Des Arc semi-weekly citizen., 1861-06-18
Hoh. Lewis T. Wiefall

(6lack republican, Tunes:
 MT. WIglalrs exploit was as gallant and chivarous as any deed of modern times. Stationed on Morris Island, where he had been on foot or in the saddle since the commencement of the attack, he no sooner saw the second barracks in flames and the flag staff shot away, than he re- solved to make his way to the fort and persuade Major Anderson 10 desist from resistance manfestly so unavailing.
 Despite the remonstrances of those around him, he embarked in a sklf, and, with three negro oarsmen and cock swain, pulled over to the fort He was scarce hundred yards from the shore, when they hailed to him to return. The stars and strips were again flying" He literally turned "deaf ear" to this call, and pushed on, brandishing his sword, to which he had tied his white handkerchief as flag of truce. From the batteries of Fort Moutrie balls and shells were aim- ed at the skif. The white flag was in- visible at that distance, and the boat only notlced when nearing the fort, if not carry ing endorsements. had no business there. A thirty-two pound ball struck the water within five yards of her, and was followed by shell which came near proving fatal. The Africans strained every nerve 10 get under the lee of the fort, and the officers at the batteries, observing that ,he boat never sWerved from her course, inferred 'that Wglall must have been in it" there- by acknowledging his more than Palmetto recklessness aud daring.
 On touching the wharf, the eccentric volunteer sprang ashore, and finding the gate burst open by flames, made his way round 10 an open port hole on the town side of the fort, through which, with the ald ot loose piece Of timber which he placed beneath 1t, he swung himself from a protruding gun into the embrasure. He stumbled, unchallenged, upon one of the garrison, who dId not know where Major Anderson was. The fire was still raging, lhe heat intense, and the smoke insuf fefa-- ble Shells were still exploding above, and from time to time within the fort, iron the mortars on Sulivans Island He He worked his way up to group of off, cers and men, standing near easement -"Was Major Anderson there ?' "No!" Before the party had recovered from their suprlse al the apparilion, Major Anderson came up from the quarter Wigfal had just left He saw the sword and white handkerchief
 Whom haveI the honor of address ing 2
 "Col. WigGall of fGeneral Beauregard's staff"
 May inquire your business with me g.
 Il have come to say that you must strike your coIors. Your position is un- tenable. You have defended it gallantly It's madness to persevere to useless re- sistance. You cannot be reinforced.- You have no provisions. Your ammuni- ton is nearly exhausted, and your fort is on fire"
 "On what terms do you summons me to surrender this fort"
 Unconditional. Gen. Beauregard IS an officer and a gentleman. He will doubtless grant you all the honors of war but Specidli gratia."
 "Well, have done all that was possible 10 defend this fort"
 "You have. Haul down your flag
 But your people are still firing into me-"
 "ioist white one-if you won't, l will, on my own responsibility.
 A shell burst in the ground within ten paces of them as they were speaking. - Major Anderson invited the ex-senator into easement; white flag was hoist ed and the firing ceased, and what is called "the battle of Fort Sumpter" was over.
 All parties concur that Wigfal's per. formance was an act of heroism and high humanity.
 You know all the details of the capitu- Iaion, and have doubtless done justice to the deIicacy and generosity of the rebel general in requiring no parole, besides all the honors of war to the gallant defenders Of Sumter.
 
 g@% Fifteen hundred troops from Geor.
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