The American crisis, so long predicted, has arrived at last.
The Government of Washington has introduced one new and important element into its plans, and that is secrecy. While filling up all appointments, Mr. Lincoln and his Cabinet contrived to get together a decent nary, consisting of one United States frigate, two war vessels, and nine steamers of the first class. With these it was resolved to throw provisions into Fort Sumpter, a measure the Carolinians have always looked upon as a declaration of war. Accordingly, the fleet, with two thousand soldiers and great quantities of stores on board, left New York on the 9th, 10th, and 11th, and expected to rendezvous in Charleston about the 12th. The orders would have been carried out, but a storm apparently dispersed the fleet, and only one vessel succeeded. in reaching Charleston in time.
Meanwhile the Southern Government had been informed of the preparations in progress, and resolved to anticipate attack. General Beauregard, commander-in-chief of the forces of the Confederacy, on the 11th, summoned Major Anderson to surrender. Major .An-
derson, of course, regretted that "a sense of honour prevented his complying with the demand ;" and on the morning of the 12th General Beauregard opened fire. He had ample means at his com- mand. For weeks before, the whole force of the State had been exerted in the erection of batteries, and forces had been collected, variously estimated at from five to twenty thousand men.
The fire opened on the meaning of the 12th, in the presence of the whole of the population, who, with the true excitahilty of the South,, crowded to time wharfs to watch the conflict through their telescopes. Major Anderson replied vigorously, but the sand-batteries appear from the first to have been irresistible. A heavy breach was made by one battery, and after rendering a cannonade, which set the officers' quarters on fire, till the afternoon of the 13th, Major Ander- son surrendered at discretion, and removed himself and followers to Charleston, where the joy is naturally. extreme. It is said that the Northern fleet lay the whole time in harbour without firing a shot, but this is incredible. No one was killed, it is said, on either side ; a curious result of such hot work. Major Anderson and his men will be carried to New York in one of the steamers in the harbour. The excitement in Washington is tremendous, and reports are cur- rent of the intention of the South to march upon the capital. No
account of the effect of the news in the North has yet reached land; but Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts are reported. to have tenders pecuniary and physical aid. Thus far the Smith must be pronounced successful, having displayed at once, skill, ourage, and energy. Their first success will doubtless stimulate them to still further exertions..
Previous page
