Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-04-19
HOW TIE WAR BEGAN.

The traitors undertook to starve out Major
Anderson: that was an act of war Presi-
dent Lincoln gave notice that Major Ander-
son would be supplied with provisions
peacefully if possible, forcibly il necessary.
The traitors say to Anderson surrender or
fight. Anderson replies that he cannot sur
render. SO the fight began, and it was be-
gun by the rebels. Here are the details
CHARIEsroN, Friday, April -, 1861.
The following is the tolegraphic correspon-
dence between the War Department at Mont
gomery and General Boauregard. Immediately
preceding the hostilitics The correspondence
grew out Of the formal notification by the
Washington Government. which is disclosed
in Gen. Beauregard's first dispatches:
No. L. CHARtEsroN April g, 1861.
J.. p. WALKER, Sec'y Of War:
An authorized messenger from President
Lincoln just informed Gov. Pickons and my
self that provisions will be sent to Fort Sum
ter peaceably, or otherwise by force.
(Signed) b. F. BrArREoARD.
No .. M0NrGoMERY, April 10, 1861.
Gen. G.. 7. BEAURFGARD. Charleston
~ You have no doubt of the authorized
character of the agent who communicated to
you the intentions of the Washington Gov
eminent to supply Fort Sumter by force, you
viii at once demand its evacuation. and. If
refused, proceed in such manner as you may
determine. TO reduce it. Answer
lSigned,) l.. p. WALKER Sec'y of Var.
40. 3. CHARLEsrov. April 10, 1861.
l.. p. WALKER. Sec'y of War
The demand will be made tomorrow at .
o'clock
(signed,) G. f. BrAuHEoARp.
No. 4. MoNTGoMERY, April 10, 1861.
Gen. BEAUBEGARD, Charleston:
Unless there are special reasons connected
with your own condition it is considered
proper that you should make the demand at
an early hour.
lSigned,) l.. p. WALKER, Sec'y eff War.
No. 8. CHARLESTON, April 10, 1861
l.. p. WALKER, Sec'y of War,
Montgomery:
The reasons are special for > o'clock
(Sgntd,) G. +, BEAUREGARD.
No. 6 CHARLESTON, April II, 1861.
Demand sent at o'clock Allowed till 6
o'clock to answer.
(signod, G. f. BEAuREoARD.
No. 7. MONTGOMERY, April H., 1861
Gen BEAUREGARp, Charlcston
Telegraph the reply Of Major Anderson.
Signed L. p. WALKER, Seen of Var
No. g. CHARLESTON, April II, 1861.
To. l.. p. WALKER, Scc'y of War;
Major Anderson replies
" have the honor to acknowledge the re-
ccipt of your communication, demanding the
evacuation of this Fort, and to say in reply
thereto that it is demand with which re-
greet that my sense Of honor and my obliga-
tions my Government prevent my compli-
ance."
lie adds: 81 viii avail, the first shot. and
if you do not batter us Co pieces we will be
starved out in few days Answer.
lSigned, G. +. BEAUREGARD.
No 9. MoNrGoMERy. April. H., 1861.
Gen, BEAuHEGAUD, Charleston:
We do not desire needlcssly to lombard
Fort Sumter, if Major Anderson will state
the time at which, as indicated by him, he
will cvacuate, and agree that in The meantime,
he will not use his guns against us, unless
ours should be employed against Fort Sum
ter. You are thus to avoid the effusion Of
blood. If this or its equivalent be refused.
reduce the Fort, as your judgment decides to
be the most practicable.
Signed l.. p. WALKER, Sec'y Of Var.
No. 10. CHARLESTON, April y, 1861.
l.. p. WALKER, Sec'y of War:
lie would not consent l writo to-day.
(Signcd.) q. +. BEAUREGARD.