1861. Hon. R. TooMBS, Montgomery, Ala.: You liave not heard from us because there is no change. If there is faith in man we may rely on the assurances we have as to the status. Time is essential to a peaceful issue of this mission. In the present posture of affairs precipitation is war. We are all agreed. ROMAN. CRAWFORD. FORSYTH. WAR DEPARTMENT, A. G. 0., Montgomery, March 20, 1861. Brig. Gen. PETER G. T. BEAUREGARD, 6~ommanding Forces Charleston Army, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: The governor of South Carolina has, in a written communica- tion, strongly urged the propriety and necessity of enlarging your com- mand, and extending it so as to embrace the coast of South Carolina, say from Beanfort to Georgetown. After a careful consideration of the subject the Secretary of War has concluded to conform to the earnest recommendation of his excellency, with the full understanding, how- ever, that in thus Uxtending the limits of your command no risk is to be incurred by your temporary absence from the harbor of Charleston at any critical moment, and that your first duty will be to give your personal attention to the defense of that harbor. The Secretary desires, therefore, that you will confer with his excellency and be governed by these instructions. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant- General. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Engineer Bureau, Charleston, S. C., March 20, 1861. General D. F. JAMISON, Secretary of War: GENERAL: The mortar battery at Fort Johnson, on the beach, has been completed. The battery on the elevated ground has all been com- pleted, with the exception of the bomb-proof magazines in connection therewith. On Morris Island Captain Lee reports that there have been mounted on the channel two Dahigrens, three colunibiads, two sea-coast howit- zers, and two 24-pounders. This is the only report I have received from him in the last four days, and furnishes but a very imperfect idea of what has been done, or the condition of the new batteries on Morris Island. Before these batteries had been commenced there were mounted on the channel seven 24-pounders, two howitzers, and two Dahlgren guns Page 278 278 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. On Sullivans Island the only report I have is that the batteries are progressing, with an increased force of two laborers on the enfilade battery. Quarters are in progress of erection for the laborers and me- chanics who are to be employed on the battery on Battery Island. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WALTER GWYNN, Major of Engineers. WASHING-TON, March 21, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Large number of men in Baltimore. Cannot be kept together there much longer. Nothing heard of or from ilaskell. What shall I do? Answer immediately. LOUIS T. WIGFALL. MONTGOMERY, March 21, 1861. Hon~ L. T. WIG-FALL, Washington: Officer leaves to-night with letter for you and full instructions. iDid not know until half hour ago that ilaskell had not gone. If men cant wait ship them at once, and write Beauregard the vessel they are in, so that he may be ready to enlist on arrival. L. P. WALKER. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, March 21, 1861. Hon. L. T. WIG-FALL, Washington, D. C.: M~ DEAR SIR: I have just received your letter of the 17th instant. Orders were given to General Beauregard, at Charleston, to detail an officer for the special service at Baltimore, and I am only just informed that the officer appointed is still in Charleston. A person will be sent from this place to-night to perform that duty, with instructions to report to you if in Baltimore, and in your absence to William T. Walters, 68 Exchange Place, Baltimore. It will be much cheaper to ship the men as steerage passengers than by rail, and he will be so instructed unless you have special reasons for a contrary course. Although it would be most agreeable to all of us to have you here, it occurs to me that you could render more efficient service by remaining in Baltimore until our recruiting depot is fully and successfully estab- lished as an institution. Captain Pender, the officer to be sent from here to inspect and superintend the shipment of the men, is directed to place himself under your orders, and will remain in Baltimore for some weeks. Such money as he may require within the scope of his business you will arrange for him to have. I regret to say that I have no authority to receive the Washington company in the manner proposed. I have no other idea than war, and we hope soon to be ready for any emergency. Very truly, L. P. WALKER Page 279 CHAP. IL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 279 CHARLESTON, March 21, 1861. General L. P. WALKER, Secretary qf War: State ordnance board cannot spare book of plates. * Copies should be sent if required. Ordnance officer much needed here. Lientenar4 ilaskell cannot go immediately to Baltimore. Department better send another one from Montgomery. G. T. BEAUREGARD. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, March 21, 1861. General P. G. T. BEAuREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: The probability is, if there be any reliance on rumors semi- official in their character, that Fort Sumter will be shortly abandoned. Of course, it would be proper to afford Major Andersou and his meu a safe conduct out of the harbor; but before this is done you must feel perfectly assured that there are no mines laid with trains within the fort. This might be individually accomplished by informing Major Anderson that you intended immediately on its abandonment by hiiu to occupy it, and to take possession of everything left behind; that you did not desire to do this, except upon an inventory to be made out by yourself and one of his officers, and the proper officer to be detailed by him to perform this duty would be Foster, the Engineer. Should he reply to this proposition that he cannot consider what course you may pursue after his abandonment of the fort, and therefore decline to assist in the inventory, it will be your duty to communicate to him the existence of the rumor, and to demand from him such assur- ance of its falsity as shall fully satisfy you. If he declines to give this assurance it will be your duty to prevent their departure. It is hardly probable that he will decline either of these propositions, but should he decline both you must pursue the course herein indicated, and keep him where he is. Very respectfully, L. ~. WALKER, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, A. G. 0., Montgomery, March 21, 1861. Brig. Gen. G. T. BEAUREfARD, Commanding Provisional Forces, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: I am instructed by the Secretary of War to inform you that Capt. William D. Pender, of the Corps of Artillery, has been sent to Baltimore, Md., to direct the recruiting service in that city, whose duty it will be to have every recruit examined and passed by a medical officer previously to his being accepted. Such as may pass examination are to be shipped from time to time as they accumulate, and sent to Charles- ton. The officer will notify you by mail or telegraph of the facts of such shipments. The recruits on arriving in Charleston are to be there enlisted into the Army of the Confederate States for the term of years provided by law. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant- General. * This refers to plans, & c., seized at Charleston Arsenal, and called for by Mr. Walker under date of March 18, 1861 Page 280 280 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. I. CHARLESTON, March 22, 1861. General L. P. WALKER: Special messenger from General Scott to learn Andersons condition arrived last evening. Went back last night. Reports Anderson nearly out fuel and provisions. All my batteries will be finished and armed in two or three days. Can I have Boggs? G. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, March 24, 1861. General BEAUREGARD: M~ DEAR GENERAL: I have read the papers and your note to Major Anderson. As to the inventory suggested, of all public property, would it not be well to wait his propositions first ~ Becanse,if we propose an inventory, it will imply that our Government is to be responsible for the amount in any future settlement, whereas, considering that the United States forces inangnrated a state of hostilities, approaching a state of war (by the removal from Moultrie, by leaving the carriages, spiking the guns, and cuttiiig down the flagstaff, and left the fort in actual flames, which would have reached the magazine if I had not taken possession and stopped the progress), then the attempt to throw re-enforcements in and the whole course of the Government and command here, has for- feited all claim for future accountability for armament and public prop- erty In this fort now; besides, the expenses they have forced us to,in order to ward off the conquest and subjugation intended by their occu- pation of Sumter, all cancel the obligation to account. If Anderson should offer or desire to have an inventory, then I will agree to it with pleasure, or any reasonable request, so as to get them out without diffi. culty. But I would, when they retire, sign the inventory with a protest against the Government being finally resI)onsible, unless it might be ex- pedient to do so in a full settlement. I have no idea that Anderson has as yet any authority to agree to your propositions in any shape, because I do not think the Government has yet empowered him. I merely throw out these suggestions for the present, and have no objections to your sending a letter somewhat like yours, if you think the time has now arrived. With great regard, yours, very truly, F. W. PICKENS. IIDQRS. PROY. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Col. EDWARD MANIGAULT, Charleston, AST. C., March 25,1861. Chief of Ordnance S. C. Army, Charleston, S. C.; COLONEL: Your communication of this date is just received. The brigadier-general commanding desires me to say that he wishes the fob lowing distribution to be made of the ordnance referred to by you: One Dahlgren gun to Sullivans Island; two 10-inch sea-coast mortars to Sullivans Island; two 10-inch sea-coast mortars to Mount Pleasant battery; two-thirds of the 9-inch shells to Morris Island, for the Dahi- ~ren battery; one-third of the 9-inch shells to Sullivans Island, forthe IDahlgren battery; all the 8-inch shells to Morris Island; two hundred 10-inch shells to Sullivans Island, for mortar battery; two hundred 10 Page 281 Cm~r. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 281 inch shells to Mount Pleasaut mortar battery. The balance of 10-inch shells to be equally divided between Morris Island and Fort Johnson. I have the honor to be colonel servant, , , very respectfully, your obedient S. W. FERGUSON, Captain, and Aide-de-eamp. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, State of South Carolina, March 25, 1861. [General BEAUREGARD 0?]: Mv DEAR Sin: I sent Lamon to Major Anderson, and all right. Will see you as soon as I can. I told him we would agree to evacuation upon any honorable and reasonable terms, but would not suffer any war vessel to come up to the fort, and everything must be conducted respectably, and in no arrogant or wanton manner towards us. He says Spencer will come out in a few days, certain. Truly, F. W. PICKENS. HEADQUARTERS PROVIsioNAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., March 25, 1861. Brig. Gen. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General C. S. Army: Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters dated, respectively, the 20th and 21st instants, the former extending the limits of my command, & c.; the latter in relation to the recruiting service in Baltimore; also, a telegram from the Secretary of War in relation to the recruits. The instructions contained therein will be com- plied with. I will not leave this city until after the evacuation of Fort Sumter. Sixty-four recruits arrived here from Baltimore, under the charge of Mr. R. E. Haslett, on Saturday, the 23d instant, and were sent to Castle Piuckney. They will be enlisted to-day. Captain Childs and Lieutenants OBrien and Robertson have been assigned to duty with them. The quartermaster-general of the State of South Carolina has kindly offered to furnish them with the necessary rations, clothing, & c., to be settled for hereafter. It would, perhaps, be economical to pre- scribe the uniform for the Regular Army as early as practicable. Mr. Haslett informs me that a bounty was promised these men, but does not know the amountthinks about $25 or $30. I have, therefore, to request that you notify me what amount will be paid, and under what regulations, that I may cause the same to be noted on their muster and pay rolls. I am just informed that Lamon, special messenger from Washington, has arrived, and is now conferring with the governor. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, 6~ommanding. HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, March 26, 1861. - [General BEAUREGARD:] Mv DEAR GENERAL: I have read the inclosed, and think it is ve~ appropriate; and if he is not entirely satisfied, you can do no more. I Page 282 282 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP I Lamon was authorized to arrange matters, Anderson ought now to say so, in reply to yours; and if he does not, I shall begin to doubt every- thing.* Very truly, with great regard, F. W. PICKENS. IIDQRS. PI?~OYISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. 0., March 26, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.; SIR: The Department letter of the 21st has been received, arid I inclose you herewith the copy of the letter I have thought proper to address to Maj. Robert Anderson, with whom I am personally well acquainted. t His answer will be communicated to the Department as soon as received, and I have no doubt it will be satisfactory. Mr. Lamon left here last night, saying that Major Anderson and command would soon be withdrawn from Fort Sumter in a satisfactory manner. I am, however, progressing with my offensive and defensive batteries, which will all be finished and armed to-morrow night or the day after. I find great difficulty, for want of an ordnance officer, iu properly organ- izing the armament, & c., of said batteries. I have this day had assigned to me for that duty Lieutenant Rutledge, South Carolina Navy, who I hope will be of assistance to me in that department. As already telegraphed, Capt. W. II. Stevens, of the Engineers, is not at present required here. He might be usefully employed at Savan- nah if not wanted elsewhere, or I may soon have need of him for the defenses of the sea coast of SouthCarolina,whichl may have to order hereafter. Four of the Drumumond lights ordered for this harbor have this day arrived, with the required instructions, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. No operator could be sent with them. I have procured the welcome and generous services of Professor Gibbes, of Charleston Col- lege, for the purpose of instructing a proper person here in their use. I have no doubt that Professor Riddle, of New Orleans, postmaster, would be happy to give his assistance in a like manner for the six sent there, two of which might be sent to Pensacola or some other harbor. With tour here we shall have enough now. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. C., March 27, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: SIR: I have the honor to inclose you herewith copies of MIaj. Robert Andersons answer to my letter of the 26th instant, and of my reply to him4 It will be seen that he distinctly and positively refuses to give the pledge asked of him. But I consider his answer equivalent to any *Seems to refer to letter from General Beauregard forwarded by Major Anderson to Adjutant-General U. S. Army, March 27, p. 222. t See inclosure No. 1 to Major Andersons letter of March 27, p. 222. ~ See inclosares 2 and 3, Anderson to Thomas, March 27, pp. 222, 223 Page 283 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 283 pledge that might be required of him, for he is, in my opinion, a most gallant officer, incapable of any act that might tarnish his reputation as a sol(lier; and, should he ask for any assistance of Governor Pickens or myself for the removal of his command from this harbor, it will be a sufficient guarantee that Fort Sumter will be left in its present condi- tion. At any rate, when he makes the said application, an officer will be appointed by me to verify the fact and make proper arrangements with him. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.You will notice that I preferred writing to him unofficially, so as to obtain his views first. B. IIDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. C., March 27, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: SIR: I have the honor to inclose you herewith a copy of the letter from Maj. Robert Anderson in answer to mine of yesterday, a copy of which has already been sent to the Department. It will be seen by Major Andersons answer, if there be any trath in man, that nothing like a doubtful course can be feared from him on the evacuation of Fort Sumter, which ought now to be decided upon in a few days, for this state of uncertainty ought not to last longer than is necessary to have all our preparations made to compel him to a surrender, should the United States Government not be willing to withdraw him peaceably. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, A. AND I. G. 0., ]Jiliontgomery, March 29, 1861. Brig. Gen. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding, & c., Charleston, S. C.: SIR: The Secretary of War directs that you will allow no further communications between the Government of the United States and Fort Sumter, unless the written instructions of the intermediary are first sub- mitted to your inspection, with satisfactory assurances that there are no verbal instructions inconsistent with those which are written. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 1, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Montgomery, Ala.: The following telegram just received from Commissioner Crawford: I am authorized to say that this Government will not undertake to suppiy Sumter witliout notice to you. My opinion is that tlie President has not the courage to ex Page 284 284 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. cute the order agreed upon in Cabinet for the evacuation of the fort, but that he in- tends to shift the responsibility upon Major Anderson, by suffering him to be starved out. Would it not be well to aid in this by cutting off all supplies0? CRAWFORD. Batteries here ready to open Wednesday or Thursday. What instruc- tions? G. T. BEAUREGARD. WAR DEPARTMENT, A. AND I. G. 0., Montgomery, April 1, 1861. Brig. Gen. 0-. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding, & c., Charleston, S. C.: SIR: Capt. W. D. Pender, who is engaged on special service in Bal- timore, has been directed to acquaint you with the amount of bounty which was promised to the recruits from that city, referred to in your communication of the 25th ultimo, in order that you may cause it to be noted on the muster-rolls, under the head of recruiting expenses. Captain Pender will also notify you of the condition under which the recruits will engage to serve. Such of the sixty-two men already exam- ined and found to be physically disqualified should be sent back to Bal- timore. The others may be retained if they are capable of being made good soldiers. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. WASHINGTON, April 2, 1861. Hon. ROBERT Toolvn3S, Montgomery, Ala.: The war wing presses on the President; he vibrates to that side. He has conferred with scveral officers, and naval engineer, supposed to be in regard to Sumter; perhaps to collecting revenue at New Or- leans. Commodore Pendergrast is not at Key West but at Norfolk~ could not therefore land troops. Senator Dixon conversed fully with Chase on Saturday; found him much moderated and strongly inclined to peace policy. Their form of notice to us may be that of the coward, who gives it 0 when he strikes. Watch at all points. It is said the Pawnee sailed from this place this evening with three companies of artillery. MARTIN J. CRAWFORD. A. B. ROMAN. CHARLESTON, April 2, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALFcsR: Captain Foster asks permission to send his mechanics and laborers from Sumter. Shall it be allowed? I am inclined to object. 0-. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 285 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 285 MONTGOMERY, April 2, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: No portion of the garrison must be permitted to leave unless all go. L. P. WALKER. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, April 2, 186L Brig. Gen. