Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

Post image for Order to take Sumter and other Confederate messages.

Order to take Sumter and other Confederate messages.

April 10, 2011

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

MONTGOMERY, April 10, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD, Charleston:

If you have no doubt of the authorized character of the agent who communicated to you the intention of the Washington Government to supply Fort Sumter by force you will at once demand its evacuation, and if this is refused proceed, in such manner as you may determine, to reduce it. Answer.

L. P. WALKER.

—–

CHARLESTON, April 10, 1861.

L. P. WALKER:

The demand will be made to-morrow at 12 o’clock.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General.

—–

MONTGOMERY, April 10, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD, Charleston:

Unless there are special reasons connected with your own condition, it is considered proper that you should make the demand at an earlier hour.

L. P. WALKER.

—–

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 10, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

The reasons are special for 12 o’clock.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

—–

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S.C., April 10, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to transmit copies of a set of complimentary resolutions, and of a resolution placing all the forces that may be called into service in this State under my orders, passed by the Convention of the State of South Carolina.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

P.S.–I am doing all in my power to prevent re-enforcements by barges to Sumter to-night or to-morrow night.

G. T. B.

[Inclosure.]

Resolved, That this Convention approves of the action of the governor, in placing the forces for the military defense of Charleston under the command of General Beauregard, and that he be authorized to call into the field immediately such number of the volunteer regiments, raised under the act of assembly, as General Beauregard may require for the operations under his control; the whole force to be placed under the command of General Beauregard, or such other general officer as may be ordered to the same command by the authorities of the Confederate States of America.

[Adopted Monday, April 8, 1861.]

Resolved, That this Convention, on behalf of the people of this State, repose entire confidence in the eminent professional skill, courage, and sound judgment of Brig. Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard, and in the intelligent and efficient co-operation of the various members of his staff, and other assistants, military and naval, and respectfully tender to them, and to the various forces in the service, and individuals designated, the thanks of the State for their successful efforts thus far, to protect the honor and interests of the State.

Resolved, That if Fort Sumter shall fall into the hands of our present Government, and the harbor of Charleston should be relieved from all hostile occupation or obstruction, although without any actual conflict of arms, such result will be not the less achieved by our forces aforesaid, and their wise and effective operations.

Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be communicated to General Beauregard, with a request that he extend them to the various regiments, battalions, and separate companies, and to his staff and assistants, in such form and manner as he shall judge expedient.

[Adopted Monday, April 8, 1861.]

—–

MORRIS ISLAND, S.C., April 10, 1861.

Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding, Headquarters Provisional Forces, Charleston, S. C.:

MY DEAR GENERAL: There are two 4-pounder pieces here, with their limbers. There is a caisson in the city. There is also ammunition. These guns are very light, and belong to the Citadel Cadets, who are, I believe, instructed in their use. Put horses to it, and it will make a most excellent addition to our force against a landing. I regard this as very important, and the sooner it is carried out the better.

I learned this morning, with surprise, that the Dahlgren had been dismounted at Sullivan’s Island, my countermand of your orders not having been forwarded, as it seems. In this case it must either be sent over here or at once remounted in its former position; the latter is, of course, the quickest. I think Stevens’ iron battery and the two 42s a sufficient fire on the gorge. I send this up by Captain Jones, who returns immediately.

Very respectfully,

W. H. C. WHITING,

Major, Engineers.

—–

STEAMER GORDON,
Off Sumter, S.C., April 10, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD:

DEAR GENERAL: I have had under my charge during the night, in addition to my three steamers, the Charleston. The Seabrook came down about 8 o’clock and received orders, but I knew nothing of her during the night. She did not obey my orders. This morning I saw her anchored away to the southward. The Catawba has been all night in the offing. It is my opinion that Sumter can be relieved, by boats from vessels outside of the bars, on any night as dark as the last, or, if we have to take it, you had better be making a beginning. If a vessel of war is placed off each bar, when Sumter opens I will lose all my steamers, as there will be no escape for me. Therefore, before firing, these steamers should be called in. If the steamers are to guard the entrances, please send them down before dark, that they may be positioned. Yesterday I looked into Bull’s Bay, at Stono, and saw nothing.

Excuse my bad writing, my hands are so cold, and my light is so bad that I can scarcely see. I have ordered the Charleston up.

Respectfully,

H. J. HARTSTENE.

—–

HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES.
Charleston, S.C., April 10, 1861.

