The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1861-01-12

The Star OF the West Fired Inls.
CHARLESTON, Jan. 9.
7 he steamer Stnr Of the West, in tndeav-
oring TO enter orr harbor about day eht this
morning, was opened upon BY the garrison
on Morris' leland, and also by Fort Moultrie.
The steamer put abou and went TO sea.
have not been able to learn whether the
steamer or any person on board was injured.
The belief is that no injury was sustained
Maj. Anderson, Of Fort Sumter, did not fire
a gun. Lieut.. Hall, Of Fort Sumter, came
over to the city about Ii o'clock with Gag
Of truce. He repaired to the quarters Of the
Governor, followed by a crowd Of citizens.
He was in secret communication with the
Governor and Council for two hours. At 2
O'Clock he was sent in carrioge, with the
Governors Aids, to the wharf, and returned
to Fort Sumpter. The object Of bis mission
is not known; it is supposed that II relates
to the firing on the Star OF the West. The
people are greatly excited. There were no
demonstrations against Lieut.. Hall, though
great curiosity to know what he came for
Between Il ov, Pick.
ems aud Mai. Andersen.
CHARLESTON, Jan. Q.
| About Ii O'Clock this morning boat from
Fort Sumter, bearing Lieut.. Hall, with
white flag, approached the city. Lieut.. Hall
had an interview with Gov. Plckens, and was
afterwards escorted to his boat and re- en-.
barked for Fort Sumter. The communities
ton from Maj Anderson is As follows:
To his Excsllency the Governor OF South Carolina:
Sir 1.-Two Of your batteries fired. this morning,
On nm unarmvd vessel, bearing the fsg Of my gov
eminent As | have not been notified that war
has be on declared by South Carolina against the
United States, l cannot but think this hostile
act committed without your sanction or authority
Under that hope refrain from opening fire on
your batteries l have the honor, therefore. re-
specially, TO ask whether the above Toned act
one, which believe without parallel in the histo-
ry OF our country, or Of any other vlized govern
ment, committed in obedience TO your instruc-
ITEMS and notify you that liz il liz not disclaimcd
that regard il act Of war; and shall not after
reAsonab bic time for the return III my messsngcr
permit any vessel e pass within tho range Of the
guns Of my fort. In order save, MS far IS 1t 10
In my power. the shedding Of blood, beg You will
take due notification Of my decision, for the good
| Of all concerned Hoping, however, that your an
aver may justify further continuance Of forbear-
ance. on my part, ! remain rspectfully,
Signed, ROBERT ANDERSON.
Gov. pickens, after stating tho position Of South
Carolina 70 the United States says that any attempt
to send United States troops into Charleston har-
Dor to reinforce the forts would be regarded ~ an
| attempt to reinforce the troops at Fort Sumpter,
or to rotaks and resume possession of The Forts
within the waters Of South Carolina. which Mai
Anderson abandoned after spiking the eanaons, or
duing other damages, be reg arded BY the
thoIites Of The States indicative II any other pur
pose than the coercion II tho State by the armed
force OF TIE government. Special snis, therefore
have been OF tho bar to warn vessels, armed or
| armed, having troops to reinforce Fort Sump.er
aboard, not to enter the hArhar.-Speciai orders
have been g1san to commanders at the forts not to
| hro on such vessels till thot their bowa
should warn thu IN Of the prohibition Of tbs State.
| tHder ttese rirrumEtRnUgs the Star of tbs West
| this morning attempted TO enter the harbor with
troops, alter having been Motif ID she could not en-
/ ter, aud c1nstqu ntly she fred into. The act
/ is perfectly justified by In regrrd 10 your
threat abous vessels In the harbor it liz oni neces
sary tor me 10 say ypu alone must be the judge OF
your respons Ibiiity. Your position in the bar Dor
has been tolerated by the authorities Of the State
while the aot IL which you complain IL in psrfsc.
consistency with the rights and duties Of the State
Ii is not perceived how far the couduct you propose
| TO adopt find parallel in the history Of any
country, or be recenciled with any ether purpose
than that Of your government imposing on the
State the condition Of an acquired presince.
| sigLed, II. w. pICkENa.
| SECOND COMMUNICATION.
| To his Excel ensy, ov. Pckens sir. I have
the honor to aeknew led 90 the pit Of your CON-
munIcation and say, thai under the circumstances,
| have deemed ii proper TO refer the whole matter
10 my government, and intend dcfsrring tho course
indicated in my note this norsrng, until the ar
! rival from Wash,Eg t,n Of such instructions 70
may receive. | have tho hon Or also to express he
hapc that obstructons will be placed in the wa
and that You will do ms the favor ef giving every
facility for ths departure and return OF the bearer
Lieut.. A. Talbot who is dirested To aake the jour-
ncy. sigaed, ROBERT ANDERSON.
Coy. Pickens Immediately granted the per.
mission desired, and directed Lieut.. Talbo,