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding Charleston Harbor, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: The Government has at no time placed any reliance on assur- ances by the Government at Washington in respect to the evacuation of Fort Sumter, or entertained any confidence in the disposition of the latter to make any concession or yield any point to which it is not driven by absolute necessity, and I desire that you will govern your- self generally with strict reference to this as the key to the policy of the Government of the Confederate States. You are specially instructed to remit in no degree your efforts to prevent the re-enforcement of Fort Sumter, an(l to keep yourself in a state of the amplest preparation and most perfect readiness to repel invasion, acting in all respectssave only in commencing an assault or attack, except to repel an invading or re-enforcing forceprecisely as if you were in the presence of an enemy contemplating to surprise you. The delays and apparent vacillations of the Washington Govern- ment make it imperative that the further concession of courtesies such as have been accorded to Major Anderson and his command, in sup- plies from the city, must cease; and, in general terms, the status which you must at once re-establish and rigidly enforce is that of hostile forces in the presence of each other, and who may at any moment be in actual conflict; but as past conditions have allowed this Govern- ment to continue thus far courtesies of personal convenience to Major Anderson and his officers, it is proper now, as these courtesies are required to be determined by the necessities of your position, that you signify in respectful terms to Major Anderson that all communication with the city from the fort and with the fort from the city, for any purpose of supply is absolutely inhibited; and after having so notified that gentleman at the very earliest moment practicable you will make your surveillance of the harbor and the enforcement of the rule of instruction indicated in the notice to the commander of Fort Sumter as rigid as all the means at your command and the most watchful vigi- lance can secure. Until the withdrawal of the Commissioners of this Government from Washingtonan event which may occur at any moment-no opera- tions beyond what is indicated in the foregoing would be admissible. Promptly, however, on the receipt by this Government of the intelli- gence of such withdrawal the Department will transmit to you specific instructions for your guidance. Respectfully, your obedient servant, L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War Page 286 286 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [Clxii?. I. WASHINGTON, April 3, 1861. Hon. ROBERT ToolwBS, & c., Montgomery, Ala.: Much activity to-day in the War and Navy Departments. It is said the Minnesota, at Boston, has been ordered to the mouth of the Mississippi. Powhatan suddenly put in commission to sail next week. Four com- panies nowherethree artillery, one sappers and minersordered to New York. Report says these movements have reference to the San Domingo question. Pawnee will not be ready for sea until Saturday. Our intermediary says they dare not deceive him, as they know we do not rely upon them but upon HIM. CRAWFORD. ROMAN. FORSYTH. MONTGOMERY, ALA., April 3, 186110 p. m. General BEAUREGARD: Minnesota ordered to sea, supposed to be for mouth of Mississippi; Powhatan to sail next week; Pawnee ordered to sea on Saturday. Three companies artillery (one of sappers and miners) ordered to New York; probably for the South. Be on lookout. L. P. WALKER. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., April 4, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALIiER, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of instructions of the 2d instant, in reference to Fort Sumter, and respect- fully ask to be further instructed in regard to the mails of Major Anderson, which have been allowed daily up to this time, whether they shall be continued or limited to once or twice a week. The batteries are now all complete, but I regret to have to state that there are but few, if any, well-instructed artillerists on Morris Island also, that the shells and fuses of the sea-coast guns and columbiads can- not be entirely relied upon. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, April 5, 1861. Hon. ROBERT TooMBS, & c., Montgomery, Ala.: The movement of troops and preparation on board of vessels of war, of which you have already been apprised, are continued with the greatest activity. An important move requiring a formidable military and naval force is certainly on foot. The statement that this armament is intended for St. Domingo may be a mere ruse. We are, however, most creditably informed that Commodore String- ham, who takes charge of the squadron, sails for St. Domingo. Having no confidence in the administration, we say, be ever on your guard. Glad to hear that you are ready. The notice promised us will come at the last moment if the fleet be intended for our waters. CRAWFORD. ROMAN. FORSYTH Page 287 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 287 [APRIL 6, 1861.] Hon. ROBERT TooiunS, Secretary, & c., Montgomery, Ala.: No change in the activity of the warlike armaments mentioned yester- day. The minor that they are destined against Pickens and perhaps Sumter is getting every day stronger. We know nothing positive on the subject, but advise equal activity on yonr part to receive them if they come. We have not yet been notified of the movement, but the notification may come when they are ready to start. CRAWFORD. FORSYTH. ROMAN. WASHINGToN, April 6, 1861. Hon. A. G. MA~RATH, Charleston, S. C.: Positively determined not to withdraw Anderson. Supplies go im- mediately, supported by naval force under Stringham if their landing be resisted. A FRIEND. [Indorsements.] To CHARLESTON OFFICE: The above is by a reliable man. CALD WELL. MONDAY, April 8.Sent by James E. Harvey by telegraph last Sat- urday morning. CHARLESTON, April 6, 1861. L. P. WALKER: The following telegraph I have just received from Washington: Positively determined not to withdraw Anderson. Supplies go immediately, sup- ported by a naval force under Stringliam if their landing is resisted. A FRIEND. Governor and General Beauregard visiting the posts in the harbor, and will not be here for a few hours. In their absence I telegraphed to Washington to know who was the person signing himself A Friend. The reply satisfies me that the person is high in the confidence of the Government at Washington. Mr. Wigfall, who is with me, concurs in the propriety of giving you notice of it without delay. A. G. MAGRATH. WASHINGTON, April 6, 1861. To Hon. A. G. MAc& RATH, JAMES L. PETIGRu, B. F. DUNKIN, aiid Miss S. C. HARVEY, Charleston, S. C.: Order issued for withdrawal of Andersons command. Scott declares it military necessity. This is private. JAMES E. HARYEY. Hon. A. G. MAcUIATH, Charleston, S. C.: Great efforts making to reconsider withdrawal, but will fail. Final consultation to-morrow. JAMES E. HARVEY Page 288 288 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. Hon. A. G. iVIAGRATH, Charleston, S. C.: Final order still reserved. No decision reached in council yesterday, though six for withdrawal and one against. Is it true your people will oppose voluntary withdrawal and demand capitulation ~ If so, friends of peac~ here are powerless. JAMES E. HARVEY. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Brig. Gen. G-. T. BEAUREGARD, Montgomery, April 6, 1861. L1ommanding Charleston Harbor, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: Your letter of the 4th instant has been received. In reply to yonr inqniry as to Major Andersons mails, I have to say that the policy of the Government is most decided that there shall be such a surveil- lance of Charleston Harbor and of Fort Sumter as shall assure this Government that the latter is, for all military purposes, entirely isolated. The courtesies which have been accorded to the commander of that fortress have been, in the opinion of this Department, taken advantage of in some cases by persons whose object in visiting Fort Sumter was chiefly to obtain information of the state of our defenses, to be commu- nicated to the Government at Washington. Acting, then, on the leading ideas that the military isolation of Fort Sumter and the prevention of all possible espionage by the Washington Government are absolutely required, you are directed, while allowing Major Anderson to receive his mails, to exercise such instructive discretion as will secure the ends in view. Minute instructions, covering every possible case, cannot, of course, be given you, but you are directed to exclude possibility of the admis- sion of any one who may be sent by or be favorable to the Government at Washington, always excepting such messenger or bearer of dispatches from that Government as you may be fully assured shall be conveying orders for the surrender or evacuation of the fortress. You are specifically instructed to permit no one of the persons now in Fort Sumter to depart therefrom; and to secure absolute compliance with this requirement you will u~e the utmost vigilance and apply all the means at your command. And in this connection the Department would ask your attention to a telegraphic statementgenerally published under date of April 4th, to the effect that Lieutenant Talbot, an officer of the garrison of Fort Sumter, had been allowed to depart therefrom. As this is in apparent conflict with the instructions communicated to you by telegraph, the Department presumes that there were special reasons, affecting the public interest, which, in your judgment, made the case properly exceptional, and I shall therefore be pleased to be made acquainted with the circumstances. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. ~. WALKER. [APRIL 8, 1861.] AN ORDINANCE to transfer to the Government of the Confederate States of America the use and occupancy of the forts, arsenals, navy-yards, custom-houses, and other public sites within the limits of this State. We, the people of South Carolina, in convention assembled, do ordain and declare, and it is hereby ordained and declared by the authority of the same, that the Government of the Confederate States of America i Page 289 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 289 hereby authorized to occupy, use, and hold possession of all forts, navy- yards, arsenals, custom-houses, and other public sites within the limits of this State, and th~ir appurtenances, lately in the possession of the United States of America, together with Fort Sumter, and to repair, rebuild, and control the same at its discretion, until this ordinance be repealed by a convention of the people of this State. iDone at Charleston, the 8th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. D. F. JAMISON, President. Attest: B. F. ARTHUR, Clerk. WASHINGTON, April 8, 1801. General G. T. BEAUREGARD: Accounts are uncertain, because of the constant vacillation of this Government. We were reassured yesterday that the status of Sumter would not be changed without previous notice to Governor Pickens, but we have no faith in them. The war policy prevails in the Cabinet at this hour. M. J. CRAWFORD. CHARLESTON, April 8, 1861. L. P. WALKER: Authorized messenger from Lincoln just informed Governor Pickens and myself that provisions would be sent to Sumter peaceably, other- ~vise by force. G. T. BEAUREGARD. MONTGOMERY, April 8, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: Under no circumstances are you to allow provisions to be sent to Fort Sumter. L. P. WALKER. CHARLESTON, April 8, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Andersons provisions stopped yesterday. No answer from him. I am calling out balance of contingent troops. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, April 8, 1861. [General BEAUREGARD:] DEAR GENERAL: I inclose the within copy of Major Anderson~s.note.* Please say to the Secretary of War that we thought detaching an officer from the garrison was weakening its efficiency and not taking much from the consumption of food. Tell him that you as well as myself saw the * See Anderson to Pickens, April 4, p, 238. 19 R Page 290 290 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. foolish firing, and both regretted it, and that you immediately issued orders as to the future firing, & c., and that the captairiin charge of the watch-vessel, the Petrel, was discharged for his neglect of duty, & c. In great haste, but most sincerely, F. W. PICKENS. IIDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. C., April 8, 1861. General L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: SIR: The War Department letter of the 6th instant has been received. I send herewith a copy of the letter addressed yesterday to Major Robert Anderson, stopping his provisions from this city, in obedience to the instructions of the iDepartment.* He has not yet answered it, probably on account of the prevailing bad weather, or perhaps he wishes to await the orders of the United States Government. Lieutenant Talbot was aLlowei to go to Washington in order to diminish as much as practicable the number of Major Andersons officers, and in the hope that he would communicate to the Government at Wash- ington their true condition in Fort Sumter, which Governor Pickens and myself have reasons to believe is not satisfactory to them. On account of the unfortunate publication this morning of the pro- ceedings of the state Convention of South Carolina, containing a detailed report of the State secretary of war, giving the exact condition, strength, and number of batteries and troops collected for the defense of this har. bor, I have called out the balance of the five thousand men to which I have been limited by my instructions of the 1st ultimo.a measure rendered still more necessary on account of the warlike preparations at present being made by the United ,States Government with so much mystery. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARMENT, C. S. A., ]Ifontgomery, April 8, 1861. His Excellency F. W. PICKENS, Charleston S. C.: SIR: The discontinuance by the United States of negotiations with the Commissioners representing this Government, of which doubtless you have before this been made aware, leaves no doubt as to the policy we should pursue. A large force will probably, and if at all, almost immediately, be needed to resist the coercive measures of the Washington administration. To meet this condition of affairs, this Department, acting with reference to the power vested in the Executive by the act of the Congress entitled An act to l)rovide for the public defense, suggests to your excellency the necessity of calling at once for three thousand volunteers, to be drilled, equipped, and held in instant readiness to meet any requisition from this Department. These troops will, ~f course, not be receiving pay un. til they shall be mustered into service, but the emergency is so pressing that your excellency willfully appreciate the great importance of thorough preparation, especially in regard to instant capacity to move. A simi *~See inclosure to Anderson to Thomas, April 7, Union Correspondence, & e., p. 248 Page 291 ChAP. L] 291 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. lar request has been addressed to the Executive of the Confederate States. Asking an early reply to the suggestions above ~nade, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. P. WALKER. (Similar letters to the governor of Florida, Tallahassee; the governor of Georgia; governor of Louisiana, Baton Rouge; governor of Texas, Austin; governor of Alabama, Montgomery; governor of Mississippi.) APRIL 8, 1861. I am directed by the President of the United States to notify you to expect an attempt will be made to supply Fort Sumter with provis- ions only, and that if such attempt be not resisted no effort to throw in men, arms, or ammunition will be made without further notice, or in case of an attack upon the fort. The above was communicated to us on the evening of April 8 by Robert S. Chew, esq., of the State Department in Washington, and Captain Talbot stated that it was from the President of the United States, as did Mr. Chew, and was delivered to him on the 6th instant at Washington, and this was read in their presence and admitted. F. W. PICKENS. G. T. BEAUREGARD. MONTGOMERY, April 9, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: Major Andersons mails must be stopped. The fort must be completely isolated. L. P. WALKER. CHARLESTON, April 9, 1861. L. P. WALKER: The mails have already been stopped. G. T. BEAUREGARD. ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Montgomery, April 9, 1861. Brig. Gen. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding Confederate Forces, Charleston, k~. C.: GENERAL: It is much to be desired that the recruits sent from Balti- more to Charleston should remain with your command and be provided for at present by the arrangements made by Captain Lee, or else by appointing him as acting assistant quartermaster for the troops of the Confederate States under your command, in addition to his present duties, which would involve very little increase of labor on his part, and afford the advantage of placing funds in his hands for disbursement on account of the military service of the Confederate States. If possible you will please make this arrangement, or else select some other com- petent officer of the ariuy of the Confederate States for the same pur- pose. It is not deemed necessary at present to furnish the supplies for the full equipment of these recruits. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General Page 292 292 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Headquarters, April 9, 1861. To the PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES: Mx DEAR SIR: I send by the bearer important dispatches to the Secretary of War, and beg to call your immediate attention to them. The bearer is Colonel ilayne, an aide of mine, and will return imme- diately to me. If you have anything particular to General Beauregard or myself, you can trust it to him, and he will bring it back immediately. Siiice I inclosed the dispatch to the Secretary of War Major Anderson has written a polite note to General Beauregard, requesting that the letters taken from the mail might be returned, as he had been notified that his mails would be stopped entirely. The general returned for an- swer that the private letters had been sent to their destination, but the official letters were sent to the Confederate Government, because rumors, well established, indicated that Mr. Fox had violated his faith to me in visiting the fort, under the guarantee of Captain llartstene, who went with him. The pledge was that he visited Major Anderson by author- ity, for pacific purposes entirely. You see that the present scheme for supplying the fort is Mr. Foxs. It is thought that the attempt will be made to-night, and we have doubled our steamboats on the harbor and bar. Since I wrote to the War Department we have increased the forces on Morris Island to two thousand one hundred men, and ten companies of fine men arrive to-night, in the next train, of eight hundred men, and two more regiments arrive to-morrow. We hope to have about six thousand men there on the harbor batteries and posts. I trust we are ready, and if they come we will give them a cordial reception, such as will ring through this country, I think. I hope we are not mistaken; but, at any rate, we will try and do our duty. With great esteem, yours, very truly, F. W. PICKENS. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Headquarters, April 9, 1861. ion. Mr. WALKER, Secretary of War: SIR: At the request of General Beauregard I inclose the within. I took possession of the mails this morning from Sumter, and retained the packages marked official. These are all sent you. The private let- ters are all sent, as directed, to their owners. I did this because I con- sider a state of war is now inaugurated by the authorities at Washing- ton, and all information of a public nature was necessary to us. The mails and all intercourse of any kind with Sumter are now forbidden, and I immediately refused Captain Talbot any interview with Major Anderson, and also his request to be restored to his command in the fort. I called in General Beauregard, and made Captain Talbot and Mr. Chew repeat in his presence what they had said and what the former desired as to Sumter, and General Beauregard entirely and immediately con- curred. You will see by these letters of Major Anderson how it is intended to supply the fort; but by Gods providence we will, I trust, be prepared for them; and if they approach with war vessels also, I think you will hear of as bloody a fight as ever occurred. We now have three thou- sand seven hundred men at the different posts and batteries, and will have by to-morrow three thousand more, which I have called down. From my calculation, I think they will have about two thousand si Page 293 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.OONFEDERATE. 293 hundred, and will attempt to land in launch-boats with 24 and 12 pound- ers, and it will probably be on the lower end of Morris Island, next the light-house. If so, we will have a fine rifle regiment to give them a cordial welcome from behind sand hills (that are natural fortifications), and two iDahigren guns will be right on them, besides four 24-pounders in battery. I have four hundred fine Enfield rifles that have been prac- ticed at nine hundred yards, and on that island, altogether, we have now one thousand nine hundred and fifty men, and are increasing it to. day. There has just arrived on the bar a fine rifled cannon from Liverpool, of the latest maker (Blakely gun), an improvement upon Armstrong, of steelrollsorcoils,withanelevationofsevenandone-halfdegreestoa mile, it throws a shell or twelve-pound shot with the accuracy of a dueling-pistol, and only one and one-half pounds of powder. Such, they write me, is this gun, and I hope to have it in position to-night. We expect the attack about 6 oclock in the morning, on account of the tide. Very respectfully, F. W. PICKENS. Llnclosure No. 1.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 8, 1861. General JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, tJhief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The increased activity and vigilance of the investing force, as reported yesterday, still continues. Three large traverses are nearly completed on the front, from battery No. 3 to 5, on Morris Island, and traverses are also being erected in the interior of battery No. 5. Addi- tions of sand. bags are being made to the covering of the magazine, be- tween Nos. 2 and 3, and to the left flank of No. 1, where I think they are constructing a service magazine. I am busily at work constructing splinter-proof shelters on the terre- plein. I obtain timber by taking the gun carriages to pieces, and form the covering of the 2-inch iron pieces for embrasures, as seen below. The plates are spiked on, so as to be securely retained in their places, even if struck by a shell, which I am confident it will turn. Our supplies are entirely cut off from the city, and those on hand are very limited. The besieging forces worked all day yesterday, whenever the intervals between the showers of rain would allow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Captain, Engineers. P. S.I received yesterday a letter from the Secretary of War to Major Anderson, which, by mistake, had been enveloped to me. I handed it to Major Anderson without reading. Respectfully, & c., J. G. FOSTER, [Inclosure No. 2.] Captain, Enginee~s. Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General: DEAR COLONEL: In another envelope I shall send a No. 96, which you will be pleased to destroy. That God will preserve our beloved country, is the heart-felt prayer of your friend, R.A Page 294 294 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. I. No. 96.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 8, 1861. Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolinians have since about noon yesterday been very actively engaged in strengthening their works on Morris island. I pray that God will avert the storm which seems impending over us, and restore amicable and permanently- pacific relations between the States who still stick to the old Union and those who have formed another Government in the South. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding. P. S.I omitted acknowledging the receipt of the letter from the hon- orable Secretary of the 4th instant. [Inclosuro No. 3.] No. 96.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., April 8, 1861. Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. IS. Army: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the re~umption of work yesterday (Sunday) at various points on Morris Island, and the vigorous prosecution of it this morning, apparently strengthening nearly all the batteries which are nuder the fire of our guns, shows that they either have received some news from Washington which has put them on the qut vsre or that they have received orders from Montgomery to com- mence operations here. I am preparing by the side of my barbette guns protection for our men from the shells, which will be almost continuously bursting over or in our work. I had the honor to receive by yesterdays mail the letter of the hon- orable Secretary of War, dated April 4, and confess that what he there states surprises me very greatly, following as it does and contradicting so positively the assurance Mr. Crawford telegraphed he was authorized to make. I trust that this matter will be at once put in a correct light, as a movement made now, when the South has been erroneously in- formed that none such will be attempted, would produce most disastrous results throughout our country. It is, of course, now too late for me to give any advice in reference to the proposed scheme of Captain Fox. I fear that its result cannot fail to be disastrous to all concerned. Even with his boat at our walls the loss of life (as I think I mentioned to Mr. Fox) in unloading her will more than pay for the good to be accomplished by the expedition, which keeps us, if I can maintain possession of this work, out of position, surrounded by strong works, which must be carried to make this fort of the least value to the United States Government. We have not oil enough to keep a light in the lantern for one night. The boats will have, therefore, to rely at night entirely upon other marks. I ought to have been informed that this expedition was to come. Colonel Lamons remark convinced me that the idea, merely hinted at to me by Captain Fox, would not be carried out. We shall strive to do our duty, thongh I frankly say that my heart is not in the war which I see is to be thus commenced. That God will still avert it, and cause us to resort to pacific measures to maintain our rights, is my ardent prayer. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, First Artillery, Commanding Page 295 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 295 HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1861. Hon. ft F. JAMISON, President of the Convention, State of South Carolina: SIR: I had the honor this morning of receiving, through a committee of your State Convention, its resolutions, expressing confidence in my professional skill, courage, and sound judgment, and in the efficient co- operation of the several members of my staff and other assistants, mili- tary and naval, and tendering to the individuals designated, and to the various forces in the service, the thanks of the State for their successful efforts thus far in protecting the honor and interests of the State.* Allow me, sir, through you, to thank the honorable body over which you preside for this evidence of their kindness to myself and assistants, and to the forces under my orders. I feel highly gratified that in so short a time it has been my good fortune to merit your approbation in the discharge of my offi~ial duties, and it is a source of pride for me to state that I feel much indebted for the expression of your resolutions to the active and willing co-operation of every one under my command. Never have I seen a more universal exhibition of determination and self-denial on the part of individuals for the promotion of any cause than that of the forces under my command, for the accomplishment of the great object we have in view. Encouraged by the great trust reposed in them, I can confidently express the hope that all tinder my command will continue to merit your approbation. It will be my pleasure to com- municate to the troops and others under my orders the substance of your flattering resolutions. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. C. April 9, 1861. Col. M. GREGG, Commanding, Morris Island, S. C.: SIR: I have ordered two 12-pounders and a battery of 6-pounders to be sent to you this day, to be used in the defense of Vinegar Hill and Light-house Hills, and in preventing a landing on the low ground be- tween them. Have them put in position forthwith, and look out for to- night or to-morrow morning. Caution Colonel De Saussure about not throwing away the shot of his batteries. Be careful that the sand does not fill up the holes of the nipples of your muskets and Enfleld rifles. Your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. PROY. FORCES CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1861. Capt. G. S. JAMES, Commanding Fort Johnson, S. C. CAPTAIN: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you send to-night to Legares Landing, on Schooner Creek, twenty, or, if practi * See Beauregard to Walker, April 10, p.298 Page 296 296 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. cable, twenty-five men from your command, under the command of a commissioned officer; this detachment to guard that point during the night and return to you in the morning. You will send the same or an equivalent detachment to the same point every night until further orders. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. FEILtGUS& N, Captain, and Aide-de-Camp. IIDQRS. PROY. FORCES CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1861. Capt. F. L. CHILDS, Commanding Castle Pinekney, S. C.: CAPTAIN: The brigadier-general commanding directs that in con- sequence of the difficulty of transporting your command to where it was ordered, you will hold it in readiness to embark this evening, about 7 p. in., on board three steamboats, that are to report to Captain Hartstene for duty in the outer harbor, at the rate of twenty-five men to each steamer, each man to be armed with his musket and take with him forty rounds of ammunition, which will be sent to you. These detachments will be returned in the morning and will hold themselves in readiness for similar duty every night until farther orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. FERGUSON, Captain, and Aide-de-Camp. IIDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1861. Col. MAXCY GREGG, Commanding ]Jforris Island, Charleston Harbor, S. C.: SIR: I have ordered Major Whiting, of the Engineers, to represent to you what I consider the best positions for locating the troops on Morris island, resulting from his reconnaissances. You Will please consult with him freely on the subject, and afford him all the assistance he may re- quire for the construction of the light-house battery, and such other works as may be required for the defense of the south end of said island, and of the strong position at or near Vinegar Hill. Should you have any disposable field pieces you will so locate them as to sweep the fiat ground between the latter position and the Light-house Hills. Re-enforce- ments will continue to be sent to you as fast as practicable, to the extent of one or two regiments more besides the Seventeenth. Should you be attacked before their arrival, you will make a desperate stand on the Light-house Hills and at Vinegar Hill, which are the keys of Morris Island. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General, 6ommanding Page 297 CHAP. I.] 297 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. HDQRS. PROY. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1861. Col. J. J. PETTIGREW, Commanding Sullivans Island, S. C.: SIR: You were informed last night that you were to hold your regi- ment in readiness for any change of station that circumstances might dictate. This order should not preclude you from maintaining all your present arrangements for the defense of Sullivans Island, for it is im- possible to state now when you may be called upon to move from your present position. I may even have to strengthen the present forces on that island. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD. P. S.Have you put that flat-boat in position, as already directed, in the Sullivan Creek ~ G.T.B. WASHINGTON, D. C~, April 9, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: The messenger speaks doubtless by authority. He gives the promised notice to Governor Pickens. Diplomacy has failed. The sword must now preserve our independence. ~Our gallant countrymen will do their duty. MARTIN J. CRAWFORD. MONTGOMERY, April 10, 1861. General 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 Sumter by force you will at once demand its evacuation, and if this is refused proceed, in such manner as you may determine, to reduce it. Answer. L. P. WALKER. CHARLESTON, April 10, 1861. L. P. ~TALKER: The demand will be made to-morrow at 12 oclock. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General. MONTGOMERY, April 10, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: Unless there are special reasons connected with your own condition, it is considered proper that you should make the demand at an earlier hour. L. P. WALKER. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 10, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER; The reasons are special for 12 oclock. G. T. BEAUREGARD Page 298 298 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAr. I. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., April 10, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to transmit copies of a set of complimentary resolutions, and oC a resolution placing all the forces that may be called into service in this State under my orders, passed by the Convention of the State of South Carolina. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant~ G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.I am doing all in my power to prevent re-enforcements by barges to Sumter to-night or to-morrow night. G. T. B. [Inclosures.] Resolved, That this Convention approves of the action of the governor, in placing the forces for the military defense of Charleston under the command of General Beanregard, and that he be authorized to call into the field immediately such number of the volunteer regiments, raised under the act of assembly, as General Beauregard may require for the operations under his control; the whole force to be placed under the command of General Beauregard, or such other general officer as may be ordered to the same command by. the authorities of the Confederate States of America. [Adopted Monday, April 5, 1861.] Resolved, That this Convention, on behalf of the people of this State, re- pose entire confidence in the eminent professional skill, courage, and sound judgment of Brig. Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard, and in the intelligent and efficient co-operation of the various members of his staff, and other assist-~ ants, military and naval,, and respectfully tender to them, and to the various forces in the service, and individuals designated, the thanks of the State for their successful efforts thus far, to protect the honor and interests of the State. Resolved, That if Fort Sumter shall fall into the hands of our present Government, and the harbor of Charleston should be relieved from a11 hostile occupation or obstruction, although without any actual conflict of arms, such result will be not the less achieved by our forces aforesaid, and their wise and effective operations. Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be communicated to General Beauregard, with a request that he extend them to the various Ngi- ments, battalions, and separate companies, and to his staff and assist- ants, in such form and manner as he shall judge expedient. [Adopted Monday, April 5, 1861.] MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., April 10, 1861. Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD, Commanding, Headquarters Provisional Forces, Charleston, S. C.: Mv DEAR GENERAL: There are two 4-pounder pieces here, with their limbers. There is a caisson in the city. There is also ammuni- tion. These guns are very light, and belong to the Citadel Cadets, who are, I believe, instructed in their use. Put horses to it, and it will mak Page 299 CHAP. I.] 299 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. a most excellent addition to onr force against a landing. I regard this as very important, and the sooner it~is carried out the better. I learned this morning, with surprise, that the Dahlgren had been dismounted at Sullivaus Island, my countermand of your orders not having been forwarded, as it seems. In this case it must either be sent over here or at once remounted in its former position; the latter is, of course, the quickest. I think Stevens irou battery and the two 42s a sufficient fire on the gorge. 1 send this up by Captain Jones, who returns immediately. Very respectfully, ~. II. ~. WHITING, Major, Engineers. STEAMER GORDON, Off Sumter, 5. 0., April 10, 1861. General BEAUREGARD: DEAR GENERAL: I have had under my charge during the night, in addition to my three steamers, the Charleston. The Seabrook came down about 8 oclock and received orders, but I knew nothing of her during the night. She did not obey my orders. This morning I saw her auchored away to the southward. The Catawba has been all night in the offing. It is my opinion that Sumter can be~ relieved, by boats from vessels outside ofthe bars, on any night as dark as the last, or, if we have to take it, you had better be making a beginning. If a vessel of war is placed oft each bar, when Sumter opens I will lose all my steamers, as there will be no escape for me. Therefore, before firing, these steamers should be called in. If the steamers are to guard the entrances, please send them down before dark, that they may be posi- tioned. Yesterday I looked into Bulls Bay, at Stono, and saw nothing. Excuse my bad writing, my hands are so cold, and my light is so bad that I can scarcely see. I have ordered the Charleston up. Respectfully, II. J. HARTSTENE. IIDQRS. P.ROYISJONAL AR1vrY CONFEDERATE STATES. Charleston, S. C., April 10, 1861. Maj. W. II. C. WHITING, Engineers, Morris Island, S. C.: DEAR MAJOR: Your note of this day from the wharf has just been handed to me. I have ~jnst ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley to put that Dahlgren gun in position between the wharf and extreme westerly point of Sullivans Island7 to fire on the landing of the westerly face of Sumter and its postern. I have ordered those two additional 24-pounders to be sent forthwith to Cummings Point. Do the best with them, and caution Colonels Gregg and De Saussure to be on the lookout to-night. To-morrow morning~5 sun must see us victorious. Yours, truly, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 300 300 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. IIDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, General ~. G. M. DUNOYANT, Oharleston, 5. 0., April 10, 1861. Commanding Sullivans Island, S. C.; Mv DEAR GENERAL: Please tell Colonel Ripley I have received his letter of this day to Major Jones. I appreciate all the difficulties he refers to, but this is one of those moments when the word impossible must be ignored, for the fate of Anderson and Sumter depends upon the result of this nights firing. Captain llartstene and the naval offi- cers are of opinion that the barges can pass our batteries in a dark night, hence we must be prepared to fire on their landing place, which will be the western face and postern of Sumter, not seen by an~ of our guns. Captain llartstene is going to light up the entrance of the harbor with floating light-wood fires, and our Druinmond lights must be set in active operation as soon as the alarm of boats are coming is given. Up to that time they must be kept ready for operations. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIDQUS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston~ S. C., April 10, 1861. General R. G. M. DUNOVANT, Sullivans island, S. C.: DEAR GENERAL: From all the information we can receive it is prob- able that the attempt to relieve and provision Sumter will be made to- night in barges, through, probably, the Swash Channel. I have sent verbal orders to Ripley a moment ago to endeavor to put forthwith that dismounted Dahlgren gun (now on the Sullivan Wharf) in position near the extreme end of said island, and then to construct a hasty parapet in front of it. Its main object is to enfilade the landing of the western face of Sumter, and the postern in that angle, for that is where the dis- embarkation is going to take place. Will you see at once to the execu- tion of these instructions l Then I wish Captain Hamilton to mark out the best position for his battery, just outside of said western point of Sullivans Island, for the same purpose as that already indicated by me for the Dahlgren gun, and to let me know when he will require a steam- boat to report to him for that object. He must be careful to put his bat- tery as near the point as practicable, so as to avoid the heavier fire of Sumter. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Oommanding. HDQRS. PROY. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., April 11, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, ]Jliontgomery, Ala.: Sin: I transmit herewith, for the information of the Department, a copy of my note of this morning to Major Anderson, commanding at Fort Sumter, demanding the surrender of that fort to the Confederate Government, together with a copy of his reply thereto.* As soon as See inclosures to Andersons report, p. 13 Page 301 ChAr. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 301 his answer was received a telegraphic dispatch (a copy of which is in- closed) was sent to you, communicating its purport, and asking for yonr instructions. I regret to add here that the new levies at Morris Island are not in as complete a state of organization as I desire; but I hope, in the event of an attempt to land by the enemy, that I will be able to give you a satisfactory account of them. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] CHARLESTON, April 11, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: Major 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 of my obligations to my Government pre- vent my compliance. He says verbally: 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. T. BEAUREGARD. MONTGOMERY, April 11, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: Do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumter. If Major Ander- son will state the time at which, as indicated by him, he will evacuate, and agree that in the mean time he will not use his guns against us unless ours should be employed against Fort Sumter, you are author- ized thus to avoid the effusion of blood. If this or its equivalent be refused, reduce the fort as your judgment decides to be most practi- cable. L. P. WALKER. WASHINGTON, April 11, 1861. General G. T. BEAUREGARD: The Tribune of to-day declares the main object of the expedition to be the relief of Sumter, and that a force will be landed which will overcome all opposition. ROMAN. CRAWFORD. FORSYTH. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 11, 1861. ROMAN, CRAWFORD, and FORSYTH, Commissioners ~Jonfederate States, Washington, D. C.: Evacuation of Fort Sumter will be demanded to-day. If refused, hostilities will commence to-night. Answer. G. T. BEAUREGARD Page 302 302 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. CHARLESTON, April 11, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Ought not demand of Sumter be made also by Commissioners at Washington for its evacuation? G. T. BEAUREGARD. MONTGOMERY April11 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: No. Yours is the only demand to be made. 1.P. WALKER. CHARLESTON, April 11, 1861. L. P. WALKER: Demand sent at 2. Allowed until 6 to answer. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD, Commanding: April 11, 1861. M~ iDEAR GENERAL: It is absolutely necessary that some assistance be sent here, in the Adjutant-Generals DepartmentI mean of the kind that will be usefuL I am expected to be engineer and everything else. The regimental organization (mixed up of infantry and riflemen, without bayonets) cannot be preserved. Cannot you take charge, or at least come here and see the state of affairs? We must have a clerk experienced. Must have an order book, stationery, & c. Transportation is wanted. Horses are required for officers, staff; and orderlies (at least, half a dozen), especially if yout come down. Colonel Gregg has 1,100 men; Colonel Cunningham, 418; Colonel Kershaw, between 300 and 500in all, 2,000, exclusive of artillery. Orders have been issued for all the batteries to be in readiness, but with the exception of Colonel Greggs I find great confuision in the new re- enforcements. Very truly, yours, W. H. C. WHITING. MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., [General BEAUREGARD:] April 11, 18614 p. m. GENERAL: We are ready, perhaps, to open fire, but we are not ready to support it. For Gods sake have this post inspected by your- self?, or some one else competent, before you open fire. I am alone here, as you know, and heretofore have been exclusively occupied with the construction of batteries. De Saussure complains that he has not men enough to work his guns for any length of time, and Kershaws force is helter-skelter, having just arrived. Cunninghams is but little better. Both are badly supplied with cartridges. A full and efficient staff~ is needed. There are no regulars here at all. I can say but little now. The general agrees with me in begging you to examine this position. W. H. C. WHITING Page 303 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 303 HDQRS. PRovISIoNAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, S. C., April 11, 1861. Maj. W. II. C. WHITING, Assistant Adjutant-General, Morris Island, S. C.: MAJOR: Your letter and note of this day are just received. Things always appear worst at first sight wheu not perfect. We cannot delay now. I think you will have all day to-morrow to organize. I am, how- ever, surprised that Lieutenant-Colonel De Saussure should not have men enough, when ten days ago I told him to call for any number he might require. General Simons must supply that deficiency; but I am of the opinion that two thousand Americans ought to beat, on favorable ground, twice that number of troops landing. Remember New Orleans. Moreover, to-morrow you will have another regiment. I send you Captains Winder and Allston, and two of the best men as clerks from Winders company. Call on Colonel Cunningham for one or more men from his regiment as clerks. Major Trapier has been ordered as chief engineer on Morris Island, to relieve you of that duty. Colonel Gregg has more ammunition than you can all require. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.My duties are so important here I cannot leave at present, but will be with you when the fighting commences. G.T.B. HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, April 11, 1861. General BEAUREGARD: DEAR GENERAL: I inclose the within that you may see what General Bonham offers. His command is confined to the volunteer regiments, ordered into service under a bill to raise ten thousand volunteers in reserve. Three of his regiments are ordered here now. One difficulty I apprehend in his command is that General Dunovant will object, perhaps, to his command over him; but this is noth,ing, if you desire Bonham to command the whole as major-general. Yet, under the reso- lutions of the Convention, reporting to you for orders as commander of all, confirmed by myself, I will order him to report to you, with all his staff, and make a special order for him. Perhaps he might be of great service in bringing all into one command for you, and I know he would fight like a true soldier. Besides, he has knowledge, derived from actual service in Mexico, and stands high in the State. But, general, you must candidly say if it is suitable to you, for at this critical juncture I desire to do nothing but what is agreeable to you. With great esteem, yours, truly, F. ~. PICKENS. [Inclosure.] CHARLESTON, S. C., April 11, 1861. Governor PICKENS: SIR: Three regiments of the division of the South Carolina Volun- teers, of which you have been pleased to appoint me major-general, have been ordered into the field. I have the honor, therefore, respect- fully, to ask the command of those troops, together with such as ma Page 304 304 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. be associated with them. Having learned that the Convention of the State has made General Beauregard commander of all the State troops which have been or are likely to be ordei~ed into service in and about Charleston Harbor, I take pleasure in saying I will eheerfully report to that able and distinguished officer. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. BONHAM, ]Jliajor- General of Volunteers, Division of South Carolina. HDQRS. PROY. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., April 11, 1861. His Excellency Gov. F. W. PICKENS, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: I inclose you herewith the copy of the orders referred to in your letter of this morning. The copy of this days instructions, relative to the harbor lights, & c., have already been communicated to you. With regard to your suggestion, relative to the application of Major General Bonham for service under my orders (an application which adds so much to the high reputation of that gallant and distinguished officer), J beg to state that they cannot at present be carried into effect; but, as soon as sufficient force shall have been collected on Morris Island or elsewhere to form two brigades thereat, I shall be most happy to accept his proffered services. I remain, sir, very respectfully,, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Bri~qadier- General, Commanding. EXECUTIVE OFFICE, April 11, 1861. Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD: DEAR SIR: In corroboration of the information which I am told you have already received, Captain Davenport, of the pilot-boat Palmetto, reports that he saw the Harriet Lane this afternoon, making towards this city with speed, until within about fifteen miles of the bar, when she hove to. That then he was about two miles from her, when he distinctly recognized her. He says he has no doubt about her identity, as he knows her well. I am, dear sir, respectfully yours, D. F. JAMISOK. HEADQUARTERS, CHARLESTON, S. C., April 11, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, C. S. A.: SIR: I am in receipt of your two communications of 8th instant, and note contents. In reply to the suggestion of yonr Department of the necessity of calling at once for three thousand volunteers, to be drilled, equipped, and held in instant readiness to meet any requisition from this Department, I have to say the necessary orders have been issued to carry out the same as far as this State is concerned. One regiment, containing twelve companies, will concentrate as soon as practicable a Page 305 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 305 Columbia, to be there quartered, drilled, and prepared for orders to move to any point desired. Two companies of this regiment will be drilled as artillery, and two other frill regiments are ordered to hold themselves in readiness for immediate service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. W HCKENS. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. PROVISIONAL FORCES, No. 13. Charleston, 5. C., April 11, 1861. I. Brig. Gen. James Simons, S. C. V., having been ordered into serv- ice by the governor of the State, and having reported to the brigadier- general commanding for duty, is assigned to the command of the forces on Morris Island, whither he will repair without delay and assume the comman(l. II. Maj. W. II. C. Whiting, Corps of Engineers, C. S. A., is appointed acting assistant adjutant and itispector general of the forces on said island, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. He will report to Brigadier-General Simons. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: D. R. JONES, Assistant Adjutant- General. MONTGOMERY, April 12, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: What was Major Andersons reply to the proposition contained in my dispatch of last nighd L. P. WALKER. L. P. WALKER: CHARLESTON, S. C., April 12, 1861.. He would not consent. I write to-day. G. T. BEAUREGARD.. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., April 12, 1861.. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to transmit the inclosed copy of a correspond- ence with Major Anderson, in consequence of which our fire was opened upon Fort~umter at 4.30 oclock this morning, as already com- municated to you by telegraph.* The pilots reported to me last even- lug that a steamer, supposed to be the Harriet Lane, had appeared off the harbor. She approached slowly, and was lying off the main entrance, some ten or twelve miles, when the pilot came in. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General, 61omrnanding. 20 R R * For inclosures referred to see Andersons report, pp. 1216 Page 306 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. 306 fCn~~.I. CHARLESTON, April 12, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Heavy firing all day. Several guns dismounted in Sumter. Our bat- teries all safe. Nobody hurt. Four steamers off the bar. The sea pretty rough. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HDQRS. FIRST REGIMENT SounI CAROLINA VOLS., April 12, 186112 noon. Maj. W. H. C. WHITING, Acting Adjutant and Insp. Gen., Morris Island, 5. 0.: MAJOR: It is reported from the lookout on the light house that three steamers are in sight off the bar. One is supposed by the light-house keeper to be the Harriet Lane. This one is in sight from the hill at my camp, and appears different in its build and rig from a merchant steamer. A heavy gun was fired a short time since at sea, probably from this steamer. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MAXCY GREGG, Colonel First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers. P. S.The steamer referred to is also reported to have approached the merchant steamer which was off the bar, and has now gone south. ward. APRIL 12, 1861afternoon. The Pawnee, Harriet Lane (certain), and the Baltic (conjectured, from my knowledge of her build) are at anchor close at the North Chan- nel; Illinois (conjectured) at anchor at the main bar. The wind and sea strong from the southeast; heavy surf. Troops are posted for the night. As many more as you can send will be welcome. No casualties -whatever. Troops in good spirits. With your re-enforcemeuts send, if possible, crackers and dried beef, or other provisions, in. their haver- sacks. Shells still fire badly, owing to fuses prematurely bursting. The ships may try to send boats in. Already guns are trained and ranged for night firing on the landing. It is doubtful if the ships will -try it. They may. If they run past they will have to go to the city. ~Men fire deliberately. By order of General Simons: W. H. C. WHITING, Adjutant and Inspector General. FORT PALMETTO, STONO INLET, S. C~ April 12, 1861. Brigadier-General BEAIJREGAIID: GENERAL: I have the honor to call your attention to the force at this point. From the accounts received from abroad, large military prepara- tions seem to have been made against us. A vigorous diversion of their force may be made at this point, and as your attention is much occupied by the large preparations in Charleston Harbor, I take the liberty of bringing our force here to your notice, that you may increase it if the same is, in your opinion, expedient. We have been occupied all day strengthening our fortifications by the use of sand bags. With som Page 307 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE 307 laborers here, the main fortifications could be made much stronger against assault. The work is of such a character that it can only be done by those who are accustomed to this sort of labor. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, J. J. POPI~, JR, Captain of Light Artillery, Commander of the Post. CHARLESTON HOTEL, Charleston, S C., April 12, 1861. Brigadier General BEAUREGARD, Commanding Provisional Forces, Charleston, S. C~: SIR: You were pleased to say, in your letter of yesterday, to Gov- ernor Pickens, in reference to my tender of services: So soon as a suffi- cient force shall have been collected on Morris Island or elsewhere to form two brigades thereat, I shall be most happy to accept his [my] prof fered ~ There being now on Morris Island the two regiments be- longing to General Simons brigade, Colonel Greggs regiment of volun- teers, and Colonel ~ regiment, also the whole or a part of Colonel ilagoods regimeiit (both of my division), making as large or a larger number of my division proper than of General Simons command proper, I submit that the state of things contemplated in your letter has arisen, and respectfully ask to be assigned immediately to that command. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. BONHAM, MiajQr- General Division, South 61arolina Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, April 12, 1861. DEAR GENERAL: The display at Light-house Inlet, perhaps, is a feint, and if so, they intend to re-enforce, as you say, through Bulls Bay and Sullivans Island Inlet; but I think there is danger at Stono, and of coming up in the rear of the city by the Long Bridge. The regiment, stationed at the race-course, is in good position, but they ought to have pickets out, so as to be in hearing of Stono, so as to report im- mediately to the colonel of the regiment if any attack is made. If they come through Sullivans Island Inlet or Creek, then Castle Pinckney might play her gnns as they turn around to Sumter. Respectfully, F. w; PICKENS. HEADQUARTERS, April 12, 1861. DEAR GENERAL: Plan of battle just determined on at Greggs quarters. Whiting, Huger, Gregg, Trapier, and Simons all agree that we greatly need infantry, to defend the batteries from assault. Four large steamers are plainly in view, and standing off the bar all day. Unanimous opinion that a landing will be attempted, and fears that some of the batteries will be taken, unless supported. Have made the best distribution of the troops we have, but need every man you can send. Should you not be here personally to direct l Such is the general opinion. I send this by order of Simons, who is at Greggs, and left me here to write, and send without delay. Very respectfully, LOUIS T. WIGFALL. P. S.We have no glass here, and have to rely entirely upon the eye to examine steamers. Four plainly in sight, and another vessel out a short distance. Fight exPected to-night Page 308 308 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. IIDQRS. PROVISIoNAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Charleston, 8. C., April 12, 1861. Lieutenant-Colonel DR SAUSSURE, Morris Island, S. C.: SIR: In order to economize our mortar ammunition, I desire that at or after 19 m. this day you should double the interval between the firing of the shells; that is, four minutes instead of two during the day, and twenty minutes instead of ten during the night. The action of your mortar batteries in that respect will guide the others elsewhere. Be careful, also, not to fire too fast at your other b~tteries, and to call in time for additional ammunition when required. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES Charleston, S. C., April 12, 1861. Maj. W. II. C. WHITING, Assistant Adjutant- General, & c., Morris Island, S. C.: MAJOR: Your note is received. Firing, I hope, will soon be better. To save ammunition of mortars, the time between each shell thrown should be doubled by day and by nightthat is, four minutes instead of two for the first, and twenty minutes instead of ten for the last. I have written to Colonel Dc Saussure to that effect. This change should take place after 12 m. this day. The batteries elsewhere will follow those of Cummings Point. Great care should be taken at the other batteries (gun) not to fire too fast or uselessly, and timely calls for ammunition should be made. 1 have requested Colonel Wigfall to lend his assistance to General Simons as a volunteer aid. Be careful to strengthen the force protecting the batteries on south end of Morris Island, for if a landing is made it will be done there, probably. How would it do to send General Bonham to command from about the light- house down to Light-house Inlet ~? I am trying to dispatch to that locality as many new arrivals as possible. They will do very well for those hills. Yours, truly, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, ~Jommanding. CHARLESTON, April 13, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War; ~ quarters in Sumter burning. Part of roof snppos& ?d to have fallen in. Sumter firing at long intervals. Ours regular and effective. Si~ vessel~ outside in signals with Sumter. G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, April 13, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Anderson has hauled down the United States flag on Sumter and run up white flag. Fort has been burning for several hours from effect o Page 309 CHAP. 1] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 309 shells. Two explosions have been produced by shells. He has ceased firing some time, and fire of all the batteries has been continuous till now3 oclock. Aides have been sent by Beauregard to Sumter. B. B. RIIETT, JR. ChARLESTON, S. C., April 13, 18612 p. m. President JEFF. DAVIS, ]lli6ntgomery, Ala.: Quarters in Sumter all burned down. White flag up. Have sent a boat to receive surrender. But half an hour before had sent a boat to stop our firing and offer assistance. G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 13 1861 Gov. F. W. PICKENS, Present: DEAR GOVERNOR: I have sent Major Jones, Captain Hartstene, and Colonels Miles and Pryor to Major Anderson to tell him that I offer him the same terms that I did on the 11th, and that a vessel or steamer would be sent to him in the morning to take him to the steamer outside, and that he must be responsible in the mean time for the fort; otherwise, I would put four companies of artillery in there to-night. I also told Captain Hartstene to go out to the fleet and tell them that the fort was now ours, but under the safe-keeping of Major Anderson, and that no attack could be made upon it by them. In the morning I will order two of Colonel Ripleys companies and two of De Saussures to take possession of Fort Sumter. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, April 13, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Fort Sumter has unconditionally surrendered to the Confederate States, represented by General Beauregard, Colonel Wigfall, his aide, receiving the surrender. The same terms just offered will be granted. Engines are about to go down to put out the fire. Fight expected on Morris Island to-night. R. B. RHETT, JR. CHARLESTON, April 13, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Anderson surrenders to the Confederate Government unconditionally, but I have granted him the same terms as on the 11th instant: All proper facilities will be afforded for removal of yourself and command, together with company arms and property and all private property, to any post in the United States you may elect. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., April 13, 18616 p. m. General BEAUREGARD, Commanding. GENERAL: Brigadier-General Simons directs me to say that a boat from the fleet, bearing a white flag, and commanded by a lieutenant o Page 310 310 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. rcHAP. I. the U. S. Navy, has just communicated with him. He first inquired if Major Anderson had surrendered, to which (as informed by Colonel Wig- fall, aide-de-camp) he was answered Yes; unconditionally. Second, if he could communicate with Fort Moultrie, to which he was answered No. (He evidently supposed the commanding general was at Moul- trie, as he afterwards said.) Third, he asked if he could be permitted to come in, nnder a flag of truce, and take Major Anderson off. If not, whether he could come in with a merchantinan a:id do the same. If not, that whether he could come in with his boats for the purpose. To these inquiries General Simons replied that transportation could be furnished for Major Anderson to the fleet, but that the commanding general was at hand, and could be communicated with at once, with the understand ing that no hostile demonstration should be made during the night by the fleet. The lieutenant was informed that you would be furnished with his questions, and he might return for answers to-morrow morning, nnder a flag of truce. The lieutenant gave his personal guarantee that no hostilities would be attempted, and said he would return in the morning to hear your reply. He informed Major Whiting that their mission was not hostile, bnt one of peace. Very respectfully, W. H. C. WHITING, Adjutant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, April 13, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: We take possession of Fort Sumter to-morrow morning. I allow him the privilege of saluting his flag. No one killed on our side. G. T. BEAUREGARD. MONTGOMERY, April 13, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: Accept my congratulations. You have won your spurs. How many guns can you spare for Pensacola ~ L. P. WALKER. HDQRS. FIRST BATTALION, THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT, SOUTH CAROLINA MILITIA, April 13, 1861. General ID. F. JAMISON, Secretary qf War: SIR: Owing to the absence of Col. Charles Allston, jr., and being called on by the detachments stationed below this point to complete the chain of coast guard to the North Carolina line, in view of the emer- gency of the case (war having actually begun), I have taken upon my- self to order out one hnndred and forty-six men and twelve commissioned officers as follows: From Captain IDaggetts company, Waccamaw Light Artillery, twenty-six men and two officers, stationed as coast guard, from the redoubt at North Island to Murrays Inlet; distance, twenty-five miles. From Captain Wards company, Watchesaw Riflemen, twenty mcii and two officers, stationed at the redoubt at Murray~s Inlet. From Captain Gillespies company, Carolina Greys, forty men and three offi- cers, stationed as coast guard, from Murrays Inlet to the redoubt a Page 311 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 311 Little River, North Carolina line; distance, forty miles. From Captain Litchflelds company, All Saints Riflemen, thirty men and three officers, stationed at the redoubt at Little River. I have also, by request, ordered a detachment of thirty men aiid two officers from Captain Johnsons company, to take post at the redoubt at the entrance of Santee River, that post being unoccupied. Have also taken possession of thirty mus- kets for said detachment from a quantity here in store. Also, a quantity of army stores. I have detailed Captain IDaggett as bearer of this report, who will furnish any farther information you may require as to the defense at this point. All of which is respectfully submitted ~~and, hoping it may meet your approbation, I am, very respectfully, yours, W. C. WHITE, Major, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, S. I. AND M. P., Fort Moultrie, AS~. 