April 12, 1861; The New York Herald
The News from Charleston.
CHARLESTON, April 11, 1861.
A formal demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter was made at twelve o’clock today. No one believes that Major Anderson will accede. Fighting is expected to commence in less than twelve hours.
The New York steamer now being twelve hours overdue, it is believed she has been seized by Northern vessels outside the harbor, and made a cover in which to throw troops into the fort.
CHARLESTON, April 11–P.M.
Major Anderson has refused to surrender. His reply is to the effect that to do so would be inconsistent with the duty he owes to his government.
Hundreds of persons have been waiting for hours on the wharves, and other points of observation, to see the beginning of the conflict, among them a great number of ladies.
Hundreds of persons have been waiting for hours on the wharves, and other points of observation, to see the beginning of the conflict, among them a great number of ladies.
The people are out on the house tops, watching with feverish interest for the first signal of attack. The excitement in the city is intense.
Every train brings throngs of citizens and soldiers to town. Twenty-two car loads came from Columbia tonight.
Every train brings throngs of citizens and soldiers to town. Twenty-two car loads came from Columbia tonight.
There are no signs of the supply ships of the fleet as yet, but it is rumored that the Harriet Lane has been seen by a pilot outside.
A call has been made for three hundred mounted volunteers, as an extra patrol in the city tonight. Over one thousand have responded. The Sixteenth regiment has also been ordered on duty. This embraces all the militia of Charleston not already in the army.
Major Anderson is said to have fired a signal gun during the morning, for what object has not transpired. He has been busy all day strengthening his position.
The movements at Fort Sumter are plainly visible with a glass.
The State has thoroughly prepared for the event. The supply of ammunition and artillery is adequate to any emergency. The confidence in his ability to do all that is attempted in unlimited.
Fire signals are now burning in the harbor.
Senators Wigfall, Chesnut, ex-Governor Manning, of South Carolina; Hon. W. P. Miles, ex-member of Congress, and Pryor of Virginia are on the staff of General Beauregard, doing duty tonight.
Advices just received state that Georgia has ready fifty thousand men, armed and equipped for service.
Stirring times are at hand. The ball may open at any moment with great slaughter.
There have been no mails from the North for two days. They are supposed to have been stopped at Washington.
An officer, just arrived from Sullivan’s Island, informs me that three steamers hung off the coast for a long period yesterday. Major Anderson fired a signal gun at 10 A.M.
Business is suspended.
The Citadel Cadets are guarding the battery with heavy cannon.
Thousands are waiting to see the attack commenced.
One thousand mounted men and two thousand patrols heavily armed are guarding the city.
Ex-senator Chestnut, the special aid sent with Col. Chisolin, and one of Gen. Beauregard’s staff, have just returned from Fort Sumter with the reply to the order for the unconditional surrender. Answer at the present is refused at headquarters. Every man capable of bearing arms is called out.
Absolute secrecy is still observed as to future movements.
Absolute secrecy is still observed as to future movements.
The demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter was made at two o’clock this afternoon, and Messrs. Chesnut, Chisholm and Lee were deputised to carry the message from General Beauregard.
Hundreds of people assembled on the battery this evening in anticipation of the commencement of the fight at eight o’clock.
Immense crowds are now at the different newspaper offices eagerly watching for news.
The community are greatly excited, and are expecting an attack tonight, but up to midnight no demonstration has taken place, and probably no attack will be made tonight.
The military in the city are under arms, but all is quiet.
Another regiment will arrive here tomorrow.
It is estimated that between 6,000 and 7,000 men are stationed on Morris and Sullivan’s Island and points along the coast.
General Beauregard will leave at midnight for Morris Island.
It is currently reported that negotiations will be opened tomorrow between General Beauregard and Major Anderson, about the surrender of Fort Sumter.
Officers commanding different posts in the harbor and coast are on the alert, expecting an attempt will be made early in the morning to provision and reinforce Fort Sumter.
The Harriet Lane is reported to be off the bar, and signals are displayed by the guard boats and answered by the batteries.