Maj. W. H. C. WHITING, Engineers, Morris Island, S. C. :

DEAR MAJOR: Your note of this day from the wharf has just been handed to me. I have just ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley to put that Dahlgren gun in position between the wharf and extreme westerly point of Sullivan’s Island, to fire on the landing of the westerly face of Sumter and its postern. I have ordered those two additional 24-pounders to be sent forthwith to Cummings Point. Do the best with them, and caution Colonels Gregg and De Saussure to be on the lookout to-night. To-morrow morning’s sun must see us victorious.

Yours, truly,

G.T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

—–

HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES,
Charleston, S.C., April 10, 1861.

General R. G. M. DUNOVANT,
Commanding Sullivan’s Island, S.C.:

MY DEAR GENERAL: Please tell Colonel Ripley I have received his letter of this day to Major Jones. I appreciate all the difficulties he refers to, but this is one of those moments when the word impossible must be ignored, for the fate of Anderson and Sumter depends upon the result of this night’s firing. Captain Hartstene and the naval officers are of opinion that the barges can pass our batteries in a dark night, hence we must be prepared to fire on their landing place, which will be the western face and postern of Sumter, not seen by any of our guns. Captain Hartstene is going to light up the entrance of the harbor with floating light-wood fires, and our Drummond lights must be set in active operation as soon as the alarm of “boats are coming” is given. Up to that time they must be kept ready for operations.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

—–

HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES,
Charleston, S.C., April 10, 1861.

General R. G. M. DUNOVANT, Sullivan’s Island, S.C.:

DEAR GENERAL: From all the information we can receive it is probable that the attempt to relieve and provision Sumter will be made to-night in barges, through, probably, the Swash Channel. I have sent verbal orders to Ripley a moment ago to endeavor to put forthwith that dismounted Dahlgren gun (now on the Sullivan Wharf) in position near the extreme end of said island, and then to construct a hasty parapet in front of it. Its main object is to enfilade the landing of the western face of Sumter, and the postern in that angle, for that is where the disembarkation is going to take place. Will you see at once to the execution of these instructions? Then I wish Captain Hamilton to mark out the best position for his battery, just outside of said western point of Sullivan’s Island, for the same purpose as that already indicated by me for the Dahlgren gun, and to let me know when he will require a steamboat to report to him for that object. He must be careful to put his battery as near the point as practicable, so as to avoid the heavier fire of Sumter.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Operations in Florida

April 10, 2011

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

U. S. TROOP-SHIP ATLANTIC,
Lat. 32 deg. 13‘, Long. 74° 49‘ 15“
April 10, 1861.

Hon. WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State:

DEAR SIR: We expect to touch at Key West, and will be able to set things in order there and give the first check to the secession movement by firmly establishing the authority of the United States in that most ungrateful island and city. Thence we propose to send dispatches under cover to you. The officers will write to their friends, understanding that the package will not be broken until after the public has notice through the newspapers of our success or defeat. Our object is yet unknown on board, and if I read the papers of the eve of our departure aright our secret is still a secret in New York. No communication with the shore, however, will be allowed.

Your dispatch arrived as I was on my way to the Atlantic, just before the hour at which she was to sail, and two or three hours after that appointed for the Powhatan. When the arrow has sped from the bow it may glance aside, but who shall reclaim it before its flight is finished?

A violent gale compelled us to lay head to wind for twenty-four hours. We ran one hundred miles out of our course. The Powhatan having taken this gale earlier may have got through it with less delay, so that it is not now likely that we will overtake her. She had orders to call off Key West, and by boat or signal ascertain whether we had passed. It is important that she should reach the port before us.

Permit me to urge the importance of the purchase of these Collins steamers. Britain has already token the first, the Adriatic. Jeff. Davis or the United States may take them. They were built under contract subject to be taken at a valuation if needed for war. This ship, the Atlantic, cost $750,000. We have chartered her at $2,000 per day for thirty days, with the privilege, at the end of thirty days, of retaining her at that price, giving her up, or purchasing by the United States at $350,000, one-half her cost. During the height of the gale she showed no signs of weakness, rode easily, without labor, and the very line of cabin-lights reflected from a mirror, which doubles all distortions, was straight and true. This too with forty tons of horses in place of port-guns on her bow, and thirty tons of hay and stores on her after-hurricane deck. The weight of 10-inch pivot guns would not therefore hurt her. Thus far we have lost but one horse, exhausted by struggling after failing during the gale.

The Baltic I hope is chartered on terms like those of the Atlantic. Both should belong to the United States. British agents, if not Southern envoys, are after them. Had we been on board a vessel less staunch and seaworthy not a horse would have been seen oh deck and the ship might have shared the fate of the San Francisco.

