Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-05-10
THE SURRENDER OF TIE FORTS

U. ). 3. HARRIET LANE, April 90, 1861.
ST.: The morning after the ships passed the
forts, | sent demand to Colonel Higgins for
| surrender Of the forts which was declined. On
the 9Th sent Lieut.. Colonel Higgins a commu-
nication (herewith inclosed) asking again for the
| surrender. His answer Is inclo,ed.
On the 26th | received a communication from
him, stating that he would surrender the forts.
and | came up and took possession, drew up
articles OF eaPitulstion and hoisted the American
flag over the foEs. These men have defended
these forts with bravery worthy of better cause
l treated them with all the consideration that
circumstances would admit.
The three STEAMERS remaining were under the
command Of Commander J. K Mitchell. The
officers Of the fort acknowledged no connection
with them, and wished In no way to be considered
responsible for their acts While had nag of
noating battery OF 16 guns "a most formidable
afdir) 70 a place above the forts; and while
drawing up the articles Of capituiation, in the
cabin Of the Harriet Lane, II was reported to me
that they had set d re to the battery and turned 1t
adrift upon Us. l asked the General II II had
powder on board, or guns loaded. He replied
that he wonld not undertake to say what the navy
officers would do. He seemed to have a great
contempt Tor them. told him 1--WE could stand
the fire and blow up II he could, )" and went on
with the conference after directing the officers to
look out for their ships While drifting down on
rs, the guns, getting heated, xploded throwing
the shot above the river; and few moments after
the battery exploded with a terrific noise throw
ing regiments all over the river, and wounding
immediately disappeared under water Had she
blown up near the vessels, she would have de-
stroyed the whole Of them.
When had finished taking possession Of the
forts got under way In the Harriet Lane and
started for the steamsrs, one OF which was still
flying the Confederate flag. l ared a shot over
her and they surrendered. There was on board
Of them a number Of naval officers and two com.
panles OF marine artillery. i made them surren-
der uncondiItonally, and for their Infamous con-
duct In trying to blow Us up while under a flag
Of truce, conveyed them TO close conf fnemept as
prisoners Of war, and think they should be sent
to the North and kept in close confinement there
until the war 10 over: they should be tried for
their infamous conduct. / have great deal 70
do here, and will send you all the papers when
am able to arrange them.
i turned over the forts TO Gen. Phelps Fort
jackson Is perfect ruin. am told that over
oOO shells fell In and burst over the center of the
fort-the practice was beautiful. The next fort
we go at we will settle sooner an this has been
hard TO get at. The naval officers sunk one gun
boat while the capitulation was going on; but /
have one OF the other steamers at work and hone
soon TO have the other find that we have to be
the hewers OF wood and drawers Of water; but as
the soldiers have nothing here in the sha De Of mo-
tive power we will do all we can
should have demanded an unconditional sur.
render, but with such q force In your rear Il was
desirable TO get possession OF these forts as soon an
possible. The officers turned over everything In
good order except the walls and building which
are terribly shattered by the mortais.
Very respectfully,
d. d. PORTER, CONG FiotiIla.
Flag Omcer ID. q. PARRAsur.