January 16, 1861, The Charleston Mercury
The Gothamites were jubilant on Thursday evening, over the following refreshing intelligence, which was circulated in the streets in the form of an extra, and on which some of the enterprising newsboys made a fortune:
EXTRA.
Latest from Charleston.
Lieut. Hall, who was despatched by Major Anderson with a flag of truce to confer with the Governor and Council of Charleston on the recent outrage on the part of that Government in opening fire from the batteries of Morris Island on the steamer Star of the West in route to Fort Sumter, having returned from his mission, the result of which is yet unknown. About six hours afterwards, Fort Sumter opened fire on Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney, and after almost destructive and well sustained fire on both sides, Fort Moultrie had to succumb to the prowess of the gallant Major Anderson.
The garrison retreated with a loss, it is believed, of 20 killed and a large number of wounded. Castle Pinckney was soon after evacuated, having been set on fire by hot shot. The troops were conveyed by boats to the capital. The wounded received every possible attention from the authorities, the ladies assisting in their work of love, who, with their bright eyes and careful attention, tended to soothe the pains and sorrows of their afflicted brethren.
The loss of Major Anderson’s side was comparatively small, but this is readily explained from the fact that the guns from Fort Moultrie being of much smaller calibre, and not so effectively handled by the South Carolinians.
We deplore greatly the loss of life and property in this bloody affair, but the old adage, that who throw stones should not live in glass houses, appears to have been lost sight of by the secession movers of the South. This lesson may prove of beneficial results to all concerned.
The stars and stripes are now proudly waving over the ruins of Fort Moultrie – and it is momentarily expected that orders will be received to commence bombarding Charleston. We hope such a catastrophe may yet be averted.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.
The N. Y. Evening Post gives a full narrative of the voyage of the Star of the West, from which we make the following extract:
The military men on board highly complimented the South Carolinians on their shooting, in this first attempt. They say it was well done; that all which was needed was a little better range, which they probably could have obtained in a few minutes. Their line was perfect; and the opinion is expressed that some one had charge of the guns who understood his business.
‘It was very good sport for them,’ remarked one of our officers, ’shoot at us, and there was nothing to trouble them. They had it all their own way. But when Uncle Sam gets a man of war in the channel, throwing shells into that sandhill, they will learn the Difference.’
Two guns were employed; the smaller, it is believed, a twelve pounder, and the larger a thirty two pounder. This, however, is only conjecture. Whatever their size, they were well mannered. They were fired rapidly and with a will.
One of the officers hazarded a joke soon after we left the Charleston harbor. ‘The people of Charleston,’ he remarked, ‘pride themselves upon their hospitality, but it exceeds my expectation. They gave us several balls before we landed.’