Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-01-03
MILITARY MOVEMENTS AT CHARLES
TON

TON.
The news from Charleston Yesterday created
a decided sensation. 1t was announced that
Major-ANDERsoN had evacuated Fort Moutrie
in the night,-spiking the guns and taking the
garrison to Fort Sumter. Everybody saw at
once that this was a military precaution of the
greatest importance that it secured the
continued command of the port of Charleston
by the Federal authorities in spite of any
movement on the part of the Disunionists.
The situation of the Forts renders this ap-
parent The approach for ships TO Charleston
."'uo' HCS "nectiy tween Forts Nionli ri" anu
Sumter ;-each of these forts completely COM
manding it. Fourt Moultrie is on the right
or north sGc-and is built upon the main land,
surrounded by dwelling houses constituting the
little village Of NIoultrieville, and covering so
large a space as to require garrison Of at least
800 men to defend it against assault. AS at
tack may be made from the high grounds which
overlook it, and party attempting an escaIdde
would find shelter and protection in the houses
and other buildings which surround it. With
its present garrison, n,-of two companies of ar
tiIlery, in all numbering but 60 men, it would
have been impossible to hold it against any con-
siderable force.
Fourt Sumter lies on the left or south side,
of the ship channel and is built in the stream.
on the north, east and west sides with double
row of port-holes for heavy guns, and on the
south or land side, in addition to openings for
cannon, is oop-holcd for musketry. 1t is said
to be bomb-proof. \ force of 100 vorkmen
has lately been engaged in mounting the guns
and putting the fort in order. 1t contains 40
guns many of them being the formidable ten
inch "Coumbiads," which throw either shot or
shell, and have a very long range. There is a
large amount of artillery stores, consisting of
about 10000 pounds of powder and a pro-
porionate quality of shot and shell. The City
of Charleston can be shelled from Fort Sumter,
Fort Moultrie is completely commanded by it.
The fort can only be approached by water
the only way of entering 1t is through the port
holes or by the gate, the entrance to which is
swept by cross-fire from cannon on all sides.
Major ANDERSON, in taking his little garri-
son from Fourt Moultre to Fourt Sumpter has
rendered his position perfectly secure. If the
Dsunionists take Fourt Moultrie they Ill
it should be thought worth while, be driven out
Of it with the utmost ease. In case of absolute
necessity the City of Charleston can be bonn
bardcd and destroyed, and every ship that APP
! proaches or leaves the harbor must pass direct
ly under the guns of the fort
The effect of this movement upon our COM
munity was remarkable, and indicated unmis-
taEably the tone and temper of the people. Il
Mr.. BUCHANAN could have witnessed the uni
versal satisfaction at discovering anything like
frmness and sagacity of purpose oil the part o
the Federal Government, he would rapidly have
detected the secret of the universal scorn which
is felt for his conduct in this emergency. Stocks
rose at once,-and there was general exchange
of congratulations upon the prospect that some
body would make n stand for the Union and the
Constitution.
The general opinion seems to be that Mao
ANDERSON has taken this step on his own re
sponSibility, and without orders of any kline
from Washington. If this should prove to b
the case, he will have already established fo
himself hold on the admiration and affection
of the country which will not easily be weak
encd or impaired. His movement awakens tn
courage and the hope of the people, and relieve
, a very painful feeling Of anxiety as to the pos
, siblu fate of his command and o; the American
flag, in the position they held before. We pre-
sumo that it was prompted by intelligence q
an intention on the part of the Disunionists t
occupy Fort Sumter the moment they shoul
hear the failure of their Commission to Wash
! ington.
: 1t is barely possible that Major ANDERso
= may have acted under the orders of the Pres
! dent: but we do not believe it. The cours
which Mr.. BUCHANAN has hitherto pursued a
, fords no warrant for such presumption-whil
= the entire action of the War Department hc
been in the other direction. Gen. ScoTr ma
. have directed it, as it is known to be in COZ
formity with his opinions. If he has done
without the assent or knowledge OF the Pres
= dent, he will have a fresh claim on the admiri
y ton and gratitude of the people. The COUNT
would rejoice if such thing were possible
his constitutional usurpation of power in ii
@ present exigency ofpublic atiairs.-N. I. Time
= Dec. 2SM.