Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-01-11
THE LATEST NEWS
TELEG RAPHIO,
IMPORTANT FROM CHARIENIoN

IMPORTANT FROM CHARLESTON.
The Steamer Star of tks West fired into and
DTspsn of-F2ag of Truce sent from Fort
Snnater to Coz. Piekens-Corresponle
Bettceen the Governor and Major finder
son-Major anderson sends a Bearer of
Dispatches TO Washington for InstrHe-
tons.
CHARLESTON, Jan. Io.-The following is the
particulars Of the attempt Of the steamer Star of
| the West to enter this hsrbor yesterday:
About 81 O'Clock yesterday morning the steamer
Gen. Clinch discovered the steamer Star OF the
West approaching the entrance to the harbor, and
sgnalled the fact TO the occupants Of the battery
on Morris Island.
As soon az the approach Of the steamer was sig
nailed, Morris Island astir with men, and all
All remained In anxious suspense for some time,
ready for what they believed was sure 70 come
volley from Fort Sumter.
After awhile 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 three fourths Of a
mile from the battery. A ball was now fred
the West displayed the stars and stripes. As soon
as her flag was unfurled the Sortihcation fred a
succession Of heavy Shots but the vessel continued
shots taking effect, she at length concluded to
retire.
Fort Moultrie fred few shots, but the steamer
was out Of range. The damage done to the steamer
enteen shots fred at her taking effect There is Of
course no means Of knowing the extent Of the
damage done TO the steamer.
Fort Sumter made no demonstration, except
that the guns bearing on Morris Island and Fort
Moultrie Were run out Of the port holes.
About IL O'Clock a boat from Fort Sumter
the city, and on landing the Lieutenant had an
interview with Gov. Pickens and afterwards was
escorted to his boat and re-embarked for Fort
Sumter
The oorrr,;o.+ton <,oro n.;. .s. A.
the Governor is as follows:
MAJOR ANDERSON TO GOV PIcKENs
FORT SUMTER, Jan. o, 1861.
To HIS Eyeslisnty, the GorrnoT of S. Carolina:
Sir: Two of your batteries fred this morning
on unsrmed vessel bearing the nag Of nv
government I am not notified that war has been
declared by South Carolina against the United
States, and cannot but think that this hostile act
has been committed without your sanction or
authority. Under that hope refrain from OPEN
ing 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' Inotfy you
IL the act is not disclaimed, that shall regard Il
as act Of war, and shall not, after a reasonable
time allowed for the return of nv messenger per-
NIT any vessel to pass within range Of the guns
of my fo.t.
In order to save, as far as is in nv power, the
shedding Of blood, beg you will have due mott
fcation Of my decision given to all concerned.
Hoping, however, that your answer may justify
a further continuance Of forbearance on NV part
l am yours, respectfully, ROBERT ANDERSON.
REPLY OF THE GOVERNOR
Governor Pickens, in bis reply to Mai Auder-
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 an 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 the State
which you abandoned, after spiking the guns and
doing other damage, II cannot be regarded by the
authorities Of this state indicative of ether
purpose than the coercion Of a sovereign State by
the armed force OF the federal government
especial agents, therefore, have been OF the
bar Of this harbor to warn approaching vessels,
armed or unsrmed, having on board troops TO re.
inforce your fort not to attempt to enter the har-
Dor. Special orders have been given TO the COM
mandsrs Of the forts not to fire on such vessels
until the throwing Of a shot across their bows
would warn them of the prohibition of the State
Under these circumstances the steamer Star Of the
West, II is understood, this morning attempted to
enter the harbor with troops, and having been
notified that she could not enter, was fred into
This act is perfectly justified by me
90 In regard to your threats as TO vessels In the
harbor, 1t is only necessary for to say that you
must be the judge Of your response bility. Your
position In the harbor has been tolera ted by the
authorities Of the State, and while the act of
which you complain Is In perfect consistency with
the rights and duties of the State IL is not per-
ceiyed how far the conduct you propose to adopt
can find parallel in the history Of any country
or reconcile with any other purpose Of your Gov
eminent than that of imposing on this State the
condition Of a conquered province.
"(Signed F. w. PIcKESs,
"Governor Of South Carolina"
SECOND COMMUNICATION FROM MAJOR ANDERSON.
FORr SUMTER, Jan. 9, 1861.
To HIS EIctlleney GorsTR0r PickenS:
Sir: have the honor TO &C knowledge the receipt
Of your communication, and to say that under the
circumstances, / have deemed IL proper to refer
| whole matter a (rOyernment nd
deferring the course indicated in my note Of this
morning until the arrival from ashing ton Of the
instructions l may receive.
have the honor also to express the hope that no
distractions will be placed In my way, and that
you will do me the favor Of giving every facility
for the departure and return Of the bearer. Lieut.
II. Talbot, who is directed TO make the journey TO
Washington. [Signed,l r. ANDERSON.
Gov. Pickens immediately granted the. permits
sion desired and directed that every facility and
courtesy be extended to the bearer Of dispatches
Lieut.. Talbot for his government going and re-
turning.
Lieut.. Talbot left Charleston last night with
dispatches from Maj. Anderson 70 the President.
President. A party Of gentlemen entertained him
at the Charleston Hotel before he left.
The affair produced some excitement here but
all Is now tranquil.
lNote-Some doubt having been entertained Of
the authenticity of dispatch received at New
York yesterday purporting to be from the captain
of the Star Of the West 70 the effect that he had
safely entered Charleston harbor, an inquiry was
sent to the agent of the Associated Press Charles
ton, who replied as follows:
CHARLESTON, Jan. 10, p. m.-The dispatch Ia