Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-21

by Mrs. d. Giraud Wright, the presi-
dent of the Daughters of the Confed-
eracy in the state of Maryland, recalls
a deed of heroism performed during the
Civil War well worthy of record This
relic was the handkerchief which
served as a flag of truce during the
siege Of Fort Sumter and which, at
tached to his sword, was waved at the
very mouth of the enemy's guns by
Lewis T. Wigfall, Mrs. Wright's father.
The barracks were in flames and the
flagstaff had been shot away, and, coll
WINGED that resistance was, unavailing.
Senator Wigfall resolved to. prevent
the needless sacrifice of life 1t the risk
of his own. Turning a deaf ear to the
circumstances of those about him, he
embarked in skiff manned by three
negro oafsmen and a coxswain, and
pulled in the direction OF the fort
When scarcely one hundred yards from
the shore. however, the stars and
stripes were again in evidence, and his
friends hailed hi~1 to return His
only reply was determined wave of
his improvised signal. Owing TO the
distance it was invisible to those in
the fort, and the skiff was fired upon.
A thirty-two pound ball struck the wa
ter within five yards of her, and was
followed by shell which nearly proved
fatal. The negroes strained every
nerve to get under the lee of the fort,
and the instant the boat touched the
wharf Wigfall sprang ashore Making
his way to an open portfolio on the
town side, he swung himself from 4
protruding gun into the embrasure.
where, urrecognized and unchallenged.
he encountered one of the garrison.
The fire was raging, the heat was in
tense, the smoke almost insufferable,
while shells We're exploding above and
from time to time within the fort from
motars on Sullivans island. Working
his way to group of officers standing
near the casemate, the Confederate
asked If Major Anderson was there,
and, before they could recover from
their surprise at his presence among
them. the object of his quest APP
preached.
AS his eyes fell upon the sword and
handkerchief the senior officer inquired
whom he had the honor of addressing.
and being told Colonel Wigfall Of
General Beauregard's staff asked
what his business with him might be.
Il have come" replied Wigfall. ito
say you must strike your colors. Your
position is untenable. You have de-
Tended it gallantly. but it is madness to
persevere in useless resistance. You
cannot be enforced! You have no
provisions! Your. Ammunition is nearly
and your fort is on fret"
Upon what terms" asked Anderson,
do you summon me to surrender"
Upon unconditional TERMS was the
rejoinder. General Beauregard is an
officer and gentleman. He win ,1oubt-
less grant you all the honors Of war.
but spectacle gratia."
Il have done all that was possiblel
to defend this FORT said the Unionl
officer.
You have" was the reply. Nov
haul down your flag"
But your people are still firing upon
u.s." objected Anderson.
Hoist white flag. said Wigfall. |
'or. If you don't. I will, and upon by
own responsibility"
At this instant shell burst within |
ten feet of the Federal officer, and, in
viting the Confederate into casemate,
l white flag was raised, and the battle
# Fort Sumter was over.
Major Anderson and his garrison had |
reached that stage of morbid exalta-
ion which is the forerunner Of martyr
iom.s They We're ready to watch their
explode and die where they
stood, and Wigfalls act was one both
II heroism and umanity.-Philadel-
,hia Times.