The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-01-11
GREAT PREPARATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBDR.
ANTICIPATIONS OF A GEN.
ERAL FIGHT.
THE PEOPLE PREPARING FOR THE
WORST.
&C., &c.,
&C,
IMPORTANT FROM CHARLESTON.

CHARLESTON, Jan. lO.-The following is the par
ticulars of the attempt of the steamer Star of the
West to enter this harbor yesterday:
About G1a O'clock yesterday morning, the
steamer General Clinch discovered the steamer
Star of the West approaching the entrance to the
harbor and sgnaled the fact to the occupants of
the battery Morris Island.
AS soon as the approach of the steamer was sig
nailed, Morris Island was astr with men and all
were at their posts before the orders were given.
All remained in anxious suspense for some time,
ready for what they believed was sure to come-a
volley from Fort Sumter.
After while the Star of the West rounded the
point and took the ship channel inside the bar and
proceeded straight forward until opposite Morris
Island, at point about threefourths of mile
from the battery. A ball was now fired athwart
the bow of the steamer, when the Star Of the West
displayed the stars and stripes. As soon as her
flag was uniurled, the iortfcation fired a success
sion of heavy shots, but the vessel continued on
ward with increased speed, but or two shots
taking effect, she at length concluded to retire.
Fort Moultrie fred a few shots, but the steamer
was out Of range. The damage done to the steam
er was supposed to be triing, only two out of the
seventeen shots fired at her taking effect. There
is of course means of knowing the ext Mt of the
damage done to the steamer
Fort Sumter made no demonstration except that
the guns bearing Morris Island and Fort Moul-
trie, were run out of the port holes.
About IL o'clock boat from Fort Sumter, bear
ing Lieut.. Hall with white flag, approached the
city and on landing the Lieut.. had interview
with Governor Pickens, and afterwards was escor-
ted to his boat and re embarked forFort Sumter.
The communication from Major Anderson to the
Governor is as follows
MAJOR ANDERSON TO GOV. PlcKEXs.
Fort SUMTER, Jan. 8, 1861.
To His E.cceHency, the Governor of South Carolina:
SIR-Two of your batteries fired this morning on
an unarmed vessel bearing the flag of nv Govern
ment. | am not notified that has been de-
clared by South Carolina against the United
States, and cannot but think that this hostile act
has been committed without your sanction or au-
tnority. Under that hope | refrain from opening
fire on your batteries.
| have the honor, therefore, respectfully to ask
whether the above mentioned act, one | believe
without parallel in the history Of our country or
any other civilized government, was committed in
obedience to your instructions? And | notify you
ifthe actis not dscaimed that shall regard it as
an act of war, and shall not, after reasonable
time allowed for the return Of my messenger, per
init any vessel to pass within range Of the guns of
my fort
In order to save, far is in my power the
shedding of blood beg you will have due Motif.
cation of my decision given to all concerned.
Hoping, however, that your answer may justify
further continuance of forbearance on my part,
am yours, respectfully,
ROBERT ANDERSON.
THE REPLY OF THE GOVERNOR TO MAJOR ANDERSON.
Governor Pickens, in his reply to Major Ander-
son. after stating the position OF South Carolina to
the United States, and declaring that any attempt
to send troops of the United States into Charleston
harbor to reinforce the forts there, would be re-
garded as act Of hostility, in conclusion, says
ANY attempt to reinforce, with United States
troops Fort Sumter, or to retake and resume pos.
session of the forts within the waters of this State
which you abandoned, after spkng the guns and
doing other damage, cannot be regardedsby the
thories this State indicative of other purpose
| than the coercion of sovereign State by the
armed force of the Federal Government
( Special agents. therefore, have been off the bar
of this harbor to warn approaching vessels armed
or unarmed, having on board troops to reinforce
| your fort, not to attempt to enter the harbor.-
Special orders have been given to the commanders
of the forts not to fire on such vessels until the
throwing of shot across their bows would warn
them of the prohibition of the State. Under these
circumstances the steamer Star of the West, it is
| understood, this morning attempted to enter the
| harbor with troops, and having been notified that
| she could not enter, was fired into. This act Is
| perfectly justified by
In regard TO your threat as to vessels in the har
Dor, it is only necessary for me to say that you
| must be the judge of your responsibility. Your
| position in the harbor has been tolerated by the
authorities of the State, and while the act of which
! YOU complain is 10 perfect consistency with the
| rights and duties of the State, it is not perceived
how far the conduct you propose to adopt can fine
parallel in the history of any country or recon
| cile with any other purpose of your government
than that of imposing on this State the condition
of conquered province.
[Signedl F. W. PICKENs,
Governor of South Carolina.
SECOND COMMUNICATION FROM MAJOR ANDERSON.
Fort SUMTER, Jan. 8, 1861.
To HIS Ercellency Governor Pickens:
| Sir-I have the honor to acknowledge the re
ceipt of your communication, and to say that un
der the circumstances L have deemed it proper t.
| refer the whole matter TO my Government, and in
tend deierring the ceurse indicated in my note @
this morning, until the arrival from Washingto
| Of the instructions may receive.
, have the honor also to express the hope that n
| distractions will be placed in my way, and tha
you will do me the favor of giving every faciit
for the departure and return of the bearer, Lieut.
, #. Talbot, who is directed to make the journey
, Washington.
e Signed R. ANDERSON
e } Governor Pickens Immediately granted the pc
: mission desired, and directed that every facilit
| and courtesy be extended to the bearer of de
| patches, (Lieut Talbot) for his Government, goir
. | and returning.
Lieut.. I. Talbot left Charleston late last nigh
a with dispatches from Major Anderson to the Pr
sident. He goes to Washington for instructio
;, from the President.
. A party of gentlemen entertained him at t
:, Charleston HOTEL before he left.
IL The affair produced some excitement here, b
all is now tranquil.
ID [NoTE.-Some doubt having been entertained
:. the authenticity of the despatch received at NJ
y ork, purporting to be from the Captain OF
Id Star OF the West, to the effect that he had safe
e. entered Charleston harbor. enquiry, was sent
Oo the agent of the Associated Press, at Charlest'
who replied follows
no CHARLEsToY, Jan. 10-4P. Mine oespatcn
false. What you have received from here, In RET
es ence to the affair, is strictly reliable
u Further and Exciting News from Charlestt
Cu,,,ou Ion IN p M-The despatches