March 13, 1861; The New York Herald
CHARLESTON, March 9, 1861.
There are many of your city papers which profess to have correspondents in Charleston, but it is very clear to any one actually in our city that such is not really the case. Your paper is one of the few that will publish the truth, it afforded the opportunity to do so: and from its vast circulation and resources is able to be an instrument of immense good.
Your abstracts from our papers give your readers a very fair notion of events that are transpiring, but there are occurrences which none but your own correspondent can rightly inform you of.
Yesterday an accident occurred at the Cumming’s Point battery, which will, doubtless, be misrepresented in the Northern papers. A squad of recruits, from the regulars of the South Carolina army, were practising at the heavy guns of Stevens’ iron battery. The guns were intended to be fired with blank cartridges. Some person or persons, accidentally or otherwise, placed in cannon No. 3 a ball cartridge. The order was given to load and fire the guns in their order. No. 1 fired, No. 2 fired, and then No. 3 fired. It was noticed by the commanding officer that the recoil from No. 3 was considerably greater than from the other guns. Suspecting something wrong he immediately jumped upon the top of the battery to assure Major Anderson that the shot was accidental. The result of the shot could easily be seen from Morris Island. It struck near the gateway, and ricocheted into the water beyond. Soon after the shot was fired Major Anderson unmasked three of his guns bearing on the Cumming’s Point battery, but soon perceiving that the shot was purely accidental, he closed the port holes and made no further demonstration.
A boat, as soon as possible, was despatched to Fort Sumter, bearing an officer, who acquainted Major Anderson how the accident occurred, and who conveyed the deep regret the commanding officer felt at the occurrence. The Major received the explanation in good part, and this is the simple fact of the whole matter, which for a time created a considerable stir over the city and harbor.
General Beauregard, the commander of the harbor of Charleston, appointed by the Southern confederacy, has been in the city for four or five days. Since his arrival he has inspected all the fortifications erected since Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie, and expresses himself as satisfied with the vigor and activity exhibited in their construction. The general is a man of medium height, with quite a military appearance, and is undoubtedly an accomplished officer and one who knows thoroughly what he has to do.
It would astonish one to see how rapidly the men composing the regulars of the South Carolina army have been converted from green recruits into well drilled soldiers. The officers and men seem imbued with quite a military ardor, and go to their work with a will which will always command success. If we are forced into a fight the troops will certainly battle unto the death. But it remains entirely with the authorities at Washington to determine what shall be the result, whether peace or war. The people are determined, but they are not rash, and all assertions to the contrary notwithstanding, a more law abiding, orderly people do not exist on the face of the globe. Since the commencement of the present difficulty no disorder or mob movement has ever been made. Every action has been under the control of the proper State authorities, and those papers who have made different statements have propagated base slanders against the Southern people.
The editorials of the HERALD have attracted considerable attention in our city, and a great many copies are sought for, even by those in high places, and the views advanced in your paper are generally conceded to be able and just.
Telegraphic rumors and private intelligence report that reinforcements will be sent to Fort Sumter. It will certainly be a most foolish attempt. Competent military talent are of the opinion that the batteries now bearing on the channel can sink any vessel or vessels in the United States Navy. However, I suppose it is a matter of opinion and the only proof will be a trial. Suppose some of the most ardent coercionists be sent in command if the attempt is made.