Newbern weekly progress., 1861-01-01

pos session of that fortress. On nearing tb
ort q number of men were observed on tn
wharf, one of whom, in advance of the Others
was observed holding what appeared to be
paper in his hand. This was said to hav'
been the Riot Act. As soon as the Nint
t,uched the wharf, the storming party VIII.
had been detailed for that duty, sprung ashore
and rushed round to the rear of the fortress
| where the gate is situated. This was founc
closed, and cry for storming ladders wa.
soon answered by detachment bearing do
zen or more of them. These were Instant,
planted, and under c.ver of the rifles of the bat
| talon, the walls were escaladed and the gates
thrown open.
| On entering the fort it was found to be tenan
ted only by an officer of Engeneers and small
| party of laborers-none of whom made any
resistance The Engineer officer was Informed
that he was at liberty to leave, and remove his
personal effects, and in a few minutes he SET
out in boat belonging to the fort accompanied
bv four other men. From the direction in
| which he SteeredI 1t IS supposed that he went
| to Fort Moultrie.
| The flag of the Nina, consisting of a white
| star on a. red ground, was then hoisted amid
| loud cheers: and when our reporter left, a
strong guard had been mounted, and prepara-
tions for garrisoning the fortress were well ad-
vanced
About seven o'clock the tramp of detach-
ments was heard, apd the Washington Artil-
lery, the German Artillery, the Lafayette Ar
tillery, and the Marion Artillery, making to-
tai of two hundred and twenty-five men, rank
and file, under command of Col. WLMoNr G.
DESAUssURE, were soon embarked On board
the Ninu and Gener0L Clinch. and steamed
away down the harbor towards Sullivan's Is
land. Among those on bard were Col. CHARLES
ALsroN, Aid to the Governor, and Capt. HUM
PHREYs, of the Arsenal. On reaching the island
these two last named gentlemen approached
the gate, and the sentinel, in accordance, it is
said with orders, surrendered on demand. The
troops then quietly took possession, and the
Palmetto flag was soon waving over the time
honored fortifcations. Three rockets (the sig
nal agreed upon) were then sent up, to notify
the people IN the city that the fort in the
hands of the State. and then the newly-installed
garrison betook themselves, as best they might,
to devising the ways and means of comfort and
protection. Thus far had the affair progressed
up to late hour last night.
This transfer of the troops from Fort Moul-
trie to Fort Sumter is regarded an out
rageous breach of faith. For there was
distinct understanding with the General Gov
ernment, upon the highest authority, that no
such transfer would be made,tQo reinforcement
of either of the foLts attempted, land no taans-
fer OF arms or ammunition. Relying upon
these declarations, the authorities Of South
Carolina had not taken the forts When com
pletely within their power. They have acted
W., rood faith, and expected it in return. -.
Ma r Anderson alleges that the movement
Wa. .nade without orders and upon his own
responsibility, and that he was not aware of
such understanding He is gentlemen,
and we will not impugn his word or his mo-
tives. But it is due to South Carolina and to
good faith, that the act of this officer be repu-
dated by the Government and that the troops
be removed forthwith from Fort Sumter.