, 1861-02-08
IATER

the organization of the militia and the
purchase Of arms.
The immediate seccesSionists carried New
Orleans yesterday.
ST. Louis, via Fort Kearny, Jan. 9.
Secretary Thompson has resigned on the
ground that the Secretary of War has
sent reinforcements to the South, without
consultation with the Cabinet, after the
distinct understanding that it should not be
done. The sending Of the "Star of the
West" is fact.
THE FIRING INTO THE "srAR OF THE WEST"
Augusta, Ga, Jan. 10.
The Charleston Courier Of to-day, says
that, at about half past o'clock, yester-
day, (the 9th) the Steamer "Gen, Cleniet"
discovered the steamer Star of the West,
and signalled the fact of her approach to
the occupants of the batteries on Morris
Island So soon as the signals were seen
by those on guard there, Morris Island was
astir with the men at their posts. Before
the order could be given them to prepare
for action, they remained in anxious sus-
pense, but ready for what they believed was
sure to come, a volIey from Fort Sumter.
The "Star Of the Wesp rounded the point,
took the ship channel instead of the bar,
and proceeded straightforward, until oppo-
site Morris Island, about three fourths Of
a mile from the batteries. A ball was
then fred athwart the bows of the steam
er. The "Star Of the West" displayed the
stars and stripes. So soon as the flag was
unfurled the Notifications fred a succession
of heavy shots. The vessel continued on
her course, with increased speed but two
shots taking effect upon her, she concluded
to retreat. Fort Moultrie fired few shots
at her, but she was then out of range
The damage to the "Star of the West"
was triaing, as only two out Of seven shots
took effect upon her.
Fort Sumpter made no demonstrations al
though at the portfolios gums were run
out bearing on Morris Island.
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN MAJOR ANDERSON
AND THE GOVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
ST.. Louis, Jan. ll.-At Charleston, on
the 9th January, about IL o'clock in the
morning, boat from Fort Sumpter, bear
ing Lieut.. Hall with white flag, approach
ed Lieut. Hall had an interview with
Gov. Piekens, aud was afterwards escorted
to his boat and re-embarked for Fort
Sumpter. The communication from Major
Anderson is as follows:
To His >ETcellency the Gorenor of South
Carolina:
SIR: Two of your batteries fred this
morning on on unarmed vessel, bearing the
flag of my government. As have not
been notified that war has been declared
by South Carolina against the United
States, l cannot but think this is hostile
act committed without your sanction or
authority, Under that hope, refrain from
opening fire on your batteries.
L have the honor, therefore, respectfully
to ask whether the above mentioned act
one which l believe without q parallel in
the history of our country, or any other
civilized goVernment-was committed in
obedience to your instructions and to no.
tify to you that if it is not disclaimed, re.
gard it as an act Of war, and l shall, after
a reasonable time for the return of my mes
senger, not permit any vessel to pass within
the range of the guns of my fort
In order to save, as far as it is in my
power, the shedding of blood, l beg you
will take due notification of my decision,
for the good of all concerned. Hoping
however, that your answer may justify me
in further forbearance on my part, remain
Respectfully yours,
ROBERT ANDERSON.
Gov. Pickens, after stating the position
of South Carolina to the United States,
says:
Any attempt to send o. S. troops into
Charleston harbor to reinforce the forts,
will be regarded as an act of hostility. In
conclusion he adds that any attempt to re-
inforce the troops at Fort Sumpter, or to
retake or resume possession Of the forts
within the waters Of South Carolina, which
Major Anderson abandoned after spiking
the guns and doing other damages, cannot
but be regarded by the authorities of South
Carolina as indicative Of no other purpose
than the coercion of the State by the
armed force of the Government. The spe-
cial agents therefore Of the State have
been of the bar to warn vessels armed,
having troops to reinforce Fort Sumpter
aboard, not 10 enter the harbor Special
orders have been given to the commanders
at the Forts not to fire on such vessels un-
til shot across their bows should warn
them Of the prohibition of the State.
Under these circumstances, the steamer
" Star Of The West" this morning attempt
ed to enter the harbor with troops, having
been notified that she could not enter; and
consequently, she was fred into. The act
is perfectly justified by me.
In regard to your threat about vessels
in the harbor, it is only necessary for me to
say that you alone must be the Judge of
your responsibility. Your position in the
harbor has been tolerated by the authori-
ties of the State, and while the act (which
is made is in perfect consistency
with the right and duty of the State, it is
not perceived how far the conduct you pro-
pose to adopt can find a parallel in the his
tory Of any country, or be reconciled with
any other purpnsa than that of yOur Gov