Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1861-01-17
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FIRING INTO THE STAR OF THE
WEST

The brief notice We gave in our last, al
though afterwards contradicted, turns out
to be true to the letter. The tory traitors
and would be-assassins, in their anxiety to
involve the Southern States in the most con
summate act Of folly and wickedness ever
attempted in this country, have thus plac-
ed themselves in an attitude from which,
unless the last resort, the mission Of Lieut.
Talbot, results peaceably, there viii be no
retreat. With other interesting matter we
give the account as furnished by South
Carolina tory paper;
AUGUSTA, Ga, January I0.-This
mornings Charleston Courier gives the fol-
lowing particulars in relation to the attack
upon the steamer Star of the West:
About half past six o'clock yesterday
morning the steamer Gen. Clinch discover
ed the steamer Star of the West, and sig
nailed the fact to the occupants of the bat
terry on Morris Island As soon as the
fact was signalled, ali Morris Island was
astir, and the men were at their posts be-
fore the orders were given. They remained
in anxious suspense, bat ready for what was
sure to come-namely, yolley from Fort
Sumter. The Star Of the West rounded
the point, and took the ship channel inside
the bar, and proceeded straight forward un-
I'll she was opposite Morris Island, three
quarters of a mile from the battery, when
Il ball was fired athWart the bows Of the
steamer. The Star Of the West display
ed the stars and stripes, and, as soon as it
was unfurled, 4 succession Of heavy shots
was fired. The vessel continued at increas-
cd speed, but one or two shots taking effect
her captain concluded to retire
Fort Moultrie fired a few shots, but they
were out of range. The damage done to
the steamer was only trifing, only two out
of seventeen shots taking effect, but there
is no idea as to the extent Of the damage
Fort Sumter made no demonstration,
except that its guns were run out OF the en-
brazures bearing on Morris Island and
Fort Moultrie.
About II O'Clock boat from Fort Sump-
ter, bearing Lieut. Hall, with white flag.
approached the city He had an interview
with Governor Pickens, anG was after wards
escorted to the boat, and re embarked for
Fort Sumptcr
The communication from Major Ander-
son is as follows:
To HIS Ercallcncy tie Gore7,or Of South Car
oliRa:
SIR: Two of your batteries fred, this
morning, on an unarmed vessel bearing the
flag of my government. | am not notified
that war has been declared by South Carroll
ma against the United States, and I cannot
but think that this hostile act was committed
without your sanction or authority Under
that hope | refrained from opening fire upon
your batteries. | have the honor, therefore,
respectfully to ask whether the above men
toned act-One. | believe, without a parallel
IN the history Of our country, or any 9th.
or civilized GUyernment-was committed in
obedience to your instructions, and notify
you that, if not disclaimed, that regard it
as an act Of war, and shall not after reason
able time for the return of my messenger,
permit any vessel to pass within the range of
my fort. In order to save, as far as in nv
power, the shedding Of blood, beg YOU will
have due notification made of my decision to
all concerned.
Hoping, however, that your answer may
Justify further continuance of forbearance
on my part, | am, respectfully.
ROBERT ANDERSON.
Governor Pickens in his reply, after sta
ting the position of South Carolina to Il e
United States and that any attempt to send
United States troops to Charleston harbor
to reinforce the forts would be regarded as
an act Of hostility, says, in conclusion
Any attempt to reinforce the troops in Fort
L
of the forts within the waters Of this State.
which You abandoned, spiking the guns, and
doing otherwise much damage, cannot be re-
garded by the authorities Of the State as in
dicahYe OF any other purpose than coercion
Of the State by the armed force of the Gov
ernment Special agents, therefore, have
been placed off the bar to warn approaching
vessels, both armed, and unarmcd. having
troops on board to reinforce the forts, not to
enter the harbor. Special orders have been
gwen TO the commanders Of the forts not to
fire at such vessels until shot across her bow
would warn them of the prohibition of the
State. Under such circumstances, the Star
Of the West, i have understood, this morning
attempted to enter the harbor with traonS
and, having been notified that she could not
enter, was fired into The act is justified Inv
me. In regard to your threat against vessels
in the harbor, it is only necessary to say that
you mustjudge of your responsibility. Your
position in the harbor has been tolerated by the
authorities of this State, and while the act of
which you complain is in perfect consistency
with the rights and duties Of the State, it is
not perceived how far the conduct you pro.
pose to adopt can find parallel in the his
tory Of any country, or reconcile it with anv
other purpose Of your Government than i'm
posing on the State the condition of a con.
quered province.
f. w. PICKENs.
The following is second communication
from Major Anderson:
TO His Erceliency Goue,D9r PickeaS:
SIR: l have the honor to acknowledge the
recent Of your communication. and saw that