War of the Rebellion: from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies
    

On the Brink of War—Confederate Messages and Directives

“… 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 American Civil War Chronicles and only selected reports have been included.

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