April 12, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
Yesterday was an exciting day in Charleston. Men met in crowds at the various corners of our thoroughfares, and the only topic was the all- engrossing one of WAR. Every moment the names of BEAUREGARD, ANDERSON, Sumter, Moultrie and Morris Island, would reach the ear, and the low, earnest conversations of the people gave evidence of their interest in the subject, and determination to proceed. At an early hour a large crowd congregated in front of THE MERCURY office to learn the latest news which appeared on the bulletin board, and the party only dispersed at eleven o’, p.m., when it was understood that the bombardment would not commence immediately.
On the Battery several hundreds of persons, principally ladies, were promenading until near midnight, anxiously gazing at the dim lights, barely visible through the haze, which indicated the position of the batteries, where fathers and sons, brothers and lovers were willing to sacrifice their lives for the honor of South Carolina. And yet there was but one regret expressed, and that was at the delay and procrastination of hostilities. A detachment of the Citadel Cadets are stationed here for night service, with some heavy pieces of artillery.
Among the exciting rumors of the day was one that Major ANDERSON had fired into the steamer Gordon, which was, of course, without any foundation.
A Pilot boat reported the steam cutter Harriet Lane, Capt FAUNCE, off the Bar, which also created a sensation, but it was one of rejoicing, as it was hoped that hostilities were then certain to commence.
The reliable events of the day, however, were that about three o’clock a demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter was made by Gen. BEAUREGARD, through his Aids, Col. CHESNUT, Col. CHISOLM, and Capt. LEE, and that Major Anderson replied he could not, consistently with his honor as an officer f the United States Army, retire from his post without instructions from his Government. At half past eleven, p.m., Gen. BEAUREGARD’S final reply was borne to him by the same officers, but up to the hour of our going to press, we have no had any father information.
Among the noticeable incidents visible from the Battery last evening, were a number of rockets let off, a private signal no doubt, by the steamers on duty in the harbor; also the fiery appearance of the three schooners in the neighborhood of Sumter, with pine wood and tar burning for the purpose of lighting the harbor in that vicinity.