New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-11-16
The Late General Robert Ander-

The Savannah Republican has an obituary
notice of the late General Anderson, in the
course of which the following personal remi-
absences of the evacuation of Fort Sumter
are given:
The writer of this, by invitation of Captain
Hartstene, who had command of the evacua-
tion ceremonies at Sumter on that interesting
occasion, jubilee on water never before wit
messed in this country. We came out of the
fort with its commander, and subsequently, in
the pilothouse of the steamer General Clinch
to which he and his command were first trans
ferred had a long and pleasant interview with
the vanquished soldier. He asmost unhappy
about the differences that had sprung up be-
tween the Government and his native South
His situation as a Southern man had been
most trying, but he considered the highest
obligation upon him was to do his duty as a
soldier without reference to his feelings He
declared to us that no circumstance could have
induced him to fire upon his fellow country
men except in defence. The first shot came
from them, and was directed at the flag which
he was put there to protect hence no alterna.
tive was left him. We inquired what would
be his policy when he reached Washington !;
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 positige en-
gagement with committee of South Caro-
linians not to leave itf His reply was, that
mutual obligations were entered into-he to
remain and the Carolinians not 10 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 plot had been formed in Charleston
by the more impulsive portion of the popula.
ton to attack the fort in the rear He had
unquestionably evidence that such an expedi-
ton was on foot, and believing that the work
was not defensible, he evacuated it and trans
terred his garrison to Fort Sumter.
AID just here it may not be uninteresting
relate another circumstance in the same con-
nection. Late in the evening, after the Isabel
had left for the bar with Major Anderson and
his garrison. the steamer General Clnch, with
| a large and enthusiastic crowd on board turned
her PROV toward the city. The capture Of the
fort and garrisonwas on every tongue, and the
widest rejoicing pervaded the vessel, many
believing the war at an end and Southern in
dependence accomplished. On deck there was
pile of cotton bales, and when nearing the
wharf we discerned Captain Hartstene re-
Ginning on the top Of them, evidently musing
and apparently taking no part in the general
enthusiasm. Passing by, we addressed him
and inquired il he felt unwell under the fatigues
of the day. mo, not sick, he remarked,
81 was only occupied with serious thoughts of
the future, while the rest are enjoying the
present. / am o Southern man and sympa-
thze with my people in their wrongs. but
have long been in the service of the United
States, and know her spirit aud power. / was
only thinking how terribly she would ayenge
this dishonor to her flag"