The dispatch and the secrecy with which this expedition has been fitted out will strike terror into the ranks of rebellion. All New York, saw, all the United States knew, that the Atlantic was filling with stores and troops. But now this nameless vessel, her name is painted out, speeds out of the track of commerce to an unknown destination. Mysterious, unseen, where will the powerful bolt fall? What thousands of men, spending the means of the Confederate States, vainly beat the air amid the swamps of the southern coast, and, filling the dank forts, curse secession and the mosquitoes!

Buy all the steamships, fill them with troops and stores, start them on such mysterious errands, and Mr. Memminger will need more loans and South Carolina herself will grow sick of rebellion.

God promised to send before his chosen people an advance-guard of hornets. Our constant allies are the more efficient mosquitoes and sand-flies. At this time the republic has need of all her sons, of all their knowledge, zeal, and courage.

Major Hunt is with us, somewhat depressed at going into the field without his horses. His battery of Napoleon guns, probably the best field guns in our service, is to follow in the Illinois; but the traitor Twiggs surrendered his horses to the rebels of Texas, and the company of well-trained artillerists finds itself, after eight years of practice, in that highest and most efficient arm, the light artillery, going into active service as footmen. They, too, feel the change deeply.

I inclose a memorandum which Major Hunt has written at my suggestion, and I bespeak your influence to see that he is supplied with horses. If, in the end, this be not found the best field for the campaign–and I am not yet prepared to advise on this point–then these trained men and officers, these instructed soldiers, may be easily transferred to another field and replaced by some company whose training will suit the duties to be performed at our destination. The major served through the Mexican war in Duncan’s famous battery, was brevetted for Churubusco, again for Chapultepec and the City of Mexico, and commanded the battery at Molino. These are historic names. Such an officer should be encouraged, promoted, translated to that sphere to which his peculiar training and skill will be most useful to his country. I have been gratified, even surprised, at the soldierly and loyal spirit with which these officers go upon this expedition. Whether our aim be Charleston, Savannah, Dominica, Pensacola, Mobile, Key West, Louisiana, or Texas, they do not know, but with cheerful trust in the Government they rely upon its wisdom and patriotism, and not a sad brow or a complaining spirit is on board. This loyalty and devotion is beautiful. It promises for the country, if properly appreciated and encouraged, a most efficient army, animated by hope and patriotism. From such men, and not from the pillows used to bolster up political reputations, should the colonels of your new regiments be selected. Such men will raise regiments at their call. The soil will sprout armed men. They can train them into soldiers who will save the country, if arms can save it. All patriots should look to these things. On the spirit and loyalty of your officers depends the success of your armies.

I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. C. MEIGS,
Captain of Engineers.

[Inclosure.]

Memorandum for Captain Meigs.

My battery, dismounted in consequence of Twiggs’ treason, left its horses at Fort Brown, Tex. The guns, light 12-pounders (the new canon-obusier of Louis Napoleon), are the only ones in our service of that kind. They were brought off by the company in spite of extraordinary efforts on the part of the Texans to get possession of them. Their firing is very accurate, and with equal mobility they have much greater power than the 6-pounder. Each is perfectly adapted to the use of all the projectiles known in the service–shot, shell, spherical case, and canister. The fire of one portion of the battery is therefore never Sacrificed to that of another, as so often happens in ordinary batteries, where the fire of the gun must often be sacrificed to that of the howitzer, and vice versa.

The men of the company are well instructed both as drivers and cannoneers, a work requiring time and patience, and it is of great importance that the knowledge they have acquired by long training should not be lost to the service, for neither drivers nor cannoneers can be improvised when wanted. The battery has with it its forge, battery-wagons, harness, &c., and requires only horses to make it thoroughly efficient. These ought to be supplied at once, as they would convert a comparatively inefficient, because uninstructed, infantry company into an efficient field battery.

The number of horses required is eighty; for quality and description see page 46, Artillery Tactics. A few good saddle-horses for officers should be sent in addition, say eight or ten.

HENRY J. HUNT,
Brevet Major, Captain Second Artillery
Commanding Light Battery M.

Steamer ATLANTIC,
At Sea, April 10, 1861.

Post image for Captain J. G. Foster’s Journal of the Bombardment of Fort Sumter

Captain J. G. Foster’s Journal of the Bombardment of Fort Sumter

April 9, 2011

The American Civil War,War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

April 9, 1861.–The four-gun battery on the upper end of Sullivan’s Island that was unmasked yesterday morning by blowing up the wooden house standing in front of it was situated very nearly upon the prolongation of the capital of this fort, and, therefore, could enfilade the terre-pleins of both flanks of the work, as well as sweep, to a certain extent, the outside of the scarp wall of the left flank, where alone a vessel of any considerable draught of water could lie near to the fort and discharge her cargo. It therefore became a matter of importance to provide traverses to intercept the fire along the barbette tier of the right flank, as this contains the heaviest battery, intended to operate both upon Fort Moultrie and Cummings Point, and also to prepare means for quickly unloading any vessel that may run in alongside the left flank with supplies for the garrison.