0., April 13, 1861. Maj. B. R. JONES, Adjutant-General: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that we have had only two per- sonal casualties in the force under my conimand, both very slight, and are privates in Company A (Sullivan and Miller). The effect of the ene- mys fire upon this fort has been pretty effectually to demolish the quarters and to injure the hot-shot furnace to a certain extent. The effects of the Sumter, enfilade, Dahlgr& n, floating, and mortar batteries, has been to keep the enemy from his barbette guns. The direct fire has been quite accurate for the distance, several shots having passed through the arches of the second line of casemates, two or three into his lower embrasures, and many grazing the crest of his parapet and penetrating the roof of his quarters. Still, our direct fire is only annoying, and I have directed it to be economized, to look out and keep the men as fresh as possible for the channel fight, which, it is to be presumed, is impend- ing. I note what has been said respecting the hot-shot furnace, and shall endeavor to attend to it, although it has three shot-holes in it, which has already rendered one bar inefficient. I have directed Cap- tain Hamilton, and the floating battery especially; to be economical with their ammunition, and have to request that the latter be supplied with one hundred rounds of shell and one hundred cartridges, with ap- purtenances, by boat this evening from the city. All our P-inch and 8- inch shells are defective, and Captain Hamilton has filled several with rice to use them as solid shot. It would be well to have the floating battery supplied also, if possible, with 42 and 32 pounder ammunition, as it will be especially eft~ctive in keeping out re-enforcements. I also have to suggest that Captain Martin be supplied with one hun- died and fifty shell and ammunition, with authority to practice as much as he pleases until he gets his shell in. All the mortar practice is wild, owing to the range and the effect of the wind. As I am sorely pressed for time, I have respectfully to request that such requisitions as are ap- proved may be ordered from headquarters. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. S. RIPLEY, Lieutenant. Colonel Artillery, Oommanding Page 312 312 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [ChAP. 1. P. S.One of the rear transoms of Captain ilallonquists mortars, be- ing made of pine, is split. I shall endeavor to have it repaired. The merlons stand very well, except the vertical palmetto logs, which collapse under onr own fire. One 42-pounder shot entered the embrasure, but, being stuffed with a cotton bale, had no further effect than to take a splinter off a carriage. The new 8-inch columbiad carriages will not stand much. Yery respectfully, B. S. RIPLEY. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 13, 1861. Brig. Gen. JAMES SmioNs, Morris Island, 5. C.: Mv DEAR GENERAL: The accumulation of troops on Morris Island requires that another general officer should be sent to the southern end of that island. General Bonham has consented to go there in command, until we can divide the forces into two brigades, when he will assume command of the whole as major-general, to act under my orders. Iu the mean time, should circumstances bring your commands together, he will necessarily assume the command; otherwise to attend only to his half (about) of the island, and you to yours, but to mutually assist and support each other, in case of need, and in the defense of our country and sacred cause. Major Whiting will remain acting inspector-general of the whole island. He will communicate (as well as yourself) all the information in his possession to General Bonhain. I will endeavor to be with you as soon as practicable, or whenever required. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. PROY. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Charleston, S. C., April 13, 1861. Brig. Gen. R. G. 14. DUNOYANT Commanding Sullivans Island, S. C.: GENERAL: Major Anderson will evacuate Fort Sumter to-morrow morning, when he will be sent to one of the United States vessels out- side of the harbor. He will be allowed the privilege of saluting his flag on lowering it. You will please direct that the ranking officers of Engineers and Ar- tillery on the island accompany the detachment of one company already ordered out, as part of a garrison to Fort Sumter, who will make a re- port of the exact present condition of the fort and of its defenses. You will also direct Capt. George S. James to hold his company at Fort Johnson in readiness to move for the same purpose, as soon as orders to this effect are extended to him. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAURI~GARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 313 313 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. IIDQRS. PRoY. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERiCA, Charleston, S. C., April 13, 1861. General JAMES SIMONS, Morris Island, S. C.: GENERAL: Major Anderson will evacuate Fort Sumter to-morrow morning, when he will be sent to one of the United States vessels out- side of. the harbor. He will be allowed the privilege of saluting his tlag on lowering it. You will please direct that the ranking officers of Engineers and Artil- lery on the island accompany the detachment of one company, already ordered out as a part of a garrison to Fort Sumter, who will make a re- port or the exact present condition of the fort and its defenses. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. T. BEAUJIEGAIID, Brigadier- General, Commanding. FORT MOULTRIE, S. 0., April 13, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: Fort Sumter has been set on fire, and as it is very impor- tant (with the vessels outside threatening to enter) to have all exp& rience, I have determined to remain and avoid or prevent a reenforce- ment. I do not think that there are more than three vessels off. Col- onel Ripley and myself will endeavor to prevent an entry here to-night. 1 will, as you said, make myself uselul; more so, probably, than I could at any other point. I shall go out in a row-boat during the night, with signals arranged, and reconnoiter the entrance and give timely notice of any boats approaching. I think the fire-hulk inside of Sumter had better not be lighted, as it will probably dim our vision. I have just made out the vessels off. They are the Pawnee, Harriet Lane, Nashville, Atlantic, ~nd a merchant schooner. They cannot en- ter in their vessels. With a good lookout (for a lookout stationed here, and a boat off in the channel, together with their fire-hulks, which are still floating in a line aronnd Fort Sumter), I think you need have no fear of an entrance here. They are all here, and in fine spirits. Ripley is a most valuable officercool, collected, and energetic. He keeps all in spirits and up to their work. I have all the batteries on this island, and give the best directions, as I think may be nseful, particularly in regard to looking out for and firing at boats or shipping. The guns are all intact, and in fine working order. Respectfully, H. ~. HARTSTENE. HEADQUARTERS MORRIS I5LAND, S. C., April 13, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: M~ DEAR GENERAL: We require one thousand or twelve hundred men to re-enforce this position. Nothing should be left to chance. None have yet arrived, and this command will be worn out. The troops have been under arms all night. Six of the hostile ships are in the positions they occupied at dark last night. The two nearest are the Lane and the Pawnee. With these vessels so close to ns, I cannot relax my vig Page 314 314 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. lance without such a force as would render a coup de main impossible. The men behaved very well and kept well on the alert. I visited the whole line last night (after midnight) and found everything quiet; but you are aware that this canuot last over such a long line of defenses, with an uncertainty as to the point of attack. Opinions differ as to whether anything got into Sumter last night. There may or may not. The night was dark, and occasionally stormy, and a heavy sea running. If anything did, it could not have been very extensive. Perhaps they desire to lay off, and send in one boat at a time or once a night. This is the most feasible plan, and that which I most fear. If it is in your power I beg you to come here for myself personally. I am nearly broken down for want of rest. The gentlemen you sent are very efficient. Quartermaster Hatch should send down tents for the general and his staff. We are without accommodations, and are temporarily in the hospital, which we may at any time be compelled to leave. Very truly, yours, W H. C. WHITING. [Indorsemeut. I I hardly think the additional one thousand men could act on that island, and he ought to order the men to sleep in daylight and enforce it. F. W. P. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, No. 3. ADJT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Montgomery, Ala., April 13, 1861. In honor of the occasion, officially announced, that the United States colors have been hauled down at Fort Sumter and replaced by the white flag, a salute~ of fifteen guns will be fired in front of the Department this day at two oclock. By command of the Secretary of War: S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, April 14, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: I have possession of Sumter. Anderson and garrison on Isabel going in morning. None killed; two wounded. Quarters in ruins. Interior of fort damaged. Armament still effective against entrance to channel. G. T. BEAUREGARD. MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., April 14, 1861. General BEAUREGARD: M~ DEAR GENERAL: I beg an immediate answer, by the bearer, to this. Captain Lee, Corps of Engineers, has preferred to me a claim to the honor ~f being sent to Sumter this morning. The very f~tithfnl, skillful, and laborious duties performed here for three months continu- ously by Captain Lee entitle him to this distinction, if he so considers it. As the Chief Engineer of the Confederate Army, and charge Page 315 CHAr. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 315 with the supervision of the works on Morris Island, I have no hesita- tion in saying that I consider Captain Lee entitled to the credit of the engineering work done here, with his assistants. To it he has devoted his time and personal interests. Captain Lee naturally feels aggrieved at having been snperseded on the eve of action, on the occasion of my being relieved from engineering dnty (althongh, undoubtedly, that was dne to the snpposed state of his health). Captain Lee does not desire to make the report called for in your order, but claims to be seut to Snmter. I indorse this claim, and most respectfully and earnestly reqnest that you will return an order sending Captain Lee, for the present, to Sumter, on duty with the garrison. It is certainly due to his untiring devotion, he not being absent from his post for three months, and it is the reward which he has asked for. W. H. C. WHITING, Adjutant and Inspector General. P. S.I understand perfectly that you want a specialist. The major has no feeling about the matter, and will make his report. Please to grant this. W. H. C. W. CHARLESTON, April 14, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Fleet still outside. Can spare no guns yet, but hope to do so soon. G. T. BEAUREGARD. SOUTH END BATTERY, Morris Island, S. C., April 15, 1861. Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD, Commander-in- Chief, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: These vessels of the enemy, which are causing us some anxiety, and, at any rate, treating us with great disrespect, I would like to have the pleasure of (Iriving off from our port; and, if we cannot suc- ceed in that, at least make them keep at a respectable distance. I volunteer for the service. If you will allow me to put the rifled can- non on board the Lady Davis, nuder my command, I can go out, and, at long range, try the effect of the shot on them. I think in this way I may be able to annoy, if not drive them offi Should this plan meet yonr views, I would be glad to try and carry it into execution. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. B. HUGER, Lient. C. S. Navy, Commandant of Batteries. MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., April 15, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Commanding Provisional Forces, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: Having posted the troops on the island, with such gen- eral directions in case of action as I am able to give, I must call your attention to the danger which they may suffer should the enemy cover the main line, and keeping out of the close fire of the Dahlgren battery, string along the beach to shell the troops. I propose to take two of th Page 316 316 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, S. C. [CHAP. I. mortars from Stevens battery and place them behind Gadbuys during the night, and one just below the Dahigren. Sturgis will never venture under vertical fire. The enemy will know nothing of the move. No epaulement is necessary, nature having provided that. The weak point of the island is the low flat between Vinegar Hill and Gadbuys, afford- ing, as it does, no cover to the troops, and a point of attack by which the enemy might endeavor to separate or cut in two our line. I have issued the orders for this move, but will hold their execution for yonr approval. I would like also to have the Dahigren (used by Hamilton in the late action) immediately, for placing at Light-house Hill (Battery Huger). These movements should be commenced, if decided upon, at on~e. We require, also, more artillerymen. The Palmetto Guards should return to the island to man their mortars. Perhaps some could be spared from Pleasant and Johnson. I would respectfully indorse the remounting of a few 24s (now in the city) on Pinckney, and a mor- tar to be sent there. The channel defenses must be immediately increased by more columbiads; three from the iron battery, two 42s from the Point, and five 42s from Sumter (lying on the parade). The three 8-inch co- lumbiads, half buried, to be used as mortars in Sumter, can be made available, if quickly done; the 10-inch on a mortar carriage also. The serviceable battery of Sumter should be put in order and supplied with. out delay. Had not Major Trapier better attend to these constructions? The pintles can be placed at once; the carriages have been ordered; perhaps there are some extra ones at Sumter; the epaulements to be constructed at leisure. A traverse breastwork, three hnndred yards, running back from Vinegar Hill, is directed to be constructed. Please visit this post. Very truly, W. H. C. WHITING, Adjutant and Inspector General. MONTGOMIERY, April 15, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: If floating battery worked well I shall order one for Pensacola, so give me your opinion. If favorable, can Captain Hamilton, under whose supervision it was constructed, be induced to go to Pensacola for that purpose? L. P. WALKER. CHARLESTON, April 15, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Floating battery worked well for enfilading. Believe it good. Want Hamilton for a few days. We have a remarkable rifled cannon, 12-pounder, superior to any other here. Others ought to be ordered. G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 15, 1861. Brig. Gen. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding: GENERAL: As the floating battery has to be removed from its present position, and as you are desirous of placing it at Wappoo, for defense against boats, I would suggest that the armament be changed to 8-inc Page 317 CHAP. I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 317 siege howitzers, to throw grape, canister, and spherical-case shot. The howitzers are at the Citadel, but the carriages will have to be made. The detachment that fought the battery (a portiou of Company D, of the artillery battalion) could serve it again, but as the company is well drilled at the exercise of heavy guns, you will, no doubt, require its services in the harbor. If authority could be obtained from the honor- able Secretary of the Confederate States Navy for me to enlist twenty- five seamen, four of which to be rated petty officers, and Mr. Grimball and Ingraham could be assigned to me, I could take charge of the bat- tery and perhaps make her useful. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. III. HAMILTON, Lieutenant, 0. S. Navy. GRNERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. PROVISIONAL FORCES, No. 22. Oharleston, 5. 0., April 15, 1861. The forces on Morris Island shall constitute one division, to be corn- manded by Maj. Gen. M. L. Bonham, S. C. V., which division shall be divided into two brigades, as follows: The first brigade, to be com- manded by Brig. Gen. James Simons, S. C. M., shall be composed of Colonels Cunningham and ilagoods regiments, and Lieutenant-Col- onel De Saussures battalion of artillery and the second brigade, to be commanded by Brig. Gem P. II. Nelson, S. C. V., shall be composed of Colonels Greggs and ~ regiments, and the battalion of Colonel mons regiment on the island; the first brigade to occupy the northern portion of the island and the second brigade the southern portion. The general officers will at once assume their commands, and will far- nish to these headquarters a list of their respective staffs. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: D. R. JONES, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 318 CHAPTER II. THE SECESSION OF GEORGIA. January 326, 1861. SUMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. January 3, 1861.Fort Pulaski seized by State troops. 19, 1861.Ordinance of secession adopted. 24, 1861.United States Arsenal at Augusta, Ga., seized by State troops. 26, 1861.Oglethorpe Barracks, Savannah, and Fort Jackson, seized by State troops. REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Capt. Win. H. C. Whiting, U. S. Corps of Engineers, of the seizure of Fort Pulaski, Ga.. No. 2.Letter of Col. H. K. Craig, Chief of Ordnance U. S. Army, in reference to transfer of detachment from the Charleston to Augusta Arsenal. No. 3.Capt. Arnold Elzey, Second U. S. Artillery, of the seizure of Augusta Arsenal. No. 4.Ordnance Storekeeper John M. Galt, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Augusta Arsenal. No. 5.Capt. Win. H. C. Whiting, U. S. Corps of Engineers, of the seizure of Ogle- thorpe Barracks and Fort Jackson. No. 6.Ordnance Sergeant E. Burt, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Oglethorpe Barracks, Savannah. No. 1. Reports of Capt. W. H. C. Whiting, U. S. Corps of Engineers, of the seiz ure of Port Pulaski, Ga. SAVANNAH, January 3, 1861. By direction of Captain Whiting, now on duty at Fort Clinch, I have to report that State troops left this morning for Fort Pulaski by order of Governor Brown. HERMANK HIRSCH, Clerk. Col. R. E. DE RUSSY, Commanding Corps of iEngineers. U. S. ENGINEER OFFICE, Savannah, January 7, 1861. GENERAL: I have to report that on the 3d instant, beiti g at Fort Clinch, I received a telegram from my clerk informing me that troops of the State of Georgia were moving to occupy Fort Pulaski, by order of the governor. I replied by telegraph, directing Mr. Hirsch to inform 31 Page 319 ChAP. TI.] REPORTS, ETC. 319 the commandant of Engineers of the fact. 1 took the first opportunity to reach Savannah on the 6th, and arrived last night. This morning I proceeded to Fort Pulaski, which I found occupied by Georgia troops, commanded by Colonel Lawton. I was received with great civility, and informed by him that he held possession of all the Government property for the present, by order of the governor of the State, and in- tended to preserve it from loss or damage. He requested a return of the public property, both Ordnance and Engineer, which I have given as existiug January 1. Those returns for the fourth quarter, 1860, will be forwarded with my quarterly papers, signed as usual up to the com- mencement of the present quarter. I can sign no more, however, for I cannot be responsible for property of the charge of which I have been forcibly deprived. I have directed Ordnance Sergeant Walker to re- port at Oglethorpe Barracks until further orders. The fort keeper I have discharged. On Saturday, 3d instant, the regular mail-boat from Fernandina to this place, by which I intended to travel, was taken off the line by the governor of Florida and ordered, as I was iuformed, to Saint Augustine, with a force to seize the ordnance mounted in the water battery of Fort Marion for the purpose of arming Fort Clinch. It is, perhaps, unnecessary for me to say to the Department that in the present condition of Fort Clinch the idea of arming it either for offense or defense is simply absurd. My presence, however, is neces- sary there, for I know that I have sufficient influence in the community to prevent anything like spoliation or plunder of the public property by lawless individuals. I shall, therefore, return there on Wednesday, the 9th instant. Previous to leaving that post, I received assurances from the principal citizens to the effect that they would promptly put down anything like an attempt on the part of unauthorized mob~ to take a dimes worth of the large amount of valuable material and property at the fort. They manifest a desire that the work shall continue without molestation, and this I believe to be the desire also of the members of the State Convention. I have a force of sixty men at work pushing the masonry as rapidly as possible. On the authority of Department letter of 9th ultimo, I have continued the work with the funds in my hands. The payments for December, which will be immediately made, will exhaust all funds in my hands belonging to Fort Clinch, and per- haps exceed a little. I have, as will be seen by the monthly statement, enough of other funds to continue for the present; but unless a portion at least of my last estimates is sent to me, I shall be compelled to close my operations. I respectfully request instructions. It is necessary to inform you that the telegraph is in the hands of the State authorities, and iio message of a military or political character is allowed to be sent or delivered except by permission of the governor. The telegram of Mr. Hirsch to Colonel De Hussy was refused until countersigued by Gov- ernor Brown. As to the Savannah IRiver improvement, no interference with the prop- erty belonging to the appropriation has been attempted, nor is any at present anticipated. I have, however, directed the discharge of all em- ploy6s except a watchman. Fort Jackson remains as heretofore. The mail between Charleston and Fernandina having been discon- tinued, I request that communications be addressed to me via Savannah. Very respectfully, WM. II. C. WHITING, Captain of Engineer8. General J. G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer, Washington Page 320 320 THE SECESSION OF GEORGIA. rOHAP. II. No. 2. Letter from Cot. H. K. Craig, Chief of Ordnance U. S. Army, in reference to transfer of detachment from the Charleston to Augusta Arsenal. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Washington D. C., January 19, 1861. SIR: The inclosed letter from Captain Elzey to the Adjutant-General of the Army is submitted for the perusal of the Lieutenant-General com- manding, and for such action as he may deem proper in the case, with the remarks that the captain had no means of knowing whether the Colonel of Ordnance had or had not consulted higher authority on the matter, even if such consultation, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, had been requisite. The Ordnance detachment had been ejected from the Charleston Arse- nal by the treasonable violence of the State authorities, and it became absolutely necessary to shelter it elsewhere: The Augusta Arsenal, Ga., under the control of this Department, where ample quarters are prepared for its enlisted men, is the nearest acceptable military post to which the detachment could be sent. The order to that effect was given after a full consideration of its propriety, and it is believed that if Captain Elzey had taken the pains to offer such explanations as his information warranted, the excitement alluded to by him need not have occurred, or might have been readily abated. With much respect, II. K. CRAIG, Colonel of Ordnance. Lient. Col. L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Headquarters. [Inclosure.] AUGUSTA ARSENAL, GA., January 11, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to foward a field return of a detachment of Ordnance which arrived at this post last night from Charleston, S. C., under command of Military Storekeeper llumphreys. He reported here by telegraphic order from Colonel Craig. This movement on the part of Colonel Craig I believe to be wholly unauthorized by the War Depart- ment. It was injudicious and impolitic, added much to the excitement ill Augusta, and was very nigh producing serious difficulties in this quarter, the people believing it to be a re-enforcement to my command. I had no previous knowledge of it whatever. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ARNOLD ELZEY, Col. ~. COOPER, C~aptain, Second Artillery, Commanding Post. Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. No. 3. Reports of t2apt. Arnold Blzey, Second U. & Artillery, of the seizure of Augusta Arsenal.* HEADQUARTERS AUGUSTA, GA., ARSENAL, Ja.nuary 23, 1861i oclock p. m. SIR: I am just officially informed by the governor of Georgia, now in Augusta, supported by a superior military force, that Georgia having See also inclosure to No. 2, p. 320 Page 321 CHAP. ml REPORTS, ETC. 321 resumed exclusive sovereignty over her soil, it has become his duty to require me to withdraw. the troops under my command at the earliest practicable moment from the limits of the State. He declares his in- tention to take possession of the arsenal, and proposes to receipt for the public property and account for the same on adjustment between the State of Georgia and the United States of America. He further declares that the retention of the troops upon the soil of Georgia after remon- strance is, under the laws of nations, an act of hostilify, claiming that the State now is not only at peace but anxious to cultivate the most amicable relations with the United States Government, and that an answer from me to his demand is required at 9 oclock a. m. to-morrow. An immediate answer to this communication is~respectfully requested.~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ARNOLD ELZEY, Captain, Second Artillery, Commanding. Col. S. COOPER, A djutant- General U. S. Army. AUGUSTA ARSENAL, GA., January 24, 1861. Sin: I have the honur to report that the arsenal was surrendered this morning to the governor of Georgia upon honorable terms, herewith in- closed. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ARNOLD ELZEY Captain, Second ~Artillery. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. [linclosure.] AUGUSTA ARSENAL, GA., January 24, 1861. His excellency the governor of Georgia having demanded the United States Arsenal at Augusta, commanded-by Capt. Arnold Elzey, Second Artillery, U. S. Army, the following terms are agreed upon, to wit.: 1st. The flag to le saluted and lowered by the United States troops. 2d. The company to be marched out with military honors and to re- tain its arms and company property. 3d. The officers and soldiers to occupy quarters until removed beyond the limits of the State, and to have the use of the post transportation to and from the city and in the neighborhood, and the privilege of obtain- ing supplies from the city. 4th. The public property to be receipted for hy the State authorities and accounted for upon adjustment between the State of Georgia and the United States of America. 5th. The troops to have unobstructed passage through and out of the State, by water, to New York, via Savannah. JOSEPH E. BROWN, Governor and 6~ommander.in-Cidef of the Army of the State of Georgia. ARNOLD ELZEY, Captain, Second Art~llery, Commanding Augusta Arsenal. 21 u B *Tlie answer is qm~te1 in Rizeys report of February 15, 1861, p. 322 Page 322 322 THE SECESSION OF GEORGIA. (CHAP. It WASHINGTON, P. C~, February 15, 1861. Siu: In compliance with your letter of this date, I have the honor to submit the following complete report of the surrender of the United States Arsenal at Augusta, Ga.: On the morning of the 23d of January, ultimo, I received from the governor of Georgia, then in Augusta, backed by a superior force of State troops, numbering some six or seven hundred, a verbal demand of the arsenal, which I refused. Shortly after came throngh his aidede-camp a written demand in the following terms, the substance of which wa~ telegraphed by me to the War Department, to wit: AUGUSTA, January 23, 1861. Sin: I am instructed by his excellency Governor Brown to say to you that, Georgia having seceded from the United States of America and resumed exclusive sovereignty over her soil, it has become his duty to require you to withdraw the troops under your command, at the earliest practicable moment, from the limits of the State. He proposes to take possession of tbe arsenal, and to receiVt for all public property under your chmrge, which will be accounted for on adjustment between the State of Georgia and the United States of America. He begs to refer you to the fact that the retention of your troops upon the soil of Georgia after remonstrance is, under the laws of nations, an act of hostility, and he claim that the State is not only at peace bat anxious to cultivate the most amicable relations with the United States Government. I am further instructed to say that an answer will be expected by to-morrow morn- ing at 9 oclock. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY R. JACKSON, Aide-de-Camp, ~5c. About 1 oclock on the night of the 23d of January, ultimo, I received from the War Department the following reply to my telegram, to wit: Capt. ARNOLD ELZEY, WASIIINGTON, January [23, 1861.] Second Artillery, Commanding Augusta Arsenal, Ga.: The governor of Georgia has assumed against your post and the United States an attitude of war. His summons is harsh and peremptory. It is not expected that your defense shall be desperate. If forced to surrender by violence or starvation, you will stipulate for honorable terms and a free passage by water with your company to New York. J. HOLT, Secretary of War. To have resisted such a force, then ready to attack me, with my knowledge of large re-enforcements at Savannah and Atlanta, ready to come up by rail at a mo~~fl~~5 warning, would have been desperation in my weak position. I therefore directed my adjutant to address and convey the following note in reply to the governors demand: HEADQUARTERS AUGUSTA ARSENAL, GA., January 24, 1861. Col. H. R. JACKSON, A. D. C.: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I am dirncted by Captain Elzey, com- manding this post, to say, in reply to the demands of the governor of Georgia, made through you yesterday, requiring him to withdraw his command beyond the limits of the State, he begs to request an interview with his excellency the governor for the purpose of negotiating honorable terms of surrender at as early an hour this morning as practicable. I havi~ the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant. J. P. JONES, Lieutenant, Second Artillery, Post Adjutant. About 10 oclock of the same morning (24th) the governor, accom- panied by his staff and Brigadier General Harris, commanding th Page 323 CHAP. ILI REPORTS, ETC. 323 troops, rode up to my quarters and were received by me, when the fob lowing honorable terms were agreed npon and executed, to wit:* * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ARNOLD ELZEY, Captain, Second Artillery. Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army. No. 4. Report of Ordnance Storekeeper John M. Gait, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Augusta Arsenal. AUGUSTA ARSENAL, GA., January 25, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to report that this post was surrendered to the authorities of the State of Georgia on a demand made by the governor in person, backed by a very superior force of the military of the State. The company of Second U. S. Artillery stationed here is under orders for New York, and as we are required to evacuate the post as soon as practicable, I would respectfully recommend the immediate discharge of the detachment of Ordnance, and would request that four or six months leave of absence be granted to me. It may be well in making the application for leave of absence to say that I have had none for four- teen years, with one exception, which I did avail myself of. Full and complete receipts will be taken for all the public property in my charge. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN M. GALT, Military Storekeeper of Ordnance. CoL H. K. CRAIG, Ordnance Office, Washington, D. C. No. 5. Report of Capt. Win. H. C. Whiting, U. S. Corps of Engineers, of the seiz ure of Oglethorpe Barracks and Fort Jackson. U. S. ENGINEER OFFICE, Savannah, January 28, 1861. GENERAL: I arrived here this evening from Fort Clinch. I left that post in charge of Mr. James A. Walker as fort keeper. A copy of my instructions to him is forwarded herewith. Previous to leaving Fernandina I received verbal assurance from a member of the governors council that the property at Fort Clinch would not be disturbed by the State, and that the work would be allowed to remain in the charge of the United States fort-keepers in statu quo. On my arrival here I found that the authorities of the State of Georgia had taken possession of all the works under my charge in the State, and had formally assumed the control of Oglethorpe Barracks. I forward here- with a copy of a letter addressed to me by Colonel A. R. Lawton, of the Georgia troops. Ordnance Sergeant Burt having refused to surrender, his storeroom was taken possession of, and on his reporting to me I gave him orders to make no further resistance. Both Ordnance Sergeant * See inclosure to report of January 24, 1861, p. 321 Page 324 324 THE SECESSION OF GEORGIA. [CHAP. II Walker, late at Fort Pulaski, and Ordnance Sergeant Bnrt are now at the barracks~ where they are permitted to remain. My command hav- ing been forcibly interrupted, I can give them no fnrther orders, and must leave the disposition of them to headquarters. Very respectfully, ~ H. ~. WHITING, Caytain of Engineers. General J. G. TOTTEN, Chief of Engineers. (Inclosure.] SAVANNAH, January 28, 1861. Captain WHITING, iT. S. Engineers: SIR: I am instructed by the governor and commander-in-chief of the State of Georgia to take possession of Oglethorpe Barracks, in the name of the State of Georgia, and in your absence from this city po~ses- sion has been taken. The occupants will not be disturbed at present, and you will please consider yourself at liberty to occupy, with your employ6s, such apartments as are necessary for your convenience while you are closing up your business here. The steamer Ida and appur- tenances have also been taken possession of under the same authority. This, I believe, includes all the property held by you in the State of Georgia, as military engineer of the United States, but does not include any light-house property. You have been already notified, informally, that Forts Pulaski and Jackson had been occupied by the troops of the State of Georgia under my command. Very respectfully, A. R. LA.WTOX, Liolonel, Commanding. No. 6. Report of Ordnance Sergeant B. Burt, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Ogle- thorpe Barracks, Savannah. SAVANNAH, GA., January 27, 1861. Sn~: I transmit herewith a copy of an order which was handed to me yesterday. I refused to recognize Colonel Lawtons authority, or to allow Lieu- tenant Bassinger to interfere with the barracks or public property. Lieutenant Bassinger, on my refusal to agree to comply with the order which he gave me, called on and obtained assistance from the city police and fastened up my public storeroom. The barracks are now under the charge of the police. I. do not think the State authorities design taking the stores from here at present, or that they will molest me so long as I allow them to keep my storeroom fastened. Lieutenant Bassinger, an officer of the State, offered to give me any writing I might desire in relation [to] the post and stores, but I refused to take any, or to give him any information. Please inform me if I am to act different from what I have. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. BURT, Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army. Vol. 5. COoPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C Page 325 REPORTS, ETC. (1uc1o8ure.1 SAYAxNAII, January 26, 1861. Lieut. W. S. BASSINGER: SIR: You will immediately take possession of Oglethorpe Barracks, in this city, in the name of the State of Georgia, and under orders of the commander-in-chief. The present occupants are not to be disturbed, provided they agree to remain subject to my orders, or to any proper authority of this State. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. R. LAWTON, CoiQuet, Commanding. Cnir. U.] 32 Page 326 CHAPTER III. THE SECESSION OF ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI. January 420, 1861. SUMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. January 4, 1861.United States Arsenal at Mount Vernon seized by State troops. 5, 1861.Forts Morgan and Gaines seized by State troops. 9, 1861.Ordinance of secession adopted in Mississippi. 11, 1861.Ordinance of secession adopted in Alabama. 20, 1861.Fort on Ship Island, Miss., seized by State troops. REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Letter from Secretary of War to Hon. ID. Clopton, declining to furnish plans of Mount Vernon ArsenaL No. 2.Capt. Jesse L. Reno, U. S. Ordnance Department, of the seizure of Mount Vernon Arsenal. No. 3.Ordnance Sergeant S. Patterson, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Fort Morgan. No. 4.Letter from the Governor of Alabama to the President of the United States. No. 5.Lient. F. E. Prime, U. S. Corps of Engineers, of the seizure of fort on Ship Island, Miss. No. 6.Lient. C. B. Reese, U. S. Corps of Engineers, of the formal occup~ition of Fort Gaines by the State troops. No~ 1. Letter from the Secretary of War to Hon. D. Clopton. WAR DEPARTMENT Washington, January 3, 1861. lion. DAVID CLOPTON, House of Representatives: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ultimo, asking for the plat and plan of the magazines at Mount Vernon Arsenal, Alabama. In reply, I have to say that I would cheer- fully comply with your request did not the interests of the service in the present condition of affairs forbid the pabliQation of information of that description. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HOLT, Secretary of War ad interim. 32 Page 327 Vu& r. 111.] REPORTS, ETC. 327 No. 2. Report of Capt. Jesse L. Reno, U. S. Ordnance Department, of the seizure of Mount Vernon Arsenal. MOUNT VERNON ARSENAL, January 4, 1861. Siu: I have the honor to inform you that this arsenal was taken pos- session of by four companies of volunteers from Mobile at daylight this morning. I did not make, nor could I have made, any resistance, as they had scaled the walls and taken possession before I knew anything about the movement. The governor has demanded all the public property, and his men now have entire possession of the arsenal. I telegraphed to you to-day for orders as to what disposition is to be made of the enlisted men and of myself If, unfortunately, my telegram should not be answered, I will wait here a few days in hopes of hearing from you; but in the event the mails should be stopped, I will discharge all those that desire it, and bring the others with me to Washington. The men have not been paid, and I fear that now there is no prospect of it at present. I shall probably leave here by the 11th instant, nnlessl should receive other orders. As it was impossible for me to hold this place with my 8eventeeu men, I trust that the Department will not hold me responsible for this unexpected catastrophe. Very respectfully., your obedient servant, J. L. REXO, Captain, Ordnance. Capt. WM. MAYNADIER, Ordnance Office. No. 3. Report of Ordnance Sergeant S. Patterson, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Fort Morgan. MomLE, January 5, 1861. DEAR SIR: I have been superseded by Colonel Todd, of the Militia of Alabama, and he took and receipted for all the property belonging to the Ordnance Department and fort. I wait for orders from the Adjutant.General. I am, very respectfully, ~. PATTERSON, Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army. The ADJUTANT-GENERAL. No.4. Letter from the Governor of Alabama to the President of the United States. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, Ala., January 4 [?], 1861. To his Excellency JAmvrus BUCHANAN, President of the United States: SIR: In a spirit of frankness I hasten to inform you by letter that by my order Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines, and the United States Arsena Page 328 328 THE SECESSION OF ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI. [CHAP. IlL at Mount Vernon were on yesterday * peacefully occupied, and are now held by the troops of the State of Alabama. That this act on my part may not be misunderstood by the (}overnment of the United States, I proceed to state the motives whicli have induced it, and the reasons which justify it, and also the course of conduct with which I design b follow that act. A convention of the people of this State will, in pursuance of a previ- ously-enacted law, assemble on the 7th instant. I was fully convinced by the evidences which I had that that convention would at an early day, in the exercise of an authority which in my judgment of right be- longs to it, withdraw the State of Alabama from the Government of the United States and place it in the attitude of a separate and independent power. Being thus convinced I deemed it my duty to take every pre- cautionary step to make the secession of the State peaceful, and prevent detriment to her people. While entertaining such a conviction as to my duty, I received such information as left but little, if any, room to doubt that the Governmei~t of the United States, anticipating the secession of Alabama, and pre- paring to maintain its authority withiii this State by force, even to the shedding of the blood and the sacrifice of the lives of the people, was about to re-enforce tho~e forts and put a guard over the arsenal. Hav- ing that information, it was but an act of self-defense, and the plainest dictate of prudence, to anticipate and guard against the contemplated movement of the authorities of the General Government. Appreciating, as I am sure you do, the courage and spirit of our people, you must be sensible that no attempt at the coercion of the State, or at the enforce- ment by military power of the authority of the United States within its jurisdictiou in contravention of the ordinance of secession can be effect- ual, unless our utmost capacity for resistance can be exhausted. it would have been an unwise policy, suicidal in its character, to have per- mitted the Government of the United States to have made undisturbed preparations within this State to enforce by war and bloodshed an authority which it is the fixed purpose of the people of the State to resist to the uttermost of their power. A policy so manifestly unwise would probably have ~been overruled by an excited and discontented people, and popular violence might have accomplished that which has been done by the State. ~much more appropriately and much more con- sistently with the prospect of peace and the interests of the parties con- cerned. The purpose with which my order was given and has been executed was to avoid and not to provoke hostilities between the State and Fed- eral Govcaument. ~There is 110 object, save the honor and independence of my State, Which is by me so ardently desired as the preservation of amicable relations between this State and the Government of the United States. That the secession of the State, made necessary by the conduct of others, may be peaceful is my prayer as well as the prayer of every patriotic man in the State. - An inventory of the property in the forts and arsenal has been ordered, and the strictest care will be taken to prevent the injury or destruction of it while peaceable relations continue to subsist, as I trust they wilL The forts and arsenal will be held by my order only for the precaution- ary purpose for which they were taken, and subject to the control oK ~~he convention of the people to assemble on the 7th instant. With distinguished consideration, I am your obedient servant, A. B. MOORE. 