The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1861-01-17
ATTEMPTED REINFORCEMENT OF
FORT SUMTER.

FORT SUMTER.
We copy the following particulars of the
late abortivc attempt to reinforce the gar
rison at Fort Sumter, from the Charleston
Mercury of Thursday last:
The first gun of the new struggle for
independence Gf struggle there is to beg
has beer fired, and Federal power has re-
ccived its first repulse.
About I o'clock yesterday morning, our
citizens we're started by the firing Of heavy
guns in the direction of Sullivan and Nor
ris Islands. 1t was at once surmised
that the steamship Star Of the West, which
had been reported by the special tele-
grahic correspondents Of the Mercury as
having left New York with rcinforcements
and stores for Major Anderson, had at
tempted to pass the battery on Morris
Island. Our reporters were Immediately
despatched to the entrance of the harbor,
and after visiting all the Notifications now
occupied by our troops, the following facts
were eicited:
PARTICULARS OF TIE AFFAIR
Yesterday morning, shortly after "re-
veille," the sentries OH Morris Island re-
ported steamship standing in for the
ship channel. The long roll was immc-
diatcly beat. and all the troops were
promptly under arms, Lieutenant Colonel
J. l., Branch, of the Regiment of Rifles
commanding. These comprised the Vig-
liant Rifles, Capt. Tupper go men }; the
German Riacmen, Capt. Small GO mem;
the Zouave Cadets, Lieut. Chichester (45
mcn); and IL detachment Of 40 from the
Citadel Cadet Corps. The last named
body were at once marched to the battc-
ry, commanding the ship channel, which,
at this point, passes within from one half
to three quarters Of mile of the beach.
At ! o'clock, when the Star Of the Vest
had reached point within range of the
guns, Major Stevens fired shot across
her bows, as signal for her to hcavc to.
After waiting three or four minutes no
diminution in the speed or change in the
course of the steamer could be noticed. A
moment after, the United States flag was
run up at her forcmast The Star Of tie
Vest continuing thus dcfantly to pursue
her course towards Fort Sumter, the or
der was given to the men at the Morris
Island guns to open fire. Five rounds
were accordingly discharged in quick sue
cession Two of these are reported to
have taken effect; one forward and the
other abaft the wheel. At the sixth dis
charge the Star Of the West rounded to
and stccred outwart towards the bar. AT
the same time, the ensign which she dis
played immediately after the warning
gun was lowered. Three more shots were
fired from Fort Morris and three from
Fort Moutric; one of these latter, it is
thought, took effect.
A gentleman on the Island reports that
after the star Of the West had cleared the
bar and proceeded considerable distance
beyond, steam propeller, of about 800
tons burthen, joined her. apparently as a
tender. and they steamed of together in
IN f. n f. direction.
Thus terminated the first attempt OF
the Federal Government to reinforce the
great stronghold of coercion in our hal-
Dor. The approach of the Star Of the West
to Fort Sumter, taken in connection with
the facts that her clearance wds for Nc'c
Orleans, and that her troops wcrc smugglrd
aboard outside Of the MrJor Of Neu York,
proves clearly enough that the President
has chocscn the coercivc policy, and that
his officials will not hesitate to promote its
success.
TIE NEGOTIATIONS.
About ten o'clock, boat bearing a
white flag came from Fort Sumter to-
wards the city. On its arrival at the
wharf it was found to contain Lieut.. Hall
of the garrison of Fort Sumter, with dc
spatchcs for the Governor of the State
The presence Of this officer in the city
owing to the events of the morning, gave
rise to considerable excitement, and spec
ulation was rife as to the object of his Wis
it. During his interview with she Gov
ernor the public curiosity rose to the high