Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-01-12
The Particulars of the Firing in Charleston
Harbor into the Steamer Star of the West.

The Particulars of the Firing in Charleston
Harbor into the Steamer Star of the West.
We copy from the Charleston Mercury of Thurs
day last the following account of the recent attack
on the United States government vessel Star of the
West bv the South Carolina forts
about seven o'clock yesterday morning. our
citizens were startled by the firing of heavy guns in
the direction of Sullivan and Morris Islands 1t was
at once Surmsed that the steamship Star Of the
West which had been reported by the special tele
graphic correspondents of the Mercury as having
left New York with reinforcements and stores for
Major Anderson, had attempted to pass the battery
on Morris Island. Our reporters were Immediately
DESPATCHED to the entrance of the harbor. and after
Wis ting all the Notifications now occupied by our
troops, the following facts were elected:
PARTICULARS OF THE AFFAIR.
Yesterday morning. shortly after "revee," the
scntreS on Morris Island reported a steamship
standing in for the ship channel The long roll was
Immediately beat and all the troops were promptly
under arms Lieutenant Colonel j. l.. Branch, of the
Regiment of Rifles commanding. These comprised
the Vigilant Rifles, Capt. Upper go mem; the
German Rfemen, Capt Small go mem; the Zou-
ave Cadets, Lieutenant Chichester (45 men) and a
detachment ct 10 from the Citadel Cadet Corps
The last named body were at once marched to the
battery, commanding the ship channel, which, at
this point passes within from one-halt to three
Il
the Star of the West had reached point within
range of the guns Major Stevens fired shot
her bows, a signal for her to heaye to. After
waiting three or four minutes, dminution in the
speed or change in the course of the steamer could
be noticed A moment AFTER the United States flag
was run up at her foremost The Star of the W est
continuing thus defiantly to pursue her course TO-
wards Fort Sumter, the order was given to the men
at the Norris Island guns to open fire. Five rounds
were accordingly discharged in quick succesSiOn.-
Two Of these are reported TO have taken effect; one
forward and the other abaft the wheel At the sixth
discharge the Star of the West rounded to and steer
I'd outward towards the bar At the same time, the
ensign which she displayed immediately alter the
warning gun, was lowered Three more shots were
fired from Fort Morris and three from Fort Moultrie
one OF these. it is thought, took effect.
\ gentleman on the Island reports that after the
Star of the West had cleared the bar and proceeded
{ considerable distance beyond, steam propeller,
Of about $50 tons burthen joined her apparently as
tender and they steamed off together in an E. y. E.
direction.
Thus terminated the first attempt Of the Federal
Government reinforce the great stronghold of CO.
cTcion in our harbor. The approach of the Star OF
the West to Fort Sumter, taken in connection with
the fac:S that her clearance for Ne1o Orleans
and that her troops muggled aboard outside
the HarJor of NetO York proves clearly enough that
the President has chosen the Coerclye policy, and
that his officials will not hesitate to promote It's sue
cess"
The -Hercury heads its account in flaming capitals,
WAR BEGUNT
Subsequently correspondence on the subject
took place between Major Anderson and Gov Pick
els, the result of which was the determination o.
Major \. to lay the whole matter before the govern
ment at Washington OF course Gov Pickens JUS
tfes the firing on the United States vessel.
Major Anderson has certainly shown great for
bcarance. 1t is his duty, officer of the federal
army, to protect the 1lg of the United States