Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-01-12

CHARLESTON, Jan. 10.-AbOut IL O'Clock this morn
ing boat from Fort Sumpter, bearing Lieut.. Hall
! with white flag, approached ths city, Lieut., Hal
had an interview with Gov Pickens, and was after
wards escorted to his boat and re embarked for
] Fort Sumpter.
The communication from Major Asierson is as
follows
TO His Ercsleaey.
The Governor Of South Carolina;
SIR: Two of your batteries fred, this morning,
/ on an unaFmed vessel bearing the flag of my Gov
ernment As have not been notified that war has
Deen declared y Sonth Carolina against the United
states, cannot but think this hostile act commit
yea without your sanction and authority. Under
that hope refrain from opening fire upon your
batteries. have the honor therefore, respectfully
70 ask whether the above mentioned act one which
oeileve IS without parallel in the history of our
country, or of any other civilized government was
in obedience TO your Instructions and notify Won
that IT'S not discontinued shall regard it as an
act OF war, and shall, after reasonable time for
the return et MY messenger, not permit any vessel
10 pass within the range Of the guns of my fort In
order 70 save. as far il Is within nv mower the
shedding of blood, beg you will take due notifica-
ton OF my decision, for the go9l of all concerned
Hoping, however, that your answer may Justify a
further continuance Of forbearance on my part
remain respectfully, ROBERT AxDEEsox.
Governor Pickens, after stating the position of
South Carolina to the United States saws that anv
attempt to send United States troops into Charleston
harbOr to reinforce the forts would be regarded as
act Of hostility, and in conclusion he adds that
any attempt to reinforce the troops at Fort Sumter
or to Fetake and resume possession OF the forts |
within the waters of South Carolina, which Major
Anderson abandoned after spiking the cannon and |
doing other damages, cannot be regarded by the |
authorities of the State indicative of any other
purpose than the coercion of the State by the armed
forces Of the government. Special agents. there
FORE have been off the bar to warn vessels, armed /
unarmed, having troops to reinforce Fort Sumter
on board not to enter the harbor. Special orders i
have been given to the Commanders at the forts not
to fire such vessels till shot across their bows
should warn them of the prohibition of the State
Under these circumstances the Star of the Vest this
morning attempted to enter the harhor with troops
after having been notified not to enter, and conse-
quently she was fired into. The act is perfectly
justified by me- In regard to your threat about YES
sells in the harbor it is only necessary for to say
that you alone must be the Judge of your response
bihty. Your position in the harbor has been tOlera-
ted by the authorities of the State and while the
act Of which you complain in perfect consistency
with the rights and duty of the State it is not per-
ceived how far the conduct you propose to adopt
can find parallel in the history of any country
be reconciled with any other purpose than that of
your Government imposing on the State the condi-
ton of an acquired province. F. W. PICKESs.
Second communication from Maj Anderson to his
Excellency Gov. Pckins:
SIR: have the honor to ackno wledge the receipt
Of your communication, and to say that under the
circumstances have deemed it proper to refer the
whole matter to my government. and intend de-
erring the course indicated in my note this morn
ng until the arrival from Washington of such in
tructions as may receive have the honor also
% express the hope that 40 Instructions will be
placed in the way, and that you will do the favor
If giving every facility for the departure and return
If the bearer, Lieut. t. Talbot, who is directed to
make the journey.