The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1861-01-12
vsox me SEAT OF war.

yRoM me SEAT OF WAR.
The steamer Star Of the West, With troops
and provisions for Fort Sumpter, in endeav-
inx 10 eater Charleston harbor on the morn
ing Of the 9th vas fred into BY the South
Carolina authorities and driven to sea. The
Charleston Courier gives the following par
tisulars: The Star Of the West rounded
the point, took the ship channel inside OF the
bar, and proceeded straight forward until
opposite Morris Island, about three-fourshs
Of mile iron the batteries. ball vas
then fred ashwar. bows. The Star of the
West displayed the stars ani stripes. As
soon a. the flag was unfurlsd the fortifca-
ton cred succession of heavy shots. The
vessel continued on her way With increased
speed, but two shots taking effect upon her
-shs concluded to retire. Fort Moultrie
fred few shots at her, but she vas OUT Of
reach. Tho damage to the Star Of the West
var trifing, only two out Of seven shots
took effect upon her. Fort Sumpter made
no demonstration, although at the port holes
gun, were run out bearing on Morris Island.
About IL o'clock came day, Maj. Ander-
SON seat communication to Gov. Plekens,
as follows:
Sir-Two of your batteries fred this
morning on an unarmed vessel bearing the
flag Of ny Government. As have not been
notified that war has been declared BY South
Carolina against the United States, cannot
but thiak this hostile act was committed
without your sanction or authority. Under
that hope refrain from opening fire on
your batteries. | have the honor, therefore,
respectfully to ask whsther the above men.
toned ae.-one which believe il without q
parallel in the history Of our country or any
other civilized Government-was committed
in obedience to your instruction, and notify
you that if it is not disclaimed, Il shall regard
it as az act Of war; and shall, after rea-
sonable time for the return of my messenger,
not permit any vessel to pass within the
range of the guns Of my Fort. In order to
save as far as ieis in my power, the shedding
of blood, and for the good of all concerned,
l
Hoping, however, that your answer may
Justify further forbearancs en- my part,
remain respectfully,
ROBERT ANDERSON.
To which Gov. Pickens responded, in the
following terms, after stating the position
Of South Carolina:
"Auy attempt to reinforce the troops at
Fl. Sumpter, or to re,aks and resume pos
session Of the Forts within the waters of
South Carolina which Major Anderson
abandoned, after spiking the cannon but be
regarded by the authorities Of the State, as
indicating Of no other purpose than the
coercion Of the State By the armed force Of
the government. The special agents. there
fore, have been off the bar to warn vessels
armed or unarmed, having troops to rein
force Fort Sumpter aboard, not to enter the
harbor. Special orders have been given to
commanders at the forts not to fire on such
vessels, TILL q shot across their bows should
warn them Of the prohibition of the State,
Under these circumstances, the Star of the
West, this morning, attempted to enter the
harbor with troops, after having been mott
fed she could not enter, and consequently,
the act is perfectly justified by me.
Your position in the harbor has been toll
Grated by the authorities of the State, and
while the act Of which you complain is 10
perfect consistency with the right and duty
Of the State, it is not perceived how far the
conduct you propose to adopt can find
parallel in the history of any country, or
reconciled with any other purpose than that
of your government imposing on the State
the condition of an acquired province.
[Sigued.l F. w. PIcxEMs.
A sscond communication from Major
Anderson was az follows:
To his Excellsncy, Governor pickens, Sir:
have the honor to acknowledge the re-
ceipt of your communication, ah5 say, tl:t
under the circumstances have deemed it
proper to refer the whole matter to my gov
eminent, and intend defering the course in-
Dictated in my note this morning, until the
arrival from Washington Of such instruc-
tons as may receive. have the honor,
also, to express the hope that no obstruc-
tons will be placed 10 the way, that you will
do me the favor of giving every facility for
the departure and return of the bearer,
Lieut.. Talbot, who is directed to make the
journey. [Sigued.]
ROBERT ANDERSON.
Gov. Pickens Immediately granted the
permission desired, and guaranteed Lieut..
Talbot to have every facility and courtesy
extended TO him as bearer of dispatches to
the United States Government, both IN 20.
ing and returning.