4 * But see dates in Summary of Events, p 326 Page 329 CsAP. IIII REPORTS, ETC. 329 No. 5. B#~port of Jijeut. Frederick B. Prime, U. S. Corps of Engineers, of the seiz ure of fort on Ship Island, ]lJiiss. BirLoxi, Miss., January 30, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to report that the works at Ship Island were visited by an armed body of men on the forenoon of the 13th instant. They stated to the overseer that their object was to take possession of the works, and, a~o, that they were acting on their own responsibility. After a short stay on the island, they left without interfering in any way with the work. On the afternoon of the same day another party, also armed, landed at Ship Island; their statement to the overseer was the same as that made by the first party. A flag was hoisted previous to their de- parture that evening. Ten men were left on the island, who occupied a vacant engineer building. As no interference was attempted on their part, operations were continued, so as to close the works as rapidly as pos~ible. On the morning of the 20th instant, a third armed body of men took forcible possession of the works and engineer property at Ship Island. From that moment I considered myself relieved from all connec- tion with those works. The forcible seizure on the 18th instant of the works and engineer property on east end of Dauphin Island (reported to the Department by Lieutenant Reese) has, in like manner, relieved me from all responsibility respecting Fort Gaines. The forcible occupation ofFortMorganandmyarrestatPensacolahave,Iconsider,relievedme from all connection with my other works, unless it be Fort Pickens, now garrisoned by the line of the Army. My duties are thus restricted to the settlement of outstanding liabilities against the works formerly in my charge. Should the Department, however, consider that I have, or may have hereafter, other duties to discharge with respect to these works, I would respectfully request that I be furnished with instructions to that effect. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK E. PRIME, First Lieutenant, Engineers. Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. G. TOTTEN, Chief of Engineers. Capt. II. G. WRIGHT: DEAR CAPTAIN: Dame Rumor says all th~ expeditions to capture Ship Island have been made without any authority from the governor, and have not as yet received his sanction. F.E.P. No. 6. Report of Lieut. C. B. Reese, U. S. Corps of Engineers, of the formal occu pation of Fort Gaines by State troops. MOBILE, ALA., January 19, 1861. SIR: I have to state that Fort Gaines was formally taken possession of in name of the State of Alabama yesterday. I was about to send all the hands off on a steamer chartered for the pnrpose; some provisions, & c., were also to [be] taken to Mobile and sold. Colonel Todd, of the State militia, arrived there in a small boat with four or five officers, at abou Page 330 330 THE SECESSION OF ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI. [CnAP. in. the same time that the steamer came to take the hands, provisions, & c., and prevented the shipment of anything but personal property, and de- manded the surrender of fort and all property pertaining thereto. I gave the sub-overseer directions to turn over keys, & c. Colonel Todd informed me that about 30 men would be left there that day. Fort Mor- gan has now, I think, at least 400 and perhaps 500 men. Respectfully, your obedient servant, B. REESE, Lieutenant of .Engineer8. General J. G. TOTTEN, Chief of Engineer8. Page 331 CHAPTER IV. OPERATIONS IN FLORIDA. January 6August 31, 1861. SUIMEARY 0B TI{IEI PRINCIPA.L EVENTS. January 6, 1861.United States Arsenal at Apalachicola seized by State troops. 7, 1861.Fort Marion, Saint Augustine, seized by State troops. 10, 1861.Ordinance of secession adopted. U. S. troops transferred from Barrancas Barracks to Fort Pickens, Pensacola Harbor. 12, 1861.Barrancas Barracks, Forts Barrancas and McRee, and the navy- yard, Pensacola, seized by State troops. Surrender of Fort Pickens demanded. 14, 1861.Fort Taylor, Key West, garrisoned by United States troops. 15, 1861.Second demand for surrender of Fort Pickens. 18, 1861.Fort Jefferson, Tortugas, garrisoned by United States troops. Third demand for surrender of Fort Pickens. 24, 1861.Be-enforcements for Fort Pickens sail from Fort Monroe, Va. February 6, 1861.U. S. steamer Brooklyn arrives off Pensacola with re-enforcements for Fort Pickens. March 11, 1861.Brig. Gen. Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, assumes command of Con- federate forces. 21, 1861.Seizure of the sloop Isabella. April 7, 1861.Re-enforcements for Fort Pickens sail from New York. 12, 1861.Re-enforcements from Fort Monroe, and detachment of marines, landed at Fort Pickens. 13, 1861.Bvt. Col. Harvey Brown, Second U. S. Artillery, assumes command of the Department of Florida. 17, 1861.Re-enforcements from New York arrive at Fort Pickens. August 5, 1861.The Alvarado burned off Fernandina, by the U. S. steamer Yin- cennes. REPORTS. Na. 1.Ordnance Sergeant B. Powell, U. S. Army, of the seizure of U. S. Arsenal at Apalachicola. Na. 2.Ordnance Sergeant Henry Douglas, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Fort Marion, Saint Augustine. No. 3.ILient. 4 J. Slemmer, First U. S. Artillery, of the transfer of his command from Barrancas Barracks to Fort Pickens, and subsequent events (to Febru- ary 5, 1861) in Pensacola Harbor. 33 Page 332 332 OPERATIONS IN FLORIDA. [Ciw.. IV. No. 4.Capt. John M. Brannan, First U. S. Artillery, in reference to occupation of Fort Taylor, Key West. No. 5.Bvt. Maj. L. G. Arnold, Second U. S. Artillery, of occupation of Fort Jeffer- son, Tortuga3. No. 6.Capt. E. Yuell, assistant commissary subsistence, C. S. Army, of the destruc- tion of the Alvarado by the U. S. steamer Vincennes. No. 1. Reports of Ordnance Sergeant B. Powell, U. S. Army, of the seizure of U. S. Arsenal at Apalachicola. CHATTAHOOCHEE, January 6 ,1861. The arsenal has been taken possession of by the State this morning, 7 oclock. My forces too weak to defend it. I have refused keys of magazine and armory. Answer, with instructions. E. POWELL, U. S. Arsenal. Captain MAYNAIuER, Chief Ordnance Department. U. S. ARSENAL, CHATTAHOOCHEE, FL A., January 6, 1861. Sin: I have the honor herewith to inclose a copy of the order given to Colonel Dunn, the commander of the troops which took possession of this arsenal. I telegraphed this morning to you. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. POWELL, Urdnance Sergeant, U. S. Army. Capt. W. MAYNADIER, Chief of Ordnance, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure.] STATE OF FLORIDA, EXECUTIVE CHMrBER, Tallahassee, January 5, 1861. Sin: Reposing special confidence in your patriotism, discretion, and integrity, I hereby authorize and empower you to raise a company of picked men and proceed to the Apalachicola River and seize and pos. sess the arsenal, arms, ammunition, stores, buildings, and other prop- erty now in the possession of the General Government, and retain the same subject to my orders. You are requested to act with secrecy and discretion. You are further authorized to call out the Seventh Regi- ment Florida Militia for all aid in its power to render that you may deem necessary to retain occupation of said arsenaL N. S. PERRY. By the governor State Florida: T. S. VILLEPIGUE, Secretary of State. QUINCY, FLA., January 6, 1861. SIR: I beg leave to state that I telegraphed this mori~*ng from Chat. tahoochee, and finding that I could get no answer, I came to this place and thought probably I might get an answer from you by writing from here. I informed you that the Florida troops had taken possession of the arsenal, and my force being so weak I was unable to offer any resist Page 333 333 CHAP. Ivj REPORTS. ance. I mailed a copy of the governors order, & c., this morning at; Chattahoochee, but finding that it would not be forwarded on account of the excitementthey have taken all the public property in spite of all I could doI refused giving up the keys, but the governor tele- graphed to the commanding officer to insist on the delivery of the same, and I was compelled to give them up. I would be pleased to receive advice as to what disposition I shall make of myself and men. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant E. P6WELL, Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army. Capt. W. MAYNADIER, Washington, D. 0. No. 2. Report of Ordnance Sergeant Henry Douglas, U. S. Army, of the seizure of Fort Marion, Saint Augustine. SAINT AUGUSTINE, EAST FLORIDA, January 7, 1861. SIR: I am obliged to perform what is to me a painful duty, viz, to report to the Chief of Ordnance that all the military stores at this place were seized this morning by the order of the governor of the State of Florida. A company of volunteer soldiers marched to the barracks and took possession of me, and demanded peaceable possession of the keys of the fort and magazine. I demanded them to show me their authority. An aide-de-camp of the governor showed me his letter of instructions authorizing him to seize the property, and directing him to use what force might be necessary. Upon reflection I decided that the only alternative for me was to deliver the keys, under protest, and demand a receipt for the property. One thing certain, with the exception of the guns composing the arma- ment of the water battery, the property seized is of no great value. The gentleman acting under the governors instructions has promised to re- ceipt to me for the stores. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY DOUGLAS, Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. Army. Col. II. K. CRAIG, Chief of Ordnance Department, U. S. Army. No. 3. Reports of Lieut. Adam J. Slemmer, First U. S. Artillery, of the transfer of his command from Barrancas Barracks to Fort Pickens, and subse- ~juent events (to February 5, 1861) in Pensacola Harbor. BARRANCAS BARRACKS, FLA., January 8, 1861. SIR: There are rumors that the citizens of Florida and Alabama intend taking possession of the fortifications in this harbor. They have already taken those at Mobile and Savannah. I am stationed with one company (G, First Artillery) at Barrancas Barracks, having also For Page 334 334 OPERATIONS IN FLORIDA. [CHAP. IV. Barrancas in charge. There are no accommodations for troops in the fort. Fort Pickens (unoccupied) commands the harbor, and should that work be taken possession of our position would be useless as far as any protec- tion to the harbor goes. Please furnish me with orders for my direction in the case before me. I have already telegraphed to the same effect. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, A. J. SLEMMEB, First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding. CoL S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army. FORT PICKE~S, FLA., January 10, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to report that on this date, I removed my command from Barrancas Barracks, Fla., to Fort Pickens, under special instructions received the previous day from the General-in-Chief. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, A. J. SLEMMEB, First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Post. CoL S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U. S. Army. FORT PIOXENS, FLA., February 5, 1861. SIR: Having heard rumors that the forts and other public property in Pensacola Harbor were to be seized by troops under the orders of the governor of Florida, and having been advised of the seizure of the forts in Mobile Bay, I deemed it proper, having received no instructions from Washington, to endeavor to prevent, by all the means in my power, a like seizure here. On the morning of the 7th ultimo, accompanied by Lieutenant Gil- man, I called upou the commander of the navy-yard, Commodore Arm- strong, to consult with him in reference to some plan to be adopted to insure the safety of the public property. We had a similar consultation on the evening of the same day and on the morning of the 8th. The commodore, in the absence of any orders, deemed it inexpedient to co- operate with us. On the morning of the 8th 1 removed all the powder from the magazine in the Spanish battery of Fort Barrancas to the inner magazines, because, from its exposed position, it was liable to seizure at any moment. I also caused all the batteries to be put in working order, and at night placed a sergeants guard in the fort with the drawbridge raised. That night a body of men (about twenty in number) came to the fort with the evi- dent intention of ta1~ing possession. The corporal of the guard caused the alarm to be given, upon which the assailants retreated precipitately. The guard was immediately strengthened by half the company, but nothing further occurred that night. On the morning of the 9th I received through the mail a letter, of which the following is a copy: HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY First Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER Washington, January 3, 1861. SIR :Ilrst Artillery, or Commznding Officer Barrancan Barracks, lila.: The General-in-Chief directs that you take measures to do the utmost in your power to prevent the seizure of either of the forts in Pensacola Harbor by surprise or assault, consulting first with the commander of the navy-yard, who will probably have received instructions to co-operate with you. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. LAY, Lieutenant-Colonel, A. D. C Page 335 Cnir. lY.] REPORTS. 335 Immediately on its reception, accompanied by Lieutenant Gilman, I called on Conimodore Armstrong to consult with him. He had received orders to co-operate with me. We decided that with our limited means of defense we could hold but one fort, and that should be Fort Pickens, as it commanded completely the harbor and the forts an dalsothe navy-yard, and, in case of necessity, could be more readily re-enforced than either of the others, and presented the best means of defense. In order to act on this decision, the commodore promised to send the U. S. steamer Wyandotte at 1 oclock p. in. to take us over, to give us all the men he could possibly spare, and to allow the steamer Wyandotte and the storeship Supply to anchor under the guns of the fort, in order to protect the land approach. At 10 oclock a. m. I came with the greater part of my command, Com- pany G, First Artillery, to Fort Pickens to mount guns and make nec- essary preparations for defense, leaving Lieutenant Gilman at Barran- cas Barracks with the remainder to make the necessary arrangements for removal. At ip. m. Lieutenant Gilman, seeing no signs of the prom- ised assistance, called to see the commodore, and was informed by him that the only assistance he could afford would be to furnish some pro- visions and take the command over, which fact Lieutenant Gilman re- ported to me at Fort Pickens. I immediately stopped all work, sent the men back, and with Lieutenant Gilman went to see the commodore. I stated that I had been deceived by him; that he had promised me men and the co-operation of the two vessels of war, besides the mere fact of giving us provisions and taking us over; that with my command, only 46 strong, I should never dream of defending so large a work, cal- culated for upwards of 1,200 men; that I had been at work on that promise, and had thus lost a days time in the preparation of Fort Bar- rancas for defense; that he had distinctly promised me what I assever- ated. The commodore then sent for Commander Farrand, Lieutenant Renshaw, and Lieutenant-Commander Berryman, and gave instructions for carrying out the original design. Captain Berryman, of the steamer Wyandotte, promised to be ready to leave his wharf at 5 p. in., at which time all should be in readiness at the Barrancas wharf for removal. I immediately returned to Barran- cas Barracks to make preparations. As time was very limited all means were used to place the public property on the wharf for removal. Night came, and yet no signs of assistance. The company labored un- til 12 in., when a heavy fog coming in rendered it highly improbable that the steamer would come that night. At 8 a. m. on the 10th a fiat- boat was sent to the wliarf, which was loaded, as well as all the small boats which could be had. We were landed at Fort Pickens at about 10 a. m. On the way over, Captain Berryman turned over to me thirty ordinary seamen from the yard, without arms or equipments of any kind. We labored all day until -night carrying up the stores to Pie fort, and arranging for its defense. I directed that all the powder in Fort Bar- rancas should be taken out and rolled to the beach, for transportation if possible; if not, for destruction. Nearly all the powder and all the fixed ammunition for the field battery was brought overthat day. All the guns bearing on the bay were spiked by my orders, itt position, as I had neither means nor time to dismount them. The provisions required were, by agreement with the commodore, to be drawn from the Supply as they were wanted, instead of sending them from the yard; yet, almost the instant we landed the master of the yard came with some small stores in a barge, bringing with him an order from Commodore Arm- strong to land the stores immediately and proceed to anchor off th Page 336 53(~ OPERATIONS IN FLORIDA. (CHAP. 1V. center wharf of the yard. As I was not ready to receive the stores, th6 Supply remained at her anchor that night. On the morning of the 11th I was informed by Captain Walke that he had received another order from Commodore Armstrong to deliver the stores and return to the navy-yard. Captain Berryman also told me that he expected to sail that evening or the next morning for the south side of Cuba. I immediately caused the following note to be ad- dressed to the commodore by my acting adjutant, Lieutenant Gilman: FORT PICKENS, FLA., January 11, 1561. Commodore JAMES ARMSTRONG, U. S. Navy: SIR: I understand that it is your intention to withdraw from this fort the proton- tion of the U. S. steamer Wyandotte and the storeship Supply, contrary to the agree- ment between you and myself day before yesterday. I again have the honor to stat& , as I did to you in presence of several officers at our last interview, that without the aid of those vessels it will be utterly impossible, in my opinion, for me to protect this harbor, and I shall therefore, in case this assistance is withdrawn, instantly relin- quish all hope of defending the place, and report the state of affairs immediately by a messenger to Washington. I most respectfully request an immediate answer as to whether the assistance above referred to is to be withdrawn or not. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, (By order of A. J. Slemuier, First Artillery, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens:) J. H. GILMAN, Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, Acting Adjutant of the Post. To which the commodore replied as follows: COMMANDANTS OFFICE, U. 5. NAVY-YARD, PENSACOLA, Warringion, January 11, 1861~ Lient. A. J. SLEMMER, U. S. Army, Commanding at Fort Pickens, Pla.: SIR: In reply to your communication of this date, I have to state that the U. S. storeship Supply was sent to Fort Pickens by my order merely to convey the pre- visions you required and to return to this navy-yard. The Supply is not a vessel ef war, and having been sent to this station on the special 8ervice of conveying store~ and coal to Vera Cruz for the vessels of the home squadron stationed ~~here, it ismy duty to dispatch her to that port at the earliest moment practicable, in conformity with the orders I have received from the Navy Department, from which orders I ca~i- not deviate further. The steamer Wyandotte may be retained, for the purpose of co-operating with you, until further orders. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES ARMSTRONG, Commandant~ The Wyandotte and Supply remained at anchor under the fort that night. Captain Berryman sent me during the evening thirty muskets and bayonets to arm the ordinary seamen, which he had procured after some difficulty from tlie navy-yard. He also had for me some musket cartridges which were promised me from the yard, as my supply was limited. On the morning of the 12th, Captain Walke, of the Supply, showed me a communication to him from the commodore, saying that the yard was besieged, and that when attacked the Supply must immediately proceed to Vera Crnz. I received no information from the yard what- ever of the fact. I immediately addressed a note to the commodore, to this purport: Commodore JAMES ARMSTRONG, Commandant U. 5. Navy-Yard, Warrington, Fla.: SIR: I am informed that the navy-yard is besieged. In case you determine to capitulate, please send me the marines to strengthen my command. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. SLEMMER, .First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Fort Piekens Page 337 IV.] REPORTS. 