Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-01-16
IMPORTANT FROM CHARLESTON.
The Star of the West Fired Into.
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN MAJOR AN
DERsoN AND GOV PICKENs
A spEoIAL MESSENGER SENT 70 WASHINGTON.


A SPECIAL MESSENGER SENT TO WASHINGTON.
The arrival of the steamer Star of the West,
with $50 men on board, created intense ex-
citement on the 9th inst at Charleston. The
vessel rounded the point, took the ship chan
mel inside of the bar, and proceeded straight
forward until she was opposite Morris Island,
three-quarters of a mile from the battery, when
ball was fired athwart her bows. The Star
of the West displayed the star and stripes, and
as soon as it was unfurled succession of
heavy shots was fired. One or two shots ta-
king effect, her captain ran the steamer back
into the ocean ont of range of the guns. Al
together there were seventeen shots fired, but
only two took effect.
CHARLESTON, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 1861.
About II O'Clock this morning, boat from
Fort Sumter, bearing Lieut. Hall with white
flag, approached the city. Lieut.. Hall had an
interview with Gov. Pickens, and was after
ward escorted to his boat, and re-em mbarked for
Fort Sumter. The communication from Ma
jor Anderson is as follows:
'sTo has Frceliency the Cor. of South Carolina:
s'SIR Two of your batteries fired this NOR
ming on an unarmed vessel, bearing the flag of
my Government. As have not been notified
that war has been declared by South Carolina
against the United States, l cannot but think
this hostile act committed without your sane
tion or authority. Under that hope refrain
from opening fire on yonr batteries. l have
the honor. therefore, respectfully 10 ask
whether the aforementioned act-one which.
believe, without parallel in the history of
our country, or any other civilized Govern
ment-was committed in obedience to your
a.
claimed, that regard it as an act of war.
And l shall not after reasonable time for tie
return of my messenger permit any vessel to
pass within the range of the guns of my fort.
In order to save, as far as it is in my power,
the shedding of blood, beg You will take due
notification Of my decision for the good of all
concerned. Hoping, however, your answer
may Justify further continuance of forbearance
on my part. remain, respectfully,
ROBERT ANDERSON"
Governor Pickens, ,after stating the position
of South Carolina to the United States, saws
that any attempt TO send United States troops
into Charleston harbor to e-enforce the forts
would be regarded an act of hostility, and
in conclusion adds that any attempt to re-en-
force the troops at Fort Sumter, or to retake
and resume possession of the forts within the
waters of South Carolina-which Major An
derSon abandoned after spiking the cannon and
doing other damage-cannot but be regarded
by the authorities of the State as indicative Of
any other purpose than the coercion of the
State by the armed force of the Government.
Special agents, therefore, have been off the
Bar to warn approaching vessels, armed and
unarmed, having troops to re-enforce Fort
Snmter aboard not to enter the harbor. Spe-
cial orders have been given the commanders
at the forts not to fire such vessels until
shot across their bows should warn them of
the prohibition of the State. Under these
,efo Of ha -
derstood, this morning attempted to enter The
harbor with troops, after having been notified
she could not enter, and consequently she was
fired into. Tie act is perfectly justified by
me. In regard to your threat about vessels in
the harbor, it is only necessary for me to say
you must be the judge of your responsibility.
Your position in the harbor has been tolerated
by the authorities of the State; and while the
act of which you complain is in perfect con-
sstency with the rights and duties of the
State, it is not perceived how far the conduct
you propose to adopt can find parallel In the
history of any country. or be reconciled with
any other purpose than that of your Govern
meut imposing on the State the condition OF
conquered province. F. W. PIcKENs.
SECOND COMMUNICATION FROM MAI. ANDERSON
To HIS Erceliency Coz. Pichens.
SIR :: have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your communication, and say, that
under the circumstances, have deemed it
proper to refer the whole matter to my Gov
ernment, and intend deferring the course in
dicated in my note this morning until the ar
rival from Washington of such Instructions as
| may receive. have the honor also to ex-
press the hope that no distractions will be
placed in the way, and that you will do me
the favor OF giving every facility for the de-
parture and return of the bearer Lieut.. T. Tai
bott, who is directed to make the journey.
RoBERT ANDERSON.
Gov. Pickens Immediately granted the per-
mission desired, and directed Lieut.. Talbot
to have every facility and courtesy extended
to him as bearer of dispatches to the United
States Government both in going and return
ing.
Lieutenant I. Talbot left Charleston late
the same night with dispatches from Major
Anderson to the President of the United
States.
Lieut.. Talbot goes to Washington for fur
ther instructions from the President A party
of gentlemen entertained him at the Charles
ton Hotel previous TO his departure.