For the first purpose I commenced to prepare (for want of sand bags) a large double curb of boards and scantling, to be elevated upon the top of the parapet at the right shoulder angle, and being filled with earth hoisted from the parade, to serve for a traverse to protect this flank.

For the second I prepared ladders and runways to take in re-enforcements and provisions at the embrasures rapidly, one embrasure being enlarged so as to admit barrels, and also cleared the passage around to the main gate. A large stone traverse was also commenced to cover the main gates from the fire from Cummings Point. The masons were put at work cutting openings through the walls of the officers’ quarters so as to admit a free communication through them, on the first and second floors, from one flank to the other. The battery in the right shoulder angle, first tier, was also being improved by substituting a 42-pounder for a 32-pounder, cutting into the magazine wall, so as to allow the gun on the gorge to be used against the batteries, and cutting away one side of the embrasure, so as to allow the first gun on the right flank to be used in the same way.

The quantity of bread became very small, and only half-rations of it were allowed to the men. The enemy’s steamers were very active carrying supplies to their batteries.

Post image for On the Brink of War — Confederate Messages and Directives

On the Brink of War — Confederate Messages and Directives

April 9, 2011

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

“… by God’s providence we will, I trust, be prepared for them; and if they approach with war vessels also I think you will hear of as bloody a fight as ever occurred.”

MONTGOMERY, April 9, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD, Charleston:

Major Anderson’s mails must be stopped. The fort must be completely isolated.

L. P. WALKER.

—–

CHARLESTON, April 9, 1861.

L. P. WALKER:

The mails have already been stopped.

G.T. BEAUREGARD.

—–

ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE,
Montgomery, April 9, 1861.

Brig. Gen. G. T. BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Confederate Forces, Charleston, S. C.:

GENERAL: It is much to be desired that the recruits sent from Baltimore to Charleston should remain with your command and be provided for at present by the arrangements made by Captain Lee, or else by appointing him as acting assistant quartermaster for the troops of the Confederate States under your command, in addition to his present duties, which would involve very little increase of labor on his part, and afford the advantage of placing funds in his hands for disbursement on account of the military service of the Confederate States. If possible you will please make this arrangement, or else select some other competent officer of the army of the Confederate States for the same purpose. It is not deemed necessary at present to furnish the supplies for the full equipment of these recruits.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

—–

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
Headquarters, April 9, 1861.

To the PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES:

MY DEAR SIR: I send by the bearer important dispatches to the Secretary of War, and beg to call your immediate attention to them. The bearer is Colonel Hayne an aide of mine, and will return immediately to me. If you have anything particular to General Beauregard or myself, you can trust it to him, and he will bring it back immediately. Since I inclosed the dispatch to the Secretary of War Major Anderson has written a polite note to General Beauregard, requesting that the letters taken from the mail might be returned, as he had been notified that his mails would be stopped entirely. The general returned for answer that the private letters had been sent to their destination, but the official letters were sent to the Confederate Government, because rumors, well established, indicated that Mr. Fox had violated his faith to me in visiting the fort, under the guarantee of Captain Hartstene, who went with him. The pledge was that he visited Major Anderson by authority, for pacific purposes entirely. You see that the present scheme for supplying the fort is Mr. Fox’s. It is thought that the attempt will be made to-night, and we have doubled our steamboats on the harbor and bar.

Since I wrote to the War Department we have increased the forces on Morris Island to two thousand one hundred men, and ten companies of fine men arrive to-night, in the next train, of eight hundred men, and two more regiments arrive to-morrow. We hope to have about six thousand men there on the harbor batteries and posts. I trust we are ready, and if they come we will give them a cordial reception, such as will ring through this country, I think. I hope we are not mistaken; but, at any rate, we will try and do our duty.

With great esteem, yours, very truly,

F. W. PICKENS.

—–

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Headquarters, April 9, 1861.

