FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 2, 1861.
(Received A. G. O., February 6.)
Col. S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I received a letter yesterday from Mr. Gourdin, in which he says: “I saw his excellency this evening, and he makes no objection to your groceries being sent you.” The South Carolinians were, we thought, occupied nearly all last night on the works at Cummings Point. One of them is now probably twelve or fifteen feet high, and appears to be bomb-proof, and may be intended to defilade a battery pointing on the channel from our fire. From the energy with which their operations are carried on it is evident that they regard them as very necessary, and that they consider that they are also important, and that they shall be pushed as rapidly as possible. The women and children are on board the steamer, but the wind is blowing so heavily that it is doubtful whether they will attempt to cross the bar with this tide.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.