The Oxford intelligencer. (Oxford, Miss.) 1860-18??, 1861-05-22
Hon. Lewis T. Wigfall


The following is an extract of a letter written
from Charlestonto the New York BLACK Repub-
Hcan) Times:
Mr. Wigfalrs exploit was as gallant and chiv-
alrous 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 at.
tack, 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 to desist from a resistance man.
ifestly so unayaing
Despite the circumstances of those around
him, he embarked in a skiff, and, with three
negro oarsmen and a coxswain, pulled over to
the Fort. He was scarce q hundred yards from
the shore, when they hailed to him 10 return.
" The Stars and Stripes were again flying" He
literally turned "a deaf ear" 10 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 Moultrie balls and
shells were aimed at the skiff The white flag
was invisible at that distance, and the boat only
noticed when nearing the Fort, if not carrying
reinforcements had no business there. A thir-
ty-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 to get under the lee Of the Fort and
the officers at the batteries, observing that the
boat never swerved from her course, inferred
that WiQfdH must hare been in 10, thereby ac-
knowledging his more than Palmetto reckless
ness and daring.
On touching the wharf, the eccentric volun-
teer sprang ashore, and finding the gate burst
open by the flames, made his way round to an
open port hole on the town side Of the Fort,
through which, with the aid of loose piece Of
timber which he placed beneath it, he swung
himself from protrudng gun into the embra-
sure. He stumbled, unchallenged upon one Of
the garrison, who did not know where Major
Anderson was. The fire was still raging, the
heat intense, and the smoke nsufferable. Shells
were still exploding above, and from time to
time within the Fort, from the mortars on Sulli-
vans Island He worked his way up to a group
of officers and men, standing near a casemate-
"Was Major Anderson there?" "Nol" Be-
fore the party had recovered from their surprise
at the appartion, Major Anderson came up from
the quarter Wigiall had just left. He saw the
sword and white handkerchief
"Whom have the honor of addressng?"
"Coloncl Wighll, of General Beauregard's
staff"
"May inquire your business with mc?"
81 have come to say that you must strike
your colors. Your position is untenable. You
have defended it CALAMITY. It's madness to per-
severe in useless resistance. You cannot be
reinforced. You have no provisions. Your
ammunition is nearly exhausted, and your fort
is on fire."
"on what terms do you summon me to sur
render?"
Unconditional Gen. Beauregard is an off,
Ger and gentleman. lie will, doubtless, grant
you all the honors of war, but speciai CRATIC"
swell, have done all that was possible to
defend this fort"
"You have. Haul down your flag"
"But your people are still firing into me-"
Hoist a white one. If you won't will, on
my own responsibility"
A shell burst in the ground within ten PAGES
of them as they were speaking. Major Ander-
son invited the Ex-senator into a casemate; a
white flag was hoisted, the firing ceased, and
what is called the battle Of Fort Sumter" was
over.
| All parties concur that Wigfall's performance
was an act of heroisn and high humanity.
| You know all the details of the captulation,
and have, doubtless, done justice to the delicacy
and generosity of the rebel general in requiring
no parole, besides according all the honors OF
war TO the gallant defenders of Sumter.