Hon. Mr. WALKER, Secretary of War:

SIR: At the request of General Beauregard I inclose the within. I took possession of the mails this morning from Sumter, and retained the packages marked “official.” These are all sent you. The private letters are all sent, as directed, to their owners. I did this because I consider a state of war is now inaugurated by the authorities at Washington, and all information of a public nature was necessary to us. The mails and all intercourse of any kind with Sumter are now forbidden, and I immediately refused Captain Talbot any interview with Major Anderson, and also his request to be restored to his command in the fort. I called in General Beauregard, and made Captain Talbot and Mr. Chew repeat in his presence what they had said and what the former desired as to Sumter, and General Beauregard entirely and immediately concurred.

You will see by these letters of Major Anderson how it is intended to supply the fort; but by God’s providence we will, I trust, be prepared for them; and if they approach with war vessels also I think you will hear of as bloody a fight as ever occurred. We now have three thousand seven hundred men at the different posts and batteries, and will have by to-morrow three thousand more, which I have called down. From my calculation. I think they will have about two thousand six hundred, and will attempt to land in launch-boats with 24 and 12 pounders, and it will probably be on the lower end of Morris Island, next the light-house. If so, we will have a fine rifle regiment to give them a cordial welcome from behind sand hills (that are natural fortifications), and two Dahlgren guns will be right on them, besides four 24-pounders in battery. I have four hundred fine Enfield rifles that have been practiced at nine hundred yards, and on that island, altogether, we have now one thousand nine hundred and fifty men, and are increasing it today.

There has just arrived on the bar a fine rifled cannon from Liverpool, of the latest make (Blakely gun), an improvement upon Armstrong, of steel rolls or coils, with an elevation of seven and one-half degrees to a mile. It throws a shell or twelve-pound shot with the accuracy of a dueling-pistol, and only one and one-half pounds of powder. Such, they write me, is this gun, and I hope to have it in position to-night. We expect the attack about 6 o’clock in the morning, on account of the tide.

Very respectfully,

F. W. PICKENS.

(Captured Union Letters)

[Inclosure No. 1.]

FORT SUMTER, S.C., April 8, 1861.

General JOSEPH G. TOTTEN,
Chief Engineer U. S. Army, Washington, D.C.:

GENERAL: The increased activity and vigilance of the investing force, as reported yesterday, still continues. Three large traverses are nearly completed on the front, from battery No. 3 to 5, on Morris Island, and traverses are also being erected in the interior of battery No. 5. Additions of sand bags are being made to the covering of the magazine, between Nos. 2 and 3, and to the left flank of No. 1, where I think they are constructing a service magazine.

I am busily at work constructing splinter-proof shelters on the terre-plein. I obtain timber by taking the gun carriages to pieces, and form the covering of the 2-inch iron pieces for embrasures, as seen below. The plates are spiked on, so as to be securely retained in their places, even if struck by a shell, which I am confident it will turn.

Our supplies are entirely cut off from the city, and those on hand are very limited.

The besieging forces worked all day yesterday, whenever the intervals between the showers of rain would allow.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER,

Captain, Engineers.

P. S.–I received yesterday a letter from the Secretary of War to Major Anderson, which, by mistake, had been enveloped to me. I handed it to Major Anderson without reading.

Respectfully, &c.,

J. G. FOSTER,

Captain, Engineers.

[Inclosure No. 2.]

Col. L. THOMAS Adjutant-General:

DEAR COLONEL: In another envelope I shall send a No. 96,¹ Which you will be pleased to destroy.

That God will preserve our beloved country, is the heart-felt prayer of your friend,

R.A.

—–

No. 96.] FORT SUMTER, S.C., April 8, 1861.

Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolinians have since about noon yesterday been very actively engaged in strengthening their works on Morris Island. I pray that God will avert the storm which seems impending over us, and restore amicable and permanently-pacific relations between the States who still stick to the old Union and those who have formed another Government in the South.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT ANDERSON,

Major, First Artillery, Commanding.

P.S.–I omitted acknowledging the receipt of the letter from the honorable Secretary of the 4th instant.

[Inclosure No. 3.]

No. 96.] FORT SUMTER, S.C., April 8, 1861.

Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the resumption of work yesterday (Sunday) at various points on Morris Island, and the vigorous prosecution of it this morning, apparently strengthening nearly all the batteries which are under the fire of our guns, shows that they either have received some news from Washington which has put them on the qui vive or that they have received orders from Montgomery to commence operations here. I am preparing by the side of my barbette guns protection for our men from the shells, which will be almost continuously bursting over or in our work.

I had the honor to receive by yesterday’s mail the letter of the honorable Secretary of War, dated April 4, and confess that what he there states surprises me very greatly, following as it does and contradicting so positively the assurance Mr. Crawford telegraphed he was authorized to make. I trust that this matter will be at once put in a correct light, as a movement made now, when the South has been erroneously informed that none such will be attempted, would produce most disastrous results throughout our country.

