January 11, 1861, The New York Herald
Our intelligence from Charleston, published yesterday, relative to the arrival of the steamer Star of the West in the harbor of Charleston, and her retreat when fired upon by the State batteries, is fully confirmed by later advises. The particulars of the affair are detailed in another column. The Star of the West was intercepted by a steamer in the service of South Carolina, but she gave not attention to her. The batteries were then signaled, and shots were fired across the bows of the Star of the West to bring her to: but she still proceeded on her course, until she was fired upon, and two or three shots struck her, when she put about and went to sea, and has not since been heard of. Major Anderson, during the forenoon of Wednesday, despatched Lieutenant Hall with a flag of truce to Charleston, where he delivered a communication from the Major to Governor Pickens, wherein he recapitulates the facts concerning the Star of the West and requests to know if the action of the State troops is authorized, and says that if such action is not disclaimed by the South Carolina authorities he will prevent the passage of all vessels to the city of Charleston. Governor Pickens replied that the reinforcement of the fort was regarded as an act of hostility to South Carolina, and that he approved of the attack upon the Star of the West. After some deliberation Major Anderson concluded to refer the subject to the federal authorities at Washington, and Lieutenant Talbott was sent to the capital with despatches.
The latest accounts from Charleston state that the city was in a furor of excitement in anticipation of the arrival of the sloop of war Brooklyn. The forts and batteries in possession of the State troops were actively preparing to beat her off. She will most assuredly be attacked should she venture within reach of their guns. It is stated that major Anderson will not hesitate to open the batteries of Fort Sumter should the Brooklyn be attacked.
The authorities of South Carolina have taken possession of the steamer Marion for the service of the State.
From Louisiana we learn that all the State troops at New Orleans were under arms on Wednesday night, and that yesterday detachments left the city to seized the United States Arsenal at Baton Rouge, Forts Jackson and St. Philip, on the river below the city, and Fort Pike, on lake Ponchartrain. New regiments of troops were being organized, and the greatest excitement everywhere prevailed. During last summer the fortifications on the Mississippi river were put in thorough repair and armed with first class guns, and a full supply of ammunition put into their magazines. Between the Balize and the mouth of the Mississippi there are three or four of these works, which render the passage by the river impracticable to an enemy. There was a rumor in New Orleans that the Unites States steam gunboat Crusader was on her way up the river, but it was probably without foundation, as she was to leave Mobile bay on the 3d. inst. for her station off the coast of Cuba.
There is reason to believe that the authorities of Florida and Texas have by this time taken possession of the fortifications on their coasts.
From North Carolina we have intelligence of the seizure of Forts Johnson and Caswell, on the night of the 8th inst. by the State troops.
An important movement has been set on foot in the Virginia Legislature, with a view to the prevention of civil war. The House of Delegates yesterday adopted a resolution asking the President of the United States and the authorities of each of the Southern States, to the end that peace may be preserved, that the status quo of all movements tending to occasion collision, and concerning the forts and arsenals of the nation, shall be strictly maintained for the present, except to repel actual aggression.
From Alabama and Florida the reports are than these States will secede today.
Captain Couch, of steamship Roanoke, arrived last evening from Richmond, reports, January 9, three P. M., off Cape Henry, passed the United States steam sloop Brooklyn, bound south.
Captain A. S. Taylor, United States marine corps, has been detached from the Brooklyn marine barracks, and ordered to the Washington marine barracks, vice major Geo. H. Terrett, ordered to the command of fort Washington, on the Potomac, where a company of forty five marines have been temporarily stationed.
The marines of the United States ship Cyane have lately been paid off at Washington, but the sailors still remain unpaid at Brooklyn.
We publish in our news columns today a carefully prepared topographical sketch of the Savannah river, from Tybee Light to the city of Savannah, showing the course of the river, the island in it, and the locality of forts Pulaski and Jackson, now in possession of the Georgia State troops. Accompanying the engraved sketch is a carefully prepared and succinct description of the city of Savannah and the fortifications. The description of Fort Pulaski, we assume to say, will be found the best connected one yet given to the public.