Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-03-14
The Rrncnnrion stnrr.


a writer in the New York Herald thinks
the rumor of the evacuation OF Fort Sumter
is all gotten up for effect and that really
Fort Sumter is to be reinforced he gives
his reasons as follows: 1885 -aaI-al
We now proceed to give the reasons for
inducing the belief that the evacuation story
is base fabrication, got up for the purpose
of putting South Carolina off her guard and
aiding Wall street jebbers. Instead of with
drawing the troops from the fort it is pro-
posed to send additional men and stores
there. The great subject Of prolonged con-
ference has been how to accomplish the same.
The first step in this direction is now believed
to have been the sending of the steamship
Daniel Webster to Texas. As far back as
then the peridy Of Gen. Twiggs was known,
and it was the intention to secure some of
the men under his command for further
service to the United States Government.
According to the announced programme
this steamer should have returned to this
port some time ago, whereas she is now
leisurely cruising in Southern waters, await
ing additional orders to those impaired during
her call at Key West. So much for the
Daniel Webster and her present whereabouts.
On Saturday the Empire City left her pier
at the foot of Warren street. She went away
well loaded with provisions and coal, and
under Government orders. Five days ago
she cleared for Indianola, Texas, but left later,
and under cover of storm, put to sea sp-
parently; in reality, however, she has gone
outside only little way, and now lies at
anchor, doubtless awaiting to be Joined by
the Star of the West. The latter steamship
has been chartered BY the government for
two months, and is now being loaded as rap
idly rs possible with army stores. All day
Sunday they were receiving cargo on board,
and also during Sunday night as well as
last night. Among the articles shipped is a
large number Of smbulances, temporary
hospitable arrangements, for the benefit of
those wounded in battle.
The United States revenue cutter Harriet
Lane, and the gunboat Vixen are both ready
for sea and active service. The Crusader and
the Mohawk are being rapidly put in readi-
ness at the Brooklyn Navy Yard to proceed
at once to sea.
In three or four days it is supposed that
the vessels named will all start down the
bay together. Meantime orders are alleged
to have been given to all national vessels in
Southern ports to be on hand at a certain
date of the harbor of Charleston. These
ships IRE to rendezvous, comprising altogether
probably a feet of some dozen vessels. 1t is
also understood that each of the convoy is to
have on board a large number of small boats.
By means of these small boats, it is said that
Fort Sumter will be reinforced. The attempt
at reinforcement is to be made on dark and
stormy night, when the chances of discovery
are few and the danger of the experiment
proportionate.y lessened. A smart pull of
two hours will bring the new forces to the
United States fortress. In the interim should
they be intercepted by the Guard boats of
Moultrie, they can, by superior strength,
easily overpower them. On a stormy night
the batteries, of course, could not be brought
into play with any great advantage.
The question of reinforcing Major Ander-
son is thus solved, and the facts stated, clear
ly indicate that this plan is being steadily
worked. Its shrewdness no one can gainsay,
and the feasibility of placing any number of
men and any quantity ofproVisions and arms
at the disposal of the commander of the be-
seiged fort is easily apparent.
QUI VIVE.