It is, of course, now too late for me to give any advice in reference to the proposed scheme of Captain Fox. I fear that its result cannot fail to be disastrous to all concerned. Even with his boat at our walls the loss of life (as I think I mentioned to Mr. Fox) in unloading her will more than pay for the good to be accomplished by the expedition, which keeps us, if I can maintain possession of this work, out of position, surrounded by strong works, which must be carried to make this fort of the least value to the United States Government.

We have not oil enough to keep a light in the lantern for one night. The boats will have, therefore, to rely at night entirely upon other marks. I ought to have been informed that this expedition was to come. Colonel Lamon’s remark convinced me that the idea, merely hinted at to me by Captain Fox, would not be carried out. We shall strive to do our duty, though I frankly say that my heart is not in the war which I see is to be thus commenced. That God will still avert it, and cause us to resort to pacific measures to maintain our rights, is my ardent prayer.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBERT ANDERSON,

Major, First Artillery, Commanding.

—–

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1861.

Hon. D. F. JAMISON,
President of the Convention, State of South Carolina:

SIR: I had the honor this morning of receiving, through a committee of your State Convention, its resolutions, expressing confidence in my professional skill, courage, and sound judgment, and in the efficient cooperation of the several members of my staff and other assistants, military and naval; and tendering to the individuals designated, and to the various forces in the service, the thanks of the State for their successful efforts thus far in protecting the honor and interests of the State.

Allow me, sir, through you, to thank the honorable body over which you preside for this evidence of their kindness to myself and assistants, and to the forces under my orders. I feel highly gratified that in so short a time it has been my good fortune to merit your approbation in the discharge of my official duties, and it is a source of pride for me to state that I feel much indebted for the expression of your resolutions to the active and willing co-operation of every one under my command. Never have I seen a more universal exhibition of determination and self-denial on the part of individuals for the promotion of any cause than that of the forces under my command, for the accomplishment of the great object we have in view. Encouraged by the great trust reposed in them, I can confidently express the hope that all under my command will continue to merit your approbation. It will be my pleasure to communicate to the troops and others under my orders the substance of your flattering resolutions.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

—–

HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES,
Charleston, S. C. April 9, 1861.

Col. M. GREGG, Commanding, Morris Island, S. C.:

SIR: I have ordered two 12-pounders and a battery of 6-pounders to be sent to you this day, to be used in the defense of Vinegar Hill and Light-house Hills, and in preventing a landing on the low ground between them. Have them put in position forthwith, and look out for to-night or to-morrow morning. Caution Colonel De Saussure about not throwing away the shot of his batteries. Be careful that the sand does not fill up the holes of the nipples of your muskets and Enfield rifles.

Your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

—–

HDQRS. PROV. FORCES CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1861.

Capt. G. S. JAMES, Commanding Port Johnson, S. C.

CAPTAIN: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you send to-night to Legare’s Landing, on Schooner Creek, twenty, or, if practicable,   twenty-five men from your command, under the command of a commissioned officer; this detachment to guard that point during the night and return to you in the morning. You will send the same or an equivalent detachment to the same point every night until further orders.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. W. FERGUSON,

Captain, and Aide-de-Camp.

—–

HDQRS. PROV. FORCES CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1861.

Capt. F. L. CHILDS, Commanding Castle Pinckney, S. C.:

CAPTAIN: The brigadier-general commanding directs that in consequence of the difficulty of transporting your command to where it was ordered, you will hold it in readiness to embark this evening, about 7 p.m., on board three steamboats, that are to report to Captain Hartstene for duty in the outer harbor, at the rate of twenty-five men to each steamer, each man to be armed with his musket and take with him forty rounds of ammunition, which will be sent to you. These detachments will be returned in the morning and will hold themselves in readiness for similar duty every: night until further orders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. W. FERGUSON,

Captain, and Aide-de-Camp.

—–

HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES,
Charleston, S.C., April 9, 1861.

Col. MAXCY GREGG,
Commanding Morris Island, Charleston Harbor, S.C.:

SIR: I have ordered Major Whiting, of the Engineers, to represent to you what I consider the best position for locating the troops on Morris Island, resulting from his reconnaissances. You will please consult with him freely on the subject, and afford him all the assistance he may require for the construction of the light-house battery, and such other works as may be required for the defense of the south end of said island, and of the strong position at or near Vinegar Hill. Should you have any disposable field pieces you will so locate them as to sweep the flat ground between the latter position and the Light-house Hills. Re-enforcements will continue to be sent to you as fast as practicable, to the extent of one or two regiments more besides the Seventeenth. Should you be attacked before their arrival, you will make a desperate stand on the Light-house Hills and at Vinegar Hilly which are the keys of Morris Island.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

—–

HQDRS. PROV. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
Charleston, S.C., April 9, 1861.

