Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-01-22
a Letter frona Charles.on,

CHARnEsToN Jan. 10, 1S61-The war has begun
| in est.-As-ths- telegraph has informed the
whole countryshy this tifae, the Star Of the West
containing two hundred and fifty soldiers intended
to reinforce Fort SUMTER has been fred into, from
the shore batteries recently erected on the islands
at the mouth Of the harbor. She was struek GER
| tainly three times, and perhaps Eve. The shots
were fred by the Citadel Cadets usder eommend Of
Major Stevens, who has thus had Che honor which
he SO much coveted, Of opening the impending con-
Hict. s r-'7-
Major Stevens is at The head Of the State Military
academy, which occupies the Charleston Citadel.
| He is apparently about thirty-fve years Of age
9Th rather thin black hair, black and heavy beard,
| and large black eyes. He is about the medium
size, Of little form, With quick nervous motions.
His features regular, and he Is quite Handsome
His education was military one, and he is regard
ed as an excellent soldier as we'll as polished gen
tleman. His Influences ever his command is re-
markable. He is understood to be very religious,
and to ineuleate the highest morality smcng his
| men. he has certain power Of eloquence which,
when bis enthusiasm is kindled, he uses with excel
lent effect. While speaking at public dinner last
winter, on the issues at that time soon to be sub
mitted to the American people, he prophesied the
present state Of things, and spoke, while his whole
form trembled with the terrible energy Of deter
mined but suppressed passion, of what he hoped to
do when Carolina called him to the field In the
course of the war which has commenced, he 10 sure
u
rested at the steamer with scientific accuracy, and
even the shot which failed to strike the ship, fell
very near her. She Immediately retrested.
Itmsy be that the people at the North really be-
leve that serious psegniaTy difficulties experience
ed by are impending over the seeding Southern
States. The newspapers which We see here from
your section Of the country speak Of the South as
bankrupt and insolvent. They seem to think we
shall not pay our debts, and that We have no means
to carry on defensive war, This idea is erroneous;
and a reference to the weekly bank statement as
published in our State papers, and q conversation
with cotton and rice factors, will soon show the
truth Ct the matter to be, that the State of South
Carolina is as strong in monetary resources as
be reasonably desired. Our six per cent bonds are
at par-the specie in our banks is increasing; and
our State retains three quarters Of its crop. The
honor Of gentleman is pledged in contradiction Of
the absurd stories published in the Tribune, Ia refer
enee to the condition Of our people. There is not
the slightest shadow of discomfort among cur troops
and II is certain that months engagement, out Of
every year, with the hard work of throwing up en-
trenchments included, and with the rough but
wholesome fare which our quartermasters furnish,
would benefit every mothers son of US all
The troops are in high spirits, and eager for q
brush And, strange as it may appear, basiHess il
rapidly improving in the midst Of there hostile
movements. As you know, cotton is now at its usu-
oil price, wish but . small stsck offering. Our
banks hold an unusual amount of foreign exchange,
and are still ready TO buy. 3 @N
Few people believe that an armed coercion will
be attempted against Omitted South" 1t is ad-
mitted however, that o battle or two may occur in
the vicinity of Charleston; and from Southern
point Of view it is really desirable that such an
event shOuldihsppen, IS the cotton States would
thus be joined together in union cemsated in
blood, and all hope Of compromise would be for
ever lost Is ~ -.s.5 - SEA a -sas e. -,s
1t is The opinion Of business men IN this city that
in the cotton States are allowed to 60 out in
peace, and in case no civil war is undertsken-no
blocdshed-that the trade between the North and
the South will cootinue as hitherto They say that
The channels of Intercourse and the grounds of
credit are too firmly established to be diverted
transplanted to Europe in osse peecs is preserved.
A civil war will beget hate, however, which
will destroy Northern trade among US This state
ment is made after conversations with several gen.
tlemen who import largely from the North, and
upon whose opinion It is founded.
We are waiting for the return OF the Star Of the
Vest, accompanied by the Lane or the BreOklyR
They will never be permitted to land their troops,
without bloodshed.-Cor. Evening Post