The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-01-22
STATEMENT OF CAPT. MACGOWAN
The following is official account of the trip of
the Star of the West to Charleston:
STEAMSHIP STAR OF THE WEST,
NEW York Jan II

NEW YORK, Jan. Il.
NJ. O. ROBERTS, Eso-Sir: After leaving the
wharf on the 9Th inst, at o'clock p. M, we pro-
ceeded down the bay, where We hove to and took
on board four officers and 200 soldiers with their
arms, ammunition, &c and then proceeded to sea,
crossing the bar at Sandy Hook at p IN Moth
ing unusual took place during the passage, which
was pleasant one for the season Of the year.
We arrived at Charleston bar at 1:3O a. NJ, on
the 9th instant, but could find no guiding marks
for the bar, as the lights were all out. We pro-
ceeded with caution, running very slow, and sound
ing until about a. H., then in four and half
fathOms of water when we discovered light
through the haze which at that time covered the
horizon. Concluding that the lights were at Fort
Sumter, after getting the bearings of it, we steered
to the Southwest for the main ship channel where
we hove to, to await daylight, our lights having
been put out since II o'clock, to avoid being seen.
As the day began to break, we discovered a
steamer just in shore Of US, which, as soon as she
saw us, burned one blue light and two red lights,
ssgnas and shortly after steamed the bar and
into the ship channel. The soldiers were now all
put below and no allowed OH the deck except
our own crew. AS soon as there was light enough
to see, crossed the bar and proceeded on up the
channel, (the water bar buoy having been taken
away the steamer ahead of us sending off rockets
and calcium lights. until after broad daylight
continuing on her course up near two miles ahead
of us. When arrived about two miles from
Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter being about the same
distance, masked battery on Morris Island, where
there was red Palmetto flag opened fire upon
us-distance about fve-eighths of mile We
had the American FLAG flying at our flagstaff at the
time, and after the first shot, hoisted large
American ensign at the fore. We continued on
under the fire of the battery, for over ten minutes
several of the shots going clear over u.s. One just
passed clear of the pilot house. Another passed
between the smoke stack and walking beams of the
engine Another struck the ship just abaft the
foIeriggng and stove in the planking, while an
other came within ace of carrying away the rud-
der At the same time there was movement of
two steamers from near Fort Moultrie one of them
towing schooner. Il presume an armed schooner, }
with the intention of cutting US off. Our position
now became critical, as we had to approach Fort
Moutrie to within three fourths of mile, before
We could keep away FOR Fort Sumter.
A steamer approaching with an armed
schooner in tow, and the battery on the island fir
ing at all the time. and having no cannon to de-
tend ourselves from the attack of the vessels, we
concluded that to avoid certain capture or desruc-
ton, We would endeavor to get to sea. Conse-
quently We round and steered down the chan
mel, the battery firing upon us, until their shot fell
short. As IL was now strong ebb tide, and the
water having fallen some three feet, we proceeded
with caution, and crossed the bar safely, at $50 a.
M, aud continued on course for this port
where arrived this morning, after IA boisterous
passage. steamer from Charleston was about
three hours watching our movements
In justice to the officers and crew or each de-
partment of the ship, must add that their be-
havior while under the fire of the battery reflected
great credit on them.
Mr. Brewer, the New York pilot, was of very
great assistance to me, in helping to pilot over the
Charleston bar and Up and down the channel
Very respectfully, your obedent servant,
j. MCGOWAN, Captain.
SLAVERY IN KANsAs.-A case came up before
Judge Petit, yesterday, in the District Court for
the Territory Involving the constiutionality otthe
anti-slavery bill passed by the Legislature last
winter. negro woman, named Fanny, Claimed
by Horace Haley slave, left his custody some
time ago, and went to live at the house of F.
r: Foard Haley petitionei to recover possession
OF the property" and Foard demurred, on the
ground that Fanny was not slave, as stated in
the petition. The case argued for the plaintiff
and defendant. Judge Petit oyerruIed the de-
murrer, and decided that the law prohibiting
slavery in Kansas was not Observation-Disclosures.
enWorth Times, Jan. !.