January 10, 1861, The New York Herald
CHARLESTON, Jan. 9, 1861.
The Star of the West, in endeavoring to enter our harbor about daylight this morning, was opened upon by the garrison on Morris Island, and also by Fort Moultrie. The steamer put about and went to sea.
I have not been able to learn whether the steamer or any person on board was injured. The belief is that no injury was sustained by either the boat or those on board. Fort Sumter did not respond.
Lieut. Hall, of Fort Sumter, came over to the city about eleven o’clock with a flag of truce. He repaired to the quarters of the Governor, followed by a crowd of citizens. He was in secret communication with the Governor and Council for two hours. At two o’clock he was sent in a carriage with the Governor’s aids to the wharf, and returned to Fort Sumter. The object of his mission is not known. It is supposed that it related to the firing on the Star of the West.
The people are intensely exited.
There were no demonstrations against Lieut. Hall. There is a great curiosity to know what Lieut. Hall came for.
Our citizens were drawn in crowds to our wharves early this morning, in consequence of frequent reports of cannon from seaward. Some twelve or fifteen reports were heard, many of them proceeded from the works on Morris Island.
THE LATEST REPORT.
Lieutenant Hall closed his interview with the Governor and Council about two o’clock. The facts have not transpired. We learn from high authority that there are of a most threatening character.