Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-11-20
GEN. ROBERT ANDERSON.
Incidents Attending the EvRcuR-
tfOn of Fort Sumter-Statement ts
by q Southern Writer.

In an article occasioned by the recent
death Of Gen. Robert Anderson, the Sa-
vannah (Ga. Republican says:
The writer of this, by invitation Of
Captain Hartstene, who had command
OF the evacuation ceremonies at Sumter,
was present on that interesting occasion,
jubilee on water never before wit
messed in this country. We came out Of
the fort with its commander, and 5ubse-
quently, in the pilothouse of the
steamer General Clinch, TO which he and
his command were first transferred, and
had long and pleasant interview with
the vanquished soldier. He was most
unhappy about the differences that had
sprung up between the Government and
his native South. His situation as a
Southern man had been more trying
but he considered the highest obligation
upon him was to do his duty as q sol
der, without reference to his feelings,
He declared. to us that no circumstance
could have induced him to fire upon his
fellow-countrymen except in defense.
The first shot came from them, and was
directed at the flag which he was put
there TO protect; hence no alternative
was left him. We inquired what would
be his policy wher he reached Washing
ton; he replied that all his labors should
be on the side Of peace. In any event
he had no heart, he said, for war upon
his own countrymen, and he never did
again enter the field.
We inquired of Major Anderson why
he abandoned Fort Moultrie after his
positive engagement with a committee
of South Carolinians not TO leave it.
His reply was, that mutual obligations
we're entered into-he to remain and the
Carolinians not TO disturb him while in
possession Of the fort He believed
those who gave the assurance acted in
good faith, but they could not control
others He left Fort Moultrie under
reliable information that without the
consent Of the authorities Of Carolina,
a plot had been formed in Charleston,
by the more impulsive portion of the
population, to attack the fort in the rear.
He had unquestionable evidence that
such an expedition was on foot, and be-
lieying that the work was not defensible,
he evacuated it and transferred his gar
rison to Fort Sumter.
And just here, it may not be uninter-
esting to relate another circumstance in
the same connection. Late in the even
ing, after the Isabel had left for the bar
with Major Anderson and his garrison,
the steamer General Clnch, with large
and enthusiastic crowd on board, turned
her prov toward the city. The capture
of the fort and garrison was on every
tongue, and the widest rejoicing per
vaded the vessel, many believing the
war was at an end and Southern inde-
pendence accomplished. On deck there
was a pile of cotton bales, and when
nearing the wharf, we discerned Captain
Hartstene reclining on the top Of them,
evidently musing, and apparently taking
no part in the general enthusiasm. Pass
ing by, we addressed him, and inquired
if he felt unwell under the fatigues Of
the day. mo, not sick, he remarked,
II was only occupied with serious
thoughts of the future while the rest are
enjoying the present. am Southern
man, and sympathize with my people in
their wrongs; but have long been in
the service of the United States and
know her spirit and power. | was only
thinking how terribly she would avenge
this dishonor to her flag"