337 To which I received no reply. Several hours after this the United States flag was lowered from the navy-yard. The Supply was towed outside by the Wyandotte, and both vessels remained anchored at a dis- tance of about five miles. That night Captain Berryman told me that his orders of the previous evening were to co-operate with me, but es- pecially that he must not fire a gun unless his vessel was attacked. He could offer me no assistance in case I were assaulted. Left thus entirely to depend on ourselves for defenseeighty-one men, including officers active preparations were made for flank defense, the guns being loaded with grape and canister, and the embrasifres closed as well as possible. On my arrival I found that there was not a single embrasure shutter in the fort. I caused some to be constructed, and others to be taken from Fort McRee to supply the deficiency. Just after retreat four gen- tlemen (three in military clothing) presented themselves at the gate, and demanded admittance as citizens of Florida and Alabama. They were told that by order no person was permitted to enter the fort. They then asked to see the commanding officer. I immediately went to the gate, accompanied by Lieutenant Oilman. Mr. Abert, engineer of the yard, presented Captain Randolph, Major Marks, and Lieutenant Rut- ledge. After a pause, Captain Randolph said, We have been sent to demand a peaceable surrender of this fort by the governors of Florida and Alabama. To which I replied that I was here nuder the orders of the President of the United States, and by direction of the General-in- Chief of the Army; that I recognized no right of any governor to demand a surrender of United States property; that my orders were distinct and explicit. They immediately withdrew. At 12 oclock at night the men were paraded and told off to the dif- ferent batteries in anticipation of an attack, slow-rn atch lighted, with lan- yards and port fires in hand ready to fire. No signs of an attack; night very daFk and rainy. We still labored on the 13th strengthening our position, and at night threw out sentinels beyond the glacis. Men stood at the gnus as on the night previous. Night very dark and rainy. On the night of the 13th a body of some ten men were discovered evidently reconnoitering. A shot was fired by them, which was returned by the sergeant. They then retreated. Nothing more could be seen of the party that night. On the 14th nothing of interest transpired. Men by this time almost worn out with labor, standing guard, and at the batter- ies day and night, for we anticipated an attack at any moment. On the 15th Colonel Chase, commanding the forces of Florida, accom- panied by Commander Farrand, late of the U. S. Navy, asked for a consultation, at which Coloiiel Chase read me the following letter: HEADQUARTERS PENSACOLA DISTRICT, January 15, 1861. Lieut. A. J. SLEMMER, U. S. Army, Commanding Port Pickens, Harbor of Pensacola: Sum: I have full powers from the governor of Florida to take possession of the forts and navy-yard, & c., & c., in this harbor. I desire to perform this duty without the effusion of blood. You can contribute toward this desirable result, and, in myjudgrnent, without sacrifice of the honor of yourself or your gallant officers and men. Now, as commissioner on the part of the governor of the State of Florida, I request the sur- render of Fort Pickens and the public property it contains into my hands, to be held subject to any agreement that may be entered into between the commissioners of the State of Florida and the Federal Government at Washington. I would not counsel you to do aught that was dishonorable; on the contrary, to do that which will secure for you the commendation of all Christian gentlemen; and if you refuse u~nd hold out, for whom do you consent that blood shall flowthe blood of brethren? Certainly not for the deadly enemies to the assaulters, for they are not such, but brethren of the same race. If the Union now broken should be reconstructed Fort Pickens and all the 22 R Page 338 338 OPERATIONS IN FLORIDA. [Cn~r. TV. public property passes peacefully under Federal authority. If a Southern Confederacy separates itself from the Union would it not be worse than folly to attempt the main- tenance of Fort Pickens or any other fortified place within its limits I Listea to me, thea, I beg of you, and act with me in preventing the shedding the blood of your brethren. Surrender the fort. You aud your command may reoccupy the barracks and quarters at Barrancas on your simple parole to remain there quietly until ordered away, or to resume the command of the harbor should an adjustment of present difficulties in the Union be arrived at. All the baggage and private property of any kind belonging to yourself, officers, men, and their families shall be preserved to you. Cousider this well, and take care that you will so act as to have no fearful recollections of a tragedy that you might have averted, but rather to make the present moment one of the most glorious, because christianlike, of your life. I beg of you to receive this communication in the same spirit in which it is offered. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. CHASE. I asked, How many men have you ~ The colonel answered, To- night I shall have between eight and nine hundred. I then said that I would consider his letter, and would give my answer the next morn- ing. I also desired to consult with the captains of the Supply and Wyandotte, which vessels were lying off the navy-yard under a white flag. The colonel said he would make arrangements for their coming to the fort, and would see them as he passed. I made this request for two reasonsfirst, because thereby I would gaiu more time for resting my men (who were completely exhausted), and, second, because I deemed it but courtesy on my part to consult them with reference to anything which would affect our common flag, and because one of them was in name co-operating with me. They did not come, however. I after- wards learned that the permission came in such a form that they could - not accept it. The next morning I saw with surprise both vessels nnder way going out of the harbor. I immediately sent a boat with Lieutenant Gilman to learn the cause of the movement. Captain Walke desired Lieutenant Gilman to go on board the Wyandottethat he would join him there. On Lieutenant Gilmans representations Captain Walke ordered the Wyandotte to stay and render us assistance, and take us off if necessary on being overcome by a superior force. The following letter was then sent to Colonel Chase at the navy-yard: FORT PICKENS, FLA., Pensacola Harbor, January 16, 1561. Col. W. H. CHAsE, ~Jomrnissioner for the State of Florida: Sm: Under the orders we now have from the War Department, we have decided, after consultation with the Government officers in the harbor, that it is our duty to hold our position until such a force is brought against us as to render it impossible to defend it, or until the political condition of the country is such as to induce us to sur- render the public property in our keeping to such authorities as may be delegated legally to receive it. We deprecate as much as you or any individual can the present condition of affairs, or the shedding of the blood of our brethren. In regard to this matter, however, we must consider you the aggressors, and if blood is shed that you are responsible there- for. By order of A. J. Slemmer, first lieutenant, First Artillery, commanding: J. H. GILMAN, Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, Act. Post Adjt. Captain Berryman took this letter to the yard, and then ran out of the harbor. On the 17th I mounted one 12-pounder gun and one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer on the northwest bastion. I had previously mounted three 32-pounders in the southeast bastion, and rendered effective the 24 Page 339 Cnir. 1W.] REPORTS. 339 pounder flank-defense howitzers, besides placing my field battery on the ramparts for effective service. Oii the 18th the steamer Wyandotte came again in sight. Received another letter from Colonel Chase, of which the following is a copy: HEADQUARTRRS PENSACOLA DISTRICT, January 18, 1861. Lient. A. J. SLEMMER, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens, Pensacola Harbor, Ma.; Sin: With additional re-enforcements to my forces, arrived and expected, I would again request the surrender of Fort Pickens, referring you to my first letter on the subject, and offering the same terms as contained therein. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. CHASE, Colonel, Commanding Forces of Florida. Which was answered as follows: FORT PICKENS, PENSACOLA HARBOR, January 18, 1861. Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding Forces of Florida, i-c.: Sin: Before I can answer your communication of this date, it is necessary that I communicate with Captain Berryman, of the U. S. steamer Wyandotte, co-operating ~vith me. The result of such conference I will make known to you to-morrow morning. By order of Lieut. A. J. Slemmer,First Artillery, commanding Fort Pickens: J. H. GILMAN, Second Lieutenant, First Artillery, Act. Adjt. of Post. A gun was fired to attract attention, and signal made to send a boat ashore. The steamer came to anchor off the southeast bastion of the fort. On the morning of the 19th the following reply was sent: FORT PICKENS, FLA., January 19, 1861. Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding the Forces of Florida, 4-c.: SIR: In reply to your communication of yesterday I have the honor to state that as yet I know of no reason why my answer to your communication of the 16th should be changed, and I therefore very respectfully refer you to that reply for the answer to this. By order of First Lieut. A. J. Slemmer, First Artillery, commanding Fort Pickens: J. H. GILMAN Second Lieutenant First Artillery, A. Post Adjt. On the 20th a party of sailors from the steamer Wyandotte came to assist us to mount a 10-inch columbiad. They labored that day and part of the next with imperfect materials, but at last succeeded in placing it in the trunnion beds. On the 22d and 23d nothing of importance transpired. We have had almost continued rain since the occupation of the fort. On the 24th, thinking it time that better feelings should exist toward us, I sent a boat under a white flag to the navy-yard, in order to obtain, if possible, the mail matter which had accumulated now since the 9th instant. It was refused by the authorities at the post-office. I then addressed the following note to Colonel Chase: FORT PICKENS, FLA., January 24, 1S~. Col. WM. H. CHASE, Commanding the Forces of Florida: Sin: I have the honor to request that you will permit Captain Berryman to procure, or have procured for him, the mail matter, letters, papers, & c., which may have ac- cumulated for me and my command at the Warrington post-office. My mail matter has been refused me from the office, and I therefore make this request of you as com- mander-in-chief of the forces, and from a knowledge of your personal character. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. SLEMMER, First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Page 340 340 OPERATIONS IN FLORIDA. [CHAP. IV. Colonel Chase not being present at the yard, Captain Randolph, com- mandant, ordered my mail matter to be taken to his office. On the 26th I received the following commnnications: HEADQUARTERS NAVY YARD, January 26, 1861. Lient. A. J. SLEMMER, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Picken8: Sin: I have this moment received your communication of the 24th instant. I have been absent at Montgomery, which will acconnt for the delay. I will immediately inquire at the post-office about your mail matter, and attend to your request. I would also inform you that you may be supplied with fresh provisions daily if you desire. I will commnnicate with you again. In haste, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. CHASE, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS NAVY YARD, January 26, 1861. JIAeut. A. J. SLEMMER, U. S. Army, Commanding Fort Pickens: Sin: I have given strict orders this morning that no citizen or soldier should be permitted to pass from this side towards Fort Pickens, or to land on Santa Rosa Island, and I now inform you of the fact, and also that I shall use every effort to have my orders executed. I have just been informed that some four or five men started ou a tlsl~ing excursion on the island, and as they must have been ignorant of my orders just i~sued, I would request that if they have landed on the island they may be sent hack. Any collision growing out of persons going over to the island or near Fort Pickens would be most unfortunate in the present state of affairs, and I would request you to join me in preventing it; and to this effect I would also request that persons in boats may be warned off, and if any should land, they should be ordered to re-embark. This should be done in a way to prevent angry feelings between the parties. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. CHASE, IJolonel, Commanding Forces. To which I replied as follows: FORT PIcKENs, FLA., January 26, 1861. Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding Force8: Sin: Your communication in answer to mine of the 24th instant is before me. I have directed Lieutenant Gilman to proceed to the navy-yard and consult with you with reference to supplies of fresh provisions and the mail facilities of my command. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedieat servant, A. J. SLEMMER, Fir8t Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding. FonT PICKENS, FLA., January 26, 1861. Col. W. H. CHASE, Commanding Forces of Florida: SIR: It gives me much pleasure to learn of your order with reference to the passage of boats and men to Fort Pickens and Santa Rosa Island from the yard and vicinity. I have given strict orders to allow no boats to land, and in alt cases of boats approach- ing the island I am notified of the fact. This morning I was informed by my sentinels that a boat with four men was ap- proaching the island above the fort and from the navy yard. I immediately sent and had theni apprehended, saw the men myself, and (Erected that they be re-embarked for the navy-yard, which was done, I believe, without any ill feelings being engen- dered. I will, rest assured, do all in my power to prevent any collision growing out of bonts landing on the island, and sincerely hope that your orders and vigilance may prevent any from coming over without your permission and flag. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. SLEMMER, First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Fort Pickens. Later in the day the mail for myself and command was bronght over from the yard with the following note: HEADQUARTERS PENSACOLA DIsTRIcT, January 26, 1861. Lient. A. J. SLEMMER, Commanding Fort Pickens: Sin: I send over your mail. The mail will be delivered to you in future without delay. Respectfully, & c., W. H. CHASE, Colonel, Commanding Forces, c5~c. I cannot close this report withont saying a few words with reference to my command. From the first to this day they have nobly vindicate Page 341 CHAP. iV.I REPORTS. 341 the honor of the American Army. Through all the toil and excessive labor by day and standing by the guns at night, for ten days wet to the skin, without adequate sleep or rest, not one word of complaint has been uttered, but the most cheerful obedience readily given to all com- mands. Had we been attacked during those days dreadful would have been the havoc, and we were menaced every day and night, from the 12th to the 26th. by the increasing number opposite us, numbering at one time over 2,000 men. All that prevented, I am confident (for such was the pitch to which their mad folly had carried them), was Colonel Chases knowledge of the strength and means of resistance within the fort, and our steady and firm adherence to the course determined on from the beginning, not to allow ourselves one moment to think of sur- rendering unless absolutely overpowered by numbers. I would recommend especially to the favorable notice of the General- in-Chief, First Sergeant Alexander Jamieson, Sergeant Boyd, Corporals Caidwell and ODonnell, of Conipany C-, First Artillery, for especial coolness and activity iu their several stations. Of Lieutenant Gilman I have only to say that during the whole affair we have stood side by side, and if any credit is due for the course pur- sued he is entitled equally with myself. I have descended iuto particulars in many places, but I did so to show the difficulties thrown in our way in the execution of our orders, and by persons, too, who had it in their power to render us the greatest assistance. Troops occupy Fort Barrancas, Barrancas Barracks, and Fort McRee. No guns are mounted at Fort McRee to my knowledge. On the 11th, Lieutenant Erben, of the storeship Supply, destroyed all the powder and the materials he could not bring over to Fort Pickens which would be necessary for the revolutionists to mount the guns, thus doing good service to the United States. The present armament here, mouimted and for service, is as follows: Fourteen 32-pounders, seven 12-pounders, one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, one 10-inch columbiad, six field pieces, twenty-five 24-pounder how. itzersfiank defense. Total, 54. I have provisions for five months for my present command; also a sufficient quantity of water. Nothing of interest has transpired from the 26th ultimo up to this date except the reception of orders by telegraph, and since by special messenger, with reference to the landing of troops, & c. I would most respectfully request that a surgeon be detailed for the command. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, A. J. SLEMMER, First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding Post. Col. L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Army. I have eighty-two men, all toldforty-eight, Company C-, First Artil- lery, and thirty-one ordinary seamen (of these, seventy-seven are for duty); two ordnance sergeants, and one hospital stewardnot enough for the ordinary garrison duty in the present emergency.* I have but * The original of this paper is indorsed as follows: This paper was given me by Lieutenant Slemmer without names or date. It relates to Fort Piekens, and is respectfully submitted. H. S. PUTNAM, Lieut. lop. Engineers. Col. L. THOMAS, Assistant Adjutant-Genera Page 342 342 OPERATIONS IN FLORIDA. [CHAP. IV. two reliefs for duty. They mount guard every other day. All the casemate flank-defense guns are in good order and serviceable. In bar- bette I have on the land approach nearly all the guns mounted and available. I have now more guns shotted than with my command in case of an attack I could use. There are no preparations now which look to an attack on the fort that I am aware of. Scaling ladders were prepared some time since iu the navy-yard, and are now ready for any emergency. Sand batteries were in progress of erection immediately opposite, but I think more to keep the volunteers employed than for effective service. The distance is too great for breaching batteries unless heavy and rifled cannon were used, of which they have none now available. Shells could, howex~er, be thrown into the fort from these batteries. The fort can be attacked on all sides by storming parties landing from the other side in boats under cover of the night, and with a small force it would be almost impossible to prevent its be- ing taken. Under present orders the vessels of the Navy ordered here could, in case of an assault, render me little or no assistance, as before they could land their forces the fort would be taken. No. 4. Reports of Capt. John IL. Brannan, First U. S. Artillery, in reference-to occupation of Fort Taylor, Key West. FORT TAYLOR, KEY WEST, FLA., January 14, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to report that in consequence of the recent seizure by unauthorized persons of several forts and arsenals in the Soutliern States, I have placed my entire command in Fort Taylor for the purpose of protecting it. I shall, until orders from the General Government to the contrary, defend it to the best of my ability with the scanty force (forty-four men) at my disposal. I inclose a copy of a com- munication I addressed direct to the Adjutant-General on December 11, 1860, to which I have received no reply; also a copy of a letter from Capt. E. B. Hunt, Corps of Engineers, in charge of Fort Taylor. As mail facilities have entirely ceased between Key West and the North, I would suggest that any orders for me be forwarded from New York City, via Havana, to the care of the American consul. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. BIIANNAN, Lient. Col. L. THOMAS, Captain, First Artillery, Commanding. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure No. 1.1 KEY WEST BARRACKS, FLA., December 11, 1860. SIR: The present condition of affairs in this State indicates very clearly that Florida, by the act of her people, will secede from the Fed- eral Government. I have reliable information that as soon as the act is committed an attempt will be made to seize upon Fort Taylor. I therefore request instructions what I am to doendeavor at all hazard Page 343 CHAP. TV.J REPORTS. 343 to prevent Fort Taylor being taken or allow the State authorities to have possession without any resistance on the part of my command ~i These instructions are absolutely necessary now, as it may be too late after the State secedes to receive any, in consequence of communications being cut off from the seat of Government. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. BItANNAN, Col. ~. COOPER, Captain, Fir.st Artillery, Commanding. Adjutant- General U. S. Army, Washington City, D. C. [Inelosure No. 2.] FORT TAYLOR, KEY WEST, FLA., January 12, 1861. SIR: In consequence of the disordered state of public affairs, of the reported seizure of various neighboring forts and arsenals, of my own lack of means for maintaining a secure guard of this most important fortification, and of the near approach of the discharge of most of my enrolled mechanics and laborers, I deem it my duty to call upon you to make [secure] the military custody of Fort Taylor, and to adopt such measures ~for its security as you shall deem proper. I shall heartily co- operate in my appropriate capacity as an officer of Engineers, and shall in a few days complete all the defensive preparations now required. I would, therefore, hereby ask you at once to assume the military command of Fo