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April 16, 1861 - Commander Henry J. Hartsene to Brigadier Major David Jones

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Report of Commander H.J. Hartstene, C.S. Navy, concerning the transportation of Major Anderson and his command from Fort Sumter to the U.S. fleet off Charleston Bar

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 16, 1861.

MAJOR: On the afternoon of the 13th instant, shortly after the surrender of Fort Sumter, I was placed on board the steamer Catawba to convey to the fort, in connection with Major Jones, Captains Miles and Pryor (aides to Brigadier-General Beauregard), to arrange with Major Anderson the means most acceptable to him for his evacuation the following day.

The major, agreeable to our offer, sent on board of us Lieutenant Snyder to confer with the commander of the fleet off the bar in regard to transportation. I accompanied him out on the morning of the 14th instant, and after a short conference he returned to the fort, where it was arranged that the steamers and all necessary facilities for the removal of the command should be ready at 11 o'clock, and that they should be conveyed to the fleet, and have the option either of taking passage in one of their vessels or of going on the one furnished by the Confederacy.

At 11 o'clock all facilities were at the disposal of Major Anderson, but the work of removal was delayed inc consequence of the accidental explosion which killed and wounded five of his command. They were not embarked until sundown, when it was too late to cross the bar. This, however, was effected early the following morning, and command shortly afterwards was transferred to the steamer Baltic, one of the transportation of the United States.

All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding.

Respectfully, &c.,

H.J. HARSTENE.

Major D.R. JONES,
Asst. Adjt. General of Provisional Forces, C.S.A., Charleston, S.C.

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