April 12, 1861; The New York Herald
Highly important news from Charleston is published in this morning’s paper. Major Anderson was formally summoned, by General Beauregard, the commander of the secession forces, at noon yesterday, to surrender Fort Sumter. Major Anderson declined compliance, alleging that such a course would be incompatible with his duty to his government. The people of Charleston were intensely excited on the receipt of this refusal to surrender the Fort. The piers and housetops, and all the places from whence a view of the harbor could be obtained, were thronged with men and women, eager to witness the conflict, which was expected momentarily to begin. No hostile shot, however, was fired on either side. But later in the day negotiations were reopened between the commanders, and pending their conclusion hostilities have of course been postponed. The federal fleet had not made its appearance off Charleston at last accounts.
The non-arrival of the squadron off Charleston is doubtless due to the heavy gale that has prevailed along the Southern coast for the past two or three days. The storm was so severe that a large number of vessels, including several steamers, were obliged to take refuge in Hampton Roads.
The Southern Commissioners to Washington yesterday sent to the Department of State their rejoinder to the note of Mr. Seward rejecting their offer to treat with reference to the troubles of the nation. They believe war inevitable, and have proceeded to Montgomery to report to the Confederate States government.
The Southern Commissioners to Washington yesterday sent to the Department of State their rejoinder to the note of Mr. Seward rejecting their offer to treat with reference to the troubles of the nation. They believe war inevitable, and have proceeded to Montgomery to report to the Confederate States government.
The excitement in Washington, caused by the enrolment of volunteers for the defence of the federal capital, was renewed yesterday, and continued without abatement. There are now, it is said, about one thousand of the uniformed militia of the District mustered into service. The nonresidents, including many office seekers, are organizing a volunteer corps.
Accounts from New Mexico state that the citizens of Arizona, in convention at Mesilla, have voted that Territory out of the Union.
The government steam transport Coatzacoalcos, from Pass Cavallo, Texas, with United States troops, arrived at this port yesterday. An account of her voyage, together with the names of her passengers, and a list of the companies of soldiers, may be found in another column. She landed companies A and H, First infantry, at Key West, to garrison the barracks at that place. The troops remaining in Texas were in excellent health and abundantly supplied with provisions. They number about one thousand men, and will be shipped on board the steamers Empire City and Star of the West.