Col. J. J. PETTIGREW, Commanding Sullivan’s Island, S.C.:

SIR: You were informed last night that you were to hold your regiment in readiness for any change of station that circumstances might dictate. This order should not preclude you from maintaining all your present arrangements for the defense of Sullivan’s Island, for it is impossible to state now when you may be called upon to move from your present position. I may even have to strengthen the present forces on that island.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

P. S.–Have you put that flat-boat in position, as already directed, in the Sullivan Creek

G. T. B.

—–

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 9, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD, Charleston:

The messenger speaks doubtless by authority. He gives the promised notice to Governor Pickens. Diplomacy has failed. The sword must now preserve our independence. Our gallant countrymen will do their duty.

MARTIN J. CRAWFORD.

_______

¹ Major Anderson numbered his reports, which were dispatched virtually every day until near the end, sequentially.  The numbers have not been included here at Daily Observations from The Civil War and only selected reports have been included.

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Operations in Charleston Harbor

April 9, 2011

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

HDQRS. PROV. FORCES
CONFEDERATE STATES,
Charleston, S.C., April 9, 1861.

Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON,
Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston, S.C.:

SIR: Your favor of this day has just been received, through Captain James. The private letters you refer to in the mail of yesterday were  sent to their destination, but the public ones were sent to the Confederate Government at Montgomery, in return for the treachery of Mr. Fox, who has been reported to have violated his word given to Governor Pickens before visiting Fort Sumter.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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Expedition to Charleston Harbor

April 8, 2011

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, April 8, 1861.

First Lieut. EDWARD McK. HUDSON,
Fourth Artillery, Comdg. U. S. troops on the steamer Baltic:

SIR: I am instructed by the General-in-Chief to say to you that the destination of the two hundred recruits embarked on the steamer Baltic is Fort Sumter, and that “Capt. G. V. Fox, ex-officer of the Navy, and a gentleman of high standing, as well as possessed of extraordinary nautical ability, has been charged by high authority in Washington with the command of the expedition, under cover of certain ships of war.”

You will accordingly be governed by the instructions of Captain Fox.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. L. SCOTT,

Lieutenant-Colonel and A.D.C., Act. Adjt. Gen.

Post image for Operations in Charleston Harbor — Confederate Records

Operations in Charleston Harbor — Confederate Records

April 8, 2011

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

[APRIL 8, 1861.]

AN ORDINANCE to transfer to the Government of the Confederate States of America, the use and occupancy of the forts, arsenals, navy-yards, custom-houses, and other public sites within the limits of this State.

We, the people of South Carolina, in convention assembled, do ordain and declare, and it is hereby ordained and declared by the authority of the same, that the Government of the Confederate States of America is  hereby authorized to occupy, use, and hold possession of all forts, navy-yards, arsenals, custom-houses, and other public sites within the limits of this State, and their appurtenances, lately in the possession of the United States of America, together with Fort Sumter, and to repair, rebuild, and control the same at its discretion, until this ordinance be repealed by a convention of the people of this State.

Done at Charleston, the 8th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.

D. F. JAMISON,

President.

Attest:

B. F. ARTHUR, Clerk.

Post image for Messages and Directives as War Nears — Confederate Records

Messages and Directives as War Nears — Confederate Records

April 8, 2011

War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

WASHINGTON, April 8, 1861.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD:

Accounts are uncertain, because of the constant vacillation of this Government. We were reassured yesterday that the status of Sumter would not be changed without previous notice to Governor Pickens, but we have no faith in them. The war policy prevails in the Cabinet at this hour.

M. J. CRAWFORD.

—–

CHARLESTON, April 8, 1861.

L. P. WALKER:

Authorized messenger from Lincoln just informed Governor Pickens and myself that provisions would be sent to Sumter peaceably, otherwise by force.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

—–

MONTGOMERY, April 8, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD, Charleston:

Under no circumstances are you to allow provisions to be sent to Fort Sumter.

L. P. WALKER.

—–

CHARLESTON, April 8, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

Anderson’s provisions stopped yesterday. No answer from him. Am calling out balance of contingent troops.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

—–

HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
April 8, 1861.

