New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-04-04

to do this. She always did buster and
threaten on her own hook when in the Fed
eral Union-sbe will not do less now, but assert
the right TO fight, as an integral part OF the Jeh.
Davis Confederacy. The success that has at-
tended her efforts for the last few months has
made her bod aud here let NE remark, that the
A." gingerly" way in which the Seeded States
have been treated by the Federal Government
has embroidered them, especially South Carolina,
to proceed TO lengths never contemplated even by
the most reckless leaders. They have been "se-
yerely let alone" greatly to their advantage
That the power of the Federal Government would
be used 10 maintain the Constitution and enforce
the laws against the rebellion, has all the
while been the great fear OF the rebels.
This am nble to state Of my
our knowledge from intercourse with them. Their
policy has been to keep stiff upper lip" but
they have all the while realized that should the
Government assert itself, they would not be able
10 maintain themselves single week Never did
men make 80 expert use of the small means in
their hands to intimdate the Government against
which they had rebeIled, or employ the time thus
secured to so good advantage as these South
| Carolinaus In and about Charleston Harbor,
they have intrenched themselves in a strong po.
sition mainly, however, by the use of implements
of war stolen from the Government; and they
would, without doubt, be able to offer stern re-
sistance to the Government. But l am certain
| they do not estimate their capacity as highly as
Others seem TO- | know that the only idea of
IA IN tha cas Ea 4.
soning of Fort Sumter on war footing; and
when, two weeks ago, it was announced that
the withdrawal Of Major Anderson and the aban-
donment of the Fort was regarded as a mill
"tary necessity" they shared fully the general
| astonishment but rejOiced, while others felt hu-
inflated. They never pretended themselves that
any such necessity existed; nor do they now
though they have of late gained degree OF con-
fdcnce in their ability TO make good fght as
| the result of the exertions OF Gen. Beauregard
Notwithstanding everything, there is an uneasi-
ness, en- anxiety and apprehension, that the eff
cheney of their preparations for defense may be
tested. The action and non action at Washing
ton serve only to proloDg and intensity this
feeling.
gentleman who hos very lately been in CON-
muncation with Fort Sumter informs me that
the garrison is on exceedingly small allowance,
and that matters begin TO look serious with them.
| Should the supplies now daily obtained in this
market be cut of, the situation Of the men would
be highly critical, and it is not impossible that
Major Anderson may be compelled, on his own
responsibility. to abandon his position. As here
tofore has been the case, the garrison will no
doubt continue to derive no slight advantage
from their facilities for catching fish around the
base of the fort. But there will be no similar
way Of recruiting the supply OF fuel, which is
now nearly exhausted.
1t is known that within the last few days Gen.
Beauregard has given orders to certain Of his
subordnates to " clear the decks for action. y
The troops are made to practice daily at the
heavy guns and mortaIs; and We are thus treat.
ed TO miniature battle ION one side) almost
daily. The number of men in position has OF
late been diminished rather than increased, by
the termination Of the period of service OF O
number Of volunteer companies. IA entire regi-
ment will go out Of service in a very short time.
II 10 not q little remarkable that nobody re-
eDusls put tu 80 W lholI hoibch W stay ihc "a
perience of a single term of enlistment ia quite
enough. In Que month longer the forces Of South
Carolina will, from this cause become reduced
more than ono half.
Having finished the harbor defenses, Gen.
Beauregard, seemingly anticipating the presence
of body Of Federal troops, and with the view
of providing against emergencies, has commenced
planting mortar battery at Mount Pleasant.
This point is too distant to take part in an at
tack on Fort Sumter, and therefore this battery
must be designed for other uses. When Major
Anderson was in Fort Moultrie, and il proposed
TO drive him out battery on Mount Pleasant
was commenced, as that point was supposed 10
command Moultre. The inference therefore IL,
that the Rebels are providing against the time
when Federal troops will reOccupy that fort.
There are other movements that indicate tie
same thing. Indeed recent lsbOrs have mainly
had reference to land operations, by providing
for an attack in the rear.
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