The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-08
IMPORTANT FROM CHARLESTON.
WASHINGTON, Feb. I, 1851


wAansoros Feb. I, 1861.
Letters received this morning from Charleston,
bearing date February A. Governor Pickens yielded
the point to allow Major Anderson to make his
tract for provisions consisting chiefly Of fresh meat II
very difficult to find parties who would venture to
make contract, fearing they would be lynched, but
man at last found, and supply is being made
twice each week. but only for immediate use that the
State authorities stop the supplies at any time
The stories about NUT my and insubordinaton among
Major Andersons find no better refuation than
in the fact that many Of the men have served their time
and entitled TO leave but refuse TO reenst and
declare they will desert their post while Major
Andersen remains the flag them, unless
ordered away by their Some Of these very
men could have with their wives on the Sd ns but
preferred to part with their better halves than their gal
LIANT commander.
The advces assert that the greatest activity is
going Sullivan and Morris islands, and especially
at Point Cummings in the erection Of batteries and in
other preparations for attack upon Fort Sumter which
will undoubtedly take place the moment Colonel
Hayns returns, he is in possession of
the refusal to comply with the demand Of
South Carolina to surrender Fort Sumter large num-
ber OF have been at work night and day Point
Cummings since Col Hayne left, erecting earthen
breasworks said 10 be the best possible material for
such purpose. Thoy had very large force engaged
Sunday, hearing II supposed that Col Hayne would
return Monday and that hostlities would Immediate
ly commence.
Cummings Point Battery consists in part Of three CO.
nmbiads and mortars. 1t s threequarters Of q mile
south OF Fort Sumter, being the nearest point OF land
but the important fact attending Cummings Point Bat
terry that s directed against what supposed TO be
the weakest place Fort sumter which is three and
hale
when the United States government con.
structed Fort Sumter they did not calculate upon
attack from land by any portion of their people,
but built tho fortress with particular reference the
channel, and the approach of foreign enemy in ships
But time will show the South Caroinians that what they
supposed to be the weakest may prove not only the
strongest but the most dangerous point for them to Illus
trate now; but Major Anderson will do if test is
made. More than this should it be possible to make
breach in the supposed weak point the South Carolinans
could not enter by it, would any possible harm
TO the men under Major Anderson.
The floating batteries being erected up in the
Mount Pleasant for beseiging Fort Sumter Of little
account, and army officer writes that they will only
convey those who take passage upon them to watery
graves
One OF the batteries which it is the purpose OF South
Carolina to float against Fort Sumter is being constructed
at Marsh dockyard at the foot of Pcharis street.
Iafttes landing 1t is said that 1t will be three weeks
before all the floating and land batteries are completed
and il is believed here that Col Hayne knows the fact
hence he has consented TO the delay which has been
made knowing tina, he should reach Charleston with
uIfavorabe reply from the President that attack
upon Fort Sumter would be preciptated before the
cess onists were fully prepared.
It to be settled, not only by letters official and
private from Charleston but by parties inside and out
side the army, that attack will be made upon Fort
Sumter and that nothing prevent it, 1t is said that
Gov Pickens has power to control the masses, and
they only waiting either because they think the
federal government will exhibit the cowardce TO
der Fort sumter through Colonel Hayne because they
arc not quite ready make the assault other seeding
States protesting against such action but does
seem to avail anything
The officers and men at Fort Sumter are all WELL and
confident that upon the return of Lieutenant Hall
hostlties will commence hence the wives and children
of the soldiers were sent TO New York
The ply at Fort Sumter has been quite ill., but
the 4th instant had nearly recovered.
The following is extract from private letter writ
ten by a member of the garrison Of Fort SUMTER
FoRr SUMTER S. G., Jan q, 1881.
Our present status be described the u before
the storm The papers viii tell you many things about
us that utterly and entirely false. We yet
ceivng fresh provisions OF any kind from Charleston
quantity OF beef was sent some days ago, but as no
rangement had yet been made with the authorities we
sent back saying to Governor Pckens that If
TO be furnished right, would make the customary
arrangements in town. but II II was sent as q cvility
courtesy, declined TO receive anything. The
papers here publish falsehocds every day That
We are receiving fresh provisions IL false; that
our boat fred into by battery on
Suvans Island is also false and that Major Anderson Is
secessionist is equally So. And thus II goes on We
have way Of making known position except
through Washington. We are, TO all intents and pur-
posee in as perfect state Of siege as If actual pre-
vailed No boat leaves fort for town. approaches
it, without white flag. All communication except
mails, Is cut of, az II has always been since occupied
this fort Our provisions arerunning short and we have
sugar coffee for the officers, and the
on half rations We have not enough OF anything but
flour ard pork 10 last for any length Of time Our wo
men and children leave for New York Wednesday
II is better they should be away. Our guns all up,
and waiting the progress OF events. If the Crit
tenden resolutions their equivalent do not pass the
entire South "a gone. This fort is cold and damp We
have insufficient fuel and food, and nothing but salt air
TO breathe which deepise But ga soldiers life is
always Ray,v you know.