[General BEAUREGARD :]

DEAR GENERAL: I inclose the within copy of Major Anderson’s note. Please say to the Secretary of War that we thought detaching an officer from the garrison was weakening its efficiency and not taking much from the consumption of food. Tell him that you as well as myself saw the foolish firing, and both regretted it, and that you immediately issued orders as to the future firing, &c., and that the captain in charge of the watch-vessel) the Petrel, was discharged for his neglect of duty, &c.

In great haste, but most sincerely,

F. W. PICKENS.

—–

HDQRS. PROVISIONAL ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES,
Charleston, S.C., April 8, 1861.

General L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.:

SIR: The War Department letter of the 6th instant has been received. I send herewith a copy of the letter addressed yesterday to Major Robert Anderson, stopping his provisions from this city, in obedience to the instructions of the Department. He has not yet answered it, probably on account of the prevailing bad weather, or perhaps he wishes to await the orders of the United States Government.

Lieutenant Talbot was allowed to go to Washington in order to diminish as much as practicable the number of Major Anderson’s officers, and in the hope that he would communicate to the Government at Washington their true condition in Fort Sumter, which Governor Pickens and myself have reasons to believe is not satisfactory to them.

On account of the unfortunate publication this morning of the proceedings of the State Convention of South Carolina, containing a detailed report of the State secretary of war, giving the exact condition, strength, and number of batteries and troops collected for the defense of this harbor, I have called out the balance of the five thousand men to which I have been limited by my instructions of the 1st ultimo–a measure rendered still more necessary on account of the warlike preparations at present being made by the United States Government with so much mystery.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

—–

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,
Montgomery, April 8, 1861.

His Excellency F. W. PICKENS, Charleston S.C.:

SIR: The discontinuance by the United States of negotiations with the Commissioners representing this Government, of which doubtless you have before this been made aware, leaves no doubt as to the policy we should pursue.

A large force will probably, and if at all, almost immediately, be needed to resist the coercive measures of the Washington administration. To meet this condition of affairs, this Department, acting with reference to the power vested in the Executive by the act of the Congress entitled “An act to provide for the public defense,” suggests to your excellency the necessity of calling at once for three thousand volunteers, to be drilled, equipped, and held in instant readiness to meet any requisition from this Department. These troops will, of course, not be receiving pay until they shall be mustered into service, but the emergency is so pressing that your excellency will fully appreciate the great importance of thorough preparation, especially in regard to instant capacity to move. A similar  request has been addressed to the Executive of each of the Confederate States. Asking an early reply to the suggestions above made,

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. WALKER.

(Similar letters to the governor of Florida, Tallahassee; the governor of Georgia; governor of Louisiana, Baton Rouge; governor of Texas, Austin; governor of Alabama, Montgomery; governor of Mississippi.)

—–

APRIL 8, 1861.

“I am directed by the President of the United States to notify you to expect an attempt will be made to supply Fort Sumter with provisions only, and that if such attempt be not resisted no effort to throw in men, arms, or ammunition will be made without further notice, or in case of an attack upon the fort.”

The above was communicated to us on the evening of April 8 by Robert S. Chew, esq., of the State Department in Washington, and Captain Talbot stated that it was from the President of the United States, as did Mr. Chew, and was delivered to him on the 6th instant at Washington, and this was read in their presence and admitted.

F. W. PICKENS.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Post image for Supplies to Sumter Stopped — Operations in Charleston Harbor

Supplies to Sumter Stopped — Operations in Charleston Harbor

April 7, 2011

The American Civil War,War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

HEADQUARTERS OF THE
PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.,
Charleston, S.C., April 7, 1861.

Maj. Robert ANDERSON,
Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S.C.:

SIR: In compliance with orders from the Confederate Government at Montgomery, I have the honor to inform you that, in consequence of the delays and apparent vacillations of the United States Government at Washington relative to the evacuation of Fort Sumter, no further communications for the purposes of supply with this city from the fort and with the fort from this city will be permitted from and after this day. The mails, however, will continue to be transmitted as heretofore, until further instructions from the Confederate Government.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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I shall fire unless… – Confederate Correspondence

April 7, 2011

The American Civil War,War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies

PENSACOLA, April 7, 1861.

Hon. L. P. WALKER:

Your dispatch of 5th answered by telegraph and letter. I shall fire upon any re-enforcements to Pickens unless ordered not. Need supplies called for in my ordnance requisition. Have but few cartridge bags and no flannel. I shall send to Mobile for some to-day, but have no money to pay. Not a cent has been received since I arrived. Dispatches for Fort Pickens and the fleet can be received from Washington through the post-office here. The blow is over, and the vessels stood it out. Twelve hundred men expected on to-day from Mississippi and Georgia.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

Brigadier-General.

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