The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1861-01-16


ession-Var-AttncIS on the star o.
the Wcst-yInj. Anilcrson-(;ov. PicI<'
cns-Interestina correspondence.
The following very important dispatch
will be read with intense interest:
Augusta, Ga. Jan. 1913 p. M-The
Charleston Courier says: a.
At about half past six o'clock yesterday
morning, the steamer General Clinch dis
covered the steamer Star of the West, and
signallcd the fact of her approach to the &C.
cupants Of the battery on Morris Island.
Soon as the signals were seen by those on
guard there, Morris Island was astir, with
men at their posts, before the order could
be given them TO prepare for action. They
remained in anxious suspense, but ready
for what they believed was sure to come
volley from Fort Sumpter.
The Star Of the West rounded the point,
took the ship channel inside the bar, and
proceeded straight forward until opposite
Morris Island. about three quarters of a
mile from the battery. A ball was then
fired athwart the bows Of the steamer
The Star of the West displayed the stars
and stripes. As soon as the flag was un-
! furled, the fertilization fired succession of
heavy shots The vessel continued on her
course with increased speed, but two shots
| taking effect on her. She concluded to re.
tire Fort Moultric fired few heavy shots
| at her, but she was out of her range. The
! damage to the Star Of the West was trfiing,
| as only two out Of the seventeen shots took
effect upon her. Fort Sumpter made no
demonstration at port hole where guns
we've run out bearing on Morris Island. .
Charleston, Jan. 9.-About IL o'clock,
this morning, a boat from Fort Sumptcr
bearing Lieut.. Hall with a white flag, ap-
preached the city. Lieut. Hall had On in
tervicw with Gov Pickens. and was escort.
ed to- his boat, and re embarked for Fort
Sumpter. The communication form Mai
Anderson is as follows: ~ zi'f
To His Exccllency, the Gov. Of S.. c.: 8esH
SIR:-Two Of your batteries fired this
morning on an unar,ned vessel bearing the
flag Of my government AS / have not been
| notified that war has been declared by
South Carolina, cannot think this a hostile
act, committed without your sanction and
authority a..s -. ... e5.5 IF
Under that hope refrain from opening a
fire OF your batteries have the honor,
therefore, respectfully to ask whether the
above mentioned act-one which believe
without parallel in the history of our coun
try, or any other civilized government, was
committed in obedience to your instruc-
tons; and ] notify you that if it is not dis
claimed, | will regard it as an act of war;
and shall, after a reasonable time for the
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 nv
power, the shedding Of blood, beg you
will take due notification of my decision
for the good of I'll concerned; hoping, how.
ever, that your answer may justify fur
Their continuance Of forbearance on my part.
remain, respectfully.
In ROBERT ANDERSON.
Gov. Pickens, after sta ing the position
of South Carolina to the United States, sa vs.
that any attempt to send United States
troops into Charleston harbor, to reinforce
the forts, would be regarded as an act of
hostility; and, in conclusion, adds that any
attempt to reinforce the troops at Fort
Sumpter, or to retake and resume posses.
sion Of forts within the waters of South
Carolina, which Major Anderson abandon
ed after spiking the cannon, and doing 9th.
er damage, cannot but be regarded by the
authorities Of the State as indicative of no
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 vessels, armed or unarmed,
having troops aboard to reinforce Fort
Sumptcr, not to enter the harbor. Special
orders have been given to the commander RS
Of forts not to fire on such vessels till shot
across their bows should war;, them of the
prohibition of the State.
Under these circumstances, the Star Of
the West attempted to enter the habor this
morning with troops, after having been no
tilted she could not enter, and conscduendy
she was fired into. The act is perfectly
justified By me. In regard to your threat
about vessels in the harbor, it is only nee
essary for me to say, you alone must be the
judge Of your responsibilities. Your posi-
ton in the harbor has been tolerated by the
authorities of this State, and while the act
of which you complain is in perfect con-
sistcncy with the right and duty of the
State, it is not perceived how far the con.
duct you propose to adopt can find paral-
lei in the history of any country, or be rec
onciled with any other purpose than that of
your government imposing on the State the
condition of an acquired province.
(Sigend F. w. PIcKENs,
SECOND COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAI. ANDERSON
To His Excellency Gov Pickens:
SIR:-I have the honor to acknowledge
tho receipt of your communication, and
must say, that under the circumstances, l
have deemed proper to refer the whole mat.
ter to my government; and intend defer
ring the course indicated in my note this
morning, until the arrival from Washing
ton, Of such other instructions as may re.
ceive. l have the honor also. to express
the hope that no distractions will be placed
in the way, and that You will do me the "a
vor of giving every facility for the depart.
IRE and return Of the bearer, Lieut.. T. Tai
bot, who is appointed to make the journey
(Signed) ROBERT ANDERSON.
Gov. Pickens Immediately granted the
permission required, and desired and d.
rected Lieut.. Talbot to have every facility
and courtesy extended to him as bearer OF
dispatches to the U. S. Government, both
in going and returning
ADDRESSES. have received score